'Focus on the nature of your quirk. Analyze it, come to understand it.'
Aizawa's words echoed in Kenji's head as he activated void armor, without the use of his eyes Kenji tried to feel the abyss layering over his skin but it proved far more difficult than he first thought.
There was no perceivable difference and after a moment Kenji began to doubt that his quirk had even activated, 'It's like schrodinger's cat. Can't confirm its existence or nonexistence without looking.'
Despite this Kenji didn't open his eyes, there had to be something he was missing, an incredibly faint sensation that would open up an entire world of understanding. But still there was nothing, Kenji felt absolutely nothing.
As that thought crossed Kenji's mind, realization struck him, 'Why should I feel something? The abyss is a bottomless void, by definition it is empty of everything and anything.'
Changing his perception Kenji started to look for where nothing existed, a complete dead zone. There was only a brief pause before Kenji's empty mind exploded into life. Without any warning Kenji became aware of two overlapping realities and trying to separate them made Kenji's head ring like a gong. The pain continued to build and Kenji felt himself collapse to his knees as tears of blood trailed down his cheeks.
It felt like nails were being driven into Kenji's skull as his eyes darted around wildly. Kenji could see both the physical reality he lived in and the abyss superseded over it. The empty realm surrounded every object in a razor thin but bold dark purple outline. While it might not have seemed like much Kenji understood that within the outline existed a limitless space that could not be crossed. However that universal truth was destroying his mortal mind, Kenji wasn't meant to see this not yet. Paralyzed Kenji was helpless as his mind continued to unravel, exposed to powers and influences beyond his comprehension.
But then a familiar presence wrapped around Kenji's consciousness shielding him and pulling his awareness away to elsewhere.
---
Opening my eyes I tried to gasp, but there was no air to breathe or light to see, and for a moment I wondered where I was when realization hit me like a truck, 'Did…did I die?'
{No}
The abyss rumbled as an ancient voice, one older than the very cosmos spoke out loud, a voice that I recognized. Looking around I tried to find the source of the sound but all I could see was nothingness, "I know you! You were in my head!"
{Yes, I did not expect us to meet so soon. But you have truly exceeded my expectations.}
The voice rumbled again but this time I caught a flash of movement and looked up just in time to see the abyss open its eye.
For a moment my mind stalled as I stared at the massive ocular orb in front of me, it seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction but I could see it in its eternity. Pitch black sclera that slowly faded into a metallic red centered around a pinpoint of a pupil. The eye blinked and the spell was broken and I felt something in me strain under its gaze.
{I assume you have many questions, speak freely I can only keep your soul here for so long before it must return to the physical plane}
Coming out of my stupor I stared at the eye as my mind raced with the countless things to ask the creature about, "What are you, and why can I feel you in my head?!"
I felt a little stupid asking such an abrupt question but it was the most pressing issue. If I could glean even a kernel of truth…
{While my true name is unfit for spoken tongues, you may call me Zurx. As for why you can feel my presence in your mind, it is far more complicated and I don't have time to explain it all.}
I opened my mouth prepared to stand my ground when I realized it was probably best to not antagonize the ancient eldritch god, "Fine but could you at least explain why you want to eat everything I kill?"
{I require sustenance and the inhabitants of your world are more nutrient dense then any I have encountered previously.}
"Is that why the abyss I can summon grows every time you eat," I asked, trying to form connections between the slew of new information I was learning and what I already knew.
{There is more nuance behind it, but in simple terms yes.}
"Okay then, but could you stop hijacking my quirk and waving your tentacles around? I'm trying to be a hero and you give off serious villain vibes. I'll open a portal or something for you to eat in private."
The massive eye let out a soul piercing sound and after a second I realized it was laughing.
{I can't remember the last time a mortal made demands of me, but very well I will acquiesce}
"Thank you," I said uneasily before mustering up my remaining courage, "Could you also explain what happened just before you brought me here? It felt like the world was falling apart at the seams."
{You saw a glimmer of the truth} Zurx responded gravely, {The Abyss is a fundamental building block of the universe, normally hidden from mortal minds. But you managed to peel back the curtain exposing you to forces older than existence. It's a miracle you managed to last as long as you did, I advise you don't try it again.}
"But I need to get stronger," I rebutted, "Is there anything you can give me?"
{There is no shortcut to power} Zurx responded firmly, {I have seen far too many mortals try to ascend beyond their limits and shatter their souls. Forming our bond has already given you power many would sacrifice everything for. Now be gone!}
Before I could utter a single word I felt an irresistible force pull me back, ripping me through space and time as the singular eye closed, returning me to darkness.