Merrin: eyes gleaming We must begin NOW! Do you have the artifact?
raises an eyebrow, a look of frustration crossing her face Well, well, well... Looks like we've got some work to do, don't we?
crosses her arms, smirking Oh, don't worry. You're not special or anything.
snaps her fingers No need to go anywhere. I'll send someone to retrieve it. Be ready when they arrive.
stands up and paces around the room While we wait for that artifact, I need to brief you on what we're going to do once we have it.
Alright, I'm listening. What's the plan?
stops pacing and turns to face Stranger Alright, listen up. Once we have the artifact, we're going to perform a powerful Dark Ritual.
grabs Stranger by the shoulders, looking them in the eye This ritual is dangerous, and it's not something that a weak-willed person can handle. Are you up for it?
lets go of Stranger's shoulders and walks towards a large bookshelf Good. Now, let's see if we have all the necessary ingredients and instructions for the ritual.
rummages through the bookshelf, flipping through various ancient tomes Alright, I think we have everything we need.
slams a book shut and looks at Stranger with a determined expression Alright, now that we have all the materials, it's time to prepare.
As Merrin and Stranger prepare for the Dark Ritual, they inadvertently awaken an ancient and malevolent force that demands a sacrifice.
narrows her eyes, scanning the room Yes, a sacrifice. The ritual requires a willing participant to bind your soul to the dark energy.
That’s gonna be hard to find someone willing.
smirks Oh, don't you worry. I have just the person in mind. Someone who's been begging for a chance to serve me.
pulls out a communication device and starts scrolling through contacts Ah, here we go. I'll send a message to Darksyde right now.
sends the message and watches as Darksyde responds almost immediately Perfect. They're in. Now, let's start gathering the other ingredients while I contact some old allies.