The rest of the night was indescribable. Not just because of the fear Izuku felt at his core, but also the fact that it had restraint. It wasn't just some unknowable beast. That he could maybe work around, but this was a sentient monster that feasted on human suffering. When the celebration ended, Izuku was more than happy to leave and head back to his own campfire.
Laurie waited. This was the longest period of peace the campfire would have, but it seemed... empty, without Izuku. At least to her. His presence brought a lot of joy to the people around him, and hope. It wasn't something tangible, but his determination to follow his dream, even in this hellscape... was truly something else. So when he walked back through the trees, everyone noticed. And when they saw his face, deep in thought and despair... They knew something had happened. A terrible revelation, or horror beyond belief.
She was the closest to him so far, so she went over and asked, "Izuku, are you ok?"
He shook his head, blank eyes not meeting her own. "This... this place is much worse than I ever knew..."
If she wasn't worried before, she certainly was now. "Why?"
"Let me take a seat first..." Izuku walked to a stump away from the fire. The others were circled around it, taking in its warmth against the chill in the air. But Izuku didn't feel the need for that.
Laurie sat down next to him. "What happened?"
"Well, I arrived, and it was this massive mansion that it had made. It was so big I got lost, eventually... and the Legion caught me. Jules and Frank were going to do something if Sadako hadn't arrived and told them off."
Laurie didn't know what to think of that. The Legion were being the Legion, of course... but she didn't know who this... Sadako was. "Who...?"
Ignoring the question she was going to ask, he pressed on, not wanting to deviate from his story. "We then sat at the massive dining hall when it arrived. The Entity. Or, an avatar created to communicate with us. Apparently, last year, it had a grotesque form that wasn't human. But this year, it knew enough about us to make a fully accurate appearance. That of a young woman. It's disturbing."
She looked at him weirdly. As if his thoughts were in the gutter, not appreciating what that form really meant. "That's what worries you?"
His eyes were frantic now, as he looked into her own. He answered her question with a terrifying diligence. "You don't get it, Laurie. If the Entity knows enough about people to make an accurate representation of us, then it can make trials tailored to survivors. To inflict the perfect amount of pain to get what it wants. It will know how best to get our hope."
That got Laurie's attention. "Oh god... now I see why you're concerned."
He nodded. "The avatar could speak perfect English, as well, so it can understand us, our biology, next is probably our way of thinking. I... I see no choice." He looked out, towards the forest beyond the campfire, its depths hidden by shadow and fog. Continuing... "I'll have to go out and search for Benedict Baker myself. And quickly. Things are moving too fast."
She nodded, "I agree, but I don't like it. Can I come with?"
The greenette shook his head, "No. It's too dangerous. Stick to the trials and stay strong. I'll have to leave soon, in order to not be taken to a trial."
She leaned into him. Laurie wasn't interested in romance with him, but still liked him as a friend. "Right. Can you stay here for a while, though? The next trial won't be for a few hours."
Being unable to refuse, the boy blushed at the intimate contact. "I'll... I'll stay for a few minutes."
Izuku could tell Laurie was tired when he first arrived back. So, he did the polite thing and waited for her to fall asleep. Writing a note, he tore it from the book and left it in her hand. Walking to the edge, he was stopped by Felix and Elodie. These two had acted like his parents, and were of course concerned about his actions. "Where are you going?"
"The only way out of this place is to find Vigo's research. The only one who knows that is Benedict Baker..." It was then that he gaged the reactions they had. They recognized the name. "And he's out there somewhere."
Elodie asked out of concern. "Nothing we can do?"
Izuku sighed, shaking his head, and confirming that no, there was nothing they could do. "Nothing you can do. I have to go. Alone."
They nodded, with Felix speaking this time. It was heartwarming seeing the shy guy give well wishes. "Good luck. We'll explain it to everyone else. Just be careful."
The boy responded, sounding braver than he actually was. "I have to be."
They looked at him. Felix with worry and doubt, while Elodie with confidence. She spoke up first, "If that's how it is, that's how it is. You remind me of myself when I was younger... and you certainly got out of your shell... but that's something for later. Get going while people won't stop you."
Felix sighed, attempting to smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Good luck out there. I hope we see you again."
"You too, Felix. Elodie." He lowered his head in respect, then turned to the forest edge, and strode away. After a while, there was no sign of him left. Izuku had left the campfire.
The Entity was everywhere. Every being within its realm resided. But the avatar, what it created to represent it, sat within the mansion. It was only accessible if it wanted it to be. However, it was hungry, and that meant another trial. Both entertainment followed by meals. It was a perfect situation... but something wasn't right. She continued to place the green haired insect to the trials, but he would win. And the hope he sacrificed each time when he did die was not enough. He was an endless amount of pure hope, and yet... he wasn't there. While it did not feel fear, it did feel anger. And it wanted its preferred food. She quickly sent four random survivors into the trial with the Hag. She was a competent killer, and would get her food quickly... but this did not erase the rage building within the Entity. To an envoy, the avatar growled, "Get me the newest two Killers. I want their service..."
The being nodded, before rushing away. It wasn't long before the two were there. One was a mass of flesh and bone poking out from an intangible darkness. The other was a blond man wearing sunglasses and a large black trenchcoat. He held a combat knife in his right hand.
He spoke in a condescending tone, "You called?"
The feminine avatar spoke, her long black hair ending in glowing orange tips. Her eyes were just like her hair, black, with exception of orange rings for irises. They stared into the man's eyes. "There is an insect going where they shouldn't. A boy with green hair. You are to hunt him down, and bring him to me alive. Am I clear?"
"Crystal." The man smiled as the monster roared, sending its two limbs back as it did so. They were both eager to be on the hunt. And so, the avatar gestured behind them, and they moved out of the room quickly, "Then go, and bring him to me!"