Chapter 1

The Dark Ones –

A One Punch Man Fan Fiction Novel

RISE OF THE ELDRITCH

(One Punch Man belongs to One, and I am but a humble fan at the altar of true genius.)

Prologue: "The Dark Ones"

In a place far from Earth, past a unimaginable stretch of space and time lay the Shadow Cluster, a once bright star system that had been the heart of a great and ancient empire, but in this time and place it is not known for that.

Now it is simply known as the home of the Eldritch. Some might argue that "home" isn't the right way to describe the cluster…and they would be right. The self-proclaimed True Gods merely used the main planet of -Arvos I- as a meeting place when they were in contact with one another.

This is where this story begins…in the main hall of a civilization so old and so great that they had all but been erased from memory.

Currently the 3 Eldritch Lords were meeting in aforementioned Main Hall.

- Juryoku's Perspective -

What a waste of my time… Juryoku thought as he levitated into the antechamber

What could the others want to talk about so badly that they call me from the conquest of Zake'Val for?

Patience Juryoku, all will be revealed in time,

I don't like it when you sneak about my mind … "Master" he thought, severe sarcasm on the word master (obviously) as he pushed open the door to the heart of the main building.

Such insolence is unbefitting of the weakest of the Eldritch, the voice cooed.

"Enough with the mind talk," Juryoku growled as he stepped onto the dais in front of 3 high thrones, one of which was his (he wasn't happy that his throne was the least ornate).

"Little baby Juryoku is mad that he is so weak," sneered a creature on the 2nd throne which could barely be considered humanoid. It was bulky with 3 tails each equipped with a different tool and teeth that were like gigantic, rugged toothpicks ejecting from his mouth.

"Shut up Zanzaron, I didn't come here to listen to your idiocy," Juryoku sneered as he levitated onto his throne.

This both shut up Zanzaron and made his face contort into an emotion that could be described as severe annoyance.

"Small talk from a small fry" the creature said licking his blood stained teeth. Zanzaron was absentmindly tapping his spear sized claws onto the handle of his Throne of Bones.

Zanzaron's throne is cooler than mine Juryoku thought with a huff. While Juryoku's throne was a bland cut of stone that was perfectly symmetrical but unadorned, Zanzaron's throne was made from the bones of his numerous foes, its handle was the skulls of the two strongest of his opponents while the weaker beings bones were used as a base.

Savage Juryoku thought.

Now, now little ones…we don't have time to squabble. Purred the voice into Zanzaron and Juryoku's mind.

"Why do you have to do that… we are in front of you right now you freak!" Zanzaron growled ferociously.

I'm not actually there right now, something of great importance came up so I am away for a bit, so I'm using a little invention of mine called a long distance Meat Doll. The voice callously stated while projecting only an emotion of pure disinterest.

"Then what are we doing here? I was just about to annihilate that stupid Lord of Zake'Val for his "forgetfulness" on paying his tax… just as I was going to be forgetful about stopping myself from killing him" Juroku asked with a deadpan face.

Do you remember that band of pirates that we payed to act as enforcers? The voice questioned

"Yeah, Dark…uh… something or the other" Zanzaron replied.

"Dark MATTER" Juryoku overstated with a sneer, getting a huff from the massive warrior.

"Yeah, only their leader was worth anything…he would have been a great member of the Sinister Six." Zanzaron added, not wanting to be one-upped by Juryoku.

They have been defeated, Boros included. The voice stated with finality.

This shocked both Juryoku and Zanzaron into silence for a moment, but only for a moment.

"Huh, so? He was disappointment then, it happens." Zanzaron stated callously as he took a small spear which had something that strangely resembled a human head before putting it into his mouth, even the spear.

"For once, I agree with the savage. These things happen…Master" Juryoku exclaimed before hastily adding Master.

True, but once the other worlds in our control hear of this there will be much chaos to deal with. The Master of Eldritch said with mild disinterest.

"Once again, SO?! I love chaos, chaos means I get to eat some weakling citizens" Zanzaron shouted with a grotesque facial feature than Juryoku concluded with a shiver down his spine was a smile.

That won't help matters, one of the reasons why we lack rebellions is due to the mere FACT that we Eldritch are beyond invincible and our pawns have more powers than those fools can deal with. If word slips out then it is likely we will lose our hard earned empire.

"Fine, what should we do about it?" Juryoku turned to the throne where the massive meat doll sat.

Actually I only want you for this Juryoku, I am sending you to the planet…Earth…to firmly punish the bugs that dared strike against GODS! The voice screamed into their minds.

"B-but sire! What about the punishment for Lord Denzel of Zake'Val!" Juryoku yelled.

Quiet whelp, don't talk back to me. The voice said with disdain as the meat doll's casual gesture caused Juryoku to smash down onto his throne, destabilizing its hovering for a moment.

If you're so worried about teaching that idiot what happens when you mess with the Eldritch, than Zanzaron can complete your mission. The voice concluded with a tone that left no room for argument.

"Grrrrrr, fine." Juryoku scowled. "I'm not very pleased with this though."

Why would I care what you feel? The voice asked with genuine curiosity.

"Never mind" Juryoku replied.

How I loathe you. Juryoku thought

Oh and Juryoku- the voice began.

"What?" Juryoku snarled as he turned around.

Take Unzazu with you, he wants to stretch his – uhm – spirt form I suppose. The voice said with hesitation

"Really? Fine" Juryoku replied blankly.

With that, the weakest of the Eldritch left the room.

Zanzaron? The voice asked.

"Yes Master?" the grotesque monster asked while chewing on a carcass of one of the servants.

Annihilate all of Zake'Val, I'm not in a merciful mood. The voice said while projecting pure evil.

"Nothing would please me more!" Zanzaron replied with a horrific noise which was most likely his laugh.

Nothing shall stand in our path! The voice roared.

Little did it know of a strange bald man who was a hero for fun that might just make things a bit more difficult.