Villains Like Writing Challenges II

"Pen to the Paper?" Hypnorc asked. "That's your latest plan?"

"Absolutely!" The silhouette figure known as Leftover said with a smirk. "Doctor Sic and Willy haven't returned with Hugh's nemesis Gull yet, and Tam is getting settled in right now, so it is the perfect time to enter a new writing challenge on Prose."

"Ok I guess." The orc replied. Hypnorc was usually impressed with Leftover's schemes to build his own hero network, while also seeking the destruction of Hugh and his hero organization. It seemed like his master was gaining ground on this goal lately. But when it came to winning writing challenges, his plans really kind of.... well, sucked.

"I know what you're thinking Hypnorc, the last time we entered a writing challenge we failed." Leftover reflected (their previous attempt can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/424919/villains-like-writing-challenges-too). "But all you have to do is write without a plan. And if I'm not giving you a plan, this should be fairly simple to do."

"But what about the other writers?" Hypnorc asked. "What if they come up with something better?"

"It isn't impossible, there are many great authors on Prose." Leftover replied thoughtfully. "But you have the power to hypnotize others. After you submit your piece, we will track down Caleb, or perhaps this Nick fellow, and find out who he plans to give the win to. If it is your writing, then there's no need to act further. If it isn't your piece.... then, use your other talents to force the win to be yours!"

"Very well sir, but why bother with this?" Hypnorc asked. "Shouldn't we focus on recruiting heroes for our group, now that Tam is mass producing the helmets? Or focus on taking out more of Hugh's team? How does a writing challenge help our cause?"

"Simple my friend. The Pen to the Paper Challenge is a prestigious event. Should we win, that will put us out there for others to see, which will help us recruit to our cause. This may be a challenge where you write without a plan, but winning this contest will very much tie into my long term plans of creating the ultimate hero network."

"If you say so boss." Hypnorc conceded, starting to write in the notebook provided to him. He didn't understand all of Leftover's choices, but with the recent blows to Hugh's organization, he still trusted his judgement. Worse case scenario, their allies would be returning with Gull soon, who would definitely have a score to settle with Hugh after all his years of imprisonment. Hypnorc smiled about the potential of the Pen to the Paper challenge, as well as Leftover's forthcoming plans....

An audio version of this story read by yours truly can be heard for free here: https://audiomack.com/roses311sublime/song/16220190