The young couple at the front suddenly rose, luggage in hand, and began making their way toward the door.
Their movement acted like a signal flare—several others quickly followed suit with their belongings, while the rest remained frozen, watching with uncertainty.
A train attendant immediately stepped forward, blocking their path with a courteous yet firm tone:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the train has not yet reached its final destination. Disembarking prematurely is not permitted. Please return to your seats."
The man in front protested loudly, his tone brimming with irritation.
"We want to get off early. What business is it of yours?"
"Exactly! Are you trying to control our freedom now?"
"That's right! I'm telling you—this is illegal!"
"Let us off! Or I swear, we'll report you!"
Others in the group chimed in one after another, fueling the tension.
The atmosphere grew increasingly volatile—until, under the mounting pressure, the attendant silently stepped aside.
Did that mean… getting off early was allowed?
At that moment, more passengers began to stir. Some reached for their bags, others stood to peek ahead, and a few dragged their luggage into the aisle, preparing to leave.
In an instant, the central aisle was packed with people. Nearly everyone had risen from their seats.
The man in front lit up with joy and made to step forward—only for his expression to twist in horror a second later. His face turned ghostly pale, sweat pouring down his brow as he staggered backward.
His heart leapt into his throat; the triumph he'd felt only moments ago was instantly replaced with sheer panic.
"Damn it—you stepped on my foot!"
"What's going on? Why are you backing up like that?"
Unaware of what had happened, the crowd behind him continued pressing forward. The man was pushed closer to the exit—closer to the thing that was coming.
Terror-stricken, his eyes darted wildly. He shouted with all his might:
"Don't push! Stop pushing! Something's coming onboard!!!"
"Something? What do you mean? Is it dangerous?"
His words fell like a stone into a calm lake, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Panic rippled instantly, passengers scattering like startled birds.
"Hey! Stop shoving me!"
"Who the hell just stepped on my foot—ah, my shoe!"
"Move—let me through, quick!"
"Quit pushing! I can't get back to my seat!"
The train car erupted into chaos, resembling a frenzied marketplace.
Some passengers desperately shoved their way back to their seats. Others, having lost a shoe, had no time to retrieve it before being swept along by the crowd. Those seated close to the doors clutched their luggage tightly, nervously shrinking into their seats.
Within moments—like the tide retreating from the shore—everyone had surged back into place. The once-crowded aisle now lay silent and empty.
Only the attendant's voice echoed through the air:
"Please watch your step and mind the gap between the train and the platform to prevent accidents…"
Everyone sat stiffly in their seats, eyes glued to the open doorway, hearts pounding.
Then—through the tense silence—a group of figures boarded the train.
They wore identical black robes, their faces entirely hidden beneath the shadows of oversized hoods. Their movements were stiff, unnaturally synchronized, as they filed wordlessly into the car.
A suffocating wave of fear swept through the carriage. Even the air itself felt hotter, more oppressive.
One passenger clutched their chest, attempting to still their thundering heartbeat. Others exchanged furtive, panicked glances.
A soft gasp broke the silence.
Meng Changyi turned to look and saw that one of the robed figures had sat down beside a passenger.
Those previously empty seats… they had been reserved for them.
Thank goodness there's someone next to me, Meng thought, her pulse racing. At least I won't have to sit beside one of them.
But just as the thought crossed her mind, a chilling voice whispered at her ear:
"This is my seat…"