The rhythmic clack-clack of the Kashi Express was the only sound in the dimly lit compartment. Rudra sat like a statue, his eyes vacant, staring at nothing. Inside his chest, the 5-inch Void swirled in a cold, stable orbit.
Suddenly, a wet, muffled thud came from the next compartment. It sounded like a heavy melon hitting the floor. Then came the screams.
Rudra stood up and walked toward the noise. In the doorway of the next carriage, he saw a man clutching his head, his eyes bulging. Before the man could even pray, his skull erupted from the inside. Blood and brain matter splattered across the windows like a grisly painting.
Rudra's eyes narrowed. A red flickering screen appeared in his vision, dripping with gore.
[ SYSTEM ANALYSIS ]
[ ATTACK IDENTIFIED: 1st DEMON SKILL — BRAIN DESTROYER ]
[ SOURCE: UNKNOWN ENTITY (LONG RANGE) ]
Rudra looked out the window. High on a distant, dark hill, a figure stood silhouetted against the moon. A Demon. It was staring directly at the train—staring at him.
The Demon unleashed a mental wave. Rudra felt a massive pressure slam into his mind. Seeing the innocent passengers dying triggered a spark of rage—a feeling.
CRACK.
Inside his chest, the 5-inch Void shuddered. A hairline fracture appeared in theThe Demon was trying to invade his mind to see his secrets. The cost of this mental battle was a throbbing, sliding headache that felt like a hot needle moving through his brain. Rudra gritted his teeth, forcing his mind to become as empty as the Void in his chest. darkness.