Ravin stood on the dimly lit platform, his eyes narrowed into slits. To any observer, it looked like he was preparing himself mentally—or maybe he was even asleep in that calm, unmoving stance. Who knew? With the tension that hung heavy in the air, perhaps retreating into one's own mind was the only way to remain sane.
But reality came crashing in with a low, rising tremor. Subtle at first, like distant thunder rumbling beneath the earth, but it soon grew louder. Stronger. The vibrations reached his feet, making his legs twitch involuntarily. Within moments, it had spread—first to his knees, then his arms, until finally, his entire body began to hum in resonance with the approaching tremors.
Then he heard it.
A thunderous roar echoed across the platform like a war cry compressed into a sonic weapon. It was as if someone had recorded an explosion, amplified it to an ear-shattering pitch, and unleashed it with the intent to rupture minds and eardrums alike.
