Silence. A living epitome of temporary satiation. Even as the darkness bent around him like a malevolent blanket, he felt no fear. Only an all consuming rage. He had tried to quell the embers of his anger but they never dimmed. They only festered like a wound that refused to heal and all he could do was allow himself to channel it.

Tonight he would channel that rage and strike a crippling blow to his enemies. Oh he couldn't wait to see the devastated looks on their faces. This would mark a turning point in their game of tug of war. He could only imagine how the Order of The First would react.

They had been too quiet - maybe a little bit complacent. It was time to give them a little wake up call.

Catching a sliver of movement at the periphery of his vision, he turned slightly, his pale violet eyes narrowing as a hooded figure approached him slowly.

“Grand Master, it's almost time.”

He needed no further elaboration as the loud blaring horn of the Express train sounded. Rising from the dais upon which he kneeled,he turned to face his four subordinates who stood around him in a semi circle formation, their heads bowed in submission.

“The hour of war has come. After tonight our enemies will be forced to act. But fear not, our goddess has seen all this. She will reward you greatly for your service and loyalty. Accept the call. Embrace the night. It is part of you now. You stand here witness to this sacrifice but be warned there is no turning back.

Forget your past and all your attachments for your past, present and future now belong to her. If she calls upon you, you must answer. If she commands it, you will obey or death will claim you. There is no room for second guessing or pity. Pity those marked for death and you will join them. Althera rewards loyalty and punishes those who turn away from her call.”

With a flick of his palm, a dark card appeared in his hand, its borders a crimson gold and its center inscribed with a single rune ᛦ. Immediately, an ominous red light exploded, trapping the world around them in limbo and as the train suddenly appeared barreling towards them it was hit by the waves of magic violently stopping it in its tracks.

Panicked screams sounded from within the train - unsuspecting passengers who had unfortunately been caught in this terrifying web.

Anyone else would be concerned for their safety. The impact had no doubt injured many on board and the casualties would soon make the news.

But he felt nothing as he held the summoning card in his hand but a cold satisfaction as he casually strolled towards the nearest cart.

The red mist coiled around him like a malevolent shadow, clinging to his red hood as he pricked his fingers, a drop of blood falling onto the card's shiny surface.

“This sacrifice I offer unto you, Althera, lady of Chaos. Devour their souls and satiate your hunger. Let this world know your rage.”

With those words the red mist began to take shape, splitting into a horde of skeletal figures with bright red orbs. As they rose from the ground they let out terrifying screeches before they charged into the train carts.

Screams sounded as the horde of skeletons tore into their victims mercilessly. Some tried to run and others tried to fight back but it was futile. These creatures were an indestructible summon - born from the darkness - whose only goal was to kill.

Turning back to his followers, he regarded them with mild interest.

“Ensure there are no survivors.” His words were cold and final without a hint of remorse for the carnage he had unleashed.

One of them stepped forward confidently, a woman with dark blue hair and even darker eyes.

“Grand Master, allow me this privilege.” She said with a seductive smile.

She wanted to impress him and show off her deadly skills in hopes of winning his favor. She was obviously attracted to him and he couldn't blame. He knew very well women found him attractive and with looks like his who wouldn't be? Women were always drawn to him like moths to the funeral pyre and he had unashamedly used his good looks as a weapon. This one seemed equally attracted to his insanity but of course he couldn't give a rat’s ass about her. She was a tool. A pawn in a much bigger scheme.

He didn't respond to her flirtatious request. He didn't need to. His cold and calculated look was all the green card she needed as she turned with a crazed laugh and made her way towards the train.