บท 1: Pills, Revenge, and a Protagonist's Side Hustle

Rudra, the freshly isekai'd protagonist with a sharp mind, had big plans. After his stint in BOB's realm and a few hiccups with his new system, he needed to start gathering resources. But this wasn't just about magic. No, no—he needed something extra before plunging into the danger zones of the multiverse.

As he stood in the swirling abyss of the multiverse pathways, a brilliant idea struck him like one of Zeus' lightning bolts.

**Rudra**: "System, I've decided. We're not going straight to Harry Potter. We're taking a quick detour."

**SYS**: "Oh boy, where to this time? Someplace quiet, I hope."

**Rudra**: "Nope. We're going to the *Limitless* universe. I'm going to need some NZT."

**SYS** (groaning): "You sure about that, boss? That pill's notorious for its side effects. Last guy who took it ended up overthinking his way to a panic attack."

**Rudra** (grinning): "Exactly! Which is why I'll use it… on someone else. Trust me, this is going to be useful for my friends later."

---

Rudra wasn't joking. Somewhere down the line, he was going to need smart allies—especially if he wanted to build a network across the multiverse. And NZT? The stuff was the equivalent of brain steroids. But first, he needed to find a way to blend into this world.

**SYS**: "Boss, we're in. Welcome to New York, circa 2011. *Limitless* timeline."

As the portal opened up, Rudra activated his shapeshifting ability, transforming into a young Indian kid—around 13 years old—complete with disheveled hair, glasses, and a hopeful innocence in his eyes. Perfect cover.

**Rudra**: "Time to play the orphaned genius looking for justice. Let's find Eddie."

---

Rudra knew the plot. He had binged *Limitless* enough times to know when and where to strike. The moment he arrived, he made his way toward Eddie Morra's dingy apartment building. Eddie had just discovered his brother-in-law dead, and the NZT stash was still there, fresh for the taking.

As Rudra climbed the building's stairs, he took a deep breath, preparing himself for the act. His shapeshifting powers weren't just about appearance. He could channel mannerisms, personalities—whatever fit the role.

The door to Eddie's apartment was slightly ajar. Perfect timing.

**Rudra** (softly knocking, his voice trembling): "E-Eddie? Eddie Morra?"

Eddie, already on edge from the shocking events of the day, turned toward the small, nervous voice. His eyes widened as he saw the scruffy, scared-looking Indian kid standing in his doorway.

**Eddie**: "Kid? What the hell are you doing here?"

**Rudra/Rohan** (sniffling, nailing his performance): "I... I need your help. My name is Rohan. You don't know me, but I know you. My dad… my dad worked with your brother-in-law on something... something bad."

Eddie, still reeling from the sight of his dead brother-in-law, blinked. This kid knew about Vernon? That couldn't be good.

**Eddie**: "You… you knew Vernon?"

**Rudra/Rohan** (nodding solemnly): "My dad, he was adopted by Vernon. My real father died when I was little, and he took me in. But something went wrong. They were working on these pills, right? It was supposed to be medicine for Alzheimer's, but one day… I ate one of the pills. The real one—the first one they made."

Eddie's face went pale as the kid's story unraveled. He had no idea Vernon had a secret adopted son.

**Eddie**: "You… you took the first version of NZT? And you're still alive?"

**Rudra/Rohan** (grinning slightly): "Yeah. Well, sort of. I was in a coma for two days. And when I woke up, my brain was… different. I can think faster than anyone, solve problems that take others years in seconds. But there's a catch… it's killing me."

**Eddie**: "Killing you?"

**Rudra/Rohan**: "The first version of the pill, the one that your brother-in-law created? It was too strong. It's breaking down my body. I need the original formula to fix it. To create immunity. And I need your help."

---

Eddie stared at the kid, unsure of whether he should believe him or kick him out of his apartment. But then he realized—the gangsters who were after the NZT wouldn't stop. They'd already killed Vernon. And if they found out about this kid…

**Eddie**: "Alright, alright. Let's slow down. So you're telling me you've got a ticking time bomb in your brain, and the only way to save yourself is by getting more of this stuff?"

**Rudra/Rohan** (nodding): "I don't just want to save myself. I want to stop the mafia from getting it. I want revenge for what they did to my dad."

Now Eddie was starting to understand. The kid had a personal vendetta, and honestly? He couldn't blame him. Eddie himself was already in over his head.

**Eddie**: "So, what's the plan?"

**Rudra/Rohan** (grinning slyly): "First, we take those NZT pills you just found in your brother-in-law's apartment. I know you want to use them. But they'll be safer with me. And in exchange, I'll help you make sure the bad guys don't get their hands on them."

Eddie squinted. The kid had guts, he had to give him that.

**Eddie**: "And what's in it for me?"

**Rudra/Rohan**: "You want power, Eddie? You want to be the smartest guy in the room? Stick with me, and you won't just be the smartest—you'll be unstoppable. But you're gonna have to trust me."

Eddie looked at the kid, weighing his options. On the one hand, he was already knee-deep in this NZT mess. On the other, the kid seemed to know way more than he should, and if what he said about the original version of NZT was true…

**Eddie**: "Alright, kid. I'm in. But if you screw me over, I swear I'll—"

**Rudra/Rohan** (laughing): "Relax, Eddie. You won't have time to regret this. We've got bigger fish to fry. Now, let's get to work."

---

As they left the apartment, Eddie handed Rudra the stash of pills he had taken from Vernon's hiding place. Rudra pocketed them, knowing these would be crucial for his allies in the future. But right now? He needed to help Eddie, and together, they'd take down the gangsters trying to steal NZT.

They hit the streets of New York, quickly realizing that the mafia wasn't just after the pills—they were after everyone connected to them. And that meant Rudra and Eddie were in serious danger.

---

**To Be Continued...**

---

I hope you like the new ending with the cliffhanger! It sets up the next chapter with plenty of suspense. Ready to dive into the next part whenever you are!