The wind whistled through the deserted room, and the weight of truth pressed down on them. The world was silent. Only the memories and the curse that would bind them all remained.
The two of them got to work without wasting any time. Aurora and Schäfer systematically combed the area, gathering every trace and every detail they could find. Old documents, destroyed remains of equipment, and vague, cryptic messages that provided clues to the origin of the curse and its mechanisms went into their makeshift folder.
"That's not enough," Schäfer muttered, poring over the spread-out papers. "We need more. Something to convince the government."
Aurora placed a handwritten note she had found in a half-burned book in front of him. "This is the key. These writings—they come from an old government facility. We must contact them before the curse strikes again."
After days of hard work, they had finally gathered enough evidence. They contacted the government, initially hesitantly, then with growing urgency as they described the explosive nature of their discoveries.
The initial response was muted. But after a thorough analysis of the evidence gathered, the mood changed. Scientists, historians, and security officials reviewed their findings and came to a shocking conclusion: Aurora and Schäfer were right.
A government official, his voice tinged with uncertainty and urgency, radioed in. "What you've found is... unprecedented. We must act. But... how do we fight back?"
Aurora exchanged a look with Schäfer, her determination burning in her eyes. "We know how to weaken the curse," she declared firmly. "But it will take sacrifices. And if we don't... there will be no one left to do anything."
The radio remained silent for a moment before a response came. "We need details. Prepare everything. A team is being sent to you."
The connection cut out. Aurora and Schäfer knew this was the beginning of a battle that would change everything.
The government official spoke again, his voice serious and urgent. "You have to tell us exactly what we should do. This is bigger than we ever imagined. What measures are necessary?"
Aurora hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting Schäfer's, before she spoke resolutely into the radio. "You have to contact the entire world. Everyone has to know about this. This is no longer about one city or one country—it's the curse against the world."
Schäfer nodded in agreement, his hands resting on the table covered with maps and documents. "We need a coordinated response," he added. "If we don't all work together, there won't be a chance. The curse isn't a local problem. It affects every nation, every person."
"And how exactly are we supposed to do that?" asked the official, his voice trembling slightly.
Aurora spoke with icy calm. "Activate all communication channels. Press, television, radio, digital networks – every person on this planet must be warned. The danger can no longer be ignored. And we need resources: technology, personnel, every available expertise."
The radio was silent for a moment, only a faint crackle audible. Then the officer replied: "All right. We're putting everything in motion. But understand – if you're wrong…"
"We're not wrong," Aurora interrupted firmly. "If we don't act now, there will be no second chance."
With a soft click, the connection broke, and Aurora lowered the radio. She looked at Schäfer, her resolve unwavering. "This was just the beginning. Now it's time to act."
Schäfer reached for his weapon and nodded. "The curse may be against the world, but we are against it."
1:00 AM – Tokyo, Japan
A news anchor in a gray suit spoke with a serious expression. Behind him was a bustling newsroom.
"この異常現象は,かつてない規模で私たちの社会を揺るがしています." (This anomalous phenomenon is shaking our society in an unprecedented way extent.)
The government has a Crisis Management Committee convened. We will keep you updated with breaking news.)
3:15 a.m. – New Delhi, India
A reporter stood in front of India Gate, surrounded by police and people trying to get information.
"The police have been arrested for the first time since the attack." (This unprecedented crisis is testing our abilities.)
"प्रधानमंत्री ने आश्वासन दिया है कि सरकार पूरी तरह से स्थिति को नियंत्रित करने के लिए "The Prime Minister has assured that the government is fully committed to controlling the situation."
4:00 a.m. – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A camera crew filmed on Copacabana Beach as people frantically left the scene.
"This is a disaster like we've never seen before." (This is a disaster like we've never seen before.)
"The president has asked for calm, but many people are panicking." (The president has asked for calm, but many people are panicking.)
5:30 a.m. – Cairo, Egypt
A speaker in a traditional galabia held a microphone as the wind blew through the streets.
"The wind is blowing through the streets." (This situation is unprecedented in our nation's history.)
"The President is asking everyone to be patient while we try to understand what is happening.)
6:45 a.m. - Sydney, Australia
A presenter, visibly shaken, spoke directly to the camera. Behind her was the almost empty Circular Quay.
"This is a global crisis, but we must stay strong."
"The government is urging everyone to follow official guidelines and remain indoors." (The government is urging everyone to follow official guidelines and stay indoors.)
8:15 a.m. – Cape Town, South Africa
A man in traditional clothing spoke to a crowd that listened raptly.
"Le se sehloho se fetang kutloisiso ea motho." (This is an atrocity beyond human comprehension.)
"Mmuso o re batho ba lokela ho lula lapeng 'me ba emetse litaelo tse ling." (The government is telling people to stay home and wait for further instructions.)
***
The images panned to a large conference hall filled with delegates from around the world. Nameplates listed countries like France, China, Mexico, Nigeria, and South Korea. The discussion was heated.
"Nous devons agir maintenant!" (We must act now!) shouted the French representative.
"What should we do?" someone in the background asked in German.
"We must understand the nature of this threat!" (We must understand the nature of this threat!) the South Korean delegate said emphatically.
Aurora and Schäfer stood at the edge of the meeting. Aurora whispered, "This isn't just a global crisis. It's the end of humanity if we act incorrectly."
Schäfer nodded, his gaze sharp. "If they don't pull themselves together, then that's it anyway."
10:00 a.m. – Geneva, Switzerland
The conference hall was packed. Representatives of all nations sat at a long table, armed with documents, data, and determination. The discussions became heated. Translators worked feverishly to convey the speakers' words in real time.
Russia
The Russian representative, a tall man with a deep gaze, rose.
"It's a great day for the solemnity of the human being!" (This threat calls into question the very existence of humanity!)
"Russia has taken out all its resources, which is why we are talking about it должны объединиться." (Russia is ready to commit all its resources to defeat the enemy. But we must unite.)
Germany
The German Chancellor spoke in a calm but determined voice.
"This situation is without historical precedent. We face a choice: act together or perish."
"Germany stands ready to contribute our military and technological capabilities."
Japan
The Japanese representative, an elderly man with glasses, spoke slowly and deliberately.
"この敵は,人類の力を超えています.しかし,私たちが団結すれば,勝利は可能です." (This enemy is beyond the power of humanity. But if we unite, victory is possible.)
"日本は支援を約束します.科学技術と精神の両方で." (Japan promises support – both with technology and with spirit.)
South Korea
The South Korean one Representative spoke with an urgent tone.
"우리는 더 이상 방관할 수 없습니다." (We can't watch any longer.)
"전 세계가 힘을 합쳐야 합니다. 이 위협은 우리 모두를 겨냥하고 있습니다." (The whole world must join forces. This threat targets us all.)
USA
The American president stood up and banged his fist on the table.
"This is not just a threat to one nation – it's a threat to all nations!" (This isn't just a threat to one nation—it's a threat to all nations!)
"The United States will not stand idly by. We propose a united global offensive against this enemy!" (The United States will not stand idly by. We propose a united global offensive against this enemy!)
France
"Nous n'avons pas d'autre choix que de nous battre." (We have no choice but to fight.)
"La France se joint à cette cause, pour l'humanité et pour l'avenir de notre monde." (France joins this cause—for humanity and the future of our world.)
China
The Chinese representative spoke with cool authority.
"我们同意,只有通过团结,我们才能战胜敌人." (We agree: Only through unity can we defeat the enemy.)
"中国将动员我们的全部力量支持这场斗争." (China will mobilize all our strength to support this fight.)
***
The discussions dragged on. Voices were raised, arguments were put forward, strategies were developed. Finally, an old man, a neutral moderator from Switzerland, stood up and addressed the agitated crowd:
"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems there is only one solution. Humanity is facing its greatest war—not against each other, but against a common threat."
Silence fell over the hall. Then, one by one, the delegates nodded in agreement.
The decision had been made. The world would unite—for a war of humanity against the curse.
12:00 AM – Worldwide: Attempt to Locate the Curse
Feverish activity reigned in every control center. Codes flashed on screens, simulations ran, and voices grew louder.
"Мы почти его нашли! Держись!" (We've almost found him! Stay tuned!) shouted a Russian hacker before the screen flickered and the connection cut out.
"Damn it, the signal's gone!" someone shouted in Berlin.
"We're tracking him... No, he's already spotted us!" (We're tracking him... No, he's already spotted us!) came a frantic cry from Seoul.
3:00 AM - Lukas's Perspective
In a dark room, Lukas leaned relaxed on a massive chair. His eyes glittered maliciously as he watched the world in panic.
"They're trying to find me," he muttered, calmly tapping away at a holographic keyboard in front of him. "Nice try."
A grin spread across his face as he typed commands.
"But how about I cause some chaos?" Access codes and passwords were unlocked with a click of a finger.
5:00 AM – Hackers Worldwide
"What the hell? We have access to secret US files!" (What the hell? We have access to secret US files!) shouted a Russian.
"Hey, we just received data from Russia! This is a trap!" reported a US technician.
"일본 정부의 시스템이 우리에게 정보를 제공합니다. 이건... 불가능합니다!" (The Japanese government system gives us data. That's...impossible!) rang out in South Korea.
Chaos was about to break out when a Japanese hacker suddenly stood up.
"Wait. This is a ruse. We're being manipulated. We're being manipulated.")
7:00 AM – Berlin, Germany
The German group frantically checked the new entries.
"He wants us to tear each other apart!" said a young analyst who was keeping track.
"Then we'll do the opposite," said their team leader firmly. "We'll share everything we find. No one will back down."
9:00 AM – Worldwide
Hackers around the world recognized the trick almost simultaneously.
"My friends are so beautiful. No problem." (We share all data with everyone. Without exception.)
"우리는 단결해야합니다. 그는 우리의 분열을 원하는 것뿐입니다.」 (We must stay united. All he wants is to divide us.)
"Unity is our strongest weapon!" someone shouted in Berlin, and a chorus of approval echoed through the control centers.
12:35 p.m. – Communications Center, USA
An officer yelled into the radio: "We've got him! Target confirmed! Send the coordinates to all units!"
Within seconds, the data was distributed across all available channels. An unprecedented mobilization began.
12:40 p.m. – US Military, Nevada
"All units, prepare! Confirm and secure the target area! We've received clearance!"
Columns of armored vehicles rolled out of their bases. Fighter jets took flight, breaking through the clouds. Every soldier was on alert, every weapon ready for action.
"Operation Black Curtain begins now!" the commander yelled through his headset.
12:45 p.m. – Canadian Military, Alberta
"Coordinates received. Target located. All forces ready!"
Canadian Special Forces in full gear boarded their transport helicopters. The rotors roared as the aircraft rose into the sky.
"This isn't a drill! The enemy is real, and we will find him!"
12:50 p.m. – Russian Armed Forces, Moscow
In a state-of-the-art command center, a Russian general studied the maps on the screen. The coordinates flashed in red.
"Ground forces, prepare air strikes. Secure and neutralize the target."
Tanks rolled out of the bases, escorted by heavily armed infantry units.
"For Russia and for the world. We mustn't make a mistake!"
12:55 p.m. – Japanese Self-Defense Forces
In Tokyo, the highest-ranking officers met in an emergency command center. The coordinates were displayed on a large screen.
"The threat is global. Prepare the forces!"
F-35 fighter jets took off, while at sea, warships aimed their guns at the target location.
"We are ready. No leniency!"
1:00 p.m. - European Coalition, Germany
In a secret command center in Berlin, a German officer addressed his men.
"This is the moment we have been preparing for. The world is counting on us. Tanks, helicopters, infantry – mobilize everything!"
Heavy tanks rolled through the streets as elite units were loaded onto transport planes.
"For the safety of the world!"
1:10 p.m. - Global Mobilization Complete
The world's various armed forces moved toward the target area. Satellites monitored their every movement, and a fleet of fighter jets hovered overhead like birds of prey.
Lukas sat quietly in his hiding place, watching the storm brewing against him and smiling.
"Come on," he murmured quietly. "I'm waiting."
The armies approached, heavily armed, determined, and ready to save the world. But Lukas knew he was making the next move—and it was a move they would never see coming.
Two Days Later – Germany, Secret Operations Base
The silence over the snowy field was deceptive. As the wind whistled softly through the trees, helicopters from various countries gradually landed. Transport planes unloaded tanks and heavy equipment. Soldiers in uniforms with various insignia scurried through the darkness.
12:30 AM – US military base, secret meeting.
"We have no confirmation that he's here," said an American general, pointing to a map lying on a large wooden table. "But all signs point to Lukas being somewhere in this area."
A German officer nodded. "We maintained radio silence so as not to alert him. But the world cannot afford to wait."
A French commander added: "If he is really here, a precise attack is our only chance. We have to surprise him."
2:15 a.m. – Troop coordination
"Units from Canada, Russia, and China have taken up their positions," a German soldier reported over the radio. "US forces are ready to advance to the west."
The international troops had been divided to completely encircle the target area. Satellite images and drone footage were analyzed in real time.
3:00 a.m. – Secret attack begins
Without warning, troops moved into the zone. Russian special forces crept through the woods while American drones hovered over the scene.
"No traces found. Everything seems deserted," a Canadian soldier muttered through his headset.
Suddenly, there was movement on a thermal imaging camera. A signal flashed.
"Hold position!" a commander shouted.
But before anyone could react, a voice sounded over the radio channels—calm, threatening, and it didn't come from any of the soldiers.
"You thought you could surprise me?"
Luke.
The men stared at each other. The equipment went crazy as the voice continued.
"Welcome to my world."