The Edge of the Star Field

In the year 2035, human society reached a new milestone in technological and civilizational development. Countries globally made tremendous progress in technology, economy, and culture, ushering in a more convenient, prosperous, and diverse way of life and experience. Skyscrapers adorned the urban landscapes, cutting-edge technological products emerged regularly, and the coexistence of humans and nature fostered a harmonious atmosphere. Everything seemed to be progressing in a positive direction. However, this idyllic scene did not last long. A sudden disaster abruptly changed everything. On that summer night, the pitch-black sky was dotted with sparkling stars, and the stifling, dry air induced a sense of suffocation and unease. Suddenly, a dazzling light streaked across the night sky, reversing day and night in that moment. Everyone witnessed an unforgettable spectacle of eternity. A colossal meteor, shining brightly, descended rapidly towards the Earth. As the meteor pierced through the atmosphere, it brought with it scorching waves of air, and a thunderous roar echoed through the heavens. The earth began to tremble as if sensing the impending catastrophe. Upon contact with the ground, the meteor unleashed a momentous destructive force, engulfing everything in orange-red flames. Thick smoke filled the air. The devastating power destroyed vast expanses of land, triggering volcanic eruptions, rampant earthquakes, and frequent tsunamis, leaving countless people without homes and loved ones. While people were still immersed in the grief of losing their homes and families, unbeknownst to them, an even more dreadful disaster was about to unfold. The seismic activity caused by the meteor impact led to the rapid melting of the Antarctic glaciers, releasing an ancient virus that had been frozen for countless millennia. This virus contained unknown genetic sequences and formidable vitality, capable of spreading in any extreme environment. Under the radiation of the meteor, unknown mutations occurred, swiftly spreading through the atmosphere. In just half a month, the virus had rapidly spread worldwide. No living organisms could resist this mysterious virus. From infection to manifestation of symptoms, it took only seven days, and those infected would perish in boundless agony. The medical community was helpless. Shortly afterward, the virus evolved into even more formidable variants, worsening the condition and escalating the death toll. With widespread infections and deaths occurring continuously, societal order gradually collapsed. Medical resources became scarce, and cities descended into chaos. Panic spread rapidly, and people began taking various measures to protect themselves. To prevent the spread of the virus, many countries implemented lockdown measures, canceled flights, and closed ports. Society became a collection of isolated small groups, cut off from the outside world. People could only hide in their homes, hoping the virus would not find them. The entire world plunged into a dark panic, unable to predict the fate that awaited them in the future. However, the virus did not stop evolving. It mutated into a more lethal form, with increased infectivity and a shorter incubation period. The medical community fell into despair once again, and most of the world's economy, transportation, and social structures could no longer function normally. In just three months, eighty percent of the global population succumbed to the combined effects of the meteor impact and the virus. At this point, humanity began to seek alternative solutions. Scientists tirelessly searched for a way to decode the virus, but it seemed futile. The virus mutated at a pace far beyond imagination. It appeared that the ultimate fate awaiting humanity was extinction. Just as people were losing hope, a young scientist named Xiao Yang proposed an innovative idea. Xiao Yang believed that the only way to save humanity was to build a sufficiently large spacecraft for interstellar travel, escaping the Blue Planet. Only by leaving the Blue Planet and seeking habitable environments on other planets could humanity survive and preserve the spark of human civilization. Initially, Xiao Yang's proposal faced opposition and skepticism, but in the face of the imminent threat of human extinction, his idea gradually gained support. Thus, the world's most outstanding scientists, engineers, and military experts gathered to form the "Interstellar Plan" team. Setting aside past grievances, they united for the sole purpose of preserving the flame of human civilization. Pooling all resources, they began researching the design and construction of interstellar spacecraft, while simultaneously launching numerous satellites to explore habitable planets in the cosmos. In the blink of an eye, five years had passed since the meteor impact. During these five years, the landscape on the Blue Planet had undergone a radical transformation. Ruins and abandoned structures sprawled across the land, vast areas were desolate and barren, and people struggled in fear and despair, finding survival exceptionally challenging. Of course, during this time, scientists vigorously pushed forward with the implementation of the "Interstellar Plan." They dedicated themselves wholeheartedly, ultimately succeeding in constructing a massive spacecraft capable of accommodating hundreds of thousands of people. This spacecraft became humanity's last hope and was named the "Noah's Ark." At this point, the uninfected population on the Blue Planet was less than one hundred thousand. Human civilization teetered on the brink of collapse, with only a faint spark remaining, ready to be extinguished at any moment. Noah's Ark took off, carrying those untouched by the virus, bidding farewell to everything, embarking on an unknown interstellar journey. Meanwhile, the infected ones helplessly remained on the Blue Planet, awaiting the imminent arrival of death amidst fear.