Chapter 1: Ovum Praeternaturalis Antiquitas
SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO
November 1990
It was a serene and unassuming afternoon at Hellixford University. Students, wrapped up in their daily routines, enjoyed various activities. Some engaged in spirited soccer matches on the expansive field, while others watched a captivating play unfold on the university grounds. The atmosphere was filled with the innocent pursuits of young scholars.
However, the tranquility was shattered by an abrupt and bewildering event. Without warning, the brilliant daylight was smothered by a creeping darkness. It was as if a shadow cast a suffocating cloak over the campus, causing students to raise their eyes in bewilderment, their faces etched with confusion and fear. Mouths gaped open, and eyes scanned the atmosphere, all silently questioning the sudden and inexplicable phenomenon.
The sky itself seemed to groan under the weight of an enormous, unidentified object descending from above. As this colossal entity drew nearer, the initial shock gave way to sheer terror. The realization dawned that this was no ordinary occurrence; they were in grave danger.
"Run!"
"Oh my god!"
Panic gripped the students. Some scrambled to their feet, desperately trying to flee, while others were less fortunate, tripping and falling amidst the tumultuous scramble for safety. Amidst the chaos, a young boy named Billy, determined to reach his sister, found himself pushed from behind, tumbling to the unforgiving ground.
"Ugh!" Billy gasped, his body aching from the painful impact. He struggled to rise, but the stampede of panicked students was unrelenting. Meanwhile, his sister, Nancy, witnessed the scene, her heart pounding with fear and helplessness.
"Billy!"
"NO BILLY!"
Nancy's cries were drowned out by the cacophony of terror as she desperately tried to make her way to her fallen brother. Tearfully, she pushed back against the tide of frantic students, her voice quivering as she pleaded for assistance.
"SOMEBODY HELP MY BROTHER!" Her anguished screams went unanswered as her tears mixed with the dust and chaos around her. Billy was swallowed by the panicked crowd, and Nancy was left with only the tormenting memory of her brother disappearing from sight.
Moments later, the colossal, unidentified object descended upon Hellixford University, bringing devastation in its wake. The earth shook violently as a deafening explosion echoed throughout the city, triggering a cataclysmic earthquake. Buildings crumbled, cars collided and burst into flames, and the once-idyllic campus was reduced to a nightmarish scene of destruction and despair.
The neighboring city, upon learning of the catastrophe, swiftly mobilized a response. Thirty-five rescue helicopters were dispatched to search for survivors and provide aid to those in need. However, as they attempted to breach the boundaries of the ravaged city, they encountered an inexplicable energy barrier that barred their entry.
Undeterred, the rescue team chose to land on the ground, determined to investigate this mysterious obstruction. One brave soldier cautiously reached out and touched the void-like barrier, which reacted with a sudden flash of crimson light, leaving the soldiers in stunned disbelief.
"What is happening here?" one soldier murmured, his voice trembling with astonishment.
"Am I not dreaming?" another soldier questioned, his laughter masking his deep uncertainty. They stood in awe, their eyes locked onto the surreal crimson barrier that had materialized before them, grappling with the inexplicable events unfolding in their midst.
"STAY ALERT EVERYONE!" commanded the first leader, his team immediately snapping to attention and scanning their surroundings with keen eyes. This bizarre experience had them on edge, unsure of what to expect next.
For a moment, silence reigned supreme in the midst of the serene woods. The tranquility of the scene seemed at odds with the mysterious crimson barrier that had captivated their attention. The cold gust of wind rustled their suits, and leaves swirled gracefully from the treetops. It was an ordinary, quiet day in the forest, yet the presence of the barrier, glowing with a soft, tremulous light, cast an otherworldly aura over the landscape.
"Why is it that there are no dangerous creatures here?" whispered a crew member, breaking the prolonged silence. All eyes turned toward him, his furrowed brow signaling his continued concern.
"We've been waiting here for almost twenty minutes, and nothing has happened," he continued, irritation creeping into his voice as he cast a frustrated glance at the barrier. Some of his colleagues shared his sentiment, and the team captains from each group decided it was time to actively seek a way to breach this enigmatic barrier and explore the protected city. The anticipation and curiosity were palpable as they embarked on their quest to unravel the mysteries hidden within.
As the soldiers tirelessly roamed the boundaries of the barrier, night fell, and they received no promising updates from their teams throughout the long and anxious hours until dawn.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and an entire year passed with no breakthrough in breaching the enigmatic crimson barrier. The neighboring city anxiously awaited news about the condition of the once-destroyed city, while the relentless efforts of the rescuers continued unabated.
Five years of hope, anticipation, and frustration went by without any significant progress. It wasn't until a decade had elapsed that a pivotal moment finally arrived. The soldiers, standing resolute in front of the crimson barrier, held their weapons at the ready as if preparing for a battle of epic proportions.
Amidst the tense silence, the team leader signaled for everyone to stay quiet. At that moment, he heard something unusual—a gentle puff of wind causing the weather vane to sway, birds singing in perfect harmony, and dried leaves dancing as if in joyful welcome.
The soldiers remained on high alert, bracing themselves for any potential threat. Then, to their astonishment, the crimson barrier began to glitch, its appearance flickering and wavering. After a few heart-pounding minutes, it simply vanished, leaving them standing in awe and disbelief at the threshold of the once-hidden paradise that had eluded them for a decade.
The scenery made them wonder. After a decade, they finally got to witness the breathtaking transformation that lay beyond the protective barrier. What had once been a shattered city had now metamorphosed into an enchanting paradise nestled within the woods. The beauty that greeted their eyes was beyond imagination, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and crystal-clear streams weaving through the landscape. It was as though nature itself had worked tirelessly to mend the wounds of time, transforming the ruins into a haven of serenity and splendor.
As the team leader reported the situation to their head and led his team to explore the mesmerizing area, their diligent search uncovered a well-preserved fossilized egg, a remarkable artifact that had survived the test of time. This egg, nestled amidst the ancient city engulfed by Mother Nature, was a testament to the centuries-long preservation of this enigmatic place. Its surface bore intricate patterns, and its size hinted at a creature of bygone eras. It stood as a mysterious link to a world lost to antiquity, inviting wonder and questions about the life forms that once roamed this now-buried city.
Excitement and confusion coursed through the soldiers as they gazed upon the enigmatic fossilized egg. Without hesitation, they swiftly called for backup, summoning experts in ancient civilizations and paleontology to examine this remarkable discovery. As they awaited the arrival of the specialists, every member of the team stood guard around the well-preserved egg, their anticipation building with each passing moment. This mysterious artifact held the promise of unlocking secrets buried deep within the annals of history, and they were determined to protect it until its true nature could be unveiled.
With the passage of a few tense minutes, a cadre of experts descended upon the scene like a well-coordinated symphony of intellect and curiosity. These seasoned individuals approached the enigmatic fossilized egg with a blend of reverence and scientific fervor that could only be summoned in the face of such a monumental mystery.
Their hands moved with an almost choreographed precision as they gingerly cradled the egg, their fingers tracing its intricate contours with the gentleness of an artist caressing a masterpiece. Every touch, every adjustment was made with the utmost care, for they understood that before them lay an artifact of profound significance, a relic of a world long past.
As they began their examination, the experts meticulously analyzed the fossilized egg from every conceivable angle. Their trained eyes scrutinized its surface, their minds racing to decipher its secrets. They sought to unlock the enigma of this ancient artifact, to fathom the depths of its history and origins.
With each passing moment, the tension in the air grew palpable. These scholars of the past and guardians of knowledge delved into their extensive records of discovered species throughout history, hoping to find a match, a semblance, a thread of familiarity that would unravel the mystery of this remarkable egg. Yet, despite their exhaustive efforts, every attempt to find a comparable species in the annals of history met with resounding failure.
It was as though this fossilized egg existed in splendid isolation, defying categorization and classification. Its existence challenged the very boundaries of their understanding, an enigma that taunted their intellectual prowess.
But these experts were not discouraged; they were invigorated. For in the face of such an unyielding mystery, their passion for discovery burned even brighter. With determination in their hearts and a fervent belief in the power of human inquiry, they embarked on a journey of scientific exploration, ready to unveil the secrets hidden within this ancient relic, no matter how inscrutable they may be.
The fossilized egg, a tantalizing enigma from the depths of history, found its way into the hallowed halls of GenoDiscover Lab, escorted by a team of dedicated rescuers. These experts of civilization and paleontology, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, understood the gravity of their discovery and the importance of unveiling the secrets it held.
Within the confines of GenoDiscover Lab, a marvel of scientific innovation, their surroundings echoed with the hum of advanced laboratories and the gleam of specialized equipment. A cadre of scientists and researchers, with unwavering determination etched into their faces, were poised to embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery. Their collective mission: is to unravel the genetic tapestry of this ancient relic and glean insights into the mysteries of life's intricate web, spanning both human and other species alike.
Recognizing the urgency of their quest, the experts of ancient civilization and paleontology forged an agreement, a pact of knowledge-sharing, to expedite their quest for answers. This alliance sought to fuse the wisdom of generations past with the cutting-edge expertise of modern science, forging a path to the heart of the enigma.
In parallel, Prehistoric Fossilarium, a sanctuary of paleontological wonder, stood ready. Here, the tools of the trade were arrayed, waiting to unearth and reveal the stories held within fossils, remnants of Earth's ancient history. With unwavering dedication, these facilities harbored not only the tools but also the expertise required to excavate, analyze, and preserve fossils spanning the epochs of time.
As the excavation of the fossilized egg began in earnest, the head of Prehistoric Fossilarium made a humble request. After the head of GenoDiscover Lab obtained a sample from the egg, they would entrust it to their capable hands. It was a gesture of collaboration, a symbol of unity in the face of the unknown, as these two bastions of knowledge worked in harmony to unveil the secrets hidden within the egg and rewrite the annals of history.
From a discreet distance, the enigmatic Stellar Xenogenesis Syndicate, a clandestine institute devoted to the study and controlled manipulation of galactic creatures, held a watchful vigil over the unfolding events. Their focus, honed with precision, lay on the concept of xenogenesis – the inception of entirely new life forms extracted from celestial sources. The organization operated in the shadows, its machinations concealed from the prying eyes of the universe.
Meanwhile, nestled high in the branches of an ancient tree, a young woman remained hidden from view. She donned a formidable suit known as the Xenobattle Suit, a marvel of technological ingenuity. This suit, a fusion of cutting-edge advancements, served as the ultimate arsenal for those facing interstellar conflicts against formidable extraterrestrial adversaries.
With a deliberate touch, she secured the earpiece in her ears, concealing a discreet microphone. Her keen eyes remained trained on the receding aircraft, its form gradually fading into the horizon. Her voice, a whispered echo of determination, crackled through the hidden mic, "Code SXS 9, the suspected alien specimen has been successfully retrieved by the experts of Prehistoric Fossilarium and GenoDiscover Lab. Awaiting your directive."
A response crackled to life in her ear, bearing the weight of authority and a certain nonchalance. It was a man, his voice adorned with a deep, resonant timbre that suggested a man of sophistication and leisure. "I believe there's more intrigue to be unearthed within that desolated city," he remarked, his tone tinged with the unmistakable satisfaction of one who savored life's finest pleasures, perhaps a glass of wine in hand. The secrets of the alien and the mysteries of the cosmos beckoned, offering a tantalizing allure that no connoisseur of the unknown could resist.
"I require some backup, mister," the girl's voice crackled with a hint of exasperation, her eyes momentarily torn away from the lush and captivating paradise that surrounded her. While the scenery held an undeniable allure, she couldn't escape the fact that her current mission was shaping up to be rather mundane. Inwardly, she yearned for the thrill of hunting down elusive galactic beings and engaging in the kind of harrowing encounters that ignited her spirit.
"Oh, the sights I could behold if only I were there," the guy responded, a sardonic edge to his voice. He was well aware of the girl's penchant for adventure and the tantalizing allure of chasing down interstellar mysteries. His tone, laced with playful mockery, was a testament to their banter-filled camaraderie. In this world of secrets and enigmas, they found their own brand of amusement, a respite from the relentless pursuit of the unknown.
The man's voice, once lighthearted and teasing, underwent a profound transformation. It shed its playful veneer and assumed an icy seriousness, imbued with an undeniable air of authority. His words cut through the serene backdrop of paradise like a blade through silk.
"And yes," he continued, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility, "You have to stand guard over that area. It's a task of utmost importance. Anyone who arouses suspicion or is deemed a potential threat must be apprehended. We are the custodians of our legacy, bearers of our ancestors' honor. Do you understand?"
The girl, her throat suddenly constricted by a knot of fear at the gravitas of the man's tone, swallowed hard. It was as if the serene paradise around her had momentarily lost its luster. In a voice that trembled ever so slightly, she replied, "Copy. I'm prepared to stake my life on it." Her commitment to the mission and the ancestral legacy they bore was unwavering, even in the face of the daunting responsibility that lay ahead.