PROLOGUE
THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA | THE YEAR 2050 | 8:00 AM
Scientists from around the globe have converged to explore a newly discovered path leading to the depths beneath the Pyramid. With excitement and trepidation, researchers are eager to uncover the mysterious creature lurking in the shadows below. As they prepare to delve into the unknown, their mission is clear: to reveal the secrets hidden beneath the ancient structure.
No one has yet determined what creatures lie hidden beneath the Pyramid; neither the Egyptian government nor the local population has been able to uncover the mystery. Despite a year of exhaustive efforts and repeated failures, the quest for answers continues. Now, international scientists have been enlisted to assist in the investigation. Among them are Dr. Oscar Vergara and Dr. Roy Panelo from the Philippines. Success in their endeavor could reveal the enigmatic beings lurking below. Speculations range from the possibility of alien life to a tunnel leading to another world, but no official statements have been made to the public until the true nature of the discovery is confirmed.
As the scientists descended the steep, rock-hewn ladder with extreme caution, their hearts pounded with anticipation. The descent seemed endless, but their meticulous care paid off when they finally reached the underground chamber. What lay before them was nothing short of breathtaking.
The chamber's expanse was immense, stretching far beyond what the eye could see. In the center of this vast, shadowy realm lay a colossal creature, dwarfing even the tallest among them. It was a monstrous entity, reminiscent of ancient legends yet entirely alien in form. Its body resembled a giant lizard, but its head was unmistakably like that of a cobra, with ominous, slitted eyes and a hood that flared menacingly.
Nearby, another creature's body lay in a state of decay. This one had the long, sinuous form of a serpent, but its head was curiously shaped like that of a dog, complete with a snout and ears. The bizarre amalgamation of features suggested a fusion of prehistoric and mythical beasts.
The sight was both awe-inspiring and unsettling. The scientists were left wondering not only about the origins of these creatures but also about their fate. What had driven these creatures to be entombed beneath the Pyramid? And more importantly, who or what had killed them?
As they gathered their thoughts and began their analysis, the questions loomed large. The answers to these mysteries might reveal secrets far beyond their initial expectations—secrets that could redefine their understanding of ancient history and the forces that shaped it.
The tension in the chamber was palpable as Dr. Anat Mahmoud addressed the gathered scientists. Her authoritative voice cut through the murmur of apprehension.
“Welcome, gentlemen. I am Dr. Anat Mahmoud, the lead researcher here. Before we proceed, I want to remind you to exercise the utmost caution. We do not yet know whether these creatures are deceased or if they are still alive. Please avoid using any sharp objects that might cause injury and only use the necessary tools for examining their bodies. While it’s understandable to be eager to uncover their secrets, we must consider the potential consequences if these creatures are indeed alive. Your analytical skills will be crucial in this process. We trust in your expertise. Thank you.”
Dr. Oscar Vergara raised his hand, breaking the silence. “But to determine the nature of these creatures, we need to obtain blood samples. How can we make a proper assessment without conducting tests?”
An examining scientist nodded in agreement. “He’s right. We’ve been searching for answers for a year without any substantial findings. Simply observing won’t suffice. We need biological samples—blood or skin—to conduct a thorough examination.”
Dr. Anat Mahmoud’s gaze was firm as he addressed them. “Are you prepared to take responsibility if something goes awry? These creatures are not the size of ordinary animals—they are as large as a building.”
A Japanese scientist spoke up, “What makes you think these creatures are still alive?”
Dr. Anat Mahmoud gestured toward the creatures. “Observe their skins closely. Do they appear lifeless to you? There are subtle signs that suggest otherwise. If you examine them carefully, you might understand what I mean.”
The scientists, now on high alert, turned their attention back to the colossal beings. The room fell into a contemplative silence as they began their careful observations, weighing the risks against the potential breakthroughs that lay ahead.
“I suggest allowing us to at least collect some blood or skin for analysis. That’s the only way we can truly understand what these creatures are and where they came from!” a scientist from the US insisted.
Dr. Anat Mahmoud’s eyes narrowed. “And will you take full responsibility if anything goes wrong? Everything here is being recorded and will be broadcast later.”
“Yes, I will take accountability for my actions,” the US scientist assured firmly.
Dr. Anat Mahmoud sighed and nodded. “Alright, proceed. But remember, you are responsible for any consequences.” He turned and walked to a corner with another Egyptian scientist, where a large monitor displayed live footage from the camera positioned in the center of the chamber.
Dr. Oscar Vergara and Dr. Roy Panelo exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. They took their positions at the back, ensuring everything was captured on tape. Dr. Roy Panelo cautiously reached out to touch the skin of one of the creatures. He pulled back abruptly, the heat radiating from the creature’s body almost unbearable.
From that moment, Dr. Roy Panelo and Dr. Oscar Vergara knew Dr. Anat Mahmoud’s warnings had been accurate. The creatures were not merely remnants of the past; they were still alive. Their eyes widened in alarm as they saw the US scientists preparing to pierce the creatures’ hides with a large needle, intent on drawing blood.
The chamber held its breath as the scene unfolded, the gravity of the situation becoming ever more apparent.
“NOOO!” they shouted in horror, but it was too late. A massive needle, engineered to penetrate even the hardest substances, had already been driven into the creature's skin.
Within seconds, the ground shook violently, causing Dr. Oscar Vergara and Dr. Roy Panelo to sprint away from the creatures in panic. The other scientists, however, chuckled at their fear, dismissing it as an overreaction to what they considered a routine tremor.
Suddenly, the dormant magical creature's eyes snapped open, and its entire body began to radiate intense heat. They could see flames coursing through its veins, causing the needle to dissolve almost instantly upon contact with its fiery blood. Panic erupted as the creature, with its lizard-like body and cobra head, lashed out with its powerful tail. It struck several scientists with terrifying force, crushing their bodies instantly. The once-calm environment turned chaotic, with screams filling the air as the creature’s fury unleashed devastation.
As the area began to collapse, Dr. Oscar Vergara and Dr. Roy Panelo raced towards the stairs, desperately trying to escape the crumbling ruins. The creature’s blood, now a deadly projectile, splattered onto their arms as they fled. They barely managed to reach the exit of the Pyramid before it came crashing down completely. The terrifying sounds of people’s cries echoed behind them as the Great Pyramid's destruction enveloped everything below.
“Hurry up!” Dr. Roy Panelo shouted to Dr. Oscar Vergara, who was frozen in shock, staring at the Great Pyramid as it was slowly engulfed by the shifting sands. They barely made it out in time thanks to their pre-arranged transport; otherwise, they would have been caught in the collapse.
Tears of relief mingled with their fear as they escaped the devastation. Dr. Roy’s face was a mask of terror, reflecting the nightmarish scenes they had witnessed beneath the Pyramid. The global news quickly reported the catastrophic collapse, but by the time their identities were revealed at the airport, Dr. Vergara and Dr. Panelo had already boarded their flight back to the Philippines.
Unbeknownst to them, the blood they had been exposed to carried a virus that began to spread as they traveled. It infiltrated the airport, their airplane, and eventually their hometown of Manila. The nightmare was far from over, as the virus started to take hold and wreak havoc across the globe.
When infected with the Stygian virus, individuals experience intense body heat and a loss of control over their darkest impulses. The virus unleashes suppressed anger and desires, driving people to act out in violent and uncontrollable ways. Those harboring long-held grudges may find themselves compelled to harm those they've resented. Desires become overwhelming—if someone is consumed by lust, they may assault others without hesitation; if they covet material possessions, they might seize them through force.
The virus’s effects quickly spiral into chaos, as societal norms break down under the weight of these unleashed primal urges. As the Stygian virus spreads, it sweeps across the entire country, turning everyday life into a battleground of unchecked desires and violent outbursts.
Dr. Roy Panelo stood outside his ex-wife’s home, clutching a gun tightly. Inside, his ex-wife and her new family were enjoying a lively dinner, oblivious to the darkness that loomed at their doorstep. His resentment boiled over, fueled by his anger at her happiness with a new family—something he never had with her. The fact that she had a daughter with her new partner while he was left without a child of his own ignited a deep, consuming fury within him.
He knocked sharply on the door, his knuckles rapping out a grim rhythm.
“Just a moment!” his ex-wife called from inside.
When she finally opened the door, her face turned pale. She stared in shock as she saw Dr. Roy Panelo standing there, his eyes pitch black and radiating a chilling, malevolent energy. Her scream of terror pierced the air as she took in the sight of him, his gaze twisted with a dark, otherworldly presence.
“Honey, are you okay?” Her new husband asked, glancing at Dr. Roy Panelo.
A gunshot rang out, and the man collapsed to the floor. The assailant didn't stop with just one shot; he continued firing, targeting the man's body relentlessly as his wife screamed in terror. Eventually, he turned the gun on her, shooting her in the forehead. When the child appeared, he attacked him as well.
After killing the whole family, he opened his mouth, stuck the gun inside, and committed suicide.