Chương 2: Entomon

In the year 2986, humanity experienced a time of unprecedented growth in science and technology, reaching the pinnacle of their civilization. This was a period of peace, stability, and happiness for all. People no longer had to worry about aging, illness, or conflicts.

Humanity continued to progress, exploring the unknown universe with confidence and arrogance, as if they had no equals. That was until today.

Present.....

Deep within a corner of the galaxy, a voyaging ship cautiously entered the cluster of stars on the galaxy's edge. As it ventured further, it encountered strange creatures that were both incredibly powerful and hostile towards the ship. The first encounter led to conflict, which gradually escalated into war. During these prolonged battles, humans came to the sobering realization that engaging in war with these new hostile species had been a grave mistake. In the eyes of these creatures, humans were nothing more than a food source.

From that day onward, an interstellar war raged between humans and the Entomons, as the predator became the prey.

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Planet Earth

Year 2986.....

March 16, Sunday 1:56 AM...

Blue Star military-based Texas...

It was a sunny day at a Texas military base. Soldiers were engaged in their drills and military exercises, while others enjoyed their barbecues. Everything seemed normal until a loud siren pierced the air.

The speakers blared, "Warning! Warning!"

"All personnel," the announcement continued, "report back to your units immediately. I repeat, all personnel, report back to your units and await further instructions."

"This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!"

Similar scenes unfolded across human territories throughout the galaxy. Sirens wailed in every military base, soldiers rushed to their posts, and battleships descended onto each base's airfields in haste, as something ominous loomed.

"Lucas!" someone called out, waving their hand and shouting over the noise of the crowd of soldiers who were packing up their equipment.

"David!" Lucas pushed his way through the crowd, grabbing his friend's arm and bombarding him with questions. "What's going on? Why are they summoning all of us? And what's with this emergency siren?"

David shook his head, unsure of the answer. He scanned the area, observing the disciplined soldiers rushing to their units or posts. "Let's head to the briefing room and find out what's happening."

As they navigated through the sea of soldiers, Lucas muttered, "I have a bad feeling about this. I hope everything is alright."

David nodded in agreement. "Me too. Let's move a little faster so we don't miss the briefing." They quickened their pace and entered the restricted zone where only officers were usually allowed.

After passing through security checks and procedures, Lucas and David arrived at the front of a large, dome-like structure with two expansive airfield platforms extending outwards like butterfly wings. They noticed many people approaching in a similar manner and observed a few battleships landing on the airfield platforms.

Upon seeing the symbols on the battleships, both Lucas and David realized that high-ranking military officials were visiting their base that day. This revelation made them frown and adopt a more somber demeanor, as they understood the situation was more serious than they had initially imagined.

David's voice held a similar solemnity as he said, "Some officials from Gaia Towers are coming. Let's go!" Lucas nodded in agreement, and both of them hurried inside the dome. They took an underground elevator with their colleagues, descending directly to the bottom floor and swiftly entered the briefing room.

The briefing room was a vast hall designed to accommodate thousands of people. Upon entering the room, Lucas and David observed that many of their colleagues had already taken their seats. In the center of the hall, they noticed the Sergeant Major of the Army, Jordan, seated alongside another individual who appeared to be a high-ranking officer.

After locating empty seats, both Lucas and David took their places and waited for the meeting to commence. Following a few minutes of anticipation, the gathering finally began.

"I suppose many of you are curious about the reason for our gathering today?" Sergeant Major Jordan scanned the faces of his soldiers, his eyes reflecting a sense of mystery.

"Indeed, I am as puzzled as each one of you. Please allow me to introduce someone important. This is Second Lieutenant Nicholas Dan, our future commanding officer. He will be shedding light on the matter at hand." Jordan paused, emphasizing the importance of attentive listening.

'Are we clear soldiers!' Jordan commanded, and the officers responded with synchronized precision, standing up and saluting.

"YES SIR!!"

"At ease, soldiers!" Jordan commanded, and the officers responded with synchronized precision, standing up and saluting.

"As your Sergeant Major has introduced, I am Second Lieutenant Nicholas Dan. I am here to address the purpose of this assembly.

Ladies and gentlemen, humanity is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. Before I delve into further details, let me present something that will offer a better understanding of the situation."

A unique, spider-like robot made its way towards the center of the hall, projecting a large, 3D holographic image. The image displayed an advanced military AI pet, the MD3S-AIRA.

Whispering to David, Lucas expressed his admiration for the impressive AI pet, "Isn't that the new 3rd generation MD3S-AIRA?"

David silenced Lucas with a shushing gesture, acknowledging the significance of the presentation.

The MD3S-AIRA Spider Pet was a cutting-edge military AI creation, renowned for its combat capabilities. Equipped with sophisticated technologies and weaponry, these AI pets excelled in scouting and assassination missions. Although the MD3S-AIRA presented was a lower-tier model compared to the ones owned by top-ranking officers, it was a highly desirable asset in the eyes of Lucas and David. They had always dreamt of owning even a lower-ranked E-class AI pet, let alone a higher-grade one.

The holographic display transitioned to a 3D visual representation of a vast star cluster, brimming with celestial bodies.

"This is one of our exploration videos," Nicholas explained, tapping his wrist, and a small, floating holographic screen emerged. He navigated through the device, pressing a few buttons, which caused the hologram to change.

"The video you are about to witness is from a scene captured by one of our reconnaissance satellites prior to its unfortunate destruction," Nicholas continued, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

The holographic video began to play, unfolding at a leisurely pace. The visuals depicted a voyage ship navigating through a cluster of stars, skirting the edges of the galaxy. It encountered numerous solitary stars and traversed expanses of cosmic dust. After a considerable duration, the ship gradually entered a shadowy expanse. To exercise caution, it eventually halted near the periphery of a suspicious-looking massive star cluster.

In the past, they had made the mistake of impetuously venturing into unknown territories, a small cluster of stars. To their astonishment, they encountered a formidable race with a destructive nature. They engaged in a protracted conflict that lasted for several years. Ultimately, their victory was attributed to their advanced technology. However, this experience also served as a valuable lesson. It taught them the importance of not charging blindly into the unknown and the perils of overconfidence, even when possessing superior strength and spatial travel capabilities.

Some species are capable of surviving in space, a well-established fact. The resilient "water bear" serves as an example, thriving in the vastness of space. Moreover, there could exist a supreme species with a myriad of extraordinary and bizarre abilities. The cosmos is replete with marvels and continuously produces wonders. The very existence of humanity within this boundless universe is a testament to the miraculous nature of life itself.

The voyage ship dispatched a few reconnaissance satellites into the star cluster to gather information. These satellites bore a resemblance to an octopus, independently venturing deep into space while collecting diverse data and transmitting it back to the voyager ships.

Quietly infiltrating the star cluster, the recon satellite began its data collection process. The stars within this cluster appeared more sparse compared to those found near the galaxy's central bulge.

"Beep, Beep..."

A significant amount of Carbon 14 was detected in the C1-R7824 star system.

"Calculating distance: 6 light-years."

"The probability of life in this solar system is estimated to be 99.9%."

As the recon satellite delved deeper into the cluster and scanned the surrounding area, it approached the C1-R7824 star. The radar suddenly emitted a series of continuous beeps.

"Beep, Beep, Beep."

"A large number of life signals and activities detected on C1-R7824 star." An automated voice reported the findings to the voyager ship. The recon satellite followed these life signals and began focusing on the solar system.

The officers in the room watched intently as the satellite zoomed in on the images, and they were taken aback by what they saw.

"Good Lord!!"

Everyone exclaimed. The recon satellite continued its exploration, capturing everything within its field of vision. After a few minutes into the recorded footage, the room fell into a stunned silence, as each officer was left petrified by the discoveries made.

Suddenly the video snapped and shut down as if something had crushed the satellite.

"MY GOD!"

"What was that?"

"Was that for real?"

"Is my eyes playing tricks on me!"

A chorus of astonished exclamations filled the hall room as the officers struggled to process what they had just witnessed. An experience beyond their wildest dreams, something so unimaginable left them bewildered. Amidst the stunned group, Nicholas Dan remained the exception.

"SILENCE!"

Jordan bellowed, slamming his hand down on the table. The sudden outburst momentarily jolted everyone back to their senses.

Silence ensued as Jordan fixed his stern gaze upon each of them. Although he too was taken aback by the shocking sight, his years of soldierly experience allowed him to swiftly regain his composure.

Nicholas rewound the video and paused it at the sight of the monstrous creature. His eyes locked onto the grotesque figure, now frozen in a holographic display, as if it hovered menacingly in the very room with them.

"I understand that many of you are filled with questions," he began, addressing the room full of wide-eyed, apprehensive faces. "You're wondering what on earth you just saw. Am I right?"

He pointed at the abomination on the screen, his voice dripping with unease. "What you're looking at is a Class 10 monster. We've named it Leviathan."

Enlarging the image to reveal every grotesque detail, he continued, "And let me tell you, this is just one of them. There's an entire horde of these nightmarish creatures lurking out there."

A collective gulp echoed through the room as the soldiers struggled to process the gravity of this revelation. Their hearts pounded as they exchanged uneasy glances.

"Heavens," one whispered, while another hissed, their voices barely above a whisper. The officers in the room couldn't help but feel a shiver run down their spines.

"One of these creatures is enough to strike terror into the bravest of hearts," Nicholas emphasized, his gaze never leaving the enlarged, hideous image. "Now, you're telling us there are even more of them out there? How is that even possible? Does this make any sense?"

The room was filled with a mixture of disbelief and fear, as each officer wondered if their superiors were playing a cruel, twisted joke on them. The reality of the situation seemed too terrifying to be true.

The soldiers struggled to comprehend the sheer size of the creature they had just witnessed. It was colossal, almost incomprehensible - a mountain-like being that stretched so far it resembled a mountain range. The enormity of this monstrosity was akin to a mothership capable of housing hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

As the room filled with hushed whispers and the sound of shivering soldiers, Nicholas patiently waited for the commotion to subside. Once the atmosphere had settled, he continued with a steady voice.

"So far, our limited detection capabilities have only managed to identify three of these colossal creatures. The largest one we've spotted was estimated to be around 2 miles in diameter and an astonishing 5.5 miles in length. There's a possibility that even larger species of Leviathans may exist deeper within the cluster, but for now, we'll treat that as a theoretical possibility."

He scanned the faces of the officers in the hall, taking in their solemn expressions as they regained their composure and realized the gravity of the situation. Nicholas couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for their ability to maintain control in the face of such terror.

"Impressive," he thought, nodding in appreciation.

"Various types of these creatures exist," Nicholas continued, "ranging from sizes as massive as our motherships to ones as small as your pet hamsters. We must learn to adapt and develop strategies to confront these threats."

The room fell silent as the soldiers absorbed this newfound knowledge, their minds racing with the implications of such a diverse and terrifying array of potential foes.

In the center of the room, a 3D hologram of a thin, long-legged Entomon, standing 15 meters tall, was displayed. This particular creature was known as "Razor," its sharp jaws and menacing appearance frozen in mid-air.

Nicholas's voice echoed through the room as he pointed at the holographic monster, his expression filled with animosity and hatred. "Some of these insects are incredibly fast," he began, his gaze locked onto the Razor. "This one, for instance, can fly at the speed of Mach 5. It boasts top-notch agility and maneuverability in the air, capable of slicing through our fighter jets like a hot knife through butter."

He continued, explaining the diverse nature of the Entomons. "Others may be as large as a 10-story building but move at a slower pace, while some are tiny yet incredibly swift. Some can reach hypersonic speeds in flight, and others possess the ability to spit fire and acid that can melt steel and various alloys."

As he spoke, Nicholas effortlessly slid the screen on his wrist, causing the holographic display to change and reveal different types of Entomons, each with their unique nature, power, and bizarre abilities. The soldiers listened intently, their minds racing to comprehend the myriad of threats they now faced.

Nicholas paused for a moment, his gaze drifting to the holographic Entomons as he connected the dots between their new discoveries and familiar concepts.

"We've come to realize that these creatures share many similarities with insects from Earth," he began, his voice filled with a sense of revelation.

He continued, explaining the reasoning behind their classification. "So, we decided to name them 'Entomons,' derived from the Ancient Greek word for insects. He chuckled softly, as if sharing a private joke.

"We called them insects," he repeated, the words hanging in the air. "But let me tell you, in the grand scheme of things, we are the insects in their eyes." The gravity of this realization seemed to weigh heavily on him, as he emphasized the stark contrast between the two species.

David nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and understanding.

"I understand why you've chosen to name these creatures 'Entomon,'" he acknowledged, his voice calm and measured. "Given their similarities to Earth's insects and the Ancient Greek origin of the term, it's a fitting and logical choice."

He paused, allowing the significance of the name to sink in for those around him. "By calling them Entomons, we're not only acknowledging their resemblance to our familiar insects, but also highlighting the profound difference in perspective between our two species - us as the insects in their world."

Nicholas let out a deep sigh, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. He slumped slightly, his shoulders drooping as he acknowledged the grim reality they all faced.

"War is inevitable," he murmured, his voice heavy with resignation. "And with it, countless lives will be lost."

His solemn expression hardened as he continued, imparting a sense of urgency and responsibility.

"We will be sending you all the information about these Entomons to your database. And I must remind you," he paused dramatically, "absorb every single piece of information that comes your way. Your life, as well as the fate of our entire humanity, depends on it. This is a battle for extinction."

Nicholas's voice boomed through the hall, his stern gaze fixing onto each individual. "Do you understand, soldier?"

The room fell silent for a moment before a resounding response echoed throughout. "YES, SIR! WE UNDERSTAND, SIR!"

The soldiers in the hall stood tall, their voices united in determination. They shouted in unison, their military salutes a testament to their commitment. Fueled by the necessity of their situation, they vowed to fight with all their might, to win the war or face death together. They knew they had no other choice but to stand and defend their world.

Nicholas surveyed the room, his gaze landing on each soldier as he posed the question.

"Are there any questions?"

In the silence that followed, a voice broke the tension.

"Um, excuse me, sir!.. Are there any intelligent insects, er... I mean intelligent Entomons out there?" The soldier, identified as Corporal Lucas Gonzalez from the 736th Battalion, inquired with curiosity.

Nicholas acknowledged the question with a nod, his eyes lighting up with interest. "Good question, soldier," he replied, directing his attention back to Lucas. "What is your name?"

Lucas stood tall, his back straight as he answered, "My name is Lucas Gonzalez, sir. Serving as a Corporal in the 736th Battalion, sir!"

With a brief signal for Lucas to sit down, Nicholas turned his focus back to the group. "Then, to your question," he began, his tone somber as he addressed the room. "Based on the information we have gathered so far, there is a high possibility of intelligent insects, or as you've mentioned, Entomons. However, this remains speculation at the moment."

His expression grew more serious as he continued, "But from their behavioral patterns and the encounters we've had, we believe there's a strong chance that intelligent insects or Entomons exist. Somewhere in the darkness, commanding these hordes."

The gravity of the situation seemed to weigh heavily on the officers present, as Nicholas revealed the most alarming aspect of their adversaries.

"The worst part is that they can travel through space without any equipment and even create wormholes to teleport to any desired location."

He concluded with a mention of the colossal creature they had just witnessed,

"The giant Leviathan you saw... It can travel through wormholes and serve as a means of transportation." This revelation left many officers on the brink of collapse, including Jordan, who struggled to maintain his composure, his face as pale as parchment.

Disbelief and confusion washed over the soldiers' faces as they struggled to process the information they had just been given. The idea of intelligent insects or Entomons capable of such feats seemed almost surreal, like a cruel joke played by some unseen force.

The questions began to pour out, each one reflecting the growing unease and disbelief within the room.

"Is this some kind of a joke?" one soldier asked, while another wondered aloud,

"Is God playing pranks on us?"

As they grappled with the implications of this revelation, their faces remained as pale as paper. The situation was beyond their comprehension, leaving them feeling as if they had stumbled into a nightmare. Doubts and uncertainty filled their minds, and they found themselves on the edge of breaking down.

The idea of an outside threat, one capable of challenging humanity's dominance and conquests, was a concept long forgotten. Earth had enjoyed a period of relative peace, and the notion of facing such a formidable enemy seemed almost unthinkable. It was as if they had been lulled into a false sense of security, overlooking the potential dangers that lay beyond their world.

Nicholas, empathizing with the soldiers' struggles, shook his head with a mixture of pity and understanding. He knew all too well the feelings of disbelief and despair that had washed over him and his colleagues when they first encountered these monstrous creatures that seemed to have emerged from nightmares.

Jordan, sensing the need for order amidst the chaos, raised his voice and commanded the room's attention.

"ATTENTION!" he shouted, his words cutting through the cacophony of questions and doubts. The room fell silent once more, as the soldiers turned their focus back to their leader, seeking guidance in the face of this unfathomable threat.

Jordan's voice filled the room with a sense of urgency as he addressed the soldiers, his eyes fixed on each of them.

"I know everyone is scared and worried about the future," he began, acknowledging the fear that hung heavy in the air.

"But now is not the time to be afraid."

His gaze shifted, locking onto each individual in the room.

"Especially all of you," he continued, emphasizing their crucial role in the face of this unknown threat.

"You are the backbone of our society. If all of you behave like this and become scared just by looking at the 3D hologram, how will you face your opponents in the future? And how will your subordinates and ordinary civilians react?"

The question hung in the air, challenging the soldiers to confront their fears and find the strength within themselves. Jordan's words were laced with determination, as he gritted his teeth and pressed on.

"We cannot allow fear to govern us. We must stand strong and face this challenge head-on, for the sake of our people and our world."

His impassioned speech seemed to resonate with the soldiers, as they began to regain their composure and find the resolve to face the unimaginable challenge before them. The room filled with a renewed sense of purpose, as they understood that their duty extended beyond their own fears and anxieties.

In that moment, Jordan's words served as a call to action, a reminder of their responsibility to protect and defend their society against the unknown. The soldiers, once shaken by the revelation of intelligent insects or Entomons, now steeled themselves for the task ahead, ready to face the darkness that threatened their world.

Jordan's stern warning hung in the air, as he emphasized the importance of maintaining the secrecy of the classified information they had just been briefed on.

"All the things you have heard and seen in this room are classified materials. I hope it stays as classified. If not, you know the clear consequence," he said, his gaze piercing through the soldiers like daggers.

The room responded with a unified chorus of

"YES SIR!!" acknowledging their understanding and commitment to keeping the information confidential. Jordan then reiterated the necessity of not causing mass panic among the public, further emphasizing the gravity of their situation.

With this reminder, the meeting's atmosphere shifted, and Jordan's demeanor softened as he sat down, his face etched with weariness. The officers, now fully aware of their assignments, replied in unison,

"YES SIR!! WE UNDERSTOOD SIR!!," demonstrating their readiness to carry out their duties.

The subordinate officer stepped forward to announce the itinerary, informing the soldiers that they would be divided into two groups: those heading to IC2 outposts for combat and those remaining at the base as backup and the final line of defense. They were granted a single day to bid farewell to their loved ones, after which they were to report back to the base at 22.00 AM EST the following day.

With that, the meeting concluded, and the soldiers dispersed. Some made their way home to see their families and friends for a final goodbye, knowing that they might not return from the mission ahead. Their hearts were heavy with the weight of responsibility and the uncertainty of what lay before them, but they carried on with the determination to protect their world from the unimaginable threat that had been revealed.

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Glossary:

AIRA (Animal Incorporated Robot Assistant), also known as AI-Pets, are the latest companions for humans. These advanced robots come in a variety of sizes and forms, reflecting the diverse preferences of their human counterparts. The quality of AIRA units varies depending on the owner's status and financial capabilities.

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