A hush fell over the gathering as the voice, ancient and laden with wisdom, echoed through the chamber. "You must leave now," it proclaimed, "until the time appointed for your return." No one dared question the pronouncement, for the voice held the weight of ages within it.
Then, a streak of light pierced the heavens, descending with such blinding speed that none present could discern the celestial creature it carried. This, they knew, was the dawn of a new era. From this event, whispered on the wind, a legend would bloom – a prophecy of Earth restored to its former glory, guided by a chosen one who would walk among them.
Seven years spun by, the world turning on its axis. In the heart of England, amidst the rolling green hills, resided a man named Siegfried Wissenschaftler. An anomaly in a land of average heights, Siegfried towered at a staggering 340 centimeters. Whispers of a genetic mutation followed him, but his imposing stature was dwarfed by the immensity of his heart.
The very house he lived in bore the scars of his extraordinary size, doorways widened and ceilings raised to accommodate his form. Yet, his size never served as a weapon. Instead, Siegfried was known as the "Generous Giant." He patrolled the streets, a gentle giant who chased away ruffians preying on the vulnerable – the beggar huddled in the cold, the busker strumming his lute for a few coins. His pockets were bottomless, a constant source of aid for those in need. Somehow, his wealth replenished itself, a testament to the kindness that flowed from him.
Beyond his acts of charity, Siegfried was a titan of industry. The founder of Wissenschaftler Holdings, Inc., he was a beacon of prosperity in the once-troubled town of Bleakstone. Bleakstone, aptly named for its bleak outlook and the rocky crags that served as grim execution grounds, had witnessed a remarkable transformation since Siegfried's arrival. His company, a runaway success since its inception, had brought a wave of economic growth, washing away the stains of the past.
But Siegfried's legacy extended far beyond wealth creation. He was a gentle soul, fiercely protective of his town. Tales were spun of his interventions, always on the side of good, always ensuring justice prevailed. Never did he raise a hand in anger, reserving his strength for those who threatened the innocent. Bleakstone, once a symbol of despair, now bore the hopeful light of a new dawn, all thanks to the kindness of its extraordinary giant.
Siegfried is a young man who has never been touched by romance, not because of his sexual orientation, but because he chooses to live in peace, free from the turmoil of love that could potentially hurt his heart. His decision is in line with the condition of Bleakstone City, which has been recovering from the acute criminality of the past few years.
Nevertheless, the shadow of the Crime Intelligence of City group still lurks. Their existence is shrouded in mystery, but their actions in carrying out cyber robberies against internet users, especially parents and ordinary people, are no longer in doubt. Their modus operandi is fairly cunning, namely by setting up fraudulent investment websites that are packaged in such a way that it does not seem like a scam.
Unsuspecting victims enter their credit card data and PIN, and in no time at all, their balance is drained. The website turns into a sinister display, leaving victims traumatized.
In the midst of this still-unfavorable situation, Siegfried continued his routine with discipline. One day, as usual, some of his friends invited him to have fun in unconventional ways, such as smoking, getting drunk, and even hiring a prostitute.
However, Siegfried always refused with the same answer, "Mom forbid me, man. Besides, it's not a good thing." This consistent answer provoked curiosity. Who exactly was the mother that Siegfried respected so much?
Although his mother's identity is still shrouded in mystery, Siegfried always remembers her advice. From a young age, Siegfried showed great independence. He was able to stand up when he was just 20 days old, and started school at the age of two. Siegfried's intelligence was unquestionable. Among his classmates who were six or seven years old, the toddler Siegfried showed far superior talent.
Siegfried is now drawn to those less fortunate, finding solace in the company of kind-hearted people who do not pressure him into unwholesome activities. While some, with a hint of envy, might label him as a "sanctimonious man", Siegfried remains unfazed. His patience is a well-honed weapon, and to maintain his physical and mental fortitude, he finds solace in the gym.
Here, Siegfried did not just build muscle; he also sculpted a mindset for his unwavering determination. His routine was an exertion, a carefully crafted activity of weight and resistance. He favoured exercises that shaped his entire upper body, from the explosive power of his triceps to the tireless endurance of his forearms. The results speak for themselves. Siegfried exudes quiet strength, evident in the way he casually squeezes an empty soda can before tossing it aside. This physique is not the result of a chemical enhancement; his dedication and, perhaps, a touch of genetics, have forged this impressive form.
The trigger for this transformation is an almost legendary diet. His breakfast alone could consist of half a kilo of chicken breast and a large portion of tuna, a meal that exceeds 1,200 calories and contains nearly 240 grams of protein. It's not uncommon for Siegfried to finish it all in one sitting. Somehow, his body seems to crave and efficiently utilise this calorific onslaught, with muscle constantly replacing any hint of fat. His once-comfortable clothes now feel strained on his growing body, a testament to his dedication.
His friends, who always loved to joke around, would not miss the opportunity to tease him. "Hey, Siegfried," they would laugh, "trying to break the world record for the biggest man overnight?"
He joked back, his laughter echoing throughout the gym. Despite their jokes, their bond was undeniable. Often, Siegfried would treat them to a meal or even join them in training, his generosity going beyond financial means. He believed in sharing what he had, but never forgot the need to scrimp responsibly.
But on this fateful day, a pall of grief descended upon Siegfried as news reached him of his close friend's brutal murder. The perpetrator's barbarity was writ large in the details – a harrowing account that spurred Siegfried into immediate action. He ventured to the crime scene, securing the lone bullet left behind – a tangible clue amidst the chaos. With the bullet clutched in his hand, he returned to his manor, a sense of steely resolve hardening his features.
There, awaiting him, was his ever-reliable confidante, Friedrich Retch. Retch, a man of prodigious ingenuity, was known for his unorthodox yet often successful experiments. One such innovation was his device for detecting latent fingerprints on a variety of surfaces. Hope flickered in Siegfried's eyes as he presented the bullet to Retch, his voice betraying a controlled urgency.
"Retch," he began, "I trust your expertise can illuminate this darkness. Can you discern any fingerprints on this… relic?"
Retch nodded curtly, a glint of determination in his gaze. "Leave it with me, Herr Siegfried. I shall endeavor to extract whatever secrets it may hold."
A tense silence settled as Retch meticulously examined the bullet. "Intriguingly," came his hushed reply after a moment, "this appears to be the work of an amateur. The .44 magnum bullet, with its substantial size, is notoriously prone to retaining fingerprints – even if rudimentary cleaning attempts were made."
Siegfried's brow furrowed. "How can you be certain, Retch, when the blood seems to obscure the surface?"
A knowing smile played on Retch's lips. "A keen eye, Siegfried, is the key. Observe this side here. The intricate details of a fingerprint can often be teased out, even under less than ideal conditions."
The following hour stretched into an eternity for Siegfried. Finally, Retch emerged, a resolute expression on his face. "The perpetrator," he declared, "is a woman by the name of Zoe Hilbert. Her origins remain shrouded in mystery, her criminal record elusive. The authorities suspect she may be affiliated with a rival syndicate from another city."
Police investigations were conducted, yielding results that pointed towards the abyssal depths of the sea. Siegfried and Retch departed in a vehicle suitable for both of them, the location being approximately 10 kilometers from Siegfried's residence.
"Retch, it appears she might have taken her own life. What are your thoughts?" inquired Siegfried as he drove.
"Zoe wouldn't resort to such a thing. She's cunning, not foolish. My conjecture is foul play, perhaps a gunshot or drowning," replied Retch.
After a quarter-hour journey, they reached their destination. Retch then produced his portable device capable of detecting objects in aquatic environments and high pressures. Siegfried, accompanied by five policemen to mitigate risk, was tasked with diving.
"Let's hope for the best." Siegfried murmured before plunging into the water, trailed by the five officers.
Beneath the surface, he discovered the lifeless form of a woman with blonde hair and formal attire, her blue eyes reflecting a distinctly European visage. Even before the device signaled its detection, the body had been located. Siegfried surfaced, bringing the body with him. The forensic team arrived to conduct identification, revealing the deceased to be Lyla Grothendieck, affiliated with the criminal organization known as "Red from Antioch."
Among the evidence was a dossier on Zoe. At that moment, Retch interjected, "She's a likely target for rebellion within that organization. These two individuals were indeed connected through the same criminal network."
Following their return home, they continued their research on the subject, driven by Siegfried's profound connection to his late friend, Nick Walter. Nick, who had been a steadfast companion, provided Siegfried with solace and support beyond measure, particularly amidst his struggles with Retch.
Retch and Siegfried then embarked on a quest to uncover the criminal organization behind Nick's untimely demise, delving into the depths of the darknet. Their investigation unveiled a chilling truth: Nick had fallen victim to a hired hitman, revealing the organization to be a mere puppet or a subsidiary under another entity's control. This was evident from the leadership's passive role, limited to issuing orders to subordinates.
Promptly, Siegfried mobilized both military and law enforcement personnel to secure the city, while ensuring they were adequately armed. Collaborating with the Russian state, they procured a substantial arsenal comprising fifty thousand firearms, six hundred missiles, seventy autonomous drones, one hundred explosive devices, sixty incendiary devices, as well as fighter jets and helicopters. Additionally, civilians intending to defend themselves were supplied with .44 Magnum handguns, contingent upon a favorable track record.
The transaction incurred a cost of approximately 20 trillion USD, yet the distribution of weapons to both troops and civilians proceeded meticulously, ensuring they reached those in genuine need. The city's security was entrusted to handpicked soldiers and police, compensated by Siegfried himself, thus ensuring a strategic and effective defense.
While the city now enjoys a heightened level of safety, Siegfried remains vigilant against any clandestine activities, employing silent drones to monitor various corners for suspicious movements. However, despite their efforts, illicit transactions for prohibited items such as drugs continue to persist, necessitating ongoing scrutiny.
To be continued...