*The content of this book involves certain real historical events and figures, with some scientific conclusions and theories based on actual data. Some parts of the material may cause discomfort or fear for readers, so please avoid overanalyzing them.
*The prophecy related to "January 12, 2010," is particularly significant, as the date is now very close. Readers are advised to judge its truthfulness for themselves when that day arrives.
In February 1999, Paris, France—Boulevard Beaumarchais.
Conrad immersed his whole body in the warm water of the bathtub, feeling an immediate sense of relaxation. This made him silently thank God for blessing him with such a wonderful and cozy life. With his eyes closed, he began to think about what might still be missing in his current life—oh, he realized, the only thing lacking was a getaway for the upcoming weekend. Where should he go? Perhaps a visit to the picturesque Luxembourg Gardens to experience the impending arrival of spring would be a good choice… but no, it would be too crowded there. With such a beautiful wife, they should go to the more romantic Bercy Island, to a lakeside hotel where they could enjoy an incomparable world of their own, undisturbed by anyone.
The decision was made, and all of Conrad's fatigue seemed to vanish. He got out of the bathtub, put on his bathrobe, and opened the bathroom door, eager to share his vacation plans with his beloved outside and give her a warm, affectionate hug.
But as soon as he stepped out of the bathroom, Conrad stopped in his tracks. Waiting for him at the door were not his wife Louise, but two strangers dressed in black suits. They stared at him impassively, and one of them held something unpleasant in his hand—an object that made Conrad's breath catch in his throat and his heart race with fear.
What faced him was a silenced pistol.
Conrad immediately understood the situation he was in. He obediently raised his hands, doing his best to stay calm. "Hey, hey… gentlemen, I'll cooperate. The key to the safe is in the drawer of the desk in the study. Open it, and you'll find cash and jewelry. Please, take it. I hope you understand, I only want to keep my life…"
One of the men in black scoffed and said, "We don't want those things, Conrad. We only want you to hand over 'the book'."
They know my name. Conrad's mind raced as he quickly tried to process the situation. "The book...what book?" he asked.
The man holding the gun took a step forward. "Don't play dumb, Conrad. We've done our research before coming here—what other book in your house could be more important than that one?"
Conrad's heart sank. So they were after that thing.
"Be smart and hand it over," said the other man in black. "You must have hidden this heirloom in a secret place, right?"
Conrad's heart raced in his chest—what should he do now? Should he hand over the book to these men in exchange for his life? But his grandmother had always said that this book, passed down through generations for centuries, held the key to humanity's future and was far too important to lose. Yet, if he didn't give it to them, his life might be in danger…
Conrad hesitated for a few seconds, his dry throat forcing out a strained sentence, "What… what do you want with the book?"
"This is not your concern!" the man holding the gun snarled. "Conrad, we're not here to chat. If you want to stay alive, you'll do exactly as we say!"
When the barrel of the handgun pressed against Conrad's forehead, his body twitched, and his face turned pale. He made a decision—his life was the priority. "Alright, alright! I'll tell you, I hid the book in…"
At this point, Conrad suddenly tensed up, realizing a crucial detail he had overlooked in the midst of his panic and fear. Slowly, he lifted his head and stared at the men in black, asking, "What about my wife? Where is my wife, Louise?"
"Don't worry about that! Tell us, where is the book?" the man holding the gun roared.
Conrad opened his mouth, his body trembling, his eyes wide with fear, bloodshot and filled with terror. "You killed her, didn't you… you killed Louise!"
"Yes," replied the other man standing nearby, his voice impatient. "Now you understand, don't you? We're not playing games. If you don't cooperate, you'll end up just like that woman."
"No!" Conrad lost his mind in an instant, two streams of tears pouring from his desperate eyes. Forgetting his own situation, he shouted furiously, "You two sons of bitches!""No!" Conrad lost his mind in an instant, two streams of tears pouring from his desperate eyes. Forgetting his own situation, he shouted furiously, "You two sons of bitches!"
"Smarten up, Conrad!" The man in black shoved the gun forward, glaring as he shouted, "Don't you want to live?"
"You damn murderers!" Conrad completely lost control, cursing furiously. "You killed my wife without hesitation, and now you want me to hand over the book? Do you think I'm an idiot? If I give you the book, do you really think you'll let me live? Besides, you already know I've seen what's in that book. Do you think you'll let me stay alive in this world?"
The two men in black suddenly changed their expressions. "Do you understand what that book is about?"
"Of course I understand!" Conrad shouted, his voice shaking with anger. "This book has been passed down through generations in my family for years, do you think I wouldn't know its meaning? That's exactly why I won't give it to you bastards, you scum! To be honest with you, the book isn't even here with me. It's being kept by someone you couldn't possibly imagine. The moment I die, he'll move it to a place thousands of miles away, and you'll never find it!"
After speaking those words, Conrad walked boldly toward the living room, forcing the armed men in black to retreat. He glanced at the dining room and saw his wife lying in a pool of blood. Filled with rage and grief, he let out a loud cry, then charged toward the massive floor-to-ceiling window in the living room. With a loud crash, he shattered the glass and plunged downward. In that fleeting moment, as he fell through the air, he seemed to merge with the nightscape of Paris.