In the meantime, Ray and the others had reached one of the American military bases in Korea. The atmosphere was tense, but clear orders were given without delay.
– We've arrived. Form two lines! One for the injured, who will be treated by the medical unit on this base, and the other for those who are uninjured. Pregnant women and children have priority. Those in good condition are asked to proceed inside for further information.
After five hours of waiting, the injured were treated, but unfortunately, some with fatal wounds didn't survive. The tension in the air was almost palpable.
At that moment, a commanding man with black hair and a beard entered the room. His presence exuded authority.
– Good afternoon, everyone! First of all, allow me to introduce myself: I am General Carson Brad. Secondly, I want to update you on the current global situation.
The general paused briefly, scanning the anxious faces in the room, then continued in a grave tone:
– Eight hours ago, several asteroid-like objects entered Earth's atmosphere. These brought with them unknown entities, which we have named humanoids. Current estimates suggest there are approximately two billion of these creatures. The only concrete information we have is that their skin is extremely thick and elastic, making them nearly impenetrable. Conventional weapons are ineffective against them. So far, only weapons with a caliber of 20mm or higher have shown any impact, but even these cannot eliminate the threat entirely.
The room fell completely silent. The general stepped forward, his voice deepening:
– The only weapons proven effective so far are missiles with explosive warheads. However, the humanoids have already started adapting to these as well. In just eight hours, approximately one billion people have been killed, and some smaller nations have been completely wiped off the map. Their entire populations were massacred.
This statement filled the room with a suffocating silence. The quiet was quickly broken by whispers that escalated into shouts of panic:
– Are you saying it's the end of the world?!
– We're all going to die!
– What's going to happen to us?!
The general raised his hand, demanding silence. After a few moments, the murmurs stopped, and everyone waited for his explanation.
– Two hours ago, the leaders of all remaining nations held an emergency meeting. It was decided that all countries would unite into a single global state to combat this threat. We are now engaged in an all-out war.
From the crowd, Ray's voice rose:
– How exactly do you plan to win this war? You just said conventional weapons are useless, and the humanoids are already adapting to missiles.
The general took a deep breath before responding:
– The plan is to deploy nuclear weapons across the entire surface of the planet.
This declaration brought the room to a standstill once more. After a few moments, furious and terrified voices erupted:
– So you're going to kill us all?!
– You're the ones bringing the end of the world!
The general intervened firmly:
– Please, calm down! I need to explain the plan in detail.
The people, though agitated, quieted enough to listen.
– Our goal is to hold out for three months until the underground city we are constructing is completed. All survivors will be transported there. This city is designed to sustain eight billion people for 70 years, until the surface radiation dissipates. Realistically, it's estimated that only three to five million people will survive by the time the city is ready.
The general paused, allowing the information to sink in. Then, his tone grew stern:
– Everyone present will undergo mandatory military training, including the operation of tanks and aircraft. Those who refuse this training will not be welcome at this military base.
Ray, his voice filled with fury, declared:
– I agree! If it means killing those creatures that murdered my parents, I'll do whatever it takes.
This statement inspired many of those present, though fear still lingered. The general concluded the meeting on a practical note:
– Good. Now that this is settled, you're free until tomorrow morning. Head to the cafeteria for a meal. A soldier will guide you.
Confused but slightly more at ease, the people moved toward the cafeteria. Whispers and sighs still hung in the air, but the apparent calm helped them steel themselves for the challenges ahead.