Deviant: No Longer Human

"For Takashi, sir," Helena responded confidently. "I truly believe in his capabilities to lead the Pantheon Network."

Li Zhiming paused, his gaze lifting thoughtfully. "Helena, you must realize that this is highly irregular. What then of Valkyrie Command?"

Helena\'s tone was resolute. "Sir, as we\'ve discussed, Valkyrie Command has already lost two generals. With my resignation, only one general will remain. Under the rules of command establishment, if more than half of the generals are lost in any capacity, Valkyrie Command must be automatically disbanded."

Li Zhiming fell into a troubled silence, pondering over her words.

After a heavy sigh, he waved his hand wearily, signaling her to depart.

Helena allowed herself a small, inward smile. "I apologize for the inconvenience, General."

Li Zhiming\'s voice took on a sharper edge. "Enough, Helena. Leave before I rescind your resignation and double my troubles!"

As Helena turned to leave, Li Zhiming called out, halting her steps. "Wait, have you been checked for radiation?"

??

A shadow of past horrors flickered across Helena\'s face, but she nodded affirmatively.

Li Zhiming gave a final, dismissive wave, and she exited.

After their dangerous mission in Frostholm, it was mandatory for all returnees to spend a full day at Gaia\'s Facility, undergoing thorough examinations for radiation and other hazardous contaminants.

Bang!

"What\'s this now?" Li Zhiming was about to collapse into his chair and rest when Amaya placed yet another file in front of him.

He opened the first page of the file and frowned.

=====

Project Name: Project Transcendence

Project Lead: Mary Rockefeller

Project Status: Failed

Reason: External Interference

Project Objective: Achieve a state of transcendence for humanity by the year 2247 by integrating —genetically enhanced test subjects—into the general population, ensuring that their superior traits are disseminated throughout humanity.

Project Objective Status: Achieved

Remark: Due to the unexpected influx of the \'God Particle\', external interference forced an abrupt halt to the project, prematurely achieving its objective.

========

Seeing the project name, Li Zhiming\'s frown deepened, and he rubbed his temples wearily.

This was the worst problem in the world currently—the \'God Particle.\'

Click!

He turned on the screen fixed to the right wall and tilted his seat to better view the latest news, with Amaya leaning in to focus on the screen as well.

The screen flickered to life, casting a bluish glow across Li Zhiming\'s and Amaya\'s intent faces.

On the display, a TV reporter stood solemnly in the bustling emergency ward of a major hospital, her expression grave as she prepared to deliver her report.

"Good evening," she began, her voice steady despite the chaos behind her. "We\'re live from St. Michael\'s Medical Center, one of the many hospitals worldwide fighting with the escalating crisis of God Particle Poisoning.

This global phenomenon has already claimed over 20 million lives and continues to devastate populations as this mysterious substance, originating from Frostholm, spreads across the globe."

The camera panned slightly, capturing the frenetic activity of medical staff rushing to attend to patients.

The reporter continued, "The effects of the God Particle are not only lethal but bizarre. Across the world, strange events are happening: wildlife is exhibiting unnatural behaviors, trees are hardening to the consistency of concrete, and we\'re seeing extreme weather patterns, including abnormal tsunamis triggered by unprecedented rises in sea levels."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in, then turned to interview a harried doctor who had just paused for a brief moment. "Dr. Harris, can you tell us more about what you\'re seeing here?"

The doctor, looking exhausted but resolute, glanced at the camera. "The symptoms of God Particle Poisoning are unlike anything we\'ve encountered. Rapid cellular mutation, severe neurological disruptions... It\'s overwhelming our healthcare systems. We\'re doing all we can, but the scale of this crisis is unlike any other."

The reporter nodded solemnly and turned back to the camera. "As the world grapples with this unprecedented threat, questions about its origin and how to combat it are growing more desperate. From Frostholm, where the particle was first detected, to here in the heart of our cities, the impact is both catastrophic and confounding."

The reporter then turned back to Dr. Harris, her expression curious amid the panicked state of the hospital. "Dr. Harris, there are rumors equating this phenomenon with a \'God\'s Judgment,\' following reports of an immense pillar of light seen briefly in the skies over Frostholm. What are your thoughts on this being possibly divine punishment for our actions towards the Earth?"

Dr. Harris chuckled, a brief, humorless sound amidst the dire surroundings. "If this is the divine will, then there really isn\'t much we can do, is there?" he replied, his face returning to its previously grim expression.

The reporter nodded, taking in his words, then the broadcast smoothly transitioned to scenes outside various religious sanctuaries, now visibly overflowing with people.

The camera swept over faces marked by a strange calm and acceptance as she continued her narration.

"Inbetween this unprecedented global crisis, religious sites have become refuges for millions seeking answers or solace. At this rate, experts predict that by the end of this year, half of humanity could be wiped out."

She approached a group of believers gathered outside a large cathedral, her microphone extended towards them. "Many here speak of this as the price for our sins, an unavoidable punishment. What are your thoughts?"

One after another, the faithful shared their convictions, all echoing a similar sentiment: it was a reckoning, an inevitable outcome for humanity\'s misdemeanors, and they must face it.

"We cannot escape our fate," one woman said, her voice resolute, "It\'s divine will."

The reporter\'s face returned to the screen, her expression thoughtful as she concluded, "Despite the staggering death toll, there is a pervasive calm, almost as if the enormity of the crisis has fortified the belief in a divine plan. Across the world, as we face this calamity, many find comfort in faith, viewing these events not as random but as part of a larger, cosmic judgment."

The camera lingered for a moment on the serene faces of the crowd, an unusual contrast to the earlier scenes of medical panic, before fading out, leaving viewers with much to ponder about the nature of human belief in times of crisis.

The reporter signed off with a call for vigilance. "Stay tuned, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe. This is a developing story, and we will continue to bring you the latest updates as they happen. Back to you."

The screen switched back to the news studio, leaving Li Zhiming and Amaya in a reflective silence, the severity of the global crisis pressing upon them.