C2 Disaster(2)

The energy wave known as the Anti-material Shock Wave was unleashed from the core of the meteorite, obliterating all life within a radius of 0.22 astronomical units, nearly reaching the sphere. Humanity's space fleet was virtually annihilated, with the remaining fleets amounting to less than a tenth of the joint forces, rendering them incapable of mounting a second defense.

The last bastion of resistance was the unmanned orbital defense platforms above the sphere, which relentlessly fired high-energy laser beams at the meteorite, though it seemed as though they were merely polishing its surface.

"Ah... So... Do we have any other plans to deal with this, or do we just wait for death?" The highest commander asked, his demeanor collapsing as he sank into the couch, mirroring the despair engulfing humanity.

"There's one more option... flee... or hide," suggested the previously silent Senator from the Western Empire, raising his hand.

The highest commander paused, a spark of light igniting in his eyes. "Flee? How? Do we just roam the sphere?" The North Federation Senator countered, "I'm not saying it's impossible! But... it would require decades of preparation, and we only have two weeks left!"

"Perhaps... Super Spatial Transportation?" pondered the South Alliance representative. "Our technology in that field is quite advanced. It's worth a try."

The Space General raised an objection, "Director, you know that's not feasible. Teleporting a few space battleships is challenging enough, let alone an entire world. You're not seriously considering a fantasy, are you?"

"Freeze time and continue building? I recall at the dawn of the Union Era, the 'Paradox Engine' air fortress constructed by the South Federation could initiate a time freeze. Surely it's still possible..."

"The Paradox Engine technology has been lost for over 50 years. Where do you propose we find it?"

The meeting descended into chaos, yet the highest commander and the Western Empire Senator remained silent. The senator watched the commander, deep in thought, as if awaiting an epiphany.

At last, the commander had a breakthrough. Fear flashed in his eyes, but it was swiftly replaced by a glimmer of hope.

"I think... I've grasped Bida's point," the Supreme Commander announced, silencing the room instantly.

"It's either all of us perish together, or... we allow a minority to live."

"Commander... have you lost your mind? Only a few to live? Which ones? This is an impossible dilemma involving human rights!" The South Alliance representatives were in an uproar, "It's an impossible problem! We will only accept two outcomes: everyone dies, or everyone lives!"

The North Federation senators thought briefly before responding, "The issue of who stays and who goes is quite straightforward. We have seven underground worlds capable of housing at least six billion people, and in space, five space cities that can hold a minimum of five hundred million. With some modifications, these cities could be converted into ships traveling at one percent of the speed of light... This way, we could save at least one billion lives."

"But there are ten billion of us worldwide! Only one-tenth can be saved! The question is, which tenth should it be?"

"We have a traditional way of settling this... a lottery," suggested the North Federation senators.

"A lottery? No, no, no, that's absurd!" The Eastern Holy Land representatives vehemently disagreed, "We should ensure the survival of societal elites. They are the key to the best possible continuation of human civilization!"

"Maybe... there's another solution," interjected the Western Empire representative, Bida, bringing the assembly to a hushed standstill once again.

"We could employ the Spiritual Nexus to sift through and identify those absolutely devoted to the survival of human civilization. From these, we select the most capable individuals to ensure the continuation of our species."

The central headquarters' representative slammed their cup to the floor, exclaiming, "The Spiritual Nexus, always the Spiritual Nexus! We've already suffered from this Pandora's Box once! There will not be a second time!"

"No, you will comply with this proposal, whether you like it or not!"

As Bida's words hung in the air, dozens of bald, robed Spiritual Specialists burst through the doors. In unison with the Western Empire's delegates already present, they took control of the minds of all foreign representatives and the Supreme Commander. The victims trembled, their eyes dimmed, becoming mere puppets of the Western Empire.

"Be one with Yuri..."

"Alright..." Bidausky clapped his hands, "Once again, the world falls into our grasp. Comrades, let us harness our will to ensure the continuity of human civilization!"

A week later, the Underground City and the space fortress of Antathira were filled with the billion individuals selected by the Western Empire. They had also lifted the hibernation policy, allowing the wealthy and powerful to enter stasis. This move saved nearly 20 million lives, but in comparison to the staggering 10 billion human population, it was merely a drop in the ocean.

Ultimately, the Western Empire released its psychic hold over the world two days before the meteorite's impact. Nearly all of the Western Empire's elite took refuge in the space fortress, leaving the planet behind.

The nine billion people remaining on the earth's surface plunged into utter despair.

Two days later, the meteorite struck. Fortunately, the human fleet had preemptively destroyed the meteorite's void shield and some of its neutron star armor, preventing the planet from being shattered like tofu. However, the partial antimatter within the meteorite came into contact with matter, leading to an annihilation event.

In that moment, it was as if a new sun had been born on the planet. In an instant, it obliterated nearly all life on the earth's surface, casting the world into silence.

Thus, the nuclear era came to an end, and the Meteorite Era began.

After nearly five years of catastrophic conditions, a 60-year-long ice age ensued.

Yet, one should never underestimate the resilience of life. Despite the harsh environment, life on the surface persisted. These beings fought for survival in the crevices, evolving amidst despair. In just a few years, insects had supplanted Surface Beings at the top of the food chain.

Their numbers grew geometrically. These monstrous creatures were massive and powerful, leaving the earth's surface survivors nearly powerless against them. Of the nine billion, perhaps less than one hundred million endured, each one a master of survival.

And so, our story... begins.