Deep within a top-secret command center, concealed beneath a network of modern office buildings in the heart of a city that never slept, a group of the world's most influential figures stared intently at a large three-dimensional holographic display. The eerie blue glow bathed each face, clearly etched with lines of intense stress. They were the "Executive Council for Special Situations," a clandestine group that steered the world's destiny from behind the curtain.
On the display, a mass of pure black energy appeared, resembling dark smoke coalescing into an indistinct form. It was the contact representative from the "Realm of Endless Night," channeled through a special conduit created with forbidden technology and dark arts.
"The Nine-Star Lightning… All leaders present here are undoubtedly aware of the phenomenon's significance," the transmitted voice was chilling, devoid of emotion, yet imbued with an unseen, oppressive power that vibrated through the listeners' auditory nerves.
Mr. Davidson, the Council Chairman, whose face remained the most impassive in the group, spoke first, his voice flat but laced with concern. "We have received reports of this phenomenon, Your Excellency, and are currently assessing the potential impact."
"Impact?" The voice from the energy mass held a hint of derision. "It is not merely an 'impact'; it is a 'turning point.' The prophesied child has been born. A child who will shake all existence, including… the balance of power you strive to maintain, and the agreement between us."
Madame Sophia, a representative from the European sector, frowned slightly. "But identifying a single child among all the newborns worldwide… is practically impossible, wouldn't you say?"
"Such shortsightedness is unbecoming of the intellect of human world leaders," the voice replied icily. "The power of the Nine-Star Lightning does not discriminate. It has showered 'potential' across the globe. Every infant born during the week of the lightning calamity… possesses the potential to be that child."
A sudden silence gripped the command room. The members exchanged glances; the enigma in the trans-dimensional representative's words was terrifyingly clear.
"Are you suggesting… that we must…" Dr. Amil, a representative from the Middle Eastern bloc, began, his voice unsteady.
"Correct," the voice affirmed emphatically. "All leaders must take decisive action. Eliminate every infant born in the past seven days, everywhere on this planet. No exceptions. This is the only way to ensure that this 'potential' does not become a threat to all parties in the future, and it will reaffirm the cooperation you owe to our covenant."
"That's… that's unacceptable!" Mr. Davidson blurted out, losing his composure for the first time. "Such an act would trigger global chaos! The populace would revolt! How would we control such a situation?!"
The black energy mass on the screen remained still for a moment before replying in a voice even colder than before. "And what is your alternative? Allow history to repeat itself? Let those with special powers return to reclaim their authority? What would be left for you then? The power you currently wield… how did you acquire it, if not through 'decisive' decisions in the past?"
Those words were not a direct threat, but they pricked at old wounds and deep-seated paranoia within everyone in the room. They knew well the dangers of cultivators and those with supernatural abilities. The memory of the "Energy Revolution incident" decades ago was still vivid. The immense loss and upheaval from that event had driven them to do anything to prevent its recurrence, even if it meant collaborating with dark powers.
"How would we explain this to the public?" Madame Sophia finally asked, acknowledging the grim reality.
"That is for you to manage," the voice responded dismissively. "Declare it the largest bioterrorist attack in history, or an emergency situation due to undisclosed external factors. Your world is already filled with guided information, is it not? I am concerned only with the final outcome… the complete eradication of that threat."
A complex flicker of fear, ambition, and internal conflict passed through the leaders' eyes before Mr. Davidson nodded slowly. "Agreed… The Council will proceed as per your proposal. For the 'stability' of the world."
"A wise decision." The energy mass seemed to nod in acknowledgment. "Some of our forces will 'facilitate' and 'provide support' covertly, to ensure the operation proceeds as smoothly as possible, and to deal with any unforeseen 'obstacles'… should they arise."
The interdimensional connection terminated, leaving behind a oppressive silence within the secret command room. The leaders took a short time to finalize their operational plan before top-secret orders were disseminated worldwide through the most secure communication networks.
"All special operations units worldwide, prepare for maximum alert. Target: Every hospital, maternity wards, and newborn units. Execute 'situation control' on all infants born within the last seven-day window, under Omega-level emergency protocol. I repeat, all of them. The operation must be completed, and results reported within twenty-four hours!" Mr. Davidson issued the command with a sharp, unwavering voice, all hesitation gone. "All allied nations must declare a special state of emergency simultaneously at zero six hundred hours. Publicly, attribute it to a new type of bioterrorism threat. Maintain absolute control over all media narratives. No information must leak out, under any circumstances!"
The silent alarm had been sent. Elite military forces, special ops units in black tactical gear equipped with purpose-designed weaponry, began to mobilize from secret bases across every continent. Unmarked convoys headed towards their target hospitals. Tactical transport aircraft ascended into the nocturnal sky.