After the comically unusual events that had taken place a few hours ago, Karl decided that the party at Jake's was a must.
He tried calling Binnet a few times, but it had been showing busy for the past few hours. Karl sighed and looked out the window. Tonight felt unusually cold for summer. Thick layers of fog surrounded everything, adding a strange, almost mystical atmosphere.
Today was really weird.
The more Karl thought about it, the more uneasy he felt—like his sixth sense was prickling, warning him that something big was about to happen.
Now, most people would say that everyone feels uneasy from time to time, and that it doesn't always mean anything. But ever since Karl was a kid, he had been in enough situations to trust his instincts when something felt off.
And today felt different.
Something special. Something wrong—yet he couldn't put his finger on it.
Karl shook his head and decided to ignore the feeling. Overthinking wouldn't help. It was better to just head out for Jake's party.
He started getting ready, and about fifteen minutes later, he looked no less than a model. Karl might be many things, but one thing was undeniable—he was handsome.
Just like his father had been.
He didn't have many clear memories of him, but he'd heard it enough times throughout his life—from relatives, friends, even strangers. Karl usually tried to deny it, especially the idea of becoming like that man.
But deep down, he knew how badly he wanted to know the truth.
After getting ready, Karl left a voice note on the house's neural link so Binnet would know where he was going.
"Hey, Binnet. I'm sorry, but seriously, I don't think I'm gonna get kidnapped or anything if I go out… so bye. I'll be back soon."
After leaving the message, Karl locked the door and drove off toward Jake's place.
***
(Aether Research Facility)
Dr. Oden sat miserably on a chair, one hand pressed against his forehead. Sweat trickled down his bald head, making it shine under the harsh lights.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Jim rushed in, one hand holding a half-eaten burger—cheese dripping from it—and the other clutching a neural link message.
"Sir," Jim spoke, his voice half-muffled with food in his mouth.
Dr. Oden made a face that clearly said gross.
"The military sent a message. Situation's Code Red. They're demanding a proper and clear explanation of what's going on."
Dr. Oden had been expecting this for hours. There was no running from it now.
"Jim," he said heavily, "tell them a meeting needs to be arranged with the general in command. This isn't about consideration anymore. It's a must."
Jim nodded and hurried out—still eating his burger.
Dr. Oden rolled his eyes and slumped back into his chair, returning to his signature we-are-doomed position.
***
(Jake's House)
At the edge of the woods stood a large, old mansion. Inside it, a bunch of young people partied like it was their last night alive.
In one corner of the room, Karl sat on a couch with a glass of branded whisky in his hand. Girls had been asking him out every few minutes, but he ignored them all.
His eyes were fixed on one person.
Lily.
Karl had been in love with her for almost two years. No matter how hard he tried, Lily always rejected him and find a way to say no.
She had jet-black hair flowing down to her shoulders, eyes the color of stormy gray clouds, and smooth, tanned skin that glowed under the lights. Freckles were scattered lightly across her nose.
Karl had always gotten what he wanted—anything he wanted.
But Lily was different.
Something about her made his chest feel tight, like she mattered more than anything else.
Even if someone asks her out in school, Karl would beat and threaten them to stay away from her no matter knowing even if it's wrong.
Karl was pulled out of his thoughts when Jake plopped down beside him on the couch.
Jake was the kind of chill guy you always see in movies. His brown doe eyes looked like he was about to crack one of his lame—but somehow funny—jokes. His usually loose, long blonde hair was tied into a ponytail tonight. A small scar rested near his lower lip.
(Yeah, his ex bit it off. Long story. Never mind.)
Jake bumped Karl's shoulder with his fist.
"Yo, dude. You gonna sit there gawking at her all night, or are you finally gonna ask her for a dance?"
Karl rolled his eyes. "You know she isn't like that. She's different. She doesn't like guys like me."
Jake snorted. "Pfft. What do you mean guys like you? Dude, you're freaking handsome. I'd go gay for you, man. And with all that money—damn."
Karl sighed.
Inwardly, he wanted to try again. Sure, he'd been rejected last time, but… he wasn't asking her out. Just one small dance.
Maybe she'd see he wasn't that bad.
"Fine," Karl said. "I'll do it. I'll ask her."
Jake whistled. "That's my boy."
Karl took a deep breath and started walking toward Lily.
And then—
All hell broke loose.
The ground began to shake violently. The walls trembled. People screamed and ran in every direction.
Karl lost his balance, ducked under a table, and started praying to gods he never believed existed.
Outside, the sky over the mansion—over the entire city—glowed a deep, horrifying red.
As if God Himself was bleeding.