1 Prologue: Record of Events

Author's Note: Reader, if you're uninterested in edgy environmental stuff, you can skip to the third scene of the chapter.

------

Nineteenth century, during the heat of the Second World War.

An ice shelf has collapsed in the glacial white continent of Antarctica. Massive debris of ice drifted and was washed away by the petroleum-leaked currents and blowing radioactive winds toward the bodies of oceans around the world. Within a brief time frame, the icebergs started to melt due to the abnormal climate and weather that the planet is experiencing from the aftermath impact of the strifeful event of the war.

Sea levels have constantly increased as the ability of Earth's ozone layer to reflect the heat from the Sun and its surface has dramatically declined over time.

Global warming was imminent.

We can't help but wonder what's happening to the world. Our planet's environmental condition was once neutral. That was before we discovered the use of fire.

The bottomless contentment of humans racing to develop their nations' economies to superiority is the probable cause, as if a competition; taking from the world mindlessly — worse, taking from other people, taking from one another.

Committing systematic acts of genocide against minority populations mercilessly, usurping their land and resources, all the while discriminating against their existence.

Colonialism. Capitalism.

For what, you asked?

—For money; luxurious egoistic lifestyle, authority, and power.

***

An interview from a television news broadcasting:

"Celebrating our esteemed guest in the special weather interview segment, we are honored to introduce a distinguished meteorologist and respected representative from PAGASA. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Mister Reg Amihan!" the interviewer introduced their guest as she began the opening of the television program.

"Thank you for having me here today, Miss Anuncio." Mr. Amihan said in a kind tone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as we delve into the matter of the unprecedented heatwave currently gripping the Philippines, we turn to our esteemed meteorologist, Mr. Amihan, for expert insights. With temperatures soaring to a staggering fifty-point-four degrees Celsius, a historical record for our nation, we eagerly anticipate Mr. Amihan's elucidation on the factors driving this scorching weather phenomenon." Miss Perla Anuncio, the interviewer, said engaging the interviewee and audience in the main discussion. "Fifty-point-four degrees Celsius — oh my, can you believe that?!" she enthusiastically exclaimed, endeavoring to entertain.

"First of all, the hot weather we are experiencing right now is mainly caused by the natural phenomenon known as El Niño. The high temperature of the water in the Pacific Ocean affects the wind exchange, bringing in superheated air to our country — leading to the hot weather we have today." Mr. Amihan explained in layman's terms for the audience to easily understand, following an involuntary smile towards the interviewer and cameras of the media team on the set.

...

"These changes in the sea surface temperature and the pattern of atmospheric circulation can cause millions-worth of damage to the agriculture sector due to drought — including the fishing industry as it can also disrupt marine ecosystems and affect fish populations because of the warm water. It might be a natural occurrence, but human-induced pollution can intensify El Niño. That's why the effect of it varies and evidently heightens year after year." he further explained. "It's global warming at best."

"In light of the prevailing weather conditions and their potential impact on public health, what recommendations would you offer to individuals to safeguard their well-being during this period of heightened temperatures?" Miss Anuncio asked the next question concerning the health of the public.

"You know, Miss Anuncio, hot weather like this can easily cause heat stroke, it's no joke, especially to people of senior age. That's why I recommend everyone drink eight glasses of water a day. Open your windows and turn on the fan or air conditioner — if you're lucky to have one. Go and take a cool bath, stay fresh, wear loose clothes, and always bring an umbrella when you go outside."

Miss Anuncio nodded at him, agreeing to his suggestions as she proceeded to ask the next question.

"In addition to the effects of El Niño, are there other environmental calamities or natural hazards that our citizens should remain vigilant about and prepare for?" she asked another question relevant to the issue. "Mr. Amihan, considering the current meteorological trends, could you provide insight into when we might anticipate a return to cooler weather conditions?"

"After El Niño, we should be on the lookout for the upcoming La Niña as it can bring stronger typhoons to the Philippine Area of Responsibility. This can cause floods in low areas especially the dry lands that were affected by El Niño during its period, so I ask our local government — the barangays to prepare for these disasters. La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño in the Philippines, it brings cold air — cold air means cooler weather conditions. So it's only a matter of time before we can have cold weather again."

...

People denied these premonitions, the existence of the fact that the world we are living in is dying, and us dying with it.

Numerous individuals have tragically perished, while many others endure the ravages of famine and poverty, attributed to the exacerbation of natural disasters by human-induced factors. These include, among others, warfare, nuclear weapon testing, fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, extensive mining activities, inadequate waste management practices, rapid urbanization, and unsustainable industrial and agricultural methods.

We only act when things are no longer efficient enough to sustain us. When it's inconvenient and everything is depleted, we move and abandon. Make use of and discard afterward. Humans have lived incompetent enough, even incompetent to their kind. Making life in this world a hollow hole of despair for the weak and fragile ones caused by the circulation of incompetence.

Cruel, unequal hypocrites, and hereafter worse as generations pass by. Let us receive the rage of Mother Nature as a punishment for humankind.

<News Update: An iceberg has reportedly completed its melting process in the Pacific Ocean.>

***

Day 1 (Birth)

An unusual news headline:

[A thirty-seven-year-old male fisherman has reportedly been assaulted by his co-angler while at sea.] reported the news anchor, presenting graphic footage of the victim. The said victim who is covered in bite marks can be heard screeching and having a tantrum on a hospital bed. The doctor and nurses are at the scene, holding and calming down the patient.

Another footage is shown, a film of our suspect behind bars. The suspected man appears to be lucid and agitated; repeatedly ramming and shaking the jail bars reaching for the policeman and the camera. Similarly, both subjects' eyes are bloodshot and drooling like rabid animals.

[He's been like this ever since we detained him, refusing to answer our questions.] stated the policeman. [ ... I think something's wrong with him — I think he's sick?] he scratched his bald head in visible confusion.

Day 2 (Seaside)

In recent developments, there has been a notable increase in reports of mysteriously ill fishermen, coinciding with a rise in documented cases of domestic violence and assault in rural provinces adjacent to coastal areas.

Day 3 — Current (Emergence)

In a significant development, the emergence of an unknown disease has been observed in Metro Manila and other major urban centers across nations worldwide. Concurrently, there has been a notable escalation in the incidence of individuals presenting with similar symptoms of illness.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been duly alerted regarding the rapid spread of the sickness.