The Lonely God

It was a one in a billion chance. With each anomaly found, the probability is exponentiated. The possibility that the radiation from the explosion would alter the genetic code of a human being to such a level of precision, with just the right permutation to create... meta humans is beyond unfathomable. Yet in this eve, we may just caused an evolutionary leap for mankind, gentlemen.

- Doctor Youssef Rawling, Ph.D in Nuclear Physics

Prologue

It is the year 2032. With the evolution of artificial intelligence, the world had shifted into an age of data. Everyday tasks were automated by computer processes. Computer science was paired hand in hand with society. Improving mankind.

And with the rise of artificial intelligence, the use of automation and machine learning had enabled multiple frontiers in science and engineering to be unlocked. Cutting edge technology had become more and more prevalent. And soon, governments from all around the globe raced to represent the country to discover the next ground breaking medicine, technology, physical phenomena...

and weapon.

"General Routh." Lieutenant Baker solemnly took off his hat.

"Our Orion Squadron has... been eliminated."

Routh slowly placed the papers he was holding in his hand on the glass surface of the desk. The congress was silent, as the sounds of gunshots peppering the air could be heard from the communication device, echoing in the enclosed bunker.

"Lieutenant Baker, state cause of elimination."

Baker closed his eyes.

"It was them. The high powered mortars of the Vaticus. The Orion stood no chance, sir."

SLAM.

"How many more lives will it take, General?" An officer took to his feet, indignation finally breaking through his objective mask.

"Young men and women are on the front, fighting for their lives. Fighting those... those Torvi bastards. Ameradans. Canareians. Our brothers and sisters across the border. At this point, we are deploying our next generation to their deaths. While we, the Ameradan Military Leaders, cower behind steel walls!"

"You will speak to your superior with respect, Lieutenant Voorhes." A woman cut Voorhes off, her cold glare causing great discomfort to ripple across the congress.

"No, General Livia. He is right." Routh muttered.

Livia was silent, slowly taking her seat.

Routh knew what Ameradan, the nation he had been called to serve, was doing. He knew his soldiers were being torn apart. But there was nothing they could do.

There was nothing the United Nations could do against Torvus now.

While Ameradan and Canaria had taken full advantage of the advancement of artificial intelligence to greatly expand their technological empire, it had not been enough.

Breakthroughs of research in medicine, science, energy, transportation, greenhouse gas reductions... For a time, it had led to a flourishing economy in both nations.

While it had indirectly benefitted their military might, there was a limit to ethical engineering.

And in the end, ethical engineering would always be eclipsed by unethical engineering.

The philosophy of using AI and machine learning to fully benefit the military might of a nation.

This was the philosophy adopted by the nation of Torvus.

And when Torvus had chosen to finally invade their neighbouring nation, Kronia, a member of the United Nations, they had decided to declare war against the world.