Chapter 1: The Silence Before the Storm

The world as we knew it has come to a cataclysmic end. While the cause remains a mystery, its impact is undeniable—no one was spared from the ensuing chaos. The serene quietude of our minds was abruptly disrupted by a cacophony of voices, plunging humanity into madness.

In an inexplicable twist, everyone on the planet suddenly gained the ability to communicate telepathically. Thoughts, emotions, and ideas were no longer private; they were broadcasted to everyone within a few miles.

The origin of this calamity was traced back to the cosmos. Just one hour before the insanity began, scientists detected a massive neutrino flare emanating from a distant source, a mere couple of light years away. The sheer energy of this flare was staggering—Earth was bombarded for two minutes by a neutrino stream more powerful than the combined output of all nuclear power plants on the planet.

Neutrino detectors around the world illuminated as if celebrating a holiday, yet no identifiable source could be found. There were no stars close enough to account for such a phenomenon, suggesting the flare was artificial. Even more perplexing was the fact that the neutrino beam spanned an area roughly the size of Earth itself.

As these neutrinos struck our planet, they passed through it effortlessly, exposing everyone to their effects. While humanity lacks the means to manipulate neutrinos or encode information within them, it was evident that an advanced civilization had the capability to do so.

This was no mere accident; it was a calculated assault. The consequences were devastating—within a month, 98% of the global population succumbed to the madness. Many chose to end their own lives, unable to cope with the relentless barrage of voices. Countless individuals resorted to piercing their eardrums in a futile attempt to silence the internal clamor.

As desperation grew, some turned to violence, believing that reducing the population would lessen the noise. Law enforcement and military forces were equally powerless, falling victim to the same psychic onslaught.

In time, it was discovered that an old anti-psychotic medication could significantly dampen the sensitivity to the telepathic voices. While individuals could still perceive the whispers, it became far more manageable. Luckily, this drug was widely available, allowing around 150 million survivors to carry on.

Three months later, after rigorous training, we found ourselves less reliant on the medication, which had since run out. The pharmaceutical company responsible for it collapsed, along with the distribution networks. Now, our focus has shifted to rebuilding and seeking vengeance against those who brought this upon us.

We anticipate an invasion at any moment, convinced that our assailants will attempt to conquer what remains of humanity. But we are ready. Many of us have honed our telepathic abilities, preparing for a counterattack.

Just a week ago, some began to sense the presence of our oppressors, as we learned to amplify our telepathy to enhance its range. They are getting closer—perhaps even within our solar system. Suddenly, it dawns on us: they have arrived! A mysterious spacecraft has landed in the city square. I must investigate!

Ten minutes later…

An alien emerged from the vessel, and in that instant, every person in the city received a telepathic message that echoed in our minds:

“Greetings, Earthlings! Did you appreciate the gift we bestowed upon you? The Galactic Council deemed it necessary to grant you the power of telepathy after much deliberation.

But… wait, why are there so few of you? What happened? Why do you stare at me like that? I… I don’t like these thoughts! No… please stay away! I have a family back home… I have mouths to feed! I beg…”

Nikolaos Skordilis possesses an underlying optimism, yet he finds joy in penning dystopian narratives that explore potential apocalyptic outcomes. His novel, Time Capsule, presents another perspective on this theme:

Time Capsule Chapter 1: Gathering Part A | Vol 1

He also recommends this thought-provoking short film by Jann Christoph:

Chapter 2: The Alien Encounter

In this video titled "This is How The World Ends," viewers are taken through a haunting exploration of the aftermath of the telepathic catastrophe.

Chapter 3: The Galactic Council’s Decision

The second video, also titled "This is How the World Ends," delves into the implications of the telepathic event and the alien’s shocking revelation.