CHAPTER 209: Recap

CHAPTER 209: Recap

After the events in the glacier, Enid Corp recovered Adam's remains. From that discovery, the corporation managed to synthesize the Uber Lycan serum, a long-pursued project that would mark a turning point in the power balance of the paranormal world. With the creation of this serum, Enid Corp began a new phase of expansion and recruitment, incorporating key new elements: Fénix Roger and Marcus Blackwood.

The year 2000 was quickly recorded as a period of constant activity and escalating violence.

On March 6, 2000, the so-called Fénix Team, consisting of Fénix, Vannesa, and Lucian, was ambushed in an abandoned orphanage. The attack was carried out by Darem Sentinel, in a confrontation that left deep consequences both operationally and personally for those involved. That event marked the beginning of a chain of events that could no longer be stopped.

In April of the same year, an attack occurred at the White House. Although official information was carefully manipulated, Enid Corp's internal records confirmed that this attack was directly linked to experiments and conflicts arising from the Uber Lycan serum and entities operating from the shadows of political power.

During the month of May, the Vladslavia incident took place. Following the death of its president, the country plunged into a spiral of chaos, violence, and institutional decay. Vladslavia was left in ruin, becoming an unstable and dangerous territory, a black spot on international strategic maps.

On October 31, 2000, one of the most devastating events ever recorded occurred: Hell in Berlin. The incident was of such magnitude that the city became completely uninhabitable. Berlin remained closed and abandoned for five long years, until reconstruction began in 2005. The human and material losses could never be accurately quantified.

In November of that same year, a network of fraud involving President-elect Helena Strauss came to light. Before she could be captured, Strauss died under unclear circumstances. Her main ally, Viktor, CEO of Antigen, was arrested and brought to trial in the United States, publicly exposing part of the corruption network that had operated for years.

However, the year was not yet over.

In December 2000, New York City became the scene of an unprecedented attack. The attack lasted for fifteen consecutive days, leaving the city practically destroyed. Very few managed to get out alive. To the outside world, it was classified as an inexplicable tragedy; for Enid Corp, it was the culmination of a year marked by absolute chaos.

These were all the documented events in which Enid Corp was directly or indirectly involved throughout the year 2000. For many historians and analysts, there is no doubt: the year 2000 was the most tragedy-laden documented year in all of human history.

We are in the year 2012, and for the first time in a long time, the world is experiencing relative calm. The great tragedies that marked the turn of the millennium have been left behind and now persist only as archived reports, classified files, and uncomfortable memories that few wish to disturb. The cities that were once reduced to ruins have been rebuilt, and nations have managed to recover an apparent stability.

On the surface, everything seems under control. Enid Corp continues to operate in silence, observing and anticipating from the shadows, while humanity moves forward with a false sense of normalcy. It is not absolute peace, but a fragile balance, sustained by constant vigilance and the hope that the horrors of the past will not repeat themselves… at least not yet.

At Enid Corp's headquarters in Berlin, the day unfolded with an almost artificial tranquility. The glass and steel building stood impeccable under a gray sky, while inside, everything functioned with millimeter precision. It was a relative peace, the kind born not from the absence of danger, but from keeping it firmly controlled.

The automatic doors of the reception opened, and a middle-aged man entered with a determined step. His name was Joe Kessler, an independent investigator known for never dropping a case until he got to the bottom. His gaze swept the place with distrust before heading straight to the counter.

"I want to speak with the executive director," he said bluntly. "With Enid Drakewood."

The receptionist, a young woman with a professional expression, maintained her composure.

"I'm sorry, sir. Mrs. Drakewood does not receive visitors without an appointment. You can leave your details and—"

"No," Joe interrupted, placing both hands on the counter. "This is not a courtesy visit. This is a legal matter. Tell her Joe Kessler is here."

The receptionist frowned slightly.

"Really, I can't do that. Please lower your voice."

"Lower my voice?" Joe retorted, raising it even more. "After everything this company has done, you expect me to leave without answers?"

Some glances began to turn toward reception. The atmosphere was starting to tense… until a serene voice cut through the murmur.

"There's no need to make such a scene."

Both turned their heads. Enid Drakewood stood a few meters away, dressed in impeccable black, her hands clasped and an expression that was calm, almost kind. She had appeared without announcement, as if she had always been there.

"Mr. Kessler," she continued. "If you wished to speak with me, it would have sufficed to ask properly."

Joe looked at her coldly.

"I've read the Mercer report," he said. "The one from two years ago. And not only that, I have enough evidence to take you to trial. Illegal experiments, cover-ups, disappearances… It all points to Enid Corp, and to you."

Enid tilted her head, feigning confusion.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied in a soft voice. "Enid Corp complies with all international regulations. Perhaps you're confusing names or documents."