The Last Ones

Crystalline Plague

The revelation of the deadly virus hidden within the boulder from the depths of Lake Baikal sent shockwaves through the scientific community. The contagion's true nature was soon unveiled. Dubbed the "Crystalline Plague," it had the power to crystallize the throat, choking its victims to death.

Medical experts and researchers scrambled to contain the outbreak, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Cornelius, isolated within a sterile containment chamber, watched helplessly as his condition deteriorated. His throat was the first to show signs of the plague's crystalline progression, the pain excruciating as he struggled for breath. In a matter of hours, he became the first casualty, the life snuffed out of him by the merciless grip of the plague.

News of Cornelius's demise spread rapidly, sending shockwaves through the close-knit community of scientists, researchers, and their families. Panic and confusion gripped the hospital where Cornelius had been isolated. Doctors and nurses scrambled to contain the outbreak, quarantining the infected patients and imposing strict sanitation measures. 

The hospital was sealed off, and emergency response teams were dispatched to assess the situation.

As the world outside watched in horror, it became apparent that Cornelius, in his reckless pursuit of scientific discovery, had unleashed a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions. The plague, which had initially seemed contained within the hospital, was already spreading through contact with medical staff, visitors, and even the air.

Every cough, every touch, every breath that carried the virus put another life at risk. In a matter of days, the quarantine efforts proved futile as the Crystalline Plague began to appear outside the hospital walls. The city surrounding Lake Baikal, once a bustling center of life and commerce, descended into chaos and fear. People donned face masks and gloves, but it was clear that they were fighting an invisible enemy that could not be held at bay.

The plague's victims began to surface throughout the city, their throats gradually turning into crystalline formations. Desperate cries for help were silenced as the virus choked them, leaving behind eerie, frozen sculptures of those who had once been vibrant individuals.Despite the efforts of the medical community, there seemed to be no way to halt the virus's progression. The hospitals quickly overflowed with the infected, and makeshift quarantine zones sprang up throughout the city.

 Fear and paranoia ran rampant, and authorities struggled to maintain any semblance of order.

The government imposed strict curfews and martial law, attempting to control the city's descent into anarchy. Food shortages and lack of medical supplies added to the crisis, leading to looting and violent confrontations among those struggling to survive.Outside the city, the international community watched with growing concern. Borders were sealed, flights were canceled, and aid to the afflicted region was limited due to the risk of contagion. The Lake Baikal region had become a grim symbol of the chaos and devastation that a deadly virus could unleash.

Simon, who had managed to escape infection, was now tasked with documenting the unfolding catastrophe. His mission had shifted from exploration to bearing witness to the apocalyptic scene. With a heavy heart, he documented the stories of the victims, the crumbling city, and the heroic efforts of medical personnel who continued to fight an unwinnable battle.

As the days turned into weeks, Simon found solace in his work, hoping that the truth of the Crystalline Plague would eventually lead to a solution. The world was forced to confront the harsh reality of a virus that defied all containment efforts and had the potential to rewrite the course of human history.

The Lake Baikal region, once known for its pristine beauty and scientific marvels, had become ground zero for an apocalyptic scenario. The battle against the Crystalline Plague had just begun, and the world watched with bated breath, praying for a solution that could halt the devastation and bring an end to the horrors of the Crystalline Plague.