Chapter 1: The Decline of Humanity

In the year 2030, the world was in crisis. A global report revealed that the birth rate had dropped to a staggering 30%, marking an unprecedented decline in human reproduction. This rapid fall was not due to biological factors but was attributed to what many called "human ignorance" and "self-delusion," leading humanity closer to extinction with each passing year.

A key factor in this crisis was the rise of non-binary identities and the increasing number of new gender categories. As society grew more progressive in embracing diverse gender expressions, traditional roles began to erode. Many women opted not to bear children, prioritizing career and personal freedom over motherhood, while men, increasingly disengaged from their responsibilities, were reluctant to take on the role of fathers. What began as movements for equality and personal liberty gradually evolved into societal trends that devalued the importance of family structures.

Politicians, sensing the winds of change, supported these shifts for ideological reasons or in the pursuit of power. Many adapted to the rising social movements, viewing them as opportunities to secure votes. They championed progressive ideologies, often overlooking the long-term consequences of their decisions. By doing so, they prioritized short-term power over the looming crisis of population decline.

While social transformation unraveled the fabric of many societies, the world faced another grim reality—war. Conflicts continued to rage across various nations, pushing the world ever closer to the brink of World War III. The Middle East remained a hotspot, with a seemingly endless cycle of violence and destruction. Many young men from Asian countries were sent to fight in these wars, lured by the promise of financial stability for their families. However, many never returned, leaving behind only names engraved on memorials and broken promises to their loved ones.

In addition to war, economic hardships ravaged nations. Asian governments, especially, found themselves grappling with a population crisis of their own making. In the past, stringent policies had been put in place to curb population growth, such as the infamous one-child policy. These regulations had seemed necessary at the time, as overpopulation strained resources, but their long-term consequences became catastrophic. By the time these governments realized their mistake, it was too late. Families who could afford to have more children were now a minority. Ironically, the power-hungry policymakers who had enforced these regulations were the very same who scrambled to undo the damage.

The wars compounded the crisis, particularly in Asia. Young men were dying in staggering numbers, sent to the frontlines of battles that had little to do with their own countries. In exchange for money and resources, they sacrificed their lives, leaving behind grieving parents and families who rarely received the wealth they had been promised. Governments did everything they could to suppress the growing unrest, feeding the public lies to prevent news of these losses from spreading. Yet, the evidence of empty homes and funerals could not be hidden forever.

In the Middle East, the situation was even more dire. Entire communities had been decimated, with Muslims bearing the brunt of the violence. Whether as collateral damage or direct targets, their lives had become expendable in the eyes of world powers. Terrorist groups, once small and fragmented, had grown stronger, turning their violence inward on their own people. The region had become a battleground, not only for global powers but for the very soul of its people. As death and destruction became commonplace, humanity seemed to be on a path of self-destruction, feeding on itself like a wounded animal devouring its own flesh.

At this critical moment, in July 2035, a mysterious virus emerged. It seemed insignificant at first, as it had no impact on the adult human body. Governments dismissed the early reports, distracted by the chaos of war and internal strife. However, the virus had a terrifying capability—it bypassed adult immunity but attacked newborns with devastating effect. Unnoticed at first, the virus quietly spread across borders, moving swiftly through war-torn regions and urban centers alike.

By the time countries realized the extent of the virus's damage, it was too late. Newborns were dying at alarming rates. Hospitals were overwhelmed, and governments, already stretched thin by war, could do little to stop the wave of death sweeping across their populations. The global birth rate plummeted further, reaching a horrifying 15%. Humanity was facing its biggest threat yet—a future without children.

In a desperate attempt to reverse the damage, governments worldwide introduced a series of reforms. They offered generous subsidies to families who chose to have children, hoping that financial incentives would encourage reproduction. Tax breaks, housing allowances, and free education were promised to parents. Special programs were introduced to encourage wounded or disabled soldiers to contribute to the population. However, to the shock of the authorities, these efforts failed.

A new cultural shift had taken root. Many men, particularly those who had served in the military, had lost all sense of nationalism. They no longer felt a duty to their countries, having witnessed the government's failure to protect them. Some had returned from the frontlines broken and disillusioned, while others had embraced new identities, with many transitioning to non-binary or transgender roles. These men were unwilling, or unable, to fulfill the traditional role of fatherhood.

Women, too, resisted the government's efforts. The independence they had fought for over decades had come with privileges, and few were willing to give them up. The idea of being tied down by marriage or children, which governments now championed, was seen as an unwanted burden. They had become accustomed to their autonomy, and the notion of returning to a more restrictive life felt like a step backward. Many saw through the government's hypocrisy—after decades of promoting individual freedom, the sudden push for family values felt like a desperate move to avoid societal collapse.

As the birth rate continued to fall, and with the virus wiping out more newborns by the day, humanity found itself standing on the edge of a precipice. Governments that had once sought power above all else now scrambled to save their populations, but it was too late. Humanity was slowly killing itself, like an animal devouring its own body, with no way to stop the bleeding.

By the time the world truly understood the gravity of the situation, it was 2040. The damage had already been done. A new generation was on the verge of extinction, and with it, humanity's future seemed doomed.