Black Revenge

March 19, 2035. The entire world was in grave trouble: the largest conflict in human history was about to erupt. Relations between the United States and Russia had deteriorated beyond repair. Both governments had lost all hope of a diplomatic solution. Dialogue was dead, and the world prepared to witness the fiercest war in history—one that would likely involve nuclear weapons; weapons capable of annihilating not only the two nations in conflict but a large part of life on Earth.

The entire planet feared a terrifying war that could cause countless deaths. Nations were living in terror: some chose sides, trying to align with the eventual victor, while others opted to remain neutral. Everywhere, international organizations and civil movements took to the streets, demanding peace. Yet fear had already seized the world: every country trembled at what was about to happen.

The European Union, one of the largest political organizations on the planet, had not yet decided which side to support, as it had tried to prevent the conflict through peaceful means. However, the Russian Federation and the United States, with their enormous military power, ignored Europe's calls for peace.

But one person decided to take the initiative that could change the fate of the world: Germany's Chancellor, Betina Müller. After waiting a long time for a response from the two countries involved in the conflict, and receiving no reply to her multiple attempts at communication, she decided to act on her own. She called a meeting in Brussels with all European Union member states to discuss the Russia-U.S. conflict and possible strategies to prevent the confrontation from becoming a reality.

Two weeks later, all EU member states decided to attend. Leaders from each nation took various flights to Brussels to be present. Upon arrival, they went directly to the Berlaymont building's meeting room, where Chancellor Müller awaited them with a serious expression. The meeting began with polite greetings, but soon all tension focused on the matter that truly mattered: how to stop the conflict between Russia and the United States.

After the formal greetings, the Chancellor presented to her colleagues everything they already knew: the details of the conflict between the two giants and the possible actions they should take. However, some leaders showed signs of annoyance toward Müller.

Benjamin Chevalier, the French leader, spoke up, claiming that the meeting was a waste of time and that Europe should no longer attempt to stop the conflict between the two powers. His opinion was that if both countries ignored ceasefire calls, they should be left to face each other like "King Kong versus Godzilla."

After the French leader's intervention, another leader supported Chevalier: Vicente Sánchez, President of the Kingdom of Spain, sent to the meeting by the Queen.

— "Benjamin is completely right! We've tried everything, and nothing worked. We should let these two monsters do whatever they want and just stay out of it."

The Chancellor demanded that both remain silent and reminded them not to speak negatively or express such pessimistic opinions at a meeting that could decide humanity's fate.

— "You have no right to tell us how to express ourselves," Benjamin replied firmly. "Yes, you called the meeting, but that doesn't make you any different from the rest of us in this room."

Realizing her mistake in trying to impose her viewpoint, Betina apologized to the presidents of France and Spain. She then regained control of the meeting and, with a steady gaze, asked if any leader had an idea to solve the problem threatening humanity.

The French leader spoke again, this time clearly irritated. He unbuttoned his jacket and announced that he was fed up with the Chancellor's persistence in trying to resolve the Russia-U.S. conflict. He criticized her lack of support for the majority's position and argued that the most sensible solution would be to let both powers annihilate each other with their full arsenal. Several attendees seemed to agree with the French leader.

The President of Spain intervened again, stating that Europe's wisest course was to avoid involvement in a conflict that did not concern them. He also said that all possible efforts to prevent a potential third world war had already been made.

The German Chancellor, irritated by the words of the French and Spanish leaders, warned them that the use of nuclear weapons by Russia and the United States would have consequences affecting not only the countries involved. She explained that the radiation released would be so intense that it could wipe out flora and fauna on the planet, and potentially eliminate a large part of humanity.

In an attempt to make them reflect, she asked them to imagine the world after the detonation of all those nuclear weapons: radiation levels capable of erasing ninety percent of living beings from the face of the Earth.

— "A complete repopulation of Earth's inhabitants would take at least five hundred years," Betina concluded gravely.

The French leader, visibly bored, yawned and stretched during the Chancellor's speech. Tired of hearing the same lecture repeatedly, he leaned forward and said:

— "Then, in Europe, we should focus on finding solutions to stop the nuclear radiation, rather than trying to stop conflicts that don't concern us."

— "Better safe than sorry, Benjamin," Betina replied. "If we focus on stopping the conflict, there would be no need to prepare or create materials to protect against possible radiation."

— "And we don't even know if the materials prepared to stop the radiation would work! It would be the first time they are tested.”

The Italian leader, Andrea Draghi, asked the Chancellor:

— "So, what is your proposal?"

The Chancellor explained that in Berlin she had met a young computer scientist born in the United States but holding Canadian nationality, working on a revolutionary project: an artificial intelligence capable of disabling any nuclear weapon on the planet.

At that moment, disbelief filled the room. All the leaders looked at each other, thinking that if such a program truly existed, or if someone were developing it, it would already be known—not just among the circles of power, but worldwide.

However, the Chancellor remained firm, insisting:

— "Come on, guys! I don't see anyone here with a better option, hahaha. This is the only solution, and I am sure the program will work. Trust me, the young man is a genius."

The assembled leaders, irritated by the German Chancellor's tone, realized they had no other alternative: the only way forward was to accept. Their thoughts focused on a single idea: yielding.

— "We cannot leave the lives of European citizens in the hands of an inexperienced youngster," Benjamin said. "Please, gentlemen! Are we really going to entrust Europe's future to a kid with no notable reputation as a computer scientist?"

He then stood up and raised his voice:

— "If there is a single leader here, besides our German colleague, who knows the young man, speak up now!"

After Benjamin's remark, a tense silence fell over the room for nearly twelve seconds. No one knew the young man, except Betina. She stood up to rescue her proposal and said:

— "Nobody knew Elon Musk, and yet he created one of today's most important companies!"

Suddenly, she rose to her feet. Her voice resonated with authority as she prepared to deliver decisive words.

— "European leaders, believe me: I also have a lot to lose if this young man's program fails. But tell me, does anyone here have a better solution? What I am offering is the only alternative we have to save this planet. I would rather fail trying something than fail knowing I did nothing to try to succeed. Please, gentlemen... the decision about humanity's fate is in your hands. Do what you think is best, not just for your countries, but for the entire world."

After Betina's words, the leaders were thoughtful. Their selfishness and cowardice faded, replaced by the willingness to act instead of watching the world crumble.

Outside the meeting room, the young computer scientist sat in the hallway, waiting for the leaders to finish after four long hours. Three days earlier, he had flown to Brussels at the Chancellor's request. Growing impatient, he began pacing in circles, wanting to know what was happening inside. He approached the door and pressed his ear, trying to listen to the meeting.

Meanwhile, one of the leaders' secretaries tried to leave the room. As he opened the door, the young man, leaning against it, was accidentally pushed inside, falling and causing a commotion that made all the leaders stand immediately, turning to see what had happened.

The Chancellor, surprised, had not expected to introduce the boy at that moment. With no other option, she ordered him to stand and present himself.

The young man obeyed, rising quickly with little balance. His body seemed unstable, and his pupils were wide as he stared strangely at the leaders. "All these people have a huge aura," he thought.

Noticing his nervousness, the Chancellor repeated her command. Concentrating, he steadied himself, fixed his gaze on Betina, bowed respectfully, greeted the leaders, and finally introduced himself:

— "My name is Devon Smith!"

Benjamin, attempting to exploit the boy's clumsy entrance to discredit him, asked:

— "Are we really going to leave the lives of all European citizens in the hands of such a clumsy kid?"

The Chancellor, aware of Benjamin's intentions, replied firmly:

— "Yes, I will, because I know the young man and I am certain he is the only one capable of saving humanity from catastrophe."

Her response had an even greater impact, making it clear that neither Benjamin nor any other leader could challenge her decision. Confidence began to spread among the other leaders; smiles appeared on their faces, and they were convinced.

— "If you wish, gentlemen, I can explain how the artificial intelligence program I created will work," Devon said.

— "Great idea, young man!" Betina replied.

— "Yes! That will help a lot, since I want to know how it will work for the citizens of Italy."

— "Don't worry, Mr. Andrea! I'll explain it now."

In less than fifteen minutes, Devon explained everything to the Europeans. Some members still had questions, which he patiently answered.

The meeting approached its decisive moment: the vote for or against the nuclear disarmament program. The UK representative asked the final question:

— "Who supports the German Chancellor's plan? Please raise your hand!"

The majority voted in favor. Only two leaders opposed: Benjamin and Vicente Sánchez. After the vote, the remaining leaders congratulated Betina, supporting her and wishing her luck with the project in Berlin, recognizing that it was her idea.

Before adjourning, Benjamin stood up and left the room angrily, slamming the door. Everyone was surprised by his reaction.

— "What's wrong with your friend?" Betina asked Vicente Sánchez.

— "Leave me alone, Betina," Sánchez replied, somewhat annoyed.

With that unpleasant moment over, the session ended, and the meeting that would save humanity from extinction came to a close.