Anyone who saw the video felt the chills at that point. All of it started cheerful and mellow but then it became dark really quick.
The idea of gaining the same abilities as Valkyries would be a dream come true. Flight, teleportation, super strength, and with the concept being described as close to magic the possibilities were endless. Anyone would jump at the chance to get such extraordinary abilities.
The whole thing sounded too good to be true, and as it turned out, that was indeed the case.
"As you might've already guessed, Odin does not meet the criteria to awaken." After a short pause, Eleven continued the explanation. "If he were to attempt it, he would've been infected by Madness and turned into a Fallen."
"Um... Elly, you're making it sound like a disease..." T-Two asked, nervousness taking over her face.
"That's because it is." Eleven answered. "Our job today is to inform the people so they can avoid catching it and becoming a monster that must be exterminated." Turning to the viewer, the blue haired idol continued. "Before anyone starts to panic, just know that the Resistance has already taken countermeasures to ensure it doesn't happen.
As long as you follow the instructions, you won't have anything to worry about."
"That's good to hear." AK sighed. "I would prefer it if nothing tragic happened now that the war is over."
Not an hour after the video was released, the Resistance website crashed. Thankfully some people noticed that the Auroras had uploaded it on their own website in addition to other individuals who, having expected something of this nature to happen, took it upon themselves to download and reupload the whole thing on different sites allowing others to easily gain access to the info.
News outlets picked it as well. Soon enough, the celebrations that followed the official announcement of the end of the war were halted as everyone was glued to their screens once more.
"Now, dear viewers-" Eleven began. "I will be explaining what causes the Awakening, the criteria that must be met to safely Awaken, and what can be done to avoid being infected with Madness."
The entire world went silent, as if every human being held their breath. Once again the screen behind the idols flashed and a new recording started playing. No one knew what to expect, but as soon as they saw that thing, horror struck the deepest parts of their minds.
The monstrous entity unveiled before them defied the boundaries of sanity. It writhed and pulsated, a colossal orb of quivering flesh like a grotesque embodiment of cosmic malevolence.
Gigantic eyes, each gleaming with a sickly luminescence, adorned the grotesque surface of the nightmarish behemoth, mirroring the unsettling dance of forbidden knowledge that lurked within the very essence of the monstrous entity.
The horror didn't stop at that, unfortunately. Emerging from the bloated mass were countless tentacles, sinuous and undulating, their wretched tips seeking to defile anything they touched.
Faces twisted in a macabre ballet of terror, and horrified onlookers clutched at their hearts as the blasphemous spectacle unfolded before their eyes. The air crackled with a palpable sense of dread with people recoiled in revulsion, their stomachs rebelling against the cosmic horror that defied comprehension.
"With the help of other Cleansers, we will be working to ensure everyone is safe until the Primordial is sealed forever!"
"I see." AK nodded. "So our special ability treats the Primordial's influence the same way as, nuclear radiation?"
"Yes. As long as someone is within the range of our ability, there is zero chance that they would be affected by the Madness!" The screen behind the idols flashed once more and what appears to be a web page appeared. "The Resistance has already set up quarantine sites in each of the human settlements.
For your safety, we ask that you head there when the time comes, especially if you don't meet the criteria to Awaken. Since it is a matter that concerns the future of our world as a whole, failure to comply will result in severe punishments!"
"I doubt anyone would choose to turn into a monster out of their own free will." T-Two commented.
"You would be surprised what some people might do." AK sighed then pushed her away before turning to the blue haired one once more. "So, what's the criteria to Awaken our powers? I'm sure everyone has been on the edge of their seats waiting to hear it."
"Oh, it's very simple, really." Eleven raised the index finger of her right hand. "The most important factor is maturity. Those fifteen and above are at a high risk of contracting Madness and becoming a Fallen. If you are fifteen or older, please head to the designated quarantine sites. And remember, failure to comply results in severe punishment."
"So those fifteen years and older are at a risk of turning into fallen, and those under fifteen will Awaken and gain our abilities?" T-Two tilted her head a little as she asked.
"Being under the age of fifteen doesn't guarantee Awakening, but it reduces the chances of being corrupted by the Primordial significantly."
The web page disappeared and in its place another video started playing. It showed a number of children playing around a large room with some adults watching over them. There were some Valkyries as well. Seeing them in normal civilian clothes was a bit strange, but with the children showing no fear while interacting with them it became clear that they get along pretty well.
"Those are the children from the Nephilim world who have Awakened successfully. As you can see, they're no different from normal children." Just as she said that, a little girl summoned a golden Halo and jumped high in the air catching a ball her friend threw. The Valkyrie could only smile wryly. "Well, for the most part."
The screen turned off and the Resistance's logo took its place. Each of the three idols took her place with Eleven at the center, AK on her left and Twenty Two on her right.
"Two days from now, the Primordial will reach our world." Eleven said.
"We will be working with the Resistance to ensure no harm befalls those who don't meet the requirements for Awakening." T-Two followed.
"Head General Anderson will hold a press conference tomorrow morning to answer any questions you might have." AK added. "We suggest that the legal guardians of those who meet the requirements pay attention to it in order to decide whether undergoing the process is in the best interest of their children."
"This will be an important point in the history of our world so we ask for your cooperation." The three idols bowed their head. "Join the Resistance and help us build a better future for everyone."