[Channel 7 News jingle plays, fading into a brightly lit studio. The camera pans across a sweeping panorama of a bustling cityscape projected on a massive screen behind the two news anchors. The camera focuses on Bethany Smith and James Carter, both seated at a sleek, modern desk. Their smiles are bright, almost blinding, as they turn towards the camera.]

Bethany: Good evening, and welcome back to Channel 7 News. I’m Bethany Smith.

James: And I’m James Carter. We have a lot to cover tonight, so let’s dive right in. First up, the legal drama surrounding Alluring Realms and its embattled former CEO, Dave, continues to unfold. Dave is scheduled to face trial in just a few short weeks, facing charges of manslaughter and negligence related to the deaths of eight beta testers during the development of their immersive virtual reality game, Ludere Online.

Bethany: Despite the serious accusations and growing public outcry, Dave has maintained complete silence, refusing to speak to authorities or the press. His legal team, however, remains steadfast in his defense, asserting that they are fully prepared to fight these charges and clear his name.

James: As the legal battle wages on, the families of those who tragically lost their lives during the development of Ludere Online are demanding justice, accountability, and, most importantly, answers.

[The camera zooms in slightly on James as his expression turns somber.]

James: This entire situation is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of cutting-edge technology and the ethical considerations that must accompany its development. We can only hope that the upcoming trial will shed light on what truly transpired at Alluring Realms and provide some closure for the families affected by this tragedy.

Bethany: Adding to the tragedy, three players who fell into comas during the fire at the Alluring Realms headquarters weeks ago remain unresponsive. Medical professionals are still struggling to understand their condition. They can't explain the lack of brain activity despite their otherwise stable vital signs. Two days ago, one of the four, Christian - known to many in the Ludere Online community as Xian - was removed from life support after being declared legally deceased. The families of the remaining three comatose players are left grappling with unimaginable grief and uncertainty as they hold vigil, hoping for a miracle.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

[Bethany's voice softens, and her eyes glisten as she looks directly at the camera. A flicker of genuine empathy momentarily breaks through her professional facade.]

Bethany: We here at Channel 7 extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

James: Now, shifting gears to international news…

[James begins to pivot to the next story, but the studio lights flicker violently. The familiar cityscape backdrop on the massive screen behind them dissolves into static. A high-pitched whine pierces the air, sending a shiver down the spines of everyone in the studio. The static on the screen resolves into the chilling red and black graphic of the emergency broadcast system alert. A piercing siren blasts, replacing the usual upbeat background music with a heart-stopping wail. An ominous red banner crawls urgently across the bottom of the screen: "This is an Emergency Broadcast System Alert. Please Remain Calm."]

[A deep, authoritative voice replaces the usual jovial tone of the newscast]: Attention all citizens. This is a national emergency. We are receiving confirmed reports of unidentified aircraft in the skies over major cities worldwide.

[The camera feed cuts to shaky, amateur footage from different locations across the globe. In London, a sleek, black, triangular vessel casts a chilling shadow over Big Ben. In Tokyo, a similar craft hovers silently above the bustling Shibuya crossing, dwarfing the iconic scramble intersection. In New York City, another vessel casts an eerie glow on the Statue of Liberty. The footage is grainy and distorted, interspersed with static, yet the chilling reality of these alien ships is undeniable.]

[The announcer’s voice tightens, his calm demeanor cracking under the pressure of the unfolding events]: These aircraft do not match any known terrestrial designs. Repeat: these aircraft are not of earthly origin.

[The camera cuts back to the studio. Bethany and James are frozen in their seats, their professional masks shattered. Bethany's hand instinctively reaches for her throat as she stares wide-eyed at the monitor, her face drained of all color. James, his usual charm replaced with a look of sheer terror, grips the edge of the desk, his knuckles white.]

[The announcer’s voice is now a strained rasp, his words tumbling over each other in a desperate plea for order]: Authorities are urging all citizens to remain calm and stay indoors. Do not attempt to approach or engage these unknown craft. We are attempting to establish communication, but as of yet, there has been no response. Stay tuned for further instructions. This is a developing situation. We will provide updates as soon as they become available. Please stand by.

[The screen fades to black, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of dread. The piercing siren continues to blare, echoing the chilling realization that the world as they knew it has irrevocably changed.]