Genius Club

New Donghai City.

Lin Xian stood mesmerized, captivated by the awe-inspiring sight of advanced technology before him. Despite the changes in the timeline, technological progress had not only persisted but soared, fulfilling Professor Xu Yun’s dreams.

Yet, Lin Xian believed that after six centuries, advancements should have been even more dramatic, surpassing the impressive state of New Donghai City. Nonetheless, this city was a leap ahead of his initial visions, boasting technology a century more advanced than anything he had ever imagined.

“This truly is a city of the future,” Lin Xian whispered in awe. “It’s breathtaking.”

“What’s so breathtaking about it?” Big Cat Face retorted with a scoff. “Maybe for them! We can’t even touch what they discard.”

Turning, Lin Xian observed the dim lights of their own village, a stark contrast to the vibrant neon glow of New Donghai City. The city seemed like a realm of fantasy.

“So,” Lin Xian began, addressing Big Cat Face, “the hibernation pod is a reality now?”

“Hibernation pod? Yeah, I’ve heard they have those in New Donghai City,” Big Cat Face replied dismissively. “But what good is high-tech to us? They relish it while we get scraps.”

“Why has the world turned out like this, though?” Lin Xian pondered. “Is it because the hibernation pod allows the affluent to extend their lives indefinitely, hoarding wealth and knowledge, leading to this disparity?”

“Or perhaps the capable have chosen to hibernate, delaying their contributions and causing society to regress?” Lin Xian mused aloud.

“I’m not sure,” Big Cat Face shook his head. “All I know is, since my grandfather’s days, the world has always been this divided.”

Lin Xian fell silent, recalling a saying: “Death is the great equalizer. Only death can prevent the cementing of social strata and truly progress civilization.”

He nodded in agreement silently.

In Lin Xian’s time, many cyberpunk games and films depicted futures not unlike his current reality. Where had the development skewed?

Not a historian nor a sociologist, Lin Xian could not unravel it. Yet, it was clear the technology had advanced as anticipated.

Reflecting on anomalies in the “first dream,” Lin Xian had wondered if the Genius Club had stifled technological growth, perhaps even eliminating scientists.

Such a scenario seemed illogical; it benefited no one, not even the Genius Club. If the Earth were doomed at 00:42, as indicated by the ominous white light, wouldn’t the Genius Club perish as well?

Why then stifle technological evolution rather than harness it to find a new haven or defend against potential invaders? It made no sense to curb human innovation.

But that was a past now overwritten. The “first dream,” where technology stalled for six centuries, had given way to the “second dream” — a future marked by rapid technological strides after the temporal shift.

Despite the evident social issues like wealth inequality, Professor Xu Yun’s theories had undeniably catalyzed technological leaps.

From afar, Lin Xian eyed New Donghai City. Airborne vehicles darted across the sky, robots mingled amongst the populace, and impenetrable walls, standing a hundred meters tall, bristled with technology beyond his understanding.

This era could be good or bad. But one thing was clear: nothing was impeding technological progress now. The Genius Club likely didn’t exist here.

Because…

Had it existed, Big Cat Face’s father would have long been deceased.

“About that towering wall…” Lin Xian gestured towards the massive structure encircling New Donghai City and inquired, “Is there a way in?”

Big Cat Face shook his head.

“None at all?” Lin Xian pressed. “Your daughter dreams of living there. But even if she excels in her studies, she can’t enter?”

“No, not unless you blow up that wall,” Big Cat Face laughed bitterly. “Their world and ours might as well be different planets.”

Lin Xian sighed. “Even if you never enter New Donghai City, you can still find happiness. Brother Face, you have children, your parents are alive, and you enjoy family life. Maybe you wouldn’t even want to live there if you had the chance.”

“That’s true,” Big Cat Face chuckled, dismissing the thought. “I don’t dwell on it much. Our life here isn’t so bad.”

Lin Xian smiled, recalling that in the previous dream, Big Cat Face’s family had been victims of the Genius Club. Overwhelmed by vengeance, he had turned to crime. This reality was undoubtedly better.

“At least the Genius Club probably doesn’t exist anymore,” Lin Xian noted, gauging Big Cat Face’s reaction. “Ever heard of the Genius Club?”

“Nope,” Big Cat Face shook his head. “What’s that?”

“They’re rumored to be a secretive group,” Lin Xian explained, smiling slightly. “Invitations are said to go only to the wealthiest and brightest, but that’s just the surface. The real criteria are much stricter.”

“I’m not sure of their purpose or activities. They’re shrouded in so much mystery they might as well be mythical.”

“Sometimes I wonder… Is it really an evil organization? Or is it just misunderstood?”

Big Cat Face looked perplexed. “What are you getting at? Can you simplify? What does this club do?”

“I honestly don’t know,” Lin Xian admitted. “The only thing certain is their symbol.”

Raising his right hand, he pointed upwards. “Their emblem is a right hand pointing to the sky.”

Big Cat Face scoffed. “You’ve got to be kidding! I thought you were serious!”

Lin Xian looked at his hand, surprised. “Have you seen this symbol?”

“Who hasn’t? It’s been around for centuries!”

“Where?”

“Just look up!”

Lin Xian followed his gaze upward.

August 28, 2624. Lunar calendar: July 16. A full moon hung in the sky, perfectly round like a polished disc.

And there, across the moon’s surface, stretched a vast shadow from north to south, almost bisecting the moon.

The shadow formed the shape of a right hand pointing upwards.

Exactly like Lin Xian’s gesture.

“Huh.”

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