Chapter 79: The Moon

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?

“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.”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation