PART 1
The Beginning of The Old Ones
Difference
Quality
Change
In this realm, our existence unfolds. The Earth we once called home has been forsaken, abandoned due to desolation and negligence.
However, amidst the remnants of the past, a visionary leader arose, bringing forth a new world known as Ukiyo. This floating island, situated in the city of Alasventura, became our sanctuary, meticulously crafted to provide refuge and hope.
Technological advancements reshaped our society. While flying cars remained a dream, magnetic roads were introduced by the government, enabling vehicles to hover effortlessly. This innovation was a response to the failed attempts of the YZMI car company, who experimented with rocket-propelled flying cars, resulting in numerous accidents.
The true revolution, however, lay within the realm of genetics. Through groundbreaking advancements, people now enjoy extended lifespans and perpetual youthfulness. Although appearing as if trapped in eternal adolescence, individuals can experience life to its fullest potential.
The city's laws govern and safeguard its inhabitants, prohibiting smoking, e-cigarettes, alcohol consumption, and the use of profanity. Firearms are strictly controlled by the government, and tattoos are deemed taboo. On the other hand, religious freedom prevails, virtual reality has expanded its frontiers, and diverse sexual orientations are accepted. World leaders have taken an oath to forever forsake war, resolving the urgent issues that plagued previous generations. Peace has been attained, yet the specter of bullying still haunts our society.
Communication has also evolved with the aid of advanced technology. Traditional phones have given way to transparent, glass-like devices, which eventually transitioned into virtual calling. Recognizing the dangers of excessive phone usage and its impact on interpersonal relationships, the government devised alternative solutions.
Telecommunication became seamless through the integration of microchips into individuals' brains, a feat achieved through genetic engineering. Additionally, the invention of Glasses Phones offered an alternative means of communication. The most popular development, known as the "WalkWay," utilized by the majority, allowed individuals to access their contacts in a virtual augmented reality space. This technology was skillfully integrated into the city's infrastructure, facilitating connectivity and preventing societal disconnection.
However, while our society has embraced change, remnants of the past linger. A group known as the Wanderers clings to the remnants of history, seeking inspiration and theorizing about the reasons behind Earth's abandonment. They dwell in the shadows of our progress, persistently questioning the incomplete explanations offered by our leaders. Vague notions of declining resources, a failing economy, and Earth's limitations fail to satiate their thirst for the truth.
Personally, I have a friend who defies the government's narrative, determined to uncover the concealed information behind Earth's fate. In his pursuit, he faces perilous risks, prompting me to stand by his side, protecting him at all costs, even if it means defying my own family. I can only hope that his quest for knowledge does not bring harm upon him.
In the future, education has undergone significant transformations. The American school system, along with others worldwide, adopted the educational principles and methods of Switzerland. While most schools embraced this new system, the institution I attended had a unique approach. Although following the same educational tactics, my classroom utilized older equipment, with only one teacher, Mr. Khan, incorporating technology from the past. His intention was to learn from our past mistakes, a decision that resonated with some, including Jake, who sought to challenge the government.
School commenced at the customary time of two-thirty in the afternoon, but our educational sessions lasted only two hours. Homework and quizzes were nonexistent, as our behavior from kindergarten onwards determined our learning trajectory.
Surprisingly, Jake's family fully supported his attendance at a school that relied on outdated technology. They understood the value of his unique learning experience. However, Jake was well aware that not everyone shared this appreciation for older tech.
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"Jake, honey, breakfast is ready," his mom called out with a warm smile as he emerged from his room. She was a beacon of joy in his life, always preparing meals for him and showering him with appreciation. Despite any hardships that arose, she maintained a happy and sunny atmosphere, always there for him.
His dad, on the other hand, had a different presence. Although physically present, he seemed occupied with work most of the time. Fatigue would consume him as he returned home, often dozing off on the couch before resuming his tasks, resembling the steady hum of an engine starting up. His limited time with the family was mainly confined to weekends, leaving Jake yearning for more moments together.
Meanwhile, Jake's brother Steve had found his passion as a gamer and high-tech YouTuber, skillfully juggling his interests with his directorial pursuits. On the other hand, his sister Janet was diligently pursuing a PhD in order to become a dedicated pediatrician, driven by her desire to help children in need.
Reflecting on Jake's uniqueness, I realized his fascination with the past. While his peers moved on to different schools, Jake remained loyal to the one he attended years ago. It wasn't due to a grade retention; he simply had a penchant for learning from history. His intelligence and curiosity were traits I genuinely admired.
Years passed, and in the year 2060, Jake and his family volunteered for an experiment that promised extraordinary results. Remarkably, the prototypes implanted in them worked like a charm, ensuring they maintained the same age and physical appearance despite the passage of time. However, this was a tale for another occasion. For now, let's focus on Jake.
After finishing breakfast, Jake prepared to head to school. It was Monday, a day dedicated to science. As he bid farewell to his mom, he stepped outside his door to encounter futuristic tunnels resembling elevators. These tunnels whisked passengers at a speed of 88 miles per hour, designed to feel like a leisurely 20 mph in a school zone. Jake settled into the tunnel, placing his backpack on the nearby seat. With a resounding "Zooooom!" the journey commenced, granting him sweeping views of the city akin to Ralph from "Wreck-It Ralph" traversing the arcade machine circuits.
The populace reveled in their surroundings, some frolicking amidst bubble machines while others leisurely strolled, gazing at the sky. Amidst the excitement, Jake couldn't shake a lingering question that had haunted him since yesterday: Why did people leave Earth? This query echoed incessantly in his mind, akin to the buzzing of a bumblebee swirling around. Unbeknownst to him, other teenagers boarded the tunnel as well, yet Jake remained lost in contemplation of this profound mystery. It all began a few days ago when he delved into research for his history class, stumbling upon tantalizing clues that pointed towards Earth. The discovery sparked a cascade of curiosity within him.
"Jake? Hellooo?" a voice called out, interrupting his thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, hey Pete. How was your weekend?" Jake responded, his voice trailing off as he emerged from his reverie.
"It was great, dude!" Pete exclaimed with enthusiasm.
Pete had been Jake's best friend since first grade, and their bond was forged while playing the board game Jumanji (not the real one, of course). Jake's love for board games was shared by Pete, who had a knack for strategy and sports. Pete's father had instilled in him a drive to acquire knowledge and skills for the future. Though Pete appeared 17, he had experienced 26 years of life, as age had lost its conventional meaning in their world.
Jake, unlike his family, hadn't been placed in the same chamber during the experiment. The reason behind this arrangement eluded them, as the doctors never disclosed it when they received their individual appointments.
The tunnel reached its destination, and Pete and Jake prepared for another day of school. That's when they spotted a familiar face: Sami, Jake's closest female friend. It felt as if fate had orchestrated their encounter, and Jake couldn't help but wonder if there was something more than platonic affection between them.
"Hey, guys! How was your weekend?" Sami cheerfully greeted them with her characteristic optimism.
"It was fantastic!" Pete exclaimed, remembering to lower his volume as he realized they were near a neighborhood with sensitive occupants.
"It was interesting," Jake responded, his gaze questioning, but he quickly averted his eyes.
"Hmmm. Well, let me tell you about mine. I went to Sea World with my dad. We had a great time observing all kinds of marine mammals!" Sami beamed.
Briiiiing! The school bell rang, signaling the start of classes. "Come on, guys, school's starting! Let's hurry and get to our classes," Pete urged, darting ahead.
"You coming, Jake?" Sami called out as she watched Jake's retreating figure.
"Yeah, I'm coming," Jake replied, his tone slightly perplexed, before joining Sami on their way inside. An uncanny feeling compelled her to follow him, sensing that he was heading towards uncharted territory.
The school shimmered like a field of precious diamonds scattered across a rug, and the students' chatter resembled the harmonious howls of wolves coming together in their pack. Jake's classroom awaited on the right side, and he entered with Sami seated next to him in the lab. The interior bore resemblance to old-school buildings from the past, with Mr. Khan, their science teacher, being the sole remaining scientist in the school. Other science teachers had migrated to the new school on Banker Avenue, enticed by its advanced technologies.
"Okay, everyone! Attention!" Mr. Khan called out, capturing the students' focus. "Today is an exceptional day, as we're going to explore a unique topic. It's not part of the official curriculum, but the principal has granted me the opportunity to introduce you to something unprecedented," Mr. Khan declared, making his way to the chalkboard and commencing his presentation.
Mr. Khan, though originally from Missouri, had an American accent and Pakistani heritage. Despite scientists facing criticism in recent years, he remained a dedicated teacher who cared about his students' academic progress. In this future society, kindness prevailed among people.
After jotting down a few notes, Mr. Khan stepped aside, allowing the students to view the topic for the day.
"How is today's new technology both beneficial and detrimental in scientific terms?"
"Today's discussion revolves around the role of modern technology," Mr. Khan began, adopting a tone reminiscent of news anchors. "Everything has been revolutionized, with phones, games, and even medical advancements experiencing leaps forward. We now have gene-editing technologies and an entirely new array of machines. So, how are these machines helpful or harmful? Can anyone speculate on their environmental implications?"
Mary raised her hand and answered confidently, "Razors. They're found in phones, computer screens, and even virtual reality devices."
"Correct, Mary! What about you, Edward?" Mr. Khan called upon Edward, who rose from his seat. Edward pondered the question, his eyes fixated on the wall as if he were a robot staring into the void. Eventually, he sat back down, resembling a contented cat purring through the house vents. Edward was an eccentric child, often engaging in conversations with his imaginary friends—friends who remained invisible to the human eye. To substantiate his claims, Edward had once invented a machine at a science fair that made his imaginary friends tangible. Despite baffling the audience, he proved his machine's worth by bringing his imagined companions to life.
"Mr. Khan, aren't all machines beneficial now?" Jake stood up from the front row, intrigued.
"While it's true that phones no longer pose the dangers they once did, thanks to ongoing technological advancements and updates that mitigate harmful effects on the human brain, there's more to consider in that regard," Mr. Khan responded, addressing Jake's inquiry.
As the hour progressed, the class eventually concluded.
As they stepped outside, Jake abruptly veered off his usual path without warning.
"What's going on with Jake? It was unusual to see him so engaged in class today. He's never had the confidence to speak up before," Pete remarked, his gaze shifting to Jake's departing figure.
"I think I'm going to follow him," Sami thought to herself as she bid Josh goodbye.
From that moment on, she sensed an extraordinary connection with Jake, compelling her to uncover the unknown path he was venturing down.
Meanwhile, in another part of Ukiyo...
In the shadowy confines of an alleyway, a mysterious man confides in his attentive subordinates, unraveling a forgotten chapter of history.
"Are you curious about the downfall of America? It was the insidious grip of politics, the venomous taint of racism, and the imposition of misguided ideologies. But hope resides in the hands of our children, the vanguards of the future. We need not wander afar, for we dwell in the ethereal realm of a floating city, high above the clouds. The technology left behind by the ancient ones has ushered us into a realm of boundless opportunities—Alasventura—an enigmatic realm beckoning us all. While some memories are best left to wither, this particular knowledge is a beacon, guiding us to mend the flaws of history and avoid repeating our past follies."
With his closing sentence, the mysterious man dismisses his faithful attendants, their tasks fulfilled, and immerses himself in the delicate weaving of a new plan—an expedition to unearth the wonders that lie dormant on Earth's surface.