"Genius doesn't die; it transcends."
Elias stumbled through the bustling streets of Neo-Elyria, his mind reeling. Every corner of this futuristic city radiated an energy he didn't yet understand. Transparent highways stretched overhead, glowing with streams of vehicles. Robots of varying shapes darted about, some assisting humans while others performed maintenance tasks. Holographic advertisements projected across the skyline, their vivid animations announcing products and events incomprehensible to him.
And yet… it all felt strangely familiar.
This technology... Elias thought, narrowing his eyes as he walked. The foundations are mine. They've built this world on my research.
A sharp beeping sound interrupted his thoughts. His wrist lit up with a holographic interface—a sleek, translucent projection of data.
"Attention, Citizen Varen," the artificial voice from earlier spoke. "You are requested at the Ministry of Innovation. Failure to comply will result in demerit penalties."
Elias frowned. "Ministry of Innovation? What do they want from me?"
But there was no answer, only a soft pulse from the device as it displayed navigation instructions. The interface intrigued him—complex yet intuitive. As he studied it, his instincts as a scientist took over. In moments, his fingers danced across the projection, bypassing its basic commands and digging deeper into its coding.
"Let's see what secrets you're hiding…"
To his surprise, a hidden message flashed across the interface:
"Welcome back, Dr. Varen. Your return has been anticipated."
His heart skipped. Someone knew.
The Ministry of Innovation stood as the tallest structure in Neo-Elyria, a gleaming tower of silver and glass that pierced the clouds. As Elias entered, a wave of unease washed over him. The building's interior was stark and clinical, with drones patrolling the halls and holographic screens displaying streams of information.
He was escorted by a humanoid robot to an elevator that ascended so fast his stomach flipped. When the doors slid open, Elias found himself in a massive chamber bathed in soft blue light. At its center stood a man—tall, impeccably dressed, and exuding authority.
"Dr. Varen," the man greeted, his voice smooth but laced with caution. "Or should I say… Citizen Varen?"
Elias smirked. "Let's skip the pleasantries. Who are you, and how do you know who I am?"
The man stepped closer, his eyes sharp as knives. "I am Director Kael of the Ministry of Innovation. And we've been watching you since the moment you reawakened."
Elias tensed. "Watching me?"
Kael gestured to a screen, which displayed a 3D hologram of Elias's younger form. "You were part of Project Eon—an initiative to preserve the minds of the greatest geniuses in history. You were the first success… and the last."
"Project Eon?" Elias's mind raced. He had theorized such a program before his death but had dismissed it as impractical. "Why was it shut down?"
Kael's expression darkened. "Because it worked too well."
Before Elias could press further, the room trembled, alarms blaring. A robotic voice echoed overhead:
"Alert: External breach detected. Unauthorized entities inbound."
Kael cursed under his breath. "We're out of time. Dr. Varen, it seems your return has drawn… unwanted attention."
Outside the Ministry, chaos erupted. Swarms of black-clad figures equipped with advanced weaponry descended from the skies, their faces obscured by helmets. Automated defense turrets sprang to life, but the intruders moved with precision, disabling the systems in seconds.
Elias watched the carnage unfold from a high window, his fists clenching. "Who are they?"
Kael's jaw tightened. "The Black Veil—a rogue faction bent on seizing advanced technology. And now they want you."
Elias's lips curled into a grim smile. "Let them come."
For the first time in centuries, his mind was alive, calculating variables, devising strategies. This was his world now, and he wasn't about to let anyone take it from him.