Revenge After Death

Peter gazed out the car window as he said, "Human desires are like a black hole, bottomless and capable of devouring everything... Some even proposed that humans are not native to the Earth but rather sinners who are trapped here, living through endless cycles of life, from birth to aging and death."

"Do you buy into these fallacies too, Dr. Jones?" I scoffed.

"Fallacies? Theology is, in fact, the ultimate frontier of science. Everything inexplicable by science can be explained through theology," Peter sneered.

"For instance, immortality. It may seem conceptually impossible, but is it really so? Did people from 3,000 years ago ever anticipate that the average human lifespan could extend to 73 years old, as it does nowadays?

"The advancement of medical technology has nearly doubled the human lifespan, leading to societal aging and increased burden."

I furrowed my brows, contemplating Peter's words.

"The result of medical advancement is exacerbated aging, decreased birth rates, and an increased focus among the upper class on the quality of their offspring-high intelligence, superior physical strength, innate immunity to diseases from birth, and other 'evolutionary advantages..." Peter smiled knowingly.

What he mentioned fell within the realm of current technology and medical care.

"Have you ever wondered why the wealthy tend to live longer than ordinary people, remaining vibrant and full of life even at the age of 90 or even 100? Do you think they possess some sort of longevity genes inherent in them?

"No. It's because of the things they have access to, things most ordinary people have never even imagined in their weirdest dreams... whether it's drugs or other special treatment methods."

The things Peter mentioned were all built upon money and power, far darker than my imagination could have conceived.

"And you, Stephanie Carlson, your very existence is deeply entwined with the interests and destinies of many... You're akin to the protagonist in The Truman Show.

"Your entire life, your transformation, and your evolution are all scrutinized by countless eyes behind the scenes... including your 'reincarnation' into Stephany Larson after your death.

"As preposterous as it might sound, someone has entertained such a hypothesis. Not to mention, the force behind this operation is capable of amplifying such value..."

Peter chuckled and asked, "You have no idea how valuable you are, do you, Stephanie?"

Understanding Peter's implication, a chill traveled down my spine.

With the potential validation of this 'reincarnation," more affluent individuals would likely be inclined to invest.

Genome Society could attract further capital infusion with me as a prime example. They could continue their research on clones, delve deeper into methods of "reincarnating" souls and memories, and strive to resist natural aging and death in pursuit of prolonged vitality.

Ultimately, their goal would be to achieve the so-called 'immortality," inevitably leading to more ethical dilemmas and sins.

"Was everyone destined for hierarchy from the outset? Was there ever true fairness in the world? 'Fairness' is merely a term." Peter's laughter hinted at a touch of madness.

"Whether you are truly Stephanie Carlson or not, I sincerely hope you're not her... 'His words seemed to carry deeper significance, urging me to conceal myself without being discovered.

"I've been working tirelessly to prove that you're not Stephanie Carlson, to safeguard you, Stephanie," Peter declared. "We're here. Let's go."

I furrowed my brows as I stepped out of the car, finding myself standing in front of the asylum run by Peter's father-in-law.

"This is where all the sins are hidden, Peter remarked, his gaze fixed on the asylum's inpatient building.

"Steven, it was very clever of you to infiltrate this place, pretending to be a mentally ill patient. Trying to investigate the organization from within, weren't you? I'll give you that...". Peter's voice was low, reflecting genuine admiration for Steven's tactics.

"However, those people are more vigilant than you think," Peter continued as he walked toward the entrance. "Come with me."

"Dr. Jones, our hospital has strict rules against allowing outsiders- the security guard interrupted, his tone wary.

"He's a patient here, and this lady is his family," Peter explained, pointing at Steven.

The guard quickly checked his tablet and verified Steven's information. "Okay, Dr. Jones. Please come-"

But before the guard finished his sentence, a truck suddenly came crashing toward us.

Steven instinctively pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly as he dodged the truck's path.

Unfortunately, Peter wasn't as fortunate. He was struck and thrown aside by the truck.

"Free... yourself... "Peter's voice was hoarse, as though he was struggling to muster his last breath.

Free yourself.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

With those words, Peter urged me to run away from the clutches of Genome Society, just like the protagonist in The Truman Show who eventually broke free from his monitored existence.