Akasha

Five minutes before 1 p.m., we arrived at the classroom for Modern Philosophy, our last subject of the day, which lasted an hour and awarded the most points for attendance.

Liz took the seat next to mine as we waited for the class to begin.

"Initiating Physical Perception Augmentation, 3... 2... 1," Akasha's voice echoed in our minds.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Akasha greeted.

"Good afternoon, Akasha," the class responded in unison.

As usual, Akasha appeared before us, elegant and beautiful in her professor's attire.

"Percival Octi Lotos, what are the only three rules neomans should abide by?" Akasha suddenly asked.

"There are only three absolute laws in Fruma," Percival replied.

"The first is that you cannot harm yourself or another neoman.

The second is that it is forbidden to cause harm, whether physically or mentally, to yourself or others.

The last one is that any thoughts intended to harm yourself or another neoman are prohibited."

"You're right, Percival," Akasha said, smiling.

Akasha could call on anyone, but the answer would always be the same, as everyone is taught and understands the significance of these three almost redundant rules.

Akasha acts as our guide, mentor, and observer.

The first rule is nearly impossible to violate since Akasha is constantly monitoring everyone.

The second is also practically unbreakable because there’s no reason to harm others when you have access to everything you could ever want.

The third is unlikely as well, since destructive ideologies from the Old World have been erased, ensuring that neomans share one language, one race, and are taught to view one another as a single family.

Neomans are raised with a single principle in mind, to be whoever they wish to be and to pursue whatever they desire, free from restrictions, except for the three fundamental laws.

Neomans are born to discover and follow their passions, without having to spend their lives doing something they dislike just to eventually live their dream.

If an anomaly arises, Akasha will intervene, transferring the individual's consciousness to her side and creating a conceptual barrier around their physical body.

The first violation results in a warning, with Akasha offering guidance and re-education.

The second violation leads to an Eternal Sleep.

A good family and environment foster good people, which is why malice has no place in Fruma.

This is why no anomalies have been born in the last two centuries or so I thought.

“Eliza Nonus Rosa, why are you referred to as a neoman when your ancestors were called humans?” Akasha inquired.

“One reason is that we are genetically modified, far stronger, faster, and with a longer lifespan than our predecessors,” Liz replied.

“And what is the other reason, Rinares Nonus Prospera?” Akasha added.

“The name 'neoman' symbolizes our pledge to our predecessors. It represents that we have learned from their mistakes and that we are a new generation, evolving beyond the old ways,” I answered.

“Both of you are correct,” Akasha said with a smile.

“Humans have always sought to distinguish themselves from one another, through their race, beliefs, language, and appearance because they wanted to be special,” Akasha continued.

“But those labels eventually became an insurmountable issue.

Humans became so fragmented by their labels that they lost sight of a simple truth: they were all just one large family in a vast world,” Akasha added.

“Rinares, you read a lot of books. Why do you think we use a point system instead of a monetary one?” Akasha suddenly asked.

Everyone looked at me, including Liz, waiting for my response.

“Simply put, our society no longer needs money.

In the Old World, money was essential for everything, going to school, owning a home, getting food, clean water, medication, transportation, and so much more.

Humans spent their entire lives just trying to earn enough money to survive.

But there was a flaw in the system, one that wasn’t immediately obvious, the monetary system was bound to fail eventually,” I explained.

“And why would it fail?” Liz suddenly asked.

“Because it was designed with faults that allowed some people to exploit others.

Unlike the point system we use now, where unused points expire at the end of the month, money doesn’t expire.

And in order to earn more money, you need more money,” I continued.

“I still don’t get it, Rinares,” Percival said, clearly confused.

“Most people in the Old World didn’t either, until the wars started.

Money is a finite resource that buys other finite resources, but what happens if people can hoard and stockpile it endlessly?” I asked.

“Children born to families with less money can only afford a basic life, while those born into wealth can accumulate even more,” Liana Deci Caelum answered.

“It’s like a pie divided into several pieces. One piece is shared by thousands of people, while another is divided among billions.

While a small few enjoy luxury, others are forced to walk a tightrope just to survive,” I finished.

"Which will eventually lead to civil unrest due to the scarcity of resources, followed by civil war, and eventually wars with other kingdoms and countries to seize their resources," Akasha said.

"Situations like this create a cycle, a cycle of war and death, resulting in centuries of hatred and revenge.

This cycle finally came to an end during the later stages of the Great Mechanical War, when only ten thousand humans in their teens survived, thanks to humanity’s united effort to protect them until their last breath," Akasha continued in a somber tone.

This topic felt harder to digest than the usual discussions from Modern Philosophy in Junior School, I thought to myself.

"Great answer, Rinares, as expected from someone who has spent a fifth of their life reading," Akasha complimented.

"As your assignment for next week, spend some time reflecting on what you want to achieve in the next five years and record your thoughts on your personal device," Akasha announced.

"Class dismissed," she added.

"Halting Physical Perception Augmentation, 3... 2... 1," Akasha’s voice resonated in our minds.

"Rin, can I ask you for some book recommendations?" Percival asked.

"I want some recommendations too," Lia added.

"Just send me the genre you're interested in later, and I’ll share some suggestions," I replied.

"Thanks, Rin," they both said as they headed toward the classroom door.

"Can we grab some flavored ice shavings?" Liz asked.

"Sure, my treat," I answered.

"I need to cool off, Akasha’s Modern Philosophy is a bit deep today," she joked.

After enjoying the flavored ice shavings, I walked Liz home.

She suddenly kissed my left cheek and dashed toward her front door.

"See you tomorrow, Rin," she said, smiling.

"See ya," I replied, returning her smile.