Deviant: No Longer Human

Over time, these glass relics were buried by the desert sands, now mistaken by many as quirks of nature.

The Greenwardens, pioneers in the field of bioengineering, crafted a symbiotic relationship with the environment, creating living structures and implements from genetically altered flora.

Their cities, designed to be fully biodegradable, eventually melded back into the earth, leaving scarcely a trace behind.

Today, any peculiarities in plant DNA are brushed off as natural variances, not the remnants of advanced genetic manipulation.

The Myriad, a society unified in thought, achieving an unprecedented level of collective consciousness and psychic powers.

They left no tangible traces of their existence, their society being built around mental constructs and psychic energies rather than physical edifices.

Present-day humans sometimes stumble upon remnants of their consciousness, manifesting as phenomena like déjà vu or shared myths, subtle indicators of their once vast presence.

The Silica Sentinels, artisans of silicon-based technology, crafted sophisticated computing systems and artificial intelligences within the heart of crystalline matrices.

Their civilization fell to ruin when a catastrophic magnetic pole reversal neutralized their technology, transforming their once-bustling silicon cities into vast expanses of fine sand.

"Modern humans are not entirely ignorant of these ancient civilizations. In fact, some discoveries have directly contributed to your technological advancements. For instance, the remnants of the Silica Sentinels found beneath the ice at the South Pole have significantly propelled forward chip technology," Aurora explained, bridging ancient pasts with the present.

Wang Xiao, intrigued by the parallel, couldn\'t help but draw a comparison. "Like Transformers?" he ventured.

"Transformers!?"

The reference caught Aurora off guard.

Whoosh!

With a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment, she took out her phone, searched for the term, and began to read about the movie franchise, its narrative, and foundational premise right in front of him.

Observing Aurora navigate modern technology with such ancient wisdom was oddly amusing for Wang Xiao, but he patiently waited until she grasped the concept.

"Yes, akin to that film, minus the colossal robots. It seems many movies are not entirely devoid of truth. Perhaps the discovery of the Silica Sentinels inspired the concept for such films," she mused, considering the possibility that these stories stemmed from kernels of historical truths.

"Similarly, many films are crafted from such inspirations. The world is brimming with mysteries yet untold," Aurora added with a subtle smile, seemingly amused by the existence of a movie inspired by such themes.

"Numerous countries have established departments dedicated to the investigation of extraterrestrial phenomena. You\'ve likely seen films about them too.

While they might seem far-fetched, from a human perspective, the Pangeans, Atlanteans, and Sentinels could all be considered alien," she concluded, her smile fading into a more grim expression as she reflected on the vast, often overlooked connections between humanity\'s past and the cosmos at large.

As the sunlight bathed their faces, casting a serene glow over them, they soared above the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.

The dragon beneath them cut swiftly through the air, covering great distances with ease.

Aurora, inhaling deeply the fresh, briny air, shared a melancholic insight. "Of all the civilizations that have risen and fallen, I believe yours holds the greatest potential for surviving," she declared, somewhat spontaneously.

"Hm? Ours, how?" Wang Xiao expressed his confusion.

From his perspective, humans seemed inherently weak—unable to inhabit air, water, or the earth\'s core as effortlessly as other beings might.

"How are we the strongest?"

Aurora clarified, "It\'s not about physical strength. Starting from scratch, your civilization isn\'t bound to a resource that has since vanished. Instead, you strive to utilize what\'s available, expanding your understanding in every possible direction. One day, your collective knowledge might rival that of Pangea."

"For us Pangeans, Aether was as vital as oxygen, and our entire body of knowledge orbited around it. Much like how human advancement revolves around your current tools and environment. Following the breadcrumbs left by the Pangeans, numerous civilizations have blossomed, yet they primarily drew from the fragmented wisdom of the past.

In contrast, the current human epoch appears to be blazing its own trail."

"You\'re too optimistic," Wang Xiao couldn\'t help but remark, somewhat taken aback by Aurora\'s unwavering optimism.

Aurora\'s smile, bathed in sunlight that turned her white hair almost ethereal, conveyed a sense of profound understanding. "It\'s not excessive optimism. Consider the advancements within the biotech industry. How long until we can artificially enhance the human brain to wield psychokinesis? Or engineer superhuman strength?

How far are we from mastering quantum methodologies to manipulate matter and reality itself?"

She paused, allowing the gravity of her words to sink in. "It\'s merely a matter of time, Wang. To emerge as the strongest, you must secure early access to these breakthroughs. Surround yourself with the world\'s finest minds—ensure they\'re on your side, so they won\'t eclipse you in the future. Let others manage the day-to-day governance, but always ensure you remain at the apex of the power hierarchy."

"This is precisely why I suggested you take over Asmodeus\'s position, even unofficially. It positions you at the forefront in terms of information and resources. Whether or not you\'re the one to end him isn\'t the point. The opportunity will arise to confront another guardian when you\'re ready. What\'s crucial now is your grasp on resources," she concluded, her voice trailing off into a deep sigh.

Wang Xiao, listening intently, squinted thoughtfully at her silhouette against the bright sky.

Aurora\'s vision of the future was ambitious, framing humanity\'s journey not just as survival but as an ascension to unprecedented heights of power and understanding.

Her counsel suggested a game of strategic positioning and long-term planning, where the stakes were nothing less than the pinnacle of evolution and dominion.

Wang Xiao found himself reevaluating Aurora\'s intellect; her strategic foresight and intelligence far exceeded his initial assessments.

It dawned on him, rather than being dumb, she was just selectively intelligent!

Having her as an ally was vastly preferable to facing her as an enemy.

_______

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

As they glided on the dragon\'s back, soaring majestically above Sydney, Australia, both made a dramatic descent, landing atop a clock tower.

Their vantage point offered them a panoramic view of the bustling city below, a perfect spot for Aurora\'s peculiar game.

Aurora pointed aimlessly into the crowd below, her spirit undimmed by the passing hours. "What about that one?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on a woman in black leggings, pushing a baby cart through the throngs of people.

Wang Xiao, however, was unimpressed. "Not good enough!" he dismissed.

Undeterred, Aurora\'s gaze wandered, landing on another passerby. "What about this one?" she prodded, her enthusiasm undiminished.