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About 300,000 years ago, the first Homo sapiens appeared in Africa. Around 12,000 years ago, humans developed agriculture and began establishing villages. Great civilizations later emerged, including those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and Greece.
The history professor continued reading.
Professor Robert Green was regarded as the living embodiment of ancient history. His knowledge of the past was so vast that every one of his lectures seemed to open a window into thousands of years of civilization.
The professor asked in a stern tone,
"Why is there no year zero?"
A student quickly rushed to answer the question.
Professor Robert looked at the young man with disbelief.
"Are you new here?" Professor Robert asked.
"Yes, sir," the young man replied.
"You must read the rules and follow them before taking action," Professor Robert Green said firmly.
He then resumed his lecture. On that Monday morning at Texas A&M University, the atmosphere was vibrant. The students were delighted, and a genuine sense of harmony filled the lecture halls.
Professor Robert's class that Monday lasted only fifty minutes. The students found it disappointing because on Tuesdays and Thursdays, his lectures usually ran for seventy-five minutes.
"That's all for today. We've reached the end of the class," Professor Robert announced solemnly.
Suddenly, his phone rang. He had chosen a Bad Bunny song as his ringtone.
"Hello?" the professor answered.
"I'm on University Drive, at our usual meeting restaurant."
A brief silence settled between the professor and the caller.
"All right, I'm on my way," the professor replied.
---
On a sunny Monday, University Drive was as busy as ever. The pleasant atmosphere and the clear blue sky created a peaceful harmony over the streets of College Station.
Professor Robert had been waiting for quite some time.
"He's supposed to be here. Did I get the place wrong?" he wondered.
Suddenly, a cheerful voice reached his ears.
"How are you, Professor Robert?" asked Mr. Pablo.
"I'm fine. Where have you been? I was beginning to worry," Professor Robert replied.
With great enthusiasm, Pablo gestured toward a specific spot.
Then he continued,
"Professor, I believe you've seen him."
Professor Robert pushed his chair back from the table and said,
"He's far too naive to be one of us, Mr. Pablo."
Mr. Pablo looked him straight in the eyes and replied,
"It is an irreversible decision. You must learn to accept my choices."
"Yes, sir... but there's one small problem. It's a very risky gamble, and young people are often reckless."
"Here's your menu," the waiter said politely.
"Thank you very much," Mr. Pablo replied. "We'll have two bottles of mineral water."
The conversation between the professor and Mr. Pablo seemed warm and familiar.
Yet Professor Robert's face remained troubled. Mr. Pablo studied him for a long moment, allowing silence to settle between them. Then he said,
"You know, I could bet that many people would be devastated if they found out that you and I are the same."
Professor Robert smiled.
"We are the same."
Mr. Pablo continued,
"The world has no idea that you're a ruthless and merciless man, Green."
Professor Robert looked at Mr. Pablo and lowered his voice to a whisper.
"You joined us by disguising yourself as Pablo and creating a new identity."
Mr. Pablo smiled and replied,
"Never forget—it's always me, simply wearing a different mask, Green."
---
Night fell over Southwood Valley, the residential neighborhood where Professor Robert Green lived.
Standing alone before his mirror, Robert reflected.
"Strength and power seem to go hand in hand. The world is still waiting for an explanation for this natural story that humanity has no power to create. Yet the universe itself seems determined to decide its own destiny."
With his hands clasped together, Professor Robert murmured,
"I have a feeling the risk of being discovered is becoming very high."
A deep sense of tension filled Robert's night. Behind his calm exterior, anxiety slowly grew, as though he sensed that an unforeseen event was about to shatter his plans.
It was a night unlike any other.
Professor Robert Green was sleeping soundly when, in the depths of his sleep, a terrifying nightmare seized him.
"You... you... tomorrow you will be dead, and today you will be damned."
Suddenly, Robert Green jolted awake, his heart pounding violently. Overcome with panic, he shouted,
"No! No! Not me!"
He remained frozen for a few moments, struggling to catch his breath.
"Oh... what a cursed dream," he muttered in a hoarse voice.
Still shaken, he pulled his blanket up over his face, as if trying to protect himself from the terror that continued to overwhelm him.
"Because I'm happy!"
"It's already 7 a.m.! Your morning show, Motivation Five, is back once again to give you your daily dose of motivation."
The radio was on when Professor Robert Green suddenly woke up.
"It's already 7 a.m.? Oh no... I'm late! Damn it!
He rushed into the bathroom and washed himself as quickly as possible.
Fifteen minutes later, Professor Robert Green was already ready to leave for the university. As he walked down the stairs of his residential building, he spoke to himself:
"Was I wrong to become the person I chose to be... or is it simply that the end is approaching?"
