The Evolution of Genius: Every Night, I Get Smarter!

We continued our conversation, and we agreed that within a month, I would have a discussion with a higher-up, potentially Elon Musk or someone else with decision-making authority.

Mr. Charles inquired about the progress of the new technology I mentioned.

I explained that it was in the early stages and would likely take a few months to materialize.

He noted that until the technology was more than just theoretical, we should hold off on making any decisions.

Shortly after, we concluded the meeting.

On the way back home, I got a call from Oliv.

Phone in hand, I asked, "Yes? What’s up, Oliv?"

"Veronica has a concert tomorrow." She shared the news,

"So... we can’t meet with her?" I remarked.

Oliv quickly countered, "Of course we can. It’s even better. We will be able to hear her play." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

I asked, "At what time is the concert, then?"

Oliv replied, "It’s at 2 p.m."

Surprised at the early hour, I questioned, "So early?"

She explained, "Yes. Because it’s not only a concert. It’s a competition."

I decided to confirm the location, and I asked, "But it’s in Germany?"

Oliv confirmed, "Yes. Berlin."

"Berlin. Hmm? There will probably be an Observer close by. Alright then."

That was the end of the conversation.

When I got home around 7 p.m., I went to my room.

I knew that there was still 6th layer in front of me and yet I was trying to learn something that even the top scholars weren’t able to figure out.

But it didn’t matter.

The number of comets I saw in my dreams was now over 100. I was pretty sure that when it came to intellect I was one of the smartest in the cluster.

After staying up late with Oliv and watching shows, I went to my room late at night with a new project in mind—one I had been thinking about for a long time.

The goal was to change the way schools work and speed up the process of making progress in science as a whole.

No matter how smart I was, I could not do it by myself. I could make new technology in any field, but time was running out.

That is why I had to make sure that other people could also get better and learn more quickly.

When I thought about the Coelus University and its name, I imagined making a University of Excellence on Earth.

This was not just about establishing a new university; it was about constructing an entire network.

The goal was to bring the smartest and most dedicated people to the University of Excellence or one of its branches.

This applied not only to students but also to teachers, creating a competitive environment where educators could earn more based on their dedication and contribution.

The goal was to give both students and teachers reasons to do their best in both learning and teaching.

After drafting some quick notes and formulating a preliminary plan, including the estimated budget, which, in reality, was of little concern given my perspective on money as mere paper, the night had passed into morning.

Oliv and I decided to depart for Berlin a bit earlier, with the intention of visiting the Berlin Cathedral and the Brandenburg Gate.

At approximately 9 am, we set out in The Observer, discovering another Observer conveniently located near the center of Berlin, tucked away in a hidden spot within Tiergarten.

We dressed very neatly for our trip to Berlin and the piano concert.

I opted for a well-fitted, charcoal gray suit complemented by a crisp white dress shirt.

Oliv wore an elegant knee-length black dress with subtle floral patterns, paired with classic black heels.

The first place we went to was the Berlin Cathedral, which is also called the Berliner Dom. The building was stunning, with lots of small features and beautiful architecture.

We looked around the inside and admired the huge altar, the beautiful stained glass windows, and the ornate decorations.

After that, we went to see the famous Brandenburg Gate. As we walked around Pariser Platz, we enjoyed the view and thought about how important this site is historically.

At 1:30, we made our way to the Konzerthaus Berlin.

When we got to the entrance to the concert hall, there was already a large group of people arranged somewhat roughly in a line, waiting to enter the hall.

The concert wasn’t free. However, it was first-come, first-serve to the public. The concerts were also very popular.

Everyone got there a little early, including us. The music hall was packed with people.

We found our seats and waited for another 20 minutes.

When 2 pm arrived, there was no grand introduction.

The clock struck, and the atmosphere in the concert hall became still.

The first pianist stepped onto the stage, offering a simple bow, and gracefully took a seat at the beautiful black piano in the center of the stage.

Following the pianist, an older woman with a violin came onto the stage.

There was an odd silence in the crowd—no clapping—everyone was patiently waiting for the music to begin.

The pianist began playing.

The overture that was performed first was enjoyable, but what blew me away was the violin concerto.

The violinist shaped the melody perfectly, in duration, expression, volume, and phrasing.

The last notes of the finale were immediately greeted by a thousand people roaring and rising to their feet.

After the thunderous applause and standing ovation subsided, everyone settled back into their seats.

The first contestant walked onto the stage—an individual who appeared to be in their early twenties.

With a humble bow, they took their place in front of the piano.

After a brief pause, the first note rang out, followed by another.

There was an urgency and even a flair in the playing.

As the pianist delved deeper into the piece, their immersion became more evident, hands effortlessly dancing across the keys.

The pace quickened, building toward a powerful conclusion. With the final chord, a low note resonated for what seemed like an hour.

The crowd gave another round of roaring applause after the powerful ending.

Soon after, the person we were all looking forward to most took the stage.

Veronica walked toward the center wearing a simple but classy white dress.

She bowed delicately before sitting down at the piano. She wasn’t aware that we were there.

I could not help but wonder what song she would choose to play.

The piece started much better than what I have ever heard from Veronica. Her playing has changed, that’s for sure.

The phrasing and smoothness of her playing seemed to have been replaced by a bolder technique.

The piano filled the room as she plowed through the piece.

Then the pace changed. I felt like she played a lot more flirty.

The last moment matched the climactic return of the theme. Veronica hammered it out as the onlookers went crazy.

The piano threatened to overwhelm the room with sound.

The piece ended soon after, and the applause was loud and lengthy.

Veronica tore her eyes away from the piano and smiled at everyone as they continued to clap. She stood up, came up to the front, and bowed again, before leaving the stage.

The subsequent contestants, three in total, each delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their remarkable talent. With no discernible mistakes.

With one exception: the last woman who played sped things up when they were not meant to.

As the concert concluded, an older man took the stage to express gratitude to both the artists and the audience for the smooth flow of the competition.

He announced that the results would be disclosed within the next 20-30 minutes.

As some of the audience started to depart, Oliv and I patiently waited for the results, eager to leave with Veronica.

Twenty minutes later, another man stepped onto the stage to announce the outcomes.

"Third place goes to Mark Zuckerberg," he declared, and some applause followed.

"Securing the second spot is Veronica Hayes!" Veronica gracefully ascended the stage for the second time, receiving a gleaming silver pin.

"Taking the top honor, first place goes to Hank Rosse," the announcer proclaimed, revealing that it was the first performer who had claimed the victory.

The crowd erupted into applause, acknowledging Hank’s exceptional talent.

As the results were announced, Oliv and I decided to wait at the exit from the backstage.

A few minutes later, Veronica emerged, quickly spotting us. She ran over, and we gave each other big hugs.

"Veronica, that was amazing! You played beautifully," I exclaimed.

Oliv chimed in, "I loved it!"

Veronica, still beaming from her success, responded, "Thank you both! It means a lot to me. I’m glad you could make it. How did you find the concert?"

Oliv replied, "I called your house and Mrs. Hayes told me about it."

Veronica said, "Oh! I see."

I replied, "It was truly impressive."

Veronica grinned, "I’m grateful to have you. Let’s celebrate this evening, what do you say?"