The Dream of a New Era

Chapter 6: The Dream of a New Era

The night was unusually cool, a welcome relief from the relentless heat that had plagued the region for months. Alden lay in his bed, exhausted from the day's work in the fields, his body aching but his mind alive with thoughts of the future. His eyes grew heavy, and he drifted into sleep, his thoughts dissolving into a deep, vivid dream.

In the dream, he found himself in a world unlike any he had ever known. Tall, gleaming towers of glass and steel stretched skyward, each one adorned with intricate symbols of life—double helixes, strands of DNA, the very building blocks of creation. The streets below were lined with lush, vibrant gardens, every plant meticulously cultivated, their shapes and colours reflecting the artistry of genetic design. People strolled among them, discussing the beauty of life's code with awe and reverence, their voices filled with admiration for the wonders of genetics.

Alden wandered through this dreamlike city, his heart swelling with a deep sense of belonging. Everywhere he looked, the intricate web of life's structure was celebrated. Artists sculpted statues inspired by the complexity of cellular division, and scholars discussed the elegance of genetic mutations with the same passion others reserved for poetry or music. It was a world where science and art were intertwined, where genetics wasn't just a tool for survival but an expression of beauty, creativity, and the essence of life itself.

He saw children studying plants in carefully tended greenhouses, their hands gently manipulating the genes of flowers to create new, vibrant species. Teachers spoke of Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin as pioneers, not merely of science, but of an entire philosophy of existence—a way of understanding the world as both puzzle and masterpiece. In the dream, Alden felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. This, this was the world he had always longed for. A world where genetics was not feared or misunderstood, but loved and respected for its beauty and potential.

The city was a testament to the power of knowledge, to the idea that by understanding the code of life, one could shape the future, not just for individuals but for entire species. Alden saw himself standing in the centre of a grand hall, surrounded by books, scrolls, and glass tubes filled with specimens. People gathered around him, listening as he spoke of the wonders of genetics, of selective breeding, of the untapped potential within every seed, every creature.

He was a guide, a leader in this dream, showing the world how to harness the power of biology to create something magnificent. It was a world where science could lead to prosperity, health, and beauty, where life itself was an art form to be perfected through understanding and care.

Suddenly, the dream shifted, and Alden found himself standing before a great tree. Its leaves shimmered with life, each one a unique expression of genetic diversity. He reached out to touch the bark, and as he did, a voice—soft and wise—whispered through the air.

"The world you seek can be built, but it requires more than knowledge. It requires vision, perseverance, and resources. To make your dream a reality, you must first lay the foundation."

Alden's eyes opened to the early morning light filtering through his window. The dream lingered in his mind, so vivid it felt as though he had truly visited that world. He could still hear the whisper, reminding him of the path ahead.

He lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, his heart still pounding from the intensity of the vision. The dream wasn't just a product of his subconscious—it was a message. A reminder of why he had been brought here, to this world. The mysteries of genetics were as important here as they had been in his previous life, perhaps even more so. This world, with its crude understanding of magic and nature, was ripe for the discoveries he could make.

But he realised something else too: before he could bring the glory of genetics to this medieval world, he would need resources. Laboratories, equipment, books—he couldn't rely on the simple tools he had now. He needed a place where he could study, experiment, and share his findings with others. A place where the beauty of life's code could be fully explored. And for that, he needed money.

He sat up, his mind now racing with new plans. He had spent the last few weeks focused on the farmers, helping them weather the drought through selective breeding and practical techniques. But his ambitions went far beyond improving crop yields. He wanted to create a space where genetics could be studied and appreciated, where he could begin unravelling the mysteries of life in this world, as Mendel had done with peas and Darwin with his finches.

The question now was how to finance such an endeavour. Alden swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stared out the window at the early morning light. The Harroway family had land, but little political power or wealth. The drought had diminished their influence even further. He would have to look elsewhere for resources—perhaps in trade, or in some innovative venture that could quickly bring in enough gold to fund his vision.

Alden's thoughts turned to the surrounding cities and towns. There was opportunity out there—merchants, nobles, guildsmen. The wealth of this world wasn't so different from his old one: it flowed to those with influence, creativity, and something valuable to offer. If he could find a way to monetise his knowledge—whether through improved farming techniques, medicine, or even new magical applications—he could gather the funds he needed.

He smiled to himself, feeling a growing sense of determination. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but that was true of any great endeavour. Mendel had been an obscure monk, his work largely ignored in his lifetime. Darwin had faced ridicule and rejection before his theories were accepted. But they had persisted because they believed in the beauty and truth of their discoveries.

Alden would do the same.

He rose from the bed and began to dress, his mind already forming plans for the day. First, he would continue working with the farmers, ensuring that his selective breeding project took root. Then, he would start thinking about ways to generate income. Perhaps he could sell some of the drought-resistant crops once they began to grow, or offer his services as a consultant to other estates. There were possibilities everywhere—he just had to seize them.

As he fastened the last button on his tunic, Alden paused for a moment, looking out at the sun rising over the fields. The dream still echoed in his mind, a reminder of the future he wanted to create.

A future where genetics was not just a tool for survival, but a path to understanding the very fabric of life.

With renewed purpose, Alden stepped out into the world, ready to take the first steps towards making that dream a reality.