Genius Club

This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation

Lin Xian sat still on the high blackwood chair atop the platform, his expression calm. But inside, he was utterly caught off guard by what was unfolding before him.

He knew all too well.

If Einstein was willing to sacrifice his life to activate the Genius Club’s meeting system, it could only mean one thing: he believed this matter was of utmost importance and urgency.

Particularly since, before his demise, Einstein had been desperately trying to communicate something critical, only to be thwarted by the constraints of forced evasion.

Clearly, whatever he couldn’t say back then would surface in the upcoming meeting.

But Lin Xian had never anticipated this…

He thought no one would show up at the meeting. Instead, not only did Newton arrive in time, but he also swapped seats to occupy Copernicus’ position—and astonishingly admitted that he was Copernicus all along!

The development was too sudden.

First, one clear premise could be established:

1. Newton and Copernicus are unquestionably not the same person.

The Genius Club had originally operated through in-person meetings. Copernicus, as Member No. 2, and Newton, as Member No. 3, had attended these gatherings for years.

Even though everyone wore masks, it was easy to distinguish individuals through physical traits like body shape, voice, and gait. Senior members Galileo and Da Vinci had attended dozens of these meetings. They were unequivocally certain that Copernicus and Newton were two entirely different people.

Moreover, Newton and Copernicus had always been at odds—bitter rivals. Newton had, on multiple occasions, cursed his inability to put a bullet through Copernicus.

And then there was the decisive evidence.

Even with their masks on, no one could fool Einstein. As the founder and president of the Genius Club, he wouldn’t have tolerated any member playing dual roles. The rules were the rules, and no one would dare defy them under Einstein’s watchful gaze.

Second, another premise became evident:

2. Both Copernicus and Newton knew Lin Xian’s true identity.

When Lin Xian went to Switzerland with Justk and Angelica to assassinate Copernicus, the latter had called out his name directly.

Lin Xian had long been prepared for this eventuality. After all, his brazen campaign against the Seven Deadly Sins and his repeated thwarting of Copernicus’ plans during the battles with Yu Xi had made him an obvious suspect.

No wonder…

No wonder killing Copernicus back then had felt “off.”

It turned out the truth was precisely as he had suspected…

“There really are two Copernicuses in this world!”

This realization had dawned on Lin Xian when he woke from his hibernation to find technological progress at a standstill.

He had even entertained the possibility that Copernicus wasn’t a single person but a collective, perhaps an organization with successors carrying on his legacy.

But he had never imagined this:

Newton, his lifelong rival, was actually the second Copernicus!

This revelation explained why Newton also knew Lin Xian’s true identity.

As allies from the start, Newton and Copernicus must have shared intelligence.

Perhaps… during that fateful encounter in Switzerland, while Lin Xian thought he was outsmarting Copernicus, Copernicus had been laying a trap for him.

The elderly Copernicus, near the end of his natural life, likely knew that even entering a hibernation chamber wouldn’t buy him much time.

Could it be that the seemingly effortless assassination was Copernicus’ way of leaving behind critical intel for Newton?

This theory would have to wait for confirmation.

For now, Lin Xian swiftly organized his thoughts, focusing on a third premise:

3. Copernicus and Newton, as founding members of the Genius Club, must know deeper secrets.

Einstein had acted out of goodwill, driven by his original noble intentions—though misled by a false vision of the future. Even in his final moments, he had tried to rectify his mistakes.

Moreover, Einstein and Douglas shared a brief but profound friendship. Einstein would never intentionally harm him.

Einstein had undoubtedly known about Newton and Copernicus’ collusion. But since it didn’t violate the rules of the Genius Club, he wouldn’t have intervened.

This suggests that the Newton-Copernicus partnership likely held the key to many secrets.

Perhaps… the things Einstein couldn’t say could be coaxed out of Newton.

This, Lin Xian realized, must have been Einstein’s parting gift of foresight.

…

Upon realizing these premises, Lin Xian began analyzing the current situation.

Newton’s actions since entering the meeting room were telling. First, he confirmed Einstein’s death. Then, without hesitation, he boldly revealed his dual identity and stance.

Clearly, Newton had harbored some apprehension toward Einstein.

But now…

With his only deterrent gone, this once-amiable “big brother” had nothing left to fear and was utterly unrestrained.

In an instant, Lin Xian recalled a specific detail.

It was during the Genius Club meeting on September 1, 2024. After Justk declared he had killed Copernicus, the other geniuses were skeptical, suspecting either a staged death or a body double.

At the time, Da Vinci suggested confirming Copernicus’ death by posing a question to Einstein.

This was already part of Lin Xian and Justk’s plan. Even if Da Vinci hadn’t raised the point, Justk intended to verify the death with Einstein himself.

But then… an intriguing event occurred.

At the time, it seemed entirely unremarkable, drawing no attention. But now, in hindsight, it revealed Newton’s cunning nature.

The moment Da Vinci finished speaking, Newton—who had never asked a question and had always maintained an air of mystery—suddenly proposed:

“While the rules prohibit asking about other Genius Club members directly, there are ways to frame the question strategically. Let me handle this one about Copernicus!”

Newton even snapped his fingers at Lin Xian with a playful smirk.

“Rhine, you’re the newest here. Let me show you how to ask a clever question.”

At the time, Lin Xian had a favorable impression of Newton, viewing him as a staunch opponent of Copernicus and a wise elder of the anti-Copernicus faction.

He had even felt secretly pleased.

If Newton, the dependable “big brother,” was willing to ask the question, it meant Lin Xian had effectively gained an extra chance to pose a question of his own—a clear win.

But now, looking back…

Why would Newton, who had never asked a question before, suddenly seize the initiative on that occasion?

Because he was in league with Copernicus—and very likely the mastermind behind the subsequent murders of scientists.

This question had to be posed by Newton himself. Only then would Einstein provide an answer. If anyone else asked, Einstein would have refused to respond, thwarting Newton and Copernicus’ plans.

“You’re a master schemer, Newton,” Lin Xian thought.

Having unraveled the logic, Lin Xian leaned back in the blackwood chair, his gaze locked on Newton, who was seated in Copernicus’ spot.

“I must admit, Newton, you’ve hidden yourself brilliantly, deceiving us all.”

“Fooling me is one thing. I’m a newcomer to the Genius Club, unfamiliar with the members, and easily misled by first impressions. But you, Copernicus, Galileo, and Da Vinci have attended countless in-person meetings. They were all convinced you and Copernicus were mortal enemies, itching to strangle each other. Your acting is truly impressive.”

“One played the villainous mastermind, the other the righteous leader. One openly posed questions, while the other remained perpetually silent. Your rendition of Infernal Affairs was a masterpiece.”

“Looking back, when you volunteered to ask Einstein whether scientists or mathematicians would ever again die at precisely 12:42 a.m. due to human causes, you were essentially crying wolf and covering for yourself.”

“You and Copernicus have been allies from the start, sharing a common vision and purpose. With Copernicus nearing the end of his life, only you could inherit his will and continue targeting scientists and mathematicians.”

“Given the Genius Club’s questioning rules—questions and answers must not directly involve other members—had Da Vinci, Justk, or I asked that question, Einstein would’ve refused to answer, wasting the opportunity.”

“But as Copernicus’ successor and the one carrying out the murders, you could pose the question without rejection, securing a truthful response.”

“It seems you differ from Copernicus in your methods and timing for killing. You’re less rigid, less bound by rules. All you needed to do was decide then and there to never kill at precisely 12:42 a.m. again—perhaps choosing random times instead. That would ensure no more deaths at that exact time.”

“With that, Einstein could truthfully declare that no scientist would die at 12:42 a.m. by human causes again.”

“You and Einstein both knew what that answer signified. It meant you had manipulated the question, shaping both the inquiry and its answer to deceive everyone. It made the others believe Copernicus was dead for good and that no further murders would occur.”

“You used the death of a frail old man to bury ‘Copernicus’ in the annals of history. Your plan was remarkably successful.”

…

As Lin Xian’s words echoed through the room, Newton, seated in Copernicus’ chair, maintained a calm smile.

Lin Xian studied Newton’s face—a fully virtual projection. The area from his forehead to below his nose was shrouded in deep darkness, leaving no details of his eyes visible. Lin Xian could only infer Newton’s gaze by tracking the direction of his head.

“Impressive analysis, Rhine,” Newton remarked with a dry chuckle. “It’s been centuries since that meeting, yet you’ve managed to recall it so clearly. It shows your attention to detail. But now… it’s too late.”

“Although I’m curious how you managed to find Einstein, I have to admit, your capabilities are admirable. However, do you honestly believe killing Einstein could change anything? No… quite the opposite. Your actions only serve to make the worldline more stable.”

But Lin Xian merely shook his head lightly.

“Newton, have you ever considered that the future Einstein foresaw might have been a lie?”

“You’re drenched in blood, so I won’t waste time trying to lead you back to the light. But I am curious—among all of you so-called geniuses, did none of you ever question the validity of his vision?”

“From our last meeting until now, 200 years have passed. Thanks to you, humanity has squeezed every last drop from Moore’s Law, and technological advancement in cutting-edge fields has all but stagnated.”

“In such a state, how can you still believe in a perfect future for humanity? Isn’t there an inherent contradiction between your actions and the future you claim to desire?”

Newton crossed his legs and let out a meaningful chuckle. “You wouldn’t understand, Rhine. You joined the Genius Club too late. You have no idea about the real crisis humanity is destined to face… If you don’t know the right question, you’ll never find the correct answer.”

“And how can you be so certain that you’re right?” Lin Xian countered.

“Isn’t your version of right and wrong also derived from Einstein’s information? Perhaps you should reconsider—if Einstein died today and I’m sitting in his chair, it proves his vision of the future was flawed. If he was wrong, then how can you be right?”

Newton snorted dismissively. “Enough, Rhine. You won’t extract any intelligence from me. I’ve lived far too long for you to play mind games with me.”

“No need for you to say a word.” Lin Xian remained unfazed. “Even if you don’t, I can make my guesses. But don’t think this is over between us.”

“I’ve lost many friends to you and your schemes. For years, I’ve been haunted by the thought that I didn’t completely destroy Copernicus, that I didn’t fully avenge them.”

“So, thank you for showing up to this meeting. Now… I can finally visit their graves with a clear conscience.”

Newton burst into laughter. “Such bold words, Rhine. Are you really planning to kill every member of the Genius Club from top to bottom?”

“If that’s your plan, then killing Einstein was a mistake. He was the only one who could track me down. By removing him, you’ve eliminated my only real threat. For that, I should thank you.”

“But… if you really want to find me, feel free to try.”

Newton leaned on the arms of his chair as he stood up, giving Lin Xian a casual wave. “I’m not getting any younger, Rhine. Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

“How could I?” Lin Xian replied with a light laugh. “There are plenty of people who can solve the universal constant, Newton. You wouldn’t abandon your pursuit so soon, would you?”

“Oh?” Newton’s smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. “It seems you really do know something. Care to share a clue about this mathematician?”

“Of course.” Lin Xian straightened in his chair.

“But first, I’m curious. Copernicus once said he would never harm innocent children. He even took it upon himself to raise orphans left parentless by his murders.”

“And you, Newton? If a car accident could kill both a mathematician and his young granddaughter at once… what would you choose?”

Newton spread his hands nonchalantly. “Do you even need to ask? You’ve already said it yourself—I’m not like Copernicus. His kindness and obsession with ceremony… they were all unnecessary formalities to me.”

“Is that so? How convenient.”

Lin Xian stood from the blackwood chair, his eyes fixed on the man below the steps. “Take care of yourself, Newton.”

“If I don’t get to kill you with my own hands… it will be a profound regret.”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation