Humanity flipped the switch, and it happened: The Singularity.


    In only a few months, technological feats and progress unfolded at a once unimaginable rate. Everyone had access to everything they ever wanted, including full dive VR, to live in their paradise.


    Francine sat beside her boyfriend, David, and removed her VR link.


    "Something isn''t right, David."


    "This again, Francine? Always looking for a conspiracy?"


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    "We''re too content. Whenever something feels too good, something bad will happen."


    "You''re superstitious, Francine."


    "Then explain this …" Francine projected a holographic clock.


    "What is that? It''s way off.” David projected his holo watch. “Right now, it''s only 2:35 p.m."


    She frowned. "It''s the most accurate and relevant time for our fate. I ran an encrypted sandboxed computation using AI and an accumulation of total world data. It''s a Doomsday Clock, and its hands have moved."


    "Forward or backward?" David smirked.


    Francine gave no response. She simply sat petrified and silent while staring at the clock.