Riaan woke to a chill morning, mist curling over the river that bordered the village. His thoughts drifted to the AI and the knowledge he had seen in 5355. Today, he planned another trip to the future to gather ideas for the village’s development.

He prepared his travel gear carefully: the wooden lever, small cart, and a block of soap. The villagers watched curiously but had grown used to his comings and goings.

As he activated the device to travel, the familiar light enveloped him. Moments later, he stood in 5355. The city sprawled before him, bright and alive, full of glowing towers, automated vehicles, and bustling activity. Riaan felt a rush of excitement; each trip taught him more about what his village could one day achieve.

He approached the AI hub. The cube-shaped device hummed to life, projecting a hologram of the AI.

“Riaan,” the AI said, voice calm and precise. “Welcome back. Report your observations from the village.”

“I’ve introduced levers, carts, and water wheels,” Riaan replied. “Children are learning quickly. Adults are cautious but curious. Some small successes are taking hold.”

“Observation: progress is steady. Incremental improvements are optimal. Today, I can show you additional methods to streamline village infrastructure and resource management,” the AI said.

Riaan nodded, eager. The AI projected a holographic display of 5355’s systems: water distribution, waste management, crop rotation schedules, and mechanical storage devices. Riaan studied each carefully, taking notes in his journal.

“Which of these can I adapt for the village?” he asked.

“Focus on simple, replicable systems first. Water management, food storage, and hygiene are priorities. Overcomplication will overwhelm the villagers. Psychological adoption is as important as technical feasibility,” the AI explained.

Riaan took in the information, committing as much as possible to memory. He asked questions about small-scale pulleys, efficient cooking methods, and basic sanitation practices. The AI guided him patiently, projecting diagrams and step-by-step instructions.

After several hours, Riaan prepared to return to his village. “I think I have enough for the next phase,” he said, carefully storing his notes.

The light enveloped him again, and he reappeared at the village edge before sunset. Children rushed to greet him, and adults observed quietly. He unpacked his notes and began planning the next steps.

Over the following days, Riaan implemented the new ideas from 5355: small water channels to manage irrigation, improved storage for grain, and more effective handwashing routines using his soap blocks. The villagers began to notice the difference. Tasks took less time, and small improvements made life easier.

Riaan stood at the edge of the village one evening, looking at the fields. He felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. Each trip to the future brought knowledge, but applying it required patience, adaptation, and careful observation.