Chapter 58

Chapter 58

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 58: The First Paper (3).

The greetings exchanged with classmates after a month away felt especially meaningful.

“Hey, I heard you were really sick? You’ve been through quite the ordeal, eh?” Welton asked, his smile playful.

“I heard you even got questioned by the police?”

“That’s right.”

“What did the police say?”

“They didn’t really say much.”

I dodged the question vaguely, unwilling to delve into the details. It seemed prudent not to mention the Pron detected in the virtual reality device.

The mere mention of police and investigations was enough to pique Christine’s interest.

“You were called in by the police? Don’t tell me… you were being investigated for cheating on the entrance exam!”

“No,” I replied.

“Explain yourself now!”

Christine’s insistent demands for an explanation, though intense, now carried a hint of endearing familiarity.

Three months had passed since I was admitted to Stellarium Academia.

Final exams were looming. It had been about a month since the midterms, and I had missed a significant amount of school.

I smiled faintly, surveying the familiar faces of my classmates. I took a moment to look at each of them.

Nothing had changed.

I wondered how long this peaceful scene would last.

Tap, tap.

I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder and turned around.

A fresh floral scent filled the air, and there stood Rustila.

“Hello, Aidel,” she greeted me with a bright smile.

“Have you been well?”

“Fairly well. What about you?”

“Thanks to you, I’ve been practicing a lot of swordsmanship. I’m eager to show you during our next training session.”

I nodded, pleased. Rustila had continued to progress smoothly, even in my absence.

I turned on my laptop and resumed working.

I was looking into the requirements for early graduation and writing a thesis on my chosen topic. There was a mountain of tasks to complete and no time to waste on attending regular classes.

When I came to my senses, I noticed a piece of candy placed in front of my desk.

“This is…”

“You look very tired. It’s from me. Take it,” Rustila said, smiling broadly as she extended her hand, urging me to eat it quickly.

Behavioral Trait: Rustila frequently gives small gifts to those she likes.

“Ah, thank you,” I said, feeling awkward about just pocketing it in front of her. So, I immediately popped it into my mouth.

The refreshing peppermint flavor enveloped the roof of my mouth, and I thought it would pair wonderfully with chocolate cake.

My gratitude towards Rustila wasn’t just because of the candy.

Rustila Kersil: 80/1500

[Mental State]

She is curious about what you’ve been up to for the past month but has resolved not to ask. She is well aware that you’re going through a tough time and doesn’t want to disturb you.

It turned out Ceti was thinking along similar lines.

It’s a relief for me.

Imagine talking about publishing a paper and then getting rejected. How embarrassing would it be to speak about something without sure results?

Usually, such things are more surprising when they’re unexpected.

Anyway, checking the early graduation requirements is what’s important now.

As the bell for the first period rang, I began to seriously explore the school’s website.

“Alright, kids. Class is starting. Today, we decided to study the history of the Outer Gods’ appearances, right?”

The day’s first period was history, taught by a teacher named Karlen Hubleway. In the original story, she was just an extra without a name.

Lucky me.

She’s a laissez-faire educator, hardly caring what students do on their laptops.

“As you all might know, there are mainly four types of Outer Gods’ Legions.”

Click. She accessed a webpage.

“Laplace, Maxwell, Descartes, and Darwin… Huh, Adelwein? Why are you moving to the back?”

“…I’m sleepy. I want to get some rest.”

“Um, sure. You could be sleepy.”

While listening to Karlen’s explanation through parallel thinking, I split my computer screen. On the right, I had a webpage open, and on the left, a blank space awaited my attention.

Using parallel thinking once more, I prepared the left side for writing a paper.

“The first Outer God signal we encountered was from the Maxwell Legion,” Karlen explained.

I clicked to run a program on the left screen.

RATEX: A paper writing program for you

With this, all my setup was complete.

“The characteristics of the Maxwell Legion among the Outer Gods are mainly twofold. First, it’s a mechanical monster. Second, it uses time regression,” Karlen continued.

First, attend the class and listen. Next, check the early graduation requirements. Then, write the thesis.

“Maxwell entities are quite violent in nature, almost on par with the Darwin ones. There are many anomalous ones in this legion,” Karlen added.

Attend the class. Check the early graduation requirements. Write the thesis again.

“The ones who attacked last time were likely from Maxwell. They probably stormed in as soon as a hole was made in the Ether Belt.”

First thought: Should I tell the kids? I intended to keep it confidential.

Second thought: Check the early graduation requirements. Do I need to pass the early graduation exam or get promoted with permission from the Minister of Education and higher education educators?

Third thought: What should I title my thesis?

“The Darwin ones have the highest numbers. All the monsters are natural. They’re close to being complete organisms, so they don’t die by ordinary means. Could they be what are called the true monsters?”

One of Darwin’s Legions starts its offensive in the first year of college. If Rustila is dispatched, there’s no problem solving it then.

The early graduation exam is bothersome. There are many of these exams, and I have to retake the practical exam.

What should I title my thesis?

“The Laplace ones only have one legion. Therefore, they have the fewest invasions, but they cause the most destruction when they do come. In a way, they’re the most terrifying. They say it twists causality.”

The Laplace Legions are the final boss of this novel. They hold the most powerful force. As a single entity, they come.

Writing a thesis and being recognized for its value is better than taking exams. If you’re a high school student who’s the first author of an SCI-level paper…

What should I title my thesis?

“Lastly, Descartes. They are the safest yet the most dangerous of the legions.”

‘The god of Wisdom and Curiosity’ laughs as if it’s absurd.

A recommendation letter from Professor Feynman should give me credibility. First, the paper must be published within this year. So I should hurry.

What the hell should I title the paper?

“Descartes-related Outer Gods just play with people. And that is because they manipulate minds.”

“That insolent bitch. How dare she mimic being a teacher.”

Chicken for dinner tonight.

Ah, I got an email from the professor.

[Direct Message]

Professor: Student Aidel, you’ve worked hard for the past month. Your abilities are improving rapidly. Therefore, I plan to register you as the first author and myself as the corresponding author. Since you’re in class now, you can reply when you have time. I’ll wait for your response.

Best regards, Feynman. (9:27 AM)

Me: I have a free period first class, so it’s fine, Professor. I’ve outlined the paper. However, I’m struggling with coming up with a catchy title. Could I ask for your help on this?

Professor: Of course. First, please convert it into an appropriate file format and send it to my email. (9:28 AM)

Me: Understood. I’ll organize it a bit more and send it to you by 12.

Thud, click.

Me: By the way, Professor, I have something to discuss regarding early graduation. Would it be possible to consult with you? (9:30 AM)

As I was sending the email, I felt a sharp gaze from behind.

“……Crazy bastard.”

What’s that?

Turning my head, I saw Zelnya glaring at me with fierce eyes right behind me.

“I need to talk to you.”

During the 20-minute break after the first period, Zelnya called me out into the hallway for a conversation.

“What are you thinking?” she asked.

“About what?”

“You’ve been staring at the early graduation screen since the morning assembly. And you had that strange window open, too.”

“……”

“Can’t you focus during class?”

I scratched my head, debating whether to share my thoughts on early graduation with her. Normally, I avoid discussing personal matters. I don’t want to talk about something, only to face embarrassment if I fail. I believe in discussing achievements after they’re made.

But this time, it seemed unavoidable.

Zelnya stepped closer. “If you’re going to graduate early, just quit.”

“Why?”

“…As I thought.”

It was a leading question. Zelnya’s face darkened.

“At least disappear after I take the top spot.”

“Why? Wouldn’t it be easier for you if I just left?”

“…You’re insulting me now.”

Zelnya gritted her teeth, her anger palpable. Veins seemed ready to burst on her forehead.

“You’re taking this too lightly. You know graduating early is damn hard, right?”

“I suppose.”

Isn’t it obviously going to be harder than just graduating? You’re stating the obvious to me. But hard doesn’t mean impossible.

“Zelnya,” I asked, needing clarity. “Are you upset because you didn’t get that black bead back then?”

“What?” She frowned, shaking her head slowly. Her thin silver hair swayed. “I’m not so childish as to be elated or depressed over a single gem. More importantly…”

Zelnya gripped her white scarf tightly. “Even if it’s called early graduation, it’s just leaving a year early. You’ll have to study for the first year and prepare for graduation at the same time. Your attention will be divided. Do you understand what I’m saying now?”

“No.”

“It means you have to handle two tasks at once. Naturally, your grades will drop because you won’t be giving your best.”

Zelnya twisted her lips into a smile.

[Zelnya von Adelwein: 140/1000]

[Mental State]

Firmly believes she can convince you.

“What happens when your focus is scattered? Your grades will drop, and college admission will slip through your fingers. You’ll live defeated by me for the entire next semester, and you won’t even have time to dwell on that humiliation before you fall lower.”

[Mental State: Believes defeating you without your full effort is pointless.]

“Studying should naturally give you experience. It would be wise to think carefully.”

[Mental State]

Hopes you will continue to stay here.

With those words, Zelnya turned and left. Only 5 minutes of break time remained.

Is it always the second-place person who acts like this? This is so unlike the original plot. Her personality seemed to have changed subtly.

As I tilted my head in confusion, a DM notification sounded.

Professor: If it’s for student Aidel, I plan to submit a college advancement recommendation letter to the Ministry of Education as soon as the paper is published. (9:55 AM)

I grinned broadly. It was the news I had been hoping for.