Chapter 83

Chapter 83

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 83: Ideal Groom (2).

“They’ve devised an engineering method to restore the torn Ether Belt through simulation.”

The moment I heard that, a single word flashed through my mind: Scooped.

In the world of scientific research, when two or more labs are investigating the same topic, the one that publishes first effectively ‘scoops’ the others. The ones left behind experience a uniquely bitter disappointment, as all their previous efforts might as well vanish into thin air.

“What was the title of the article?”

“Using Quantum Gravity Thongs…”

I immediately searched for it. There it was, an article published just two days ago.

According to Professor Kalis Stranov of the Astrophysics Department at Eruyel University

The article began with that line.

By employing quantum gravity thongs, it will be possible to manipulate ether as easily as ‘optical tweezers’ handle light. A detailed paper on this subject is expected to be published soon.

It concluded with those words. In essence, it was research still awaiting formal publication. My sinking heart found relief in that realization.

“What a shame. I was looking forward to seeing a disappointed face… Hwaaaah!”

The Outer God ‘Orchestra of Mud and Flesh’ regularly contributes 500 pron.

This information suggests a single course of action.

“Rustila.”

“Huh?”

“Starting today, you’ll only sleep three hours a day. Begin immediately.”

“What?”

“Verdia and Sonia are androids; they don’t require sleep, correct?”

“What?”

“What?”

Cartesia, grant me strength.

“…? It doesn’t really affect me.”

“Kyaaaah!”

The ‘God of Wisdom and Curiosity’ deducts 2000 Pron from the ‘Orchestra of Mud and Flesh’.

Even Professor Feynman, my advisor, was caught up in the excitement. Together, we aimed to create a groundbreaking masterpiece, a culmination of everyone’s efforts that would astonish the academic community—and to accomplish this faster than anyone else.

Yet, despite our resolve, one significant issue remained unresolved.

…What should we name the paper?

Title: Universe Physics Today

Simulation of Ether Belt’s Eigenlevel Manipulation through Plasma-Ether Perturbation Phenomenon

Authors

Aodel von Reinhardt (First Author)

Rustila Kersil (Second Author)

Richard Feynman (Corresponding Author)

Abstract

Utilizing plasma swords and the power of the Constellation, swordsmen can potentially restore the Ether Belt. This hypothesis has been supported through simulations, and pending sufficient funding and time, we aim to validate our findings with real-world experiments.

Status

Publication Approved

“Honey, what are you writing so intently?”

“Oh, this? It’s my groom candidate notebook.”

Ada revealed the final pages of her notebook to Lloyd. Listed were the names of young men from notable families such as Taharlin, Yusford, Gonel, and Handilton—all of comparable status to the Kersil family.

At the very bottom of the list, a new name had been added:

Aidel von Reinhardt

“Honey.”

“Yes?”

“The Reinhardts aren’t a suitable match for us.”

“I know.”

Ada gestured toward the distance with a tilt of her chin. Right after successfully submitting their thesis, Rustila and Aidel were sprawled on the bed, snug as two peas in a pod under the same blanket, lost in slumber.

“Don’t they look incredibly close?”

“Honey, what on earth are you talking about?”

Lloyd thought he had misheard her. Just a week ago, Ada had been adamant about keeping Rustila and Aidel apart. Now, she seemed to have completely reversed her stance.

“Hehe,” Rustila grinned, pressing close to Aidel. Her expression was one of pure bliss.

“Why, why are those two sleeping together…!”

Just as Lloyd was about to burst into the room in a fit of rage, Ada caught his arm, shaking her head.

“Honey, think about it differently. Imagine that boy as a potential son-in-law, then all the problems just disappear.”

“What do you mean!” Lloyd exclaimed.

“The Reinhardt family is almost as prestigious as royalty. And that boy could one day lead the family if all goes well. Do you realize what that means?”

“You despised Aidel so much before. Why this sudden change of heart? The boy has yet to prove himself worthy of our trust.”

“Honey.”

Drip.

Tears began to stream down Ada’s cheeks.

“You don’t understand. Well, probably it’s because you didn’t attend graduate school.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“ is a colossal journal. It’s a place where the work of countless scholars from millions of planets within the Federation struggles to get published. Do you have any idea how many PhDs yearn just to be mentioned as the third author there?”

“Ada…”

“Even tenured professors face challenges. Some have never managed to publish a single paper in and have resigned. There are even those despicable people who steal the research of graduate students for their own gain.”

Ada, overcome with emotion, abandoned her usual formal tone as she continued to press Lloyd.

“…I’ve been a victim too.”

Ah.

Lloyd responded by silently embracing Ada. After a moment, he fetched her a glass of water. With her nod of approval, he gently opened his wife’s notebook.

Aidel von Reinhardt

Family: A+

Abilities: A+

Appearance: A-

Personality: A+

The fact that his wife rated his personality as A+ carried great significance. Among the numerous prospective grooms she had encountered, none had ever achieved such a high score.

Aidel, could he truly be the best in terms of personality as well?

“By the way, why is his appearance rated A-?”

“Because there’s no one else I can give an A+ to besides you, dear.”

Ah, that explained it.

At that moment, Lloyd wrapped his arms around Ada once again.

Meanwhile, Aidel was rudely awakened from a nightmare where he was being headbutted by Sonia.

‘Beast-like people.’

That kiss had been as impactful as global warming. Honestly, if Mrs. Kersil hadn’t faced such challenges during childbirth, Rustila might have had a dozen siblings by now. Such regrets were buried deep inside.

Meanwhile, Aidel glanced at Rustila, who was clinging to him, then closed his eyes.

What should I write my third paper on? he pondered.

Breaking News: Professor Feynman’s Stellarium Research Team Develops Modeling Technique to Manipulate Ether Belt Using Blessed Constellation Inspectors

Citation Count: 1428

“How groundbreaking is this research, you ask? It has the potential to transform the entire Federation into a fortress akin to the Alcatraz planetary system, impervious to the Outer Gods.”

The scientific community was electrified by the publication of a single paper, sparking a flurry of subsequent research.

Professor Callisto Rankel’s Team Achieves First Success in Ether Belt Restoration Using the ‘Feynman-Reinhardt Model’

“Professor Feynman and his student Reinhardt are once-in-a-century geniuses. Without their theoretical groundwork, we’d still be vulnerable to monstrous attacks.”

Professor Dahnab Roden’s Team Successfully Converts Ether Barrier from a ‘Surface’ to a ‘Polyhedron’ Using the FR Model

“This breakthrough will soon capture widespread attention. The nation must boost funding for basic sciences. Feynman and Reinhardt have proven that theoretical work is the bedrock of practical achievements.”

Professor Iruyel Barnar’s Team Discovers Unique Vibration Mode of the Ether Belt, Blocking Outer Gods from the Darwin System

“Aidel von Reinhardt, I hope you’re watching. I look forward to the chance to collaborate with you.”

South Life Research Institute’s Whiritia Team Achieves High Lethality in Experiments Against Incarnate Bodies

“We’ve now created a safe haven where researchers can explore their fields without succumbing to madness. This is the new reality.”

Scientific theories capture the public’s imagination when they are transformed into practical engineering solutions. The more cost-effective these solutions are, the more enthusiastic the acclaim.

Aidel’s research was ripe with this potential. He not only established a robust foundation but also pioneered a new frontier in scientific inquiry with his follow-up studies.

In just one month, geniuses from across the universe had digested Aidel’s findings, applied them, and innovated further. The speed of this collective effort was not just remarkable—it was necessary.

“Student Aidel, congratulations. You are released,” announced Warden John Whitewood.

“Pardon?”

With a hint of regret, Warden Whitewood patted Aidel on the shoulder. “If you leave now, you’ll set the record for the shortest stay. I’m proud of you. After all, you’ve completed the research that will save humanity here in Alcatraz, haven’t you?”

This is insane. How much effort did I put into setting up this lab? To be forced to leave after using it for only a month is unbelievably unfair.

Overjoyed by the news that Aidel could return to school, Rustila hastily packed his belongings. His toothbrush, soap, and thesis—all were stuffed into her bag without much thought.

She wasn’t just throwing things together mindlessly, though.

“Make sure Aidel falls in love with you, no matter what. Marry him. There aren’t many as reliable as he is in the world. He’s the perfect groom, so you mustn’t let him go. Understand?” her mother had commanded.

With that directive, any previous hesitations about staying away from Aidel vanished. Now, she was encouraged to stay close to him.

‘This kind of interference might actually be tolerable… Oh no.’

Rustila’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What am I even thinking? Does this make me seem like a woman who’s only interested in being named as the second author of a thesis, losing all sense of practicality? No, I am an inspector.

Reaffirming her identity, Rustila took a deep breath.

Becoming a soldier was strictly forbidden.

Rustila’s parents harbored hopes that she would uphold or even elevate the Kersil family legacy. From their perspective, a career as a soldier was far from ideal. In a Federation perpetually at war with the Outer Gods, the role of an inspector was equivalent to courting death.

‘Maybe I should just focus on having grandchildren?’

The thought briefly crossed her mind, embarrassing her. As she shook her head, her golden ponytail swung back and forth.

“Oh, it’s like a simple pendulum,” Aidel remarked in his usual enigmatic tone.

Looking up at him, Rustila smiled broadly. “Shall we head back?”

Aidel grinned in response. “No.”

Rustila’s smile faltered, her expression turning into a frown.

Gravitational-Ether Reaction Theory Laboratory

“Aaaaaah!! Uaaaaaah!!”

Bang, bang, bang!

The sound of intermittent banging echoed beyond the laboratory walls.

“What on earth is going on?”

“The professor next door got scooped on his paper. Apparently, his lab is a complete mess.”

“You mean the paper by Professor Feynman? That one was groundbreaking.”

“Yeah. People are saying he might win the Akea Prize in Physics next year.”

As the banging noises continued, the students, who had fallen silent, swallowed nervously and resumed their conversation.

“Shh. They were university classmates. They don’t get along at all, so it’s rude to mention his name here.”

“Then we can just refer to him as the first author. I heard the graduate student who actually wrote the paper is a genius…”

With just a wall separating them, the commotion persisted. The woman groaned as she tore at her hair.

This damn school is terrible when it comes to soundproofing.

Thud, thud, thud.

After banging her head on the white cedar desk several times, Calis slumped like a discarded sack of barley.

“This can’t be; this can’t be happening.”

She had no strength left.

How much time had she poured into this?

That, that…

“…Feynman, you piece of trash.”

It wasn’t enough that he rejected my confession back in school; now he’s stolen my paper, too?

With burning eyes, Calis turned on her computer.

And she searched.

Aidel von Reinhardt. The whereabouts of that student.