Chapter 145

Chapter 145

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 145: I Am The President And You Are… (8).

In the Darwin Legion, there exists a unique category known as the ‘Infected Species.’

“All Infected Species possess what we call an ovipositor, or tentacle. It has remarkable regenerative properties – even cutting or burning can’t stop its proliferation.”

“It’s essentially a perfect organism.”

“Indeed. When these tentacles release ‘seeds’ that come into contact with Ether, they harden like stone. We’ve found ways to utilize this property.”

I raised a question.

“If it simply forms irregular polyhedrons when exposed to Ether, why experiment on humans at all?”

“It’s not that straightforward. Think of it this way: can you create a superconductor just by baking a stone?”

She had a point.

“Could you explain the specific process?”

“We bring in subjects with artificial Constellations from external contractors. Natural Constellation-produced Ether is too difficult to work with. Plus, we need to manage the continuous tentacle growth by collecting growth-suppressing enzymes…”

The explanation continued for over half an hour.

“The subjects… their eyes become completely lifeless. They move unnaturally, and their orifices… mouths and anuses…”

The director gagged repeatedly.

“I’m sorry, just thinking about it makes me…”

“Take your time.”

Director Whiritia continued grimacing throughout her explanation.

I couldn’t fully process the information – not because it was incomprehensible, but because I refused to accept its logic. My mind began to fog.

Something else caught my attention.

“Did you say subjects with artificial Constellations?”

“Yes. I was equally surprised to learn they existed.”

I glanced at Zelnya, who immediately recoiled, trembling.

“What company supplies these test subjects?”

“I don’t have that information. They’re external contractors.”

“There must have been some intermediary?”

“Even they’re just another middle person. I can’t distinguish what’s real anymore. I… I should have refused from the start.”

“…I understand.”

I cast a mental stabilizer on Director Whiritia and concluded our visit. I also contacted Ire in case of an emergency.

The resonance research would have to wait.

We’d need to either find an alternative material or acquire more White Crystals.

The God of ‘Wisdom and Curiosity’ expresses her regret.

If not for our shared goal of the Graviton Bomb, Cartesia might have assigned me some disturbing pregnancy-related quest.

“Ugh, disgusting.”

The thought sent shivers down my spine.

After questioning Director Whiritia, Aidel received a simple questionnaire.

Zelnya observed from behind, suppressing a sigh.

Each piece of information they uncovered was more shocking than the last.

Parasites, after sufficient growth in the esophagus, undergo metamorphosis into a stone form. If they mature into adults during this process, they become monsters. However, when pre-treated with radiation to alter their optical properties, they transform into irregular polyhedrons.

This was just one instance among many others.

“Huff, huff.”

Zelnya found herself retching repeatedly in the bathroom. She caught her reflection in the mirror, her unfocused eyes staring vacantly into space.

She desperately wanted to deny it all.

She wanted to believe that the Adelwein family was incapable of such atrocities.

Yet, she couldn’t ignore the allure of becoming the family head in a few years. This internal conflict tortured her endlessly.

She yearned to be the best, to claim the Adelwein name as her own.

But then…

“Zelnya.”

Aidel’s voice snapped her back to reality.

“Has any Constellation approached you to make a contract?”

“……”

There is one.

But…

“If I say yes, what will you do?”

“I’ll have to take you to the Holy Spirit Hospital.”

“Why?”

Despite her brief response, Aidel continued speaking with composure.

“I explained this before. It could be an Outer God masquerading as a Constellation.”

“Wasn’t that just a rumor?”

“We need to be cautious. If it truly is an Outer God impersonating a Constellation, we’d be in grave danger.”

Zelnya couldn’t tell whether Aidel was being truthful.

In fact, considering everything that had happened so far, this seemed more like an elaborate plot to discredit the Adelwein family.

Her father’s words from their rare shared meals echoed in her mind:

Listen carefully. The world is not a simple place. Be especially wary of those who show unconditional kindness. No one offers pure goodwill without reason. Remain suspicious, and even if you must betray others, never let them betray you first.

Indeed. Be wary of pure kindness above all.

Yes. Always be wary.

“Child, you are truly pitiful.”

Those words could have just as easily applied to the Constellation speaking to her.

Zelnya couldn’t fully trust either of them.

“The Reinhardt boy sees you as nothing but a rival. When people are consumed by competition, they’ll resort to any means necessary. He’s no different. He’s simply trying to expose your flaws.”

“……”

For now, she chose to remain silent.

The entity, whether Constellation or monster, pressed on.

“You’ve been harsh with that boy all this time, haven’t you? He must harbor a deep hatred for you. He’s merely biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to completely break you.”

“Ha.”

What the Constellation didn’t realize was that she had already been broken once before.

“Zelnya, we need to go to the Holy Spirit Hospital right now.”

“Why so suddenly?”

“The one who spoke to you is an Outer God. I can guarantee it.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Rustila’s Insight.”

Insight – the blessing that allows one to read the presence of Outer Gods or Constellations within a person’s mind. To Zelnya, who had never encountered a real Constellation, it seemed like something out of a fantasy story.

“I know you’re skeptical, but can’t you trust me just this once?”

“Not with such absurd evidence. Do you have anything more concrete? Any precedents? Bring me a thesis – something substantial!”

Bring a thesis.

For a scholar, it was the ultimate form of critique.

Even though an ordinary person might accept such things without academic proof, Zelnya recognized Aidel as a fellow scientist, in her own way.

She noticed his silence, his inability to respond.

Zelnya turned around sharply.

“I’m not making reckless decisions here. I’m being cautious, too. What would the school or my family say if I simply yielded to your words? Have you considered what this might do to my reputation?”

“We’re talking about life and death here, and you’re worried about reputation…”

“Then let’s make a deal. If I’m wrong, I’ll let the Outer God kill me.”

“Hey!”

“And if you’re wrong, what will you stake?”

Her provocation carried weight – she was half-serious. She knew from her parents that if she couldn’t become the master of the Adelwein family, death was the only outcome.

After some hesitation, Aidel spoke.

“I won’t go to graduate school.”

“…What?”

Zelnya was stunned.

The same person who had endlessly proclaimed his desire to attend graduate school was now willing to give it up entirely.

“Don’t be fooled. That’s just an act, too.”

No.

That wasn’t true.

She might be uncertain about other things, but his madness was genuine. She knew because she had witnessed it firsthand, standing right beside him. This was the same legendary madman who had managed to bring two professors together for his research.

“I’m going to drop out of college and abandon the Reinhardt name. I’ll move to a Frontier planet and spend my life frying chicken.”

“Why on earth…?”

She wanted to ask why he looked so confident about such an absurd declaration.

No, if she was honest, she was frightened.

Those golden eyes meeting hers were as pure and clear as a full moon, fleeting yet intense.

“…Why are you conducting this investigation?”

“This investigation? To determine right from wrong.”

“You’re not a lawyer. Leave this to the Inspectors. It’s not your place to interfere.”

Finally, her true feelings surfaced.

“I despise people who meddle in others’ affairs. If you’re going to do research, just focus on that quietly!”

“This is related to my research, that’s why. Do you understand how crucial an irregular polyhedron is?”

“We can’t make that anymore! My family—! Ah…!”

“…Your family what?”

“M-My family… Uh.”

Zelnya faltered, seeming to have a panic attack. She glanced around nervously. They were walking in a secluded park, and fortunately, no one else was around.

“No. Let’s discuss this later.”

Zelnya concluded the conversation with a weary expression.

Aidel von Reinhardt is truly dangerous, daughter. From a father’s perspective, that child will harm our family. Whether through tarnishing our honor or disrupting relationships, something must be done.

Dear, why speak so formally? We could handle this quietly, without drawing attention.

No, he’s of direct lineage. His sudden disappearance would raise questions. Even if we act, the timing must be perfect.

The fruitless conversation continued.

Zelnya, disposing of that boy will be your responsibility. This isn’t a request – it’s a mission.

You heard your father clearly, didn’t you? Complete this task successfully, and the position of family head will be yours next year.

This new assignment – dealing with Aidel von Reinhardt – left Zelnya sighing deeply in her dormitory.

She wavered like a reed in the wind, struggling to discern the truth between the Constellation’s words and Aidel’s. At best, one might call her cautious; at worst, indecisive.

“Hoo.”

Above, a swan-like creature hovered anxiously, folding and unfolding its wings. Its demonic form featured eyes scattered across its feathers, twelve orbiting pairs of rings, and a red beak lined with sharp spikes. Despite its grotesque features, its overall silhouette remained unmistakably swan-like.

The creature raised its wings, revealing a vocal cord extracted from the Constellation’s Holy body.

“We can’t delay any longer.”

“…?”

She flinched and looked around nervously—it was quite cute.

Cute things should be killed.

But with the command given by the Queen, there’s no time to indulge personal preferences.

“You should form a contract with me.”

“Wait, what…!”

“We risk terrible consequences if we hesitate further.”

We Darwinian Outer Gods understand the threat. Aidel von Reinhardt. Now that he has begun to notice our existence and take action, it’s obvious what will happen later if we don’t strike first and kill him.

“Take this.”

The swan delicately placed an irregular polyhedron in Zelnya’s hand.

“Take it and help me capture that boy.”

Zelnya groaned and collapsed against the bedside table. This illustrated why Darwinian Outer Gods were considered the most dangerous – their non-consensual contracts transformed every cell of the contractee into an incomplete existence, triggering crystallization and monstrous mutation.

Blood began seeping from Zelnya’s eyes and mouth – a typical reaction. Though she would only last two hours at most, Swan gambled on her superior swordsmanship skills.

Just as Swan flapped its wings in satisfaction, Zelnya spoke:

“Just… a mere Outer God… and yet…!”

Crash!

She hurled the irregular polyhedron through the window.