Chapter 209

Chapter 209

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 209: Bigamy (14)

At the mere mention of “resonator,” Brian visibly retreated. Being someone who valued his reputation, he recognized the futility of further argument.

“Let’s start with the resonator then, if that proves ineffective, we can explore other treatment options later.”

Rustila felt momentarily relieved. Zelnya’s strategy appeared to have worked.

But assuming this meant the crisis was over would be a grave mistake.

The God of ‘Wisdom and Curiosity’ has noted your statement.

The God of Wisdom and Curiosity – this was a constellation name she had never encountered before.

The God of ‘Wisdom and Curiosity’ will remember this incident.

No, this entity’s demeanor suggested something else entirely. This wasn’t a constellation but rather an Outer God masquerading as one. Without question, this was the same Outer God connected to Aidel.

The message carried an unmistakable threat: “You’ve been marked by me.”

Rustila steeled her resolve. She refused to be intimidated by an Outer God. If this entity attempted any deception or manipulation, she was prepared to stop it – even if it meant sacrificing her own life.

“Is the inspection finished now? I’d like to be discharged.”

“Wait, that’s not… shouldn’t we address your madness first?”

“We’ll start with the resonator. I’m fine now, so there’s no need for inpatient treatment.”

Brian sighed as Aidel smoothly continued,

“I’ll speak with my father about the payment.”

Even with unusual clinical results, they couldn’t legally keep a stable patient hospitalized. Brian had no choice but to concede.

“Fine, we’ll discharge you for now. If any issues arise, we’ll discuss them then. I’ll inform Father at that time.”

“That’s acceptable.”

“When will you schedule the resonator treatment?”

“The schedule is quite backed up. I’m not sure of the exact timing, but I’ll make a reservation.”

“…Alright. Understood.”

Aidel was discharged without further complications. Despite keeping him for a week under the guise of testing, Brian hadn’t obtained any significant findings.

“Whew.”

Meanwhile, Rustila came to a sobering realization. Though similar situations might arise in Aidel’s future, she couldn’t offer much assistance in these delicate human negotiations. This fact troubled her.

She had to admit to herself that Zelnya’s approach had proven more effective this time.

This resolved well.

Rustila sent a message and remained by Aidel’s side until he returned to the lab – this was the only protection she could offer.

Another thought occurred to her: if Aidel were to sustain serious injury or completely lose his sanity to the Outer God, having a healing constellation would be crucial.

There was no denying it – Aidel needed both Zelnya’s status and abilities. As this thought settled in her mind, one word surfaced unexpectedly:

Bigamy.

“…Would it be right to allow it?”

Ah, that was a good rest. And thanks to Brian covering the expenses, I got free meals. Thanks, bro!

“Ha. This guy, really…”

Cartesia’s complaints began.

“Kid, is the hospital some kind of vacation resort?”

“What do you mean?”

“You seemed to be having far too much fun.”

“I was still doing remote research while hospitalized, wasn’t I?”

“Well, as long as you’re managing your condition, I suppose it’s fine.”

“Now then, Outer God – about that favor I asked for…”

“Sigh”

With her exhalation, text materialized in the air:

Secret Lab of Cartesia

Falsified Inspection Record Evidence — 100 Pron

I waved my hand through the air, pressing the purchase button. A spatial rift opened, and a small external hard drive emerged slowly. Upon connecting it to the screen, I found a series of Brian’s falsified inspection records.

“Thank you, Outer God.”

I bowed respectfully toward the air, prompting more sighs from Cartesia.

“Don’t ask me to hack networks again. I’m not comfortable with it.”

“But you said you understood machine neural structures well. That’s why I asked – you’re the only Outer God with both Descartes Legion and Maxwell Legion.”

“Is that meant to be a compliment or an insult?”

“A compliment, of course.”

So, in reality, all of this week’s inspection results were normal. Brian had simply manipulated them to make it appear as though I was infected by an Outer God. He probably thought he’d left no trace, but he’d underestimated the bond between my Outer God and me.

“Bond? Boooond? Someone who talks about bonds wouldn’t threaten to put me in a resonator, right?”

“That was just to get us out of there. Calm down.”

“Even as a joke, never mention resonators again, kid. Just hearing about them gives me chills.”

I assured her I’d be more thoughtful in the future. Cartesia snorted and changed the subject.

“That guy is quite peculiar. All this manipulation will be exposed during any re-examination.”

“For now, he’s just testing the waters. If they put me on the operating table, great; if not, no loss. We can always blame it on faulty equipment or improper testing procedures.”

“Doesn’t he worry about damaging his reputation?”

“Compared to securing the head position, it’s a minor risk. Besides, he probably has a scapegoat ready.”

“…So that’s why you wanted that file. Kid, you realize you owe me one now, right?”

I nodded with a smile. I was becoming quite accustomed to being indebted to Outer Gods. After realizing that even Cartesia was simply an intelligent being, I couldn’t maintain endless fear of her.

My smile faded as I shook the external hard drive, clicking my tongue thoughtfully.

With this evidence, I created my justification.

Now, all that remained was to take down both Adelwein and Brian.

While Brian kept Aidel restrained, Jerome had a straightforward reason for summoning Zelnya.

“Daughter, you must never surrender your position through marriage. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Father, I understand perfectly. Do you take me for a fool?”

Jerome’s intent was clear – to ensure she maintained her position as the Adelwein family head.

Noticing Zelnya’s apparent infatuation with Aidel, Jerome spent over a day discussing the matter.

“Do I like Aidel? Well, yes – but only slightly.”

“The rest was just an act, wasn’t it? I knew it.”

“Obviously. That’s precisely why I like him – Aidel was always at the top. Honestly, would I have even noticed him if his grades were below mine?”

“Exactly, exactly! You remember what I taught you.”

“Only accept superior genes, right? Of course. Well, Aidel wouldn’t be a bad choice as a genetic contributor.”

Zelnya carefully balanced her responses – agreeing when necessary, deflecting when needed, and concurring again to placate Jerome.

Internally, however, she sighed.

The Adelwein family had become thoroughly corrupt.

Through countless crimes and their subsequent cover-ups, they seized control of the northern federation. This practice continues to this day.

Ending this corruption would require the unthinkable: imprisoning her father and extended family.

Her resolve was unwavering.

Having decided to break this cycle of evil, she couldn’t let blood ties hold her back. Taking Aidel’s advice to heart, Zelnya focused on Jerome’s words.

“Zelnya, I’m relieved you understand the situation and have reached this conclusion. Now, it’s time to show you ‘that.’”

“What is it?”

“It’s a top secret known only to the council and successive heads of the Adelwein family.”

Jerome gestured.

“Come with me.”

What horror would she discover this time? What atrocity had they committed?

Had they imprisoned some prominent figure who dared insult the Adelweins?

Perhaps evidence of a planetary-scale assassination?

Another human experimentation project?

Or had they stolen an artifact from an Outer God?

The possibilities were endless and equally disturbing.

Shockingly, all of Zelnya’s worst suspicions proved correct.

They were indeed doing everything she had imagined and more.

“Father, this place…”

The first treasure vault, accessible only to the Adelwein main family’s direct bloodline, lay at the lowest level, completely cut off from the outside world.

Behind glass walls, creatures that straddled the line between monster and something else entirely were being kept. They showed no aggression – though that seemed to be the only thing they lacked.

“Ugh…!”

The mere sight of them drained her mental strength. Fighting back bile, Zelnya managed to ask,

“F-Father? What are all these?”

“Failures.”

“F-Failures?”

“The successful ones are further inside. Don’t be afraid – follow me.”

Instinctively, Zelnya glanced back. The elevator they’d descended in had vanished without a trace.

Stay calm, she told herself.

Who was she? Zelnya von Reinhardt.

She must survive and return from this place.

The thought came unbidden to her mind.

Focusing on thoughts of Aidel helped steady her nerves as she ventured deeper, but what she saw next was even more horrifying.

Beings that were neither fully machine nor human, yet definitely not cyborgs; entities resembling black cotton balls; organs crushed into terrine-like forms that multiplied endlessly…

Monsters of every description filled the space.

“These are all humans approaching the state of Incarnates.”

“Incarnates…?”

“Yes.”

Her heart plummeted.

It couldn’t be.

“Research to transform humans into Outer Gods?”

“Daughter! How quickly you understand!”

Jerome, genuinely delighted, patted Zelnya’s shoulder.

“Splendid, absolutely splendid!”

The gesture sent chills down her spine.

The deduction wasn’t difficult. The Adelwein family had long possessed the technology to create artificial Constellations and implant them into people. The logical next step would be research into transforming humans into Constellations or Outer Gods.

“You’re so composed – I’m truly proud. When I first came here, I screamed and caused quite a scene.”

“You didn’t create this, Father?”

“No. Your grandfather, the previous family head, showed me this place. I fainted several times then.”

He spoke as if reminiscing about a first visit to an amusement park. His casual tone was chilling.

“Those specimens over there make my head spin. Don’t you feel the same?”

“…Yes. I’m managing somehow.”

Having uncovered numerous family atrocities during her investigations, Zelnya maintained her composure. Jerome, misinterpreting her reaction, nearly danced with joy.

“Such a strong constitution! Zelnya, you truly are our family’s chosen one!”

“Me?”

“Yes! You’re perfect to carry this research into the next generation.”

“Is continuing necessary?”

“Ah, I was just getting to that.”

Jerome’s explanation hit Zelnya like a spaceship collision, completely changing her perspective.

The key points were:

First: The experiment’s purpose was the Adelwein family’s ‘immortality.’

Second, All adult direct blood relatives knew of these horrific experiments, with dissenters being silently eliminated.

Third, This was deemed the only way for Adelwein and its subordinates to survive ‘extinction.’

And fourth:

The Adelwein family was doomed.

“…An entity identifying as an Outer God from 11+ dimensions contacted us. Our ancestors could hear its voice without going mad.”

“So Adelwein is… chosen?”

“Exactly – you grasp things so quickly. This Outer God warned us about ‘destruction’ and how to avoid it.”

“By becoming Outer Gods ourselves and using these people as beasts or Incarnates?”

“That’s how we become ‘stars.’”

They’re insane.

Every last one of them is completely insane.

How had she missed this as the family head? Why hadn’t she discovered this place sooner?

There truly was an abyss beneath the abyss.

Originally, Zelnya had planned to reform Adelwein, marry Aidel, and then pass leadership to a sensible member of the collateral family.

But now she realized – she was the only sensible one left.

Indeed, Adelwein was beyond salvation.

“Well, sounds good.”

She maintained a casual facade.

“I’ll continue this research.”

“Splendid. I knew you would.”

Later, Zelnya messaged Rustila.

She explained she would stay five days to avoid suspicion and asked her to look after Aidel meanwhile.

“Father, expect good news soon.”

“Yes. Watch your step on the way down.”

On the fifth day, her flawless performance allowed her to leave the main house without raising suspicion.

As she fled, she contemplated her situation.

This wasn’t something she could handle alone.

To purify and reform the family… no, to completely dismantle it, she would need an ally with tremendous power and a constellation. Only then could she ensure her own survival.

Someone specific came to mind.

“Ha.”

A double marriage…

It seemed she would have to accept it after all.