Chapter 144

Chapter 144

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 144: I Am The President And You Are… (7).

The day of the major experience fair had arrived. The student council committee gave up their free time to attend Academia.

Zelnya’s face was notably sour, likely due to this obligation.

“Why do you look so glum?”

“Nothing.”

She narrowed her eyes at me and said.

“…Do you really not know?”

“Know what?”

“You’re really good at playing dumb. Ugh. Never mind. Forget it.”

“How can I respond if you won’t tell me what’s wrong?”

“I have nothing to confide in you, Vice President. Just follow me without complaints. We have two days of hard work ahead. Don’t leave my side.”

Zelnya retorted sulkily and started walking. Her anger seemed unjustified, especially since, as the current president, she didn’t even need to be here.

“Junior Reinhardt, it’s time for our appointment.”

“Understood. The president and I will be at the physics department booth. If you need anything, please find us there.”

I followed Zelnya.

“Whew.”

It had been a year. Last year, I experienced the fair as a student; now, I am helping provide that experience to others. Time really does fly.

“Senior Reinhardt, you look amazing!”

“Please look this way!”

Two female students squealed and waved. I waved back, their piercing voices carrying all the way to the booth.

“Hello, juniors. Are you interested in the physics department?”

“We’re interested in you, senior!”

“Oh my, she’s gone crazy!”

The second student jabbed her friend, who had made the sudden confession. After their brief squabble, they turned their attention back to me.

“Senior, rumors about you have spread throughout Academia.”

“Your heroic tale has spread throughout Stellarium. We heard you were in Professor Kendra’s class. That professor boasts about you so much, it’s almost painful to listen to.”

Even if it was mere flattery, it was pleasant to hear. I smiled contentedly and began introducing the department.

“…So, this covers everything you learn during the three years of undergraduate studies.”

“Wow, that’s less than I expected?”

“Yes. The coursework is less extensive than in engineering or medical schools. However, completing this much is considered just the basics. To learn properly, you need to continue to graduate school.”

“Wow, wow. Graduate school?”

“Wow… graduate school?”

The two female students’ expressions changed as they hesitantly stepped backward.

“Graduate school is essential for the physics department.”

It was Zelnya who interjected, speaking from her position against the wall, arms crossed.

“If you don’t plan to pursue graduate studies, following Senior Reinhardt’s path will be challenging. Even after completing your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to study anywhere from two to eight years. Your health might suffer, and your youth will slip away.”

“Gasp.”

I wanted to protest – why was she trying to frighten these students?

“Don’t take that senior’s words too seriously. Graduate school has many benefits: they provide education, pay you a salary, and help advance your career.”

“R-Really?”

“Absolutely. If you find a good professor, it’s an incredibly supportive environment. It’s a decision you won’t regret.”

“Could I join your research group, Senior?”

“Of course, as long as it matches your interests and abilities.”

One female student’s eyes lit up with renewed enthusiasm, while the other maintained a skeptical expression. A fifty percent success rate – not bad for a first attempt.

As the morning sun climbed higher, students began flooding the area in growing numbers. The attendance was notably higher than the previous year.

I had set up an eye-catching poster showcasing my resonator research. When curious students approached our booth, I would weave the scientific concepts into engaging stories, as if reciting a fairy tale.

Behind me, Zelnya let out a heavy sigh.

“Why are there so many girls?”

“You’re right.”

The female-to-male ratio was remarkably skewed. It was quite different from my experience on Earth, where the physics department had been exclusively male.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my dear friend and confidant, Aidel von Reinhardt!”

That familiar voice, which I hadn’t heard in ages, caught my attention.

A group of male students approached, led by someone with a refreshing presence. The one in front removed his sunglasses and flashed a wide grin.

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me?”

“Welton, of course, I remember you.”

Welton Yuseford was a former classmate from Academia. Known for his easy-going and eccentric nature, he got along well with nearly everyone, including me—though Zelnya was a notable exception.

He was accompanied by two other former classmates, Matus and James.

“I’ve been following your exploits in the news. Fascinating stuff.”

James nodded with a satisfied smile as Matus bowed slightly before me.

“Thank you… for saving those people in the frontier.”

Coming from a frontier planet himself, Matus had spent his childhood in a place haunted by the madness of the Outer Gods.

“Your research on restoring the Ether Belt has been changing how people view the frontier. I’m truly grateful. I’m almost embarrassed that I once dismissed you as just another privileged person.”

“It’s nothing special. I haven’t been able to meet with everyone due to all the chaos, but it’s wonderful to see you both like this.”

I replied, serving tea and refreshments while patting both Matus and James on the back.

Watching Rustila and Zelnya’s playful bickering from across the room, being with these friends felt therapeutic. Every person should have a few good friends like these, I thought to myself.

“So, did you come to ask me something? Perhaps some career advice?”

“Career advice does sound good… but that can wait.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Because we have a more pressing matter.”

That’s when I noticed something odd. Behind Matus and James stood a tall female student – a familiar face.

Christine Herseth. Another former classmate from Academia, she was the esteemed daughter of the renowned Herseth family, well-known in legal circles, and destined to become inspector general.

She stood before me, her expression grave.

“Reinhardt, please… I need your help.”

Christine Herseth and Merlin Whiritia grew up as childhood friends. Despite their constant quarreling, they shared an unbreakable bond that everyone recognized.

Their family backgrounds differed significantly – Christine’s parents served as inspectors, while Merlin’s were both Outer God biologists.

Was it a stroke of bad luck?

“Our family elders have issued an arrest warrant for Merlin’s mother,” Christine announced, her voice trembling. “She’s under investigation now. I’m not sure if it’s related, but… Merlin didn’t show up at school today.”

The dreaded moment had finally arrived.

Years later, Merlin would follow her mother’s path, becoming an Outer God biologist herself. Her unconventional, almost mad research would eventually establish her as a crucial figure in the Darwin Legion.

Without Merlin’s contributions, humanity’s chances of victory would be severely diminished.

Since biology wasn’t my forte, I knew I had to assist her differently.

“Aidel von Reinhardt, I heard you’re acquainted with Whiritia’s mother. I saw your names together on the paper. I hate to suggest anything improper, but could you possibly meet with my mother and discuss the situation?”

Her voice was desperate, her face drained of color – clear evidence of how deeply she cared for Merlin.

“But how?”

“You’re a scientist. There must be something our family is overlooking!”

“You want me to investigate the irregular polyhedron?”

Christine nodded vigorously.

“With my current connections, you’re the only one I can trust…”

“What if Whiritia’s mother is actually guilty? What should I do then?”

“That, well…”

“I don’t fully understand how the right-handed irregular polyhedron is formed. What if my investigation doesn’t yield the results you’re hoping for?”

“We have to at least try! I’ll pay your commission fee!”

“No need.”

“Aidel…! Please!”

I shook my head.

“Why would I charge a commission fee from a friend?”

“A-Aidel?”

Christine’s expression shifted to confusion. I smiled and took a sip of my tea.

“Just so you know, I believe in accountability. If that person was truly involved in biological experiments, I’ll submit the evidence exactly as I find it.”

“That’s… that’s fair enough.”

Angela Whiritia is guilty, regardless. I read her psyche when we first signed the contract. She had the mind of someone carrying a guilty conscience.

Even she was merely bait for the Adelwein.

“…Hey.”

I turned around. Zelnya was wearing a deep frown.

“Your great-uncle has passed away.”

Her brief statement revealed clear hostility.

She had already been informed of everything – Adelwein’s family history, the Outer God mimicking the Constellation, and his relationship with Zelnya. There was no need to repeat all these details in front of everyone. Silence was the best response.

I left Professor Feynman and Professor Stranov to handle the aftermath. At the same time, I boarded the shuttle bound for the Southern Central Detention Center, with Zelnya accompanying me.

“President, are you upset?”

“…I don’t know.”

“If you’re struggling or feeling down, just say so. Even if the world collapses, I’ll be here to help.”

“Even if the world collapses? That’s amusing. Who do you think you are?”

“I’m your friend, of course.”

“Friend? Hardly.”

I placated her with coffee from the shuttle’s vending machine. Zelnya always preferred cappuccinos or Einspanner.

“Zelnya.”

“What?”

“Rustila’s account about the Outer God was true. If necessary, you should go to the Holy Spirit Hospital to rest.”

“Then who will handle the president’s duties?”

“You and I will manage.”

“What do you mean?”

“If your condition permits, we can handle all matters from the Holy Spirit Hospital. Besides, the southern branch is currently under our family’s name.”

“……”

After that, Zelnya fell silent.

I checked the status window, puzzled by what was happening. It indicated she had mixed feelings. How strange that she couldn’t understand her own emotions – though I suppose I’m not one to talk.

The prison visit went more smoothly than I’d anticipated.

“Director.”

“Student Reinhardt? How did you manage to get here…?”

“I came to check on you.”

I carefully explained the situation, mentioning that her husband and daughter were worried about her. When I asked about her detention, she explained:

“The house I was living in suddenly vanished from the registry. It’s as if I never owned a home in the first place…”

In the Federation, four main scenarios warrant arrest:

First: Risk of evidence tampering

Second: Flight risk

Third: Contact with an Outer God (which happened to me)

Fourth: Absence from the real estate registry

“This is absurd! How could I not have a house? I have a husband and daughter! Yes, my husband works in the north, so we live separately, but still…!”

The situation made no sense. Director Whiritia had a family and held a well-paying position as a research director. Homelessness seemed impossible in her case.

“What’s really going on here?”

“I-I don’t know. Perhaps there was an error at the Ministry of Justice…”

This was enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.

It couldn’t be a simple error – the Federation’s computer network was infallible.

“It has been tampered with.”

Someone had manipulated the entire registration system. Only one organization possessed such overwhelming power to accomplish something of this magnitude:

The Adelwein Group.

They’re attempting to completely erase all traces. The article about Kash Adelwein’s death proves it, though I can’t be certain whether he is truly dead or alive.

Angela Whiritia: 350/1000

[Mental state]

Unstable. Experiencing severe confusion.

If we don’t act now, the consequences will be dire. The director could fall prey to the Outer God if we’re not vigilant.

“Director, please calm down and listen to me.”

500 Pron expended for

Angela Whiritia’s Pron level decreases by approximately 100

“We need to think about this strategically, for the long term. You have support from both myself and the academic community. Please don’t shoulder all the blame – take time to process this.”

1000 Pron expended for

Angela Whiritia’s Pron count decreases by 120 (+10 per hour thereafter)

“I’ll take care of Merlin personally.”

“Student…”

Director Whiritia began to weep.

The toll was already devastating – over twenty people connected to the case had either taken their own lives, vanished without a trace, or died in suspicious accidents.

If you give up now, the investigation dies with you. And once again, the Adelweins will evade justice.

That outcome is unacceptable. While there’s still a chance to bring Zelnya to our side, they’ve proven themselves to be clear antagonists.

Though it may be overstepping, I must invoke my family name.

“Director Whiritia, the Reinhardt family stands behind you.”

Father, forgive me.

But what choice do I have in this situation?

“Please, just tell me one thing: How do you create the Irregular Right-handed Polyhedron?”

If there existed a procedure to extract an Outer God from the mind, I would volunteer as the first test subject without hesitation. Nevertheless, I still needed to know about the polyhedron.

And then…

The response arrived.

“…Use.”

“Pardon?”

“By using the tentacles of an Incarnate, in a manner similar to… pregnancy.”

“…”

The God of ‘Wisdom and Curiosity’ shows interest.

Damn it.

I’ll have to find another way.