Chapter 195

Chapter 195

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 195: The Battle For The Head Of The Family (10)

I surveyed the room, taking in the familiar faces before me. Professor Reiden Afron and Professor Joshua Vishald were present, along with several other professors and researchers I recognized from the Kallisto Physics Department.

This gathering felt less like a selection ceremony for the family head and more like an academic presentation.

“I’m Aidel. I’ll be presenting research based on the paper I recently uploaded to the archive.”

Knowing that most Council members weren’t specialists in this field, I needed to keep my explanation as simple as possible.

“This is my first paper.”

Enhancement Technology for Plasma Swords Using Crystals

“Two months ago, I outlined ten stages for subduing the Outer Gods. This plasma sword enhancement represents one crucial stage of that plan. My focus has been on improving the sword’s output power.”

I explained how I had developed a method to increase both ether density and hardness.

“The results show approximately 30% improvement compared to existing models.”

“Oh?” Several elders nodded approvingly, their expressions showing satisfaction. However, I noticed others remained skeptical.

“Is improving the sword truly such a priority?”

“Yes, it is. Until now, plasma sword performance has been heavily dependent on the user’s individual capabilities. We’ve lost many inspectors due to insufficient ether output.”

“This seems unrelated to medical matters.”

“On the contrary, it’s directly related. This enhancement will increase inspector survival rates. Since it concerns preserving life, it aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of the Reinhardt family head.”

As I concluded, the professors began their round of questions.

“While using crystals to enhance output is commendable, your method isn’t optimal. Have you considered replacing the plasma valve with a platinum ring?”

“That would increase output, but at the cost of stability. The sword could fail mid-battle. I’d direct you to the DOI reference below for previous research on this issue.”

“Why opt for a triple-layer structure when a double-layer would suffice?”

“The top layer serves as a phase adjuster—essentially a switch. It’s designed specifically for inspectors with lower constellation quantities.”

“The production costs seem excessive. Is mass production feasible with this design?”

“With continued research and development, I’m confident we can reduce unit costs significantly.”

The experts’ questions were precise and penetrating. Unlike the earlier session with the elders’ council, this felt more like defending a thesis.

“Did you separately upload tomography figures for the crystals used in your research?”

“Those will be presented with my next paper.”

“What did you say?”

A ripple of surprise moved through the elders’ council.

“Are you saying you have more than one paper?”

“Yes, indeed.”

I closed the current slideshow and opened the next presentation:

Theoretical Considerations of Reverse Tempest Technology

“When an Outer God dies, a powerful front storm erupts as a consequence. This phenomenon, known as a ‘Tempest,’ is a physical manifestation caused by the Ether-Front pair annihilation reaction.”

I explained while displaying relevant cases on the slide.

These examples documented the period when Ire was experiencing its darkest days—all of which are now merely memories. Memories of events that should never recur.

“Essentially, the Tempest erases ether, which means it can effectively neutralize the Ether Belt.”

I then transitioned to a crystal photograph and began discussing the Darwin Legion Outer Gods. These entities are exceptionally ferocious—so savage that they devour even their own kind. Given this nature, I explained that they would not hesitate to sacrifice their own to generate a Tempest.

“The Outer Gods perceive time differently than humans, with a much more elongated sense of its passage. Nevertheless, since their direct access to interfere with humanity is currently blocked, they won’t simply wait indefinitely. A Tempest will blow soon.”

“Do you have evidence to support this claim?”

“Yes, indeed. Please examine this data.”

I presented research results that revealed a recent massive quasar eruption.

I deliberately omitted the technical complexities and concentrated on the essential information.

“The spectrum analysis conclusively shows that this originates from the Darwin system. The burst’s trajectory is directed southward from our position. If my prediction is accurate, an invasion from the Darwin system is imminent.”

The room was immediately filled with murmurs and concerned discussions.

“Aidel! You shouldn’t spread unverified rumors and cause unnecessary panic!”

“I anticipated such concerns, which is why I’ve prepared additional supporting evidence.”

I distributed comprehensive documentation spanning eight pages of links and data. All sources were from prestigious scientific publications such as and —all published recently.

“These papers were all published within the last month. Given that they independently report the same findings, their collective credibility is substantial.”

It’s mid-year now. Chronologically, we’re approaching the time when Zelnya would have burned the academy. Since that event was erased from our timeline, it was inevitable that subsequent events would unfold according to alternative ‘causality’ principles.

This realization drove my research efforts.

“As many of you are already aware, crystals have applications as sophisticated as silicon-based technologies. Naturally, they can also be utilized to reconstruct the Ether Belt. I’ve termed this approach ‘reverse tempest technology.’ In simple terms… it involves invoking an ‘Ether Storm.’”

“An Ether Storm… What’s the underlying principle?”

“Crystals possess the inherent property of containing ether. By harnessing this characteristic, we can store high-quality ether and release it when strategically necessary. To use a medical analogy, it’s comparable to blood donation and transfusion.”

At this stage, only one controlled release is necessary. Ether, similar to light, can induce cascading effects. This is a predictable outcome according to the FR model.

The FR model has proven exceptionally valuable in this research. By simply inputting variables into its equations, one can accurately predict outcomes. My initial decision to focus on this model has been thoroughly vindicated.

“This is the third paper”

“There’s more?”

“That’s unbelievable.”

In truth, I had prepared four papers for presentation, though I harbored reservations about one of them. I advanced to the next slide.

Theoretical Study of Darwin Legion Outer God Trapping Device Using Crystals

This was unquestionably the centerpiece of my presentation.

This is commonly referred to as the ‘trap’ study.

“This device is specifically designed to trap Darwin Legion Outer Gods.”

“…….”

The room remained conspicuously silent. Their reaction was notably more subdued than I had anticipated.

“Functionally, it operates on principles similar to a quantum gravity resonator…”

“Ah, resonator. Yes, a resonator.”

I noticed something peculiar about the council elders. They had all adopted strange demeanors, suddenly appearing as though they were collectively coming down with an illness.

“My inspiration came from the recent discovery of Virgo, found encased in crystal as a shard. This led me to question: Could we similarly trap Outer Gods within crystal structures? Based on this concept…”

For the next ten minutes, I proceeded with my presentation in a methodical, somewhat monotonous manner. The audience’s minimal reactions drained the engagement from my delivery.

After completing my explanation of the third thesis, I shuffled through my documentation. Only the final thesis remained:

Research on Manipulating the Neural Network of the Constellation Using Crystal Electrodes

I hesitated, deliberating whether to proceed.

Two primary concerns fueled my hesitation:

First, this research lacked verification. Although I had uploaded it to the academic archive, it had garnered minimal attention due to the absence of experimental results.

Second, presenting this carried significant risk. The research involved experimentation with the Constellation—a subject that would undoubtedly provoke the Holy Spirit Church, which revered stars as divine entities. Presenting such work could invite their condemnation.

I carefully assessed the expressions around the room. While the professors displayed bright, almost illuminated smiles, approximately half of the presbytery elders sat rigidly, their faces frozen in expressions reminiscent of plaster sculptures carved by inebriated art students.

I made my decision. Was there truly a need to present this controversial final piece? Some Elder members likely held allegiance to the Holy Spirit Church. Creating unnecessary adversaries would be imprudent.

“That concludes my presentation.”

This should suffice.

I’m screwed. That was the conclusion Cadric reached after careful consideration. Utterly and completely screwed.

“Three papers in two months? Is that even possible?”

“If you assume they were prepared beforehand, it should be possible. It’s not like they were published in a famous journal, so don’t get too excited.”

“Even so, his ability is far superior to his peers. Did you see how he conversed with the professors without hesitation?”

“Anyway, his skills are indeed genuine.”

Cadric walked like a person who had lost his soul. Suddenly, the shadows of two people loomed in front of him. They were the two professors he had hired.

“Thanks to you, young master, I had a good show.”

“Indeed, even when trying to attack, his defense is so impenetrable… Feynman’s friend has taken in an excellent disciple, hahaha!”

Cadric had never imagined that Aidel would have acquaintances among the professors of Kallisto. Yes, this was definitely a setup.

“After a short break, the elders of the council will deliver their final evaluation.”

The voices of the council elders could be heard, and the most mentioned names were Brian and Aidel. Ceti was occasionally mentioned, but Cadric’s name was nowhere to be heard.

Gritting his teeth, Cadric ran to the rooftop. The stars in the night sky twinkled as if they were blessing someone’s future. But that someone was not him.

Thus…

“Ahhhhhh——!!”

He shouted until his shoulders shrugged, even thinking he was no different from a madman. But he had to do this to endure.

“Aidel! Aidel——!!”

In fact, he had realized it a long time ago. Aidel did not bribe anyone. He never lied. Everything was a result of his skill.

Cadric had heard from Professor Afron and Professor Vishald that they had written papers together with Aidel and had given him advice. Many professors considered Aidel a supernova.

Was the investigation insufficient? No, Cadric had simply made up his mind and deliberately chose not to investigate. He wanted to deny reality somehow.

“…Damn it.”

Cadric sighed softly, exhaling even the last bit of air from his lungs.

Everyone had talent. His brother in medicine, his younger brother in academics, his half-sister in commerce. Only he was ordinary.

He recalled Aidel’s unruly behavior as a child. Just four years ago, Aidel couldn’t even do simple fraction addition, yet now he had become so proficient in mathematics.

What had Cadric been doing all this time? A sense of self-reproach surged over him.

The council was in a state of utter chaos, divided into three factions that fiercely opposed each other as they debated the final decision on who would become the head of the family.

“We should choose the eldest. The second child’s talent simply does not match that of the first.”

“The third child is exceptionally bright. If he becomes the head, the honor of the Reinhardt family will reach unprecedented heights.”

“If Ceti becomes the head, at least our finances won’t be ruined.”

At that moment, the council leader clapped his hands to draw attention.

“Alright, let’s stop and make the final decision!”

The voting began.

Cadric, Brian, and Ceti gathered together, waiting for the adults’ decision. The one who possessed a clear vision and sincerity, as judged by the document evaluation and task assessment, would inherit everything from the Reinhardt family.

Gulp. Rejane swallowed dryly, her heart pounding in her chest. It wasn’t completely impossible, she thought. If Ceti became the head of the family, she could exact revenge on the Adelwein family. The capital of the Reinhardt family wasn’t necessary; power and influence alone would suffice.

On the other hand, if another child was chosen, she would be expelled. Brian, Cadric, Aidel – she was not the biological mother of any of the three.

As her insides burned with anxiety…

“Child with three theses, please step forward.”

The result had been decided.