Chapter 230

Chapter 230

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 230: Graduate School (2)

Though I claimed it was to create an efficient learning environment, the real reason for installing the door lock was quite different.

“Is it for security reasons?”

“Now you’re asking the obvious questions.”

I set down the recently acquired research notes. Over the past three days, I have compiled all the theories about the Graviton Bomb in these pages.

I shrugged while shaking the research notes.

“This information is privileged, known only to our lab members. It would be problematic if an outsider came in and stole it.”

“Sounds like you’re trying to prevent getting scooped.”

“Precisely.”

In theoretical physics, information is everything. A leaked idea is equivalent to a lost publication. Normally, such theft isn’t common-after all, who would break into someone else’s lab to steal research data? It’s hardly rational behavior.

“The key factor here is my position as head of the Reinhardt family.”

“Which means your fame might have earned you some enemies without you realizing it.”

I nodded.

Plance, Ian, and Mercury – my three seniors – looked utterly frustrated by this explanation. But Ire would understand. Sure enough, when I glanced her way, she wore a knowing, bitter smile.

Ire stood and came closer, lowering her voice to a whisper.

“Do you think that ‘scientist’ might target you?”

“Nothing’s certain, but it’s highly likely.”

With Brian now exiled to some distant place, it was time for the next antagonist to emerge: Bruce Aizov.

He was a mad scientist who haunted remote planets, typically isolating himself from the world. Whenever he discovered a scientist who showed more promise than himself, he would harass them relentlessly through any means available. His actions had already led to twenty scientists either dying or abandoning their research entirely.

He was, without question, a truly disturbing individual.

“I suspect he’s already making his move. Since his base is in the southern outskirts, he might come for me directly.”

“…That would be dangerous. He’s one of the Five Kings, after all.”

The Five Kings – demon kings who betrayed humanity to align themselves with the Outer Gods. Though that’s their official description, they’re more accurately described as five villains.

Bruce’s allegiance to the Outer Gods is indeed genuine. His betrayal stems from a simple motivation: as a scientist exploring nature’s mysteries, he seeks to better understand the Outer Gods’ existence.

Typical mad scientist behavior.

‘The God of Wisdom and Curiosity’ scoffs at your thoughts.

I should note that some factions label me as a crazy scientist, but that’s an absurd mischaracterization. I’m perfectly rational and possess common sense. It actually makes me tremble with frustration when people call me crazy.

“By the way, young master, Chief Stronium requests your presence.”

“Oh? When?”

“As soon as possible.”

“Then I should head there immediately. Seniors, please watch over the lab while I’m away!”

Beep beep beep beep.

I entered the 23-digit random password, opened the door, and left with Sonia. As the state-of-the-art automatic door whirred shut behind us, laughter erupted from inside.

Hee, heeheehee! Heeheeheehee!

It truly warms my heart that our lab has such a wonderful atmosphere.

A joyful lab! A graduate school that feels like home! Seniors and juniors who are like family!

I couldn’t have chosen a better lab environment. It’s exactly the kind of setting I’ve always dreamed of.

Strontium Industries had become the leading megacorporation after the Adelwein Corporation’s bankruptcy. They undoubtedly possessed the largest capital and the most affiliates within the federation.

One would expect the head of such a company to emanate authority.

Yes, that’s how it should be.

“Oh my, our precious Lily! Who did she inherit such cuteness from?”

“A-woo!”

Bell Stranov – even the most hardened businessman becomes putty in his granddaughter’s presence.

“Chairman, we’ve arrived.”

“Hmm? Ah, yes. I understand. Sweetheart, Grandpa needs to work now. You understand?”

“Ta-woo!”

Perhaps it’s because she’s born to physicist parents, but she already seems familiar with elementary particles.

This is truly a promising student – no, baby.

“It’s been a while, Reinhardt. Or should I say Lord Reinhardt now? I should show proper respect.”

“Please, treat me as you always have.”

“Very well, we’ll keep it casual in private. Though in public, you should maintain your dignity, right?”

I responded with a smile.

“Have you seen Kallis?”

“Yes, just recently. She looked well.”

This explained why I hadn’t seen Professor Stranov lately – she was recovering in the obstetrics department.

“Kallis mentioned she might send her daughter to our lab if she chooses to study physics.”

“That would be an honor.”

Her daughter’s name was Lily. Lily, like the flower. That should be easy to remember.

Excellent, that makes two potential students now.

“I hope you’ll have the strength to see your second and third grandchildren, too.”

“My son-in-law complains of back problems, so that might take some time.”

“Oh dear…”

I made a mental note to arrange a complimentary pass to our family hospital for Professor Feynman.

“Let’s end the small talk here. Now, follow me.”

Sonia and I accompanied Chairman Bell in his car.

Our destination was a factory – though ‘factory’ seemed too modest a term for what lay before us.

The massive industrial complex stretched endlessly toward the horizon, like something out of a science fiction film.

“This is one of the largest industrial facilities in the Western sector.”

The Chairman explained, gesturing downward.

“That section produces plasma swords, and over there, they manufacture reverse tempest antennas. The production lines run simultaneously due to overlapping manufacturing processes.”

I was leveraging Stronium’s capabilities to prepare for the Darwin Legion invasion. While the top ten families typically maintained a careful balance of power among themselves, the threat of the Outer Gods forced them into alliance.

“What’s our current inventory?”

“300,000 antennas and 3.5 million swords. We’ve completed all the Zodiac 12 Troops’ orders, too. We’ll soon be able to supply them en masse to the front lines.”

“The numbers seem low.”

“Come now, friend. What did you expect with just a two-week timeline? We’re pushing automation to its limits!”

In truth, the numbers were adequate. The 3.5 million enhanced plasma swords would equip the southern elite forces, while 300,000 antennas could protect hundreds of base planets. We’d sustain some damage, but we wouldn’t be caught entirely unprepared.

The Chairman shifted topics.

“Have you heard about the massive layoffs at Alcatraz Reformatory?”

“…This is news to me.”

He patted my shoulder with a wry smile.

“The place might have to shut down soon, thanks to someone’s clever trap.”

“Is that so?”

“Really now. Aren’t you interested in your own handiwork? You’re all they talk about in the newsroom these days.”

I didn’t mention that I hadn’t had time to follow the news – Chairman Bell seemed to have already deduced as much.

The Chairman sighed.

“Ah, well. It is said heroes don’t recognize themselves as such. To be honest, kid, I respect you.”

“You’re too kind.”

“I mean it. You could have made a fortune with that trap, but you surrendered the patent without hesitation. Usually, those who have wealth crave more. But you chose humanity over money. In your position, I doubt I could have made that choice without some catastrophic wake-up call.”

“Saving lives takes precedence.”

“That’s the right principle. Is this the Reinhardt blood speaking…?”

The Chairman’s gaze drifted toward the distant mountains. Sonia and I followed suit, watching twilight settle gently beneath the sunset sky.

Beyond the dusk, insects began their evening symphony.

“When the sun sets, a deep, dark sea approaches – a sea called Outer God. According to your predictions, we have roughly a month left.”

“Yes, it will arrive like a tidal wave.”

“So humanity must learn to swim. Even if we merely flounder… isn’t that more meaningful than accepting defeat without trying?”

I nodded in agreement.

Perhaps it’s because of people like Chairman Stranov that humanity still has hope. If the Stranov family had been another corrupt organization like Adelwein, finding trustworthy allies would have been nearly impossible.

“Lord of the Reinhardt family.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“How is the Graviton Bomb concept progressing?”

“It remains theoretical at this stage.”

“You need national support and backing. When the time comes, I’ll do my best to advocate for you.”

“Thank you. I’m in your debt.”

After concluding our business discussion, I returned home, which, in this case, meant Professor Feynman’s lab.

I entered the code and stepped inside the familiar space, expecting to see my lab family, but—

“Where is everyone?”

“Didn’t they flee while you were gone?”

“Don’t joke like that. Our seniors wouldn’t do that.”

Ire was asleep at her desk, clearly exhausted. Concerned she might catch a cold, I covered her with a blanket before thoroughly searching the lab.

“Seniors, where are you?”

“I was kidding. They’ve just gone home for the day.”

“Well… nothing to be done about that.”

Disappointed at missing them, I settled into a chair beside Ire and began reading a thesis. The amount of material I needed to study seemed endless.

It wasn’t until dawn that I received word that Rustila and Zelnya were heading to the southern border for field training.