Chapter 231

Chapter 231

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 231: Graduate School (3)

Rustila was the first to message me:

I’m being deployed to the frontier planetary system for training next week. They’re even preparing cadets now – rumors say a major war might be imminent.

Then came Zelnya’s message:

I’ve finished most of my practical training. All that’s left is to gain real-world experience. Starting next week, I’m joining my father-in-law on a volunteer mission to the southern frontier.

A volunteer mission? Now, of all times?

While it made sense for Rustila, who was a soldier, this seemed far too risky for Zelnya. I quickly typed back:

Who put you up to this?

It was my choice.

Oh. I had assumed she’d been pressured into it.

Isn’t that too dangerous?

It’s what I believe in.

Zelnya’s conviction left me speechless. Before I could formulate a response, another message appeared:

Also… I’m pregnant.

At that point, I was truly at a loss for words.

So Zelnya is carrying a child naturally, while Rustila chose external cultivation through a test tube. Suddenly, I’m facing the prospect of becoming a father to two children simultaneously.

When I asked Zelnya why she didn’t opt for external cultivation despite her busy schedule, she simply said:

“Because it’s our child.”

“Won’t that be difficult?”

“Because it’s our child, it will be fine.”

Zelnya kept repeating those words like a mantra, gently caressing her lower abdomen as she looked up at me.

“Because it’s our child…”

I could see the uncertainty lingering in her eyes.

Then it clicked – she was seeking validation.

Given her family’s past collapse and the fact that many still identify her as an Adelwein, this was her way of asserting her new identity. She wanted to prove to the world that she wasn’t just the head of Adelwein anymore, but Reinhardt’s wife.

I drew Zelnya into a gentle embrace.

“…Aidel.”

And naturally, I made sure to embrace Rustila as well.

I was accompanying lab members and their wives to observe black holes when one researcher reported:

“This is where GKL-498611 was located. Though small, this black hole vanished two days ago.”

“That makes twelve now.”

My prediction had been off.

“It seems my hypothesis was incorrect.”

“Being wrong is no reason for complacency. Outer Gods are like volcanoes – you never know when they’ll erupt. We must maintain constant surveillance of their movements.”

As I discussed with the field researchers, Ire stood beside me, taking meticulous notes. She set down her notepad and inquired:

“Have you noticed anything else unusual?”

“Nothing significant.”

“What about rumors? Particularly those circulating in the frontier planetary systems – even if they’re not directly related to the black holes…”

A researcher snapped his fingers.

“Actually, yes! There’s talk of a man in a white coat calling himself the ‘Prophet of Doom.’ He’s been causing disturbances in the Delaus planetary system with apocalyptic predictions.”

Ire and I exchanged knowing looks.

It had to be Bruce Aizov, one of the five kings.

As expected, he was making his move.

“What exactly is he claiming?”

“He’s predicting humanity’s extinction this month.”

Utterly baseless.

“The space police are trying to arrest him for inciting panic, but he keeps vanishing into thin air.”

That would be his Dead Star ability at work. He can utilize the remnants of expired stars – their cosmic dust – to jump through space. In essence, teleportation.

Bruce is among the rare few capable of hearing an Outer God’s voice.

The reason for this ability remains one of this world’s greatest mysteries.

Come to think of it, I’m similar. The fact that I can communicate effortlessly with the Outer God of Wisdom merely because of my love for research defies logic.

The researcher spoke dismissively:

“There’s even gossip criticizing the Reinhardt family head lately. Something about researching ridiculous things like fish traps. How could that possibly prevent destruction? Rather amusing, isn’t it?”

I couldn’t share in his amusement.

The fish trap isn’t flawless.

Theoretically, it should capture all Darwin Legion Outer Gods, but in practice, it’s only effective against those ‘below a certain weight class.’ The metaphor of the fish trap makes this limitation clear:

You can’t catch a catfish with a trap designed for small fry.

Ultimately, the Darwinian leader would need to be confronted directly.

No – endured.

At least until the Ether Belt, which would be destroyed by the Tempest, could be restored.

“That concludes the report. Here’s the experimental data for analysis.”

Ah, data. Sweet data.

But this time, it wouldn’t be my responsibility.

“Ire.”

“Y-yes?”

“How about you write a paper on this topic?”

When I handed the data to Ire, her face went blank.

“You want me… to write a paper independently?”

“Didn’t you say you wanted to become a physicist?”

“It’s- it’s too soon…”

She caught herself, took a deep breath.

“Whew… Alright. I can handle this much.”

That’s more like it.

Upon entering graduate school – whether as an intern, master’s student, or doctoral candidate – one must adopt a dual identity: both student and researcher.

Ire Hazlen possessed both the mindset and capability for this role.

Naturally, I was providing ample support.

“Aidel.”

“Yes, Rusty?”

“I need to head back to camp now.”

“Ah, me too.”

It was time to bid farewell to my wives.

“One last hug?”

“Me as well.”

I embraced them both deeply. These moments of married life were precious – even a simple hug could rejuvenate me.

“Fully recharged!”

“I could research for days without sleep now.”

“Please do get some sleep, though!”

Ire’s gentle laughter interrupted our moment.

“You two have grown much closer than before.”

Rustila and Zelnya’s eyes crinkled in unison.

“…Well, yes.”

“We’ve just grown accustomed to each other.”

Influenced by Ire’s observation, my wives turned their heads in opposite directions.

Gone were the days of their constant feuding and declarations of ‘How could I possibly associate with her?’ Time truly is a fearsome and mysterious force. Even in this era of advanced science and technology, it remains an undefined concept with immense transformative power.

“How bittersweet.”

“Don’t say such nonsense…”

“Isn’t it though, sis?”

As they continued their playful bickering, Ire’s laughter lightened the atmosphere.

Then it happened.

“…Huh?”

All three women uttered that single syllable almost in perfect sync.

A moment later, I too understood what had startled my wives.

Conditions have been met.

‘Great Triangle (Lv. 01)’ is activated.

Ire’s eyes darted across the status window.

Common Effect: Great Triangle

The stars of Altair, Vega, and Deneb form a trinity, achieving completion. The three stars shine as one and resonate. This starlight shall banish the world’s darkness……

At last, she had obtained it – one of the most powerful skills for confronting an Outer God.

Notification: All allies within a 100-meter radius of the triangle’s centroid receive a 5% increase in health, strength, agility, energy, and recovery.

Notification: Effect persists while the three remain within 10 meters of each other.

Ire cried back tears. The magnitude of effort invested in acquiring this skill was overwhelming. She had done it all: to bring joy to her main star, Altair; to triumph over the Outer Gods; to break free from the crushing penalty imposed by the Outer God Safaul.

This was the skill she had yearned for so desperately.

“Ah…?”

Rustila stumbled. Zelnya groaned and collapsed into a chair. Ire clutched her head as dizziness overcame her.

“Altair!”

“Vega!”

The stars of Vega and Altair converged, their paths intertwining. The three women experienced an unprecedented sensation of unity, their bodies pulsing in unison like rhythmic drums.

“Is this… what it feels like?”

“…The Starline has been restored.”

As Zelnya and Rustila processed the situation, Aidel seized the opportunity to comment.

“Perhaps it’s because you three have grown close. This resonance is remarkable, especially for just level 1.”

Ire nodded first, followed by Aidel’s two wives.

Some might dismiss a 5% increase as insignificant, but they would be wrong.

This was a premier-class buff.

As their levels increased, additional effects would manifest, and new abilities would emerge.

Though modest in its beginning, its potential was immense.

Time was the crucial element.

The Trinity strengthens as the three Avatars share space, engage in intimate conversations revealing secrets, or unite to overcome significant challenges, deepening their bond.

The moment had come for the three to forge a closer connection.

“Hah, so this is really happening.”

Zelnya sighed, echoed by Rustila.

“…We have no alternative. Ire, we should stay close from now on.”

“How dare you address Ire so casually? Show some respect!”

“It’s fine, Rustila. Really.”

Zelnya’s character had softened considerably. Even this small gesture was appreciated and rather moving. It was clear evidence that the predetermined future had shifted.

“Come on, let’s get coffee. Aidel, just the three of us.”

“Hold on, what about Ire…?”

“Your lab intern is quite impressive for us.”

Zelnya placed her hand on Ire’s waist, making a licking gesture. Aidel’s face registered shock.

Ire scratched her head before speaking.

“Reinhardt, leveling up this skill takes priority. I’ll spend some time with your wives and return later. Get some rest with the android. Understood?”

Dataset in hand, Ire temporarily parted ways with Aidel and Sonia. Aidel remained stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Sonia chuckled, swaying her hips.

“As expected, I alone remain faithfully by the young master’s side. Now, young master, please applaud your devoted maid.”

“Oh no, my assistant…”

And thus, Aidel von Reinhardt watched as his carefully mentored graduate student was whisked away by his wives.