Chapter 81

Chapter 81

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 81: From Now On, This Is My Laboratory (4).

An email notification pinged.

You bastard!

Another message quickly followed, its contents even more volatile.

You fucking bastard, just try coming home now. If I see your face, you’ll get beaten to death. Are you even human? After spending so much money, you still act like this. Seriously, you fucking woodpecker bastard!

“What’s going on? Is it the professor?”

“Uh, yeah. It’s nothing,” I replied.

Instinctively, I pressed Alt+Tab to shield the screen from further scrutiny, hiding the vitriol spewed by my younger sister.

She was clearly still groggy from just waking up. Otherwise, she wouldn’t send the string of curses she hurled at her brother. Yeah, that’s right.

The ‘God of Wisdom and Curiosity’ is looking at you with slanted eyes.

Fortunately, Ceti had woken up, but it was too early to break the news to Rustila.

“Warden, is it acceptable to have friends over at the workplace?”

“As long as your work doesn’t suffer, I have no complaints.”

The whiteboard—or was it Whitewood? Regardless, thanks to the warden’s leniency, my surroundings, including Rustila, were enveloped in a peaceful quiet today.

My duties were clear: manage, monitor, and research. Occasionally, I also helped Rustila with whatever she needed.

As the day drew to a close, we shared a long blanket and drifted into dreamland.

Last night, I had a bizarre dream where Sonia decided I deserved some kind of punishment and dressed me up as a woman.

“Ugh.”

Even recalling it made my stomach turn.

“This is more fun than I thought?”

On the other hand, Rustila had recently taken a surprising turn towards academia. She seemed fascinated by the challenge of translating the ether and star energies she sensed intuitively into a form perceivable by all five senses.

“When you push the ether on this side with a whoosh, the opposite side reacts with a thump thump. You use that sensation to manipulate the ether’s extension.”

= The band itself exhibits a phase structure capable of resonance.

A true scientist must strive to understand, no matter how clumsily the concept is presented.

As we translated Rustila’s intuitive understanding into mathematical terms, one breakthrough followed another. The code required for simulations became more efficient, and we could simplify the setup of our model systems.

With such a bank of ideas at our disposal, are we really on the brink of announcing Ceti’s revival?

That would put us on the brink of bankruptcy.

“Rustila, I’m sorry, but you can’t leave my side until we finish this paper, okay?”

“Hehehe.”

“?”

“?”

Grrrr.

As the noon bell rang, signaling lunchtime, the inmates shuffled toward the dining hall like a horde of weary zombies.

I observed their sluggish movements while savoring the ham and egg sandwich Sonia had prepared for me. The crispy bread complemented the savory, slightly salty filling, enhanced by the fresh scent of greens. The layers of flavor swirling in my mouth were almost enough to bring tears to my eyes.

“Sonia.”

“Yes?”

“Promise you’ll stay by my side forever.”

“Stop with the dramatics and just finish your sandwich.”

Meanwhile, the two mining machines, now resembling contented humans, settled into their newly acquired massage chairs—complete with power supply functions.

Charging begins.

“Ahhh.”

“Ahhh.”

“This lab really does have great amenities.”

“I second that.”

It seemed that even the robots were finding a moment of bliss in their mechanical lives.

The simulation results produced by Sonia and Verdia were highly satisfactory. Professor Feynman and I had made significant contributions to ensure the FR model was effectively implemented on the computer.

Computer simulations are crucial in modern science as they can prevent the wastage of substantial amounts of money on physical experiments. Besides the cost of the GPU, there were no other expenses, and the results were nearly flawless.

“We need to draft the paper soon.”

“Already?”

“If you have money, what can’t you do?”

Verdia bit her lip, her anxiety palpable, but it was already too late to turn back.

Your master is impressive, huh? Next time, I’ll bring Rustila with me.

Unaware of the conversation, Rustila was brightly smiling as she took a bite of her toast.

Rustila Kersil: 10 / 1500

[Mental State]

She is happy to be in your company. She is worried about Ceti.

The Pron level has decreased significantly. At this rate, by the time she progresses to her second year, I won’t need to take special care of her. More importantly, my schedule will become very hectic soon. From college classes onward, I might have to juggle various responsibilities. Alternatively, graduating early this semester and skipping straight to college, then moving on to graduate school, seems like a viable option.

Graduate school next year? That would be impressive. If things go well, I might not only earn my Ph.D. at twenty-two but also become a professor.

“What a crazy guy. How did I end up stuck with someone like this… Kyaaa!”

Outer God ‘Orchestra of Mud and Flesh’ has paid you a regular tribute of 500 Pron.

I was struck by a sudden curiosity. Lowering my voice so Rustila wouldn’t overhear, I called Verdia.

“Rustila’s parents?”

“I’ve contacted them. They’re aware we’re here.”

“And?”

“They’ve been swamped with work, so they haven’t had time…”

No way.

“They said they’re coming today.”

Oh, Outer Gods.

Knock, knock, knock.

“I’m coming in.”

The voice belonged to Whitewood, the prison warden. He stepped into the room, his expression tinged with annoyance and quickly surveyed the scene. State-of-the-art computers were running simulations, and bundles of graphics cards, reminiscent of a coin mining farm, hummed in the background. Two androids were nestled in massage chairs, recharging swiftly, while a girl casually munched on toast. And there I was, enjoying brunch after having completed all the administrative tasks ahead of schedule.

“Look at these beasts.”

“Excuse me?”

“I gave you some leeway because you’ve been doing a good job, but this? You’ve turned the surveillance room into a lounge? Huh? Try giving me an excuse!”

His anger was palpable. Clearly, the rolling stone had dislodged the embedded stone with too much force.

“Warden, this is a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?”

“No, this is…” I paused, searching for the right words. “It’s been converted into a lab.”

As I hesitantly revealed the truth, the warden’s face went blank. I gestured to Sonia and Verdia, who sighed audibly and returned to their computers. Meanwhile, Rustila, sipping her juice, eagerly presented her own research.

“Take a look at this.”

“We were working on a paper.”

“Why on earth are you writing a paper in prison, you fools?”

The warden looked like he was on the brink of losing his patience. Yet, he was a big-hearted man, known to overlook even the unauthorized procurement of a research device worth 1 billion credits. Perhaps he could be swayed by a reasoned discussion?

At least, that’s what I hoped.

“What kind of madness is this?”

“Uh, Mom? Dad?”

Incredibly, Rustila’s parents chose that moment to barge in.

“…Aidel.”

And, to my surprise, my father was with them.

Why was my father here?

“Is this what you’ve been up to in prison?”

I was suddenly facing the biggest crisis since the Celestine Incident.

The tension in the room was palpable as the confrontation began.

My father, as expected, was the first to break the silence.

“Sonia.”

“Yes, head of the family.”

“Explain how this came to be.”

Even Verdia seemed tense, her eyes darting around the room. Only Sonia remained composed, her expression calm as she clearly articulated the events that had transpired. She even presented my thesis as proof, wrapping up her explanation seamlessly. It was a flawless delivery.

Arnold, unable to hide his impatience, clicked his tongue and turned his gaze towards me.

“So, you’ve decided to turn the prison into a research lab, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“And you’ve invested our fortune into this research?”

“Yes.”

“…Understood for now.”

My father, a man not known for dwelling on details, seemed to accept the situation for the time being. His approach was always to grasp the essentials and move on, and today was no exception.

“Aidel, let’s have a long talk once you get out of here.”

The air in the room shifted subtly as the Kersil couple, who were sipping their cinnamon tea, glanced between me, Rustila, and Verdia before speaking up.

“Verdia, why don’t you give us your report as well?”

“Yes. Well, you see…”

Verdia’s explanation was logical, but it didn’t address the core issue. She had disregarded the Kersil’s explicit instruction not to let Rustila wander too far, and it was clear they were not pleased.

“Verdia, if this continues, we will have no choice but to recall you.”

“I’m sorry,” Verdia responded.

I found myself considering the possibility of purchasing Verdia should she appear on the second-hand market. Lost in thought, I barely noticed Sonia nudging me in the ribs. Was she signaling me to watch my expressions? Odd. I didn’t think I was smiling at all.

“Rustila, it’s time we headed back home.”

“But I told you about the research paper Aidel wrote. This place is the safest for now…”

“Even Alcatraz isn’t completely secure. There have been sightings of the Outer Gods and numerous unsettling reports.”

“Exactly. And there could be criminals hiding among those people.”

“But Mom!”

“Moreover, I’m not comfortable with you living here with a boy who isn’t your fiancé. You should consider yourself fortunate we’ve allowed it to go on this long. Do you understand?”

Rustila fell silent.

At that moment, my father, who had been on the verge of leaving without another word, paused. He turned back and addressed Aidel.

“Aidel.”

“Yes, Father?”

“What do you aspire to be when you grow up?”

“I aim to develop a scientific theory that will banish the Outer Gods from our universe.”

“I see. And what about your career? What do you want to do?”

“If I must specify, I’d say a professor of physics.”

“A professor,” he repeated, nodding thoughtfully.

Father chuckled, biting his lip and raising an eyebrow.

“Do you enjoy academics so much that you’d set up a lab even here? Just try not to cause any trouble.”

Bang!

Father continued speaking.

“Our family tradition favors careers in medicine or business. If you get married and have children, they will be considered a collateral line. You understand what I’m saying, right?”

“Yes.”

“And you still want to pursue natural sciences?”

“I’ll simply make natural sciences our main line then.”

“…This kid.”

Arnold’s expression grew subtle. As he said, a direct descendant of the Reinhardt family traditionally dons a medical gown, a symbol of our heritage as a medical dynasty. But what if one were to achieve accomplishments that redefine that legacy?

“Father, it’ll be soon.”

I spoke as I slid the draft of my thesis into the file.

“Please tell Brother Brian that I will visit him soon.”

Armed with the knowledge of the ‘Outer God’s Death’ and the abilities bestowed by Cartesia, I was determined to succeed. My plan was to complete my thesis, restore the Ether Belt, and then enjoy a fulfilling graduate school life. It seemed flawless.

“As the head of the family, Aidel, let me ask you one thing.”

“Please go ahead.”

“Your eldest brother is already a distinguished doctor, and your half-sibling has proven her prowess in business. When they become heads of the family, they will undoubtedly bring wealth and honor to the Reinhardts.”

“That’s true.”

“But what benefits can you bring to the family as a physicist?”

“Hmm.”

“If you can’t answer, I’ll just leave.”

Father’s face wore a complex expression. As he prepared to bid farewell to the Kersil couple and leave, I spoke up.

“Wouldn’t it be academic achievements?”

Father stopped in his tracks. I continued.

“Once I become a professor, I will mentor many graduate students. I will guide them with the utmost sincerity. They will become eminent scholars and leave a significant mark on human history, not just within the Federation.”

“And you?”

“I intend to do the same.”

“Such grandiose ambitions.”

“If Rutherford hadn’t had his graduate student conduct the alpha particle scattering experiment, we wouldn’t have the medical synchrotron accelerators we use today.”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“To put it simply, I aim to be the person who invents the polio vaccine, not just the one who administers it.”

Father scratched his head. It seemed there was still no cure for baldness. The need for further scientific advancement was more pressing than ever.

“…If you keep living with that mindset, no woman will ever like you.”

The ‘God of Wisdom and Curiosity’ chuckles softly.

After Father spoke those words, he departed. His footsteps, curiously lighter than when he had arrived, echoed down the hall.

The Kersils stood motionless for a brief moment before calling out to Rustila.

“It’s time to leave now.”

“No!”

Rustila’s scream pierced the air as she clung to me tightly.

“I need to write a paper with Aidel.”

Oh, my goodness.