Chapter 529: The Second Thesis (4)

“No way!! This is a frame-up! I’ll speak to the other council members, this can’t be happening!!!”

Haider Barcell’s voice faded as he was dragged out, still screaming and thrashing after being pulled from his chair.

John Meyer watched the spectacle expressionlessly, then took the chair Haider had vacated and sat down.

He leaned back with a heavy sigh, speaking in a grave tone.

“He’ll be stuck in the Board of Audit and Inspection’s basement for about two weeks. That takes care of the obstructionist.”

“Thank you for your cooperation, Congressman Meyer.”

Dean Saiolus Garteanon’s polite greeting was met with a dismissive wave of Meyer’s hand.

“I merely played along with your scenario. Isn’t the credit due to you, who laid out the entire stage?”

“…….”

“So, where is the person who threw the source to the Board of Audit and Inspection?”

No sooner had he finished speaking than the laboratory’s back door burst open.

“It seems the charade with that useless old man is finally over.”

Bailla and Cassia strode in, tossing their heads.

They served as both the director and associate director of the Carlyle Research Institute, but were also fulfilling roles as temporary professors at Rebatenon university.

Lennok and the Dean had asked them to report internal corruption within the Technology Management Bureau to the Board of Audit and Inspection, successfully isolating Haider Barcell and arranging a meeting with John Meyer.

“Bailla. You shouldn’t speak like that.”

The Dean stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

“Half the people gathered here are old men, you know, and it’s embarrassing for us old folks to hear such things. Hahaha!”

He spoke as if it were a pleasant joke, but no one laughed. The Dean coughed awkwardly, slightly embarrassed, and looked away.

He quickly changed the subject, starting to stroke a goat-like spirit that was playfully rolling at his feet.

“In any case, let’s get to the point. The Board of Audit and Inspection’s expulsion of the Technology Management Bureau means they are seriously considering the repercussions of this matter.”

“…….”

“Researcher Vylun’s thesis, and the complete opening up of the derivative technologies and applications stemming from it.”

The Dean’s eyes gleamed sharply.

“Can we assume the Central Council has reached a conclusion regarding this?”

There was a reason Lennok and the Dean had not responded to any media inquiries or interviews until now.

‘This situation is very different from the first thesis. The Dean must have known that.’

Lennok’s first thesis had been closer to an achievement that significantly improved energy business efficiency.

Thus, the City Government actively supported its commercialization, but with the second thesis, the story was entirely different.

The skies above the mega-city Vulcan. An environment where flight was impossible due to the influence of an unknown magnetic storm circulating throughout.

The second thesis was a technology that was tantamount to carving a new path through the skies of that mega-city.

Meyer, who had been silently pondering, finally spoke.

“Even if it hadn’t been Commander Carrasco’s blunder, Assistant Professor Vylun’s presentation would have been normally disclosed to the public.”

“Why?”

“Presenters deemed unrelated to the Air Force theme were uniformly broadcast to boost the exhibition’s popularity. Even without his intervention, the situation wouldn’t have been different.”

“…….”

“Assistant Professor Vylun’s achievements and the economic added value derived from them are not problems that can be solved by simple control or monopolization.”

“Are you saying…”

“In this matter, no particular organization or individual will be held responsible for Researcher Vylun’s thesis presentation. I can tell you that much for certain.”

“That’s very fortunate.”

The Dean’s attitude showed no surprise at all. Meyer, observing the Dean’s expression, sharply narrowed his eyes.

“Of course, you, Dean, must have known that fact. You were aware that opinions were divided within the Council regarding the Air Force project, weren’t you?”

“…….”

“Although not officially announced to the public, Researcher Vylun’s thesis is already undergoing cross-verification in academic circles. It’s not entirely finished yet, but at least for anti-gravity technology, it seems they’ve concluded it’s fully viable for commercialization.”

Meyer glanced at Lennok and spoke.

“Its utility has proven to be incomparably superior to the technology applied to the Air Force fleet, and opinions have converged into one.”

“It seems a conclusion has been reached.”

“At this point, with so much information released, it’s impossible to monopolize anti-gravity technology. Soon, your thesis will be officially registered with academic societies, and companies for research and development projects will be recruited.”

Meyer said this, looking at Lennok with a hint of desire in his eyes.

“At the same time, you will receive immense honor as the exhibition’s top presenter.”

“…Is that so.”

Virtually, a single statement that confirmed Lennok’s objective in this exhibition.

As Meyer’s almost definitive words fell, the complexions of the others in the laboratory brightened visibly.

They too knew how much the status of Rebatenon university would soar due to this, the value of its research achievements, and the anticipated support funds.

And how much new authority and privilege would be bestowed upon them, who belonged to the university’s faculty.

Of course, most of that achievement would solely belong to Evan Vylun, but Lennok didn’t particularly care about that right now.

“…….”

Instead, he simply accepted the gaze of the old man, who was looking at Evan with unconcealed hunger, as if to devour him, with a bitter smile.

It was a feeling Lennok, who had met him several times under the name of Van, was all too familiar with.

The ambition of a man who openly covets and yearns for talent.

“Thank you for the Central Council’s difficult decision.”

The Dean bowed slightly, his tone earnest.

It was virtually an admission that the Council would relinquish its monopoly on anti-gravity technology.

Of course, even if it wasn’t the Central Council’s arbitrary decision, the swift recognition of the fact and the change in direction were commendable actions.

But Meyer merely smiled, as if not caring about the Dean’s words at all.

“The Council, the Technology Management Bureau, the Advisory Committee, and even government agencies like the Patent Office are at odds with each other. The significance of anti-gravity technology is too great for any single agency or faction to monopolize it. You all must have already known that, haven’t you?”

Neither the Dean nor Lennok replied to that statement.

“Rebatenon university will be officially contacted soon, so please prepare the relevant administrative procedures in advance.”

Saying so, Meyer slowly gripped his cane and rose from Haider’s seat.

Supported by his bodyguards, he stood up and smiled at Lennok before turning off the hologram.

“Researcher Evan Vylun. We shall meet again at the Central Council’s Technology Advisory Committee.”

Pfft!!

With those words, the hologram vanished.

Only then did Cassia, who had been standing behind, let out a light sigh, as if the tension had finally dissipated.

“Phew… An auditor from the Board of Audit and Inspection certainly has a different aura.”

“He’s considered the most capable politician in the House of Representatives.”

Bailla replied with a dry tone, crossing her arms.

“His personal reputation and approval ratings are quite high, so there’s speculation he’ll enter the Senate soon, despite his advanced age.”

“…….”

“Perhaps the oldest member of the council might gain the title of the politician who entered the Senate in the shortest time.”

“Even accepting the position at the Board of Audit and Inspection was rumored to be to shorten the time required to enter the Senate… He’s definitely an extraordinary individual.”

If even Saiolus spoke that way, it implied that John Meyer’s contribution within the Central Council was truly significant.

It was simply amazing what kind of schemes he employed to continue attracting attention both inside and outside the Council.

Was the ambition he once spoke of, starting from the back alleys of the city and rising to the top of Vulcan, not a lie?

However, Lennok also succeeded in taking a step closer to the City Council, albeit in a different way.

All that remained was for each of them to strive and struggle to obtain what they desired in their own ways.

“Regardless, welcome to the Technology Advisory Committee, Assistant Professor Evan.”

The Dean grinned and clapped Lennok on the shoulder.

“The qualification to join the Technology Advisory Committee, awarded to the top prize winner of the Vulcan Magic Engineering Expo. Now, you have finally achieved your initial objective.”

“That’s thanks to your generous support, Dean.”

“Don’t say things you don’t mean, hahahaha!”

Despite his words, the Dean burst into hearty laughter, leaning back in the laboratory chair and contentedly stroking his beard.

“It’s true I greased the wheels a bit for this exhibition, but everything was made possible by your ability.”

That wasn’t wrong.

Ultimately, all the Dean did was set the stage and make arrangements for Lennok to appear at the exhibition.

Showcasing the thesis, presenting new theories and technologies, and changing the tides of the situation were all Lennok’s doing.

However, it would be difficult to say that the Dean’s help wasn’t crucial in smoothly handling the tug-of-war between the City Council and government agencies during the process.

The Dean’s connections within government agencies, various research institutes, magic towers, and academia were what allowed the matter to be resolved smoothly.

But the Dean seemed more interested in discussing what lay ahead, rather than emphasizing his own contributions.

“With this, there won’t be anyone nagging about Rebatenon university’s research achievements for a while, and if we just handle the remaining procedures cleanly, it’ll be finished.”

“Remaining procedures?”

“Of course, I’m talking about the new degree that will be conferred upon you.”

The Dean replied as if to ask, ‘Why are you asking now?’

“What you’ve accomplished so far far exceeds the qualifications. If limited to the energy sector, it wouldn’t be strange for you to receive a doctorate right now.”

A new degree conferral ceremony. Although it was the first time Lennok heard this from the Dean, he wasn’t particularly surprised.

Until now, he had merely been working as Aris’s researcher, so there had been no need to specify his personal information.

It was natural that various titles and credentials would be necessary to directly enter the Central Council’s Technology Advisory Committee.

“Even if you follow the integrated process, procedural requirements dictate that you still need to submit a separate thesis, but your accomplishments are more than enough for a formality, so you can prepare at your leisure.”

“Understood.”

The Dean chuckled and muttered.

“Originally, this should have been handled by Professor Aris Richellen, your direct superior, but she’s unreachable right now…”

“…”

Bailla also added with a somewhat worried expression.

“At the beginning of her sabbatical, she occasionally made contact, but now even communication connections are difficult. I wonder what kind of research she’s conducting in the magic tower…”

“She’ll still return. She’s not one to abandon her responsibilities without a word.”

Lennok listened to their worried conversation and pulled out a small bookmark from his pocket.

A gift Aris had given him when she briefly visited the city, concerned about his health, before she left.

The mere fact that this item, crafted with Aris’s magic, was perfectly fine, likely meant she still had work left to do.

Just as Lennok himself had much to do, knowing that much was enough for now.

“Well, at least you can rest assured that there won’t be any lack of support or help in handling this matter.”

The Dean said this and abruptly raised his cell phone.

Beep beep beep beep!!

Messages and call logs piled up in real-time on the screen, scrolling rapidly like a scroll.

The Dean chuckled, seeing Cassia and Bailla’s slightly awestruck expressions.

“It seems there are literally hundreds of friends who’ve been itching to help us since the day before yesterday.”

After spending several days as Evan Vylun, Lennok was back in his laboratory.

Since he had entrusted external matters to the Dean, the Dean would handle media and expert collaboration requests for the time being.

It would naturally take some time for the anti-gravity technology unveiled through the second thesis to be fully commercialized.

During that period, Lennok planned to complete his unfinished personal research and tasks.

Thump!!

The laboratory ceiling opened, and a mechanical shelf descended, displaying cases filled with various chemicals and catalysts.

A hologram window appeared, visually indicating the efficacy and combination methods of the medicinal ingredients and catalysts.

Simply by moving his hand through the air, his intentions were automatically conveyed via gesture recognition.

Instantly, catalysts and materials needed for alchemy popped out, arranging themselves around the spacious workbench.

Auxiliary equipment rose from various points, delicately measuring out precise amounts like human hands and placing them in the center of the workbench.

Whirr!!

Various pigments and catalysts were ground in real-time, depicting a massive alchemical formation.

Lennok didn’t even need to draw the formation himself; the pre-programmed patterns were sequentially applied to the equipment, manifesting like a 3D printer.

All that was required was for Lennok to supply his mana to the equipment, ensuring the power didn’t cut out.

Once the alchemical array was complete on the workbench, Lennok immediately pulled out an artifact from his pocket.

“Let’s begin.”

Thud!

He placed a staff with rainbow-colored jewels and a pair of wings on the alchemical array.

[Overbarrel artifact insertion confirmed. Spec analysis via mana flow synchronization.]

[Holy-type self-augmentation spell and specialty-type space-translocation spell confirmed.]

[Specific operating principle uninterpretable. Identified as an advanced spell of at least Saint-rank Hierarchy.]

The research equipment Lennok had purchased wasn’t something that allowed him to do what he couldn’t.

The extraction of the spell formula was merely the fruit of the alchemical array Lennok created, his heightened understanding of spatial concepts, and his incredibly delicate mana manipulation ability.

The role of the new equipment in the laboratory was to meticulously observe, analyze, and record this process, and to have Davi manage it directly.

The equipment observed the changes and flows of the alchemical array, providing real-time assistance and quantifying the process to record its status.

[Synchronization of both material and alchemical realms confirmed through the alchemical array’s pattern. Codename ‘Compassion of the Archangel’. First attempt at spell extraction commencing.]

Wooosh!!

The alchemical array surrounding the Compassion of the Archangel squirmed as if alive, then enveloped the artifact, embracing it and beginning to glow softly.

The radiance emanating from the alchemical array surrounded the artifact, seemingly melting into it, then dripped down in liquid form from the rainbow-colored jewel.

It was an utterly bizarre phenomenon, as if the artifact were being brewed and extracted like a medicinal herb.

Lennok watched it and asked Davi.

“How long will it take?”

“It will take at least 90 hours until it can be visually quantified. Since we’re copying the spell without disturbing the artifact’s overall functions and extracting it as a liquid, if we don’t proceed slowly, the circuits will burn out.”

The process of extracting the spell wasn’t about completely stripping the Compassion of the Archangel of its internal functions.

To be precise, it was a replica that copied the mana mechanism operating within the Compassion of the Archangel, making it reproducible in other physical forms.

Since the work had to proceed without damaging the artifact itself, a lot of time consumption was unavoidable.

After isolating the workbench with a strong glass plate, Lennok set a holographic timer to display the remaining time.

He nodded, watching the liquid slowly drip into the glass bottle.

“So, even after this much adjustment and careful effort, I’ll only know if it succeeds after repeating trial and error.”

“You could just use the artifact, but since Master insisted on extracting the spell, there’s no choice.”

“I just don’t want to rely on the presence of the relic. And if this research on an Old World relic succeeds, it could eventually lead to spell imprinting—”

Beep!

An alarm sounded from behind him, and Lennok stopped his movements.

“…It’s time.”

The experiment for space-translocation spell extraction would take time, so he didn’t need to touch it for now.

After setting up a barrier to adequately protect the extraction process, Lennok immediately put on his coat, picked up his staff, and left the mansion.

Lennok’s face, walking through the center of the bustling district, had naturally transformed into Van’s.

Mixing silently among the crowds walking in a specific direction like a huge procession, he soon arrived at his destination.

[Vulcan Aerospace Defense Industry Exhibition]

An exhibition created to introduce various aircraft, levitation devices, and air transportation.

Exhibitions on such themes, which had never been previously covered in the mega-city, had recently increased sharply in number.

All citizens living in Vulcan knew the reason why.

The new anti-gravity technology that was coming, announced at the Magic Engineering Expo.

That anticipation was being pre-reflected through the immense capital power of the mega-city.

Not the aircraft traditionally used in the mega-city, but countless real aircraft that actually flew in the skies across the continent were displayed in a massive stadium.

From single-person aircraft like the Floating Island cluster’s wingboats, the Northern Continent’s snow-sleds, and hoverbikes used on the central front,

To multi-person tactical bombers and reverse-flow control shuttles, which could transport multiple objects and people at once.

Still, not all the skies of the continent were open to humans.

Like the magnetic storm hovering over Vulcan’s skies, there were quite a few areas where flight was impossible due to specific environmental conditions.

Nevertheless, there were still aircraft used in areas where flight was possible, and the mega-city, with its unique immense capital power, had imported all such aircraft to showcase them to its citizens.

It meant that the existence of air transportation had strongly captivated the attention of those living in this city.

“Before the world met its end…”

A low voice echoed from behind Lennok, who was gazing at a colossal rocket resembling a space shuttle.

“There were even countries that had no land.”

“…….”

“It’s said there were wandering nations that eternally took flying vessels as their territory, roaming the skies of the world.”

A long-haired young man, stepping forward to stand beside Lennok, spoke.

“It’s a story of records and memories that no longer exist.”

“Are you well-versed in the Three Cycles?”

“Not at all.”

Antares replied.

“Rather than looking back at the past, I’m merely obsessed with the future that hasn’t even arrived.”

Lennok chuckled at that.

“You’re saying things you don’t mean.”

The precognition he gained at the cost of observing his own demise.

Antares himself must know best how powerful, useful, and fatal that power was.

But despite Lennok’s cold response, Antares quietly shook his head.

“No, it’s truly a minor talent. Compared to everything you’ve accomplished so far.”

“…….”

Silence fell.

Both of them knew that he wasn’t just talking about what Lennok had achieved as Van.

The vast exhibition hall bustled with thousands of citizens. Antares turned his back to them and steadily gazed at Lennok.

“I’d like to continue the conversation we couldn’t finish at Jenny’s bar, if that’s alright?”

Antares said, tilting his head slightly.

“It’s about Evan Vylun.”

The name, brought up for the first time in front of Van.

But instead of being flustered by the words, Lennok quietly smiled and raised his head.

He knew that all of Antares’s actions and advice so far pointed to one single truth.

“…You knew after all.”