Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 762

The three-dimensional modeling workshop was located deep in the basement of the academic building.

It was a place used by university researchers to create prototypes before presenting their findings.

While it wasn’t possible to create high-level artifacts or items, it was sufficient to check for errors in the basic designs.

“Originally, this was something we were preparing for the Elemental Department’s project demonstration during the last agreement…” Lenok said, inputting data while standing in front of the equipment’s remote screen.

“As I progressed with the research, the performance was quite different from what I initially thought, so I was a bit worried.”

Chiiik!!

He activated the press, placing a solid material inside and hardening it with heat and pressure.

Lenok slowly pressed down on the equipment, holding the handles with both hands, and spoke again.

“After thinking about it, I think it would be better to structure this topic as my third paper.”

The agreement between Lavatenon and the Magic Tower, and the inspection of projects within the university.

It was a necessary procedure, but it was also the result of his efforts to put the Magic Tower’s name on the research achievements that Evan would present.

However, the agreement was unexpectedly concluded in a hurry, and Evan’s research results could not be presented in time.

‘I had to quickly cover my tracks because the Guide’s Ghost was discovered by the Necromancy Department.’

Lenok turned around, recalling how he had unnecessarily inflated his notoriety while trying to quickly erase the traces.

Thanks to that, he was able to attach a plausible justification to the ‘invention’ that he had not been able to complete even after setting a direction. It could be called a blessing in disguise.

“I’m planning to be away for a while for related research. Would that be alright?”

“Of course, Evan.”

The dean, who had been watching from behind with a pleased expression, readily nodded.

“From the beginning, I intended not to interfere with your schedule. Just like last time, I’m sure you have everything figured out.”

“…”

“However, if you need anything, please tell me in advance. Then I will use all my connections to find whatever you need, whether it’s an item or a person.”

“I’m not sure if I’ll need any specific preparations. The official presentation might have to be scheduled later.”

Last time, he was able to borrow a large stage like the Magic Engineering Expo, so there was no need to prepare separately.

It was unknown whether there would be such an event on the schedule when Lenok returned from the Military City.

If he were to prepare a stage for the paper presentation later, he might have to prepare it himself.

“You still don’t seem to care about how you’re treated in academia.”

However, the dean shook his head as if he was dumbfounded by Lenok’s words.

“The derivative research based on the two theories you presented has long become one of the mainstream trends in academia. What do you think the reaction will be when you say you’re going to release your next paper?”

“…”

“There’s no need to borrow an official event or venue. If you just mention your paper, people will rush to express their interest in participating.”

“It’s unavoidable to be in the spotlight, but I still think it would be better to borrow an official venue…”

Moreover, unlike Ban or Victor, Evan’s position required him to be mindful of his reputation.

Trying to stand out too much on his own, or being perceived as having such a disposition, could lead to trouble later on.

As Lenok muttered in a troubled tone, the dean immediately changed his words.

“Then, how about participating in the seminar that will be held after you complete your paper?”

“…A seminar, you say?”

“Our university regularly holds three or four seminars every month. They are used to discuss topics where opinions differ in academia.”

The answers flowed out as if he had prepared the questions and answers in advance.

A natural reaction, as if he had considered other options from the beginning.

“We won’t announce anything about the paper, and we’ll just put your name on one of the presenters. Then, you can just bring out your paper during the presentation.”

“…Is it alright to proceed without officially announcing it as a paper presentation?”

“Of course not.”

The dean smiled.

“But the procedure isn’t what’s important, is it? If necessary, I can just temporarily adjust the regulations.”

“The professors and researchers who are preparing to present their papers…”

“We’ll adjust the timing to fit. If you say you’re participating in the seminar, everyone will want to get involved.”

“…”

Lenok looked back at the dean’s face, which was sparkling with anticipation, and closed his mouth.

The purpose of telling the dean about the third paper was to create an alibi for leaving for the Military City.

It would be a problem if he got too excited, as if he could present the paper right away.

He needed to calm the dean’s expectations at an appropriate time.

“It’s not good to have too high expectations. It’s not that I’m going to present it right away, I’m just starting to prepare…”

“I understand, so just write an outline when you’re ready and bring it to my office. Got it?”

From the moment he came to see Lenok, his face seemed to be glowing with vitality.

Regardless of the unsuccessful alliance with the Magic Tower, he was purely looking forward to this achievement.

Watching the dean quickly adjust the codes and security of the systems throughout the workshop, Lenok opened his mouth as if he had suddenly remembered something.

“Ah, and I forgot to mention, I met a member of the Technical Advisory Committee last time.”

The voices of the two men echoed in the workshop, which had become quiet in an instant after the press was turned off.

“She said that there are quite a few people who are not fond of my research results or me.”

“…Hmm. That’s probably true.”

The anti-gravity paper published under the name of Evan Bailan had become a huge topic, but not everyone could accept the results positively.

If airships started to fly around as new paths opened in the skies of Balkan, various businesses that had been responsible for transportation would be shaken.

Not only the automobile industry, but also engine manufacturers and their numerous partners would inevitably suffer some losses.

Even if they were not directly involved, there would certainly be those who did not like the market being shaken so much.

Unlike last time, there was a possibility that they would try to check or belittle Evan.

The dean also guessed what Lenok was saying and immediately hardened his face.

“If I ask around through my friends in the Central Council, I can find out their identities to some extent. If I hire experts separately-”

“No. That’s not what I mean.”

Lenok immediately shook his head at the dean’s words.

“The councilors have so many different interests that it’s likely that the Central Council hasn’t taken a clear stance. I felt that clearly during the last paper presentation.”

During the expo presentation, some senators had a negative reaction to the anti-gravity technology.

It wasn’t because they didn’t know the value of anti-gravity technology, but rather because they knew too well the changes and repercussions that the paper would bring.

Those with enough power to reach high positions in the Central Council were old monsters who were used to looking at everything happening in the city from a macro perspective.

There were cases where they would be hostile to new technologies or theories that would infringe on their interests.

There were also many councilors who were reluctant to see changes that were beyond their control sweep across the entire Balkan region.

Regardless of his friendship with the dean, there were likely several senators who were not happy with this matter.

Even if he obtained information about who was unhappy with Evan through them, it was unlikely to be of much help.

“Instead, please actively share information with those who are likely to openly check or dislike me.”

“What…?”

“After all, you were planning to broadcast the news throughout Balkan once the paper was completed, weren’t you?”

“Ahem, it’s not exactly like that. Of course, if you don’t want it, I would never want to force you…”

Even though he said that, it seemed clear that he had already decided how to proceed with the seminar.

“The more eyes watching, the safer it is.”

Lenok smiled as he watched the dean clear his throat as if he had been caught off guard.

“So, rather than those whose reactions are difficult to predict, I’d rather have someone who is hostile to me. That’s what I wanted to say.”

“…”

The dean, who had been silent, looked at Lenok without a word and then shook his head.

“Amazing… I can say with certainty that there is not a single researcher who can talk about their paper like that.”

“Is that so?”

Lenok slowly turned off the press and stood up, asking in return.

Lenok checked the shape of the solid material inside the press, and pressed the ventilation button to release the heat.

“I thought it was something I’ve been doing since I first came to this university.”

“…”

The days when he was thrown into this city and aimlessly searched through the books in the library.

What kind of existence Lenok was in this school when he was appointed as an assistant professor with the help of Aris.

The dean also understood the meaning of Lenok’s words and faintly hardened his expression, but Lenok muttered nonchalantly.

“It might be because of the topic of this paper. If I had to say, it’s not like I’m presenting my own achievements.”

“…What exactly is the topic of your paper?”

“Isn’t it a paper that I’m presenting to complete the integrated master’s and doctoral program?”

Lenok smiled.

“It contains the experiences I gained while teaching undergraduates. I hope good results will come out.”

“…I understand. In the end, it’s your decision whether to proceed with the presentation.”

The dean, who had let out a small sigh, reviewed the security of the workshop one last time and left.

It was probably to ensure that Lenok could prepare properly, even if he didn’t present the paper right away.

Despite having accumulated considerable experience and status, he was still a person who had not lost his purity as a scholar.

There must have been a reason why Aris chose to work as a distinguished professor at this university.

Clank!

Only after the thick door of the workshop closed did Lenok take his eyes off the press and raise his head.

‘Since I made a promise to the Magic Tower during the agreement, I need to change the conditions a bit during the paper presentation process.’

The promise to present Evan’s research results, the ‘invention’ that he had planned, exclusively to the Magic Tower.

Since he was planning to change it to his third paper, he had to convince the Magic Tower officials and ask for their understanding.

Of course, there was no need to convince Lenok himself, but he had to briefly explain it to those who knew about the agreement, like Jenny or Tatiana.

‘I have about a week before I leave for Yorta. By then, I need to finish the preparations and create an external justification for both identities to be absent.’

The Headrain River, which he had to cross to get to the Military City, flooded at specific intervals, so he had to schedule his trip accordingly.

So, he would pretend to be writing a paper and go into seclusion, make up a suitable excuse for the Magic Tower, and then disappear secretly.

Chiiiiik!!

As the heat escaped from the press and the air circulated, sweat dripped down.

Lenok picked up the solid material that had changed shape in the press after the heat had cooled, and stared at it, lost in thought.

A size that could easily fit in one hand. It seemed portable, but it was heavy enough to feel uncomfortable to carry around.

If he wanted, he could install the pre-designed system here and conduct experiments, but…

“I guess not. The size is fine, but it’s heavier than I thought.”

Lenok threw the solid material he had made into the trash can and turned his gaze to the production device.

“It’ll be even heavier after installing the internal parts. Let’s choose a design that can be made lighter.”

[I’ve been choosing only the designs that are relatively lighter for you.]

Dabi, who was riding on the design drawing, grumbled.

[To make it lighter than this, you have to reduce the capacity or output. It’s impossible to leave room for updates, right?]

“Indeed… It’s getting tricky because I’m trying to make the hardware separately.”

Lenok’s two previous papers focused on theory rather than actual objects.

When he presented the anti-gravity paper, the engine that used Lenok’s first paper was already commercialized, so there was no difficulty in obtaining a prototype for the demonstration.

This time, since he was experimenting with new technology and theory, Lenok had to design and create the prototype himself.

Of course, Dabi was helping by bringing the necessary formats from the central network, so there were no initial obstacles.

However, the process of adjusting the achievable values between ideal and reality was inevitable.

Before leaving for Yorta, he had to refine his results to at least the point where he could submit an outline.

“…I guess I have no choice.”

Lenok, who had been contemplating, looked at the design and began to quickly erase the internal parts with a pen.

“I’ll leave only the minimum parts and redesign it. Considering the theme of the paper, the prototype I’m making now has to be very light.”

[I’m the one who adjusts the design errors. If you keep doing that, I’ll change the order as I please.]

While grumbling, Dabi immediately began to modify the design that was input into the press.

“…Hmm?”

Lenok tilted his head as he looked at the design drawing that was changing in real time.

As he looked at the designs that Dabi was mixing up, he felt like something was fitting together in his head.

If the process was precisely cut down to the limit during the circuit conversion process, it didn’t seem as difficult as he thought to match the output.

Since Lenok was going to handle the process himself, it wasn’t a big problem, and the important thing was the problem of the modules that Lenok couldn’t make.

If he slightly reduced the capacity, as Dabi said, and just proved that the theory of the paper could actually be implemented-

Lenok, who had been staring with his chin propped up, muttered.

“If I just procure one or two necessary parts, it seems like I could present it right now?”

[…Huh?]