49 – Academy (2)
“According to the recent opinions presented in academia….”
A class more focused on theory than practical training. Surprisingly, Micella’s lecturing skills were at an excellent level. Even Lian, who was completely ignorant of magical arts, could vaguely understand what topic Micella was covering.
Of course, if it weren’t a class targeting freshmen, it would have been impossible.
“Let’s take a 10-minute break. Baron.”
“Yes, Professor.”
Micella disappeared outside the agora, and simultaneously, the sound of sighs echoed from all directions. Regardless of the quality of the class, sitting for two hours must have been quite a struggle for the freshmen who had just entered college.
Perhaps due to attending a university class that was not even in the palmistry, even the corporate individuals yawned as if they had been waiting.
“Damn it. There are still two hours left.”
“I never thought I’d have to take classes again at this age.”
“I should go smoke a cigarette.”
But even as they say this, their sharp gaze scans the surroundings. Everyone gathered here knows that they are all competitors.
More than half of them head outside to catch their breath. But Riley still remains seated in their spot.
“Ugh… It’s getting more difficult than I expected.”
In a sentence filled with anxious emotions, Lian turns their head to the side.
“I wouldn’t mind even going to the lab, but the other side is being so stubborn. It’s giving me a headache.”
They say this while letting out a deep sigh.
Having to endure a month like this, it’s no wonder they speak such words.
No matter how young she may be, an 11-year-old brat like her can’t afford to waste time like the owners’ family.
“Is there no other way?”
“I even tried to negotiate. But as a mage from the Martop clan, their arrogance is off the charts. If it were my grandfather, maybe it would be possible, but with the money I have, it’s impossible.”
From the moment more than ten companies came here to secure the exclusive rights to the technology, it was already determined who held the upper hand in negotiations.
Mikella knows that, which is why she can use such a strongarm tactic.
“Hmm.”
Lian closely examines Riley’s expression.
Do they really not know?
The fact that Mikella is conducting two different research projects simultaneously?
Lian opens their mouth in a casual tone.
“Among the business executives present here, it seems that some have alternatives besides that.”
As those words come to an end, ripples appear on Riley’s face.
However, even that lasts only for a moment as he quickly returns his expression to its original state.
“How do you know about that?”
“When other companies sigh, your eyes seem to sparkle.”
“…Stop talking nonsense.”
Lian points towards the back door with a faint smile.
“Would you mind stepping outside for a moment to talk?”
“….”
“With so many ears around, you know.”
Does it seem too smooth?
But there’s no help for it. This time, even though Riley is being called up for contractual reasons, if it goes that way, the relationship that has been horizontal until now will turn vertical in no time.
An equal relationship.
To go beyond that and become business partners, it’s crucial not to stoop and enter from the beginning.
Because that’s how relationships established in childhood continue into adulthood.
“…We have five minutes until the class starts. Can we finish within that?”
“Plenty of time.”
*****
“No need for formalities here. No one’s watching anyway.”
As soon as they step outside, Riley utters nothing other than that.
Originally, the less experience one had, the more significance they attached to the power they held.
In that sense, Riley was successful.
“So, what exactly is that method?”
She doesn’t ask how he knows. Knowing better than anyone else what matters most in the current situation.
“Professor Micella’s research falls into two categories. One is the similarity research you mentioned, and the other is-“
“The study related to changes during hierarchical ascension. I know that much.”
A momentary disappointment flashes across Riley’s face.
“I tried approaching it from that angle too. But I only got recommendations for research subjects from Leciere cult officials.”
The cult seemed inherently exclusive.
To the extent that the name Decard didn’t even flinch.
“What if I’m acquainted with that recommender?”
“….What?”
It was the most surprised expression among those seen today.
Perhaps the reaction was intense; there was a hint of amusement more than expected.
“The final selection of subjects is happening tonight. There are a total of three, and I’m one of them.”
“How did you get involved with Leciere… No, that’s not important….”
He stammers.
That must mean he’s quite flustered.
With a relaxed smile on her lips, Lianne continued.
“Well, the other candidates are probably exceptional individuals, but that’s not important to you. What matters to you is whether you can get into the research lab or not.”
From Noble mtl dot com
Riley remained tight-lipped, unable to utter a word.
“Adriana Ames and Polytechnic probably share the same thoughts as me, don’t you think? While everyone else is restless, they seem relaxed.”
“……”
A long silence ensued.
Perhaps Riley’s mind was filled with various fantasies and possibilities.
Although Lian had never run a business before, they had plenty of experience working with executives.
What they realized then was that executives would never let an opportunity slip away, even if it meant sacrificing the prey I was after, they would never allow themselves to fall into the hands of their competitors.
As evidence, Riley’s expression was changing in real-time.
They had realized that the situation was more serious than they had initially thought.
“……Are you sure?”
“I wouldn’t lie about something that’s going to happen in just a few hours.”
Riley took a moment to steady their breath and spoke very slowly.
“I’ll double the deposit. A total of 100 million cells.”
It’s truly remarkable at times like this. How many people in the world actually realize when to raise the stakes at such a young age?
“But in return, you’ll be responsible for your words.”
Only one person can enter the laboratory, and that person is Lian. It’s impossible for them not to know that fact, yet they still raised the stakes.
“It probably means that you have to find a way to make sure you can also enter, no matter what.”
The use of the word “responsibility” was probably also because of that.
If someone lacks confidence, their complexion would change the moment they hear that word.
Of course, it didn’t apply to Lian.
Lian nodded with a small smile.
*****
The remaining two hours passed quickly. Naturally, there was no way one could gain anything from a lecture aimed at mere freshmen.
Perhaps the corporate recruiters had realized that, as they were not as focused as in the beginning. Once the class ended and Micella left the classroom, they hurriedly followed suit.
Of course, there were exceptions – those who rose leisurely. Adriana Arms and representatives from Poladrenic were among them.
They looked at the officials following Micella with a hint of mockery. Faces that no longer saw them as competitors. It was somewhat expected. From the moment they fell behind in the intense information warfare, they had lost their qualifications as rivals.
“Stupid kids. Beg all you want.”
It’s a well-known fact that wizards have high noses. After all, if you’re not smart enough, you can’t even implement spellcraft.
Among them, wizards from the Devil’s Tower have an even higher nose. If an ordinary wizard is a high school student, Devil’s Tower graduates are college elites.
Even Micella is a wizard of the 5th rank. That alone is impressive, and she even wears the title of an academy professor, but with such a high nose, it’s unlikely to be low.
No matter how much they offer, she will probably refuse.
Now, there’s only one rival left.
“Adriana Arms, that’s it.”
“How about dealing with those Poladrenic kids?”
They stared at their opponent with sharp eyes. Since the onlookers had left, there was no reason to hide their true colors.
The only thought dominating their minds was how to manipulate their opponent and secure the monopoly on technology.
But they completely overlooked the gaze of a boy watching them.
“Did they hire external personnel?”
Lian thought as he scanned the security guards one by one. Neither Adriana Arms nor Poladrenic seemed to have exceptionally skilled security personnel.
No matter how much he thought about it, it didn’t seem likely that there would be a research subject among them.
It was clear that they would either hire freelancers separately or source talent from within the company.
Considering the technological exclusivity at stake, it was certain that they would bring in talents who had made a name for themselves in the industry.
“Doesn’t matter.”
Lian didn’t care.
Limited to the fourth rank, he had no confidence in losing to anyone.
*****