#525

Second Thesis (3)

The development of an anti-gravity technology more efficient than any existing magic or technique. What could it mean that Lennok has publicly announced this achievement before tens of thousands of citizens? Only those who understood the gravity of this revelation hardened their expressions, anticipating the chaos and aftermath it would bring.

The control of a massive city, which the Vulcan city government had invested years to acquire, was now seemingly lost in a single announcement. With that one declaration, Lennok had effectively rendered decades of efforts by governmental agencies, the air force, and the technology bureau futile.

A low hum resonated. The rising currents, which had supported the entire area, faded as the engine reached its output limit, and the laws of physics resumed in the area that had seemed free of gravity.

"Please hold onto surrounding objects and descend slowly to avoid injury," Lennok instructed, observing the dazed crowd clinging to the seats as they returned to the ground. “Even as the engine's power wanes, the descent speed won’t be too fast. The effects will remain until the energy fully dissipates.”

Many in the audience lost their balance, stumbling after briefly gliding in midair. Whether they had doubted Lennok's thesis, failed to grasp its significance, or were already aware of the ramifications, all felt the overwhelming impact the moment their feet left the ground.

As Lennok made his way onto the podium, a familiar voice caught his ear from beside him.

"Evan, you..."

It was Mila and Felix from the Antares Mercenary Office. The two, who had been rubbing their legs in astonishment, couldn’t tear their eyes away from Lennok. They were slowly beginning to understand what Lennok’s feat meant under the influence of the buoyancy spell.

Lennok nodded lightly at the two and stepped onto the podium.

Silence.

The once-chatty audience had gone mute. Now they waited, quietly recalling the fleeting sensation of floating as they watched Lennok in anticipation.

The sheer quietness enveloping the once-bustling audience spread across the viewing square, bringing a similar calm. Holding the microphone, Lennok opened his mouth and closed it, seemingly hesitant. What should he say? Could he possibly add anything better than what he had already demonstrated?

After a moment of thought, Lennok let out a small chuckle and slowly brought the microphone to his lips.

Then, suddenly—

A ripple of sound.

Lennok vanished from the audience's view. A thick curtain descended around the podium, sealing off all sound and sensory perception in an instant.

As if awakening from a trance, everyone who had been captivated by the podium suddenly snapped back to reality.

“What… What’s going on?”

“I was just getting into it…!!”

“This is what we came to see at the exhibition! What are the officials doing?”

“We haven’t heard the full explanation yet. Open the curtain now!”

“Tell us more about that technology! What does this ‘Skyway’ mean…?!”

Despite the angry, profanity-laden protests from the audience around them, the curtain remained firmly closed.

[The evaluation time allocated to Assistant Professor Evan Vylun has ended. We kindly ask for citizens' cooperation to ensure the fair judgment of the exhibition’s evaluations.]

A mechanical voice echoed throughout the hall as other officials stepped up to restore order in the chaotic audience, attempting to calm the crowd. Frustrated citizens stormed out, and various officials, sensing there was nothing more to see, rose from their seats. Mages from the Tower and researchers from scientific institutions stood up with cold, hard expressions, quickly exiting the area.

As the curtain reopened in front of the chaotic seats, the next presenter appeared, visibly shaken and pale.

Evelyn, who had been silently observing through her sunglasses, slowly stood up. She stuffed her empty popcorn box into a trash bin and reached for her phone.

“Deputy Director. It’s me.”

Evelyn’s expression turned slightly grave as she lowered her voice and left the venue.

“I think we need to investigate some of the recent patents approved in the military development sector of the City Defense Force.”

In response, a quick, angry voice replied on the other end of the line.

“Yes, I’ll explain the other issue later. For now, please look into the points I mentioned.”

As she spoke, Evelyn glanced back in the direction where Lennok would likely still be inside City Hall. Naturally, she was also aware that among those inside were the senators and exhibition judges. Lennok had intended to share his thesis's results with the public initially, but there was only one reason he had suddenly halted.

The public reveal of this presentation was not unanimously agreed upon by the entire judging panel. It may have been too late, but it seemed they believed the technology held such immense value that extreme measures were necessary to prevent disclosure.

Evelyn felt similarly.

“It seems there might be a new mode of transportation in the mega-city soon. I think I should buy some aviation stocks.”

As she glanced briefly toward the blond man standing at the end of the hall with his arms crossed, Evelyn smirked and disappeared from view.

Watching her depart, Senator Conrad Haven remained silent, his arms crossed, as he watched the next presentation begin. From the shadow under his feet, a faint voice emerged.

[Senator, the promised 15 minutes have long passed.]

“……”

[More than eight institutions have lodged complaints over the disrupted plans…]

Ignoring the voice, Haven remained deep in thought, silently nodding after a long moment.

“So that’s what he meant by asking us to wait…”

[…Pardon?]

The planned attack on the exhibition that Haven had orchestrated lost all significance the moment Evan’s second thesis was presented. In his attempt to prevent the air force’s technology from becoming monopolized by the city government, Haven had opted for extreme measures. Yet, the moment Evan publicly unveiled the anti-gravity technology—a development that was a superior alternative to any of the city’s prior achievements—Haven’s objectives were essentially fulfilled.

Hundreds experienced it firsthand, and tens of thousands witnessed it with their own eyes. Among them were not only the city’s residents but also a significant number of experts invited from outside mage towers and research institutions. No matter how powerful the Central Council’s authority, hiding such a revelation was virtually impossible. From now on, the entire city and media would undoubtedly cover this breakthrough, and interest in commercializing anti-gravity technology would only grow.

What Haven risked his life to accomplish, Evan managed with a single presentation. Evan had held from the start what the city government and air force had poured immense resources into acquiring.

“Talent… I never really believed in it,” Haven murmured. Just as not all things in life are tangled and complex, sometimes events resolve in such a clean and almost anticlimactic way.

Recalling the conversation he had with the researcher that made him feel this irony deeply, Haven let out a cold laugh. 

“All plans are on full stop. Notify the other involved senators.”

[But, sir, if we stop now, we might be held accountable—]

“To protect the most valuable treasure at this exhibition, we’ll have to accept that loss.”

Haven chuckled, then turned to leave without a hint of hesitation.

“This won’t end with this single event. I wouldn’t have started if that were the case.”

Leaving behind his lingering shadow, Haven slowly faded from sight.

“We don’t know what he’ll show us next, but we should settle our stance before that. There’s much more work ahead…”

[Senator?]

“First, get me the personal contact information of the Dean of Rabatenon University. Now.”

***

On the Podium, Second Floor Balcony Behind the Closed Curtain

In the soundproofed auditorium, an almost deathly silence reigned. Lennok, who had been led to the waiting room outside the balcony by his attendants, downed another bottle of water.

“I haven’t spoken this much in a while; it’s made me quite thirsty.”

Lennok looked back into the darkened auditorium with a casual smile, his gaze precisely targeting where he seemed to know the judges were seated.

“…Assistant Professor Vylun.”

After a long pause, a weary voice, drenched in fatigue, slowly broke the silence.

“Do you… understand what you’ve just done?”

“I presented the results of my second thesis as outlined in the abstract,” Lennok replied with a smile.

"The audience seemed to enjoy it quite a bit, which I found rather fortunate," Lennok said.

“Don’t lie!!”

A shrill voice interrupted him—a judge, not a senator, but one who appeared to be from a research institution.

“Where in this abstract does it even remotely mention an anti-gravity engine?!”

"This demonstration was simply a test to aid understanding," Lennok replied, his expression unchanged. "I used the concept of the rising currents of the Sea of Understanding as an example. The relevant theories were outlined according to the exhibition standards in the abstract."

“You think you can justify this situation with such an excuse…?!”

“Enough.”

The heavy voice of an elderly man reverberated, silencing all other sounds. In the depths of the second-floor balcony, seated apart from the others with his eyes closed, was a senator. Slowly opening his eyes, he exchanged a glance with a noblewoman with violet eyes seated nearby, then spoke quietly.

“The presenter likely knows best what he intended to show. There’s no reason to question further.”

“…”

“Your presentation today was impressive. I wanted to tell you that myself,” the elder said, gazing steadily at Lennok with a deep, contemplative look. He nodded slowly.

“We’ll notify you of the judging results later. For today, you’re free to go. You’ve done well.”

Lennok didn’t respond immediately to those words. Instead, he silently surveyed the quiet balcony, then gave a slight, polite bow.

“It has been an honor to participate in this exhibition.”

Having completed his presentation and observed the desired reactions, there was no need to provoke unnecessary hostility. Now, he only had to wait for academia to verify his achievements and establish his results as solid theory.

Bang!!

“Wait!!”

Commander Carrasco burst into the balcony, drenched in sweat. Behind him, over a dozen air force officers in uniforms stood at attention with cold expressions.

Click!

In an instant, the soldiers surrounded Lennok, as Carrasco glared at him with a piercing gaze.

“It’s not too late yet.”

“…”

“You are hereby detained on suspicion of leaking military secrets. We’ll discuss the details in the holding cell.”

“Hah…”

A quiet sigh echoed among the senators, as though someone knew what was about to happen. The soldiers moved roughly, attempting to clasp magic-suppressing cuffs onto Lennok’s wrists.

“That will not do, Commander.”

Crash!

With the sound of shattering glass, an elderly mage appeared, stepping forward as if he’d been there all along. It was Syollus, hands clasped behind his back, shielding Lennok.

Woong!!

A release of energy surged as the 7th-level Archmage fully unleashed his power. The overwhelming force made the soldiers freeze, their faces hardening, while Carrasco’s expression twisted in frustration.

"Do you intend to interfere, Dean Garteanon?!”

"I’d say it's rather I who should be asking that," Syollus replied with a chuckle, stroking his beard. “Trying to detain a respected researcher of our university in such a manner? That is a shockingly unrefined approach.”

“What…?!”

“Your actions are nothing more than an arbitrary move by the Air Force Command, which cannot be justified under any pretense. From our university’s perspective, this is an intolerable overreach.”

Carrasco had thought he’d made a clever deal with this cunning dean to keep the thesis aftermath manageable. Until now, it was a challenge Lennok had to handle alone. But now, it was time to call upon the dean’s connections, diplomacy, and political influence.

“Under the name of Rabatenon University and as a member of the Central Council’s Technology Advisory Committee, I hereby place Assistant Professor Vylun under my protection,” Syollus declared firmly, standing resolutely between Carrasco and Lennok.

“To take him, you’ll need to contend with me—and the outcry of Vulcan’s citizens.”

***

After the exhibition, there was only one topic on everyone's lips: the anti-gravity engine. Excitement buzzed at the thought that Vulcan’s skies, once deemed unfit for flight due to magnetic storms, might finally be open.

Skyway.  

The exact words of Lennok were echoed in bold letters on the front page of newspapers everywhere. Articles continued across pages, all with a similar tone:

“Rabatenon University Research Team Successfully Simulates Philenom’s Rising Currents.”

“First Artificial Recreation of Natural Phenomena Unique to the Sea of Understanding. Secrets of the Mystery Realm Revealed?”

“Energy Experts Speculate Anti-Gravity Technology Has Been Realized.”

“Broadcasting Mishap During Breakthrough Demonstration… City Government Denies Fault, Vows Further Investigation.”

“Hm…” Lennok murmured, flipping through the stacks of newspapers piled beside his chair. For days, every page from the front to the economic section was filled with coverage of the exhibition, expert analyses, and speculations. Seeing nothing new, Lennok turned on the large TV in the lab to check the news.

“Though requests for interviews with Assistant Professor Vylun are pouring in, the university administration is rejecting all inquiries.”

“Interest is soaring regarding how anti-gravity technology might be commercialized.”

“Some predict aviation laws in the mega-city—previously prohibitive due to environmental conditions—may soon be overhauled…”

“The public’s excitement mounts at the possibility of soon witnessing aircraft freely navigating the city skies—”

Click!

Before he could take in more, a wrinkled hand reached over and switched off the TV. Standing beside him was Dean Syollus Garteanon, his silver hair gleaming, who let out a soft sigh as he looked at Lennok.

“Researcher Vylun, would you mind focusing on the video conference for now?”

“Oh, my apologies.”

Lennok turned his gaze toward the hologram floating on one side of the lab, his expression completely unchanged.

"It seemed you weren’t particularly eager to discuss my thesis," he said.

[...I thought we’d already discussed quite enough about that matter,] replied the man in the hologram, a middle-aged man in a formal suit with a seasoned look, his lips twitching in irritation. His nameplate at the bottom of the screen read: Director Haider Barzel, Bureau of Technology Management. Haider paused, as if to control his anger, then spoke again.

[You can’t possibly be unaware of the seriousness of your actions at the exhibition.]

“…”

[And you too, Dean Garteanon. Are you saying you allowed this thesis, knowing its value, to be publicly revealed at the exhibition?]

“I merely recommended our researcher’s work for a platform deserving of attention,” Syollus replied, leaning back into his armchair with a sly smile on his wrinkled face.

[If you had read Evan Vylun’s thesis, you’d know how valuable its theories could be across numerous fields…!] Haider’s tone turned harsh as he struggled to hide his frustration. [Revealing technology of this magnitude without following information disclosure protocols is effectively a betrayal of the government!]

“Director Barzel,” Syollus’s eyes grew cold. “That statement goes far too far.”

[….]

“Are you implying we were plotting rebellion against the city government? Can you take responsibility for such slander?”

[Ah, ahem…]

“We submitted the thesis abstract in advance, and the decision to present was made by the judging panel. I see no grounds to suspect any irregularities in this process.”

[Mmmph…!] Haider fixed a hard gaze on Syollus, who calmly deflected it with measured responses, almost as if he’d anticipated this. Lennok glanced at the dean and shrugged with a bored expression.

Haider wasn’t angry simply because Lennok had presented the thesis at the exhibition. He was furious that such a critical technology had been announced without passing through the Bureau of Technology Management. To be precise, Haider was livid that he’d missed any chance to capitalize on this situation. This entire meeting was simply his attempt to pressure Lennok, to enforce his stance and claim credit.

Knowing this, Lennok had called in Dean Syollus the moment he’d received Haider’s message, leaving the exchange in his hands to avoid wasting his own energy on these pointless power games.

[...It’s not too late,] Haider finally said, after a long silence. His expression was tense, as if he’d carefully weighed this decision.

[If you formally cooperate with the Bureau of Technology Management now, we could handle the noisy media and even the parliamentary inquiries.]

“…”

[Isn’t that why you’ve been declining all the media’s interview requests so far? Waiting for this moment?]

The dean rubbed his temple and tilted his head slightly, watching Haider’s aggrieved plea through the hologram.

“Director Barzel, you are gravely mistaken.”

[And what exactly do you mean?]

“Our refusal of cooperation requests from the media and experts wasn’t because we were waiting for the Bureau’s support.”

[But without the Bureau’s cooperation in this matter, how exactly do you plan to handle the necessary procedures…?!]

With their viewpoints so completely at odds, any hope of dialogue was lost.

[The Bureau of Technology Management is responsible for overseeing research institutions directly under the city government. Even if Rabatenon University falls outside our direct jurisdiction, there's no doubt that we’re the most suitable agency to handle this matter!]

"We’ve been waiting for decisions from higher authorities than the Bureau," Lennok replied calmly.

[W-what…?]

Haider blinked in confusion, not comprehending Lennok’s response. Meanwhile, Lennok glanced at his watch and slowly nodded.

“It’s time. We should be receiving a reply any moment now.”

[What kind of nonsense is that? Now listen here—!!!] Haider’s words were abruptly cut off. 

Two figures appeared behind him, roughly grabbing his arms and pulling him out of his chair.

“Wh-what!! What’s going on here?! Who are you?!”

[Deputy Director Haider Barzel, Bureau of Technology Management,] came a slow, elderly voice from behind Haider. The tone, even more aged than Syollus, who was yawning beside Lennok, was nonetheless steady and unmistakably clear.

[You are hereby under investigation for unauthorized project allocations and forced outcome distribution within Bureau-affiliated research institutes.]

As the speaker placed a hand on Haider’s shoulder, his face came into view, recognizable to everyone present. Haider’s eyes widened in shock.

[Congressman John Mayer…! What is a watchdog of the Audit Committee doing here?!]

[Let’s just say I prefer handling things all at once. No need to chase down multiple people, right?]

Mayer’s steady gaze pierced through the screen, locking onto Lennok.

[The Senate has just completed its vote on the matter. I’m here to deliver the official decision on Assistant Professor Evan Vylun’s treatment going forward.]