Chapter 342 - 313: This Is Our Space System’s Most Outstanding Researcher

Chapter 342: Chapter 313: This Is Our Space System’s Most Outstanding Researcher

In truth, Lloyd had known for a long time that in this world, "History and Archaeology" was an unequivocally high-risk profession—so much so that in the outside world, people weren’t allowed to get involved with it casually.

It was just that here at Mizkatoke, the academic atmosphere was so liberal that they even dared to research and dabble in the [Twist]. Of course, they wouldn’t be intimidated by history and archaeology.

’But does archaeology really require the Space System’s involvement?’

Curious, Lloyd asked:

"I’m not trying to get out of it, but I’m a bit confused. Does a project like archaeology really need our Space System to participate?"

"Of course. Otherwise, how are you supposed to escape when you run into danger? On your own two feet?"

"Um... Isn’t there any specialized equipment for that?"

"There is, but we’re not sure if it’ll work..."

Professor Lawrence spoke with a hint of resignation, swiping his hand to conjure a screen of light. It displayed a dizzying array of numbers, which he showed to Lloyd before continuing in his lecture voice:

"These are the Space readings from the hazardous zone. As you can see..."

He trailed off, then shook his head in embarrassment.

"Oh, right. I forgot you probably can’t understand this. Force of habit..."

"Huh? It’s okay, Professor. Please continue. I can understand the gist of it."

Lloyd replied quickly.

"Huh?"

Professor Lawrence was taken aback.

Lloyd recalled what he’d learned from his books, then pointed to several readings on the screen and explained:

"Didn’t the book you gave me explain how to read and understand these? I only have a basic grasp of it, but these readings seem to indicate... that the spatial disturbances there are extremely severe? The fluctuations are intense? And that this could interfere with the proper function of any spatial equipment?"

"Wait... You’ve already gotten to those Chapters?"

Professor Lawrence pressed him.

Lloyd smiled, scratching his head sheepishly.

"Yeah... I’m almost too embarrassed to say it, but it took me a full two days to get to this part..."

"Two days?!"

"Yes, is something wrong? Is my learning speed not up to the Space System’s standards? If so... I can definitely work harder!"

"No... just stop talking..."

Professor Lawrence quickly made a placating gesture with his hands, pressing them down as if to quell the conversation. He then rubbed the bridge of his nose and clutched at his chest, muttering under his breath:

"He’s not human... He’s not human..."

’Why did the professor suddenly go all Dandy on me?’ Lloyd wondered. ’Is he angry or something?’

"Professor?"

Professor Lawrence jerked his head up, looking dazed. He stammered a bit as he spoke:

"Ahem... It’s nothing... nothing at all... From now on, you are not to reveal your learning progress to anyone without my permission. Understood?"

With that, he glanced around at the other researchers.

Fortunately, they were all absorbed in their work, and no one had noticed their conversation.

Professor Lawrence discreetly breathed a sigh of relief, then composed himself and returned to normal.

But Lloyd pressed on, asking:

"Huh? So, is my progress actually fast or slow?"

Professor Lawrence’s goatee twitched as he answered irritably:

"I don’t know! Don’t overthink it! Don’t Ask Too Much!"

Just then, the "dozing" adventurer professor beside them shivered and jolted awake.

His gaze landed on Lloyd once more as he said:

"Alright, we’ve finished our discussion. This project is of the utmost importance and must be completed as soon as possible, even if that means taking on some unplanned risks... Fine, we agree to let him join."

Although he did his best to hide his feelings, a hint of disdain was still palpable in his voice.

And apprehension...

But this displeased Professor Lawrence, who immediately frowned and said:

"What’s this? You’re looking down on the Space System’s youngest and most brilliant researcher?"

"Huh? Isn’t he a freshman who just enrolled?"

"And a freshman can’t be the most brilliant?"

"You... Forget it. There’s no point arguing with you. In any case, you’re Lloyd, right? I’m Fernando, from the History department. Welcome to my archaeology team."

The adventurer professor introduced himself and gave Lloyd a formal handshake before continuing:

"My Teaching Assistant will contact you shortly to explain the project in detail. I’m in a hurry to make pre-departure preparations, so I’ll be taking my leave."

As he spoke, he turned to Professor Lawrence, signaling for him to open a Teleportation Gate to see him out.

But Professor Lawrence simply crossed his arms, feigning helplessness, and retorted:

"What about the academic credits? He’s helping you out, so how many credits are you offering?"

"Huh? All students on the project get 20 credits. Didn’t I tell you that already?"

The adventurer professor replied, spreading his hands.

But Professor Lawrence just gave a wicked grin and jacked up the price on the spot:

"Fifty!"

"Are you kidding? That’s completely against the rules! Besides, he’s just a freshman!"

"Eighty!"

"You..."

"One hundred!"

The adventurer professor was so agitated he was practically jumping up and down. He quickly threw up his hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Fine, fine! Don’t go any higher! I give up! There’s no dealing with you! Just remember not to let anyone else know about this!"

With that, he shot Lloyd a complicated look, then stepped into the Teleportation Gate that Professor Lawrence had opened.

After he left, Professor Lawrence turned to Lloyd with a mischievous and triumphant grin, asking:

"See? Now you’ve learned how to deal with people like him, right?"

"Uh, well... I’ve learned my lesson... yes, I’ve learned..."

Lloyd replied, feeling a bit awkward.