Bai Luan, as usual, came to the stadium to exercise.
Referencing Doctor Truth's movements, Bai Luan added a few more, considering them an advanced set.
His physique didn't need to be overly muscular; just enough would do. Bai Luan didn't think he could become a saint through physical training.
Persisting for so long had indeed yielded some rewards; Bai Luan's physique was becoming more and more perfect.
If he kept this up, he would definitely become the ultimate handsome guy.
Hmm, it seemed he was already a handsome guy even without continuing. What did the modeling data say?
"That's not your power."
So what?
A part of it is mine.
A figure approached Bai Luan, causing him some confusion.
He was wearing a mask, wasn't he?
He had even specifically gone back to change clothes after class, not wearing his iconic tailcoat.
If he could still be recognized, Bai Luan truly had no recourse.
He was intimidated; the fanatic fans were too skilled.
Bai Luan stopped his movements and turned his head to look.
Oh, it was Doctor Truth.
Then it was certainly no problem for him to be recognized.
Bai Luan turned his head back and continued his set of exercises.
Just as Professor Ratio had said, his exercise times and locations were indeed not fixed. Bai Luan hadn't run into him on this field for a long time.
After finishing this set, Bai Luan looked at him and asked,
"Professor, how did you recognize me?"
Ratio crossed his arms, looking at Bai Luan:
"You're using my movements, and you think I wouldn't notice?"
"Alright, that's something I hadn't considered."
"Blindly replicating is ultimately not the best. My movements are best suited for me, not for you."
"Give me a few pointers, Professor."
"Why don't you do it yourself?"
"Lazy."
"..."
Ratio imperceptibly took a breath; it was a long-forgotten emotion called "annoyance at stupidity" churning within him.
Of course, he was more inclined to attribute it to that irritating stubbornness in Bai Luan's personality.
A sporadic, meaningless 'being a prankster' kind of thing.
He had to admit, compared to other geniuses, this minor flaw of Bai Luan's was hardly a flaw at all.
Ratio asked Bai Luan to show him the movements, then made corrections based on them, just like a top-tier personal trainer.
During the correction process, Ratio couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly they were replicated, almost to the slightest detail.
Although Bai Luan's motive for such perfect replication was terrible.
It was like a top student encountering ineffective homework; he'd glance at it, see that he knew how to do everything, and then just copy a standard answer without even thinking.
After a few minor adjustments to the movements, Bai Luan thanked Ratio.
"Thanks, Professor."
"No need, it's my duty."
Looking at Bai Luan, who was relaxed and lying on the grass, Ratio was silent for a moment, then spoke directly:
"Will you be my assistant, Bai Luan?"
"Uh... what?"
Bai Luan sat up from the grass, looking at Ratio with some confusion.
It wasn't that he hadn't heard the content, but he was very puzzled as to why he was suddenly invited to be an assistant.
"I recently started a new project and need an assistant. Are you in?"
"Yes! Of course, I'm in!"
A project initiated by Professor Ratio! It must be a difficult one! If he could solve it, wouldn't that count as a form of graduation?
"Reckless."
"I prefer to call it being good at seizing opportunities."
A smiling expression appeared on Bai Luan's cyber mask.
"So, Professor, what kind of project are you working on?"
"Anti-star weapons."
Bai Luan froze for a moment, then asked:
"Who pissed you off?"
Ratio's gaze swept over Bai Luan like a cold ray, finally dissolving into a barely audible sigh, then his expressionless face returned:
"If you don't want to come, then don't."
"No, I was joking, I'm very sincere."
To show his sincerity, Bai Luan stood up.
"So, Professor, why are you developing such a weapon?"
"To prove myself."
Hearing this, Bai Luan was silent for a moment, then he understood.
Truth Father... wants to challenge the Genius Society.
To be fortunate enough to participate in this challenge, other scientists would probably be able to retire honorably after completing this task.
At that time, the self-introduction section would state that he participated in the development of anti-star weapons led by Doctor Truth. The value of that would be much higher than simply completing the courses offered by Doctor Truth.
At that point, it wouldn't be the interviewer looking up to you; it would be you looking up to the interviewer.
As soon as they met, the interviewer would be crying and tugging at your pant legs, begging you to join, and if you tried to leave, they'd pull your pants down.
Doctor Truth developing anti-star weapons.
Hmm, reasonable, very reasonable.
"What about my courses then? Not taking them for now?"
"I didn't say I'd drop your courses."
A bad premonition emerged. Bai Luan swallowed, asking with a hint of trepidation:
"You mean, these two things are going to proceed concurrently?"
Ratio didn't speak, just nodded.
In other words, his future days would become: during the day, his brain would be drained in Ratio's class, and after class, he would immediately plunge into the abyss of anti-star weapons, burning his soul... This intensity... this pace...
It seemed familiar, didn't it?
Wasn't that how it was during the Herta Space Station incident?
Upon realizing this, Bai Luan's expression immediately became less cheerful.
This subtle change in expression was captured by the cyber mask, and the mask on his face instantly switched to a crying face.
Ratio took in this change, the corner of his mouth curving slightly upwards, and said:
"That's why I said you were reckless."
"Alright, I admit I was a bit hasty."
"It's still not too late to regret it now."
"My life doesn't go backward, and in fact, it can't."
"Good. Report tomorrow at five in the morning. I'll send you the location."
After saying this, Ratio left.
Watching Ratio's retreating back, Bai Luan took off the mask from his face.
Immediately, the effect of the rational-enhancing artifact faded.
Well, now Bai Luan had some regrets.
Under the cyber mask's influence, he would unhesitatingly choose to embark on the path of painful growth.
Bai Luan recalled his days of frantically grinding at the Herta Space Station in the Little Black Room, letting out a bitter laugh.
This was probably a bit too much suffering.
Bai Luan glanced at the cyber mask in his hand and snorted coldly.
He had made up his mind!
He would weld the mask to his face then, and not take it off until the weapon development was successful!
How could his sage mode self and his normal self be considered the same person?!
He couldn't let his normal self suffer this loss.
Before anyone noticed him, Bai Luan put the mask back on and continued to do the remaining movements.
There was no need to worry about being suffocated by wearing the mask; Bai Luan had put a lot of effort into its life support system.
It could be used in four environments: sea, land, air, and space, not to mention heavy breathing during exercise.
Now that he thought about it, today was the last day of his relatively leisurely and comfortable time; tomorrow, hell mode would begin.
Hmm...
How long would this development take?
With Doctor Truth involved, it couldn't be as long as the Herta Space Station incident.
Half a year?
No, no, that's underestimating Truth Father too much.
At most half a year, Truth Father would produce results in half a year.
Right, Truth Father?
You can do it, can't you, Truth Father?
Trust Truth Father!
Trusting Truth Father needs no reason!
Ratio returned to his room, looking at the pile of anti-star weapon data he had poured his heart into.
The assistant recognized by a Genius Society member... had also joined.
With this, he lacked nothing.
Theoretically, the moment the anti-star weapon successfully launched would be enough to attract His gaze.
This time... there was no reason to fail.