Sacral Cycle
CH 01 – Scientific Dissident (Part 03)
The Academy and the University were the national educational institutions of the Solus Empire. Established with a vision and mission to empower civilization, develop technology with the concept of community prosperity, and improve the quality of life.
The educational institution has independent authority over knowledge. As long as it is within the Administrative Authority, the right to knowledge will be guaranteed and protected to the fullest. Even for radical ideas.
However, such independent authority applies only within the Academy and the University. If there are members who disseminate radical opinions to the community, then it will be the responsibility of the individual. In other words, it can be tried by law if it is considered to threaten the sovereignty of the Solus Empire.
The right to publish ideas and opinions to the public is held by the University, and must be approved directly by the Emperor before being implemented. This is a concrete form of the doctrine of knowledge applied by the Solus Empire.
The provision applies not only to Jann and the Scientific, but also to all Vassal States under the Solus Empire. It is binding and serves to oversee radical movements in society.
Slightly different from other government agencies, the Academy and the University do not uphold a hereditary caste-based system. As long as it has the capability and has been recognized by the institution, the background of the members will not be questioned.
The hierarchy of managers is determined based on contributions to the institution, applicable also to students and teachers. Applied evenly to maximize performance.
Putting aside the existing community supervision functions, the Academy and the University are ordinary educational institutions. Prioritizing students, students, and managers. More concerned with education than politics or government conspiracies.
Therefore, all members of the institution have absolute freedom of opinion. Can argue and be free to criticize the government, then innovate without pressure from others. Free environment for the educated.
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The canteen is always the most crowded place during the day break. Filled with students from the first to third year, there are even teachers and managers who are in line.
They can order food through an automated machine available in the corner of the canteen. The machine is fused to the wall, made of mixed metal, and has a touch screen with a variety of menu options.
After entering the Data Cube into the scanner tool, the transaction process will be done automatically. It starts with checking individual accounts to ensure asset availability, and then it is matched through a database in order to make purchases.
Proof of payment will come out after the transaction is successful, after which the order can be taken at the outlet as stated on the ticket.
But of course they have to wait again. Encouraging each other with rumbling stomachs, there are even students who give up and choose bread as an alternative.
Unlike the students, the teachers get a little ease in queuing. They can take the order ticket outside solid hours, then prioritized first in order to choose a seat.
That's why, when students are still crowded in line, most teachers have got a seat and started eating lunch. While chatting casually with colleagues, sharing teaching experiences or discussing their research topics.
Just like the other teachers, Korwa had already sat down and prepared to enjoy the spicy seaweed soup. However, he immediately lowered the spoon when he saw Shamar and Irina approaching.
They casually placed the food tray on the table, then sat down opposite Korwa while throwing a friendly smile.
“You love eating by the window, huh? I also ...”
Irina looked out the window, then widened a wry smile and held her breath for a moment. There were dozens of floating buildings, passing students and teachers, as well as a stretch of open sea that dominated the scenery.
It looked so blue and peaceful, yet so dull in his eyes. Feeling fed up with the government order, wanting to be free from the constraints of rules and customs.
Unfortunately, he could only sigh and bow his head. Without being able to bring about a change in that order.
“Ngapain are you sitting here?” Korwa frowned, immediately clucking in annoyance and sighing fretfully. “Wow, why is it suddenly melancholy? Is leaking, huh?”
“Akh—! Seriously?” Irina slightly flinched. He slowly turned his head, then began to frown while saying, “Can you not speak a little laid out?”
“Data?” Korwa clucked in annoyance, then turned her eyes and began to eat the soup that was still warm. After swallowing the seaweed, the woman with bright purple hair pointed at them at a glance as she said, “I don't need your comments ...”
“By the way, Korwa ..” Shamar tried to open another topic of conversation. He took down a bowl of fish and algae soup from the tray, then sprinkled the available masala salt on the table. “You're not in a meeting? Said there was a meeting with the Principal?” asked the bright blue-haired man in surprise.
“No, suddenly he got urgent business ...” Korwa stopped eating lunch and dropped the spoon. After drinking water and relieving his throat, he looked back at them while saying, “He said there will be important guests visiting tomorrow. Discussion of my scientific articles is postponed until the day after.”
“Amportant guests?” Shamar was a little curious. He briefly put his hand to his chin, then turned his gaze and muttered, “Inspection from Jann? Lately a lot of radical ideas are spread to the community, anyway! Could have come to check on Principal.”
“I don't think it's an inspection. It was indeed a transmission from Jann, but not the government especially ombudsman ..” Korwa briefly shrugged, then continued to eat lunch and added, “It comes from the University there, he said there are students who want to visit here.”
“Murid?” Irina was curious, slightly sharpened her gaze and thought. Reviewing the political turmoil that was going on in Almiah, he could not guess the purpose of the visit. “Isn't that risky enough? If until there's a case involving Jann residents, our government can be blamed. Especially if he is still a student ..”
“Irina is right, Almiah's political condition is murky.” Shamar nodded in agreement. The topic of the conversation made his appetite reduced, immediately lowering the spoon and scratching his head. He glimpsed a glance, then put both hands on the table and said, “In addition, lately Mist activity is also on the rise due to climate change. It could be bad if suddenly he attacked them while he was here.”
“Worse is the condition? Aren't you guys reducing their population on a regular basis?” Korwa has lost her appetite. He immediately lowered the spoon, stopped eating the soup and took a deep breath. “Ah, you guys are involved in Triad politics, huh? Which tribes do you support? A hua? The moa? Or even Nor?” ask to make sure.
“Al-Miah Hua ..” Irina answered anxiously, looking moody and depressed. He slowly lowered his head, then sighed fretfully and explained, “As a condition to bless our marriage, Father told me to spy—!”
“Ah!! I don't want to hear! Don't want!” Korwa immediately interrupted, immediately closing her ears and turning her face away. “That's your business! Don't involve myself!”
“Ka-You are right, sorry ..” Irina was pensive, at first glance widening her smile and feeling a little relieved. “I think you will be angry after hearing this.”
“Hah?! Listenwhat!? I didn't hear anything!” Korwa pretended not to know, started shaking her head quickly and said, “Do not involve! I'm tired of politics! Kapoks! The vow! I'm kapok!”
“Ah, if not mistaken ...” Shamar smiled with relief. He slightly lowered his eyebrows, then raised his spoon again and said, “You used to sell research results to the Nor Tribe, but instead ended up almost married to one of their Elders' children—”
“Shut!” Korwa immediately woke up, then put a spoon into Shamar's eyes and said, “I'll gouge your eyes if you talk about it again!”
“Ma-Sorry!” Shamar's face paled instantly, trembling in fear and not daring to resist. “A-I've been overdue. That's your dark history, yes ...”
“Good if you understand!” Korwa lowered the spoon, then sat back down and continued to eat seaweed soup. After reviewing the topic, he realized something was strange. “By the way, doesn't that have anything to do with politics?”
“It? You mean ...” Irina slightly tilted her head, then frowned in wonder and made sure, “Guests from Jann you were talking about earlier?”
“True!” Korwa flicked her finger. He folded his hands to the front of his chest, then nodded slowly while saying, “Every event must be bound by the law of causality! I'm sure this is definitely related to each other!”
“Really?” Korwa blushed. He nodded slowly, then threw a wry smile and joked, “You don't need to praise me...”
“Korwa, that's not a compliment!” Irina frowned, a little irritated and wanted to slap him. After taking a deep breath to clear her mind, the bright blue-haired woman immediately patted her own forehead. “I started to feel stupid for taking this conversation seriously. Please appreciate our worries ...”
“OK! I appreciate your feelings, kok.” Korwa doesn't care about that. He made a circle with his thumb and forefinger, then threw a sly smile while asking, “Keeping aside your situation and upholding our relationship, may I ask a little help? It's very interesting, anyway. It's a pity that I'm not coming!”
“Now!” Shamar refused. He slightly bent his body forward, then gave a sharp look and said, “As you know, our position is now vulnerable. If we make a wrong move, we can be labeled as traitors by both tribes!”
“Dih! Very tickle! Though if the debt is directly given, but right asked for help even arrogant like this!” Korwa frowned slightly, stared low and quickly turned her face. While putting your right hand to the front of your mouth, the purple hair woman continued saying, “In fact ... Your debt last month that made you buy a toy statue—!”
“Alright!” Shamar immediately kicked down the table and immediately got up. His face immediately paled, cold sweat poured out and the body began to tremble. “What do you need, Miss Korwa! I will definitely fulfill it!” said the man anxiously.
“Honey, you owe Korwa again? Make buy toy sculpture?” Immediately Irina's gaze turned dark, filled with an annoyance mixed with killing intent. While propping up her chin with her right hand, the blue-haired woman slowly widened her cold smile and said, “When we have a little more money. Last month's electricity and drinking water bills were also unpaid ..”.
“Eh—!” Shamar moved away, immediately turned his face and dodged, “Who is in debt? E-No, really! Korwa is just kidding ..”
“No need to lie, My dear.” Irina stopped smiling. He put his right hand on the table, then showed the wedding ring attached to the ring finger. While staring warmly, the blue hair woman continued to ask, “Today I check your collection add one in the closet. Approximately, if sold will profit how much, yes?”
“Sorry, I do owe Korwa!” Shamar immediately bowed, gave up and surrendered. “I'm really sorry!” he said with a loud voice.
This caught the attention of the people in the cafeteria. However, they chose not to care and continued the activities. Pretend not to hear and stupid.
“Good then, good boy. You've been honest ...” Irina grabbed her husband's hand gently. Asking the burly man to sit back, then stroking his head gently and saying, “Don't repeat it again, yes. Appointment.”
“I-Yes, Mom ...”
Shamar trembled in fear, his face turning pale, and cold sweat continued to pour out. His wife's kindness seemed to hint at something terrible. Make the burly man submit, can not argue or give reasons.
“Wow, you tamed him well.” Korwa continued to tease them. He sighed for a moment, slightly satisfied after judging Shamar. “Lega tastes ...”
“So, Korwa ..” Irina did not take that as a joke. He turned his head immediately, then turned his gaze and asked, “How much did my husband borrow?”
“Many! Anyway many! If calculated from college until now, it is very much!” Korwa again made a circle with fingers. Not wanting to divulge her best friend's secret any more than that, the purple-haired woman immediately put forward another condition. “But, I'll consider paid off if you want to help!”
“About guests from Jann? What do you want to do?” Irina took a long breath. After shaking his head, he restlessly confirmed, “You found him? Wouldn't it be easier to use your rights as a teacher—?”
“Not it!” Korwa. He flicked his finger again, then retrieved the Data Cube from the tote bag on the chair. After putting it on the table, the purple hair woman began to explain, “I want you to find information about the reason for the arrival of the guest? Anything, as long as it can help ...”
“Oh, is that all? Really?” Irina was a little surprised because her request was too simple. He slightly looked away, then remembered the college and pensive times. “Alright, I agree. If only information, I can help you.”
“Hmm?” Korwa. It presses the surface of the Data Cube with the index finger, then activates it and opens the projection screen. While accessing the personal account page and digital files, he curiously continued asking, “You already have information, yes?”
The projection feature looks like a grain of sand illuminated by light. It looks a little abstract, is predominantly blue, and has six sides like a cube. It functions only as a projection, while the sensor mechanism and data are stored on the device.
“Before leaving, Ayahanda had time to provide some information about the guest ...” Irina took out the Data Cube from the tote bag. Put it on the table, then activate it and open the projection screen. While sorting out digital files, he fretfully conveyed, “Say he is a very important person, has relations with the government and some nobles in Jann. In fact, there are rumors that said that he had met the Emperor.”
“Means he's a noble?” Korwa was a little surprised. After opening the data transfer channel, he received some document files from Irina. “He's still very young, huh? Why have such a big influence on the government? Is it because of heredity?”
“See, the background is a little strange. The political influence he had was too great for the son of a City Official.” After completing the transfer of information, Irina immediately disabled the Data Cube and stored it into a tote bag. He sighed for a moment, then glanced at the next table and continued to explain, “Again, both of his parents are dead. The student should not have that much authority ...”
“It sounds very suspicious ...” Korwa took a glance. Noticing the strange gazes of some of the teachers sitting next door, he deactivated the Data Cube and put it in his tote bag. “What information is accurate? Who's source?” ask the purple hair woman to be sure.
“I think it is quite accurate, the source is directly from Ayahanda ...” Irina stopped glancing. While staring straight and smiling wryly, the blue hair woman continued reassuringly, “If not, where might she give this information to us.”
“So, you guys were told to investigate that guest? Or ...”
Korwa intends to dig deeper information. Considering the situation of Shamar and Irina, he felt that they were both hiding something. Relating to the political issues in Almiah, or the conspiracy behind the guest visit from Jann they were talking about.
“We were asked to keep an eye on the movements of the other Chieftains,” Irina replied honestly. Rather than letting his friend act rashly, he preferred to leak information from the Al-Miah Hua Tribe. “In addition, most likely the student has the authority to invite someone to Jann.”
“Made fiancee, yes?” Korwa nodded, understanding the potential problems that could arise from the guest's visit. “While he is still a student, he already has that much authority? Frighteningly. Surely the Elders want to bring their children closer to get a relationship,” murmured anxiously. He understood that this could affect the tribal hierarchy in the Almiah.
“Political wedding, ‘kan?” Shamar spoke up. At first glance the burly man glanced at his wife, then put on a grim face and said, “Something you really want to avoid, even to the point of having to dispose of inheritance and shunned close relatives ..”.
“Quietly, this time it was not me who was betrothed. Anyway, I already have you now ...” Irina smiled gently, blushed slightly and looked away. Trying to focus, he momentarily held his breath and continued saying, “Honestly I am quite anxious about this. Apart from the profile and outstanding achievements, many rumors are unreasonable around him.”
“Visits from Jann are not strange, ‘kan?” Korwa wants to melt the atmosphere. He tried to show a relaxed attitude, then shook his head and said, “Although the guest is a Pure Man and has influence in the realm of government, he is still a student.”
“That's not what I'm worried about ..” Irina held her breath for a moment. She did not dare to say it, quickly glanced at her husband and asked, “My dear, can you explain it? It ... only rumors, ‘kan?
“Eh?” Korwa was curious again. He looked at Shamar, then threw a wry smile as if he was threatening. “What rumors, yes?” ask her with a pressing tone.
“I guess it's just a rumor ...” Shamar lowered his face. He was not joking or pretending, purely showing real fear and anxiety. “In some of the reports I read in the office, the student was briefly referred to as Singularity Single.”
“Singularity Single? A moment! Isn't that—?”
Korwa was flabbergasted, instantly paled and began to widen a grim smile. He held his breath for a moment, then hid his facial expression with his right hand and clucked in annoyance. Trying to control his overflowing emotions, between curiosity and fear.
“True.” Shamar. Understanding the problem, he with an anxious expression further explained, “The identification is also applied to the Ark Messiah, a figure worshipped by the majority of the inhabitants of Science like a God ..”.
“Ah, this is getting interesting ...” Korwa lowered her hand, revealing a satisfied smile as if to take it as an opportunity. “If true, this will definitely be very interesting. New knowledge will open, history finally moves back!”
“History?” Shamar gave a confused expression. “What does this have to do with history?” ask her with a tone of no concern.
“Our history seems to have stalled in the Light Age, there is no great event in the present. Monotonous! However ...” Korwa tried to hold back a smile, then shook her head and continued to say, “I think this will bring change, whether in good or bad terms. Something that can change the stagnant conditions of the Solus Empire.”
ÔÔÔ
