The heavy bulkhead hissed and thudded shut, sealing us out of Varna’s workshop—or rather, the sanctuary of the "Witch of Mechanics."
"...They could've at least let us watch," Mina grumbled, puffing out her cheeks as she glared at the closed door.
It was obvious that her displeasure didn't stem from being excluded from some "maiden’s secret," but from being denied the chance to observe a modification surgery unlike anything she’d ever seen.
"Give it up. Varna is obsessive when it comes to her craft. She has an extreme loathing for external interference," Professor Stein said, leaning heavily on his cane. "Besides, you have errands to attend to while you wait, don't you? Come to my research lab. I can at least offer you some tea."
Professor Stein's research lab was tucked away in another corner of the Deep Underground Sector. It was a space that stood in stark contrast to Varna's workshop.
Unlike her inorganic, orderly sanctum, this place was a landscape of organic chaos. Shelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling, packed with biological specimens floating in preservative fluids, mysterious plants writhing inside cultivation vats, and precarious stacks of data slates.
"W-Welcome back, Professor."
A petite woman popped her head out from behind a cluttered desk. She wore thick glasses and a white lab coat, holding a data pad in a way that partially shielded her face.
"Umu. Emulgand, we have guests. Prepare tea."
"Y-Yes, sir! Right away!"
She scrambled to her feet and began scurrying back and forth in a frantic search for a teapot. As an assistant, Emulgand practically radiated the aura of a timid soul constantly pushed around by her eccentric superior.
When the tea was eventually served, an elegant aroma wafted up with the steam. I took a sip and felt my eyes widen.
"...!"
It was incredible. This was worlds apart from the flavored teas seasoned with synthetic fragrances. The moment the liquid hit my tongue, the deep, complex astringency of genuine tea leaves unfolded, followed by a gentle sweetness that seemed to wrap around the palate. As I exhaled, a rich fragrance reminiscent of flowers and fruit blossomed in my nasal passages.
This was a flavor filled with the vitality of life—a taste only leaves that had absorbed the nutrients of the earth and the warmth of the sun could possess. It had been so long since I'd tasted "real" tea that a shiver of genuine emotion stirred deep within me.
"...This is delicious. Is this real tea? And top-shelf stuff, too."
"A fine vintage, isn't it? It’s one of the fruits of my research," the professor snorted proudly.
Apparently, it was a byproduct of his plant bio-technology. To be able to drink tea of this caliber on a daily basis... I realized once again that the research environment of Techne Prime was not to be underestimated.
However, my mind kept drifting back to my dwindling finances. 50 million credits. In a single heartbeat, I'd blown through the nest egg I'd risked my life to amass. And on top of that, I still owed a debt. Even if it was for Lucia's sake, I had to admit I’d been reckless.
"...Thinking about your wallet, are you? The one that's gone quite flat after paying Varna?" The professor set down his cup and smirked.
"Bullseye. Well, it was a necessary investment."
"Hmph. Decisiveness is a virtue, but research—and life—cannot be sustained without the necessary funds. That's where I come in." The professor interlaced his fingers and leaned forward. "Regarding that 'Bio-core.' It is an extremely precious specimen. I want it so badly my hands are practically itching. In fact, I'd personally pay you just for exclusive access, but..."
He trailed off, shrugging with theatrical flair.
"Techne Prime has certain 'protocols' that must be observed. When it comes to high-value transactions for personal interest, the tax department and Ethics Committee tend to get quite noisy."
"I see... So you can't pay us?"
"On the contrary. I will simply create a justification to pay you openly."
The professor tapped at the terminal on his desk, bringing up a holographic window. It displayed a document titled: New Fieldwork Plan.
"I happened to be in the middle of planning my next fieldwork mission. On paper, it's an exploration for unknown biological resources within a hazardous sector."
"On paper?"
"I will register your crew as 'External Collaborators' for this project. That way, I can pay your rewards legitimately through the research budget."
I see. He was reaching into the deep pockets of the Academy's research funds. It was a classic academic loophole.
"Furthermore, I shall assign you special positions," the professor added, his fingers flying across the keyboard. "First, 'Fleet Manager.' Since I'm chartering your ship as a mobile base, this comes with a Special Allowance."
"That's a huge help."
"And more importantly... this. 'Exclusive Chef'." The professor nodded with immense satisfaction. "In a grueling fieldwork mission, high-quality meals are essential for maintaining researcher morale. With your skills, I can apply for the highest-tier Technical Allowance, and no one will breathe a word of protest."
"...I even get an allowance for being a cook?"
"Naturally. I haven't forgotten the taste of that cheese dish. Besides, I've already muzzled the budget auditors by claiming that 'high-quality nutrition' is a vital branch of my research."
Emulgand flinched at the professor's side. It was easy to guess that either her own diet was lacking, or she’d been the one forced to deal with the fallout of the audit.
"So, what do you say? This should more than offset the costs I'm providing. Any excess, of course, will be paid as a proper salary. Do we have a deal?"
"We're in. If the job is just keeping your stomach happy, consider it done," I replied immediately.
With this, my debt would be wiped clean. If things went well, we might even come out in the black. A patron who knew how to manipulate a budget was truly a gamer’s best friend.
"Excellent! The contract is sealed! No time like the present—we begin data collection and expedition prep immediately!"
The professor stood up and began barking orders at Emulgand.
"Emulgand, pack the gear! Every sensor from No. 4 to No. 8, and all the bio-samplers! Also, gather a full set of plant cultivation materials—and make sure there's extra culture fluid. We're loading everything onto the ship right now!"
"Eeeh!? A-All of it? Professor, we can't possibly move that much gear on our own...!"
"Nonsense! Our new collaborators will help. Now, move! To the Sperm Whale! I simply cannot wait to see what kind of dreams that pumpkin is dreaming!"
"Wait, what? Professor? You're coming with us right now?"
The sudden shift in pace left me blinking in surprise. I’d assumed we would spend the next few days coordinating a schedule.
"Of course! We must strike while the iron is hot! Unknown lifeforms are calling, and I refuse to waste a single second!"
His "mad scientist" persona fully restored, the professor swept out of the room, his white coat fluttering behind him. Behind him, a teary-eyed Emulgand began dragging out heavy equipment cases, followed by a train of summoned self-propelled lifters.
"Here, let me help you with those."
"Th-Thank you so much...!"
Mina and I offered our help with wry smiles. It looked like "fieldwork" with this lab was going to be as much a test of physical endurance as anything else.
Author's Note: Reaction Character No. 2, Emulgand. She is being hauled onto the ship without knowing a thing. Since she's a biological specialist, she hasn't modified her body much, but I've decided she wears glasses (strong personal preference).
I had a chance to play No Man’s Sky again recently for the first time in a while. Transport ships are massive, aren't they?
If you enjoyed the chapter, please click the "★" button! It might just lead to Akito’s dinner getting an upgrade tomorrow. Thank you!