Chapter 29 - An economics class #3

"..."

There weren't many reactions to the professor's joke; Professor Lundström was known not only for his ego but also for his tasteless and unfunny humor.

"Tch, let's continue."

"As I was saying, the central bank took care of setting up branches in the other three hemispheres, creating a kind of safeguard for the economy."

"Hey, Alex, don't you think this class is a bit useless for us?"

"...I also don't understand why we need economics classes..."

While the professor was giving the lesson, you could see the bored faces of the children, with some like Robert struggling with all their might not to fall asleep.

"... Hmm? ..."

BAM

Before they could continue complaining, Professor Lundström, who had heard their whispers, stopped explaining and slammed his palm on the desk.

At that moment, the cadets jolted, even Sergeant Petrov, who was positioned in a corner of the classroom, completely drowsy, lifted his head in surprise.

"... Alright, Cadets Alex and Ivan, since it seems my class doesn't appear productive to you, and your opinion seems to be shared by the rest of your classmates, I will explain why this class is necessary."

While the professor tried to calm his anger, he adjusted his tweed jacket and cleared his throat a couple of times.

"... Well, as all of you know, the economy is fundamental for implementing a prosperous and productive society. I can go to almost any era, and you'll see that all great civilizations have maintained an economic system."

Click.

Lundström went to his computer and quickly opened a folder titled "Economy Throughout History."

Click.

With another touch on his computer, he changed the projector's image to show an enormous ancient city with huge white marble buildings. The city sat atop a vast hill, making it look like a city from a fantasy novel.

"... This is a Polis, a marvel of architecture, a society that established the foundations of the world as we know it..."

Looking at the beautiful image being projected, the cadets were fascinated. Of course, they knew what a Polis was, but since the Confederation had made enormous technological advances, the images created by artificial intelligence had become true works of art, especially those using military technology.

"It's one of the first civilizations to establish a structured economic system, based on maritime trade and autarky. If you think this class is irrelevant, think about how these societies managed to survive and expand during times of crisis..."

The professor's voice became deeper, and his sharp gaze left no room for complacency. Very few people knew this side of him, but he was a staunch enthusiast for how the Confederation's economy is deconstructed.

"... Cadets, money moves the world, and it's an undeniable fact. Money made man step on the moon for the first time, and money has made it possible for you to settle in a base already established on the moon."

Cough, cough

While the professor was speaking, the sound of forced coughing echoed through the classroom. Sergeant Petrov, who was at the back of the room, had long since shaken off his drowsiness and was practically red from forcing his throat to cough and get the professor's attention.

But it was too late; all the students had their eyes wide open, quickly looking back and forth between the professor and Petrov.

"... Uh, Cap-"

"I heard you, Sergeant, don't worry, continue with the class; I'll speak with the professor later."

Phew

Sighing in relief, the sergeant looked at the cadets and stood at attention.

"Cadets, continue with the class!"

"Sir, yes sir."

"Ahem, as I was saying, the economy is an important part of society, and it should not be neglected. Let's continue with the class..."

Turning around, he did all he could to avoid the curious looks from the cadets and the predatory gaze of the sergeant, who seemed ready to pounce and strangle him.