The Group Has Grown

April 1917 – Tokyo Imperial University

"Even after entering university, you're still being summoned by the Crown Prince every week. Just how close are you two?"

Liliel pouted as she spoke.

"What? Are you jealous? Ever since I came clean to His Highness, we've been freely discussing our plans for the future."

"Just hurry up and make some superweapons to unify the world! You could do it, right?"

"I've already explained—it's not something that can be done overnight. Making one superweapon isn't enough. We need the industrial and technological capacity to produce them continuously, the personnel to operate them systematically, and the logistics to support them. There's a mountain of things to do."

"Are you sure you can afford to take your time? People are dying in huge numbers in Europe right now."

"I know, but there's not much a 15-year-old student can do. In a few years, His Highness will become the Regent, and at that point, he'll have full authority except for constitutional amendments. First, we'll have him establish a Space Force under his direct command. You were there when we discussed this, weren't you?"

"Was I? Now that you mention it, I think we did talk about that. So, what's the plan?"

"First, we'll establish a Space Force under the Crown Prince, even if it's just a small one. Of course, I'll be assigned to it. It's best if everyone else thinks of it as just the Crown Prince playing soldier. Then, we'll set up dummy companies in America and Europe to create operational bases. They'll also serve as intelligence-gathering hubs. At the same time, we'll scout and train talent, develop new technologies, and 'secretly' boost Japan's industrial base. If too much new technology leaks abroad, Germany or America might develop nuclear weapons earlier than in the original timeline. We have to avoid that at all costs. We need to be careful about technology leaks."

"I see. You've really thought this through. I feel better now. But why a Space Force?"

"At first, I thought about an Air Force, but that would mean constant coordination with the Navy and Army, and disputes over who develops the aircraft. With a Space Force, what we're doing will be so incomprehensible that we'll have more freedom."

"Makes sense."

"Are you Takashiro-kun?"

Suddenly, a slightly scruffy-looking student in a rugged outfit approached me.

"Yes, that's me. And you are?"

"I'm Kai Chuichi, your classmate."

"Ah, nice to meet you."

What a... intense guy.

"I heard you entered as the top of our class. And you skipped grades too."

"Yes, that's right."

"I was second. Until now, I've never lost to anyone in academics. But then, someone younger than me takes the top spot? Don't you think something's off?"

"Not really."

What is this? It feels like a template straight out of a light novel. The déjà vu is strong.

"So, I think we need to settle this. How about it? Want to compete?"

"Uh, sure, but what are we competing in?"

"I heard you're good at math and physics. I've never lost in those subjects either. So, let's compete in math and physics. Professor Nakanishi, who's an old friend of my father, specially prepared some problems for us."

And so, we headed to Professor Nakanishi's lab.

"Ah, glad you could make it. Having this year's top two students here is a real pleasure."

Professor Nakanishi, who appeared to be in his early 50s, had a very approachable demeanor.

"Professor Nakanishi, thank you for having us. Are the problems ready?"

"Yes, they are. They're at the level of a university graduate, so unless you've studied extensively beforehand, they'll be tough. Are you sure you're up for it?"

"Yes, I'm ready. I've mastered Fourier series and Riemannian geometry. Takashiro-kun, you're fine with that, right? (Smirks)"

I didn't care about the competition, but now I really don't want to lose to this guy.

"Yes, of course I'm ready."

"Then, let's begin!"

The test consisted of five major math problems and five major physics problems. At a glance, it looked like it would take a talented university student about two hours to complete.

One Hour Later

"I'm done."

I raised my hand and declared.

"Huh?!"

Kai, who was still working hard on the problems, and Professor Nakanishi, who had been reading a paper, exclaimed simultaneously. Such a template moment.

"You're already done? You're not misunderstanding something, are you?"

"Yes. Problems at this level are trivial to me."

Professor Nakanishi immediately began grading.

Meanwhile, Kai, convinced that my answers were wrong, continued solving the problems with single-minded determination.

"W-wow, perfect score. Even this proof problem is so elegantly concise..."

Bam!!

Kai slammed his fists on the desk.

"Why?! Why did I lose?!"

'Well, kid, that's why.' I muttered in my heart.

Kai's shoulders trembled. I started to feel a little sorry for him.

As I wondered what to do, Kai suddenly prostrated himself before me.

"Takashiro-sensei! Please, teach me how to reach your level!"

Is he intense or just straightforward...?

"Kai-kun, calm down. You see, I was classmates with the Crown Prince at Gakushuin. There, I vowed to become His Highness's sword and shield, to support his righteous path. From that moment on, I studied tirelessly. That's how I became who I am today."

Of course, that was a lie.

"Whatever I've achieved is thanks to His Highness's influence. I couldn't have done it alone. So, don't worry too much about it."

"I-I see! Then, please let me assist in His Highness's righteous path as well! Takashiro-sensei, please guide me so I can become a force for His Highness!"

'Got myself a talented ally!' (Though his personality is a bit...)

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T/N: If you like it please vote with power stone please. More stones equals faster release.

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A/N: Thank you for reading Chapter 13!

What kind of role will this new ally play in the future?

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