College Classes

It had been some time since Alex built the ARC reactor.

The final test worked perfectly. He connected several devices to its power output and left it running for several days. The reactor performed flawlessly. According to his calculations, the energy generated by the small reactor could power all the electronic devices in his house for up to two years.

But Alex knew he had to keep this kind of technology hidden—otherwise, it could cause many problems.

Alex didn't trust governments—perhaps because of experiences from his previous life.

Days passed, and Alex kept busy with new projects while also earning money in the stock market.

He had been working on a more advanced version of the reactor, a design that even surpassed the one Tony made in the cave.

Alex felt he could do even better. He also found online services where he could outsource some of the things he needed.

He had shifted focus to a new computer—he had given up on quantum computing and instead focused on current 2025-era computers.

Compared to existing models, the systems he designed were on a whole other level.

But Alex still had one issue to solve: chip and processor manufacturing.

He felt it was best to create his own lithography machine.

During that time, a storm hit and caused serious damage. Luckily, Alex and his parents had left town to handle some things on his behalf.

Since Alex needed processors and chips, his supplier found a channel to manufacture the components he required.

That's why he left town—to handle patent issues. That way, if someone tried to steal his work, he could take legal action.

Fortunately, his house didn't suffer any major damage. However, Alex's mother had to spend some money on repairs.

...

After that, things returned to normal, and Alex kept working quietly in the lab.

But today, Sheldon came to visit.

"Next week, I'll be going to East Texas Tech to attend Dr. John Sturgis's lectures," Sheldon said.

Alex, who was soldering a circuit board, paused for a moment, turned toward Sheldon—who was sitting to the side—and replied:

"Dr. Sturgis, I read his work on carbon dating. It's very good."

Sheldon looked at Alex with an irritated expression. Ever since Alex showed up, he felt like his title of youngest prodigy genius was in danger.

That was why he came today—to tell Alex he was about to gain more knowledge than him. But he hadn't expected Alex to already know Dr. Sturgis.

"Now that you've reminded me—Dr. Sturgis also invited me to attend. Maybe I should consider it?" Alex said with a smile.

The main reason was: he might meet Paige if he started attending college lectures.

Alex didn't notice Sheldon's furious glare and continued his work.

"Well, I have to go now. I have important things to do," Sheldon said, leaving with brisk steps.

Later that afternoon, Alex told his parents that he was planning to attend Dr. Sturgis's classes as a guest student.

Melinda was in charge of taking Alex. Jonas had work that day and couldn't go with them.

Afterward, Alex contacted Dr. Sturgis to confirm his attendance.

Time passed, and the day arrived. Alex arrived at the university early with his mother—just like in the TV series, Sheldon was brought by Grandma Connie.

"Son, I'll wait outside, okay?" Melinda said as she straightened Alex's clothes.

"It's okay, Mom. I'll be fine," Alex replied.

After saying that, Melinda gave Alex a hug, stepped back, and watched her son walk into the classroom.

When Alex walked in, he noticed everyone staring at him and at Sheldon.

He walked to the seat on Sheldon's right and sat down. After pulling out his notebook and pencil, Alex said:

"Excited to learn about Quantum Chromodynamics?"

"Of course! Quantum Chromodynamics is a quantum field theory of strong interactions—a fundamental force that describes how quarks and gluons interact, forming hadrons such as protons, neutrons, and pions."

Sheldon said proudly.

"Looks like you really did your homework," Alex teased.

He knew Sheldon's personality well, and didn't mind provoking him from time to time.

Besides, Sheldon occasionally helped in his lab—and had even started building one in his own home.