After the two individuals who had been misunderstood by Professor Naumann arrived at her office, Felix stepped forward to clarify the situation. Professor Naumann simply smiled and said nothing. Although she realized she had been mistaken, the atmosphere between the two was so harmonious that they certainly looked like a couple.

Muelsyse, a gifted student who had skipped grades, and Professor Naumann, a respected academic, were not on equal footing in terms of status, but they shared many intellectual interests.

Professors were highly regarded in Leithanien, much like in Germany in real life. They enjoyed priority treatment in many areas of society, and when traveling, people would politely refer to them as “Professor” rather than “Mister.”

To attain the title of professor here, one needed a doctorate. Thus, despite her youthful appearance, Professor Magna Naumann was more than qualified to continue serving as Muelsyse’s mentor—both in theory and in practical research.

As the discussion turned academic, Muelsyse began speaking with Professor Naumann about the relationship between weather and Originium—topics explored in Naumann’s notes. The professor and her husband had conducted extensive field studies at volcanic sites. In recent years, volcanic eruptions had occurred again, and the scenes they witnessed were even more terrifying than sandstorms. Originium eruptions blasted ash and dust into the skies, blotting out the sun and plunging the land into eerie darkness.

Worse still, the heavily infected Originium dust would eventually fall. If it made contact with skin, infection was almost certain. Inhaling it was even more dangerous—once it reached the lungs, the chance of severe infection or death was extremely high.

“—When comparing the gravitational pull of a single Originium crystal to the influence of distance on that pull,” Professor Naumann explained, “it becomes clear that distance has a much greater impact. This is why cities across this land are more prone to attracting natural disasters. Unlike deep, natural Originium veins, the crystals used in cities lie on the surface, much closer to the mobile Originium particles in the environment. And more importantly, the Originium in cities is spread across a wide area, embedded throughout the infrastructure. This widespread distribution makes it easier for environmental particles and dust to gather near cities—thus increasing the likelihood of a natural disaster.”

Naumann continued to elaborate why natural disasters tended to strike near urban centers.

“Natural disasters are actually very common on this land,” she said. “Compared with natural Originium veins, cities have a significantly higher chance of attracting them. But that doesn’t mean natural Originium deposits won’t attract disasters at all—the frequency is simply lower.”

“Even in the absence of large Originium crystals, the microscopic Originium particles in the natural environment can still gather and coalesce on their own. That’s why natural disasters never exclusively strike areas near mobile cities.”

Muelsyse thought for a moment, then asked, “Professor Naumann, if we stopped using Originium technology altogether, would that lower the chances of attracting natural disasters?”

Professor Naumann shook her head and sighed.

“We’ve explored that theory before. But the conclusion was clear: even without the use of Originium technology, natural disasters would still occur. Since our actions have no bearing on whether they come or not, we may as well continue using the technology. In practice, this has proven effective. If we had never developed Originium tech, mobile cities wouldn’t exist—and without them, we would have nowhere to hide when disaster strikes.”

“After we began using Originium technology, natural disasters did become more frequent. However, because we invented mobile cities, we were able to almost completely avoid their direct impact.”

Felix was deeply impressed. This was a true scholar—an expert in the field of natural disasters and environmental systems. This was what it meant to receive wisdom from a master. In his previous life as a player, he had never paid much attention to natural disasters, nor had he ever considered their broader implications. Back then, all he had to do was avoid them. But now, as an NPC—truly a part of this land of suffering—he realized just how meaningful this moment was. Just listening to Professor Naumann speak made the whole trip worthwhile.

[Professor Magna Naumann Lv40 is teaching you the skill [Disaster Systems], current progress: 0.03%.

Ecologist sub-profession unlocking progress: 0.01%.]

‘Damn,’ Felix thought. ‘I didn’t expect that just listening to her would count as learning a skill. So there’s actually a sub-profession for ecologists…’

He vaguely remembered someone unlocking this while studying at the Ark’s university in his previous life. It was a rare sub-profession that few people chose.

Still, the Disaster Systems skill seemed quite useful. Besides delivering messages, the Messenger profession had a powerful advanced specialization: Catastrophe Messenger. And one of the prerequisites for becoming one was mastering Disaster Systems.

Catastrophe Messengers were responsible for monitoring environmental disasters and issuing early warnings to nearby cities. They also communicated with one another to exchange vital information. However, the role came with high risks: Catastrophe Messengers faced near-certain exposure to Originium, which meant they had an almost 100% chance of contracting Oripathy.

Meanwhile, Muelsyse seemed to hold deep admiration for Professor Naumann. She began introducing her own research project, hoping the professor could offer advice or critique.

The lecture continued into the afternoon. Felix sat quietly and listened, his attention unwavering. Soon, the system provided another notification:

[Muelsyse Lv60 is teaching you the skill [Ecology], current progress: 0.16%.

Ecologist sub-profession unlocking progress: 0.06%.]

Just listening to their discussion was gradually increasing his experience bar. At this rate, Felix decided he might as well attend every Rhine Lab seminar he could. He wouldn’t need to do anything—just listen to the researchers exchange ideas, and he’d continue to grow stronger.

There was a knock on the door, followed by it swinging open. Standing in the doorway was another Caprinae, this one with fluffy brown hair, a refined faculty uniform, and glasses. His appearance was calm, dignified, and scholarly. Seeing the lively atmosphere in the office, he smiled.

“Ah… Sorry, Katia. I lost track of time while I was talking,” said Professor Magna Naumann apologetically. She rose from her seat and turned to introduce the visitor.

“This is my husband, Katia Naumann. He’s also a professor at William University, teaching at the Originium Academy of Arts, and he serves as a mentor for research trainees.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Professor Naumann,” Felix said politely. “My name is Felix. I’m a messenger. I’ve heard there are two famous Professors Naumann at William University—and I’ve had the good fortune of meeting both of you today.”

Felix stood up with a smile. His legs were completely numb from sitting for so long, but he had endured it out of politeness—after all, it would’ve been rude to leave while the two professors were deep in discussion. Now that there was a break, he gladly took the opportunity to stretch his legs. Though his skills had been gradually improving, he couldn’t deny that his rear end was sore and his mind was beginning to drift. It felt exactly like those drowsy math classes he used to sit through, where the teacher’s words blurred together, and he’d find himself fiddling with his glasses, opening and closing them to stay awake.

If it weren’t for the system prompts showing his experience bar steadily rising, he might’ve thought he’d dozed off into some kind of academic daydream.

Still, he forced himself to stay focused. After all, he wasn’t just a messenger anymore—he was part of this world. Professions and sub-professions aside, knowledge was a priceless treasure.

“Hello, I’m Katia Naumann,” the man said, extending a hand. “Felix, it’s impressive that someone your age is already showing interest in ecosystems and disaster systems. I’m sure this knowledge will live on through the next generation.”

Then he turned to Muelsyse, and with a tone strikingly similar to his wife’s, he exclaimed, “Young lady… your control over the water element is incredibly refined. This is a flawless water avatar.”

His eyes lingered on Muelsyse’s ears, and he fell silent. Studying her with a curious expression, he asked uncertainly, “Elf?”

Muelsyse smiled gracefully and gave a courteous bow. “Yes. I’m Muelsyse, of the elf tribe. I graduated from the Ecology Department of Trimount Polytechnic University. After that, I continued my studies and became a researcher. My real body is currently in Columbia—this is a water clone I’m using to accompany Felix.”

Professor Katia Naumann adjusted his glasses, his expression remaining serious as he muttered, “Romantic.”

Professor Magna Naumann gave a light cough. “Coordinated.”

Muelsyse’s cheeks turned pink again. She cleared her throat and quickly changed the subject. “Well, it’s getting rather late. Let’s not impose on the professors any longer today.”

“But we haven’t finished our conversation yet,” Professor Magna Naumann said with a hint of regret. She and Muelsyse shared so many common research interests. Though one was a professor and the other a field researcher, there was much to learn from each other—especially about the ecological perspectives and scientific developments coming out of Columbia.

Normally, to get this kind of exchange, she would’ve had to travel all the way to Columbia for an academic conference. But now, it felt like the academic conference had come to her.

“I’m also very interested in Originium Arts,” Felix chimed in, seizing the moment. “If possible, I’d love to ask Professor Naumann for some guidance… Would you and your wife be willing to join us for dinner?”

Naturally, he would be the one treating them.

Professor Katia Naumann nodded, though he seemed a bit hesitant. “Our daughter will be getting out of school soon, and we still need to prepare dinner for her.”

“I also have two younger sisters studying in Leipzig,” Felix replied. “If the professors don’t mind, we could all dine together.”

The Naumanns exchanged glances and found the idea agreeable. Normally, professors and students were expected to keep a certain distance, but in this case, Felix was a messenger, and Muelsyse was already a graduate. There was no formal academic relationship to complicate things. Besides, Professor Katia was especially intrigued by the Originium Arts used in Muelsyse’s water clone and was eager to observe them further—perhaps over a shared meal.

The road that Professor Naumann took to pick up his daughter happened to be the same one Felix used to fetch Mandragora from school. The full name of the professor’s daughter was Adele Naumann—a Caprinae girl, just about the same age as Mandragora.

As soon as school let out, Mandragora spotted Felix and ran over with a bright smile, throwing herself into his arms. Only then did she notice the unfamiliar couple standing beside him.

“Brother Pioneer, who are they?” she asked softly.

“They’re a remarkable couple—both professors,” Felix explained. “We’re having dinner with them later. Try getting to know their daughter. You might become friends.”

Mandragora nodded, still smiling, and her Feline tail swayed gently with excitement. She moved closer between Muelsyse and Felix and asked in a low voice how “Mumu” had come to know the professors.

—

Adele Naumann had a slender build, long fluffy brown hair like her parents, and a pair of bright, blinking pink eyes. It was clear she had a good relationship with her mom and dad, sticking close to them as they walked.

After several blocks, they arrived at another modest school building, where Degenbrecher and Senomi were waiting. Senomi smiled and, like Mandragora, rushed forward to hug Felix. Degenbrecher followed calmly, nodding in greeting and politely acknowledging the professor and his wife.

The group that had now formed—a Sankta, an elf, a Caprinae, a Zalak, and a Feline—was certainly an unusual sight. Professor Naumann had originally assumed that Felix and Muelsyse were in a typical boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, but seeing this ensemble, he began to doubt his assumptions.

These children… could they possibly be Felix and Muelsyse’s? Of course not—at least, not biologically. Though neither Professor Naumann nor his wife were biologists, common sense told them that the presence of a Feline among their children defied any simple explanation.

But as professors, their curiosity leaned toward the academic rather than the personal. Felix led them to one of the finer restaurants in Leipzig, stating confidently that tonight’s dinner was on him.

They sat at a long table, naturally dividing into two loose groups. Professor Naumann and his wife carried on an in-depth conversation with Muelsyse and Felix about research and academic matters, while the others—Degenbrecher, Senomi, and Mandragora—shared stories and laughed about things that had happened at school.

When Adele joined them, the two girls immediately welcomed her into their circle. She was the same age as them, and although she had some interest in the adults’ conversation, she didn’t really understand any of it. Being only thirteen, Adele quickly found herself drawn into the cheerful banter. It didn’t take long for the three girls to hit it off.

“Professor Katia,” Felix began during their discussion, “does that mean that everyone can, in theory, master Originium Arts?”

Their talk had shifted toward Originium Arts. As a Sankta, Felix was born with an innate affinity for Originium-based firearms, a natural advantage in gun-based arts that other races lacked. Still, that didn’t mean his abilities were limited to shooting.

He brought up Mostima as an example—how in a previous life, she became a fallen angel and unlocked a time-manipulating Originium Art through her staff. Yet, even then, she retained her Sankta heritage and its affinity with gun-based Originium skills. If that was the case, did it mean that a Terran could awaken more than one distinct Originium ability?

Felix didn’t have a deep understanding of the Sankta race, but he recalled that in the game, both players and NPCs typically had only one or two Originium skills they could master with proficiency. He had always attributed the Sankta’s gun-type Originium skills to their innate racial talent, rather than to any acquired Originium abilities.

Professor Katia smiled and offered an explanation. “Originium Arts on this land can be understood in simpler terms—as a form of technology. Think of it like car repair. Anyone can learn to fix a car: some people never try, some do but fail, and some become skilled. It all comes down to talent and effort.”

“As for what kind of Originium Art someone can learn—it depends. First, we need to distinguish between general cases and special cases. Special cases involve individuals born with unique talents; the Originium Arts they can master are limited to a rare few. Let’s talk about the general cases.”

“In most situations, people can learn common Originium Arts—like those related to fire, water, electricity, and so on. Just like with car repair, everyone can pick it up if they try. Whether you excel depends on your innate ability and how hard you work. The specific type of Originium Art someone becomes proficient in is determined primarily by talent, not by Originium itself. Originium is just the battery—it provides the energy. Special talents allow for mastery of rare Originium Arts, but even those without rare gifts can learn common ones. Mastery still comes down to ability and dedication.”

He paused briefly, then added, “Of course, being infected with Oripathy can sometimes enhance one’s adaptability to Originium Arts. But that doesn’t mean non-infected individuals are incapable of mastering powerful Originium abilities.”

Felix was stunned.

So this is what it means to be a professor… impressive.

[Professor Katia Naumann Lv45 is teaching you the skill [Originium Craftsmanship]. Current progress: 0.05%. Progress toward unlocking the sub-profession [Originium Scientist]: 0.01%.]

Wuhu! Maybe one day, he really could earn such an advanced secondary profession…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep