The door opened, and two figures entered side by side.
Arthur looked up.
Professor Screwllum taught mechanical engineering at the university.
The students privately called him Professor Screw.
It was not merely because of his name, but because he could explain even the most complicated mechanical principles with the clarity and simplicity of an ordinary screw.
Zandar walked beside him, his bearing entirely different.
He was a legendary figure in academic circles, said to have conducted research in his youth that transformed the entire academic world.
He had since withdrawn from the forefront of academia and only occasionally returned to the university to deliver a few lectures. Every one of them drew a packed audience.
"Arthur."
Professor Screwllum approached and extended his hand.
"It has been a long time."
"Professor Screw, you haven't changed at all."
Arthur smiled and nodded.
Professor Screwllum inclined his head slightly. His gaze swept across the hall before finally settling on the figure in the corner.
"Madam Herta."
Herta reluctantly raised her eyes and glanced at Professor Screwllum.
"Mm."
Professor Screwllum did not take offense in the slightest.
He knew Herta far too well.
If she could answer in two words, she would never use three. Whenever silence was an option, she would never speak at all.
But her ears were always listening.
"Have you been well lately?" Professor Screwllum asked gently.
"Well enough."
"How is your project progressing?"
"Smoothly."
Professor Screwllum smiled.
"That is good to hear."
Beside him, Zandar walked over and sat down on Herta's other side.
Herta finally lifted her head and looked at him.
For once, a trace of seriousness appeared in her usually indifferent eyes.
"Senior, how is that celestial computer project of yours coming along?"
"It is still under development. I am thinking of giving it a name."
"What name?"
"Nous."
He paused.
"To seek the unknown for generations to come."
Herta froze for a moment.
"Nous…"
"Yes."
Zandar nodded. "The celestial computer's processing power will far surpass that of any existing device.
It will be able to simulate the evolution of planets, extrapolate the laws of the universe, and explore mysteries that humanity is not yet capable of reaching."
He looked out the window. Night had already fallen completely.
"And this computer will not belong to me alone.
It will become a tool through which humanity pursues the truth, passed down from one generation to the next."
"That is a fine name."
Professor Screwllum suddenly spoke.
"Nous, seeking the unknown for future generations. It carries great meaning."
Herta remained silent for several seconds before nodding.
"When it is finished, I want to use it," she said as though it were only natural.
Zandar laughed.
"Of course. It was always meant for everyone."
Nearby, Stelle leaned over and quietly asked Arthur,
"Captain, is this Nous really that incredible?"
Arthur glanced at her.
"It is a celestial computer. Didn't you hear what the professors said? Its processing power will far exceed anything that currently exists."
Stelle's eyes widened.
"Then wouldn't that mean…"
"Yes. It will be extremely powerful."
Stelle looked at Zandar, then at Herta, then at Professor Screwllum, before finally turning her gaze back to Arthur.
"Captain,"
she whispered, "are all the professors at our university kind of… you know?"
Arthur thought for a moment.
"Kind of what?"
"Like they aren't normal people?"
Arthur glanced at her, then surveyed everyone in the room.
He fell silent for two seconds before nodding.
"That is true."
Stelle appeared thoughtful. Then, as though remembering something, she leaned closer again.
"Captain, do you think Nous might appear in our game someday?"
Arthur paused slightly.
"Perhaps."
Stelle blinked and was about to ask another question when March 7th pulled her away.
"Come on, Stelle! Help me see whether this dish tastes good!"
After March 7th dragged Stelle away, Arthur could finally sit quietly in his seat and look around.
This gathering truly had brought together nearly every friend and professor they knew.
In the corner, Professor Screwllum and Herta sat in silence.
Herta appeared oblivious to everything around her, though she would occasionally stop and glance at the others before lowering her head again.
Not far away, Zandar and Professor Tripios were speaking quietly.
One spoke about the future of celestial computers, while the other discussed the allure of classical literature.
They were two completely different fields, yet somehow they blended harmoniously in their conversation.
On the other side of the hall, Anaxa and Aglaea were holding cups of tea and arguing about something.
"Your argument has no foundation whatsoever!"
"According to the logic of a seamstress like you, the relationship between art and the market has been completely reversed!"
Aglaea gave a cold laugh. "Mr. Anaxa, you have not changed at all since university."
"It is called upholding the truth!"
"It is called being inflexible."
Their gazes clashed in midair, sparks practically flying between them.
Strangely enough, everyone else appeared to be accustomed to the sight.
No one tried to intervene or pull them apart.
People merely glanced over from time to time, then smiled and looked away.
Those two had never been able to stand each other at university.
Who would have thought that they would still be exactly the same now?
Cerydra sat upright in her seat, her gaze sweeping across the entire hall.
"Caesar."
Hysilens gently tugged at her sleeve. "Relax. This isn't a classroom."
Cerydra paused, then smiled.
That smile instantly softened her entire demeanor.
"Force of habit."
Hysilens smiled as well.
The two sat together, occasionally exchanging a few quiet words or sharing a smile.
It was the kind of unspoken understanding that could exist only between friends who had known each other for many years.
Arthur withdrew his gaze and looked at Cyrene beside him.
Cyrene blinked. "What is it? Do you think there are too many people?"
"No."
Arthur shook his head. "I'm just feeling a little nostalgic."
"Nostalgic about what?"
Arthur was silent for several seconds.
"Back when we were at university, whenever everyone gathered together, all we talked about were assignments and our dreams for the future."
Arthur looked at the people before him.
"Now, everyone has chosen their own path.
Some became musicians, some opened restaurants, and some made games.
But it is wonderful that we can still gather together like this."