"Claim a random reward?"
Akihiko Tou paused mid-equation, brow lifting at the system's prompt.
He'd expected experience points or credits—never an unsolicited bonus.
Yet who could refuse extra perks, even from a god-level scholar system?
He clicked the notification and read aloud.
"Physique enhancement and mixed martial arts?"
A chirpy, synthesized voice continued: "Mind and body must balance—strengthen both."
Akihiko grinned. "Perfect."
Since crossing into this world, his frame had grown leaner and more resilient.
Now, formal training in martial arts would round out his abilities nicely.
Still, his true passion lay in scholarship—becoming humanity's guiding star.
Another chime interrupted his thoughts.
"New task published!" the system announced.
"Publish a high‐impact paper in Science."
He leaned back. Science—one of the world's most prestigious journals.
Acceptance rates glimmered at under ten percent; peer review was brutal.
Authors coveted its pages to gain renown and career momentum.
But Akihiko felt only confidence.
Unlike Conan Edogawa and his peers, he possessed deep knowledge and prior papers.
He'd hit snags before—time to push through.
A holiday tomorrow meant library hours to himself.
The Todai Library, nestled amid Sakura's top universities, brimmed with cutting‐edge resources.
He'd frequented its marble halls many times.
Tonight's goal: track new leads in biochemistry and mathematics.
He strode to the math stacks, scanning spines in golden lamplight.
"This integral theory volume is too elementary… these two on number theory look promising."
With books secured, he turned toward the biochemistry wing.
Humming softly, Akihiko felt the familiar thrill of research.
Here, brilliance was routine—yet he moved with purpose.
He reached for a hefty tome: Theory of Biomass Energy Research.
At the same moment, a hand brushed his.
They both gripped the book's spine—surprise sparking between them.
He looked up to meet her gaze.
She was striking: chestnut curls framing a flawless, pale face, eyes warm yet inquisitive.
Her dark‐ribboned pale pink dress marked her as stylish among scholars.
Recognition flickered in his mind: Shiho Miyano.
Not from anime memories, but from the textbook itself—vibrant researcher, rare in this field.
Her scent carried a faint antiseptic note—practical, precise.
Neither relinquished their hold.
They stared, breaths still in the hush of shelves.
Silence stretched before she spoke, voice gentle yet firm.
"I… needed this one."
Akihiko met her calm eyes. "So did I."
He offered a polite nod.
She curved her lips in a knowing half‐smile, sliding the book toward him.
"After you—please."
He hesitated, then took it gracefully.
"Thank you, Dr. Miyano."
Her name floated between them, charged with new possibility.
Outside, autumn leaves brushed the window—knowledge binding them together.
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