The Strongest Brain in the Interstellar

“Here is the course selection card, valid for about a year. You can choose different professional courses to study online. The courses offered online are the same as the in-person classes, just in video format. But let me make it clear: the total online study hours cannot exceed the hours of your major. This is a small convenience we’ve arranged for you,” Principal Xia said, winking at Jiang Hui. “Make sure to study hard, whether in the combat unit or in an ordinary major.”

The school is being so considerate…

They are concerned that she might struggle to catch up if she later transfers majors and have provided her with this course selection card. Aside from not being able to attend live classes or hands-on practice, it’s almost the same as attending real classes.

Even though the selected hours cannot exceed her major’s schedule and can only be taken during her free time, the school has clearly considered her situation and given her a suitable educational opportunity.

Even someone like Jiang Hui, who has been somewhat jaded by society, finds it hard not to be touched by such genuine goodwill.

She believes that anyone or any group sincerely dedicated to education is commendable.

However…

Jiang Hui felt a bit awkward accepting it. While it sounded reasonable, it also seemed unfair to other students, which could easily lead to discontent, making things difficult for both the school and Jiang Hui herself.

The principal then explained that this course selection card was specifically prepared for students in need. Beska Intermediate Academy considers that some students might realize midway through their studies that their chosen path isn’t suitable for them, leading to the creation of this card.

However, such cards typically require an application and sometimes necessitate that the student’s major grades meet certain criteria for approval. In Jiang Hui’s case, it provided her with convenience, but for the school, it wasn’t a difficult matter, as teachers and students could understand.

With her course selection card in hand, Jiang Hui bid farewell to the principal’s office and headed to arrange her dormitory.

Once she left, the seemingly approachable and friendly Principal Xia slumped back in his chair, his posture relaxed, and he looked utterly at ease. He loosened his perfectly tied tie, shedding the elegant demeanor he had just maintained, resembling the young people outside who were laughing and heading out for late-night snacks, appearing particularly lively.

In fact, he wasn’t very old, probably in his fifties or sixties. Compared to the people Jiang Hui had known on Blue Star, he might seem middle-aged, but in the context of the interstellar world, he was just entering his youthful prime. A young mindset can make one appear youthful.

“The interstellar education bureau is really something; why do they have to interfere with this? Students should be free to pursue what interests them. Learning is the child’s freedom, after all. But they insist on this framework, presenting one set of rules publicly while operating another behind the scenes—it’s hard for me to keep up with that.”

While the interstellar society doesn’t restrict citizens’ freedom of choice, the empire prefers to have more high-level awakeners contribute to its great endeavors.

For ordinary individuals, the empire doesn’t impose any specific requirements. These people are the most common “components” of the entire nation, yet they form the core and most important part of it. The future of the empire they protect includes the vast majority of such ordinary people.

The empire only hopes that they can live good lives and work hard to build this interstellar nation. That is the expectation placed on ordinary citizens.

However, for those with potential and qualifications as awakeners, the empire’s expectations change. The empire is willing to provide these individuals with more resources, wealth, and status, but at the same time, these awakeners are required to take on greater responsibilities and obligations, contributing their strengths to the empire’s expansion and security.

The empire generally prefers that capable awakeners do not settle for ordinary lives, as that would be a waste of their potential.

Yet, the government cannot issue edicts that strictly prohibit high-potential awakeners from pursuing ordinary careers. Instead, they discreetly provide directives to lower-level institutions to identify and encourage talented awakeners, ensuring they do not fall by the wayside.

Individuals like Jiang Hui, who achieved an A-level after their second awakening and whose parents were loyal military officers of the empire, are naturally within the scope of persuasion. The school noticed her desire to pursue an ordinary major, which led to the arrangement for her meeting with the principal, aimed at subtly encouraging her.

Of course, they did not deceive Jiang Hui, as the system for changing majors is indeed closed. If she truly wants to switch majors, she will have to wait until next year; there are no other options.

However, the school believes they might still be able to guide her in choosing her major direction next year.

Therefore, the school applied for a course selection card for her, hoping that after Jiang Hui leaves the Combat Mech Department next year, she will also be able to choose other high-demand psychic majors.

Principal Xia actually disagrees with the potential interference from the Interstellar Education Bureau, but since Beska Intermediate Academy is backed by military power, it must still comply with the Bureau’s management and directives.

Moreover, in this regard, the military and the Interstellar Education Bureau likely share similar views. Even if Jason (Principal Xia) is reluctant, he has to execute these orders.

However, when he looks at Jiang Hui, she doesn’t seem as resolute as he had imagined. She may not truly want to pursue an ordinary major, despite what she claims.

Jason had prepared many arguments to persuade her, but before he could say much, she accepted the proposal after just a couple of comments. This is not how other students usually respond.

So, perhaps she has similar thoughts or is simply taking a “why not” attitude. It’s baffling—these kids today.

Not one to handle such situations well, Jason felt his face was about to freeze into a smile. He had been trying to maintain a serious demeanor, which made him uncomfortable. That’s why he never liked dealing with students in the principal’s office.

He wondered if Teacher Duan would be willing to help him handle such matters next time.

Just then, the communicator beeped again. Jason had to sit up straight in his chair, adjust his tie, and respond to the incoming communication.

Not long after, Teacher Duan from the Academic Affairs Office brought another student into the principal’s office.

——-

Jiang Hui: The school is so considerate!

Principal: Jiang, be a bit more cautious. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of while helping count the money. Honestly, I support you in choosing your own path… I’m really being forced into this; the people at the Education Bureau are too devious.

School: Studying ancient languages and literature with A-level psychic power is a complete waste. If the higher-ups find out, they’ll definitely cut our quotas and funding. We need to persuade her and see if we can change her mind.