I made up magic and taught a world-destroying witch?

Chapter 81 Funding: Starting with a Polite Refusal

"That's not really appropriate," Joseph said tactfully.

If this project is indeed registered under his name and the research is successful, it will be due to the effective leadership of the college, the profound theoretical knowledge of Academician Wade, the timely cooperation of the White Dove Church, and the joint efforts of everyone to achieve phased results.

But if something goes wrong, the first line on the first page of the investigation report will probably say "Project Manager Joseph Grantham," and he's not stupid.

"This research was originally proposed by the academician," Joseph continued, "and you have the complete data from that time. In terms of both experience and research direction, you should be in charge."

The blame should naturally fall on the professionals. Does this basic academic ethics really need to be reminded by a young professor?

Academician Wade shook his head and said, "It won't work."

Why?

"I have too many projects under my name."

Joseph:

When Academician Wade said those words, they carried an unusually strong persuasive power.

After all, when this academician was young, he wanted to go all in on any strange direction he saw. While others studied magic amplification, he studied whether reducing magic would be better; while others studied spell stability, he studied how far out of control a spell could go.

It can only be said that this person successfully became a Fellow of the Royal Academy, and both the Academy's tolerance and his vitality are probably astonishing.

  

"I still have more than a dozen projects under my name that have not been completed."

A dozen or so? Is this old man a Fellow of the Royal Society or an academic project recycling center?

Joseph only knew that Academician Wade liked to go all in, but he didn't know that he had so many uncollected chips under the table.

"If this project is again attributed to me, the project committee's first reaction will definitely be to ask me if I'm trying to dredge up a failed project from decades ago to scam funding."

At this point, Academician Wade even showed a hint of dissatisfaction on his face: "They have a lot of prejudice against me."

Joseph: "————" Whether this is prejudice or not is hard to say.

If someone periodically pulls out a project from the bottom of a file that was rejected in their youth, and then tells the committee that the times have finally caught up with their ideas, it seems like a healthy reaction for the committee to become a little wary.

We can't possibly stand up excitedly and applaud every time, then hand him the funds with both hands.

"It wouldn't be appropriate to put it under my name either," Joseph said. "My new magic project is still in its early stages, and the student training and the association's review in a month are not yet complete."

This unusual residue involves real injuries, and further investigation may require the cooperation of the church and association. I'm afraid I don't have the energy to take charge of a new project right now.

Without funding, yet bearing the risk of patients developing problems, whoever wants this kind of good deal can take it.

"You only need to be listed as an academic, I will take care of the specific experiments and the organization of old data," Academician Wade said, looking up at Joseph.

That's even more unacceptable. He's not doing the work, yet his name is listed first. Isn't that like someone casually cooking poop in the kitchen and then solemnly telling the guests that the head chef is Joseph Grantham?

As for the old man who was actually cooking, he was probably already squatting in another kitchen, preparing to study why this pot of food could produce such a unique aroma.

"Academician, I'm not worried about the workload," Joseph said, trying to come up with a more palatable reason that fits the image of a great mage. "The new magic project itself requires continuous observation of the two students. I can't just abandon the original research and the students because a new direction has emerged."

Of course, the main problem is that he has no money, but saying it out loud would somewhat damage his increasingly valuable image as a great magician.

Academician Wade frowned upon hearing this.

He had assumed that Joseph, upon hearing that the project was under his name, would at least show some interest, even if he didn't agree on the spot.

After all, which professor at the Royal Academy wouldn't put their name on the list first when they hear about a new project?

Whether there are any results can be considered later, and whether the research direction is feasible is not important. As long as the project is applied for, the funding is allocated, the laboratory is occupied, and students and teaching assistants are assigned, the rest can be studied slowly.

If three years of research yields no results, it indicates the problem is more complex than anticipated, requiring further funding. If five years of research still yields no results, it further proves that this direction is extremely cutting-edge, incomprehensible to the average person.

If you really can't write anything down, you can summarize the failure process and apply for a "Preliminary Reflection on the Causes of Failure of Traditional Observation Methods under Complex Abnormal Residual Environments".

The Royal Institution has been able to support so many professors over the years because everyone understands these basic rules.

But why doesn't Joseph Grantham understand any of this?

When a ready-made topic was presented to him, and it was even related to his new magic project, his first reaction was to worry that he wouldn't be able to take care of the students and the original project.

Academician Wade looked at the young professor in front of him and remained silent for a moment.

He almost forgot that this young archmage was different from those in the academy who were just waiting to retire and complete their research projects. He glanced down at the old documents in his hand, and a rare moment of self-reflection suddenly welled up inside him.

This time, things really can't be the same as before. As an academician, he should at least set a positive example for this young and promising junior.

At least Joseph shouldn't be misled into thinking that all the old professors at the Royal Academy just snatch up any project they see and then slowly figure out what the point of it is.

"Your concerns are very reasonable," Academician Wade said.

Joseph felt a little relieved. As long as he understood, and Academician Wade thought he made sense, he could then hand over the research project to this professional who truly loved Texas Hold'em.

"So I'll handle the specific application process, communication with the association, and the preliminary materials for the project," Academician Wade continued.

Joseph: "?" Why are we still talking about projects?

"Academician, what I meant just now was—"

"I know," Wade raised his hand to interrupt him. "You're worried that handling two projects at the same time will affect the students' training."

Joseph: "————" It's not entirely wrong. Although he was more worried about not having funding and still being held responsible, student training was indeed quite important.

After all, if the students don't train well, who will help them improve their skills?

"So this project doesn't need to be separated from your project," Academician Wade said. "It can be incorporated into the next phase of off-campus investigation and practice."

He pulled an old map from the table, looked at it for a while, and his finger landed on a coastal area east of Grey Pigeon Town.

"You know there's a sea-eye lighthouse on the outer side of Yachao Bay, right?"

Joseph: "————" He not only knew, but he had just promised his students an hour ago that he would go there the day after tomorrow.