The Moon, Not Named Watcher, Earth-616150
After 40 days of writing about his findings on AI systems and creating his own small AI system that helps create, secure, and improve code, he finished it. Now he is making his way to the dean in order to get his Ph.D. in computer science. They will review his paper on his findings and realize that this student is brilliant.
Reed Richards Before the Dean, Earth-616150
I'm on my way to the dean to show them my findings about using AI for cybersecurity and its opportunities and risks. It will blow their minds. This Ph.D. will most likely help me secure some initial meetings with corporations like Oscorp, Roxxon, Hellfire Club, or Frost International. They all will want this AI for their cybersecurity. Then I will strike hard and demand 5 million USD per use. Many would think it's too much, but we're talking about some of the most inhumane companies in this world, so taking some of their money isn't a problem.
But what should I call my own company? Reed 'Fantastic' Richards Inc.? Smartest Person Alive Corporation? Richards' Enterprise? Man, I have bad naming sense.
Knock knock
Entering the room, there were five people sitting at their computers, all looking at me curiously. I gave them a smile and began, "Good afternoon, I would like to submit my Ph.D. thesis."
The middle one of the five began to speak, "Good afternoon, Mister..."
I added, "Mister Richards."
"Mister Richards, I can't find you on the list," he stated, looking even more confused while directly eyeing my three stacks of 120 pages about pure cybersecurity, AI, and code. "So why do you have these with you?"
I said it as bluntly as I could: "I looked at your course catalog and found out I could complete every one of those courses. So I decided to try my 'luck' for a Ph.D. It may sound crazy that a freshman wants to get his Ph.D. after only 40 days of college. However, I created an AI that can analyze code, improve it, or create code for specific purposes." I could see interest in all their eyes. I had them hooked. That was good.
He then said, "Just leave those papers here. We will have some professors look at them and then inform you about the outcome." I put three copies of my thesis on his table and said, "Have a great day."
"Have a great day," they all replied in unison.
20 Days Later, Returning From the Dean's Office, Room 616
"Yo Ben, I'm a doctor now!" I showed him my doctorate title proudly, chest puffed out, and added, "You shall call me Dr. Richards from now on!" Ben started looking at me confused, then his eyes went to my title and widened in pure shock and realization. He said in a shocked voice, "No, you didn't!"
I retorted, "Oh yes, I did! And I'd do it again," widening my smile even further. Ben's face still showed complete shock. He could only ask, "How?" It sounded like his whole worldview had just shattered. He looked baffled and bamboozled.
I just answered, "You know about the project I was working on?"
"Yeah, the AI thingy," he replied, still unable to cope that one of his friends was now a doctor.
"Yes, the AI thingy. The professors were astonished and mesmerized after I showed them how it worked. They asked some questions about how it works and if there were any risks. They even asked to see my code. I of course declined because it would be too dangerous for someone to know how to create one - they could create Skynet or something similar. As a result, I became Dr. Reed Richards." I explained it to him confidently. It looked like he still needed time to process it.
"We're going to party until the sun comes up again!" he exclaimed loudly, looking truly happy and supportive of his friend.
'I have to do something. I don't want to party. Please, One Above All!' I prayed for salvation. Ben gave me a big bear hug and proceeded to carry me out of the room.
"Some of my American football buddies planned a frat party today. You're definitely coming after such an accomplishment - you have to celebrate with alcohol!" he stated joyfully.
"But I'm 18!" I screamed at him, horror overcoming my face.
"I don't care! You will party with alcohol!"
The Moon, Not Named Watcher, Earth-616150
While Dr. Reed Richards was getting carried away to the frat party by Benjamin Grimm, someone else wasn't in a joyful atmosphere after hearing of Dr. Reed Richards' achievement: Doom. He was now going with purpose, confidence, and power to the dean so they could give him a Ph.D. like Reed Richards. He stormed through the door and stated angrily, shoving his work into the hands of the dean, "Gaze upon Doom's genius! It will mesmerize you!"
The dean, knowing Doom's nature, just accepted it because he knew he wouldn't win against him. After reading and skimming through the text, the dean noticed it was research about interdimensional teleportation to commune with the dead!
"Doom, I can't and will not allow you to continue these studies at this institute! They endanger every last student! I want you to leave this institute by tomorrow!" the dean exclaimed furiously.
Doom looked at him angrily and felt insulted by this person's remark. He insulted him: "You mewling quim of a sentient failure! Doom will show you the true danger!!" Doom went furiously out of the room to his lab, sat on his teleportation machine, and activated it!!!
KABOOM!
The last thing Doom thought before he was engulfed by fire was: 'Reed Richards... your meddling lit this pyre. And Doom. Will. Have. REVENGE!'
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Author:
Here's another chapter for you! Hope you liked it. It ended up a bit short, but now we're getting to the point where Reed Richards is about to build almost everything and collect Ph.D.s like they're Pokémon—so stay tuned!
I'm so happy that don't have to write Dr. Doom anymore because it is difficult :D.
And I totally bullshitted my way through Reed's Ph.D.—just don't ask questions, please. :D