Chapter 138
TLed by NolepGuy
Chapter 138
What is the most important thing for mages? It’s judgment.
While quickly and accurately writing incantations or scripts is essential, what’s even more critical is deciding which magic to use.
Take this as an example: Suppose someone fires a Water Cannon at me.
In such a case, it’s enough to defend using fire or earth-related magic. This is the most basic of basics.
However, if the attack includes lightning, water becomes meaningless. The lightning will travel through the water and cause an electric shock.
Thus, you must unconditionally raise a barrier, and when you start combining these minor spells, the process becomes extremely complicated.
Not to mention, using both hands freely or activating numerous spells simultaneously and so on.
The higher up you go, the more absurdly numerous the possibilities become, giving you a headache.
“That’s why most mages prefer to prepare strong Defensive Magic separately. It’s too exhausting to defend against every single scenario.”
Godin explained it well, right on time. Mages prepare powerful Defensive Magic rather than considering every possible case.
There are only two mages who account for every possibility. And both possess the power of Purple Mana.
Therefore, ordinary mages tend to defend in a rather inefficient manner.
Even in the Soul World, except for the crazy ones, no one memorized all the Counter Magic spells.
Let me clarify, they’re not veterans but lunatics. Even I haven’t memorized all the Counter Magic spells.
“But what I want is just one thing: to calculate all the possibilities and come up with the optimal solution. If the human brain can’t calculate it, something else can, right? That’s the idea behind my research.”
“But even that idea comes from a person. Is it really possible?”
Grace expressed a somewhat negative opinion. However, her face was filled with curiosity, contrary to her words.
In truth, her reaction was perfectly normal. After all, it’s about inventing magic equivalent to a computer in an era where computers haven’t even been invented.
What’s more, early computers were enormous in size. Meanwhile, Godin wasn’t even creating such machines.
“Well, we’ll only know if we try, right? As I said before, this research started out of boredom. There’s no need to focus too much on it. Plus, there are many flaws here and there.”
“Still, if it truly becomes a reality… it would be like giving every mage a reliable shield.”
“Yes. Mages are generally weak in defense, so this compensates for that.”
Moreover, due to the limitations of the era, it’s specialized solely in defense. It won’t consider everything like some kind of Jarvis.
Nevertheless, it’s still remarkable. It’s like giving wings to a tiger.
While the mana used for defense must be supplied by the user, it doesn’t matter. It’s all about efficiency.
“Can it also defend against warriors in combat, not just mages?”
“Yes. It analyzes the power and mana contained in the attack and activates the appropriate defensive mechanism accordingly.”
“Oh… that’s amazing. Then can it block a Meteor falling from the sky?”
“Hmm… It can block it, but it’s better to just run away.”
Grace, who had been initially skeptical, seemed intrigued and started asking various questions.
Godin, too, explained with a rather excited expression, but honestly, from my perspective, it was like preaching to a cow.
I glossed over it by simplifying it as Artificial Intelligence, but in reality, it’s magic crammed with all sorts of modes.
‘Did they call it building an apartment with Lego?’
It couldn’t be a more fitting analogy. At the same time, it shows that magic has no limits.
It will take a long time for that magic to be completed, but it doesn’t matter. I can teach it later.
That’s why I’m gradually getting closer to Godin. Of course, it’s not just about magic; his knowledge is also greatly beneficial, which is another reason for the closeness.
“Anyway, I’ll stop talking about my research here and explain about Red Mana. Please understand that I can’t provide much detail due to the lack of records.”
“Okay.”
“Shall I start by explaining the origin of mana?”
“No.”
That’s too old a topic. I’ve read books, so I know at least the origin of mana.
Godin, taken aback by my firm response, soon gave an awkward smile.
“It seems you already know. To put it briefly, mana is divided between the Theory of Evolution and Creationism. There’s the theory that mana emerged for humans to survive, and then there’s the logic that it was a gift from the gods.”
If this were Earth, the Theory of Evolution would likely hold more weight. But here, the existence of gods is confirmed.
Even magic itself was passed down by the gods, so Creationism carries significant weight—enough to have fanatics.
Rize once mentioned that without Chaos’s help, evolution wouldn’t have even sprouted.
“The same goes for Red Mana. It’s known as the first mana used by humanity. However, some claim it was the first mana used by living beings, not humans.”
“Hmm…”
“For some reason, the first mana, Red Mana, was infused into humanity, and it gradually developed into what it is today. That’s what I’ve observed.”
Upon hearing Godin’s explanation, a thought crossed my mind. But I couldn’t recall the word for it.
After pondering and pondering, I finally resorted to gesturing and speaking.
“What was it? You know, that thing.”
“What thing?”
“Forced? No, touched by human hands?”
“Are you trying to say it’s artificial?”
“Yes!”
When Grace said it precisely, I answered energetically. It felt like a blockage in my chest had burst open.
Grace, too, seemed pleased, wearing a smug expression.
“Hmph. Reading minds is the least I can do. A married couple should be in sync, after all…”
“Huh?”
“It’s nothing.”
She definitely said something else afterward. But it’s not important, so I let it slide.
Godin also nodded as if agreeing with my reaction that it seemed artificial.
Then, stroking his chin for a moment, he spoke in a tone that suggested he found it odd as well.
“As Mr. Sivar mentioned, there’s an artificial aspect to it. It’s too powerful to have been developed by humanity alone, yet the color makes it strange to attribute it to the gods. That’s why most people just call it a gift from the gods and move on.”
From my Earth-born perspective, it’s full of contradictions, but in this world, they seem to just brush it off as a divine gift.
However, humanity is a curious species. Thanks to their questions and digging, the Theory of Evolution barely managed to emerge.
Of course, both theories have many artificial and contradictory aspects. That’s why people argue over them.
“Then what exactly is the Red Mana you possess, Mr. Sivar?”
“Well, it fits Creationism, but… it’s not like I’m lacking intelligence either. The Theory of Evolution is the same. I think it would be best to visit Byzantium later.”
“I’ll go.”
Rod also brought up that suggestion. Since my existence is riddled with questions, they said I should visit Byzantium.
I might visit during this vacation. With Rize there as well, it would be more than sufficient.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of much help. For some reason, there are hardly any records left.”
“It’s fine.”
That’s just how the gods of this world are. They messed up from the moment they brought me here when I was living just fine.
[Faith is ha…]
Of course, except for Lord Chaos.
As soon as I thought that, a message started to appear but then stopped.
Then, it disappeared just like that. How ridiculous.
“Well, that’s all for now. Do you have any other questions?”
“I do. But it’s not a question.”
“What is it?”
“Wait a moment.”
It was a thought that came to me after seeing Godin’s formula. I got up from my seat and headed for the door.
Godin and Grace looked at me with puzzled expressions.
“Are you going to the restroom?”
“No.”
Finally, as I opened the door, I gave a brief answer.
“I’m bringing someone.”
Clunk-
******
Who on earth is he bringing? That’s what crossed Godin’s mind.
Every now and then, Sivar does something both obvious and eccentric. Just like now.
He says he’s bringing someone and then leaves abruptly. If it were anyone else, they’d be too dumbfounded to speak.
“Hmm… When do you think Mr. Sivar will return?”
“… …”
“Grace?”
“Yes, yes?”
Grace flinched at Godin’s question, reacting unusually sensitively compared to her usual self.
This wasn’t all. Her shoulders drooped, and her eyes trembled with unease.
When Mr. Sivar was by her side, she had her characteristic confident demeanor, but now she was completely different.
“…Are you alright?”
“I… I’m… I’m fine…”
She didn’t look fine at all. Godin thought so as he observed Grace’s response.
In truth, Grace had always been like this. Whenever she was by his side as an assistant, she acted as if something was chasing her.
Moreover, she would occasionally glance over at him. She was akin to a glass craft, fragile and ready to shatter at any moment.
‘Judging by her condition, it’s almost like separation anxiety…’
Considering she almost suffered something terrible at the hands of Delphoi, it was natural for her to be wary of men.
It was only because she was Grace that she managed to maintain her composure. If it had been an ordinary person, they wouldn’t have been able to recover from the shock.
‘Does she change when Mr. Sivar is by her side?’
Maybe so. After all, Sivar was the benefactor who saved Grace from danger.
It was only natural for her to feel at ease with her benefactor nearby. The problem would arise if that reliance went too far.
If it did, Sivar would naturally distance himself from Grace, and her condition would worsen over time.
For now, he planned to observe, but if he noticed signs of such dependency in the future, he intended to give her a stern warning.
‘Why did she have to get involved with such a ruffian… What a shame.’
Godin couldn’t help but feel pity as he checked the clock. It had already been twenty minutes since Sivar left.
The longer he was gone, the worse Grace’s anxiety became. At first, she was just shaking her leg, but now she was biting her nails incessantly.
He wanted to stop her, but she would only be startled. Besides, it wouldn’t have much effect anyway.
‘He’d better come back soon… Who on earth is he bringing?’
Knock, knock, knock—
Amid the tense and awkward atmosphere, someone knocked on the door. Both Godin and Grace turned to look at it.
[I’m coming in.]
Click—
With a familiar voice, the door swung open. At the same time, Sivar’s face appeared.
Grace’s expression brightened momentarily at his arrival, but it quickly froze as she saw the person who followed him.
“Isn’t this a research lab? Why did you bring me here?”
“To show you something.”
“Show me what?”
Surprisingly, the person Sivar brought was Jane. Judging by her work clothes, she must have come straight from the workshop.
Her blue hair clung to her face in places, damp with sweat. Yet, her beauty couldn’t be concealed.
“…Mr. Sivar? Who is she? She looks like a student.”
While Grace scrutinized Jane from head to toe, Godin asked with a puzzled tone.
He had wondered who Sivar would bring, only to see someone who appeared to be a student.
Judging by her appearance, she seemed more like a blacksmith than someone associated with magic.
“A genius.”
“A genius…?”
“Yeah. She works for me.”
“Hello! I’m Jane Brennon from the Engineering Department! I’m currently a second-year student!”
In the midst of the baffling situation, Jane greeted them energetically.
She didn’t fully understand what was going on, but she thought it best to introduce herself for now.
“Another woman… Why is it always women…”
“… …”
Godin ignored Grace’s muttering from behind and focused on Jane.
Since she was from the Engineering Department, she was likely in a non-combat role. Godin, being deeply versed in other fields for theoretical research, found this intriguing.
From physics to mathematics, engineering, and beyond—if it was related to magic, he studied it and made it his own.
“Godin. Give me that.”
“Huh?”
“The research. Hand it over to Jane.”
Sivar abruptly demanded the magic formula Godin had been working on. Though slightly reluctant, Godin nodded.
His research wasn’t complete, and it was far beyond the comprehension of an ordinary student. It was only partially theorized.
Godin handed the paper containing the formula to Jane. As soon as she received it, she adjusted her glasses and examined it closely.
“Hmm…”
“… …”
Could she really understand it? Jane specialized in machines, while he specialized in magic.
Thanks to Santia, the two could be combined, but they were still separate domains. Godin didn’t expect much.
‘Still, if Mr. Sivar brought her, there must be something to it.’
Despite his eccentric acts, Sivar never did anything unnecessary. That was Godin’s assessment of him.
As he waited silently, Jane’s eyes gradually widened before she exclaimed in amazement.
“This is incredible! A formula that automatically calculates countless possibilities…!”
“Hmm?”
Godin’s squinting eyes opened slightly. It seemed she had grasped the principle behind the formula.
Naturally, this piqued his curiosity. Godin cautiously asked,
“Have you figured out how it works?”
“Of course! But it seems incomplete… It consumes too much mana and might cause an overheating phenomenon.”
She had even predicted that much. It would be strange if she couldn’t, given that it was a theory he had personally crafted.
For once, Godin smiled genuinely, feeling a rare sense of anticipation, and extended his hand to Jane.
“Please explain further.”
“Yes! If you inject mana here, the resistance becomes too strong, so…”
While the two geniuses engaged in an in-depth discussion, Sivar sat down next to Grace.
The moment Sivar sat, Grace subtly leaned closer to him.
“Um… Mr. Sivar?”
“Yeah.”
“Who is that woman? Could she possibly be…”
Grace asked in a voice full of suspicion. She wondered if this was a new rival.
Sivar looked at the two, who were already lost in their own world, engrossed in their conversation.
“A genius.”
“A genius?”
“Yeah. And a fool.”
“…?”
Grace blinked, unable to comprehend the contradictory description.
But there was no better way to describe Jane. She was a genius, yet she was often gullible like a fool.
“You’re Jane, right? Could you visit my research lab occasionally? If you need knowledge, I can assist you.”
“Really? Thank you so much!”
“Oh, no need to thank me.”
Godin replied, his face still squinting.
“I should be the one thanking you.”
This time, his expression matched his appearance, exuding a truly suspicious atmosphere.