Chapter 138

“What’s the most important thing for wizards?”

It’s judgment, of course.

Sure, being quick and accurate when chanting or writing spells matters, but picking the right spells is even more critical.

For example, imagine someone firing a water cannon at me.

In that case, defending with fire or earth magic would suffice. That’s basic stuff.

But if a lightning-infused attack comes my way, water becomes useless. Lightning travels right through the water, shocking me instead.

So, I need to raise walls of magic without hesitation; mixing in these little spells can make things pretty complex.

Moreover, using both hands freely or activating multiple spells at once adds to the chaos.

The higher you go, the more possibilities there are, and it becomes a real headache.

“That’s why most wizards prepare powerful defense spells. Even though they consume a lot of magic power, it’s hard to defend against everything one by one.”

Just then, Godin explained it well. Wizards prepare robust defense magic without weighing every single possibility.

Only two wizards consider all the possible outcomes. And those two possess ‘Purple’ magic power.

Thus, the average wizard resorts to defensive measures, even if they are inefficient.

Even in the Soul World, aside from the crazy ones, nobody remembers all the counter-spells.

Just to clarify, I’m talking about the crazies, not established players. Even I don’t memorize all counter-spells.

“But what I want is simple: calculate all possibilities and come up with the optimal alternative. If a human brain can’t handle it, we can let something else do it, right? That’s the premise of my research.”

“Isn’t it asking too much to let something man-made perform calculations like that?”

Grace expressed a somewhat pessimistic opinion, filled with intrigue that contradicted her words.

Her reaction is completely understandable. Trying to invent magic that rivals computers in a time before they even exist is pretty far-fetched.

Especially considering the early computers were gargantuan. Plus, Godin isn’t even making machines like that!

“Who knows? We won’t know until we try, right? Just to remind you, this research started out of boredom. No need to focus too hard on it. There are plenty of gaps in it too.”

“Yet, if it really works… wouldn’t that give all wizards a solid shield?”

“Exactly. Most wizards are weak in defense, so this would help cover that.”

Moreover, the limitations of the era mean defenses are just focused on survival. There won’t be some all-encompassing assistant like Jarvis.

However, it’s still impressive. It’s like giving wings to a tiger.

While the magic used for defense must come from the wizard’s own power, that’s okay. It’s all about efficiency.

“So, can it also defend against warriors in battle?”

“Yep. It analyzes the power and magic contained in attacks and activates an appropriate defense mechanism accordingly.”

“Wow… That’s amazing. So could it block meteors falling from the sky?”

“Hmm… it can block, but you’re better off just running away.”

Grace started off skeptical but seemed curious now, throwing out question after question. Godin, with a genuinely excited expression, explained. Yet for me, it felt like casting pearls before swine.

In short, they’ve been babbling about a magic that’s layered with all sorts of modes.

‘Did someone compare it to building an apartment out of Legos?’

That’s such a fitting analogy. It showcases that there really are no limits to magic.

It’s going to take ages to perfect that magic, but that’s alright. I can just teach them later.

To do that, I need to get friendly with Godin little by little. Of course, it’s not just about magic; there’s a wealth of knowledge to gain from being close, too.

“Anyway, I’ll stop my research talk here and shift to Red Magic. Just a heads up, I can’t provide much detail since the records are scarce.”

“Okay.”

“Shall I start with the origin of magic?”

“No.”

That feels like way too long ago. I’ve read enough books to know about the origin of magic.

Godin seemed rather taken aback by my firm answer but soon managed a sheepish smile.

“Looks like you know already. To summarize, the origin of magic is split between evolution and creationism. Some propose magic arose for humanity’s survival, while others argue it’s a divine gift.”

If we were on Earth, I’d lean towards the evolution side. But here, in a world where divine beings are confirmed to exist, that’s different.

Plus, given that magic itself was handed down by the gods, there’s quite a bit of weight towards creationism even if fanatics exist.

As Rize mentioned before, without Chaos’s help, we wouldn’t even be able to sprout a seed.

“Red magic follows the same path. It’s known as the first magic used by humanity. But some say it was actually the first magic used by living beings, not just humans.”

“Hmm…”

“For some reason, humanity was injected with the first magic, namely red magic, and it gradually evolved into what we see today. That’s my takeaway from it.”

Listening to Godin’s explanation sparked a thought in my mind. But the word I wanted to use was stuck just out of reach.

After a lot of pondering and gesticulating, I finally managed to speak up.

“What was it again? You know, that term.”

“What do you mean?”

“Forced? No, it was like human involvement?”

“You’re trying to say it’s artificial, right?”

“Yes!”

When Grace hit the nail on the head, I replied with a burst of relief. I felt free!

Grace also seemed pleased and wore a smug expression.

“Hah. Reading minds is part of the deal. For a harmonious marriage…”

“Huh?”

“Nothing!”

She clearly said something after, but it didn’t seem important, so I shrugged it off.

Godin seemed to agree with my ‘artificial’ observation and nodded.

He then stroked his chin and spoke in a slightly bewildered tone,

“As Sivar said, there certainly is an artificial aspect. The power is too strong for humanity to have developed on its own, and attributing it solely to divine gift feels off. That’s why most people just move on, calling it a divine gift.”

From an Earthling’s perspective, it’s contradictory. But here, it seems people brush it off as simply a divine gift without questioning it.

However, humanity is a curious species. The reason evolution theory emerged at all is due to their insatiable curiosity.

Both theories have plenty of artificial and contradictory elements. That’s why people argue over it.

“So what exactly is the red magic that Sivar possesses?”

“Hmm… it fits creationism, but that doesn’t mean intelligence is lacking. Evolution also seems plausible. I think a visit to Byzantium would be wise.”

“I’m going.”

Rod said that based on my mysterious existence and suggested a visit to Byzantium.

I might pay a visit during this vacation. Fortunately, Rize would also be around, making it quite feasible.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t provide much information. For some reason, the remaining records are nearly nonexistent.”

“That’s fine.”

Isn’t that typical of the gods in this world? They messed up by bringing an ordinary person like me over!

[Thanks a lot, gods…]

Well, except for Chaos, of course.

As that thought crossed my mind, a message popped up but then disappeared.

How ridiculous.

“Well, I’ve done all I can for now. Any other questions?”

“I have one. But it’s not really a question.”

“What is it?”

“Just a sec.”

That thought hit me after seeing Godin’s equations. I stood up and headed for the door.

Godin and Grace watched me with puzzled expressions.

“Headed to the bathroom?”

“No.”

Finally, I opened the door and answered succinctly.

“I’m going to get someone.”

Clatter—

******

Who exactly am I going to get? It’s a thought floating through Godin’s mind.

Often, Sivar wanders about, creating a mess while doing so. Just like he’s doing now.

Leaving behind nothing but the word that he’s getting someone must seem absurd to a regular person.

“Uh… When will Sivar actually come back?”

“…Um…”

“Grace?”

“Y-yes?”

Grace jumped at Godin’s question, acting unusually jumpy.

It didn’t end there. Her shoulders sagged, and her eyes flickered nervously.

When Sivar was around, she usually exhibited her typical confident self, but now it was completely different.

“…Are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine… really…”

She didn’t look fine at all. Godin noticed her reaction and thought so.

In fact, Grace usually behaved like this. Whenever she was near me, she acted like she was being chased by something.

Plus, she sometimes shot glances this way, like she was on edge. She was close to a fragile glass ornament likely to shatter any moment.

‘If we judged by her behavior, it’s similar to dissociative disorder…’

After nearly being harmed by Delphoi, her wariness towards men feels justified.

At least she managed to get by with me, but if she dealt with an ordinary guy, the shock would have been overwhelming.

‘Would things change if Sivar were around?’

Perhaps that would help. Sivar was the one who saved Grace from danger, after all.

With her savior near, it would make sense for her to feel at ease. The catch is if it goes too far.

If it does, Sivar would naturally drift away from Grace, and her state would worsen incrementally.

While I’m still in the observation stage, I plan to give a firm warning if I sense any negative trends in the future.

‘Why does she have to be involved with such a troublemaker… What a pity.’

Godin thought, regrettingfully checking the time. It’s nearly been 20 minutes since Sivar left.

The longer it takes, the more uneasy Grace seems to become. Initially, she was just fidgeting her legs, but now she was biting her nails.

He’d like to intervene but can’t because it would probably just startle her. Plus, it wouldn’t yield much effect anyway.

‘He needs to come back soon… I wonder who he’s getting?’

Knock, knock—

Amidst the curious yet awkward atmosphere, someone knocked. Godin and Grace turned to the door.

[I’m coming in.]

Clatter—

The door swung open with a familiar voice, and Sivar’s face emerged.

For a brief second, Grace’s expression lit up, but she froze upon seeing the person Sivar brought with him.

“Isn’t this the research room? Why did you bring me?”

“To show you something.”

“What is it?”

Surprisingly, the person Sivar had brought was Jane. She seemed to have just come from the workshop, wearing her work clothes.

Her blue hair clung to her face from sweat, but her beauty shone through nonetheless.

“…Sivar? Who is that? She looks like a student.”

As Grace scrutinized Jane, Godin asked curiously.

He had been wondering who Sivar would bring back, only to find a person he assumed was a student.

Judging by her appearance, she seemed much more like a blacksmith than a mage.

“Genius.”

“Genius?”

“Yep. She works for me.”

“Hello! I’m Jane Brennan from the Engineering Department! I’m currently in my second year!”

In the midst of this baffling situation, Jane enthusiastically introduced herself.

Whatever’s going on, it’s a good idea to greet her at least.

“Another girl… Why are there only girls showing up…”

“…Um…”

Godin lightly ignored Grace’s mumbling from behind as he looked at Jane.

Given that she’s in the engineering department, she wasn’t combat-focused. Godin himself delved into numerous fields of theoretical research, becoming quite knowledgeable about various subjects. Physics, mathematics, engineering, and everything concerning magic—he’d study it all and make it his own.

“Godin. Give her that.”

“Huh?”

“The research you were working on. Can you give it to Jane?”

Sivar unexpectedly asked for some magical formulas from Godin. Though hesitant, Godin nodded.

His research wasn’t even close to finished, and it was beyond what a mere student could comprehend—it was mostly just a rough theory.

Then, Godin handed over the equations he had written on paper. As soon as Jane took the paper, she pushed her glasses up and examined it closely.

“Hmm…”

“…Um…”

Will she really understand this? Jane is focused on machinery, and he’s on magic.

If only they had Santiago around, they might combine forces, but that’s a different realm altogether. Godin didn’t expect much.

‘But if Sivar brought her, there must be something here, right?’

Even if he pulls all sorts of antics, Sivar doesn’t do useless stuff. That’s his general reputation.

While waiting in silence, Jane’s eyes gradually widened before she exclaimed in amazement.

“This is incredible! A formula that automatically calculates countless possibilities…!”

“Huh?”

Godin’s slitted eyes widened. It seems she’s grasped what the formula can do beyond just its surface.

This naturally led to curiosity, so Godin carefully asked,

“Have you understood the principle?”

“Of course! But it seems unfinished… It consumes way too much magic and also exhibits overheating issues.”

He had foreseen this much. After all, it was his theory, and it would be odd not to have calculated it.

Sporting a genuinely eager smile that was quite rare for him, Godin extended a hand towards Jane.

“Could you explain further?”

“Absolutely! If we infuse magic here, the resistance will be too great…”

While the two geniuses were deep in discussion, Sivar sat next to Grace.

As soon as Sivar sat down, Grace subtly leaned in closer.

“Uh… Sivar?”

“Yeah?”

“Who is that girl? Is she…?”

Grace asked, her voice full of suspicion. Was she a new rival?

Sivar watched the two engrossed in conversation. They already seemed to exist in another world with their own dialogue.

“Genius.”

“A genius, you say?”

“Yep. And kinda an idiot too.”

Grace blinked in confusion. The contradiction in his description left her puzzled.

Yet, that was perhaps the best way to describe Jane. She is a genius but tends to fall for the simplest tricks.

“Her name’s Jane, right? Do you think she could occasionally visit my research room? I could provide help if she needs knowledge.”

“Is that true? Thank you so much!”

“Oh, don’t mention it.”

Godin replied, retaining his slitted-eyed demeanor.

“I’m actually the one more thankful!”

This time, he wore a thoroughly suspicious aura befitting his looks.

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