After dinner, Roland returned to the office and continued copying down the basic mathematical concepts he had memorized onto paper.
He doesn't have photographic memory, and his memory naturally declines over time. Given his academic focus, mathematics and physics remain his primary subjects, while knowledge in other areas like history, geography, biology, and chemistry has likely faded to basic proficiency. That said, whether or not he needs to, writing down what he hasn't forgotten early on helps preserve more of his knowledge.
Whenever he finished writing on a page, he would have the scroll beside him scan it. Whatever she had read was preserved permanently. But the scroll's power was limited to memory—it couldn't teach her high school math on her own. So whenever he had time, Roland would explain it to her.
For a self-proclaimed teacher, imparting knowledge was a deeply rewarding pursuit. The sight of Shujuan's startled expressions or those sudden epiphanies after deep contemplation brought him immense satisfaction. Yet Roland knew this depended on his students. Though nearing forty, Shujuan's youthful appearance was preserved by Magic Power, her cheeks still rosy and firm, her long black hair elegantly tied back, exuding maturity and competence. The subtle crow's feet at her eyes only enhanced her poised elegance. In a film, she would be the epitome of an all-around teacher. Now, he could make his "teacher" look utterly astonished—a contrast that proved particularly satisfying.
While writing from memory, Roland pondered: What is the Magic Power of this world?
It is omnipresent, whether in the depths of the northern slope's mines or the desolate mountains, from the wild west to the Sea Breeze region. The Witch can wield it to unleash all sorts of incredible powers. If Magic Power is likened to electricity, the Witch is a multifunctional electrical device. Yet it is far more mysterious than electricity, resembling an energy that approaches the' primordial source'.
Take the Khara of the Guild of Mutual Aid, for instance. Wendy mentioned she could summon four types of Magic Power Serpents—Death, Pain, Petrification, and Void—each with distinct venom effects. Another example is Nightingale, whose mist could warp space itself. These abilities manifest in countless forms, and Roland could not think of a more fitting term than 'origin.'
If we were to define the origin, it would likely be a universal and general rule. In his later years, Einstein dedicated himself to integrating the four fundamental forces of the universe into a unified theoretical framework—what we now call the Grand Unified Theory. In a sense, his work was essentially an exploration of the origin. But could there exist a universal rule applicable to any universe?
This sparked Roland's imagination. Could it be that in the world before his time travel, such power existed too, but without witches as its channel, it remained overlooked by people?
No matter what, Roland could only speculate, as his current technological capabilities were simply inadequate to decipher such power.
So the main task is to promote the industrial development and the progress of civilization.
Perhaps one day, people will be able to harness this power directly without relying on witches—a versatile super energy that can transform into multiple effects simultaneously. The mere thought of it is exhilarating.
"Your Highness?" The scholar couldn't help but ask, noticing the prince's rapturous expression.
"Ahem," Roland cleared his head of delusions, cleared his throat twice, and glanced at the candle nearly consumed by the flames before saying, "That's all for today." "Yes." She bowed her head in respect, and as she prepared to leave, her steps involuntarily slowed.
Roland had been silent for a long time, then looked up curiously to find the other person still standing at the door. "What's the matter?" "Your Highness..." The scholar hesitated briefly, "I have a question." "Go ahead," Roland nodded, setting down his quill and taking a sip from his cup. These witches were good at everything except one thing—overconfidence. Like a rabbit peeking out of a cave, they would retreat at the slightest breeze, never daring to emerge again. His question would likely be something like, "Why did you choose to shelter us? Aren't you afraid of the Church's threats?" Nightingale and Wendy had asked him countless times. But since the other party was so confident, he felt compelled to answer earnestly, so they could truly feel how warmly they treated their fellow beings.
"Could you... possibly marry a Witch?" "Pfft," Roland nearly spat out his water, "Well, why ask that?" "I..." The scholar opened his mouth but couldn't find the words.
Should I marry a Witch? The first image that came to Roland's mind was Anna. Ever since meeting her in the cage, those lake-blue eyes had left an indelible mark on his heart. Witches are women awakened from ordinary humans—possessing extraordinary abilities and surpassing humans in every aspect, from appearance to physique. In modern society, they would undoubtedly be the center of attention. So why hesitate? With that in mind, he looked at the book and replied with a smile, "Why not?"
Wendy rubbed her sore shoulders and went back to her room.
Her overly heavy breasts caused constant discomfort, especially when standing atop the wooden shed of the small town train, where she had to slightly tilt her arms backward to maintain balance.
Based on the initial trial voyage, the Town has undergone several improvements. For instance, a makeshift shelter has been erected at the standing area to shield from wind and rain while avoiding direct sunlight. A layer of bark has been wrapped around the hull to minimize collisions during berthing. Additionally, two short concrete posts have been installed on both sides of the ship's sides for securing the vessel with hemp ropes.
After nearly a month of training, her wind control skills have significantly improved. The ship now sails more steadily, and its speed can be adjusted to wind conditions. She has also learned to optimize Magic Power consumption by leveraging existing wind, allowing her to sustain longer durations.
The nightingale had finished bathing before Wendy and was already sitting by the bed in her pajamas, waiting for her.
But what puzzled her was the other person's face, which wore an uncontainable smile.
"What's up?" Wendy couldn't help asking, but the other just shook his head, said nothing, and just smiled a little more.
Wendy pursed her lips. Her spirits had been low ever since their last night talk, only improving after the Quinter brand became popular in Castle. Why was she suddenly beaming today? Where had that expressionless, taciturn shadow assassin vanished to when they first met in Silverlight City?
No sooner had Wendy taken off her clothes than she stepped into the wooden bucket filled with boiling water. Perhaps she had won a favorable hand.