Chapter 378 No. 178 Virtual Realm
"Functional?"
Ilana repeated the unfamiliar word softly, her clear eyes filled with curiosity and exploration of the unknown.
"That's right."
Luo Yan's voice was gentle and clear. In order to help his talented apprentice better understand the mystery of functional theory, he gave an easy-to-understand analogy.
"Ilana, do you remember the 'calculus' we learned? What is its core function?"
Ilana answered without hesitation.
"It studies the rate of change of a function and finds the extreme values of the function. For example, finding the highest point of a mountain or the lowest point of a valley."
"Absolutely correct." Luo Yan nodded approvingly. "Calculus tells you at which 'point' you can stand the highest or the lowest. However, 'functional' solves a completely different problem."
He took out his wand and waved it gently, drawing a gentle curve in the air and then a steep curve.
With his control over magic power, he no longer needed to rely on spells. He could accurately control each flashing "light element" to move along the trajectory of the wand.
"Our 'functional' doesn't care which point is the highest. Instead, we care about, if we want to walk from point A at the foot of the mountain to point B at the foot of the mountain, and there are countless paths to choose from, then which 'road' is the shortest? Which 'road' is the least laborious to walk on?"
"In other words, when a flashing ball of light slides from point A on the edge of a bowl to point B, which 'curve' will it follow to fall in the shortest amount of time?"
Luo Yan looked at Ilana's eyes that brightened instantly, and continued, "You see, what we are looking for is no longer an optimal 'point', but an optimal 'line' - that is, an optimal function that can minimize the 'total distance', 'total time' or 'total consumption' as a whole."
These words were like a key that opened the locked door in Ilana's mind, and made her thoughts, as complicated as a ball of wool, clear up in an instant.
"I understand... So, what we are looking for is no longer a numerical solution, but... a functional solution! A law that describes the concept of 'optimal' itself!"
A rare excitement appeared on that cold face - it was the expression of a sailor who had been drifting on the vast ocean and sailing for months when he saw the coastline!
She paused for a moment, trying to control her trembling voice, and continued.
"What we are trying to solve... is a system!"
"That's right! You summed it up very well."
Luo Yan smiled with relief, then changed the subject and continued.
"I think the dilemma Mr. James Valli encountered is this problem... I am very happy that you can summarize his problem."
He pointed to the notebook and continued with a smile.
"This gentleman made a brilliant guess that when an object moves from one point to another, it will choose a path that minimizes a certain 'action'. But he lacked a key mathematical tool, a tool that could find the only 'optimal path' from these endless possibilities."
Looking at Ilana who was continuing to gain enlightenment, Luo Yan's voice, with a hint of guidance, led her to the door that was just one step away.
"…and this tool is the calculus of variations based on 'functional'!"
"It can help us establish a brand new equation, which I call the 'path optimization equation'. As long as every point on a path satisfies the equilibrium condition described by this equation, then this path is the 'optimal solution' we are looking for."
"Do you know this equation?" Ilana blinked, her face full of admiration.
She felt like he knew everything.
The problem that I had been racking my brains over for days but couldn't figure out was completely explained by my respected mentor in just a few words.
Luo Yan wanted to say, of course he knew what that was.
Isn't that the Euler-Lagrange equation? He doesn't need to go to the official website to ask, he knows what it is and how to use it.
However, doing so would undoubtedly kill a soul with a promising future.
The people of this world originally had the opportunity to complete this necessary journey with their own strength, without having to rely on the wisdom on the other side of the void.
This is true for civilization and for individuals as well.
As a true academic master who could graduate with excellent grades even in hell, Luo Yan knew very well that for a genius like Ilana, pointing out the right direction was far more meaningful than cramming.
So he lied and made a different choice than Lint Isaac did.
"I, of course, don't know, but I believe that with your talent, you will be able to discover its existence on your own."
talent……
Ilana's face felt hot.
The word "talent" is usually used to describe the potential to comprehend extraordinary powers, so it is rarely used to describe ordinary people other than nobility.
"Do I...have that ability?"
"Of course. Haven't you already followed the path that Mr. James Wall-E has taken and reached a height that he has not reached? I think his extraordinary power is definitely above yours, but this does not prevent you from 'standing on the shoulders of giants' as well."
Luo Yan smiled slightly, looked into those clear and transparent eyes, and continued in a gentle voice.
"Now, I'm going to teach you some basic techniques on the calculus of variations... Well, just think of it as preparation for my lesson, which I'll be covering in science class tomorrow."
"It would be even better if you learned it, then you can tell it for me later."
…
Luo Yan stood beside Ilana, patiently explaining to her the basic concepts and core difficulties of "functional". His voice was gentle and clear, and he presented those originally abstract and dry theories to his most talented apprentice like peeling off the silk threads.
Ilana listened attentively, sometimes nodding in sudden understanding, and sometimes frowning and raising deeper questions.
The two of them were completely immersed in the discussion of knowledge, creating a pure academic atmosphere that others could not easily step into.
And this conversation, to the ears of Ophelia who was eavesdropping on the side, was no less profound and difficult to understand than the most abstruse magic book.
"Variational?", "Path optimization equation?", "Minimum action?"...
This...what is this?
Is this really arithmetic?
Why did she recognize each word when it was separated, but when put together they became the devil's whisper?
Ophelia was stunned.
She looked at the formulas and calculation steps written quickly in Ilana's notebook, which looked like scribbles, and felt that what the professors at the Imperial Royal Academy taught was a bunch of garbage!
This may be a bit exaggerated, but this is her most intuitive feeling!
At the same time, it was the first time that she felt so intuitively that there could be a huge gap between geniuses, like a chasm.
This huge sense of gap hit her hard.
Especially when she saw the genuine appreciation and recognition in His Highness Colin's eyes, a hint of sadness and grievance welled up in her heart.
This won't work...Ophelia, you are the daughter of the Duke of Castellón, a woman of talent recognized by the Holy City and even the Empire! How could you lose to a country girl who appeared out of nowhere in the snowy plains far away from the Holy Light?
Although in the eyes of the people of Rhodes, Ilana was already an unattainable imperial girl, but in the eyes of the Duke's daughter of the Holy City, there was actually no difference between them.
Ophelia didn't mean to look down on Ilana, but her eyes full of curiosity and recognition ignited her desire to win!
How could the descendant of the Castellón family lose to a commoner!
The lecture, which was like reading from heaven, finally ended. Luo Yan left with satisfaction, and Ilana continued to study with admiration and enlightenment.
Ophia took a deep breath, adjusted her cuffs, and walked to Ilana's side with graceful steps.
Ilana noticed someone and looked up in confusion.
Seeing that it was the Duchess, she was immediately surprised, put down her quill, stood up from the desk, and spoke in a restrained manner.
"May I ask what I can do for you, Miss Castellón..."
Looking at the polite and reserved Ilana, Ophelia showed an elegant and appropriate smile on her face and spoke politely.
"Please don't be nervous. I don't have any special purpose. I just noticed that His Highness Colin seemed to think highly of you, so I was a little curious... Can I know your name?"
"Ilana Octavia...from the Empire's Pierce Province." Ilana introduced herself in a low voice and looked at the duchess in confusion.
She did not feel that His Highness Colin valued her very much. On the contrary, she caused a lot of trouble to the prince, always disturbing him with some academic confusion.
Noticing the conversation between the two, Jamie quietly poked Ram's arm.
"Hey, look over there."
Ram raised his head in confusion and looked in the direction where Jamie's index finger was pointing.
"What's wrong?"
Jamie said nervously.
"I always feel that there is something subtle about the atmosphere between them."
"You mean... Ilana and Miss Castellón?" Ram's face showed a surprised expression, "But why?"
"I don't know... I was counting on you to find out for me." Jamie shook his head like a rattle, his face showing both nervousness and a hint of excitement.
Although he was a little worried that Ilana would be bullied by this noble girl, he was also looking forward to the fun that would happen next.
Who cares…
Anyway, His Royal Highness Colin will definitely not sit idly by.
"Ilana Octavia... is a great name."
Staring at the confused Ilana with her sharp eyes, Ophia coughed lightly and issued a challenging declaration in an extremely serious tone.
"I won't lose to you!"
"……?"
The sudden words made Ilana freeze in place.
You won’t lose to... me?
The other party is already a noble, and his talent in magic is far superior to hers. She doesn't know how this lady can win. It seems that it would be more appropriate for her to say "I will not lose to you"?
Of course, it's just a little bit appropriate.
Everyone has a different mission in this world. She has no interest in competing with others. She just enjoys the pure pleasure of being immersed in her own world.
Studying mathematics allows her to temporarily forget the unhappiness in reality and not have to worry about complicated interpersonal relationships.
Ilana's gaze slightly downwards suddenly fell on the manuscript paper filled out by His Highness Colin, and a hint of realization appeared in her eyes.
I see……
It's mathematics.
She looked at her new companion who was full of fighting spirit and gave a smile that was genuine, gentle and encouraging.
"Well, let's work hard together."
That smile, as clear and shining as the afternoon sun, was like a sharp arrow wrapped in honey, instantly piercing Ophelia's heart.
One, together?!
This, this is...how indecent!
She felt her cheeks suddenly turn red, and all the fighting spirit and subsequent lines she had prepared were completely forgotten at this moment.
hateful!
This person...why can he say such things so calmly? !
"I, I'll go over there and check out the equipment..."
Ophelia let out a wail in her heart, said something incoherent, then turned around in embarrassment and almost fled.
Jamie and Ram, who were secretly watching over here, showed surprised expressions.
Although I don’t know what happened, the respected Miss Castellón actually lost?
Both of them showed expressions of admiration on their faces, and they looked at Ilana with awe.
As expected, Miss Ilana is the one who has inherited the “true teachings” from His Highness Colin!
It’s so powerful!
Ilana also didn't understand what had just happened. A confused expression appeared on her face and she sat down again.
Speaking of instruments, her next experiment does require the use of some instruments, and calculations alone cannot solve all problems.
I'll go to Craftsman Street and order a set later...
…
The "Magical Science" laboratory was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, but in the other lonely wizard tower, the atmosphere was as depressing as a lead block.
This is Virtual Realm Observation Laboratory No. 178.
In stark contrast to the vibrant pastoral scenery of Virtual Realm No. 440, behind Virtual Realm No. 178 is a world shrouded in eternal haze.
The huge factory ruins were like steel tombstones, covering the endless wasteland. On the empty streets, there was no sign of human life except for the whistling wind.
There is no doubt that the world is dying, like a whale stranded on the shallows.
Fortunately, its death is an extremely long process, so long that it may last for several centuries.
This was a long enough time for Xuebang to follow the "wastelanders" living in the ruins and feast on them like vultures.
By the way, Mage Tower No. 178 can also find some clues from behind the virtual world about the reason why this once prosperous civilization went into decline.
According to the archives left by the previous mentor, this world was once extremely prosperous, but it is suspected that when its civilization reached its peak, it fell into a crisis of resource depletion.
Thanks to this resource crisis, their civilization stagnated in the Steam Age, which is probably one of the reasons why Xuebang was able to establish a stable connection with this world.
The closer the civilizations of the two worlds are, the deeper the consensus between the two worlds. The higher the consensus, the more stable the virtual realm channel will be, which also means that the magicians of Xuebang will be able to get more benefits from the virtual realm.
For the academy, Virtual Realm No. 178 is undoubtedly a high-quality resource. The abundant "Ghost Coke" it produces is enough to make the tutors and lower-level professors of the entire academy salivate.
Due to its huge strategic value, Professor Ariste has always regarded Virtual Realm No. 178 as his own forbidden territory, and has firmly controlled this virtual realm through the power of the "Thorne" Society and extracted resources from it.
However, perhaps because the professor's love was too deep, or perhaps because his subordinates exploited him too harshly, the long-term material transfer had seriously weakened the width of the virtual realm channel, so that the output of Virtual Realm No. 178 has been much less than before in recent years.
Ariste's original plan was to squeeze every last drop of money out of this virtual world, then find an unimportant little character to take the blame, and finally retire with his core team.
Ultimately, sustainable development of the virtual world is just a slogan.
Truly powerful professors never lack virtual resources. What they want is for "outsiders" like Hector and Colin to be cautious and conduct sustainable research, so that they can continue to steal the garbage that the aliens don't need...
This is the real sustainable development virtual world.
Now, however, there is a new turn of events.
A guy from the Holy City accidentally figured out a way to "reinforce the virtual realm passage", which undoubtedly gave Virtual Realm No. 178 a chance to come back to life!
At this moment, a group of researchers were standing in front of the virtual lens, observing carefully and looking for any possible opportunities for interference.
"Teacher, there is still no change." An assistant reported in a low voice, "The only harvest the Grays got today was half a rusty pipe and a few pieces of low-quality coke."
"They are too stupid. We have accelerated five virtual realm cycles in a row while interfering with them, but they didn't notice any signs of us at all," the assistant teacher standing next to them complained with a frustrated expression, "and there is no faith totem like the one in Virtual Realm No. 440. The source power is everywhere, but it is scattered everywhere and cannot be gathered at all!"
Listening to the complaints of the teaching assistants, Merck, the instructor in charge of the experiment, said nothing.
He stood with his hands behind his back, staring intently at the lifeless wasteland in the lens, his brows furrowed, his heart filled with anxiety and irritability.
Professor Ariste gave him the task of "reproducing Virtual Realm Experiment No. 440", which was both a trust in him and a fatal test.
He was well aware of the current situation of Virtual Realm No. 178. This fragile passage might not last long, and the Mage Tower might lose its connection with the other world at any time.
And once they lost the connection, and hadn't made any valuable progress before that, his academic career was pretty much over.
Professor Alister would be completely disappointed in him, and he would become the abandoned little character.
Of course.
This was the path he chose himself.
Without Professor Ariste's promotion, it would have been impossible for him to become a mentor on his own.
There are too many capable people in the Tower of Great Sages.
"Keep watching."
Looking at his dejected subordinates, Merck continued with a blank expression.
"The Grays are definitely not as stupid as you think! I think that since they have been able to develop a highly prosperous civilization, it means that they have the 'inspiration' to see into the virtual world."
"We should be more patient with them!"
Although Merck's palms were sweaty from nervousness, his heart was full of confidence at the same time.
He read Prince Colin's paper over and over again, and almost crushed and swallowed every word of the paper.
At first, like most scholars who read the paper for the first time, he thought it was just a bunch of nonsense that was just luck. But when he saw the detailed and indisputable observational data and the clear and logical theoretical model, his attitude suddenly changed from disdain to shock, and finally to a burst of sincere admiration mixed with jealousy.
This guy is a genius!
And the bravest one!
A long time ago, a magician in Xuebang also proposed a similar conjecture, that is, to deepen the connection between the two worlds by actively guiding the civilization in the virtual world, rather than just passively observing. However, this conjecture is just a conjecture, and no one has dared to try this bold behavior.
No one dares to take this risk!
However, Prince Colin not only dared to face the risk of the collapse of the virtual realm, but also accomplished it in one go!
Since His Highness Colin has proven that this path is feasible, they just need to follow his path again!
Merck had no doubt that he had thoroughly understood His Highness's thesis and had already distilled it into an "outline" for exploring the virtual realm in his mind.
First, they must find a suitable spokesperson in the virtual world. Then, they must grant him absolute authority and power through "miracles". Then, they will establish a unified religion based on this. In the end, the entire civilization will inevitably become the shape they expect, and they will be able to gain more benefits from this new world!
Perhaps it was sensing his strong desire, as the time behind the virtual world passed faster, the opportunity he had been waiting for finally came.
It was a dying scavenger.
Perhaps he was exhausted, or perhaps he had accidentally touched some terrible trap, but he suddenly fell into a messy garbage dump. His gills, composed of countless fine folds, fluttered gently in the thick poisonous fog, like a fish stranded on the shore.
The fate of a person at the moment of his death is eerily similar to the civilization he leaves behind... It is as if this hunched figure is a microcosm of the entire Gray civilization.
He did not give up and still stretched out his hand, trying to crawl out of the garbage dump.
Even his indomitable spirit and stubbornness were exactly the same as those of the declining civilization. He did not let go of any possibility of survival and struggled like countless wastelanders struggling in these ruins.
In the last moment of his life, in extreme pain and despair, he let out the most primitive roar towards the sky, venting his desire for survival.
And it was this strong desire to survive that unexpectedly made him connect with a "person" on the other side of the virtual world who was also full of desire to survive!
It was a being high above, looking down at this decaying world with wise eyes, just like the god of death who dominated everything.
"That's him!"
The moment his gaze met those lowered eyes, a fanatical light suddenly burst out in Merck's eyes, and he ordered all researchers to suspend the acceleration of the virtual realm.
There is no doubt that——
This is the best object of interference given to him by Saint Sith!
In this land full of despair, is there anyone more suitable to spread the gospel of holy light than this poor dying creature?
He almost immediately chose this guy and decided to support him as his "messenger of God" and establish a new religion on the wasteland that worships the "foreign savior". He would forcibly turn this civilization struggling in the material ruins onto the path of "spiritualism"!
Everything was just as His Royal Highness Colin had demonstrated to them!
Turning to face the equally excited assistants, he shouted orders in an unquestionable, almost crazy tone.
"Heal him! No, tell him my name first!"
"Then, give him life—"
"And the power he craves!"
(End of this chapter)
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