The Villain Wants to Live

Chapter 276: Up to You (3)

Even on this continent, science was still alive and well. The Imperial University to which Epherene belonged also had related departments — although most of them were populated by commoners, there were still many scholars. However, most of them were only used as auxiliary roles to support magic.

It was all too weird. Now that Deculein had taught her science, for Epherene, their contempt for science was hard to understand.

“The reason for the slow scientific development of the continent is simple. No matter how advanced science may become, simple magic transcends them all. It is an accepted fact that science is inferior to magic.”

Of course, this was not to say that scientists and mathematicians were despised. Even ordinary people could lead fairly respected lives if they worked for a subcontracted organization of the Magic Tower. They were considered well above the middle class.

“However, science can certainly help advance magic even more. As a means of observing mana and as a point of reference.”

“…”

Deculein said so, and Epherene swallowed as she watched. Excitement was boiling in her heart at this feeling of rebellion against the present-day paradigm.

“Epherene, you’re not from the Academy, so you can easily accept it.”

“Yes, I’m sure. Mana is an element, following the providence of science.”

Epherene asserted it with confidence. However, Deculein’s brow twitched slightly.

“But why did the Floating Island deny this fact? It’s so obvious. What can be observed even with this microscope is an atom of mana.”

Epherene tapped the microscope on the lab table. It wasn’t an ordinary microscope; it was an object that had become almost an artifact because Deculein had imbued it with Midas’ Hand.

“The Floating Island is pathological. They abhor mana becoming subordinate to any science. So what you just said is dangerous.”

“…Yeah. Huh, what?”

Deculein replied sternly.

“That mana follows the providence of science.”

“…But what I said is correct, right? Didn’t you give me a lecture saying that?”

“No. Make the distinction. The providence of mana has not yet been revealed.”

Mana followed the providence of science. If Floating Island heard it, it would be dangerous for the speaker.

“But so far, it is, right? There are more if we look closely. Rather, we could use science to make mana-“

“It’s true, Epherene. When I told you about science, I meant to use it to reference magic. Science must not be equated with magic.”

This time, Epherene frowned.

“Why? But the thesis.”

She laid her palms on 「Deculein/Luna Thesis」. There was science in this thesis. Luna Kagan’s brilliant idea was to actively link magic and science, and the genius of Deculein perfected it. This thesis, which was difficult and admirable every time she read it, clearly spoke to the importance of science.

“The more I read, the more I think magic and science are equally important. Didn’t you think so too while writing this?”

“No. I have only described science as a means.”

Deculein pointed to a paragraph.

[The scientific approach in this thesis is only a stepping stone for further observation and interpretation of mana]

“And this isn’t just magic logic, Epherene.”

“…?”

Epherene tilted her head, pulling back.

“Oh~. I get it.”

And then she continued with a sneer.

“Is it because of the Academy, the mage families, and the noble wizards, or something like that? If mana turns out to be a part of science, do you think their power will be undermined and lost?”

For commoners, mana was a sacred and mysterious power. Therefore, commoners who could handle mana had a chance to change their lives, but most of those opportunities were concentrated on nobles and influential people. What if the science of commoners became as important as magic? What if they could use the mana they worshipped as science?

That was why they didn’t like it.

“I don’t care. All my life, I have been ignored by the nobles. How could I be terrified of that?”

“The Floating Island might try to kill you.”

“…What?”

Epherene felt a bit perplexed. She moved her lips a few times, trying to say something, and then shook her head.

“Isn’t that a crime?”

“If murder is not a crime, what is it?”

“…”

“Don’t go too far alone. That’s enough for science right now. So, now.”

Thud-!

Deculein put down about 300 sheets of paper. Each held practice calculation problems that would be helpful for the completion and calculation of 「Mana Nanotube」.

“Do your thing. It is a length-to-diameter ratio calculation.”

Simply put, it was the length-diameter ratio of a cylinder. The longer the length of the nanotube and the shorter the diameter, the higher this ratio and the stronger it would become. However, if it were set too high, the particles would become distorted, so this kind of calculation practice was essential.

“…Okay.”

Epherene got to work with a pout.

* * *

In my office.

I left Epherene in the lab, and I was sitting in my study thinking to myself.

“Hmm.”

Epherene’s reaction to science and mana was, as expected, too violent and too radical. It was dangerous and cocky, but it was just as expected, so he was proud.

“The Floating Island will be a problem.”

However, it wasn’t a lie to say that the Floating Island could kill Epherene. To think of mana as a part of science rather than a mystery was the same as denying their foundation. Even if Epherene’s claim turned out to be true, the Floating Island wouldn’t acknowledge it but would rather try to conceal and eradicate this dissent.

“…”

So, I wouldn’t help Epherene. After today, if she submitted any scientific papers, I would completely ignore them. That was the best way to protect her. However…

Rustle- Rustle-

I moved my pen with Psychokinesis to bring out the remaining modern knowledge in my head. Of course, Kim Woojin lacked background knowledge in science, but by studying and refining what he had with Understanding once again, I would be able to produce something meaningful.

It could be of some help to Epherene too.

Rustle- Rustle-

Of course, this wasn’t under my normal pen name. Publishing scientific writings under the name of Yukline wouldn’t be congruent at all.

Rustle- Rustle-

As I continued to write, I suddenly thought about the title of this book. Although it might be reasonably new on this continent where science was only considered an accessory to magic, it was a theory established as a natural law in the modern age. Therefore, it wasn’t mine, it was merely a work of refining and delivering someone else’s, so I was reluctant to give it an arbitrary title.

“It would be right to go according to the original one.”

I wrote the title at the top of the manuscript.

[Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy]

The original title was in Latin; a masterpiece called Principia for short, it served as the starting point of modern natural science. This was the work of Isaac Newton.

While exploring and studying the theory that had only formulas such as apples, gravity, and F = ma in my head, as far as Understanding would take me… in an instant, I consumed 1,000 mana.

“It’s still difficult.”

I felt the helplessness of learning again.

* * *

The next morning, we returned to Yuren through the mirror. Epherene wore a sullen look, but the way she held the core tight to her chest was more determined than ever.

“Are you ready?”

“…Yes.”

It was a crisp answer. We joined Arlos in the passage to the Ashes and then met three women in robes. Maho, Rose, Charlotte: they were the main pillars of the Principality.

“People in the expo said they felt the vibrations. I’m trying to evacuate them right now…”

As Maho hurried to them with worry in her eyes, Epherene stepped forward.

“It’s okay. I will solve it. At the very least, there will be no damage to Yuren.”

She tapped her chest as if to guarantee it. Maho smiled bitterly as she looked at me, and I nodded.

“Go upstairs, princess. It is dangerous here.”

“…Yes. Yes, yes… this grace…”

“There is no such thing as grace here. I am paying the price for Carla.”

Maho hesitated and bowed her head. Rose and Charlotte bowed beside her. The three left the Ashes like that.

“Epherene.”

Epherene, watching them leave, looked back at me.

“Yes.”

“I’ll check for the last time. Show me.”

Resolving herself, Epherene concentrated mana in her palm.

Whoooong-

A curtain of rising mana floated above her hand. It seemed perfect on the outside, and to show the theory was firmly accepted; its internal stability was also certain. In other words, it was large enough to withstand a volcanic eruption.

“There is a chance.”

“Phew.”

After exhaling a sigh of relief, Epherene trudged to the crater and put down the demonic core. I didn’t say anything to her, but she kept glancing at me before sitting down beside the core.

“…Hey, Demon Spirit Core.”

And she spoke as if speaking to a friend.

“Protect this volcano.”

Boom-!

At that moment, a powerful sound shook the earth. A vivid precursor of the volcanic eruption to come. Even so, Epherene didn’t hesitate as she placed her hand on the demonic core.

“Let’s protect both the Ashes and Yuren. I will help you.”

Saying that, she warmed up her mana. Gray energy rose above her shoulders, and Epherene’s mana permeated into the demonic core.

Whooong…

Before long, a veil of mana gently bloomed around the volcano. Arlos and I watched from the side.

“Whoa… it’s amazing.”

Once the demonic core wrapped around the crater in three layers, Epherene’s carbon magic filled in the gaps between them, by Understanding and Vision’s measure, it was perfect.

“…Are you leaving already?”

Arlos asked me after I turned around. I answered with a glance to Epherene, still concentrating mana on the demonic core.

“Epherene succeeded.”

“Hmm. You seem disappointed. Is it because you didn’t get your chance to eradicate the Ashes?”

“…I’m not that blood-thirsty.”

Rumble-!

A roar rose alongside surging magma. Epherene grew nervous as the eruption began, while Arlos smiled.

“Even if she fails, I will take responsibility and save your disciple. Trust me.”

“…You don’t have to.”

With that said, I left the volcano.

…

“Done-!”

Epherene shouted.

“Done-! Done-! Done-!”

She cried out three times in a row and fell to the ground. She succeeded. Of course, the volcano erupted.

RUMBLE—!

It was still exploding now. However, the Ashes were unharmed, and the same went for Yuren as well. The catastrophe she had seen in her dream was averted. No such explosion crushed the demonic core, and no volcanic ash or magma had engulfed the world.

Looking around, it was just a little hot and bubbly. The demonic core combined with the nanotubes successfully stopped the volcanic eruption, and the magma and ash were dispersed. Epherene protected the Ashes and Yuren safely!

“…Success?”

Arlos approached. Epherene smirked and glanced around.

“What about the professor?”

“He left.”

“…What?”

She felt a little sad but quickly understood why and nodded.

“Is it because of the Magic Expo?”

Epherene jumped up and grabbed the core.

“Are you planning on going already?”

“Yes. This demonic core has to be presented at the expo. It’s a terrific invention.”

“Your magic seems like a great invention too.”

“…Fufu.”

It was difficult to deny. Epherene fiddled with the bridge of her raised nose.

“Can I just ask what talent you have?”

“Oh~, to put it simply… to borrow the Professor’s words.”

Rumble-!

They both looked back in surprise at the sudden noise, but fortunately, the barrier still stood.

“…To borrow the words of the Professor… Treating mana as mana itself.”

“Mana as mana itself?”

“Yes. Scientifically, regardless of the properties of water or fire, wind or earth. Assuming that mana is a scientific element like oxygen and carbon… oh, anyway, I will publish a related thesis soon. Read it then.”

Epherene staggered as she tried to step forward. Arlos took her in both arms before she hit the ground…

Epherene didn’t quite remember what happened after that.

“…Fufufu. As soon as I get home, I should read a lot of science academy articles.”

Epherene was just so happy that she had proven her potential. She rejoiced at all the ‘scientific’ thoughts that popped into her head.

“I hope this isn’t a dream.”

That would be confusing if it were. Epherene let herself fall into a very deep, good, long, and happy sleep…