Greetings, Mister Principal

Chapter 223: Echo

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Reiner’s words moved Ableton.

Once upon a time, Ableton himself engaged in research that others could not understand. When he spoke of summarizing the laws of various motions to derive laws from them, neither his mentors nor colleagues offered encouragement or support. Instead, they mocked and discouraged him.

But Ableton succeeded. He formulated the three laws of motions and through the feedback from the world, broke through his limits, ultimately taking a step forward to become a Legendary Mage.

But what if he had failed?

Would he have ended up like Sirius, struggling his entire life without achieving his goals and dying with regret?

If Ableton saw Reiner’s talent during the Ernest Conference, he would not have thought much of it. The higher his position, the more geniuses he encountered. Although their academic achievements might not match Reiner’s, within such a group, Reiner wouldn’t particularly stand out.

While others around him were toiling aimlessly for their livelihood, Reiner’s gaze was already fixed on the distant stars.

“Indeed, while developing practical magic, we should also devote more attention to fundamental theoretical research.”

Ableton nodded. If the Magic Association set appropriate rules and rewarded mages who researched basic theories and mathematics, it might not attract a lot of talented people, but at least it would ensure that those dedicated to it wouldn’t face financial difficulties.

“I propose that, like the Hohenheim Golden Cup, the Magic Association should establish a mathematics award specifically to honor mages who make outstanding contributions to mathematics. The rewards could be magical items, academic points, or material rewards, but most importantly, we must let all mages know that mathematics isn’t irreverent: it is a discipline itself.”

Reiner revealed that he had this idea for a while.

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“That’s a good idea. I’ll bring it up with some of the High Council members.”

Ableton nodded slightly, then stood up.

“My purpose here is fulfilled. Reiner Ian Gray, I’m not interested in the remaining disputes here. Handle them yourselves.”

He glanced at Percival, kneeling on the ground, then looked at Reiner.

“You’re quite an interesting fellow. If you hadn’t already joined Mercury Scale, I might have considered making you my student’s student.”

“…Thank you for your kinness, Your Excellency.”

Reiner twitched his mouth slightly.

“You do remind me of Lord Braggs. I hope you continue to shine in your future magical research.”

Ableton patted Reiner on the shoulder.

“Speaking of magic, let me add one more thing. Every mage should have an ultimate goal, the most fundamental question about the world. If one can touch upon the answer to this question, they might step into the realm of the Legendary.”

So, Ableton looked at Reiner and asked, “Reiner Ian Gray, what is your ultimate goal?”

Hearing Ableton’s question, Reiner pondered for a moment and then answered, “Your Excellency Ableton, through imaginary numbers, we can now unify linear and curved motion, simple harmonic motion, and circular motion, but what about beyond that?”

Reiner’s words made Ableton slightly widen his eyes.

“The gravity that holds celestial bodies in place, the electromagnetic force that drives currents, the fundamental forces that make up particles—many forces form our world. Is there a way to unify them all?”

Ableton was somewhat surprised. He hadn’t expected a first level Mage to think so deeply about a field even Legendary Mages wouldn’t dare to explore.

“What exactly do you want, Reiner Ian Gray?”

Ableton felt a shiver. If anyone else had said this, he would have dismissed it as a joke. But Reiner Ian Gray had overturned alchemical foundations, discovered elemental laws, and even unveiled a glimpse of life’s mysteries. Such accomplishments at his young age made these words astonishing.

“A simple theory that can explain everything. We might call it the Grand Unified Theory, but I prefer to call it the Theory of Everything.”

Reiner’s words shocked everyone present.

In the past, mages aimed to pursue truth, but no one could precisely describe what truth meant. In different disciplines, truth took on various forms. So, what was the ultimate truth?

Reiner provided an answer: the Theory of Everything. A simple theory that could explain all laws of the universe, unifying all motions and forms of existence.

This was the equation that described the world.

From Reiner’s words, those present sensed a grand vision.

This might be a colossal aspiration requiring countless people and immense time to achieve, if it could be achieved at all.

While they were still concerned with daily work and life, Reiner’s thoughts had already touched the origin of the world.

This made them feel that Reiner was on a different level.

And the only one who could converse with him was likely Ableton, the Legendary Mage.

“Your idea is fascinating, Reiner. I look forward to the day you prove this theory.”

Ableton spoke, then left the conference room.

The atmosphere remained tense for a while, finally broken by Reiner.

“Lord Percival, you are connected to Sirius’s death. I believe the Magic Association will conduct an investigation and deliver a just verdict.”

He looked at Percival, who hung his head without speaking.

Percival was indirectly responsible for Sirius’s death and he must pay the price. This wouldn’t change even if he behaved like a good husband or father.

Moreover, what Percival did was merely to rely on Vice Principal Bodoro, Lisa’s father, to advance more smoothly.

Percival had a strong desire for control, wanting everything to go according to his plans. From the beginning, he only considered himself. But he didn’t expect his plans to be thwarted repeatedly. First by Sirius during his student days, and now by Reiner.

Reiner helped Lady Lisa to her feet. Her tears had dried, and she was gradually calming down.

The local Magic Association members arrived, inquired about the situation, and took Percival away, Reiner escorted Lady Lisa home and then had one more place to go.

He needed to provide an answer for someone who had waited for years.

Reiner arrived at White Sail Hospital. In the care ward, an elderly woman lay quietly on a bed.

This was Sirius’ mother.

“Grandma Hedwig, Sirius’s thesis has passed review.”

Reiner held the frail old woman’s hand and said to her.

Slowly opening her eyes, Grandma Hedwig nodded upon hearing Reiner’s words.

“It’s been accepted? That’s wonderful. Sirius, did you see that?”

The old lady smiled kindly, gazing at a point in the void, as if seeing her child smiling there.

If Sirius had spent his life on a theory that brought no reward, Grandma Hedwig had also given everything for her son.

Was it worth it?

Reiner didn’t know. He only glanced at the piece of paper on Grandma Hedwig’s bedside, which contained Sirius’s last words.

They were not regrets or grievances about his theory being ignored, nor complaints or hatred towards the world, but simply words for his mother. This sentiment was just like his thesis.

Even if it was forgotten, it would eventually shine.