Chapter 253: Doctor Asahi’s Explanation of Magic (1)
“What science requires is whether something is measurable, reproducible, and can be clearly explained. Only when all these conditions are met can we engage in theoretical discussions. It’s crucial not to misunderstand that this merely allows for discussion; it does not prove anything to be correct. To prove something, we must elucidate all elements involved!”
Asahi walked back and forth at the podium while delivering this lecture.
“Well, what I mean to say is that we are still at the hypothesis stage, so please take everything I say with a grain of salt! The reproducibility is high, so it can serve as a basis for some judgment, but…”
With that, Asahi clapped her hands together. Simultaneously, the content displayed on the projection screen switched.
“This world is filled with mysterious powers. For now, we refer to it as magic! We possess advanced scientific knowledge, yet there are phenomena that we cannot explain.”
The display showed a schematic diagram of some enormous piece of equipment.
“We travel between the stars, terraform planets, consume stars, and even draw energy from the vacuum of space. Our scientific technology makes these feats possible. However, due to resource shortages, we cannot replicate them at all. At least, we have the theory. Given enough time, we could even manufacture a Warp Gate!”
“But,” Asahi continued, “unfortunately, even with all this knowledge, we have yet to analyze the phenomenon of magic currently used on this planet. However, for us, the children of science, to give up on understanding is unbearable! Therefore, Asahi is always thinking!!”
Eve silently listened to Asahi’s monologue, feeling like a father watching his child’s school presentation. A proud father, indeed.
“Now, while I have limited research materials, I have had plenty of time. First, I sought the cooperation of the Magic Warriors stationed in the Port Town of Terek. We observed the phenomenon of magic.”
“I must have caused quite a bit of trouble for them,” Eve remarked.
“Please don’t tease me, Older Sister! Besides, we compensated them sufficiently! Thanks to RINGO’s arrangements!”
Confirming RINGO’s nod from the corner of her eye, Eve shrugged.
“We observed the magic they used for about a year. We’re still continuing, but we’ve gathered enough information to present our findings!”
Asahi switched the display again, revealing a report on the magic they had been studying.
“I previously shared some of this, so let’s recap! The only magic they use is called Fireball. It primarily involves launching a mass of flame to attack with heat and explosions. The number of uses varies by individual, but it is generally fixed. However, the number of uses recovers over time. By continuously recording, we discovered that the number of uses fluctuates under various conditions. For instance, if someone is unwell, their usage decreases.”
The Fireball magic used by the Magic Warriors is highly versatile, with a limit on the number of uses, but it can be used freely within that limit. The upper limit is fixed, and simply waiting does not allow for infinite increases in usage.
“The maximum MP is fixed, and the MP consumed for Fireball is also predetermined. That’s how it works.”
“You’re quite assertive about that,” Eve commented.
“This is the general understanding in this world! The key point is that even with the same Fireball, the phenomenon varies slightly depending on the caster. As I mentioned before, the caster’s image greatly influences the manifestation of magic.”
To ensure multiple casters shared the same image, Asahi had them watch videos and provide explanations, resulting in a stabilization of the Fireball’s phenomenon and power, as well as an increase in usage.
“In other words, magic is about the image! If you believe you can do something, you can; if you think you can’t, you won’t! And if you believe you can, it can defy physical phenomena!”
“That sounds a bit too omnipotent and frightening,” Eve replied.
“Oh, don’t worry, Older Sister! There seems to be a limit to what can be done! While it relates to the usage limit of Fireball, if the phenomenon is vague or outlandish, it may not even activate!”
Asahi had attempted various experiments to see if other types of magic could be used, ultimately succeeding in creating water and generating wind.
“For instance, I tried to launch water at high speed to create a Water Cutter, but perhaps due to a poor image, I only managed to send it a short distance before collapsing!”
“I did take care of you, so rest assured.”
“It seems that when the image is unclear, the MP consumption increases… Oh, is MP okay? I call it that for convenience.”
“That’s fine. It’s easy to understand.”
The term MP refers to the resource consumed when using magic. Unfortunately, it has yet to be quantified, so specific values cannot be provided.
“If you have enough MP, it activates; if not, it doesn’t. Once I understood the theory behind the Water Cutter, it activated properly! Isn’t that fascinating?”
Magic may seem unreasonable, but it appears that systematizing it stabilizes the phenomena.
“Also, about that man with the Enchanting Magic Eye! I’m continuing my research on him as well!”
He was the mysterious operative abducted from the Kingdom of Repuitari. He had been caught up in a horror scenario for a time, but now he was living in the Port Town of Terek, assisting with daily magic experiments.
Eve had completely forgotten about him, having had no interest in the matter.
“Ultimately, that power is a simple magic that increases the target’s affection towards the user. The number of activations and recovery over time are similar to Fireball. However, it seems that the increased affection returns to normal over time.”
“Ah, so that’s why RINGO’s information was rewritten. I don’t quite understand how affection can increase, but it’s unsettling that it can affect AI…”
“Yes! I tried various experiments, and it seems the primary influence is on the Brain Unit! The memory via electronic circuits and magnetic storage devices remained unchanged! However, it did react to the photonics that replicated the Neural Network, suggesting that it likely affects synaptic connections!”
It remains unclear how the range of magic’s effects is determined or what exactly is making those judgments, but it seems certain that some form of will is involved.
“In my view, it appears that the user’s will carries the most weight! However, for things like the Enchanting Magic Eye that affect the mind, the target’s will seems to play a role as well!”
“Will… that’s rather vague. Well, I suppose that’s why we’re struggling to analyze it…”
“When the target’s will is strong, it seems that MP is consumed accordingly!”
If activated against someone who clearly dislikes the user, it may fail or even heighten their aversion. Additionally, when the effect was applied to RINGO, it was predicted that the influence was limited due to the vast scope of RINGO’s thought processes.
“From all this, it seems that a will is necessary to use magic. While the process of how magic activates in response to will remains unclear, we have at least discerned that there are some underlying rules!”
Asahi continues to speak at length! This girl truly has a way with words, making it enjoyable to write!