The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 378, Void Realm No. 178

"functionality?"

Ilana softly repeated the unfamiliar word, her clear eyes filled with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge about the unknown.

"Yes."

Luo Yan's voice was gentle and clear. In order to help his genius apprentice better understand the mysteries of functional theory, he used an easy-to-understand analogy.

"Ilana, do you remember 'calculus' that we learned? What is its core function?"

Ilana answered without hesitation.

"It involves studying the rate of change of a function and finding its extrema. For example, finding the highest point of a mountain peak 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. But ‘functional’ solves a completely different problem.”

He took out his wand and waved it lightly, drawing a gentle curve in the air, then a steep one.

With his mastery of magic, he no longer needs to rely on spells and can precisely control each shimmering "light element," guiding it along the trajectory of the wand's movement.

"Our 'functional' doesn't care which point is the highest, but rather, 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 'path' has the shortest distance? Which 'path' requires the least effort to walk?"

"Or, to put it another way, when a shimmering ball of light slides from point A to point B on the edge of a bowl, along which 'curve' will it fall to minimize the time it takes?"

Looking at Ilana's eyes, which suddenly brightened, Luo Yan continued, "You see, what we're looking for is no longer an optimal 'point,' but an optimal 'line'—that is, an optimal function itself that minimizes the overall 'total distance,' 'total time,' or 'total consumption.'"

These words were like a key, unlocking the tightly locked door in Ilana's mind and instantly untangling her tangled thoughts.

"I understand... So, what we're looking for is no longer a numerical solution, but... a functional solution! A solution that describes the very concept of 'optimum'!"

A rare excitement appeared on that usually cool face—the expression of a sailor who had been adrift on the vast ocean for months, finally catching sight of the coastline!
She paused for a moment, trying to control her slightly trembling voice, and continued.

"What we're solving for... is a system!"

"Exactly! Your summary is spot on."

Luo Yan smiled with satisfaction, then changed the subject and continued.

"The dilemma that Mr. James Wally encountered is this problem... I'm glad you were able to 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 some kind of 'action'. But he lacked a crucial mathematical tool, a tool that could find the unique 'optimal path' from this infinite number of possibilities."

Seeing Ilana's continued enlightenment, Luo Yan's voice carried a hint of guidance, leading her into the door that was just one step away from completion.

"...and this tool is the variational method based on 'functional'!"

"It can help us establish a completely 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 that he knew everything.

The problem that I had been pondering for days without being able to figure out was explained thoroughly by my respected mentor in just a few words.

Luo Yan wanted to say that he certainly knew what it was.

Isn't that the Euler-Lagrange equation? He doesn't need to ask on the official website; he already knows it and knows exactly how to use it.

However, this would undoubtedly stifle a promising soul.

The people of this world originally had the opportunity to complete this inevitable path on their own, without having to rely on the wisdom of the other side of the void.

This applies to civilizations as well as individuals.

As a true academic genius 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.

Therefore, he lied and made a different choice than Lynt Isaac had made.

"Of course I don't know, but I believe that with your talent, you will definitely 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 power, and therefore it is rarely used to describe ordinary people outside of the nobility.

"Do I... have that kind of ability?"

“Of course there is. Haven’t you already followed the path that Mr. James WALL-E took and reached a height that he didn’t reach? I think his extraordinary power is definitely above yours, but that doesn’t prevent you from ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ just like him.”

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 about the calculus of variations... well, consider this as me preparing for my lesson. I'll cover it in science class tomorrow."

"If you learn it, that would be even better, then you can teach it for me."

……

Luo Yan stood beside Ilana, patiently explaining the basic concepts and key difficulties of "functionality" to her. His voice was gentle and clear, peeling back the layers of those originally abstract and dry theories and presenting them to his most talented apprentice.

Ilana listened intently, sometimes nodding in sudden understanding, and sometimes frowning as she raised deeper questions.

The two were completely immersed in the exploration of knowledge, creating a pure academic atmosphere that was not easily accessible to outsiders.

To Ophia, who was eavesdropping nearby, this conversation was no less profound than the most enigmatic magical texts.

"Variational equation?", "Path optimization equation?", "Minimum action?"...

This... what is this?
Is this really arithmetic?
Why is it that she recognizes each word individually, but when put together they become the devil's whisper?

Ophia was dumbfounded.

Looking at the rapidly written formulas and calculation steps in Ilana's notes, which resembled scribbles, she felt that the professors at the Imperial Royal Academy were teaching a bunch of garbage!
That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but that's exactly how she felt!
At the same time, it was the first time she had ever directly experienced that there could be a huge chasm between geniuses.

This huge sense of loss deeply affected her.

Especially when she saw the heartfelt appreciation and recognition in Prince Colin's eyes, a faint bitterness and grievance welled up in her heart.

This can't go on... Ophia, you are the daughter of Duke Castellón, a recognized talent in the Holy City and even the Empire! How can you lose to a country girl who appeared out of nowhere on the snowy plains far from the Holy Light?
Although in the eyes of the Rhodes, Ilana was already an unattainable imperial girl, in the eyes of the Duchess of the Holy City, they were actually no different.

Ophia didn't mean to look down on Ilana; she was simply ignited by the inquisitive and approving look in Ilana's eyes!
How could the descendants of the Castellion family be defeated by a commoner!
The sermon, which sounded like reciting celestial scriptures, finally came to an end. Luo Yan left satisfied, while Ilana, filled with admiration and sudden enlightenment, continued her studies.

Ophia took a deep breath, straightened her cuffs, and walked gracefully to Ilana's side.

Ilana noticed someone was there and looked up in confusion.

Upon seeing that it was the Duchess, she immediately looked surprised, put down her quill, stood up from her desk, and spoke cautiously.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Miss Castellion...?"

Looking at the polite and reserved Ilana, Ophia gave an elegant and proper smile and said politely.

"Please don't be nervous. I don't have any particular purpose. I just noticed that His Highness Colin seems to value you highly, so I'm a little curious... May I know your name?"

“Ilana Octavia… from the province of Pierce in the Empire.” Ilana introduced herself quietly, looking at the duchess with a puzzled expression.

She didn't feel that Prince Colin valued her highly; on the contrary, she had caused him a lot of trouble, always bothering him with some academic questions.

Noticing their conversation, Jamie quietly nudged Ram's arm.

Hey, look over there.

Ram looked up in confusion, following the direction Jamie's index finger was pointing.

"what happened?"

Jamie said nervously.

"I always felt that there was something subtle about the atmosphere between them."

“You mean…Ilana and Miss Castellion?” Ram’s face showed surprise. “But why?”

"I don't know... I was hoping you could help me find out." Jamie shook his head vigorously, his face showing both nervousness and a hint of excitement.

Although he was a little worried that Ilana would be bullied by this noblewoman, he was also looking forward to the fun that was about to happen.

Who cares...

In any case, His Highness Colin will definitely not sit idly by.

“Ilana Octavia…is a good name.”

With her eyes fixed intently on the bewildered Ilana, Ophia coughed lightly and issued her challenge in an extremely serious tone.

"I will not lose to you!"

"...?"

That sudden remark left Ilana frozen in place.

You won't lose to...me?

The other party was already a nobleman, and her talent in magic far surpassed hers. She didn't know how this young lady could possibly win. It seemed more appropriate for her to say "I will not lose to you" herself.
Of course, that's just a more accurate description. Everyone comes into this world with a different mission, and she has no interest in competing with others for anything; she simply enjoys the pure pleasure of being immersed in her own world.

Studying mathematics allows her to temporarily forget the unpleasantness of reality and avoid the troubles of complicated interpersonal relationships.

Ilana's gaze shifted slightly downwards, suddenly landing on the manuscript filled in by His Highness Colin, a look of realization dawning on her eyes.

I see……

It's mathematics.

She looked at her new, spirited companion and gave him a genuine, gentle, and encouraging smile.

"Well, let's work hard together."

That smile, as clear and bright as the afternoon sun, was like a honey-coated arrow that pierced Ophia's heart in an instant.

One, together?!

This, this is... how utterly indecent!
She felt her cheeks flush red in an instant, and all the fighting spirit and lines she had prepared vanished in that moment.

hateful!

How can this person say such things so casually?!
"I...I'll go check the equipment over there..."

Ophelia let out a mournful cry in her heart, uttered a nonsensical remark, and turned away in a disheveled state, almost fleeing in panic.

Jamie and Ram, who were secretly watching, both showed expressions of surprise.

Although I don't know what happened, how could the esteemed Miss Castellion have lost?
Both of them showed expressions of admiration, and their gazes toward Ilana were filled with reverence.

As expected of Miss Ilana, who has received His Highness Colin's "true teachings"!
That's incredible!

Still confused about what had just happened, Ilana looked bewildered and gently sat down again.

Speaking of instruments, her upcoming experiments will indeed require the use of some instruments; calculations alone cannot solve everything.

I'll go to the artisan street to order a set later...

……

The "Magic Science" laboratory was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, while the atmosphere inside another solitary mage tower was as oppressive as lead.

This is Virtual Realm Observation Laboratory No. 178.

In stark contrast to the vibrant pastoral scenery of Virtual Realm 440, Virtual Realm 178 is a world shrouded in eternal smog.

The massive factory ruins resembled steel tombstones, covering the boundless wasteland. The empty streets were deserted except for the howling wind.

There is no doubt that the world is dying, like a whale stranded on a shallow beach.

Fortunately, its death was an extremely long process, perhaps lasting for several centuries.

For a long enough period of time, Xuebang was able to feast like a vulture, alongside the "wastelanders" living on these ruins.

Incidentally, the No. 178 Mage Tower can also find some clues about why this once-prosperous civilization declined from behind that illusory realm.

According to the records left by the previous mentor, this world was once exceptionally prosperous, but it seems that at the peak of its civilization, 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 more similar the levels of civilization between two worlds, the deeper the consensus they share. The higher this consensus, the more stable the dimensional portal becomes, which also means that the magicians of the Academy can reap more benefits from the dimensional portal.

For Xuebang, the No. 178 Virtual Realm is undoubtedly a high-quality resource, and its abundant "Wraith Coke" is enough to make all the mentors and lower-level professors of Xuebang drool.

Due to its immense strategic value, Professor Arist has always regarded the 178th Virtual Realm as his own private domain, and has firmly controlled this Virtual Realm through the power of the "Thorne" Society, extracting resources from it.

However, perhaps because the professor's love was too profound, or perhaps because the professor's subordinates exploited him too much, the long-term material transfer has severely weakened the width of the virtual realm channel, so much so that the output of the No. 178 virtual realm has been much worse in recent years.

Alistair's original plan was to squeeze every last drop of profit out of this virtual realm, then find some insignificant character to take the blame, and finally retire with his core team.

Ultimately, the sustainable development of virtual environments is just a slogan.

Truly powerful professors never lack virtual resources. What they need are "outsiders" like Hector and Colin to remain cautious and conduct sustainable research, so that those in the core of power can continuously steal the garbage that the otherworldly beings don't need...

This is the true realm of sustainable development.

However, the situation has now taken a new turn.

A guy from the Holy City stumbled upon 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 are standing in front of the virtual lens, observing intently and searching for any possible opportunity to interfere.

"Mentor, nothing has changed," a teaching assistant reported in a low voice. "The Greys' only harvest today is half a rusty pipe and a few pieces of inferior coke."

“They’re so stupid. We’ve accelerated the Void Realm cycle five times in a row while interfering, and they haven’t noticed a thing,” the teaching assistant standing next to him complained with a frustrated expression. “Besides, there are no faith totems like in Void Realm 440 here. Source energy is everywhere, but it’s scattered all over the place and can’t be gathered together at all!”

Listening to the teaching assistants' complaints, the supervisor in charge of the experiment, Merck, remained silent.

He stood with his hands behind his back, staring intently at the lifeless wasteland reflected in the lens, his brow furrowed, his heart filled with anxiety and restlessness.

Professor Alistair entrusted him with the task of "reproducing Experiment 440," which was both a sign of his trust and a deadly test.

He was well aware of the current state of the 178th virtual realm; this fragile passage might not last long, and the mage tower could lose its connection to another world at any time.

Once they lost contact, and before that point had no valuable progress been made, his academic career was practically over.

Professor Alistair will be utterly disappointed in him, and he will become the abandoned nobody.

Of course.

This is the path he chose himself.

Without Professor Alistair's patronage, it would have been impossible for him to reach the position of mentor on his own.

There are too many capable people in the Tower of Great Sages.

"Continue to observe."

Looking at his dejected subordinates, Merck continued without expression.

"The Greys are not as stupid as you think! I think that the fact that they were able to develop a highly prosperous civilization means that they have the 'inspiration' to see into the virtual world."

We should be more patient with them!

Although Merck's palms were sweating with nervousness, he was also full of confidence.

He studied Prince Colin's paper repeatedly, almost to the point of dissecting and absorbing every single word.

At first, like most scholars who read the paper for the first time, he thought it was just a lucky guess and some nonsense. But when he saw the detailed and undeniable observational data and the clear and logical theoretical model, his attitude changed from disdain to shock, and finally to a heartfelt admiration mixed with envy.

This guy is a genius!
And the bravest kind!
Long ago, a magician in the Academy also proposed a similar hypothesis: to deepen the connection between two worlds by actively guiding the civilizations in the virtual realm, rather than simply passively observing. However, this hypothesis remained just that—a hypothesis—and no one dared to attempt this bold move.

Absolutely no one dares to take that risk!

However, this Prince Colin not only dared to face the risk of the collapse of the virtual realm, but also succeeded in doing so in one go!
Now that His Highness Colin has proven that this path is viable, all they need to do is follow the path he has taken!
Merck had no doubt that he had thoroughly understood the prince's paper and had already distilled it into an "outline" for exploring the virtual realm.

First, they must find a suitable representative in the virtual world. Next, they must bestow upon him absolute authority and power through 'miracles'. Then, based on this, they will establish a unified religion. Ultimately, the entire civilization will inevitably take the shape they desire, and they will reap even greater benefits from this nascent world!
Perhaps sensing his intense longing, as time accelerated behind the virtual realm, the opportunity he had been waiting for finally arrived.

He was a scavenger on the verge of death.

Perhaps due to exhaustion, or perhaps due to accidentally triggering some terrible trap, he suddenly collapsed in the messy pile of garbage. His gills, composed of countless fine folds, throbbed gently in the thick poisonous fog, like a fish stranded on the shore.

An individual's fate at the moment of death is strangely similar to the civilization behind him... just as this hunched figure is a microcosm of the entire Grey civilization.

He didn't give up; he still reached out, trying to crawl out of the garbage dump.

Even his indomitable spirit and stubbornness were just like that of the civilization that was heading towards its demise. He did not give up any possibility of survival, struggling like countless wastelanders struggling on this ruin.

In his final moments, amidst excruciating pain and despair, he let out a primal roar towards the sky, expressing his yearning for survival.

It was this strong will to survive that led him to unexpectedly make contact with a "person" on the other side of the virtual realm who was also filled with the will to survive!
It was a supreme being, looking down upon this decaying world with wise eyes, like the god of death who ruled over all things.

"It's him!"

The instant his gaze met those lowered eyes, a fanatical light flashed in Merck's eyes, and he ordered the researchers to halt the acceleration of the virtual realm.

no doubt--

This is the best target for intervention that Saint Sis has given him!

In this land filled with despair, is there anything more suitable to spread the holy light and gospel than this pitiful, dying creature?

He almost immediately chose this guy and decided to support him as his "divine messenger" to establish a new religion that worships the "extraterrestrial savior" on the wasteland, forcibly turning this civilization struggling in material ruins onto the path of "spiritualism"!
Everything was just as His Highness Colin had demonstrated to them!

Turning to the equally excited teaching assistants, he gave the order in an unquestionable, almost frenzied tone.

"Heal him! No, first tell him my name!"

"Then, give him life—"

"And the power he craved!"

(End of this chapter)