Chapter 378 Virtual Realm No. 178
“Function?”
Ilana repeated this unfamiliar word softly, her clear eyes full of curiosity and exploration of the unknown.
"That's right."
Luo Yan's voice was gentle and clear. In order to let his talented apprentice better understand the mysteries of functionals, he gave an easy-to-understand analogy.
"Ilana, do you still remember the "calculus" we learned? What is its core function? 》
Ilana answered without thinking.
"It is to study the rate of change of a function and find the extreme value of the function. For example, find 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 lowest. However, "functional" solves a completely different problem.
He took out his wand and waved it lightly, drawing a gentle curve in the air and then a steep curve.
With his control over magic power, he no longer needs to rely on spells. He can accurately control every flickering "light element"
and move along the trajectory of the wand.
"Our "functional" does not care about which point is the highest, but cares about, if we want to go from point A at the foot of the mountain to point B at the foot of the mountain, there are countless paths to choose from, then which "road" has the shortest distance? Which "road" takes the least effort to walk? "
"Or, when a flashing ball of light slides from point A to point B on the edge of the bowl, which "curve" will it fall along so that the time it takes is the shortest? "
Luo Yan looked at Ilana's eyes that brightened instantly and continued: "Look, what we require is no longer an optimal 'point', but an optimal 'line' - that is, an optimal function that can minimize the 'total distance', 'total time spent' or 'total consumption' as a whole. 》
These words were like a key, opening the locked door in Ilana's mind, allowing the complicated thoughts like a ball of wool to be cleared up in an instant.
"I understand. So, what we require is no longer a numerical solution, but a functional solution! A law that describes the concept of "optimality" itself! "
There was a rare excitement on that cold face - it was the expression of a sailor who had been drifting on the vast ocean for several months and looked at the coastline!
After saying this, she paused for a moment, tried hard to control her slightly trembling voice, and continued.
"What we are solving is a system!"
"That's right! You summed it up very well."
Luo Yan smiled happily, then changed the topic and continued.
"The dilemma encountered by Mr. James Varley seems to be this problem. I'm glad you can summarize his problem."
He pointed at the notebook, smiled and continued,
“This gentleman guessed like a genius that when an object moves from one point to another, it will choose a path that minimizes a certain “action quantity”. But he lacks a key mathematical tool, a tool that can find the only "optimal path" from these endless possibilities. "
Looking at Ilana who continued to have an epiphany, Luo Yan's voice had a hint of guidance, leading her into the door that was just a 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 meets the equilibrium conditions 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 several days and could not figure out, my respected instructor actually explained it thoroughly in just a few words.
Luo Yan wanted to say, of course he knew what it was.
Isn’t that the Euler-Lagrange equation? He didn't need to go to the official website to ask, he already knew this thing and how to use it.
It's just that this will undoubtedly kill a promising soul.
The people of this world originally had the opportunity to complete this necessary road by their own strength, without having to rely on the wisdom on the other side of the void.
This is true for civilization, and it is the same for individuals.
As a true academic who can graduate with honors even in hell, Luo Yan knows very well that for a genius like Ilana, pointing out the right direction is far more meaningful than cramming.
Hence, he lied and made a different choice than Lint Isaac did.
"Of course I 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 a little hot.
The word talent is usually used to describe the potential to comprehend extraordinary power, so it is rarely used to describe ordinary people other than nobles.
Do I—have that ability?
"Of course, haven't you already followed the path that Mr. James Valli has walked and reached a height that he has not reached? I think his extraordinary power must be above yours, but this does not prevent you from standing on the shoulders of giants."
Luo Yan smiled slightly, looked at 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, just think of it as preparing a lesson for me, I'll teach it in science class tomorrow."
"It would be better if you learned it, and then you can teach it for me."
Luo Yan stood next to Ilana and patiently explained to her the basic concepts and core difficulties of "functionals". His voice was gentle and clear, and he presented those originally abstract and dry theories in front of his most talented apprentice.
Ilana listened attentively, sometimes nodding in enlightenment, and sometimes raising deeper questions with her eyebrows.
The two of them were completely immersed in the discussion of knowledge, forming a pure academic aura that others could not easily enter.
And this conversation, in the ears of Ophia who was eavesdropping on the side, was no less than the most profound and difficult magic book.
"Variation?", "Path optimization equation?", "Minimum action?"—
What is this?
Is this really arithmetic?
Why does she know every word taken apart, but when put together they become the whispers of the devil?
Ophelia was stunned.
She looked at the formulas and calculation steps written quickly in Ilana's notes, like ghostly symbols, and felt that what the professors at the Imperial Academy taught was a pile of rubbish!
This may be an exaggeration, but this is the most intuitive feeling in her heart!
At the same time, it was also the first time that she intuitively felt that there could be a gap as huge as a chasm between geniuses.
This huge sense of gap hit her deeply.
Especially when she saw the heartfelt appreciation and recognition in His Highness Colin's eyes, a touch of sadness and grievance emerged in her heart.
This is not going to work. Ophia, you are the daughter of the Duke of Castellon, a talented woman recognized by the Holy City and even the Empire! How could you lose to a country girl who appeared out of nowhere on a snowy field far away from the Holy Light?
Although in the eyes of the people of Rhodes, Ilana is already an unattainable imperial girl, there is actually no difference between them in the eyes of the princess of the Holy City.
Ophelia did not mean to look down on Ilana, but the desire to win in her heart was ignited by the eyes full of curiosity and recognition!
How can a descendant of the Castellon family lose to a commoner!
The lecture, which was like reading from heaven, was finally over. Luo Yan left with satisfaction. Ilana continued to study with admiration and enlightenment.
Ophelia took a deep breath, adjusted her cuffs, and walked to Ilana's side with elegant steps.
Ilana noticed someone and raised her head in confusion.
When she saw it was the princess, she suddenly looked surprised, put down her quill, stood up from the desk, and spoke cautiously.
"Can I ask what's wrong? Miss Castellon"
Looking at the polite and reserved Ilana, Ophia had an elegant smile on her face and said politely, "Please don't be nervous. I don't have any special purpose. I just found that His Highness Colin seemed to think highly of you, so I was a little curious - can I know your name?"
She did not feel that His Highness Colin valued her very much. On the contrary, she caused a lot of trouble to His Highness, always disturbing him with some academic confusions.
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 Jamie's index finger pointed.
"What's wrong?"
Jamie said nervously.
"I always feel that the atmosphere between them is a little subtle."
"You mean—Ilana and Miss Castellon?" Ram's face showed a surprised expression, "But why?"
"I don't know——-I still hope you can help me find out." Jamie shook his head like a rattle, with both nervousness and a hint of excitement on his face.
Although he was a little worried that Ilana would be bullied by this noble girl, he was a little looking forward to the fun that would happen next. Who cares about him -·
Anyway, His Highness Colin would definitely not sit idly by.
"Ilana Octavia is a good name."
Staring at the confused Ilana with piercing eyes, Ophia coughed slightly and issued a declaration of challenge in an extremely serious tone.
…?
That sentence that came out of nowhere made Ilana freeze on the spot.
Won’t you lose to me?
The other party is already a noble, far better than her in magic talent. She doesn't know how this young lady can win. It seems that it would be more appropriate for her to say "I will not lose to you"?
Of course, it is only 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 fun of being immersed in her own world.
Studying mathematics can allow her to temporarily forget the unpleasantness in reality and not have to worry about complicated interpersonal relationships.
Ilana's eyes slightly lowered, and suddenly fell on the manuscript paper filled by His Highness Colin, with a hint of surprise in her eyes.
I see.
It's mathematics.
She looked at this new and energetic companion and showed a heartfelt, gentle and encouraging smile.
"Well, let's do our best together."
That smile as clear and shining as the afternoon sun, like a sharp arrow covered in honey, instantly pierced Ophelia's heart.
One, together? !
This, this is - what an indiscretion!
She felt her cheeks turn red all of a sudden, and all the fighting spirit and subsequent lines she had prepared were completely forgotten at this moment.
Damn it!
Why can this person say this so frankly? !
ifier in her heart, she left a few words that didn't match her words, then turned around and almost ran away.
Jamie and Ram, who were secretly looking over here, both showed surprised expressions.
Although I don’t know what happened, the respected Miss Castellón actually lost?
The faces of the two of them showed expressions of admiration, and they looked at Ilana with even more awe.
She is indeed Miss Ilana who has obtained the "true biography" of His Highness Colin!
It’s simply too strong!
Similarly not understanding what happened just now, Ilana showed a confused expression on her face and sat down gently again.
Speaking of instruments, her next experiment does require the use of some instruments, and calculation alone cannot solve everything.
I’ll go to Craftsman Street to order a set soon·
The "Magic Science" laboratory was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, but in the other lonely mage tower, the atmosphere was as depressing as lead.
This is the Virtual Realm Observation Laboratory No. 178.
Different from the vibrant pastoral scenery of Void Realm No. 440, behind Void Realm No. 178 is a world wrapped in eternal haze.
Huge factory ruins are like steel tombstones, paving the endless wasteland. In the empty streets, except for the sound of the howling wind, there is no human habitation.
There is no doubt that the world is dying, like a whale beached on the shallows.
But fortunately, its death is an extremely long process, so long that it may last for several centuries.
In this long enough time, Xuebang can follow the "wastelanders" living in this ruins and feast like scavenging vultures.
By the way, Mage Tower No. 178 can also find some clues about the decline of this once prosperous civilization from behind the virtual realm.
According to the archive records left by the previous mentor, this world was once extremely prosperous, but it is suspected that it fell into a crisis of resource depletion at the peak stage of its civilization development.
Happily thanks to this resource crisis, their civilization has stagnated in the steam age, and presumably this is one of the reasons why Xuebang has been able to establish a stable connection with the world.
The closer the civilization levels of the two worlds are, it means that there is a deeper consensus when looking at the two worlds. The higher this consensus is, the more stable the virtual realm channel will be, which also means that the magicians of Xuebang can get more benefits from behind the virtual realm.
For Xuebang, Virtual Realm No. 178 is undoubtedly a high-quality resource, and its abundant "Wraith Coke" is enough to make the entire Xuebang's tutors and lower-level professors covet.
Due to its huge strategic value, Professor Alister has always regarded Virtual Realm No. 178 as his own forbidden realm, and through the power of the "Thorne" association, he firmly controls this virtual realm and extracts resources from it.
However, perhaps because the professor's love is too deep, or perhaps because the professor's subordinates squeeze it too hard, the long-term material transfer has seriously weakened the width of the virtual realm channel, so that the output of the virtual realm No. 178 in recent years has been far less than before.
Alister's original plan was to squeeze out the last drop of oil and water from this virtual world, then find an unimportant little character to take the blame, and finally retire with his core team.
In the final analysis, sustainable development of the virtual world is just a slogan.
The truly powerful professors will never lack virtual resources. What they want are "outsiders" like Hector and Colin to be cautious and conduct research sustainably. This will facilitate them who are in the core power and continue to steal garbage that outsiders do not need.
This is the real virtual realm of sustainable development,
However, now, the situation has taken a new turn.
A guy from the Holy City accidentally figured out a way to "reinforce the passage to the virtual realm", which undoubtedly gave No. 178 the virtual realm a chance to come back to life!
At this moment, a group of researchers are standing in front of the virtual lens, observing carefully and looking for any possible opportunities for intervention.
"Teacher, there is still no change." An assistant teacher reported in a low voice, "What the Grays gained today is only 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 without interference, but they have not noticed any signs of us,” the assistant teacher standing next to him complained with a tearful expression. “And there is no faith totem here like No. 440 Virtual Realm. The source of power is everywhere, but it is scattered everywhere, and there is no way to gather it!”
Listening to the complaints of the teaching assistants, Merck, the instructor in charge of the experiment, said nothing.
Hands behind his back, he stared at the lifeless wasteland in the lens, his brows furrowed, and his heart filled with anxiety and irritability.
Professor Alister gave him the task of "recreating the 440th Virtual Realm Experiment", which was not only a trust in him, but also a fatal test.
He is very aware of the current situation in Virtual Realm No. 178. This fragile passage may not last long, and this mage tower may lose its connection with another world at any time.
Once they lost contact and had not made any valuable progress before that, his academic career was almost at an end.
Professor Alister will be completely disappointed in him, and he will become the small character who was abandoned.
Of course.
This path was his own choice.
Without Professor Alister's promotion, it would have been impossible for him to achieve the position of mentor by relying solely on his own strength.
There are too many capable people in the Tower of the Great Sage.
「KEEP Observing.」
Looking at his dejected subordinates, Merck continued expressionlessly.
"The Grays are by no means as stupid as you think! I think that since they can 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 nervous palms were filled with sweat, at the same time, his heart was full of confidence.
He studied Prince Colin's paper over and over again, and almost every word in the paper was crushed and swallowed by him.
At first, like most scholars who read the paper, he thought it was just lucky nonsense. But when he saw the detailed and unquestionable observational data and the clear and logical theoretical model, his mentality suddenly changed from disdain to shock, and finally turned into a burst of heartfelt admiration mixed with jealousy.
This guy is simply a genius!
And the bravest one!
A long time ago, some magicians in the school made similar conjectures, deepening the connection between the two worlds by actively guiding the civilization in the virtual realm, 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, this Prince Colin not only dared to face the risk of the collapse of the virtual realm, he even accomplished it in one go!
Since His Highness Colin has proved that this road is feasible, then they only need to walk along the road he has walked again!
Merk has no doubt that he has thoroughly understood His Highness's paper and has refined it into an "outline" for the exploration of the virtual realm.
First of all, they must find a suitable spokesperson in the virtual realm. Then, they would give him absolute authority and power through "miracles." Then, build a unified religion based on this. In the end, the entire civilization will inevitably become the shape they expected, and they will be able to gain more benefits from this new world!
Perhaps sensing his strong hope, as the time behind the virtual realm accelerated, the opportunity he had been waiting for finally came.
That was a dying scavenger.
Perhaps due to exhaustion of physical strength, or perhaps accidentally hitting some terrible trap, he suddenly fell into the messy garbage pile. The gills composed of countless fine folds were gently beating in the thick poisonous mist, like a fish stranded on the shore.
When a person reaches his deathbed, his fate is uncannily similar to that of the civilization behind him. It is as if this hunched figure is the epitome of the entire Gray civilization.
He did not give up, still stretched out his hand, trying to crawl towards the outside of the garbage dump.
Even the unyielding and stubbornness are exactly the same as that of a civilization that is declining. He does not let go of any possibility of survival, struggling like countless wastelanders struggling in these ruins.
At the last moment of his life, in severe pain and despair, he let out the most primitive roar to the sky, venting his desire for survival.
It was this strong desire to survive that made him unexpectedly contact a "person" on the other side of the virtual realm who was also full of the desire to survive!
That is a high-level existence. He looks down at this declining world with wise eyes, just like the god of death who dominates all things.
"It's him!"
The moment he met the lowered eyes, Merck's eyes instantly glowed with a fanatical light, and he ordered the researchers to stop accelerating towards the virtual realm.
There is no doubt that this is the best object of intervention given to him by Saint Sith!
In this land full of despair, is there anyone more suitable to spread the gospel of the Holy Light than this dying poor creature?
He almost immediately selected this guy and decided to support him as his "god envoy", establish a new religion in the wasteland that worships the "extraterritorial savior", and forcibly turn this civilization struggling in material ruins onto the path of "spiritualism"!
Everything is just as His Highness Colin demonstrated to them!
Turning to face the teaching assistants who were also excited, he loudly ordered in an unquestionable, almost crazy tone, "Cure him! No, tell him my name first!"
"Then, give him life -"
"And the power he craves!"