Chapter 36: Flaws In Theory

Smack! Smack!

Arthur and Jake moved their hands at terrifying speeds, smacking the pieces of chalk away before they collided with their faces. The class turned silent, and the peanut gallery hurriedly turned away from Jake.

“Mr. Garcia, Mr. Solace, would you mind paying attention to the lecture?” Mr. Slevonio asked politely, yet behind his words lay tremendous disdain. “Or, are you too intelligent for me, a lowly teacher.”

“No, Mr. Slevonio,” Jake said quietly, providing his undistributed attention to the brown-bearded teacher.

“And you, Mr. Solace?”

“I can find three faults in your theory, Mr. Slevonio,” Arthur stated proudly. “If I can, you have to allow Jake and I to pass with top grades without attending class after this day. How about it?”

The class remained silent, and many murmured among themselves. Whispers of insults and condemnation revolved around the class, as some challenged Arthur’s ability to find faults in Mr. Slevonio’s theory.

Mr. Slevonio was one of the top scientists of the planet, and only taught in Arcadia for pleasure. In fact, his earnings exceeded even the principal of Arcadia Academy because of his work in the field of mana theory.

In a world where mana theory was not as advanced as in Heaven’s Spire or other worlds, Mr. Slevonio paved the way for this civilization. He established buildings and monuments that borrowed from the vitality of the world.

With such a massive contribution towards development and advancement, Mr. Slevonio, also known as Flecker Slevonio, was regarded with much respect. His creations, inventions, and theories were not doubted.

But that was the problem.

Theories, in a literal sense, were established to condemn. Theories were simply ideas that were supposed to be criticized until a definite answer surfaced. If one did not question theories, they became delusions.

It was like “The Static Universe Theory,” by Albert Einstein.

It stated the universe was in a static state, unable to move. However, through constant criticism and scrutinization, it was debunked. In reality, the universe is always expanding, which directly contradicts Einstein’s theory.

If Flecker Slevonio, a mana science genius, wasn’t questioned, his theories were merely the ideas of a senile old man.

But the residents of the planet were too absorbed in his deeds to question him.

Listening to Arthur’s brazen words, Flecker couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Although the crimson-eyed was barely an adult, the confidence in his eyes and the willingness to challenge an idea he forged.

“Sure, Mr. Solace,” said Flecker. “If you can find three faults, you and Mr. Garcia will pass with flying colors without the need to attend class. If you can debunk the entire theory by finding fault in its main idea, I will willingly become your disciple. But if you fail to do so, you will have to come to class an hour early and leave an hour late every day.”

“Deal,” said Arthur, stepping forward towards the chalkboard. A variety of complex magic circles encompassed the chalkboard.

The students scratched their heads in confusion. Most of them didn’t even understand the theory, but Arthur wanted to find faults in it? Even Jake watched intently, wondering what the crimson-eyed man would change.

The theory Flecker was renowned for was named “The Mana Refinement Theory.”

The Mana Refinement Theory stated that mana was a liquid-like substance that remained pure within nature. However, as it entered the bodies of humans, it was contaminated by bodily fluids. Our usage was based upon its purification as it exited our bodies.

Also, the theory stated that not everything was created using mana. Since objects were wood or metal did not conduct mana, they couldn’t be created using mana.

Finally, his theory stated that higher forms of spells required a higher purity of mana to cast. Unless one could properly baptize their body to support such pure mana without contaminating it, they could not cast higher level spells.

“Mr. Slevonio,” said Arthur. “Mana is actually always pure, unless mixed with a certain affinity of nature. Such as, flame spells cause mana to become impure. Still, it doesn’t lose its destructive capability and simply merges with the force of nature.”

“Proof, Mr. Solace.”

“Did you prove a single thing to the public when making this theory?” Arthur asked, letting out a chuckle. “Anyway, as for proof, mana has cleansing properties. Instead of assuming its purity using non-visible sources, try applying mana to an injury.”

“What does that prove?”

“That mana can cause mitosis without infecting the cells of one’s body due to its ‘impurity’ in a human body, something you stated. If it can heal a wound using mitosis without infecting the cell, I guess I’ve pointed out one fault.”

Flecker sighed before putting the number ‘1’ on the chalkboard. The students gasped, as they’d been taught not to question Mr. Slevonio, the genius in mana theory.

“For the second flaw, you said not everything is made of mana because it doesn’t conduct it. Well, it is. Referring back to my previous statement, we can say that mitosis is possible through mana, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Mitosis is replication of DNA, which is bundled into chromosomes before the PMAT process. It deals with cells, which are the smallest components of your body except, of course, atoms and organelles and those sorts of things. Since mana can directly influence cells in mitosis, doesn’t that mean mana can seep into objects even if they don’t conduct mana? Since that’s the case, metal could be made out of mana. It simply doesn’t conduct it well enough.”

Flecker wrote a ‘2’ on the chalkboard.

“Now, the third flaw. In your statement earlier, you said that higher level spells cannot be casted unless one has a baptized, pure body. That…”

Arthur’s words faded as he realized a crucial detail. He couldn’t cast higher-level spells yet, and neither could anyone in the classroom. Even Mr. Slevonio was quite weak and only gained fame due to his intelligence.

“I need a person capable of casting higher-level spells.”

“Can’t you just explain using theory?” Flecker asked, raising an eyebrow. “You did so in your previous explanations. Also, all people capable of using higher-level spells have strong enough bodies to do so.”

“Then I can explain why they don’t need them if you can summon one of them.”

“Why do you need to summon them if you can explain the fundamentals behind it? Plus, none of them are present at school right now.”

Arthur gritted his teeth, but he knew Flecker was not being unfair. Higher-level spell casters were incredibly rare, and barely ten or fifteen of them existed on the planet. They were all former rankers, players who climbed until the 50th floor.

“Then… I cannot find a third flaw.”

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