The classroom is as usual, with the same mathematics being taught.
And the same teacher.
37: ...
37: So, what exactly are you confused about?
Her confusion is evident.
Diggers: Peace and love.
He mutters, his mind far away from the numbers on the board.
One of the Manus followers raises a hand.
Manus Follower I: Why can π be an infinite, non-repeating decimal and also represent a precise angle?
Manus Follower I: According to your logic, doesn't that violate the law of excluded middle?
37: Ah, a flawed argument.
37: The premise for using the law of excluded middle is that the two concepts are mutually exclusive. But decimals and angles are not dichotomous concepts.
37: A circle's angle follows its own rules, so it's reasonable that 180° equals π.
37: Still, the fact that you're attempting to use logic to solve these problems is a significant step forward!
Manus Follower II: I don't ... understand.
37: Hmm.
She reviews the steps in the reasoning.
37: It's a clear explanation, rudimentary even. What is there not to understand?
Diggers: Yeah, isn't it clear enough already?
His outburst isn't particularly loud, but still draws the attention of the others.
The not-so-eloquent follower glances at him, then responds to 37's words.
Manus Follower II: I just ... don't understand ... anything.
37: ...
37: Very well. I'll start again from the beginning.
37: Let's take another look at the problem. It asks us to calculate the area of the shadow!
37: The area of a plane figure can be reduced to an accumulation of definite integrals.
37: We can establish a system, set shadow area as S, then write out the formula.
37: <sprite=7>
37: This is the most straightforward method!
37: However, this solution does lose the elegance of geometry. Even though it's correct, I don't find it to be a good process.
Diggers: Process …
Diggers: Yes, people won't believe an answer without a good process.
Diggers: Just like how "peace and love," without actions to live up to the words, is just an empty slogan.
He admits it reluctantly.
37: As for solving this problem ...
37's demonstration is interrupted by someone approaching through the stone-lined halls.
Island Believer I: 37, the leader is looking for you, for Apeiron's Trial.
37: But I'm in the middle of …
Island Believer I: Don't worry. I'll take over teaching these irrational numbers.
After 37 leaves, her replacement immediately puts on a stern face—clearly, he is not fond of outsiders.
He glances around, then walks over to a corner and begins studying the scroll in his hand.
Manus Follower I: It seems like he has no intention of continuing the lesson.
The man whispers.
Manus Follower II: It's ... too hard.
Manus Follower I: It's just about circumference and radius.
He sketches the figure out on scrap paper and begins pondering over it.
Manus Follower II: ...
She extends her pen and draws a large × over the figure. Then, she writes a message to him.
Manus Follower II: <speed=0.6>"Stop studying. Let's talk about our escape."
Manus Follower I: Oh, right!
He sets aside the figures and numbers.
Manus Follower I: <speed=0.6>"The question is how to escape? We know almost nothing about this island!"
Manus Follower II: <speed=0.6>"I discovered the route where 6 takes his walks. I planted a bomb there. Once it goes off, we can get out of this place."
Manus Follower I: <speed=0.6>"Where in the world did you get a bomb?"
Manus Follower II: <speed=0.6>"I made it."
The man shoots a skeptical look at her.
The sound of writing continues.
Manus Follower I: <speed=0.6>"Look, all I'm saying is you copy your homework from me, and making a bomb is way harder than trigonometry!"
Manus Follower II: <speed=0.6>"It just hasn't been triggered yet."
The man shakes his head.
The writing becomes more frantic.
Manus Follower I: <speed=0.6>"Instead of trusting in a bomb, here's a better idea. Let's jump the leader while he's out for a walk."
Manus Follower I: <speed=0.6>"Trust me. Before joining Manus, that was basically my main source of income."
Manus Follower I: <speed=0.6>"Besides, fate is clearly on our side. How else can you explain what happened to me this morning?"
Manus Follower I: <speed=0.6>"I found a Browning pistol on the beach."
Diggers: No—
Manus Follower I: Quiet! You idiot!
Diggers: That Browning is …
Island Believer I: Browning?
The island believer, who has been flipping through a scroll, looks up in surprise.
Manus Follower I: No, no, it's a type of dessert called a brownie.
The island believer approaches them and takes the scribbled note.
Then, a puzzled expression crosses his face.
Island Believer I: A bomb?
Living in seclusion, far from conflict, they have completely forgotten words associated with violence.
Island Believer I: And what are you planning to do while our leader is out for his walk?
Manus Follower I: ...
Manus Follower I: I heard that 6 is a number representing balance.
Manus Follower I: So, uh …
He struggles to find something fitting to say about numbers, but his limited vocabulary fails him.
Manus Follower I: So, we want to go for a walk with him.
Diggers: According to your theory, 6 symbolizes harmony, and we happen to need more peace in our lives.
Diggers: Still, maybe we should be concerned about the leader's mental health, too.
Diggers: People often walk to relieve stress. If someone is always walking around alone, it could be that there is something making them feel powerless.
Diggers: Like an artist trying to learn mathematics.
The island believer gives him a knowing smile.
Island Believer I: Is that so?
Island Believer I: I'm curious, how have you discovered these insights into human nature without a proper mathematical foundation?
Island Believer I: Your spirit of exploration is commendable, but without the guidance of Truth, all exploration is fruitlessly cyclical.
Island Believer I: In order to help you better bask in the light of Truth,
Island Believer I: I believe we must extend today's math lesson.
A damp, dark cell.
Manus Follower I: If he's a number, he's definitely a really annoying one. I never want to study math again.
Manus Follower II: Me neither. My head ... hurts.
Diggers: I think the dream bubble isn't the solution to our problems. It might just be a fleeting fantasy.
Diggers: But, if we don't use the dream bubble, how can we show everyone that beautiful world?
Diggers: I don't know what to do.
His musings catch the attention of his companions.
Manus Follower I: What are you talking about now?
Manus Follower I: Come up with any creative ideas for escaping this place?
Diggers: ...
He realizes something.
Perhaps "peace and love" would never convince these people. After all, that has never been the creed of Manus Vindictae.
Diggers: Hmm.
A flash of insight.
Diggers: We're forbidden from using arcane skills, and it's not appropriate to resort to violence.
Diggers: But when I was at the beach, I saw remnants of boats and geometric structures.
Diggers: It seems that, years ago, they attempted to leave.
Diggers: So, they can't be completely disengaged from the world.
He falls deep into thought.
Diggers: The first thing we need to do is disguise ourselves as the island's inhabitants to find a way out.
