Enigma: We don't have time. I'll spare you the technicalities and explain it straight.
He pops off the marker cap and draws a few lines on the board, exuding confidence with every stroke.
Enigma: Our biggest problem is the limit of the bloodline. Low-rank arcanists can't command high-rank arcane rituals, similar to how household appliances can't withstand what's beyond their designated voltage.
Enigma: In most cases, the caster can only use their own arcane circuits that run through their inherited bloodline.
Enigma: But what if the caster were in a special electric field? What if we used existing circuits on the outside and put the caster into a greater circuit?
Enigma: What if we factored in the entire planet and used the atmosphere to split the current flowing through us, by adding more appliances to the circuit?
Cryptography Lead: Don't be ridiculous, Adler! We are not household appliances!
The ferrofluid frowns, questioning the premises of Enigma's proposal.
Enigma: Hold on. Let me finish.
Lucy listens without a word, giving him some courage to go on.
He draws a big circle next to the little person on the board.
Enigma: 24 hours before the "Storm," the entire world is charged with abundant arcane energy. It becomes a space emanating pneuma, a cloud ready to discharge—a special electric field.
Enigma: Look at "asymmetrical nuclide R," the key to the "Storm" immunity, was inside the "Storm" all along.
Enigma: And look at how the Mandragora is the antidote to its own poison—the solution can be hidden in the question itself.
Enigma: The arcane energy a caster inherently lacks can be borrowed from the surroundings during the "Storm." We just need a way to induct that energy.
Enigma: And Laplace happens to have all the data for the calculations. The observation systems we've built over the past eight years have not been in vain!
Enigma: First, we derive a formula to determine the pneuma needed from the "Storm" based on the arcanist's lineage.
Enigma: Then, we'll design a converter to transform the external pneuma into what they can use—they will no longer be bound by their limits!
Enigma: With just one calculation and one conversion, we can turn anyone into a capable caster.
He excitedly stretches out his arms and ends his epic monologue.
It is a good thing that emotions cannot be read on an Awakened being's face.
Cryptography Lead: I knew I shouldn't have wasted my time listening to you. What are you saying, Adler?
Cryptography Lead: You made up a confusing story, then drew conclusions from it.
Enigma: The second part is purely theoretical, I admit. But the basis of my theory is correct, and I have read Medicine Pocket's paper.
Cryptography Lead: But arcanum is not electricity! You're too caught up in your excitement to remember the basics. You know nothing about arcanum.
Enigma: It's still a form of energy, yes? No one here knows what the "Storm" is, but we do know that it's a massive arcane energy field. We can harness it, much like arcanists use arrays to amplify their incantations.
Lucy: I see what Researcher Adler is trying to say. A creative solution indeed.
The director gets up from her chair and intervenes.
Cryptography Lead: But ma'am ...
Lucy: Do not worry, Ulrich. I also have noticed that humans could be smart and stupid at the same time. Perhaps that is why they need to have their work peer-reviewed.
Enigma: Uh, than ... ks ...?
She nods amicably, pleased that her recently improved interpersonal skills have come in handy.
Lucy: There is a type of electrophotography invented by Semyon Kirlian and his wife Valentina Kirlian in 1939. That depicts the energy field surrounding an object or body.
Lucy: It was later used by Laplace as a method of measuring arcane power, notably for the "Storm" observation systems.
Lucy: Through it, we are able to capture and measure the arcane "light" or "aura" that is invisible to the naked eye.
Wasting no more time on mediation, the robot comes to a conclusion.
Lucy: The plan of Researcher Adler is feasible. Laplace also has the technology to support it.
Lucy: We have the "Storm" observation stations, the capable casters, and the best mathematicians.
Lucy: Ulrich, please ask Ms. Titor to lead the calculations, then experiment outside the safe zone and record the Pneuma Constant needed for casting the incantation.
Lucy: And do not give the incantation to anyone. I doubt they can resist trying it.
Ulrich lets out a reluctant hum and leaves the room as instructed.
Lucy: Simone, please contact Researcher X. His "Balancing Helmet" could be the prototype for our converter.
Lucy: That helmet balances the energy field in and out of our bodies, and was once used to protect researchers working with dangerous arcane skills. We could boost its power and use it as a substitute for Adler's converter.
Lucy: But we should postpone their testing request until we have completed our experiments on the side effects.
Her assistant gives a quick nod and begins drafting the notice.
The tasks are quickly assigned to the right people in less than a minute.
Only one person seems to have been left out.
Enigma: What about me, ma'am? Should I go with the calculations team or help with the converter?
He takes a tentative step forward, curious about his role in this endeavor.
Lucy: Right. I wanted to talk about that.
Lucy: You have proven to us the value of human thoughts and perspectives. I am glad that your struggles with the bottle did not damage your brain, Adler.
Lucy: I am confident that your discoveries will save many lives in the "Storm" once implemented.
Enigma: The bottle? But it's been seven years ...
She just keeps on smiling.
Lucy: But you overlooked one thing in your plan.
Lucy: What about your people, the humans, who can never cast incantations?
An apt question.
Enigma: They were not included in the plan. I just came up with something that took the least steps to reach the desired outcome.
Enigma: To save humans, they'll have to rely on equipment. Only when we have better control over the ritual can we store it on arcane devices for mass production.
Lucy: Then you should go perfect it.
Enigma: Huh?
Enigma: We only have 16 hours and 30 minutes until the "Storm"! There's not enough time to ...
Lucy: The feasible part of your plan is in motion, and all of Laplace will provide the help we need. We will make it work.
Lucy: As for yourself, perfect your plan so we can save everyone, including the humans.
Lucy: And we only have 16 hours and 30 minutes to find the solution.
Enigma: ...
The directions are given—clear, precise, with no room for ambiguity.
Enigma: Understood. I will think of something.
Enigma: You're right about this one.
He turns and walks away with long, purposeful strides.
Behind Lucy, Simone has finished drafting.
Assistant Simone: There was no way he "overlooked" his own race.
Assistant Simone: Yet, he still gave up his own people and brought this plan to us.
Assistant Simone: Were we too hard on him?
Lucy: Were we?
She turns nonchalantly and sits back in her chair.
Lucy: But I made the right decision.
The internal line rings.
The assistant puts down the list of side effects and grabs the phone.
Assistant Simone: Yes? Yes. We will provide the tech support.
She ends the call with a grave expression on her face.
Assistant Simone: It was Zeno, ma'am.
Assistant Simone: They lost contact with Team Timekeeper three hours ago. They're asking us for tech support.
Assistant Simone: They have to make contact with the island immediately.
...
Sophia: ... Urrm ...
The mind sinks and floats in an ocean of lethargy.
A piece of driftwood would be well timed.
37: Don't worry, Sophia. It is just a game!
37: I won't be in there for long. You can wait for me on the beach if you want. Okay?
The wood dissolves into foam.
Sophia: No, 37, don't!
Sophia: ...!
She wakes up on a cold piece of rock.
Sophia: ...
Sophia: ... Where ... What happened?