Chapter 411: The Vast Prospects of Extraordinary Knowledge
After telling the headmaster about all my recent experiences in meticulous detail, she fell into deep thought.
But I didn’t tell her about my hunch that this extraordinary item connected to Qi Ruxin might be Extraordinary Knowledge. Instead, I simply talked about its connection with destiny. However, just guessing and describing these things wasn’t enough for the headmaster to offer any constructive suggestions; after all, these were mostly subjective understandings.
What I emphasized more was the existence of the Excavators.
Earlier, the headmaster had told me that those Abyss Demons wouldn’t hand out freebies unless forced. This small world was most likely a trap, and it was probably the work of these Excavators.
Have you noticed how these Excavators have already subdued the demons in this small world, preventing them from causing catastrophic damage?
The headmaster then said that the higher-ups among the Abyss Demons were more worried about the existence of these Excavators.
“Using games to drive people from their world to invade this one? What an interesting idea.”
“Can your academy accomplish something like this, headmaster?” I asked tentatively. After all, this clearly seemed like a tech-side operation, but it carried the essence of extraordinary information. So, this behind-the-scenes civilization was probably a terrifying fusion of technology and extraordinary advancement.
“Hmm… How should I put it? Strength is strength, and technique is technique. You can’t measure technique with some simple rating system. Obviously, these Excavators’ arrival involved a sophisticated series of techniques. To be frank, we can’t replicate their level of skill, because it’s unrelated to our power.”
“We can’t do it?!” Hearing this from the headmaster shocked me too.
“You’re surprised? If done similarly, many scholar witches in the Witch Academy could achieve mass consciousness transfers, but this Excavator did it through another method.”
“Another way?” I looked at the headmaster with confusion.
“It’s true that we could replicate some aspects, but it’d be a thankless task for us. However, you must realize that progress often happens in unexpected ways. So, this widespread game culture in this world or civilization likely resulted from a compromise. And what could make them compromise? The skills they possess maximize their potential.”
“So that’s it?” I nodded, yet still unsure.
“Confused? Let’s suppose, if the guiding force behind their development was Extraordinary Knowledge, and they used tech to decipher this knowledge and achieved this method. What do you think?”
“Extraordinary Knowledge?!” The bold hypothesis shocked me initially, but gradually I found it quite plausible. Sure enough, Extraordinary Knowledge really could explain everything.
“Yes, remember I mentioned Extraordinary Knowledge can be used not just for making Great Spellbooks? Witches choose magic because their true editing tech leverages Extraordinary Knowledge effectively. Other worlds and races can also use their own unique methods to harness this knowledge. Tech can parse Extraordinary Knowledge as long as it touches upon the extraordinary domain.”
“I get it,” I said, nodding. Even without the headmaster’s explanation, I understood it generally.
An unknown civilization had somehow obtained Extraordinary Knowledge, shaping its development path. While natural to them, it seemed bizarre from our perspective. If seen as a whole civilization driven by a development system, with various tech as derived spells, the entire civilization would be akin to a Great Spellbook, a massive tome in motion.
And creating a Great Spellbook? Wouldn’t that require colliding ideas from many minds? Perhaps it wasn’t as perfect as a civilization’s long-term growth, but like spellbooks, it has derivative sequences and can evolve continuously.
In this moment, I gained a new understanding and respect for Great Spellbooks, recognizing their worth!
“You seem to have figured something out,” the headmaster remarked when she saw my reaction, waiting until I snapped back to reality before asking with a smile.
“Hmm…” I quickly turned to the headmaster.
“Would you mind sharing your thoughts? Your thinking is so dynamic. We old witches envy you youngsters’ sharp minds.”
“Huh? Stronger beings aren’t expected to be less imaginative…”
“But it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t stop us from admiring your creativity. If there’s something you can’t share, you don’t need to.”
“Well, it’s just that… isn’t a maximized Great Spellbook somewhat on par with a civilization developed to the max using Extraordinary Knowledge? And wouldn’t a civilization built upon a Great Spellbook fundamentally be a version of a Great Spellbook itself?”
“What an intriguing comparison. In any form, it’s essentially the application of Extraordinary Knowledge. The broader the scope, the greater the return,” the headmaster replied, her eyes flashing with surprise, even a hint of astonishment. She then explained a lot of things, though not giving a definitive answer.
In the end, it all boiled down to the same thing.
But hearing this reminded me of that small world where Qi Ruxin resided, with its unique plant technology and earth energy applications. Could this also reflect Extraordinary Knowledge at play?
The instant this idea took root, every piece of evidence within my head started proving my theory was correct!
Destiny shaped extraordinary items by affecting the fate of individuals…
An extraordinary item possibly formed by Extraordinary Knowledge…
Qi Ruxin, the favored one, endured the side effects of the extraordinary item without reaping its benefits…
And the unknown name of the item, “Rampant Plant’s Tear,” along with plant technology.
Thinking about this made me instinctively swallow hard…
“Looks like you’ve had another insight,” the headmaster observed, seeing me lost in thought and displaying shock moments later. She didn’t push further, not wanting to be overly confrontational.
“Uh…” I nodded. Such considerate teachers were the best.
I breathed a sigh of relief too—lying outright to the headmaster would have been tough.
Moreover, there was a bit of my selfishness at play. Not because I desired that Extraordinary Knowledge, but for Qi Ruxin’s peace of mind. Even if I wanted it, she wouldn’t be able to keep it if the item was linked to destiny. But, I just wanted Qi Ruxin to retain her rightful belongings, and I didn’t know how the academy would handle such a situation.
However, realizing this, I suddenly understood a crucial point: the miniature world would eventually merge with the main world, and Qi Ruxin would join us. There was no changing this fact.
At that moment, I felt clearer. Sharing the secret with the headmaster earlier might have been the right choice.
Hesitating and being indecisive made my decision difficult, but grasping the core question made the choice easier. Wasn’t the key point who mattered to me? The supportive headmaster, despite occasional trickiness, or the unlucky girl I’d known for a few days?
Certainly, it was the headmaster.
Besides, wouldn’t helping Qi Ruxin break free be good for her?
This wasn’t betrayal from her perspective; it was just my personal viewpoint. I shouldn’t impose my beliefs on others.
“Can I share something, headmaster?” I finally made up my mind, lifting my head to look at her.
“Ah, sure, I’m always ready to listen.” Mei Linde’s eyes flashed with surprise but quickly hid it, followed by eagerness since anything that prompted Xiao Han to take action intrigued her.
“In fact, I’ve guessed something too. I mentioned how the technology in that world seemed odd—plant tech, information era based on a Plant Network. Could this world’s technological development also be influenced by Extraordinary Knowledge? And these invaders, calling themselves Excavators, perhaps refer to uncovering this Extraordinary Knowledge?”
“Astonishing! You thought of that?” The headmaster’s eyes sparkled with admiration.
“The headmaster had guessed it?” I was surprised.
“Just had the notion; it hit me when you mentioned plant tech.”
“What’s the academy’s stance toward this Extraordinary Knowledge?”
“Naturally, we’re determined to obtain it.” She smiled, “Seems you’re making some smart guesses yourself?”
“Yeah…” Hearing this left me a little disappointed. Of course, who’d give up such precious knowledge?
“Go on. Given what you seem to think, the Extraordinary Knowledge will go to those who deserve it. The academy wants it desperately, but without specifying who’ll take it. Aren’t you part of the academy?”
“Huh? Me? Wait, not that—I mean, if I wanted it, I couldn’t hold onto it, not with Qi Ruxin needing it!”
“Ha… no need to explain. Either way, why justify when you can’t clarify? Regardless of you or Qi Ruxin, keeping what’s hers simply means she’s part of the academy.”
“Huh?!” My eyes widened in disbelief.
“Why the ‘huh’? Does the academy seem so awful? Just take what you can seize, and witches follow rules too. Oh, reminder: you might encounter other Exceptional Witches and heads at the academy next month.”
The headmistress approached with her teacup, setting it aside and watching me leave quietly, barely concealing a smile as she rearranged a dessert plate.
—
Looking back now, I felt a renewed sense of purpose!
