Fate: Hero of Justice Takeover-Chapter 207: [] The Conception of a New Magecraft

[Imaginary Numbers: One of the unique magical properties.]

[Objects that fall into it become unbound by space or time.]

[The most terrifying aspect of Imaginary Number magi is their ability to banish. Once sealed into an Imaginary Number space, escape is extremely difficult.]

[It is said that mythical spirits and the Primordial Mother slumber within the Imaginary Number space, but no Imaginary Number magus has ever encountered them.]

...

[In scientific engineering, problems that cannot be solved in the real domain are often transformed and solved in other spaces. The most typical examples are Fourier transforms, Laplace transforms, and Z transforms.]

[In the realm of magecraft, problems that cannot be solved in the real domain are also mapped into the Imaginary Number domain. Since the meaning of vectors changes here, it is necessary to use other means, such as fate, for positioning.]

Hmm?

Seeing this statement, which stood out like a Bengal leopard cat among a group of Persian cats, Sakatsuki raised an eyebrow and instinctively flipped the book to the first page.

The newly printed paper carried the scent of ink, and on the clean cover, the name "Lord El-Melloi II" was prominently displayed.

Without a doubt, such a title was a direct challenge to Sakatsuki, the "acting head of the El-Melloi family." Once this book became widely known, Sakatsuki's authority would suffer a significant blow.

"Oh, so the groundwork is already being laid? No, it's more than that. Suddenly delving into Imaginary Number magecraft is probably because of my performance in the Holy Grail War, right? Whether it's to report back to Reines or to repay the favor I owe... Hehe, then I won't hold back."

However, instead of being angered by the threat, Sakatsuki became intrigued. He temporarily stepped away from the ocean of knowledge on Imaginary Number magecraft and quickly walked over to the librarian.

"L-Lord El-Melloi..." The librarian, who was at least of the Fes rank, swallowed hard and spoke with difficulty, "How may I assist you?"

"Take it easy." Sakatsuki flashed a harmless smile. "Could you gather all the recent academic research and books published by 'Lord El-Melloi II' for me? Thank you."

Sakatsuki's reasoning was simple: this was the future Lord El-Melloi II, also known as Zhuge Liang, and Waver's "Discerning Eye" was invaluable. Naturally, he couldn't afford to miss this opportunity.

However, while Sakatsuki thought it was straightforward, to outsiders, it was anything but.

The previously bustling top-floor archive fell into a deathly silence. The high-ranking family heads held their breaths, exchanging cautious glances, all seeing the same thought in each other's eyes.

The El-Melloi family is about to face another storm...

Unconcerned with their trivial thoughts, Sakatsuki took the papers from the trembling librarian and eagerly began flipping through them.

[Transposition Magecraft: ...Although a basic magecraft, I had the fortune of witnessing an instance of this magecraft that surpassed common sense in both scale and precision, allowing for further discussion... Its drawback is the need for a target and a high dependency, while also placing a significant demand on mental energy...]

[Projection Magecraft: ...A basic magecraft, but there are those who have mastered it to an extraordinary degree... While less versatile than Transposition Magecraft, it can 'create something out of nothing,' complementing Transposition Magecraft perfectly...]

[Imaginary Number Magecraft: ...The magecraft of the imaginary holds infinite possibilities. It can even 'seal' phantasmal species that are otherwise unsummonable into the endless Imaginary Number space, effectively achieving 'summoning and utilization'...]

Lost in his reading, Sakatsuki didn't notice the shadow behind him gradually creeping closer. A horned beast-like shadow perched on his shoulder, also peering at the incisive analysis in the book, sometimes raising its head in disdain or nodding slightly in thought.

To the other magi, this bizarre sight would likely only deepen their awe of the young family head's peculiar nature.

At the same time, Sakatsuki happened upon the most fascinating section.

Compared to the basic magecraft he had been studying, Waver's understanding of Imaginary Number magecraft was far deeper:

[...Imaginary Number magecraft is like an inverted mirror, reflecting a world opposite to the material reality. Once its principles are understood, the possibilities for its use become apparent...]

[For example, projecting an object into the Imaginary Number world, reflecting its image, and then restoring it through magecraft can achieve effects similar to a 'substitution curse'...]

Waver's words struck Sakatsuki like a thunderbolt. The days of study, contemplation, and deduction finally bore fruit, filling him with an exhilarating sense of clarity.

Combining these theories with my own ideas, if successful... the resulting magecraft will be unprecedentedly precise!

Sakatsuki instinctively rubbed his arm, feeling the fine tremors rising on his skin.

"You seem quite surprised, young man—or should I say, Lord El-Melloi." A voice abruptly interrupted Sakatsuki's thoughts.

The white-haired young man narrowed his golden eyes in displeasure and turned to see a disheveled old man with sunglasses, scrutinizing him with a sharp smile.

"...Rocco Belfeban, head of the Summoning Department, a subordinate organization of the Spiritual Evocation Department."

Rocco Belfeban.

An old magus affiliated with the Spiritual Evocation Department, the same department as Kayneth's fiancée. In the world of 'Fate/Apocrypha,' he entrusted the role of Master to Kairi Sisigou, who extorted an invaluable hydra specimen from him.

Although the alternate Holy Grail Wars had yet to run rampant in this world, and the Summoning Department wasn't highly regarded, his status as a "Lord Proxy" was still not to be underestimated. In a sense, it was on par with Sakatsuki's own position.

His arrival also signaled that the head of the Spiritual Evocation Department, Kayneth's father-in-law, Lord Rufleus, had finally lost his patience.

As this information flashed through his mind, Sakatsuki tapped the table, impatiently cutting off Belfeban before he could speak.

"I have nothing to say to you. Only a Lord has the right to speak with me. Besides, I'm busy figuring out how to handle the 'Golden Apple.' I don't have time to deal with the mess left behind by the previous Lord El-Melloi."

As soon as these words left his mouth, many in the room turned to look at the young man with disbelief.

The Golden Apple?!

That famous treasure from Greek mythology, the ultimate prize sought by three goddesses?

Time itself represents mystery, let alone something as well-known as the Golden Apple.

And now, this young Lord claimed he was handling the Golden Apple, which meant... he actually possessed such a mythical object!

Was it youthful arrogance, or the recklessness of ignorance?

This was a relic from the Age of Gods, equivalent in value to a hydra specimen—if not more precious! It was a treasure worth fighting tooth and nail for, even if it meant breaking all decorum!

Immediately, some put down their books and quietly left the archive. Belfeban, too, was stunned for a long moment before forcing a smile and nodding. "In that case, I won't disturb you any further, Lord. Let's talk another time."

"See you." Sakatsuki didn't even look up, continuing to flip through the book.

After Belfeban left, no one else bothered him. Sakatsuki stayed until dusk before leaving the library.

Under the watchful eyes of many, he returned home, where two people were already waiting for him. The moment he stepped through the door, he was met with a barrage of complaints.

"What are you doing, Sakatsuki?" Waver, or rather, the newly appointed Lord El-Melloi II, looked as if he had a stomachache. "This is the Golden Apple! Do you think the Clock Tower is some kind of harmonious academic organization? Forget about the magi from the Botany Department going crazy over this—even Lord Atroholm of the Creation Department, one of the three great noble families, wouldn't be able to resist the allure of the Golden Apple, the very symbol of beauty!"

"There's going to be a big fight tonight, isn't there? Ah, if people find out that Lord El-Melloi II and the acting head of the El-Melloi family are together, it's going to be quite the scene... cough cough!"

"You're coughing up blood and still came here to watch the show, Melvin!" Waver was shocked.

"Of course! We're best friends, aren't we? Even if I can't save you, I can at least collect your body. Besides..." The tuner, clutching a handkerchief, mumbled, "Sakatsuki told me he's going to create a new magecraft tonight."

"Isn't that why you're here too, Waver?"

***

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