Chapter 339: Theoretically Possible is Practically Impossible
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 339: Theoretically Possible is Practically Impossible
Peru's Juggernaut, the Golden Ark. The castle on infinite treads sailed across the sea of sand, advancing silently through the lands of the Fallen Dominion.
Fierce winds blew, but the steel behemoth did not sway. It crushed boulders with ease and ascended steep hills smoothly. The name "Golden Ark" was certainly fitting. Unlike an ocean, the earth had no waves, so nothing stood in the way of the Golden Ark's advance.
We, who were staying in a cabin below deck, enjoyed the most comfortable journey we'd ever had. Sitting in a chair, Tyr assessed the ride.
“It's smooth and quiet. I can't tell if I'm on a vehicle or sitting in a refined castle. Of all the wonders I've seen recently, this is my favorite.”
Though her expression barely changed, Peru seemed pleased as she replied.
“…Because of Displacement Travel.”
“Displacement Travel? Hu, what is that?”
Realizing Peru wasn't much for explanations, Tyr naturally turned the conversation to me. What does she think I am, some kind of vending machine that spits out answers? I don't know things that humans don't know.
Well, I do know this one, but only because I read Peru's mind.
“It's an ideal method of movement in alchemy, considered theoretically the best. Tyr, when you want to move quickly, the things in front of you become obstacles, right? Like the wind you push against or the stones you trip over.”
“Or sunlight.”
No, I don't think sunlight counts. Anyway.
“If you could use alchemy to deconstruct those obstacles the moment you touch them, then nothing would be able to block your path, would it? You could advance without any resistance.”
“Hmm. I suppose so.”
“Yes. And if you restored the deconstructed obstacles after passing them, they would effectively push you from behind, right? You could even recover the mana used for the deconstruction in the process.”
This was the alchemy-based technology conceived by a genius. Displacement Travel.
After pondering for a moment, Tyr understood the concept and clapped her hands.
“By that logic, you could advance over bare ground as if a tailwind were blowing!”
“Theoretically, you could even stroll through the earth. But that's only 'in theory'.”
As is true anywhere in the world, "theoretically possible" usually implies "practically impossible." If it were as easy as it sounds, it wouldn't be the stuff of legends.
“In reality, it takes time to deconstruct obstacles with alchemy. If you don't do it properly, the mana residue itself becomes an obstacle. And no matter how perfectly you reconstruct things, you can never recover 100% of the mana you spent. It's next to impossible.”
“Next to impossible means it's not entirely impossible, right?”
“I've heard rumors of Dholes who use Displacement Travel to move underground. They're called Moles instead of Dholes, apparently. But it's so slow compared to the theory that it's only useful for ambushing sleeping targets. If it's that hard for a human body, how could you possibly build a device that does it? No way.”
As I declared this, Tyr tilted her head and asked.
“But she did it.”
“Huh?”
Right. How did she do it?
Even with her Unique Magic, it's a power that disintegrates matter. It's not a universal skill like alchemy, but a very limited ability that only Peru possesses. To apply that ability to a Juggernaut this massive…?
There's no way to explain it. Is she even human? Even I, the King of Humans, can't fathom it. What kind of monster is she?
“This, too, must be the majesty of the Golden Lord.”
“…Mm.”
Hearing my words, Peru let out a small, satisfied puff of air through her nose. I wasn't exactly praising you, so why are you so smug? Have you become one with the Golden Lord? Do you consider praise for him to be praise for yourself?
“Hmph! This is cheating!”
And then there's the one who takes praise for the Fallen Dominion as an insult to the Military State, and thus an insult to herself. Hilde stomped her feet, expressing her displeasure.
“They don't even know the structure of this Juggernaut. They have no idea how it works! They're just using it because the Golden Lord gave it to them! Unlike the Military State's Cataphracts, there's no blood, sweat, or tears in this Juggernaut!”
“…This, too, is the majesty of the Golden Lord.”
You really like that phrase, don't you? Using it right away.
Thoroughly irritated, Hilde grumbled.
“Oh, you're so great!”
Thump. Hilde infused her stomp with a bit of Qi and frustration. It was a kick with clear destructive intent, but the Juggernaut didn't even dent, let alone break.
This, too, must be the majesty of the Golden Lord. Yep.
“Tch! This won't do. 'I' have to show them the majesty of the Military State!”
“Does the Military State have anything to show? Surely you're not planning a demonstration of the Standard Qi Art, are you? Just a word of advice, that's nothing to be proud of. The more you do it, the more you lower your nation's dignity.”
“Hmph, do you think 'I'm' some old general? Of course not! Father, you just keep your mouth shut!”
Hilde, still fuming, suddenly seemed to remember something and pointed upward.
“Oh, right. Peru, I saw Azzy chasing your horse on the deck.”
“…Ah.”
Peru's horse, Aurea, lived in a small pasture created on the deck, grazing on grass. Until now, Aurea had lived a comfortable and pleasant life on this moving patch of land, but with Azzy around, she was constantly being harassed.
Whenever Azzy had a chance, she would try to herd the horse, barking left and right as if to train it. The timid Aurea would cry out mournfully, and each time, Peru had to go up and pull Azzy away. After all, Azzy was quite obedient to humans, no matter who they were.
“…I'll be back.”
Having received the tip from Hilde, Peru quickly opened the door and went up to the deck. Hilde gave her a mischievous smile, then muffled her footsteps and stealthily followed.
A moment later.
'Peru' returned, trudging back in. With a bewildered look, 'Peru' glanced around and asked.
“…The liar. Where is she?”
Tyr, puzzled by the sudden question, answered.
“A liar? I don't know who you're talking about.”
“…Aurea. She's just grazing.”
“If you mean Hilde, she followed you up just a moment ago. Didn't you see her?”
“…No.”
“She must be planning some mischief. She's as playful as Hughes, that one.”
“Why are you looking at me? I played no part in the formation of Hilde's personality. There's a limit to responsibility without pleasure.”
She's not my real daughter. As I was making this not-quite-an-excuse, the door to the deck opened again. All eyes turned to the doorway, where Peru walked in with a sullen expression.
“…The liar. Where is—”
Peru and 'Peru' came face to face.
Peru's face turned pale. Similarly, 'Peru' looked startled, then began to tremble as if frightened. The two stared at each other warily, like cats with their backs arched.
“…What is this?”
“…Who are you?”
An unprecedented situation: two of the same person. However, Tyr, who had already experienced Hilde's Transformation Art, quickly realized what was happening.
“Just as I thought, a prank. Is it that again? Your Transformation Art?”
“…Transformation… Art?”
“…You transformed into me?”
Finally understanding, Peru relaxed a little and began to scrutinize the other her from head to toe. Her face, clothes, even her height and build were a perfect match. It was as if every observable detail had been copied exactly.
It wasn't a technique that had reached the level of an Axiom, but it was close. It was impressive enough to be admirable… but Peru showed more revulsion than anything else.
‘…It can't be. You can't make a homunculus of a Primarch. I know that. I know, but….’
A homunculus?
Haha. What nonsense. The concept of a homunculus is even more impossible than Displacement Travel. The reason even a master like Hilde can't replicate the Li is because transformation can't read a person's mind.
So how could she perfectly replicate a person? It's impossible. Why is she seriously worrying about something that only appears in old tales….
Wait, don't tell me. Is this also the majesty of the Golden Lord?
Ahem. This is no time for that. Hilde's prank is seriously upsetting Peru. If it were me, I would have read her mind and walked the tightrope, but Hilde can't do that.
“Sigh. Hilde, stop it and reveal yourself. You shouldn't play pranks like that on people you're not close with yet.”
At that, 'Peru's' eyes widened as she asked.
“…You know who I am?”
“Don't play dumb. The one who just spoke is Hilde.”
“…How?”
Is she going to keep feigning ignorance until she's convinced? I knew because of my mind-reading, but if she wants a plausible explanation, I'll give her one.
“I'll tell you why. First, Hilde left after Peru. And after transforming, the two of you didn't run into each other. By simple logic, that means Hilde must be between the real Peru and this room.”
“…But, I could have hidden somewhere in between.”
“Second, your intention was to surprise Peru, right? Logically, it's more shocking to walk in and find another 'you' already there than it is to have another 'you' walk in from outside.”
“That's just circumstantial.”
“It doesn't matter if I can't prove it. A plausible explanation is enough. Besides, you're not drawing out your words anymore.”
'Peru's' expression became more varied. Her original blank face puffed out its cheeks in annoyance, and soon she was grumbling and kicking the floor petulantly. In a moment, her appearance had changed back to Hilde's.
“Seriously! This is why I told you to keep your mouth shut, Father!”
“I heard you. I just didn't listen.”
“You're the worst! Stealing one of 'my' few pleasures!”
That's a lie. Transformation is one of Hilde's few pleasures, that much is true, but her purpose is the opposite of what she implies.
Hilde doesn't transform to avoid being discovered, but because she wants to be discovered. Even when she transforms, she hopes someone will recognize her immediately.
I'm giving her what she wants, so why is she grumbling? She should just be happy about it…. No, wait, maybe she is happy right now.
“Why don't you just admit it? I can easily see through your disguises. To a magician who deals with the psyche, a transformation that only mimics appearances is as easy to see through as the palm of my hand.”
As I boasted, Tyr gave a small clap in agreement.
“As expected of you, Hu. I haven't known Peru for long, so I had no idea, but you saw through it in an instant.”
“Oh? Tyrkanzyaka? You say that as if you could have figured it out if you'd known her longer.”
Unable to let that slide, Hilde challenged her. Tyr calmly met her challenge with a smile and replied.
“Of course. After all the time I've known you, how could I not?”
“You didn't know when 'I' turned into Father last time, but you're so confident now?”
“I was suspicious then, too. I simply didn't make a hasty judgment because I was unaware of your ability. Now that I know what you can do, it's as clear as day.”
“Heeh. Is that so? But what are you going to do? 'I've' gotten to know you better, too.”
Crackle. Sparks flew between the two women. Hilde lifted her chin defiantly and declared.
“Let's have a contest! Go on, try to see through 'my' transformations!”
“Show me all the tricks you want. It will make the journey less dull.”
As the two glared at each other, Peru watched their squabble with a look of disbelief.
‘…What are they doing in someone else's house?’