Chapter 241 – Answer

The test of intellect had begun. The Projection had given only five minutes, and within this timeframe, Punk had to deduce the answer to this massive problem.

Fortunately, as a Formal-Level powerhouse, Punk’s memory was formidable enough to be considered photographic. Even though the Projection spoke rapidly, he remembered every single word of the question clearly.

The key to this logic puzzle lay in the exchange relationships between the coins, with the buying and selling processes of the four characters serving as the core clues. Punk needed to consider not just calculations but, more importantly, a logical understanding. At the same time, he had to avoid trapping himself in dead ends, steering clear of any mental blind spots to ensure he could arrive at the answer within three minutes.

Truth be told, only someone like Punk could calmly ponder such a thing. An ordinary mage would have long been confused by copper coins, silver coins, iron coins, and the like—whether they could even remain calm was uncertain, let alone think through it in such a short time.

Even Punk spent a full two minutes thinking it over. During this time, he showed no signs of panic, as he had great confidence in his cognitive abilities—what one might call intellect.

Back when Punk was a high school student on Earth, he had enjoyed pondering logic puzzles. So he knew that these seemingly complex and lengthy problems were often much easier than short, sharp brainteasers. At the very least, the abundance of statements provided ample clues. Though these clues might appear tangled and possibly include misleading information, they were still traceable and far more reliable than mere guesswork. When faced with a wall of text, one must not panic. Filtering through the clues word by word could yield significant insights.

The Projection did not interfere with Punk’s reasoning. It merely hovered motionlessly in the air, its eyes beneath the hood fixed intently on Punk’s face.

At that moment, the entire chamber was eerily silent. Behind Punk lay Trelinka’s corpse, and with the Projection—this “ghost”—floating mid-air, an uncanny atmosphere began to permeate the space… Of course, Punk was not one to be affected by such intangible ambience.

“I have the answer. The one who used a voucher worth 1 diamond coin to pay for the ‘Contes Caterpillar Tongue’ should be… Glace!”

“Can you explain your reasoning?”

“Of course. The deduction process wasn’t particularly difficult.”

Seeing that the three minutes had passed, Punk knew his answer was correct. Outwardly, he maintained a calm and composed demeanor, but inwardly, he couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Since the answer was correct, explaining the reasoning was no challenge for Punk:

“Let’s start by summarizing the initial conditions:

Lettuce Green began with three copper coins and one silver coin, and his bill was one gold coin.

Amiga began with one gold coin, and his bill was one silver coin.

Glace began with one iron coin and one silver coin, and his bill was one copper coin.

The mad Figda began with one copper coin as change.

At this point, conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 are satisfied.

First exchange: Lettuce Green exchanges three copper coins for Ned’s one iron coin and one silver coin.

After the exchange, Lettuce Green has one iron coin and two silver coins, while Glace has three copper coins.”Second Exchange: “Lettuce Green” trades two silver coins for Amiga’s one gold coin.

At this point:

“Lettuce Green” has one gold coin and one iron coin. His bill is one gold coin, which he pays before leaving.

Amiga has two silver coins. His bill is one silver coin, which he pays before leaving.

Glace has three copper coins. His bill is one copper coin, leaving him with two copper coins after payment. He wants to buy a portion of “Contes Caterpillar Tongue” worth one iron coin.

After settling accounts, the mad Figda has one gold coin, one silver coin, and two copper coins. He cannot break a copper coin, but the total value of all his currency amounts to ninety-five stone coins, allowing him to break a voucher worth one diamond coin. “So, how about it? Is my reasoning process qualified?”

Clap! Clap! Clap! “Congratulations, congratulations. You have passed.”

The Projection mechanically replied and offered a completely emotionless celebration. It even awkwardly clapped its hands—though, being an ethereal projection, the clapping sound was mimicked with its mouth.

“This is… truly the most unconventional congratulations I’ve ever received.”

Punk stared speechlessly at the Projection’s deadpan comedic behavior, creating an intensely awkward scene…

“Alright, since the second trial is also complete, shouldn’t we proceed to the next trial—the Trial of Wisdom? Does this overlap with the ‘Intelligence’ trial?”

Ignoring the awkward atmosphere and getting back on track, Punk tentatively inquired of the Projection.

“No, it does not overlap. Wisdom is wisdom, intelligence is intelligence. Intelligence refers to a creature’s computational thinking ability, while wisdom… refers to a creature’s comprehensive capabilities, including creativity, adaptability, coordination, planning skills, and practical application abilities!”

“That sounds like quite a lot. Is this all part of one trial?”

After hearing the Projection’s explanation, Punk couldn’t help but frown slightly. A vague sense of foreboding crept over him… Well, to be honest, this kind of bad premonition had been constant ever since he arrived at this damned “Netherese Civilization Ruins.”

“Of course, it’s just one trial. There is one ‘method’ that can exceptionally accurately test a creature’s ‘wisdom’!”

The Projection floated a little higher, its voice growing louder.

“And that is combat! Life-and-death battles always validate the power of ‘wisdom.’ In the Trial of Wisdom, you will face an enemy that is ‘theoretically’ defeatable. What you need to do is very simple: just turn that ‘theory’ into reality!”

“Theoretically? What do you mean by that?”

After hearing the Projection’s words, Punk knew his premonition had struck again. Using combat to test wisdom? Truly worthy of a Grand Arcanist from the Netherese Civilization—their imagination is beyond comprehension, and they don’t hesitate to screw people over.

“Correct. Next, you will be transported to a new room where your enemy awaits you. In this battle, you cannot use any magical items. All combat must rely solely on yourself.”

“Of course, rest assured, the enemy is summoned strictly according to your power level. Theoretically, it is still possible for you to emerge victorious!”Before the projection’s words could finish, the entire room suddenly began to glow with a pale white light. In Punk’s vision, he could see the projection’s form growing increasingly blurred, and its voice becoming indistinct.

The teleportation had begun so abruptly—there was no preparation time, not even a moment to react!

Yet the sudden teleportation didn’t cause the slightest panic in Punk. This was thanks to his ever-vigilant and analytical nature. Had Punk not anticipated that the teleportation might start abruptly before the projection finished speaking, he might have truly been caught off guard.

“Alright, alright, I suppose I’ve adapted to this shameless way of thinking. Let me see what this ‘theoretically’ unbeatable enemy is all about.”

(End of Chapter)