High School of Demon Hunting

Chapter 1970: Chapter 191: Random Equality

”Add mathematical concepts?” Zhu Si looked bewildered.

For wizards of her era, spells and magic potions were the most important concepts. Neither the Philosophy of Magic nor mathematics were subjects that an ordinary little wizard needed to study.

During the long journey in the Dreamland, the little witch hadn’t had the opportunity to come into contact with the cutting-edge and most popular dimensional theories of the Wizard World, so naturally, she hadn’t engaged much with the extensive mathematical research central to modern wizard theories.

Therefore, after hearing what Zheng Qing said, she couldn’t help but feel a bit confused.

Similar yet different from her, Zheng Qing’s understanding of mathematics was also quite superficial, far from the level of using this discipline to deconstruct concepts of fairness — he merely vaguely recalled seeing the phrase ’mathematical concept of fairness’ in some book.

The remark he made just now was purely an impulsive slip of the tongue due to eagerness.

But once he said it, not only Zhu Si, but even the other companions nearby showed a listening posture — Xiao Xiao put down the red velvet cloth he was using to polish his Crystal Ball, Dylan stretched his neck a bit longer, and Xin Fat Man, who had already tucked a fourth feather pen behind his ear.

Most importantly, there was Jiang Yu. At that moment, a glint of light flashed in the witch’s eyes, seemingly surprised that the warlock could mention such an advanced concept.

Zheng Qing couldn’t ignore that flash of light.

”Yes, add a bit of mathematical concept.”

The young public-funded student repeated the phrase, buying himself an extra three seconds. On the surface, he seemed unfazed, but his brain was nearly boiling while he had to maintain a calm tone:

”...Expressing fairness through mathematical concepts is using ’equations.’ The left and right sides of the equation represent different hunting teams. Each hunter in the team is a variable. Each variable can be assigned different weights based on factors such as magic power strength, grade level, hunting experience, etc... As long as an appropriate method to balance the equation is used, ensuring the equation holds, we can maintain theoretical fairness.”

After finishing his explanation, regardless of others’ reactions, Zheng Qing himself let out a deep breath.

Even though he didn’t know what he was saying — it seemed to make some sense, but on closer thought, it was empty and dull.

A very obvious example was that Li Meng, halfway through listening, let out a big yawn.

Zheng Qing had to thank the little witch for this gesture, for that yawn immediately distracted Jiang Yu’s attention, giving the warlock a chance to quickly end the topic.

”Mr. Zha said something that makes sense,” Doctor Xiao kindly stepped in to help. He lifted his hand to adjust his glasses and said leisurely, ”There is a very important branch in mathematics — probability theory and mathematical statistics — any problems involving competitions, lotteries, fairness, etc., which have practical significance, can be precisely and cleverly calculated using data models. From this point of view, deconstructing fairness with mathematics might be the only way to achieve ’philosophical fairness.’

There we go, pulling it into philosophy again.

Zheng Qing listened numbly to the doctor’s high theorizing, his eyelids feeling slightly heavy, and his thoughts had long wandered away along with the relieved breath in his heart.

”Philosophical fairness?” Xin Fat Man seemed very interested in this topic. He somehow fetched a fifth feather pen, licking the tip with his tongue: ”... Could you describe it in simple terms? Maybe I can use this topic to apply for an interview with Old Yao for the campus newspaper.”

This is what you call ’the wine isn’t the focus of the drunkard.’ Zheng Qing had this thought in his head.

Clearly, Xiao Xiao also understood the unspoken intent of the fat wizard, giving him a sidelong glance: ”Not all philosophy is related to the Philosophy of Magic... A one-sentence description of philosophical fairness can probably be summarized as ’To naturally unequal competitors, randomness is the greatest fairness’...”

Zheng Qing chewed on this sentence, vaguely feeling that it contained a lot of meanings, but for the moment found it hard to clearly describe his insights.

Just then, Lin Guo, who had been looking around, suddenly jumped up excitedly, shouting: ”They’re here, they’re here... they’re here!”

This shout immediately liberated Li Meng and Zhu Si, who were already drowsy — especially Zhu Si, who, after listening to a half-day of topics as dry as wooden shavings from Absolution’s ’Old Masters,’ regretted for quite some time joining Zheng Qing’s conversation.

Zheng Qing looked in the direction of the voice.

In the depths of the dark forest, a string of glowing orbs of various sizes appeared, flickering on and off. He knew it was because the wizard maintaining ’Little Star’ was slacking in precisely controlling the spell’s magic power.

As the string of small stars drew nearer, the silhouettes under the starlight gradually became clear.

One tall, four short, five, no, six figures?!

”What is it doing here!”

Seeing Poseidon bouncing happily, Zheng Qing’s face turned green: ”Hunting Team Training isn’t meant for playing. If we encounter those crazy Getrassi again, do you expect me to break the school regulations on the spot?”

As if hearing the warlock’s voice, the little fox zipped out of Su Ya’s arms like a baseball flying through the air, tracing a graceful arc and landing heavily in Zheng Qing’s arms.

Almost knocking the old father’s stomach out.

Su Ya ran after the little fox, and seeing the warlock’s gasping expression, her eyes curved into crescents of joy, her furry ears happily swaying side to side, and her big tail involuntarily slipping out of her skirt, swaying gently.

Behind the little fox lady was Hank, the D&K accountant known as ’Hank the Fox Five,’ in a crisp tailcoat. Flanking him were two short-statured mouse brothers, Dangdang Ears and Ding Dong Ear, following closely step by step.

Further back was Blue Bird, who was responsible for escorting the little ones. This swordsman from Starry Sky Academy stayed quietly at the back of the small group, holding a longsword wrapped in gray cloth, with his pet sable coiled around his neck.

”This is the cargo as instructed by the young lady. Please sign for it, sir,” Hank the Fox Five bowed respectfully to Zheng Qing, then handed over a small wooden box.

Zheng Qing, ignoring the pain in his chest, hurriedly opened the box.

Inside the box was a teardrop-shaped glass bottle, sealed with a cork stopper, containing a mass of dark red liquid floating in the air. It seemed to have a life of its own, darting left and right.

As if sensing the warlock’s gaze, the dark red mass suddenly shrank, then expanded into a humanoid form, revealing slender limbs and a vague face, clinging to the bottle wall and pounding on the transparent glass.

Xiao Xiao and Zhang Ji Xin leaned in almost simultaneously, examining the dark red mass in the bottle.

”It truly is the Bo Fu Clan’s vital blood,” Absolution’s diviner adjusted his glasses, carefully analyzing the blood’s characteristics: ”...Able to maintain such excellent vitality after being removed, the purity is quite high.”

”This means our practice with the Second Rank battle formation will be a bit easier!” Zhang Ji Xin looked exhilarated: ”Just in time, I have a few immature tactical ideas I can share with you all...”