"The idea of creating a similar arrangement first came about like this: I had just come into contact with redefined elemental magic, and so I exchanged for many papers on elemental properties and purified elements. As I verified their various properties according to the designs described in the papers, I wrote down the different properties of each element—including the properties of their oxides and such—onto individual cards. Then, starting from the element with the smallest atomic weight, I arranged the cards in order, making them easier for me to memorize, understand, and apply."
"In this arrangement, I oddly discovered that the properties of elements exhibited periodic repetition. Even the atomic valence discussed in the latest issue of *Elemental* followed an incredible yet equally beautiful arithmetic sequence, and all of this seemed to relate to the arrangement of atomic weights from smallest to largest. So I immediately formed a bold hypothesis: could the properties of elements be the outward manifestation of atomic weight? Could a logical elemental system be established based on the atomic weights of elements, providing patterns to guide us in searching for, discovering, and creating new elemental magic? I then conducted multiple experiments on this system."
After confirming that elements followed periodic laws, Lucian boldly hypothesized that the microscopic structure within atoms also contained protons, electrons, and the like. But without any magical experiments or theoretical proof, he could only continue using atomic weight for his arrangements—otherwise he would exceed his own "arcane level."
Following the introduction came the basis for Lucian's arrangement: the physical and chemical properties of elements, as well as the properties of their compounds and alchemical products. Based on these patterns, he drafted a table containing sixty-five elements and summarized:
"In this periodic table I have tentatively arranged, it is clearly visible that the elements in each vertical column share similar properties."
……
"Based on the similarity of properties, I did not mechanically continue arranging by atomic weight alone. Instead, I appropriately left gaps and corrected the atomic weights of certain elements, since their current atomic weights would not place them in the correct positions. Based on this, I boldly hypothesize that the atomic weight data for these elements is itself erroneous, and I suggest that archanists re-measure them using different methods. The results should approximate my corrections. This would also serve to verify whether my periodic table is correct."
……
"Based on the continuity of similar properties, I boldly predict that the empty positions will be occupied by undiscovered new elements. I have named them para-aluminum and para-silicon. They should respectively possess… properties and may be found in ores similar to…"
……
"This is my exposition and hypothesis regarding the periodic relationship between elemental properties and atomic weight. I hope to receive verification from fellow archanists."
Lucian set down his feather pen, looked the paper over several times, gently blew on it, then tucked it away into his storage pouch.
Some of the atomic weights that needed correction were due to strange isotopes that couldn't be separated—for this portion, Lucian had no expectation that mages would find a method of separation in the near term. The remaining errors either came from measurements taken early on, when many methods had not yet been developed, or from impurities introduced during purification that resulted in minor mistakes. But since no errors had surfaced in later use, and the measurers were high-level archanists, the discrepancies had simply been overlooked.
Over these past days, Lucian had verified their correct atomic weights.
When he left the laboratory, the winter night had already turned pitch black. Lucian shoved both hands into the pockets of his black double-breasted formal coat and slowly made his way back toward his garden villa, thinking about his plans ahead.
Suddenly, laughter came from behind: "Mr. Evans, you'll be resuming your lessons on Monday. I wonder whether you've prepared yourself to teach… diligently?"
The voice was low and deep, yet laced with mocking amusement—it was Beate, who had also just finished his own magical experiment.
Lucian turned to glance at him and replied with a smile, "My apologies, Mr. Beate. I've already requested leave from the Headmaster, as I need to visit the Alinger Magic Tower on Monday to update my archanist emblem. You see, in the last issue of *Arcane Magic*, my paper was cited by His Excellency the Great Archanist. And in the latest issues of *Sound Wave*, *Electromagnetic*, the *Ordinary Archanist Monthly*, and several other journals, there are quite a few papers citing my research and my new spells—roughly seven or eight articles. Oh, I forgot, Mr. Beate—you've never had such an experience. I've brought up a sore subject, and I sincerely apologize."
Beate took two deep breaths. "You were just lucky—that little experiment of yours happened to spark His Excellency the Great Archanist's inspiration. Hmph. I hope your luck lasts forever!"
He had been provoked by Lucian's boasting and sarcasm. After being punished, this fellow should have been keeping a low profile and behaving himself, yet here he was being this insufferable. He truly didn't know when to quit!
After speaking, Beate adjusted his black top hat and departed down another fork in the magic garden path.
Lucian watched Beate's retreating figure and shook his head slightly. A guy like that was hardly as troublesome as the terrifying undead that had been constantly following him.
Back at the garden villa, the lights blazed inside. On Saturday afternoon, six apprentices—Annick, Leilija, Sprint, and the others—had come for supplementary lessons and were still hard at work in the living room, pens scratching furiously. On the coffee tables and low desks before them lay sheet after sheet of calculation paper.
"Good evening, Mr. Evans." When they saw Lucian return, they seemed to snap out of an isolated trance, their bloodshot eyes nodding in greeting.
Lucian nodded slightly and asked with a smile, "How did you do on the last worksheet?"
"So hard! I feel like I can't even understand some of the questions—they're so bizarre!" The most spirited of them all, Heidi, raised her hand and answered with an expression of anguished despair. The other apprentices, including the quiet Cherry and the defiant Sprint, all nodded slightly in agreement.
Lucian chuckled. "These exercises are meant to train your thinking skills. Don't try to brute-force your way through them. All right, take them home and bring them back to me next Saturday."
More arcane mathematics!
Hearing that they could leave, Heidi and Leilija couldn't help but let out excited cheers of liberation, then immediately stuck out their tongues and ducked their heads, not daring to look at Lucian. The remaining apprentices all showed varying degrees of happiness, whether openly or subtly.
Lucian pretended not to notice and instructed the maid to see the apprentices out.
As the apprentices walked out of the garden villa, they instinctively turned back to glance. The black villa, with its candlelight glowing from within, looked like a monster lurking silently in the darkness, ready to devour anyone who came near.
A slight shiver ran through her. Heidi looked down at the test papers in her hands. "Leilija, Cherry, Annick—did we make a mistake? Should we not have asked Mr. Evans for tutoring? It's too exhausting, too painful!"
"But I feel like we've improved noticeably," said Sprint, of all people. "We're not full-fledged mages yet, so what does it matter if we're a little tired or a little sore? A teacher as good as Mr. Evans isn't easy to find."
Katrina and Annick nodded in agreement together.
Heidi wailed, "I know, but it really gives me a headache! I just want to have some real fun on the weekends! Mr. Evans is a demon—I both admire and resent him!"
This time, no one disagreed. Even Sprint puffed out his cheeks slightly, clearly in strong agreement.