"I merely introduced the quantum hypothesis into the analysis of light and used it to explain the photoelectric effect." Lucian did not conceal anything, answering with a composed smile throughout.
Fernando's mouth twitched: "Truly an inspired insight. I doubt any Archanist would be willing to accept such inspiration."
The quantum hypothesis had been built on the foundation of Fernando and Lucian together eliminating other possible explanations, so after his initial resistance and wavering, he was arguably the most receptive to this hypothesis. But even so, he had only used it when analyzing blackbody radiation — he had never considered extending it to other fields.
Then he muttered a complaint: "Don't tell me you want to build your own system based on the quantum hypothesis?" Since it was an extension of the quantum hypothesis, it wasn't quite so revolutionary. As long as Lucian hadn't experimentally confirmed the hypothesis, it wouldn't cause a major shock — there was no need to treat it as a dire threat, worrying that he would destroy the Council.
As Fernando kept flipping through the pages, his expression grew increasingly grave and solemn: "Although in my research on blackbody radiation, I've begun to lean toward using the quantum hypothesis for the instantaneous processes of energy absorption and emission, I still don't agree with extending it to the entire existence and propagation of light. Brook's electromagnetic equations have already explained this aspect quite well — if it's not necessary, one shouldn't add more assumptions."
Fernando was a rather unenthusiastic supporter of the wave theory, but any Archanist skilled in electromagnetic magic would feel genuine awe at Brook's equations — as beautiful as a goddess's poetry — and would harbor deep affection for them. Faced with the light quantum hypothesis that seemed to directly challenge Brook's system, his resistance was heartfelt, even though the hypothesis explained the photoelectric effect with elegant simplicity.
As expected, even a teacher as open-minded as a Grand Archanist found it difficult to accept this inspired viewpoint. Lucian was not surprised by the thought.
Fernando closed the paper, still maintaining that severe expression: "However, this is the best explanation of the photoelectric effect I've seen so far. If you spend time improving your Magic Circles, performing this experiment with precision, and confirming your hypothesis with experimental imagery and data, it might be easier for people to accept."
"For now, I can't yet design an experiment that precise." Lucian did not mention that if accompanying experimental proof were included, at least some Archanists would have their worldviews shattered or suffer psychological harm.
Having read the paper, Fernando already had a sense of what the experiment would require. Hearing Lucian's words, he didn't think too much of it and said quite sternly: "Even if I don't agree with your viewpoint, I must admit that the overall process is quite thought-provoking. It explains the photoelectric effect reasonably and concisely, making anyone who reads it feel a hint of doubt and leaving a deep impression of this explanation in their mind. However, your final description — that light manifests instantaneously as particles while averaging to show wave characteristics — is too weak, too superfluous. It makes people feel that even you yourself can't firmly support the light quantum hypothesis, and are trying to coexist with the wave theory in a comical manner."
"This is actually my true viewpoint. Otherwise, I can't explain diffraction and other wave phenomena, nor can I explain the photoelectric effect." Lucian boldly stated.
Fernando glared at Lucian: "So it's both a wave and a particle — then what state does it exist in? For instance, your hypothesized quantum effect divides light into discrete portions, which seems like a form of combination. But why don't you think further — why can so many light quanta exhibit wave-like properties on a macroscopic scale? Who decided that it must propagate in wave form during transmission? Have you ever seen a cavalry charge? Without command, without training, the charge would inevitably scatter into disorder, unable to maintain any formation. But with rigorous training and competent command, they can pierce into the enemy's ranks in a sharp triangular formation without breaking apart. So who has given these individual light quanta such strict training and command that they propagate according to wave characteristics? Is it the God of Truth?"
"Have you ever considered this problem?"
Even for his most accomplished and favored student, Fernando showed no mercy in picking apart his arguments, nearly spraying Lucian with spittle.
"It doesn't need anyone's strict training or anyone's command. It is itself a wave, so naturally it exhibits wave characteristics. Master, you're approaching this from the angle of particles, trying to explain why it shows wave properties. I believe that's the wrong approach — it is a wave in its very nature, and there's no need to approach it from another angle." Lucian's tone was seemingly earnest, but in Fernando's ears, it bordered on sophistry. A mode of existence could defy imagination, but it still had to be grounded in something that could actually be explained!
So Fernando roared: "Then what about the photoelectric effect?"
"Light quanta are themselves light — there's no need to approach it from the angle of waves." Lucian continued to explain using this mode of argument, the kind that certain people in his previous life might have dubbed "the mystery of mysteries" — bordering on philosophical debate.
But Lucian had no intention of shouting back at his teacher right now. There were still countless hurdles in the research ahead: "Master, this is just a personal viewpoint of mine. I haven't written it into the paper."
Fernando nodded slightly with a stern face. He allowed his students to have all manner of fanciful ideas, but when it came to the final paper or achievement, it had to be supported by rigorous reasoning or mathematical description: "Compared to this 'true viewpoint' of yours, the paper is positively adorable. I'd rather Arcane research not devolve into philosophical speculation in the end."
Then he rapped the desk: "Submitting this paper without any experimental proof — you'd better be prepared for the vast majority of Archanists to attack you."
"It doesn't matter. When no conclusion can be reached, they'll forget about the issue after a while." Lucian answered without much concern.
Fernando looked at him and shook his head: "Don't underestimate the tenacity of Archanists. Some of them will keep harping on it and never let go."
…………
Back at the office of the Arcane Review Committee, Lucian spotted a paper sitting on his desk and immediately furrowed his brow. Ever since the story of his review of Levsky's new geometric system — which had passed and indirectly helped Levsky win the Arcane Scepter Award — had spread as a celebrated tale, a number of Archanists had begun submitting their own "revolutionary" papers, hoping to gain approval from this committee member known for favoring revolutionary and paradigm-shattering work, and thereby achieve fame in one stroke while claiming the highest honor in their respective fields.
But faced with these papers — where even the basic logic contradicted itself, the derivations were a disaster to behold, yet they claimed to overturn Brook's system and the Douglas framework — Lucian really wanted to tear them up, hurl the shredded pages in the submitters' faces, and shout at them: "Amateur Grand Archanists!"
Telling himself not to be biased and not to prejudge, Lucian opened the paper and began reading carefully.