Lucian was in a very relaxed mood this time: "Master, this is a paper on the microscopic domain. Starting from newly discovered subatomic particles and two new elements, I've refined your atomic structure model and extended it to expound the deeper significance of theories like alchemical reactions, ionization, and atomic valence states. Since research in this field involves the mysteries of material change, it might fulfill the dream passed down through generations of alchemists, so I've named this theoretical system 'New Alchemy'."
"Newly discovered subatomic particles and two new elements?" Fernando's grave expression softened as he opened the paper and asked casually.
After overturning the idea that atoms were indivisible, the internal structure of the atom belonged to a completely new domain. It seemed no matter what the achievement, there was no possibility of making a mage's understanding of the world collapse—these were theories without precedent, and no mage had yet used them to construct a Meditation environment.
So Fernando was mostly at ease. The storm stirred up by the experimental confirmation of Lucian's light quantum hypothesis hadn't yet subsided; if Lucian were to throw out another subversive theory, he suspected whether Alinure might be buried under a thick layer of strawberry jam and milky cream. Though for him, nicknamed the "Old Pervert," such a bizarre scene might be rather pleasing to the eye, it would certainly frighten any pure-hearted youth with aspirations on the path of magic into retreating. In that case, even if the system was closer to truth and advancement speed increased, the Magus Council's strength would atrophy due to a sheer lack of successors.
"I was inspired by your idea of bombarding metal foil with helium atoms, Master. I also used Magic Circles to bombard gases with them, and from nitrogen gas, I bombarded out hydrogen nuclei, which carry a unit positive charge and can be preliminarily judged to be a new elementary particle similar to an electron. This was later confirmed again by the discovery of anode rays. As for those two new elements, standing on the experimental foundation you had temporarily set aside for analyzing radioactive substances, I found trace signatures of the new elements."
Seeing Fernando's expression relax, Lucian could roughly guess what he was thinking and couldn't help but shake his head slightly in secret. This domain would be more subversive than any in the past, because what it would overturn was the mage's macroscopic understanding, their philosophical worldview.
Fernando had already reached the section on "protons" and remarked with great seriousness: "If it weren't for your light quantum hypothesis shifting the experimental focus of Heather and me, causing us to temporarily set aside the experiments analyzing radioactive substances, we might have already discovered the trace signatures of the new elements..." Incidentally brushing aside any praise for his student.
Having said this, he turned to the corresponding section in the paper, scanned the basic data like atomic weights for the two new elements, and his expression became grave again: "This almost proves they arose from the decay of original elements, lifting a corner of the divine forbidden domain where gods alone create matter. No wonder you wanted to name it New Alchemy."
"In fact, combined with the earlier discovery of protons, one can construct a theoretical system to explain material change," Lucian added, his expression unchanged.
Fernando's head snapped up, countless streaks of lightning flashing within his crimson eyes, and immense pressure enveloped Lucian: "Do you understand what you are saying?"
Previously, Lucian had been very cautious, using descriptors like "involves" and "perhaps," and Fernando hadn't paid much mind. This domain itself did indeed involve material change. But now, he was actually proclaiming the construction of a theoretical system.
To be called a system, it absolutely could not be just a simple hypothesis or two!
"I understand," Lucian answered calmly.
Fernando asked, still grave: "Do you understand that this truly enters the divine forbidden domain, placing the power of creation into human hands?"
"I understand," Lucian answered succinctly and firmly.
Fernando pressed again sternly: "Then do you understand the implications it carries?"
"I understand. Enough to change an era, the title of Grand Archanist." Lucian met his teacher's eyes directly. "However, my construction is purely theoretical. Concrete experiments will only be routinely feasible after the level of Arcane Magic and alchemy advances. It will likely take a very long time to verify."
Fernando closed his eyes for a moment, then silently began reading Lucian's paper. He only gave a slight nod when he reached Lucian's prediction of a "neutron's" existence: "A reasonable prediction. This brings out the essential differences between different elements and can explain phenomena like the periodic table and isotopes. It's an encapsulation of the current elemental system; all that remains is the discovery of the neutron. However, with a theoretical direction for prediction and means like helium nucleus particle bombardment, it will likely be discovered within five years."
"Master also acknowledges that particle bombardment can become a routine experimental method?" Lucian asked with considerable anticipation.
Fernando shot him an amused glare: "Didn't you acknowledge it long ago? Isn't your magic tower being built so slowly precisely because you're adding similar Magic Circles?"
"You knew, Master?" Lucian was somewhat surprised, not expecting his teacher to have visited his unfinished magic tower.
"Two semi-circular metallic hollow boxes engraved with Magic Circles, silvery-white in luster, with an indescribable feel." Fernando would never admit he'd secretly been keeping tabs on his student, so he described the appearance of the underground portion of Lucian's magic tower. "I can roughly guess what you want to do."