Our Family Has Fallen

Mathematics is a very important subject. Lance’s level is actually just average; most of the related knowledge has been returned to his teacher. However, he understands how to manipulate numbers and symbols to simplify a complex system.

Occasionally, he organizes public classes where real experts teach them.

Grendel teaches them to identify plants, and covers basic herbology, or sometimes common potion concoctions.

Paracelsus teaches them human anatomy, emergency aid, and some medical knowledge.

Boudica teaches them hand-to-hand combat, Reynard teaches them weapon techniques, and Dismas teaches them shooting...

Perhaps Beggby can take on the role of a chemistry teacher? But judging by his social anxiety, he might not be well-suited.

Anyway, besides basic courses, there are many other lessons that fill their schedule, mainly depending on the availability of teachers.

Of course, teachers don’t have to be those people. In Hamlet, there are plenty who can serve as their instructors.

The existence of the specialized class is where Lance gathers gifted talents and Transcendent spellcasters to educate them.

They will be introduced to the truth of this world, the Supernatural Powers.

The requirements Lance places on them are three stages—understand, control, analyze.

Science is a tool, and Lance now wants to impart a scientific perspective on Transcendence to them, aiming to dissect Supernatural Powers with this "scalpel" in the future.

Of course, that’s the ideal. Right now, they are still struggling with ancient scripts, most are just children.

There are also some adults, such as—Musketeer Margaret.

Daughter of Baron Lawrence, a person upright and brave, showcasing the brilliance of humanity.

She insists on joining the Honor Guard, but Lance doesn’t want her to take risks. Her presence isn’t necessary, but any trouble she encounters would be a hassle, so he speaks of her talents to have her study related knowledge, eventually becoming a spellcaster—which would be wonderful!

She hasn’t much explored the ruins and hasn’t been in the dungeon, just stays at school.

After all, she is the homeroom teacher of this specialized class, having received noble education and being responsible and good-natured.

She’s assisted by two protectors—Joan, and a young man named Isaac, serving as the class president and vice-president.

Lance seems to have noticed that most of those awakened are under eighteen, amidst the most intense period of adolescent emotions.

Don’t be fooled by Margaret’s mature appearance, she’s only seventeen, Joan is merely twelve.

Isaac has no family, and his precise age is unknown, but he appears to be around ten years old. Yet, he is remarkably mature in thought, emotionally stable beyond his age.

More importantly, he has an exceptional ability to learn, completing fundamental education at an exaggerated pace akin to skipping grades, accomplishing in months what leaves teachers with nothing more to teach, demonstrating extraordinary talent.

Receiving information passively isn’t much; strong self-learning ability is key. He is very interested in mathematics, although Lance knows that the physical concepts in a world with Supernatural Powers may differ, rendering many useless.

However, he can study it independently, and to that end Lance grants him access to many library books and appoints him as a junior researcher at the institute.

It’s noteworthy that the institute contains much of Lance’s record of remembered technology, such as various firearm developments, steel alloys, steam engines, trains, ships, planes, electricity, petroleum, coal...

These are merely general ideas, the specifics Lance doesn’t know or recall clearly, needing future verification and realization.

This shows how bold Lance is, entrusting authority to a child, yet it could also be seen as a wholehearted effort to nurture.

Currently, Hamlet is impoverished with little to offer, but strives to support their development as much as possible.

Now Extreme Darkness obscures the sun, but cannot hinder their learning, as several torches illuminate most of the classroom, and the students gather at the podium, not following their usual seating arrangements.

These children cherish the opportunity, diligently attending lectures, though some are too young to understand Amanda’s teachings in class.

Just like the siblings Tom and Mary awakened during the Warwolf invasion, where the brother earnestly listens and takes notes, while the sister quickly begins to daydream, likely asleep if not for fear of the teacher.

Thus, not everyone is a genius.

Lance doesn’t mind; seeing this scene actually makes him smile naturally, understanding that they’re just kids, very normal at that age. He was no more settled at five or six, likely not better than her.

If the children of Hamlet could be so carefree, he could retire and enjoy life.

Lance doesn’t hurry to leave, choosing instead to listen from the back door.

He’s an archeologist by training, able to understand the mysticism based on ancient scripts.

Only thus can he perceive Amanda’s secretive approach, intentionally enigmatic, as the students lack the foundation and Isaac’s talent, naturally listening in confusion.

Could it be Amanda doesn’t truly understand? Lance has heard her lectures before; he knows her intentional discretion, like the logic of not transmitting skills lightly, filtering the audience.

Ultimately, Amanda’s conservatism about knowledge is likely a typical trait of spellcasters, caused by the era.

The Church’s oppression, the danger of Supernatural Powers, coupled with conflicts among Transcendents, where fools lack the qualification to survive in their high-pressure environment.

Also, she is somewhat irresponsible, with significant personality issues, so Amanda can only be a substitute teacher, occasionally covering a class or two, finding something to do.

At the end of the class, Lance finally enters through the dim back door, greeted with a chorus of greetings as he’s illuminated by the torchlight.

"My Lord!"

"Alright, alright, there’s no Lord here, nor any formal titles. At school, there are only teachers and students."

Lance smiles, waving to calm their excitement, nodding to Amanda in acknowledgment.

"Thank you for your hard work, Amanda."

He’s not teasing her; she’s a consultant, teaching isn’t her responsibility, and her willingness to assist is a favor.

Her lessons follow the curriculum, and the quality of her teaching is a matter of personal style, not something Lance would blame her for.

Using someone requires tolerance, as no one is perfect.

Amanda had long noticed the Lord’s arrival but said nothing; waiting until the end of class means there’s something to discuss, so she naturally steps down from the podium, ceding the space.

"Amanda taught excellently, and I feel a compelling urge—believe it or not, I’m a scholar..."

Lance begins to eloquently speak from the podium, starting from Amanda’s recent lesson.

In contrast to Amanda’s complexity, Lance’s teachings are enlightening, making previously unclear concepts instantly clearer, as if the darkness was driven away by light.

Lance isn’t here merely to teach; he uses this topic as a segue, weaving tales of fascinating encounters to shape their scientific perspective on Transcendence.

Why have Transcendents reached their current state? Much relates to the chaotic growth akin to madness.

Periodically losing control, occasionally engaging in bizarre rituals, or excessively harming for personal gain, employing all sorts of odd tactics—it’s no wonder resistance arises.

Without systematic cultivation or stability, affecting others.

These lessons must be learned; warnings among Transcendents seem mysterious and grandiose, but are merely jokes.

Before the final step, Lance wants to leave something for Hamlet, for this world.

We discover, we research, we control!