11 Traveling and Teaching

"Goodbye everyone" Steven waved at Roland and the witches of Neverwinter before turning around and leaving. He entered a carriage to travel to Hermes.

"I wish we had better transportation", Steven said to Zero. "Horse pulled carriages are so slow and the ride is quite uncomfortable. I really wish we had a car."

"Oh, tell me about these cars." Zero seemed quite interested in finding out more about this advanced form of transportation.

"Well, a car is similar to a carriage, but it isn't pulled by horses. Instead, there is something called an internal combustion engine which turns the axles of the car. The engine is powered by certain types of oil. The driver can speed up and slow down the car by changing how much oil he puts into the engine", answered Steven.

Zero thought for a moment. "I don't really understand what the internal combustion engine is, but it sounds like all that happens is oil goes in and the thing turns. That seems similar to those steam engines I saw in Neverwinter. Why can't we just use those?"

"The issue is that a steam engine is too large for something like a car. The internal combustion engine is much smaller which is its main benefit", answered Steven. "However, steam engines can be used for trains since those are big enough. Trains are basically giant cars that can only run on tracks. That should be what we are going to build first before we try making cars."

"I am looking forward to seeing those trains", said Zero. "Do you think we will be able to get cars soon though? I like the idea of a personal vehicle."

Steven thought for a moment. "While it would be possible, I would not advise developing a car so soon because while it may be appealing for ordinary use, it isn't as militarily useful. Trains are enough to serve our transportation needs. However, we will need to produce the internal combustion engine if we are to create tanks and planes which will be useful. Maybe then we could get you a car."

Steven paused for a second before saying, "Actually, we can just give you a personal tank. You will get to ride around in a giant metal wagon that is covered in armor. You will also get a big cannon to shoot stuff with. I think it would be very cool if you drove a tank around."

Zero smiled. "Well, it looks like you will have to get me that tank. If you don't follow through on your promise I will be very disappointed", Zero said with a slightly teasing tone.

There was only so much that could be said about vehicles, and the trip was going to be quite long.

After sitting silently for a while Steven said, "while we are waiting I can start teaching you." Steven took out a book titled, "Basic Mathematics". "I suppose we can start with mathematics. You know how to do arithmetic right?"

Zero looked somewhat indignant. "I am hundreds of years old, of course I know how", she puffed.

"Okay", said Steven. "Multiply 62561 and 5932."

Zero's eyes bulged out. "How do you expect me to do that! Those numbers are way too large. Nobody ever needs to multiply numbers that large."

"How do you multiply numbers?", asked Steven. He took out a chalkboard. "You can write on this with chalk. I got one of these because I figured I would need it to teach".

Steven watched as Zero began demonstrating a strange method of multiplication which was massively complex.

"Stop", said Steven. "This method is way too inefficient. I will teach you a better way to do this."

The rest of the day was occupied with explanations of how to do arithmetic along with having Zero do practice problems involving five and six digit numbers. It was fortunate that Zero learned quickly.

The next day, they resumed their study of mathematics. "I made it through the hard part of mathematics right?" asked Zero.

"No, that was the easy stuff", answered Steven. "Now it is time to learn Algebra."

Steven began explaining the idea of variables and began teaching how to solve linear equations. Then he moved onto quadratic functions and then even higher order polynomial functions and even some more interesting functions like the exponential. At this point, Zero started questioning why all of this is necessary.

Steven started thinking of how to provide real life examples to show the relevance of mathematics. Suddenly he realized that he should start teaching physics since much of physics relies of math.

"Let's move onto another topic", said Steven. He took out a book called "Basic Physics". "Physics will teach you about how the world works. First we will learn about how things move around."

Steven started explaining about Newton's laws. After explaining the idea of friction and forces, Zero finally had the basics down. Then, Steven started making application problems.

"There is a cannon that shoots a cannonball which is moving to the right 40 metres every second and up 30 meters every second immediately after leaving the tube. How far does it travel?"

Zero was completely stumped by the question.

"This question seems hard to solve. But it only needs one easy tool: Algebra!" Steven smiled and said, "After our lessons on physics are done, algebra will be your best friend!" Steven then added, "Don't worry, it will be fun".

It was not fun. Nonetheless, Zero persevered in learning physics and mathematics. Then, Steven started teaching chemistry. He had just finished explaining about atoms and how they make up the world when they finally arrived at Hermes.

When Steven finally got a look at the city, he was rather impressed. Although the city was nothing compared to the cities of Earth, it was impressive how the people in this world built so much with what little they had. In the distance he could see the looming cathedral where the church was centered at.

Their group quickly entered one of the secret entrances to get into the Pivotal Secret Temple.