CH 9. 99% Genius and 1% Luck

"Happy New Year to all my Homies Let's hope the market and movies get better this year"

************

"Mr. Ajax, the ten questions, please!" Asked Max which just infuriated the Count.

'Ugh, this little brat, Maxwell! don't you understand my expression?'

HMPH!

Sitting down and picking up the brush.

Ajax begins to prepare the questions, and of course, he will not make it easy for Max.

'You took this challenge yourself. don't blame me for mentally beating you up, little brat!'

Brush Brush Brush

'I must give you the hardest questions, hard enough that you can't answer even one correctly!'

BRUSH BRUSH BRUSH

BRUSH BRUSH BRUSH

'And I'll have a reason to whip you to death. the count may be partial to you, But at present, what he needs most is me!'

Thought Ajax with a crazy smile on his face as he could already smell money.

***

ONE HOUR LATER

"Your lordship, Mr. Maxwell, I have ten questions now." After one hour of continuous writing he was finally done as Ajax got up from his seat and walked towards Maxwell who was completing his notes with the same speed as before and still waiting in the same gibberish words with few diagrams.

'Take a good look at the questions! They'll help me with teaching you to respect your teacher and arithmetic!' Thought Ajax with confidence as he deliberately picked up the hardest questions he knew.

"You have two hour to complete them!" Said Ajax as Maxwell stopped writing after he heard the voice. He shut the notes, not giving Ajax even a single glance at his notes even if he was unable to comprehend what Maxwell was writing.

After glancing at the paper a smug expression appeared on Maxwell's face. 'That's all he's got? Making a master like me solve these ten arithmetic questions is wasting my time! It took him a whole ass hour to write this.'

"You have two hours. don't exceed the time limit" thought Ajax with the same smug expression as Max as both were thinking they will come out on the top once this all is over.

As both were thinking that the other is trapped like a fish in a net, ensnared by circumstances beyond escape. Maxwell also had big reasons behind all this.

*

QUESTION ONE

THE FIRST PERSON HAS ONE GRAIN OF RICE, THE SECOND PERSON HAS TWO GRAINS OF RICE, AND THE THIRD PERSON HAS THREE GRAINS OF RICE. THERE ARE 100 PEOPLE IN TOTAL HOW MANY GRAINS OF RICE DO THE HUNDRED PEOPLE HAVE IN TOTAL?

'Isn't this quandary more attuned to the inquisitive minds of the budding intellects? Up until now, my intellectual pursuits have unfurled through the corridors of etymology, the enigma of square roots, and the transcendental realm of π. Now, let's augment this mathematical odyssey, venturing into the calculus of infinity, the elegance of matrix transformations, and the clandestine beauty concealed within the Fourier series. Envision this as an equation, a symphony of variables and constants, where engineers, the maestros of innovation, compose the grand opus of mathematical ingenuity, transcending the boundaries of known paradigms.'

EASY.

'I don't even have to use my intelligent brain.'

Neaturely this question was turned to breeze from me after all this question was for the elementary school.

*

QUESTION TWO:

THERE IS AN UNKNOWN QUANTITY. WHEN DIVIDED BY THREE, THE REMAINDER IS TWO; WHEN DIVIDED BY FIVE, THE REMAINDER IS THREE; WHEN DIVIDED BY SEVEN, THE REMAINDER IS TWO. WHAT IS THE QUANTITY?

'Interesting. this requires the use of equations.

but still, way too simple!'

Task seems interesting but still very simple.

*

QUESTION THREE

DIVIDE BY THREE AND KEEP THE REMAINDER, MULTIPLY IT BY SEVENTY TO MAKE IT GRANDER. DO THE SAME FOR FIVE AND MULTIPLY BY 21, AND THEN BY SEVEN, WITH FIFTEEN AS ITS SUM. NOW ADD THEM ALL UP AND DIVIDE BY 105, AND IF YOU HAVE A REMAINDER, THAT'S THE ANSWER TO DERIVE.

'Hah cute looks like a poem but it is actually a math problem…'

This question sounds like a poem. Of course to me this task was as simple as all the previous one.

'Still easy!'

*

QUESTION FOUR...

QUESTION FIVE...

QUESTION SIX…

Easy, all super easy!

No matter how difficult the teacher thought the question was, I answered it with ease with a smile on my face.

For me all were easy as π. For me, It was as if I was in junior high school.

*

QUESTION NINE:

SAY THERE ARE 100 PRISONERS NUMBERED 1 TO 100. SLIPS OF PAPER CONTAINING EACH OF THEIR NUMBERS ARE RANDOMLY PLACED IN 100 BOXES IN A SEALED ROOM. ONE AT A TIME, EACH PRISONER IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ROOM AND OPEN ANY 50 OF THE 100 BOXES, SEARCHING FOR THEIR NUMBER.

AND AFTERWARDS, THEY MUST LEAVE THE ROOM EXACTLY AS THEY FOUND IT, AND THEY CAN'T COMMUNICATE IN ANY WAY WITH THE OTHER PRISONERS. IF ALL 100 PRISONERS FIND THEIR OWN NUMBER DURING THEIR TURN IN THE ROOM, THEY WILL ALL BE FREED.

BUT IF EVEN ONE OF THEM DURING THEIR TURN IN THE ROOM, THEY WILL ALL BE FREED. BUT IF EVEN ONE OF THEM FAILS TO FIND THEIR NUMBER, THEY WILL ALL BE EXECUTED.

THE PRISONERS ARE ALLOWED TO STRATEGIZE BEFORE ANY OF THEM GOES INTO THE ROOM. SO WHAT IS THEIR BEST STRATEGY?

Mmm. Interesting, very interesting.

If they each search for their own number randomly, then each prisoner has a 50% chance of finding it.

So the probability that all 100 prisoners find their numbers is 1/2 times 1/2 times 1/2 a hundred times or 1/2 to the power of 100.

This is equal to 0.00000000 30 zeros, and then an eight. This is equal to 0.00000000 30 zeros, and then an eight.

To put this probability into perspective, two people have a better chance of picking out

the same grain of sand from all the beaches and deserts on earth than by escaping this way.

But what I have told you is that with the right strategy, there's a way to raise their chances to nearly one in three.It improves their odds of a random chance by nearly 30 orders of magnitude.

That's like taking a millimeter and scaling it up.to the diameter of the observable universe.

But they can only coordinate this strategy beforehand.

This is not a trick question. The solution just involves an incredible feature of math.

*

THE LAST ONE!

QUESTION TEN:

THERE ARE TWENTY TREES PLANTED IN AN ORCHARD, WITH FOUR TREES PER ROW. WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ROWS THAT CAN BE PLANTED

Mm? the last one is interesting!

It's a world wide mathematical problem and I never expected to come across it in this world.

As it turns out an ordinary person definitely is not capable of getting sixteen rows! Every way a person could think of is wrong, it was always less than sixteen.

Eleven rows

Fourteen rows

However, I am no ordinary man, I can use 21st-century math to answer this question!

And I decided to do more than answer. I decided to frighten Ajax out of your wit!

Ajax, looking at Max, decides.

'Hmph, so fast on the first nine questions?

Guess he writes some stupid answers and hopes to get lucky with the last one.'

'Yet the last one is actually the hardest one.

Gloding and taking a sip of his victory after all I spent over ten years trying to figure out HOW to plant 16 rows. How many can such an ignorant brat figure out?

It was impossible to do in two hours.

I'm expecting his face when he receives the lashes!' Thought Ajax while smirk on his face widened.

Watching his son answer the Count also thought he was doing it blindly after all he was just a year old brat.

'Already the last question? Is he seriously answering all of them?' Thought Magnus.

And to avoid further conflict the master asked the servant to call his mistress Maria.

"Go bring Madam Maria here."

"Yes, your lordship!"

'While I find no immediate reason to halt Mr. Ajax's disciplinary measures on Maxwell, my wife Maria emerges as a formidable force capable of putting an end to such proceedings. Unlike Olivia, whose reserved demeanor may not wield significant influence, Maria exudes boldness and fearlessness, particularly in matters concerning Maxwell.

The relationship between Maria and Maxwell transcends conventional familial roles, evoking the essence of a loving mother and son. Their bond is intricately woven through shared moments, whether it be the tranquility of home or ventures beyond our doorstep. Their shared laughter and evident delight in each other's company paint a picture of genuine affection.

Maria's protective instincts shine brightly when Maxwell is involved. She is not merely a caregiver but a steadfast pillar of support, and Maxwell reciprocates with trust and admiration. Their connection is a testament to mutual respect and a deep, enduring love that surpasses ordinary family ties.

In times of potential discord, Maria's boldness becomes a guardian, ensuring the preservation of a relationship that stands as a testament to the strength of familial bonds. Her fearlessness is the unwavering shield that protects the unique and profound connection shared between them.

While there may be an underlying reason for Maria's exceptionally strong bond with Maxwell, perhaps stemming from her lack of a biological child, her motherly instincts seem to have found an ideal recipient in him. It's plausible that she perceives Maxwell as the best embodiment of a son, and the depth of their connection reflects this unfulfilled maternal longing.

The prospect of Maria having her own child in the future might reshape the dynamics of their relationship. Her motherly instincts, currently directed towards Maxwell, could find a new focus, and the unique bond they share may undergo transformations. However, until that hypothetical future unfolds, their current relationship remains a testament to the strength of maternal instincts and the profound connections that can arise in unconventional love dynamics.'

"I'm done!" Maxwell said while he got up from his seat which shocked Magnus and all the other people in the room as he got up within 15 minutes 3 times faster than even the one who wrote all these questions.

'Now?! So soon but his savior is not here yet!' thought Magnus.

When Maxwell stood up and completed the Count was surprised. No he was not just surprised he was shocked. Unspeakable thoughts raised throughout his mind.

'Why was this guy in such a hurry to pass this exam? What would happen is his wife was late.'

And his classmates were already at the door waiting in anticipation for my son to answer all the questions. After all, absolutely everyone was sure he would fail this exam.

Clash of words echoed, captivating the spectators. Whispers among onlookers arose, questioning the spectacle before them.

"Is it happening?" asked one. " Did he really did it, " remarked another.

"Uh-oh. he really is done. I'll say Maxwell is dead." hushed the first speaker.

"We can watch him take lashes!"

"Shut up. all of you! If father heard this he would lashe us too. Best not delve into it"

They were just as eager as teacher Ajax to see how the Count's youngest son would be flong in front of everyone but they all care to quit down the chattering classmates because otherwise they might notice they were ear drooping and peeping on what is going on in class…

The teacher, seeing the son going to pass what he has written, smiles smugly and begin to check the work.

'Say farewell to all your respect, brat!' Thought Ajax as he grabbed the answer sheet.

'Wait... he got the first one right?! That's impossible!' Thought Ajax with shocked expressions.

When he saw the first problem solved correctly he could not believe his eyes. He could not understand how this ignorant brat could do it.

'And the second one... the third one... also right?! the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth... all right?!' As he started to check each question and with every right answer his anger grew as his face turned red with eyes wide. He gritted his teeth and sweat started pouring all over his face. 'WHAT THE HECK?! THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE!'

But he was surprised when all answers up to the ninth question were solved correctly. How is that possible? After all Few individuals in the city possess the wits to answer all nine questions. Well, I'm one of them, but I'll have to spend a lot of time calculating… before he could answer all these questions.

But this five year old brat finished them all in just a few moments. Is he even better at arithmetic than me? how?!

"Mr. Ajax, did I get all ten questions right?" Asked Maxwell as the grin on his face grew when he looked at the expressions of Ajax.

Moving on to the next and final question. the teacher is just hoping that he could not do 16 rows.

'Right! I haven't checked the last one! He couldn't have solved it! He couldn't have figured out 16 rows!' Thought Ajax as he was still holding some hope. But what came next shocked to his very core.

"Swoosh"

↑

'What am I looking at?!' Thought Ajax with wide eyes and open mouth as he glanced at the last answer.

"Mr. Ajax, take your time counting. there's no rush." Said Max putting salt on the wounds of Ajax.

But sadly he was totally ignored by Ajax who were busy continuing.

'One, two, three, four…'

But after looking at his work Ajax jumped up from his seat in shock he counted the rows over and over again. Afraid he was just wrong but the answer didn't change.

'He figured out 23 rows!'

'Why?! How did he make it?!'

'I got only 16 after years of calculating, but he got 23! How long did he take?!'

'What on earth is he?!' Thought Ajax as his face turned blue from red as he looked at Maxwell who still had the smug face.

He could not understand why this brat make this one so quickly after all it had taken him the best mathematician in town more than ten years to come up 16 and this brat did 23. That's impossible. Who is young man, man or devil.

'Hmph!'

"Hahahaha"

"SHRED SHRED"

Almost without thinking straight Ajax tears into tiny shreds and tramples the paper where all the answers were written for he starts to scream. "You got them all wrong. And you brat you are just a moron. How should I punish you?" He asked after shredding the paper into irreconcilable bits. While pointing at Maxwell.

Looking at this all the smug expression on Maxwell's face didn't fade but something totally opposite happened.

"HMPH!"

As he already anticipating this outcome as well

Said "Oh, really? You know, I had some free time just now and wrote another copy." Told Maxwell while showing him another sheet as he looked at the old man in the room.

Possessing high intelligence the son asked. Teach Lin who was also got at arithmetic.

"Mr. Lin, you're also an arithmetic master. Would you please examine how many questions I got right?" Maxwell asked Mr. Lin who was the advisor of Count.

"MR. LIN, I HAVE TO EXAMINE HIS…" Ajax screamed at the top of his lungs as he moved forward to seize the sheet from Maxwell's hands as Ajax was about tearout that copy as well but the next second Count intervened and apologised to Let Mr. Lin looked at this exam as he was getting very suspicious.

"Mr. Ajax, you don't mind we have a second examiner, do you?" He asked while standing in front of him stopping Ajax from snatching the paper.

"I haven't practiced arithmetic for quite some time. I can use this as a good opportunity to brush up." Said Mr. Lin while grabbing the sheet.

Ajax was sure Lin teacher deliberately go against him and understand the cecimin and this was Maxwell's diles and Ajax now understood that.

"UH... BUT…"

'D*MN! Maxwell is not stupid. He can tell that Maxwell got all ten questions right. the old geezer is having it in for me!'

'I didn't know this brat was actually a scheming man!' Thought Ajax with a blue face while sweating profusely.

Checking his work Lin modded that "Good, the first seven are all correct. Young Lord is good." Lin said his thoughts out loud while explaining the answer sheet.

"The eightη, the ninth... what?!"

!

"Young Lord, This is your answer to the tenth question?!" he asked with a shocked face while showing the sheet.

Teacher Lin was shocked when he saw the answer to the last tenth question?!

"Is it correct, Mr. Lin?" asked Magnus as little excitement could be seen on his face.

He joyfully begins to congratulate the lord.

"Your Lordship, congratulations to you for having an arithmetic genius! The Little Lord is literally a born genius!" Said Lin while showing the answer sheet. As he bowed down to Count.

"!"

"How many questions did he get right?" asked the Count with shocked expressions.

"All of them. and his arithmetic skills are well beyond the ten questions." answered Mr. Lin with a very happy expression. He reported that his son answered all the questions correctly and this young man's maths abilities had far expedited those ten questions.

"You put me to shame, Mr. Maxwell. I wonder whom did you learn from." Asked Mr. Lin while bowing in front of Maxwell as he was really curious about it.

Lin bown to Max and admitted he was asked that he was not as good as this young man.

"I learned it all by myself." Of course he couldn't help but talk about his genius too. "After all math is the subject that 99% genius and 1% sweat. Sometimes, the existence of genius can be really surreal."

However, watching this young man bhivous so selfishly both his son and his classmates speaking on what is going on, someone wanted to beat him up.

'Somehow, I want to kick his ass!'

No sooner had the teacher Ajax stealthily left the class room but the son of Count stopped him.

Of course, Maxwell remembers the deal the terms were if the student answer the all ten questions correctly the teach would apologise to him publicly.

And the first part of the agreement was fulfilled and the second part was not yet fulfilled.

Fuing some anger, hatred evoked again in the teacher all though you could say it never went to sleep. It's just a feeling of shame added to them.

But as you know the best defence is an offence Ajax wanted to shame Max for asking his teacher to apologise to his student.

But the Count intervened for his son and he remained his "Do I need to remind you that the most important thing for a teacher is to be an example for his students".

The lady Maria who just appeared supported her son which she would even if he was wrong. Saying that if "You yourself was wrong you should take responsibility for it".

The son immediately reilzed his favourite mother who is a distant relative of Ajax and considered his petrinious spoke in favour of her favourite child.

Then this is a slap in the face for Ajax stepping over himself all anger that was in this world and without a drop of remorse.

It's like a slap in Ajax's face!

SLAP!

SLAP!

SLAP!

SLAP!

"Sorry, Maxwell! I was too impulsive just now and wrong, you were too impulsive just now and I wronged you!"

Teacher still apologised to his student. For wrongly accusing the ladder.

The classmates who had previously been convinced of Maxwell's defeat no silomonly chaired his victory.

And began to scold the teacher, already comparing him with the old dog.

"Holy cow. Ajax actually apologized!"

"Look at him. What a pathetic cow!"

"Shush. I don't want him to hear us."

The young lord smiled victoriously and started smile smugly again

But Ajax now openly biliterate against this young man.

'You shouldn't have messed with me!'

'Maxwell Manger, our fight will never stop until one of us is dead!'

He promised this young man that he would not rest until one of them is dead.

He quickly ran away from the classroom, Meanwhile Max's classmates and other classmates were already openly chairning his victory. And saying that Max was strong.

STOMP

STOMP

STOMP

You rock, bro!

Good job, Mr. Maxwell!

However the Count himself did not share the joy of victory; he glared angrily at his son.

"What... father?"

"Hand!"

And he ordered him to stretch out his arm and the young man realised that Count was going to hit him even if he had won.

'But I won…'

"Snap"

So he did as ordered and The Count hit him hard so hard that a tear came out his eyes.

"This is for your good. be humble and avoid arrogance. It has been the downfall of many Kingdoms and Civilizations."

The count forbade him to be cocky and told him not to be self righteous as prepared to leavel with his man As he made his way towards the classroom exit, he halted abruptly, casting a glance back at the scene where Maria delicately examined a hand with affectionate eyes. A smile adorned his face as he addressed the figure standing at the doorway.

"Maxwell."

Startled by the call, Maxwell swiftly withdrew his hand from Maria's grasp, turning to face the Count with a newfound familiarity.

"Yes, Father."

The shock rippled through the room, even catching Maria off guard. The Count, still smiling, began to unravel the mystery.

"I presume, Maxwell, that your exceptional performance in the test signals a desire to break free from the shackles of routine education and Deam mentioned your interest in physical training, despite apparent challenges. Am I correct?"

Maxwell, meeting his father's gaze, confirmed, "Yes, Father."

"Good. Embrace your training; academics are now behind you. Focus on the battlefield," declared the Count, leaving the room with those words, leaving the public astonished.

The news of Maxwell's sudden exemption spread like wildfire across the County. Post-event, players recognized him as a noteworthy presence Maxwell after his eventual affinity test; his smartness and capabilities made him a high priority target and they took one more note on existence. Despite their interest, they chose to observe from a distance, still considering him merely a child or a brat needing his mother's company in the night.