New World III

Johnny remained silent, absorbing the humble surface concepts.

As he listened, Johnny noticed a subtle gap in the lord's explanations. A notable absence of discussion about the number Zero caught Johnny's attention. Despite his frustration, he saw an opportunity to question and explore.

Determined to investigate this apparent neglect out of boredom, Johnny interrupted the lord's monologue with a direct question, "What happens if you divide or multiply some oranges by something non-existent?"

Lord Kaloch, with a confused expression, fixed his gaze on the boy. Bewilderment was clear in his eyes as he said, "Your statement makes no sense, boy! Explain yourself!"

Johnny, though bored with basic math lessons, remained steadfast in his quest for deeper understanding. He responded with tangible patience, "For example, a number where there's an absence of quantity or value?"

Lord Kaloch, still with a doubtful expression, pondered Johnny's explanation. With a skeptical tone, he expressed his view, "You can add or subtract, but it's impossible to divide or multiply by a number that represents the absence of value!"

Intrigued by the apparent lack of mathematical development in the peculiar world he found himself in, Johnny decided to further provoke the situation. With a challenging expression, he questioned, "And if the operation were possible, what would be the result of dividing an integer by an empty number?"

Johnny's question hung in the air, filling the royal tent with palpable tension. Lord Kaloch, in turn, stared at Johnny with a look that mixed curiosity and caution.

Johnny's provocation was only probing the limits of the mathematical understanding of that peculiar world. But it seemed to ignite a spark of insight in Lord Kaloch's eyes. A flash of understanding illuminated his countenance, and with a revelation, he said, "If such a number existed, it would transform the other number into itself, making it another empty number!"

As Lord Kaloch spoke, Johnny realized the magnitude of the revelation. The introduction of this peculiar mathematical concept was indeed a significant discovery. Amidst the tension and challenges, Johnny couldn't help but think with a touch of irony, "Great, now this barbaric world knows zero."

Johnny's clever discussion about the concept of zero elicited a surprising and enthusiastic reaction from Lord Kaloch. A genuine expression of admiration appeared on the lord's face as he exclaimed with enthusiasm, "This is brilliant, boy! Upon further thought, your second reward will be something a bit more extraordinary than I had initially imagined!"

The infectious energy in Lord Kaloch's voice conveyed not only appreciation for Johnny's insight but also genuine excitement for what that discovery could represent.

Lord Kaloch, with a solemn gesture, pulled out a dagger from his pocket that exhibited a nobility befitting an aristocrat. The blade shone with impeccable polish, and the handle, richly decorated with intricate carvings, conveyed the refined quality of the weapon.

With the dagger in hand, Lord Kaloch addressed Johnny with a serious expression. He shared a memory from his own youth, "When I was your age, my father gifted me my first weapon, which I carry to this day! From now on, you are a man to hunt your own food!"

This symbolic gifting of a weapon not only marked a gesture of respect for Johnny but also symbolized the transition to adulthood in this peculiar world. It was a significant tradition reserved for those who demonstrated a mindset worthy of an adult.

Interestingly, even Derek, despite his constant training, had not received his first weapon from his father, as he had not yet been recognized as an adult.

Johnny observed the dagger in his hands, immediately noticing that it stood out among the others in his inventory. Superior quality was evident, but his eyes focused on the subtle runes engraved along the blade, forming words and patterns that seemed to transcend mere ornamentation.

Lord Kaloch, sensing Johnny's curiosity, smiled and spoke, "I see you've noticed the runes, boy! Behold the language of the gods on the blade! This dagger was imbued with a Rune Echo, and for that, the blood of several heretics was required as raw material!"

The lord's words cast a shadow of gravity over the newly granted gift. Johnny understood that those runes were not merely decorations but symbols laden with deep meanings and, at the same time, carrying a dark cost. The dagger, now in his hands, was more than just a combat tool.

Lord Kaloch took the dagger from Johnny's hands, holding it firmly. With a skillful gesture, he uttered the words "praesidium."

Immediately, an extraordinary manifestation appeared before them: a dimensional shield. This shield, a masterpiece of magic or advanced technology, was an impressive sight.

The shield had a translucent surface, with shimmering energy patterns intricately interwoven. It seemed like an ethereal barrier, yet solid and impenetrable at the same time. Its outlines were fluid, dynamically adapting to changes in the environment. The center of the shield emitted a soft glow, creating a striking contrast with the darker patterns at the edges.

Johnny, witnessing this feat of magic or technology, couldn't help but whistle in admiration. Lord Kaloch, maintaining solemnity, explained, "The shield's limit is attacks from Gamma-level creatures!"

Danger levels were categorized from Delta to Alpha.

Delta creatures posed almost no threat, only risking harm to peasants.

Gamma creatures were more dangerous, even for elite soldiers.

Beta creatures were extremely perilous, requiring the lord's intervention.

And Alpha, legendary predators, were practically unstoppable and represented existential threats to entire regions, posing a monumental task to face them.

Johnny felt an irresistible urge to hug the lord. Previously, his lack of defense was considered his greatest weakness, but now, with the gifts received, this vulnerability had been effectively suppressed, lifting his spirit and confidence to face the challenges ahead.

The conversation between Johnny and Lord Kaloch's atmosphere was abruptly interrupted by the peculiar entrance of a loyal warrior of the lord.

The warrior was an imposing figure, dressed in robust armor displaying the lord's house crest. The serious expression and determined eyes revealed the seriousness of the message he brought.

"Apologies for the intrusion, my lord!" the soldier said with respectful reverence. "We have found a heretical village! The Inquisitor wishes to go there now!"