Volume 1 (Chapters 007-032)

Caelum & Lux

"He was a genius, and it is a great loss that he left us too soon. Although his proof was flawed, there is still much hope in pursuing this line of thought. In fact, let us consider a function of a complex variable..."

— Eulogy given by David Hilbert (1862-1943), founder of the modern mathematical formalism, at a student's funeral

Chapter 007

Prologue

Update Time: 2011-OCT-18 19:06:25

"No matter what, you're being too much, Kurkov."

"Too much? Can you tell me in what way I'm being too much? This is my own assistant quota. Can't I choose the candidate I identify with? What kind of world is it where I can't do that? Excuse me. Except for my student, I can't identify with anyone in my field of expertise. Of course, that includes you guys."

"Can't you change your bad temper? You know we have sufficient reasons, and no one is deliberately making things difficult for you."

"Okay, then find me some candidates!"

At first glance, it seems like a professor is in conflict with the school over his choice of assistant. If this kind of dispute happened in a famous university, perhaps there would be nothing surprising about it. But in fact, this scene takes place in a middle school.

However, when you hear the name of this middle school, everything seems so natural.

Tokiwadai Private Middle School.

One of the premier schools in Academy City, and also one of the top elite girls' schools in the world.

Tokiwadai, with the philosophy of "creating world-class talents through compulsory education", is only a middle school, but numerous students have already made a name for themselves in various research fields during their school days.

Like all famous schools, Tokiwadai's teachers are also experts in their respective fields. Therefore, it is normal for them to choose outstanding talents among their students as their assistants and thus cause various disputes.

In fact, not only among teachers, but also among students, similar situations occur — there is a concept of "faction" among Tokiwadai students. These factions compete for talents, which is also a common occurrence.

Understanding this background, one will no longer be confused by the content of the dispute.

Nevertheless, this dispute is still somewhat different.

On the surface, this teacher obviously values his own student and want her to assist him as his assistant. In any case, it is a normal request. He has every right to designate his own assistant, especially since the candidate is the one he personally taught. However, the school is very firm in its refusal, which is naturally not without reason.

"The problem is that your student won't be of age to enroll in Tokiwadai for another six months. She's not even a student here yet! And you're asking us to reserve an assistant position for her half a year in advance. How can we agree to that?"

Yes, this is the reason behind the heated argument between both sides.

Considering the student's adaptation period, the mentors at Tokiwadai choose their assistants at a time that is different from the start of each academic year. Generally, there is a delay of about half a year, and usually, students in the second year or above are selected. But Kurkov's request has completely broken this convention.

"So, all you have to do is leave this position vacant on the list for half a year. What's the big deal?"

"What's the big deal? You have the nerve to say that with a straight face! You want us to prepare a position half a year in advance for someone who may only possibly enroll half a year later. What kind of madness is this? If I didn't know you better, I'd suspect that this student is your illegitimate daughter!"

"What?! Are you asking for a beating?"

"Ahem, both of you need to calm down," an older teacher coughs a few times and makes the potential brawl disappear into thin air, "Kurkov, special cases require special and firm support. I believe you understand this. And your student's identity is too special. If things go wrong, it could have a negative impact on Tokiwadai's reputation for fairness."

"Yes, even if she's the chairman's granddaughter, she can't be so obvious, can she?"

"Wait a minute, I can't just let that go!" Kurkov raises his voice again, "If I understand correctly, you're saying that I'm only making this request to suck up to the chairman?"

No one speaks. Obviously, there are many who hold this view.

"Okay, fine! If that's what you think, why don't we make a bet?" Kurkov angrily laughs, "Let's leave the position vacant for the next six months. Tokiwadai will arrange an exam for her in six months, and I'll find a test that you all agree can reflect her abilities. Let's see what kind of results she can achieve and if she's qualified. If you're not satisfied with her performance, I'll resign!"

"Hey! You're getting crazier and crazier! Besides, where can we find a test that we all agree can reflect the test-taker's abilities?"

"Don't worry! I've already thought of it!" Kurkov operates his laptop and searches the question bank. "Special cases require special and firm support, right? Well, this is firm enough, isn't it?"

Looking at the contents that appear on the laptop screen flipped over by Kurkov, everyone involuntarily takes a cold breath.

"Madman, you're really a madman..." the older teacher shakes his head and mutters, "Are you trying to push your student into hell?"