01 Picarat [Parchment : Text]
[A line spreads across the page as Layton tests his quill. A blotch follows as he taps the page.]
Curious. Yes, very curious. Perhaps the effects of that town haven't quite worn off...
Excuse me, I seem to have gotten off-track.
I hope you'll forgive me for writing out this post, to anyone who might be reading. It is a little impersonal but I've never ( Read more... )
Curious. Yes, very curious. Perhaps the effects of that town haven't quite worn off...
Excuse me, I seem to have gotten off-track.
I hope you'll forgive me for writing out this post, to anyone who might be reading. It is a little impersonal but I've never ( Read more... )
[After all, like his Brother, he was always devouring whatever new knowledge he found interesting at an alarming rate. Learning was a process he would never get sick of. So he listens to Layton talk with a curious look and nods here and there to show that he's keeping up just fine.]
No and to be honest from what I've investigated, this world is similar to one that my Brother found himself in, only this world seems to be slightly more advanced as if we were propelled into the future. Where I come from such technologies don't quite exist, rather we rely on Alchemy and the laws of Equivalent Exchange, which basically states that: In order to obtain or create something, something of equal value must be lost or destroyed. It is supported by The Law of Conservation of Mass and The Law of Natural Providence, but regarding that last one...
[His voice trails off thoughtfully for a brief second.]
You see most people forget that most everything is made up other elements, and it's possible to deconstruct an item through alchemy down it's base components. Like for instance, if you were out in the desert and didn't have any water, you could pull it right out of the oxygen in the air around you - since water vapor is present. With that in mind you can use alchemy to help other people by repairing broken items, or erecting a new bridge out of the earth to get from one point to another.
[As for the last part... the puzzle, his eyes brighten at the idea of a challenge. Though he isn't sure what a picarat is to be honest.]
Sure... sounds fun. I'll give one a try.
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[Layton listens to Alphonse's explanation intently, with a hand on his chin in contemplation.]
My, that is a remarkable science and certainly has much more utility than what passed for alchemy in my own world. I don't mean to diminish a scientist's work at all, but most attempts at alchemy in my history were glorified experiments in mercury poisoning.
I am especially interested in the example you brought up. We have yet to devise a machine that can split particles neatly, but in your own world, can you achieve these processes just through your body?
[Layton smiles cheerfully.]
Wonderful. I have one just in mind. [And the communicator switches to parchment as the professor writes down the puzzle.]
Here are two shapes, one large and one small. Each is made up of little triangles. Dipping your fountain pen into the ink one time gives you just enough ink to draw four little triangles, as depicted by the shape on the left.
So, with that in mind, how was the least amount of times you have to dip your pen in the ink in order to draw the shape on the right that's made up of 36 triangles? Three hints are available to you if you do get stuck.
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[Which to admit makes him blush a little... he was always the more modest of the two.]
I wouldn't mind telling you more about it, from what I've heard there's even a class here designed around alchemy, but it's only open to seventh year students. I think I'd like to give your puzzle a try though before we go any further.
[The image on the screen goes dark a bit, replaced shortly by an image that's identical to the one Layton shared. It's not long after that heavier lines are being drawn over the image and erased as the young boy attempts to solve the riddle that has been presented to him. After a few minutes, he stops drawing lines and keeping tally. The feed changes from quill to video once more.]
I believe the answer you're looking for Professor is 7.
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That's a shame. I do hope they make a class open to all years soon. [Layton nods when he mentions the puzzle.] Certainly. I'd like to see what you make of it.
[Layton watches the puzzle progress; it's clear Alphonse gets it once he starts to tally. Once the feed comes back on, Layton smiles.]
Exactly right. Most people get fooled into thinking of dividing all 36 triangles, not realizing that just three of the smaller triangles can make the one in the middle. Ah, and here I am giving you puzzles and not even asking for your name. How rude of me. And you are?
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[As rough as that might sound, his tone of voice is nothing but kind. He loved Izumi, even if she did scare the living day lights out of him.]
Don't worry about that, I'm Alphonse Elric. It is a pleasure to meet you Professor Layton.
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Oh, my. That sounds quite like the introduction to your training. Was your training afterwards even more rigorous with your teacher?
[Definitely sounds rough to Layton. He wonders what kind of teacher she must've been.]
Pleasure to meet you too, Alphonse Elric.
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[Actually, most woman in the Elric Brother's lives were quite physical scary. Winry with her wrenches, Izumi with her fists, and even Riza with her guns.]
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Do you mind if I ask what kind of physical studies? I only took fencing back when I was in school, but I know there is plethora of martial arts available to learn.
[Sounds like Emmy, then. Dear god that woman and her roundhouse kicks.]
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[Layton would love a demonstration some time. He already is having Axel show him some fire spells later once he masters them.]
Oh, your brother is here? That's good to have someone familiar in this unfamiliar world.
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[Those were probably best left to share another time, not to mention many of the stories weren't very happy ones. The boys had lead a dangerous life for the last seven years and a lot of their decisions were questionable at best most of the time. Forcing a smile, he nods in reply to the last question and comment.]
It is... he's a third year like me and I'm sure eventually you'll become familiar with him. His name is Edward, Edward Elric.
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I'm certain I will, given my frequent roaming around the castle.
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