A Different World? Trading Between Worlds - Ch 3, Ep 1 - Lecture on the Teleportation Array
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- Ch 3, Ep 1 - Lecture on the Teleportation Array
Lecture on the Teleportation Array
Professor Maurice was intently studying the paper, his eyes filled with curiosity, which reminded Watari that he was dealing with a true scholar.
“I never imagined a new teleportation array would be discovered. Did you find this?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm…. That’s unusual. But since you’ve come to consult with me, it doesn’t seem like a lie.”
“It’s definitely genuine, but is it really that strange?”
“Yes, it is strange.”
Watari felt a jolt as Maurice’s gaze focused on him. This man knew a lot, and because of that, he had likely already deduced many things about Watari just from this consultation. It was hard to imagine how much Maurice had inferred and how certain he was, even at this early stage. The information asymmetry between them was immense.
In situations like this, Watari knew he couldn’t afford to be the one answering questions. He needed to stay in control and keep the focus on extracting information. After all, they were here to learn, so he decided to continue asking questions.
“From the way you speak, Professor, it sounds like this array differs from traditional ones. How exactly is it different?”
“Two types of teleportation arrays have been discovered. It’s believed that their effects differ based on the divine script used. To put it simply, some arrays connect only to specific other arrays, while others link multiple arrays together.”
“I see. Which category does this one fall into?”
“I don’t know, and that’s what makes it so intriguing.”
Watari couldn’t reveal the possibility that the different script might be due to a connection with his home world.
The concept of teleportation arrays was fantastical, but the underlying mechanism was similar to something familiar in modern Japan, making it easier for Watari to grasp. He thought of the difference between a train station where you could switch lines and one where you couldn’t.
“Professor, could you explain more about teleportation arrays?”
“Teleportation arrays were created by the gods as a means of transportation. It’s said that everyone used them during the age of the gods and early ancient times.”
“What are the Age of the Gods and early ancient times?”
“You don’t know your history?”
Maurice’s expression showed a hint of disappointment, which made Watari feel guilty. It was probably something one would learn in basic education.
“I apologize. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to study history. I’ll visit the library later to catch up.”
“My master is from a foreign land, so he lacks knowledge of this area, but he is certainly—”
“It’s fine. There’s a difference between ignorance and lack of education. Those who come seeking knowledge, as you have, are simply ignorant. But those who have lived without ever caring to learn are uneducated. I despise the uneducated, but not the ignorant.”
Watari felt a deep respect for these words. He was the type to do his research before writing or interviewing, so hearing someone with such strong beliefs acknowledge his efforts was satisfying. It was challenging to consult someone without prior preparation and not offend them. Being recognized instead of reprimanded only increased Watari’s admiration for Maurice.
“I’m honored.”
“There’s no need for such words. I am a professor, after all. Teaching the importance of learning is part of my role. Take my words with a grain of salt.”
Maurice chuckled with a childlike enthusiasm before returning to his lecture.
“A long time ago, gods lived in this land. The era before their departure is known as the Age of the Gods. After they left, much of their technology and ruins remained, marking the ancient times, which are divided into early, middle, and late periods. When the world’s nations began to operate on their own power, we entered what we call the modern era, and the present time is known as the contemporary era.”
Maurice wrote down the lecture on a piece of paper: Age of the Gods | Ancient Times | Modern Era | Contemporary Era, further breaking it down. He also noted that the development of alchemy marked the transition from the modern to the contemporary era. Watari made a mental note to research this later, as it was essential knowledge given his involvement with potions and enchantments.
“That was very clear. So, teleportation arrays fell out of use fairly early in ancient times?”
“Yes. At a certain point, they became less functional, and now only a few can still use them.”
“Why did that happen?”
“During the Age of the Gods, many races coexisted on Earth, far more than today. Some of these races, like the Tortoise Clan, were incredibly slow. The god of time and space, pitying them, placed teleportation arrays in various locations around the world as a substitute for their legs. However, in the Middle Ancient period, conflicts arose over the use of these arrays. Angered by their misuse, the gods imposed restrictions, limiting who could recognize and use the arrays.”
“So, some people can still use them?”
“Yes, although only a few. There are likely still some who can: wizards, ancient peoples, those with knowledge passed down through generations, individuals with divine missions, or those on pilgrimages.”
“There seem to be more than I expected. That’s surprising.”
“Even so, they can likely use only a small number of arrays. But there are always exceptions.”
Maurice squinted at Watari, who responded with a nervous yet vague smile, trying to avoid giving anything away. Since he had come to consult about the teleportation array, Maurice must have guessed that Watari could use it. However, whether he could use it elsewhere or how much he could use it remained unclear, and Watari couldn’t provide a definitive answer.
“Are there any precautions to prevent a teleportation array from becoming unusable?”
“The key is not to act against the gods’ will. The god of time and space intended these arrays to be a source of salvation and wanted them to be used righteously.”
“That sounds ambiguous. Acting righteously, you say?”
“You’ll have to consult your conscience. Only the gods know the true answer.”
Watari wondered why he was still able to use the array despite largely using it for profit. Perhaps it was because he hadn’t harmed others, but he couldn’t be sure. The risk of the array suddenly becoming unusable still loomed.
“That was very helpful. Finally, could you explain how this teleportation array differs from others?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t?”
“Yes; if you discover more about teleportation arrays, please share it with me. I study the Age of the Gods, but I can’t recognize these arrays.”
“Understood. If I learn anything new, I’ll consult you again.”
Watari bowed deeply. He had learned more than he expected, and with his questions answered, he quickly stood up to leave with Mariel and the others. Maurice had other appointments, so they didn’t want to take up more of his time.
“Oh, by the way, there’s almost certainly a teleportation array in the royal capital. You should look for it. Although I don’t know its location.”
As they were leaving the room, Maurice offered this advice, to which Watari bowed deeply once again in gratitude.