Chapter 332: The Solution

Muir’s face was cold. “My approach is beyond a youngster like you. Just wait and see.”

Helag smiled, “Let’s see, then.”

After reviewing Muir’s solution, Helag was almost certain it wouldn’t work.

In his view, Deep Blue’s analysis was still ongoing, with ten minutes remaining.

Eight minutes later.

Goodwin returned with Muir’s parchment, still smiling.

Muir, knowing Goodwin’s usual demeanor, couldn’t tell if his solution worked. He asked, “Mr. Goodwin, did it work?”

Goodwin smiled, “Unfortunately, after testing, the team couldn’t break the wheel array.”

“Impossible! They must have made a mistake!” Muir insisted, believing his method was correct and the fault lay in execution.

“Regrettably, Mr. Muir, the team confirmed the process was correct, but your method lacked thoroughness and consideration,” Goodwin explained gently.

Muir didn’t argue further, his expression shifting as he pondered.

Seeing Muir’s silence, Goodwin addressed the crowd, “Does anyone else have a method?”

No one responded, indicating no one had a viable solution yet.

Many sat at tables, furiously calculating.

Helag checked Deep Blue’s progress; it was nearly done.

After about two minutes, Deep Blue provided the results.

“Wheel array solution complete. Method as follows.”

Helag quickly reviewed the detailed steps Deep Blue provided.

Deep Blue numbered the wheel’s eight rings from outermost to innermost.

The first step was inserting a specific rune at a position on the third ring, followed by another on the seventh ring.

…

The process was complex, with ninety-eight steps.

The extensive procedure seemed feasible upon review.

Helag mentally simulated the steps, finding a high success rate, with each step logically justified.

Deep Blue included detailed calculations, complex yet convincing, with clear data.

Data-supported steps made sense.

Helag retrieved a quill and parchment from his spatial ring, retreating to a corner to write.

His actions went unnoticed, as many were similarly engrossed in writing and calculating.

Muir noticed Helag’s actions first, smirking disdainfully.

He doubted Helag could achieve anything significant.

If he couldn’t solve it, how could a young upstart?

Impossible.

Israel glanced at Helag, noting his serious expression, and nodded silently.

Helag transcribed Deep Blue’s steps onto parchment.

Due to complexity, one parchment wasn’t enough.

Helag quickly exhausted his stack, filling each with dense writing.

He retrieved more parchment from his spatial ring, continuing to write.

As time passed, Helag’s table piled high with parchment.

Israel stood nearby, observing Helag’s writing.

Initially curious, Israel hadn’t expected Helag to produce a viable solution so quickly.

But watching, Israel was astonished.

As a second-level array master, Israel’s expertise was high.

After a brief observation, Israel understood Helag’s work and its significance.

While Helag wrote, Israel mentally verified the content, finding it accurate.

Israel regretted arriving late, missing earlier content.

When he approached, Helag’s table was already piled high with parchment.

Based on current content, there were no issues.

After forty minutes, Helag finished writing the complete solution on parchment.

The stack was too thick for one hand.

“Phew,” Helag sighed, feeling tired after writing so long.

Israel asked, “Finished?”

“Yes,” Helag nodded.

“President Goodwin, come see Helag’s method,” Israel called to Goodwin.

Several others had submitted methods to Goodwin, but none passed review.

Goodwin turned to Helag and Israel, approaching them.

Helag handed over the thick stack of parchment, “President Goodwin, see if this works.”

Goodwin nodded, taking the parchment and reading from the top.

Immediately, Goodwin noticed this solution differed from others.

It contained complete data and calculations, allowing readers to verify each step.

Goodwin quickly immersed himself in the solution, reading and mentally calculating.

His actions drew others’ attention, many watching.

Seeing the thick stack of parchment in Goodwin’s hands, many were surprised.

In such a short time, how had this young Helag written so much?

Of course, quantity wasn’t enough; the solution had to work.

Muir thought the same, eyeing the parchment stack with mixed emotions.

He wondered if Helag had truly found a solution but dismissed the thought.

Reflecting on his method’s flaws, Muir realized the wheel array’s complexity.

He doubted it could be solved quickly.

After reading, Goodwin maintained his smile, handing the parchment to Israel.

Israel waved it off, “I saw part of it earlier. I think it’s worth trying.”

Goodwin nodded, saying nothing, and handed the parchment to three other reviewers.