Parmer resumed his seat. He looked at the five problems on the blackboard, and said to Amy confidently, Ill count to three and then we start. The one finishing them faster wins. One

64, 42, 72, 48, 63. Ive finished, Amy said calmly, looking at the board.

Parmer had just counted to three. Before he could close his mouth and write down the problems, Amy had finished.

The classroom fell silent. They didnt know if Amy had got all of them right, but she was unmistakably a lot faster than Parmer.Amy gave the answers before Parmer even started calculating.They all looked to their teacher, waiting for her to tell them the correct answers.

Did you just say some random numbers? Parmer asked, incredulous.

I have calculated, Amy said seriously, looking at Luna.

Luna looked at the board and gave the answers. 64, 42, 72, 48, 63. Amys answers are correct! Her voice rose a little in astonishment.

Of course, these problems were easy to her, but even she had to calculate in her head to know the answers.It seems Amy knows the answers without having to think. Maybe only a genius can calculate this fast!

Amys really amazing! Daphne exclaimed. She had just said what other kids wanted to say.Parmer is incredible, but now it seems Amy is even more incredible than him.

Holy moley! I cant play with her anymore. All good-grade children are nuts, Ignatsu said in fright, shaking his head disappointedly.

For a while, Parmer didnt say anything. Then he nodded solemnly. I lose, he said.Father said, win or lose, a man must always act like a man, especially before a woman.

Although maybe Father only said that to comfort himself because he is often beaten by Mother and doesnt dare to hit back, I still think he has a point.

Amy nodded. Yes, you lose. Her voice wasnt too proud, but she sounded as if she had seen it coming.

Her tone frustrated Parmer even more.

Shes so incredible!That was many childrens only thought about Amy.The shabby little girl has become even cleverer than Parmer.

Mag smiled.Our 99 table is beyond compare!Then he looked at the gentlemanly boy.His face looks familiar, but I cant remember where Ive seen him.

The bell rang. The children immediately put this entire incident behind them and couldnt wait for Luna to say class dismissed.

All right. Class dismissed, she said, not prolonging the class. Right now, Luna had a lot of questions on her mind. She took Amy by the hand and walked out of the classroom. Im sorry, Mag. Can I ask you a few questions? she said. If you dont mind, can we talk in my office?

Mag nodded, smiling. Okay. He had something to ask her too.

After they arrived at her office, Luna gave Amy a candy and had her play by herself on a chair nearby. She wasnt able to hold back her questions any longer.

How did Amy learn to do those problems so quickly in such a short time? I taught her a multiplication table before, but it has so many terms, she didnt memorize them all. Theres no way she can solve those problems so quickly using that multiplication table.

I taught her a new multiplication table and a new numeral system. Its much easier, so she could work out those answers so quickly. Mag didnt lie, because he trusted Luna, and there was no need to hide something like this.

It would be interesting to see the 99 table dominate this world.

War might be the fastest way to achieve integration, but it would also cause the most problems. It would be much better if culture could promote integration.

Lunas eyes lit up immediately. A new numeral system? She had thought Amy had studied harder under Mag these days.

If this much easier numeral system really exists, it will be a milestone in the mathematics world!Her hands started shaking with excitement. Mag, is this system universal? she asked solemnly.

Mag nodded. Yes, I think so, he said.It has been used in China for thousands of years, so of course its universal.

But it would be impractical to just rely on Luna to spread this system. We need to involve a much larger institution, like the Gray Temple.

Teacher Luna, Father is really incredible, Amy said, holding Ugly Duckling in her arms, the look on her face very proud.

Mag, I know its too forward, but can I have a look at this new system of yours? Luna asked earnestly. If you plan to publish it, maybe I can help. My grandfather is one of the educational officials in the Roth Empire. I cant tell you his name, but he is dedicated to spreading knowledge of arithmetics. Our numeral system is too complicated, so not many people have the patience to learn it, and even less have mastered it. In Chaos School, every year only half the children can pass the arithmetic test when they finish their studying in the primary section.

If your system is easier and universal, Im sure hell be glad to help. Your name will live in the arithmetic history.

It was all well and good to be able to live in history, but Mag didnt want to be so conspicuous right now. The name Mag Alex had been a thorn in the flesh of many people in Rodu. If he stuck out now, a lot of people would be provoked.

He was a little surprised to find that Lunas grandfather was an educational official. He had thought she was just a lady from a normal noble family.

Most of the people in Mag Alexs life had been military men, so he didnt know many officials from other departments.Now that I think about it, the name Field does ring a bell. I seem to recall that an old man from a royal banquet was a Field. We had a drink together. He could drink a lot. Maybe he and Luna are related.

Mag nodded, smiling. Sure. I can show you the numeral system. But can I use the name Mamy instead of mine? It was a perfect chance to advertise his restaurant.

If they name such epoch-making numeral system and the 99 table after a restaurant, I wonder what the kids here will think when they study the Mamy table,Mag thought.

Luna nodded. Sure, she said.Its too early to talk about this sort of thing. I have to see the system first.