The four people in front of Ailo in front of him with different dresses and personalities were none other than well-known scholars of the material school.

Turner, a dragonborn scholar who was seen as an outlier by his surroundings because of his race since he was a child, understood the charm of the book early on. However, Turner was not interested in history or mythology, but in books on the theory of the elements of matter, which were regarded as alien by the dominant doctrine.

When it comes to material elements, we have to say a little more. Just as the Magical Elemental School believes that the essence of magic lies in the magical element, and therefore all the components of the world are involved in the magical element, the material element theory holds that everything in the world is composed of basic material particles, and this particle is the material element.

At first, many people were interested in this statement, but as the research progressed, it was discovered that there were too many material elements to classify. If nothing else, it seems that in the most ordinary drop of river water, you can find most of the material elements that exist in nature at present.

What's even more maddening is that several different combinations of the same element can even cause drastic changes to the matter itself.

Magical elements are much simpler, and while they can be combined in an infinite number of ways, at least the type of magical element is unique.

For this reason, the theory of the elements of matter is often regarded as the doctrine of fools, and those who study it are regarded as fools who do not take shortcuts.

Humphrey, a half-elf scholar, was also a proponent of the material element theory, a friend and a strong rival of Turner. Unlike Turner, Humphrey preferred to rely on the methods of some alchemists rather than pure theoretical deduction.

In fact, the two were originally comparable, until some time ago, Humphrey came up with an astonishing theory, which was so incredible that it was difficult for the scholars of the material school to accept, which led to Humphrey's recent very unsatisfactory life.

However, it was precisely because of this theory that Aeloh noticed him.

The fierce-looking tiger orc was named Apstan, from the Flame Wave tribe, one of the three major orc tribes in the Western Continent, and was an alchemist. It's just that he was born incapable of using any magic, so he and a few like-minded friends tried a lot of material means instead of magic to carry out alchemical experiments, which was rejected by many traditional alchemists.

Even a handful of alchemists, fearing that this method would be used by ordinary people and threaten their interests, began to fight Apstein until all his friends were deserted and he himself was banished from the tribe.

Fortunately, Epstein knew early on that he couldn't use magic, so he received a lot of martial arts training. Now his hard power is even looming above the original Carlyle, which is one of the reasons why he was able to make it to the Icourt Valley alone.

And that intellectual woman is Jan, from the Tadoya Empire. In this country, because the Holy See of Dawn holds the supreme power, and all the members of the Holy See are considered to be supporters of the School of Magic, a scholar of the Material School like Yang naturally has no place to stand.

What's more, with the arrival of a new generation of popes, the Holy See's attitude towards academic research has become more and more radical, and Young has even received no less than three anonymous threatening letters in the past month, asking her to abandon all research.

In desperation, she left the Tadoya Empire in search of a new research environment.

"Well, folks, the reason for inviting you here this time is as stated in the letter," said Iroh in a deep voice, seeing that the time was almost up, "I am willing to provide you with sufficient assistance to complete your research, and in return, I hope that you will be able to participate in the research projects I have organized at the right time—of course, I guarantee that those projects will definitely be of interest to you." Other than that, I couldn't ask for more. ”

"Your Excellency," Jan stood up first, bowing slightly, "I appreciate your kindness. Still, I'd like you to shed a little bit on why you did this. As you know, due to various factors, there are very few lords who still support the materialistic school today. ”

Iroh nodded, although he was disgusted that the other party asked too many questions at this time, but for the sake of long-term consideration, he still said simply: "Actually, it's not complicated, maybe you all know the situation of Falkenridge." ”

Looking around, Iroh continued in a sincere tone, "I am a supporter of the new King, and I can say that the worries of His Majesty are the worries of me. The situation facing Falkenridge today is very serious, but our country has limited resources and limited talent......"

"I think it's very unrealistic to want to enhance yourself through magic in a short period of time. Iroh looked at the four of them who couldn't help but nod, and then said, "So I'm thinking about it, should I try the materialist point of view?"

"After all, materialism starts with material, and what we need most is material improvement - of course I'm a layman in this regard, but now is not the time to give up any hope. ”

When the words fell, Apstein's eyes lit up slightly, and he stood up: "Lord Lord, if you mean this...... I thought I might be able to help. ”

It's not that Epstein is arrogant, it's that he really has results in this.

Iroh had already heard that Epstein had been researching ways to increase the strength of weapons and armor without relying on any magic in the time before he was expelled!

Focused on his research, he ignored how many vested interests had been angered by the move: the enhancement of military weapons and armor was usually contracted by magical blacksmiths and alchemists who specialized in blacksmithing. Due to the tension and chaos between the countries of the western continent, these people were often able to obtain large orders and make a lot of money.

If Epstein did figure it out, it would undoubtedly mean that civilians who couldn't do magic could also get a piece of the pie - and they would never allow it!

"Of course, I was personally interested in Mr. Humphrey's theories. ”

Looking at Humphrey, who was slightly lost, Ayroh added with a smile.

"Oh my God, Earth Goddess bless, are you really interested?"

Humphrey's joy overflowed instantly, God knows how much he wanted this theory to be appreciated, it had taken him twenty years to take shape, and for a researcher, there was nothing more uplifting than Ielloh's words.

"Lord Lord, you must listen to me, as long as this theory is thoroughly perfected, it can definitely change the world......

Hearing Humphrey begin to gush, Turner shrugged helplessly, he knew it would be like this, and now he could only hope that this lord would not throw his only friend out of anger.

Naturally, Iroh didn't mean to be angry, even if Humphrey's actions did challenge some of the dragon's majesty, but compared to the interests behind it...... It's nothing.

"Ah, as for Lady Young," Arrow interrupted Humphrey as he said he was a little tired, and smiled at Young, who had asked the question at the beginning, "Your research on the material elements can be said to be the culmination of your predecessors, so I'm eager for you to stay and talk to others more in addition to your research—after all, we're all willing to see the material school flourish at the moment, aren't we?"

"Your lord, you're right. ”

Since Iroh has talked about this, Jan naturally has no more opinions.

However, this is also related to the low status of the materialist school today. If it were to be replaced by a mage master of the magic school, Iroh's invitation might only be politely declined.

But the material school is different, they have been suppressed for too long, desperate to get a chance to get ahead, and Iroh's decision is undoubtedly a road, even if they don't know what the end of this path is, but they all know that it must be stronger than the thorny path they originally walked.

"It looks like we've agreed. ”

Iroh nodded in satisfaction and took the lead in sitting down: "Then, I announce that the Solar Optics Society will be officially established from today, and you are the original members of this society! I hope you will enjoy your time in the Society, and at the same time share the charm of the Material School with more aspirants—but I think Mr. Humphrey may have done a good job of this." ”

In the midst of everyone's hearty laughter, Iroh nodded slightly to Turner: "I believe Mr. Turner will help him share in a more appropriate way, right?"

"That's nature. ”

Looking at Humphrey, who was smiling happily, Turner suddenly felt very stressed.

When the business was done, it was time for a more pleasant dinner—and Iroh generously did his landlord's good, giving the four scholars, who usually lived a modest life, a sumptuous meal.

After praying to the gods of their respective faiths, a salad is served as an appetizer, consisting of a variety of seasonal vegetables, and sprinkled with a dash of white vinegar.

After the salad is over, it's time to make fine white bread with eggs and milk and high-quality butter.

This is followed by broth, roast suckling pig, rabbit stew, and a variety of fish. Dessert is jam as well as cream biscuits, cakes, and fresh fruits.

Needless to say, most of these foods were also directly exchanged by Ailo for faith points. Otherwise, with the current strength of the Ikot Valley, it would not be able to have the luxury of entertaining scholars with such a sumptuous meal.

At all costs...... The strategy for the next 10 years has been basically deployed, and now it is up to time to show you what kind of results you will have.

After the four of them had said goodbye and left, Iroh looked at the hall that had once again deserted and leaned back in his chair.