The Genius System
Chapter 9 The Foundations of Genius
Lassen stretched lazily in his chair, closing the novel he had just finished. A satisfied sigh escaped his lips.
"That protagonist... a respected academic master, capable of solving the most complex mysteries. Not bad, honestly." he murmured, a dreamy smile on his face.
Then, looking up at the ceiling, he casually announced, "System, I''ve decided. I want to become an academic master, like that guy in my novel. Give me a list of the biggest mathematical puzzles in the world."
A brief silence followed before the sarcastic voice of the system echoed in his mind.
[Ah, of course, Host. After your brilliant career as a professional reader, you''re now tackling advanced mathematics. Such ambition... perfectly aligned with your lazy nature.]
Lassen burst into laughter. "Exactly! So, show me these problems so I can pick one to solve."
[Very well. Prepare to enter a world where your intelligence—or lack thereof—might become a problem in itself.]
An illusory screen appeared before his eyes, displaying a list of seven mathematical enigmas.
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The Seven Major Mathematical Problems
1. The Riemann Hypothesis
[The Riemann zeta function, ζ(s), is defined on complex numbers. The hypothesis states that all non-trivial zeros of this function have a real part equal to 1/2.]
Lassen frowned. "Uh... are you speaking in code now?"
[Allow me to simplify it for you, Host. In plain terms: it''s a riddle about how prime numbers are distributed. Solving this could revolutionize cryptography and several branches of mathematics.]
"Prime numbers again... They''re so overrated" Lassen muttered.
2. P vs NP
[This problem aims to prove that any problem whose solution can be verified quickly can also be solved quickly.]
"Okay, simpler than the last one, right?" Lassen asked.
[Not exactly. If this conjecture is proven, it could transform modern computing by making exponential problems solvable in reasonable time. But first, you''d need to understand what it implies.]
"So, it could help hackers? Cool."
3. Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture
[A million dollars for each resolved problem, not to mention global fame and academic recognition.]
Lassen smirked. "Not bad. But if I do this, everyone will want to talk to me, invite me to conferences, and ask questions. Honestly, I''d rather avoid that."
[So, you''re aiming for rewards without the responsibilities? Classic.]
Lassen ignored the remark. "Alright, System, give me a list of less famous problems to start with."
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More Accessible Problems
1. Collatz Conjecture
[Take an integer. If it''s even, divide it by two. If it''s odd, multiply it by three and add one. Repeat. The conjecture states that all numbers eventually reach 1.]
Lassen burst into laughter. "Wait... that''s it? Sounds way too simple."
[Simple on the surface, but frustrating for those who''ve tried to solve it. No one has yet found a universal proof.]
2. Algorithm Optimization
[Create an algorithm capable of solving giant Sudokus or organizing complex networks more efficiently.]
3. Minor Geometry Theorem
[An unresolved problem about graphs and sets.]
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"Collatz, that one speaks to me. Not too complicated, but cool enough to impress math enthusiasts."
[Good decision, Host.]
"Great. System, do it. Solve this kid''s riddle and make it look good."
[Resolution in progress.]
Lassen sank back into his chair, grabbing a new novel from the table. "You see, this is what genius looks like: knowing how to delegate."
[Or knowing how to do nothing. A strategy that suits you perfectly.]