"Any periodic function can be considered as a superposition of sine waves with different phases. The infinite summation of sine waves results in a 90-degree square wave. If you observe numerous sine waves in a three-dimensional coordinate system, their combined portions will manifest as a line segment in the frequency domain graph."
The female doctor struggled to address students with conflicting views. Unfortunately, she had more than one such student. For a postdoctoral researcher who had just achieved recognition with studies eligible for the Gruber Prize in Cosmology, Jane Foster didn't lack students. Yet, her current audience included an intern transitioning from social sciences and a high school mage with spatial magic abilities. Suppressing her frustration, Jane Foster did her best to explain these fundamental concepts—topics that were gaps in their astrophysics education.
"This is the spectrum of Fourier series, something you must learn. Solomon Damonet, stop distracting Darcy with stories! There are no gods in this world; mathematics is the only true god!"
"Professor Foster, I was merely sharing myths that are absent from books," Solomon responded mockingly, pointing to the voluptuous female student seated beside him. After hearing Jane Foster's outburst, Darcy hurriedly feigned innocence, playing with her hair. However, Solomon's next words left Darcy Lewis utterly stunned.
"I've already studied Fourier transforms, Professor, and I've reviewed the textbooks you provided. I was just passing the time chatting with Darcy."
"You betrayed me!" Darcy widened her eyes in dismay. She had taken solace in not understanding the fundamentals, believing that Solomon, being a high schooler, wouldn't grasp them either. But the mage's words ruthlessly shattered her illusion—she was the only fool in the room.
"Sorry, Darcy. If you had a foster mother renowned for her intelligence, you'd also be forced to learn these things early," Solomon said unapologetically, shrugging. "I think the professor has a point, but Asgardians aren't just aliens. The Aesir gods have a lineage tied to the Creator. That's what I was discussing with Darcy. Moreover, I believe the professor's views are somewhat biased. Mathematical laws aren't immutable. I've encountered a True God who could alter these laws, making 1 + 1 not equal to 2, collapsing both discovered and undiscovered mathematical principles. Such beings, mastering fundamental universal logic, deserve to be called gods."
"You've demonstrated magic to us, but I think it's just a technology beyond our current understanding. Bending spoons with your mind isn't beyond science, nor is guessing Zener cards," Jane Foster sighed. "If that god you mentioned truly exists, they might qualify as a deity, but that's irrelevant to our course. Sit down, Julie Knowles—the 15-year-old British girl bending spoons telekinetically. And Darcy, pay attention."
"Okay~" Darcy drawled, dragging her words. Under the table, she tugged at the mage's sleeve, signaling with her fingers—a "three." Solomon responded by folding two fingers, leaving one. Darcy, determined, added another finger to make "two," and Solomon bumped fists with her in agreement. The deal was sealed: two meals as penance for Solomon's betrayal.
This was a weekend remedial class they both had to attend. Darcy needed to catch up on foundational knowledge after switching from social sciences to astronomy (unless she wanted to keep lifting boxes). Solomon, on the other hand, was preparing for his A-Level exams, aiming for admission to Oxford. His claim about understanding Fourier transforms wasn't a bluff. Both Yog-Sothoth and the Eternal God were beings with powers incomprehensible to humanity, and he had connections to both. After packing his textbooks, Solomon absentmindedly touched the silver key hanging around his neck. Though the key hadn't yet granted him power, it allowed him glimpses into the depths of dark magic, including shadows and time. These domains, which he had begun to explore, were gradually becoming more potent through the key's deciphering.
But he knew he couldn't rush. Walking through the empty hallway, he repeated to himself: no haste, no greed, no madness. He needed to manipulate only what was within his control, maintaining restraint as he had when facing Dormammu. Yog-Sothoth was far more dangerous than Dormammu. Solomon had to reject the temptations of power, even his own.
Smack! A sudden tap on his shoulder startled him. Before he could react, Darcy Lewis hooked an arm around his neck, pulling him into her embrace. "You're not sneaking off!" she laughed, squeezing him. "Decide on lunch now! My vote is French cuisine, but I don't have a visa or speak French."
"Darcy," Solomon muttered, wriggling free from her grasp, though it was undeniably soft. "Not today. I have to meet someone—possibly two people—in London later."
"Who? Your girlfriend and her girlfriend? Both of them are in New York," Darcy teased.
"How should I describe them? One is S.H.I.E.L.D.'s founder, and the other is her boyfriend," Solomon replied.
"Who?" Darcy furrowed her brow in confusion.
"Peggy Carter and Captain America."
"Oh, wow..."
"You haven't been to the Captain America Museum, have you?"
"I usually go to gyms to see muscular guys... Could you get me an autographed photo? Preferably shirtless?"
Solomon's meeting with Peggy Carter was scheduled before his meeting with Captain Rogers. However, seeing Peggy Carter required several layers of security checks, even though the invitation came from her. These were covert inspections that didn't hinder his journey. Handing over a dagger to the security agents, Solomon successfully entered and met the legendary woman.
"Her lucid moments are rare," explained her caretaker, a retired female agent. The mage sat by Peggy's bed, observing the photos on her nightstand. "She just took her medication and isn't awake. You'll have to return another time."
"Let me wait a bit," Solomon said softly. After the caretaker left, he clasped Peggy Carter's age-spotted hand, reciting a spell. Though she remained asleep, moments later, she suddenly woke with a start, her eyes sharp and focused, as if years of age had melted away. The spell temporarily reactivated her aging brain. The Fox's Cunning spell had no side effects, allowing Solomon to cast it without worry. He wasn't capable of using higher forms of magic—nor was he a shaper of existential realities. His interest lay in the words of Nick Fury.
"Now, answer my questions," Solomon whispered. "Why did you arrange for me to be adopted ten years ago, and why do you want to meet me now, Peggy Carter?"
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