Knowledge from one's homeland taking root and flourishing in another world—such a legacy is a wondrous thing. Yet, when Rosha prepared to add physics lessons and design experiments, he stumbled upon a problem.
Mathematical and physical laws matched Earth's—but physical constants did not. No matter what value he tried, gravity's acceleration never aligned with the equations of free fall. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. His ecological agriculture relied heavily on biogas; fortunately, chemistry held true across worlds. Otherwise, all his work would have been in vain.
After carefully reviewing the half-forgotten knowledge of his past life, Rosha understood. The rules of math and physics were the same, but the constants differed simply because the planet's size was different. Matter and energy were the same; only their manifestations varied. Once he confirmed that this world's fundamental laws mirrored Earth's, Rosha felt free to experiment boldly.
Agricultural reform was complete, and Xiliang Academy had fully taken root. The children had grown accustomed to this new life, and even the adults now chatted about "How did your child score on the academy exam?" "Not bad, third place!"
Time flew—three months passed. The village was transformed. Every family enjoyed wealth and comfort never known before, joy written on their faces.
Rosha had collected many seeds, and with Ryze's help, identified countless fruit varieties that could grow in the region. Yields were uncertain, but the next step was clear: orchards.
His own cultivation hadn't fallen behind either. With his ability to enter deep meditation, his progress was unmatched—he had reached the path of the spellblade. Ryze disapproved, unwilling to see a prodigy throw himself into the way of the sword, so he set aside time daily to teach Rosha magic. In just three months, Rosha had reached the level of novice mage—a speed that left Riven astonished.
Yet what filled him with greater pride than his own growth were the twenty-seven students. Marco, Bellota, and Amirdeen advanced in both combat and magic, each becoming apprentice mages. Lulu, meanwhile, seemed to be transforming from beast into magical beast—something that shook Ryze's knowledge to its core. Rosha, however, had little time to worry about Lulu. His focus was on nurturing these children.
Four other students devoted themselves wholly to martial arts, aspiring to be mighty warriors. A girl named Hisna displayed astounding mathematical talent. Rosha had already taught her the entire high school curriculum. Thus, at six years old, she became the youngest teacher. At first shy, she quickly grew into a strict yet lively instructor, and even Ryze praised her as a born teacher.
Larkan and two friends took great interest in agriculture, focusing on the village's ecological farms. They recorded livestock counts, planting densities, and made detailed recommendations. Agricultural practice sessions became their domain.
The village even welcomed two new families—blacksmith Deliwei's and tinkerer Mali's. New immigrants brought hope of attracting more talent, and Rosha planned further reforms. Everything was unfolding as he envisioned.
Just then, the village welcomed an important visitor. Asa went to greet them, but Rosha didn't bother. He had a class to teach. Today, he had promised the children a lesson on military science. As a former professional soldier, he was well prepared. Yet modern military theory was too advanced for these children. So Rosha decided instead to teach the *Thirty-Six Stratagems*—timeless classics of strategy.
The sunlight filtered gently through tall spirit-willows, casting dappled shadows across the ground. There was a quiet beauty to the scene.
Beneath the trees, children sat with notebooks and pens, eyes fixed on their teacher, occasionally scribbling notes.
A white-haired woman sat at the back, frowning in thought as she listened.
Behind a tree, an old man appeared to rest with eyes closed, but the subtle changes in his expression revealed he was paying close attention.
A tall, slender woman with a hooked nose stood nearby, accompanied by village elders. Her eyes sparkled with surprise as she observed.
"Magistrate, that is Rosha," Kunta said respectfully, pointing toward the teacher beneath the tree.
"The Noxian who came with Riven?" the woman asked, glancing at Riven among the students before turning to Asa.
"No, my lady. He is my son," Asa replied firmly.
"Summon him and we'll see." A leather-armored man stepped forward, but the woman stopped him.
"He is a teacher now. To interrupt children's learning would be a crime." She thought for a moment, then said, "You all may return to your duties. I wish to listen to this lesson."
"Yes, my lady!" The elders dispersed, leaving only the armored man.
"Melk, you may go as well. I will remain here for two days. Return then," she instructed.
"But my lady, this place—"
"This is Ionia," she interrupted.
"…Yes, my lady." He bowed and departed.
The woman walked to the back of the class and, like the children, sat cross-legged on the grass to listen.
"Forcing the enemy into a corner leads to desperate resistance. Letting them flee diminishes their strength. Pursue closely, but do not press too hard. Wear down their energy, shatter their will. When their forces scatter, strike and capture. Thus can one win bloodlessly, without cruelty, gaining trust," Rosha explained. "This is called 'To Capture, First Let Loose.'"
It was difficult to grasp. Every word was clear, but strung together it became abstract. As the students pondered, so too did the woman—until she caught Riven's eye. Riven nodded slightly. Suddenly the woman's eyes lit up. She raised her hand.
Lulu poked Rosha, pointing to the unfamiliar woman. Only then did Rosha notice her. So this was the important guest. He had assumed such a person would be steeped in politics—but she seemed to know something of war as well. Rosha pointed to her. "It seems our new classmate has an idea. Please, speak."
The woman blinked, then smiled faintly. She rose and bowed slightly to the teacher. "Good morning, teacher. I am Antomia. To your question, I believe the recently concluded Battle of Talun Bay is an example. Lady Irelia's tactics fit this stratagem."
The children applauded the stranger's answer, and Rosha clapped as well.
Antomia blushed faintly and sat down.
"Yes, that is exactly such a case," Rosha explained. "Why not crush the enemy all at once? To spare needless loss of life. That is the true strength of this stratagem." With that, the lesson ended.
After the students dispersed, Riven brought Rosha forward. "This is the magistrate I mentioned to you before."
Rosha recalled. This was the one who had presided at Riven's tribunal in the town hall, delivering her sentence. It was Ionia's compassion that had allowed Riven to finally let go of her burdens.
"Good afternoon, Magistrate," Rosha bowed. "Forgive my earlier discourtesy."
Lulu scrambled down and mimicked Rosha's bow, saluting Antomia.
"What a clever little one," Antomia returned Lulu's salute first, then said to Rosha, "Earlier, you were the teacher. It was right for me to answer as a student."
She raised her hand, runes tracing in the air. On the ground, saplings twisted into three hollow-backed chairs.
"Please sit. I have questions to ask you."
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