Math Is Magic Chapter 29: CHAPTER 29: Cornered

Read chapter 29 of Math Is Magic by iminchoo on NovelPedia.

[ Multiplication : An arithmetic operation that involves repeatedly adding a number, called the multiplicand , for a number of times equal to the value of another number, called the multiplier . The numbers to be multiplied are called factors , and the result is called the product . Therefore, if 𝑎 and 𝑏 are two numbers, multiplication is represented as 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏 = 𝑐, where 𝑐 is the product of 𝑎 and 𝑏 ] From this concept, and after learning how to perform multiplications, Mirac had acquired, months earlier, a magical ability: [ Multiplicative Touch : After touching an object, you can multiply it by the desired number, creating identical copies ] However, the frustration of having to rely on this ability now—of bending to the world and depending on its greatest enemy, Math!—made his blood boil in his veins! ‘I-I have no other choice though! If I want more magical gauze, I must use my powers!’ So, with the last of his remaining strength, Mirac clenched the gauze in his hand and whispered words that, once, he would never have conceived of saying, or even dared to think: “Multiply by ten...” As soon as those words vibrated through the autumn air, Mirac’s mind was unexpectedly seized by the dreamlike vision of the starry sky. But this time, it was different. For the very first time, in front of his eyes, he saw numbers and symbols written in bright white, floating mid-air. At the same time, though, Mirac could still perceive the real world: the whisper of the wild forest, the rustling of leaves that seemed to be alive with intent, the sharp sense of danger that made him nervously watch every shadow, imagining it belonged to Vincent. It was as if Mirac’s brain were tuned to two different visual frequencies, but perfectly distinguishable. ‘What the hell is this?!’ he wondered, bewildered, as a shiver ran down his spine. Mirac’s curiosity, mixed with anxiety, pushed him to focus on the alphanumeric sequence dancing among the stars. The letters and numbers formed an equation: [ 150 / 50 = ? ] Mirac was stunned. His eyes widened in astonishment. ‘A division? W-Why?!’ he wondered, incredulously. ‘Are you trying to make fun of me, Math?!’ Before his blood could start boiling with rage again, a flash of rationality halted his impulsive emotions and forced Mirac to think more calmly about the situation: ‘No, wait a minute! Maybe to use “Multiplicative Touch,” I first need to solve this calculation?’ There was no time to hesitate or reflect further. Overlooking his doubts, Mirac thought for a couple of seconds about the result of the division. ‘Well, I’d say this is pretty simple!’ After easily solving the calculation in his head, all that was left was to input the answer, though he wasn’t exactly sure how. Instinctively, almost without thinking, Mirac simply tried to whisper it: “Three...” The question mark began to dissolve, slowly transforming into a small cloud of white mist. In the middle of the transformation, the mist thickened, and from it emerged the number 3, which took its final place in the equation. [ 150 / 50 = 3 ] Little by little, the entire sequence vanished, dissolving like smoke carried away by an invisible breeze. With it, the starry sky also disappeared, retreating into nothingness. Mirac blinked, confused, trying to piece together what had just happened. ‘Is that it?! Seriously?!’ The urge to curse and insult Math filled his head with furious thoughts. But before he could voice his frustration, Mirac suddenly felt a light weight on his right hand. It wasn't much weight, which is why he hadn’t noticed it right away. Slowly, with his eyes growing heavier from exhaustion, Mirac lowered his gaze to his hand. There, on his right palm, there was no longer just a strip of magical gauze: instead, there were now 10 of them! ‘I-I can't believe it...!’ he thought, his heart suddenly beginning to race. His Multiplication Magic had worked! At this point, Mirac immediately got to work. With trembling hand, he grabbed the newly mu