I loaded the Wizard panel.

Chapter 4 Competition

The morning classes ended quickly—that was Edwin's impression.

Perhaps the old Edwin Grey was simply no longer up to the task.

[Knowledge Lv1] provides a significant boost to learning efficiency. He can now finally understand the difference between himself and those "geniuses" who listened attentively in class and hated not getting full marks on exams back in his student days.

Talent, or brains.

Learning also requires talent, and a person's talent is fixed from birth, but the [panel] in his eyes gave Edwin the right to change everything.

He certainly had to be eager to learn.

Based on this, time seems to pass "fast".

Overall, the content taught at grammar school was within Edwin's expectations.

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Latin, History, Geography...

Learning it is not much different from when you first start learning. This era has its own system and way of thinking. What he needs to do is integrate, not be maverick.

Just as the Latin teacher left the classroom with his textbook, Edwin felt the desk tremble, as if Billy was about to stand up.

Then, there was a knock on the classroom door.

"Edwin Gray, come here for a moment."

It was Alrid Frey, the teacher of the first natural philosophy class.

"Okay, teacher."

Confused, Edwin agreed nonetheless.

Alrid walked into the classroom and stood in front of the podium, clearly waiting for Edwin to come over.

"...Edwin, I'll wait for you in the cafeteria." Billy Longbottom's thick eyebrows looked like two black caterpillars when they moved.

"it is good."

There's a queue at the cafeteria.

Most of the students had left the classroom, and Edwin noticed some white chalk dust on Mr. Already's suit.

"Edwin, do you know about the Boyle Cup, which the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts every year?"

After a quick review of his memory, Edwin nodded: "I know."

The highest-level competition in the natural philosophy system adopts a format of written examination plus immediate Q&A.

"This competition is actually a final competition held after outstanding young talents have been selected from schools in various counties through local competitions."

Edwin looked like he was listening attentively; this was information that he wouldn't have needed to know before.

And now Alrid has brought this up...

"Therefore, Herefordshire holds a local competition every year during this season when the hay fever is almost over."

"I see, I didn't know that before."

Alrid cast a meaningful glance at him: "That's because you didn't have access to it before. St. George Grammar School selects participants from among the top students in senior natural philosophy... as well as teachers' recommendations."

Edwin nodded.

"You give me a completely different feeling today than before."

"The injuries have made me much more aware, and I want to waste as little of my youth as possible... and the pounds?"

Alrid chuckled twice in surprise and nodded: "I didn't expect you to have this side to you."

Then, the old gentleman pursed his lips, perhaps missing the metal thermos he had left at home.

"Your ideas in class were excellent. Are you interested in participating in this year's Herefordshire regional competition?"

competition......

"Professor Alrid, what are the competition details?" Edwin didn't reply immediately, but instead posed this question.

"The overall scope of the competition is natural philosophy. The written test mainly covers textbook content, while the on-the-spot Q&A session is based on questions set by the judges. Participating students just need to clearly express their thoughts."

The sounds of lively conversation drifted into my ears from the corridor.

"From this perspective, wouldn't it be better for older students to participate?"

Leaving aside the immediate defense, the written exam covers the entire textbook, so naturally, the higher the grade and the broader the knowledge base, the greater the advantage.

"Rankings may vary, but quick thinking and a bold spirit of questioning are talents not everyone possesses." Already looked at Edwin, his tone gratified. "You're the first student to draw a conclusion from that perspective... How about it? Think about it."

Edwin fell into deep thought.

This might help in accumulating knowledge, but studying all subjects means he needs to spend more time learning in advance, or rather, self-studying the content of textbooks for higher grades.

This will definitely slow down his progress in accumulating other sections, such as [Celtic Language].

Natural philosophy probably has little to do with it, and besides, after recovering, I'll need to find some work...

There are only 24 hours in a day.

"Teacher, actually my time is also..."

Just as he was about to decline the invitation, Alrid added, "While the prize money for the Herefordshire competition may not be as generous as in the metropolitan area, the county's generous nobles and gentlemen are willing to pay for this regional honor, with scholarships of one hundred, eighty, and fifty pounds for the top three places respectively."

Well, on another note...

Even if they only make it into the top three, or at worst get third place, they'll still get a £50 reward, which will not only solve Clara's tuition problem but also completely improve the siblings' meals.

Alrid glanced at Edwin Gray's school uniform, which was already somewhat faded from washing, and the trousers were a few centimeters too short.

Only middle-class families with a certain amount of assets are willing to pay for the dignity of their children attending grammar schools, changing their school uniforms every school year.

That makes perfect sense; Edwin was tempted.

"Then again, Professor Alrid, no one would turn down the pound."

Edwin chuckled.

"A realistic and smart kid... But I should remind you that there will be a written test at school in a week to check the students' knowledge before the competition. I recommend you go. Your score on the written test can't be too bad, it has to be at least passable."

Edwin raised an eyebrow at the teacher's words.

Alrid's meaning is easy to understand: in the Boyle Cup competition, the immediate response has a higher weight, but the written test at least needs to be decent.

Otherwise, it would embarrass the old gentleman who introduced him.

The problem is that you have to learn and master all the remaining content of the three sub-disciplines of physics, chemistry and biology in natural philosophy in about seven days... If the goal is just to pass, it is not too difficult with the help of the panel.

"From now on, I can tutor you on some basic knowledge for older students every afternoon after school when I have time... It's free."

Edwin repeatedly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, teacher."

He thought it was one of those classic cases where a teacher charges tutoring fees under the pretext of participating in a competition...

The old gentleman is more considerate.

He has no money.

"The official county competition is in a little over a month," the teacher then gave the official date.

Edwin nodded.

"Alright, go eat. Now that you've figured it out, make good use of your talent. It's never too late to start working hard; you're still young."

Alrid sighed with a sigh, then said, "Don't feel pressured by the competition. Just treat it as an opportunity to broaden your horizons."

Objectively speaking, Edwin Gray's starting point was already far too far behind.

Edwin paused in his tracks, turned back to look at the old professor, and said jokingly, "Teacher, do you believe in miracles?"