Chapter 12: Scientific Research Genius
Zhou Ning considered his options. Talents 1, 2, and 4 were all acceptable. While Talent 9 was tempting, promising a path to mechanical ascension, he wasn't keen on losing any body parts—especially given the historical period. After a moment's thought, he selected Talents 1, 2, and 4.
[You have selected Talent 1, Talent 2, and Talent 4.]
[Match successful. In this parallel world, you are a playboy, a scientific genius, and possess extraordinary athletic talent—both in and out of bed. Aside from that slick, commercial-ready smile, you're actually quite likable.]
[The simulation will end upon your death.]
[Initializing time machine… 1%… 33%… 65%… 95%… Whoosh… Travel complete.]
[You have arrived in London, 1894. From this moment on, the wheel of history turns at your touch.]
December 17, 1894: You arrive in London. Unfamiliar with the city and disinclined to work, you stand on a street corner contemplating life. You approach a blonde and are rejected. You try your luck with a brunette, only to be rejected again. A second brunette also turns you down. Finally, you flash a wicked smile at a redhead and succeed. You borrow some money from her, purchase a dozen condoms and a whip, and after an hour-long interlude in a public restroom, you move into the redhead's home. You have gained the skill: Expert Pickup Artist.
December 18, 1894: You learn that your red-haired conquest is named Jenny. As it turns out, she is a long-widowed countess with the peculiar ability to absorb dirt from the floor. You spend your first full day since time-traveling in bed with her.
December 19-20, 1894: You remain in bed.
[On December 21, 1895, feeling utterly drained, you resolve to stop indulging in women. You are a time traveler, not a self-propelled humanoid cannon!]
December 22, 1895: You suffer a tragic relapse. (Health -1, Happiness -1)
December 23, 1895: Another setback follows. (Health -1, Happiness -1)
On December 24, 1895, you finally decide to find a job. Leveraging your communication skills and natural talent for scientific research, you quickly secure a position at a fledgling technology company.
On February 15, 1896, after two months of work, you have some savings. You borrow more money from your old flame, Jenny, and form your own research team.
In April 1896, you invent and improve upon wireless telegraphy.
In August 1896, you invent the optical interferometer, using it to conduct research in spectroscopy and basic metrology. (You have earned the specialty: Scientific Genius.)
In May 1897, you build the world's first airplane, breaking the bonds of gravity and successfully soaring into the blue sky. (You have earned the achievement: Top Gun.)
In June 1897, your research yields a fortune. The money borrowed from Jenny is repaid tenfold, and you become one of the most sought-after tycoons in Europe. You officially enter high society, attending a whirlwind of banquets. At one such event, you once again meet George Bernard Shaw. In a strange twist of fate, you become good friends for the third time. (You have earned the achievement: Friends.)
In September 1897, at a banquet, George Bernard Shaw introduces you to a minor Italian nobleman. This time, you make sure to remember his name: Will A. Zeppeli. It sounds strangely familiar.
In October 1897, thanks to your deliberate efforts, you and Zeppeli quickly become close friends. After all, who could resist a gentleman with such a bright, innocent smile? You soon learn that Zeppeli's purpose in coming to England is to find the malevolent Stone Mask, an artifact that transforms people into terrifying vampires. His own father had died because of it.
Zhou Ning was speechless.
Stone Mask!
Realization dawned, and he couldn't help but slap his forehead. Oh my god! When I saw the setting was late 19th-century London with vampires, I figured I'd landed in the world of 'Interview with the Vampire' or 'Bram Stoker's Dracula.' Turns out it was 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' all along!
In the manga, Will A. Zeppeli is the master of the protagonist, Jonathan Joestar. He learned a technique in Tibet called the Ripple, which simulates the power of sunlight, inflicting massive damage on dark creatures and even slowing the aging process.
If I can learn the Ripple from Zeppeli, Zhou Ning thought, I'll have struck gold.
The simulation continued.
In November 1897, you confirm that Zeppeli has mastered a secret technique called the Ripple—a powerful force that simulates the energy of sunlight. In the name of friendship, Zeppeli agrees to teach it to you in exchange for your help in retrieving the Stone Mask.
In December 1897, as a rare athletic prodigy, you show a special aptitude for the Ripple, mastering the basics with incredible speed. At the same time, you begin searching for a nobleman named George Joestar. You have acquired the skill: Ripple (Beginner).
January 1898: The Ripple technique proves highly effective. You feel a noticeable increase in your energy. Honestly, the typical joys of the wealthy are starting to feel mundane. (Happiness +7)
In April 1898, you begin to dabble in more sports. You dominate English football, scoring seven goals in a single match. As a sprinter, you break the 10-second barrier for the 100-meter dash, setting a world record seventy years ahead of its time. You even cross the Atlantic Ocean without any supplies.
By the end of July 1898, your mastery of the Ripple has become so proficient that it even surpasses Zeppeli's. Through his introduction, you meet his master, Tompetty, a true master of the Ripple.
In August 1898, you are surprised to discover that Erina actually knows George Joestar! She takes you to Liverpool to meet him. Coincidentally, his son, Jonathan Joestar—the first JoJo—is Erina's childhood sweetheart. A match made in heaven, truly.
In September 1898, you meet Dio Brando, George Joestar's adopted son, and you quickly become friends. After all, who could resist the friendship of a great scientist, a renowned football star, and a living sports legend? Discovering his considerable scientific talent, you suggest he enroll at Oxford University. Changing the life trajectory of a villain feels surprisingly good.
In October 1898, you discover the Stone Mask during a visit to the Joestar household. After some negotiation, you purchase it from George Joestar. You know you should give it to Zeppeli to fulfill your promise, but your scientific curiosity wins out. You decide to study it first, a pang of guilt nagging at you for breaking your word. (You have obtained the Epic Item: Stone Mask. Happiness -1)
From 1898 to 1899, while your research on the Stone Mask yields no progress, your other scientific endeavors continue to flourish. Over two years, you secure 67 patents, many of which bring you a substantial fortune. Your income is now large enough to make anyone jealous, and you feel your wealth might rival that of the old-money aristocrats. (Family Wealth +11)
In September 1899, you make a startling discovery. The spectrum detected above the Stone Mask exhibits a "Doppler-Fizeau effect," a redshift indicating a simultaneous desire for and repulsion of sunlight. Why? Furthermore, you confirm that when the mask is stained with blood, bone spurs powerful enough to penetrate a human brain erupt from its back. The wisdom of the ancients should not be underestimated.
In October 1899, your research on optical interferometers, spectroscopy, and fundamental metrology earns you a nomination for the Nobel Prize in Physics. That very month, you win. It is the lifelong dream of countless scientists. (Happiness +3)