On the Doorsteps of Science

On the Doorsteps of Science is a Daily Mission that occurs in Administrative District, Jarilo-VI.
This mission has different versions, which take place over multiple days.
==Steps==
===Day 1===
# Speak with Regin at the Goethe Hotel
# Find the Overworld who can submit Regin's thesis for him
# Tell Regin the bad news (if answered incorrectly)
# Steel yourself and look for Manya once again (if answered incorrectly)
===Day 2===
# Speak with Regin at the Goethe Hotel
# Find the Overworld officer who can submit Regin's thesis for him
# Tell Regin the bad news (if answered incorrectly)
# Steel yourself and look for the Ministry of Education officer again (if answered incorrectly)
===Day 3===
# Speak with Regin at the Goethe Hotel
# Find the Overworld officer who can submit Regin's thesis for him
# Tell Regin the bad news (if answered incorrectly)
# Tell Regin the good news (if answered correctly)
===Day 4 and Onwards===
# Speak with Regin at the Goethe Hotel
# Help Regin test the question bank reserves of the Ministry of Education Officers
# Report your tests back to Regin
==Gameplay Notes==
* The answer for the question on the first day is "The same."
* The answers for the Ministry of Education Quizzes are:
** Part 1: Fourteen.
** Part 2: 162
** Part 3: Eric.
** Part 4: Philip.
** Part 5: Six.
** Part 6: Julian.
** Part 7: Open the gold gate.
** Part 8: Day twenty-nine.
==Explanation==
The following are some unofficial explanations for the quizzes.
===Basic Question===
Which are there more of: prime numbers, or natural numbers?
# Prime numbers
# Natural numbers
# Both
The answer is both. 
Since both counts are infinite, the conventional sense of 'counting' no longer applies. Instead, we note the fact that there exists a bijection between the set of prime numbers and the set of natural numbers, that is, for each prime number there is one corresponding natural number, and vice versa. This means the cardinality of the two sets are the same.StackExchange: Are there more integers then prime numbers?
===Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 1)===
The Limesteins have a large parking lot filled with 42 cars. One day, a thief stole wheels from several cars. Now, several cars only have 3 wheels left. While appraising damages, the insurer bent down and counted a total of 154 wheels across the lot. How many cars had their wheels stolen?
# 42
# 14
# 28
The answer is 14 cars. This quiz can be solved with basic algebra. The situation can be modelled with the equation 154 = 4(42-x) + 3x, where X is the number of cars that had their wheels stolen.
===Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 2)===
58 makes First Snow, and First Snow makes 0.
39 makes Summershade Bamboo, and Summershade Bamboo makes 14.
99 makes Ball Peony, and Ball Peony makes 8.
27 makes Sunshine, and Sunshine makes 4.
What is the sum of First Snow, Summershade Bamboo, Ball Peony, and Sunshine added together?
# 162
# 42
# 365
The answer is 162. The exact names do not matter here. To find the four corresponding values, we note that, with the first line for example, 5*8=40, and 4*0=0. The sum can then be found as 40+27+81+14=162.
=== Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 3) ===
The Limesteins' wheel thief was apprehended, with the guards taking in three suspects: Jack, Chris, and Eric. The three argued, with Jack blurting: "Chris is the one who stole the wheels!"
The quick-witted Gepard quickly found the culprit. To test his aide, Gepard said cryptically without revealing the thief: "How strange. Of the three, only the thief did not lie."
Who was the thief that stole the Limesteins' wheels?
# Jack
# Chris
# Eric
The thief is Eric because he is the only one that allows Gepard's words to be fulfilled:
* Gepard uses the singular noun "thief", meaning that there is only one thief.
* If Jack was the thief, Jack claiming that Chris is the thief would be a lie, contradicting Gepard's statement that only the thief did not lie.
* If Chris was the thief, Jack claiming that Chris is the thief would be the truth, contradicting Gepard's statement that only the thief did not lie. 
===Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 4)===
Howard, Philip, and Joyce: among them is a good man, a bad man, and a liar. The good man only tells the truth; the bad man only lies; and the liar... Well, he would say anything — sometimes the truth, and sometimes lies.
One day, Joyce said: "Philip is either the good man or the bad man."
Then, Philip said: "Either Howard or Joyce is the good man."
Which of these three is the liar?
# Howard
# Philip
# Joyce
The liar is Philip because:
* Philip cannot be the good man because the good man only tells the truth, and Philip claimed that one of the other two men was the good man. If he were the good man, this would be a lie.
* Philip cannot be the bad man because the bad man only tells lies. If he were the bad man, then this would make the statement that either Howard or Joyce is the good man, true,
* Thus, Philip must be a liar: capable of speaking both the truth and lies. 
===Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 5)===
1453=0
1915=1
2409=2
6010=3
9981=4
8848=?
# 4
# 5
# 6
# 18,000
The answer is 6. The numbers right of the equals sign indicate the number of circular holes in the numerical sequences left of the equals sign. For example, for the number 1915, there is one hole in the number 9 of the sequence. In the numerical sequence 8848, there are six holes present.
===Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 6)===
Hook is playing a game called "Guess the Flower Color" with her friends.
She invited Julian, Luka, and Big (Brother/Sister) who always plays with them — and stuck a flower in each one's hair. There are four flowers — two white, two purple — and nobody including Hook looked at their own flower nor anybody else's flower.
Next, she asked everyone to step forward and form a line. Hook, Julian, Luka, and then Big (Brother/Sister) stood in order. Only looking at the person or people straight ahead is allowed, and nobody may turn around or peek at anyone else's flower.
To keep things fair, Hook blindfolded Big (Brother/Sister) — because (he/she)'s so tall!
However, while they can't see their own flowers, we can see them as we walk by: Hook and Luka have white flowers, while Julian and Big (Brother/Sister) have purple ones.
Despite Hook's best and fairest intentions, only one person in this game will be able to guess what color the flower they have on their head is. Who is that person?
# Hook
# Julian
# Luka
# (Big Brother/Sister)
The answer is Julian. 
* The Trailblazer cannot determine what color of flower they are because they cannot see.
* Hook cannot determine what color of flower she has because she cannot see anyone's flowers, including her own.
* Luka cannot determine what color of flower he has because he can only see Hook and Julian's flowers, and they have two different colors of flower. Luka would only be able to determine the color of his flower if he saw two of the same flower color in front of him, as there are only two flowers of each color. 
* Julian is capable of determining what flower he has because of Hook and Luka. Because Luka cannot guess his flower color, this informs Julian that Luka has inconclusive information to make a guess, meaning that he sees two different flower colors. As Hook's flower is white, this means that Julian's must be purple, as Luka can only see Hook and Julian. 
===Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 7)===
I heard that there's ancient treasure buried in an inconspicuous corner of the snow plains. Sampo the explorer — Tall, Blue, and Handsome — found the treasure after quite an adventure, and before them, they found two talking gates: One gold, one silver.
One of these two doors only tells the truth, while the other only tells lies. Behind one of these doors lies treasure, behind the other lies an ancient monster.
A note on the treasure map advises: The two doors will only answer one question.
The quick-witted Sampo — Tall, Blue, and Handsome — gives it some thought before asking the silver door, "What would the gold door say about the thing that lies behind you?"
The silver door answers, "It would say, there is treasure behind me."
Which door should Sampo — Tall, Blue, and Handsome — open?
The answer is the gold door.
* If the silver door was the truthful door, this would make the gold door a liar. This would mean that the gold door would be lying when claiming that the silver door has treasure behind it - meaning that a monster would be located behind the silver door.
* If the silver door was the liar, this would make the gold door the truthful door. Thus the statement ""it would say, there is treasure behind me"" would be a lie, and the truthful door would likely claim the exact opposite: that the silver door has a monster behind it. Instead, the truthful gold door would say that there is a monster behind the silver door.
===Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 8)===
The Belobog Academy has discovered a new, invasive species of algae that can double itself in one day, and in 30 days fills a whole reservoir — contaminating the water supply. How many days would it take for the algae to fill half of the reservoir?
# 15 days
# 29 days
# 31 days
The answer is 29 days.
The algae species doubles itself in one day. This means that the day prior to filling the whole reservoir, the algae only covered half of the reservoir. 
==Dialogue==
===Day 1===
====Speak with Regin at the Goethe Hotel====
;(Talk to Regin)
:Regin: I'm onto something... I know it...
:Regin: ...ah! Dang it. It got away again. It's all your fault — Oh! It's you. Did you need something?
: Just passing by. Please continue...
:Regin: We're used to thinking of "time" as something that flows, and "space" as something static... But what if everything was the other way around? Perhaps it's "space" that moves, while "time" is the one that's set in stone...
: (Remain Silent)
::Regin: Shhh! Oh, you didn't say anything... Then don't just show up like that and break my train of thought!
: Are you acting in a play?
::Regin: Shhhh! Do you think this is theater? This is research! Don't break my train of thought!
:Regin: I'd just caught sight of the magnificence of the universe gushing towards me, about to pour out her great wisdom into my equally great mind when you interrupted me!
: Aren't you being a bit too dramatic?
: You're being really weird.
:Regin: And you're being really unenlightened.
:Regin: Wait a minute, aren't you that meddler who loves to get involved in other people's business? Well, you're in luck, as I do need a helper right now.
: Is it dangerous? I'm not yet ready to sacrifice for science.
::Regin: Humph. Are you even qualified to make any sacrifice? Anyway, don't worry about it. It's no big deal at all.
: Er, no thanks.
::Regin: Don't worry about it. It's no big deal at all.
:Regin: Besides, it was you who interrupted my train of thought, potentially ruining the birth of a groundbreaking scientific theory or even jeopardizing the very future of space science itself! Don't you think it's only fair that you make amends by helping me now?
:Regin: Check out this paper of mine on the theory about the big universe time tunnel. This groundbreaking research should have been studied by the Supreme Guardian and applied to the research and development of our world.
:Regin: But those pencil-pushing bureaucrats are always trying to make trouble for me!
:Regin: I just need your help with this very simple thing: Give this thesis to the Supreme Guardian. Let her see what I've achieved.
: Why don't you go yourself?
::Regin: Those cronies would do nothing but make fun of me. It's all because of their corruption that I'm in this debacle to begin with. How shameful!
: Simple enough. Let's go.
::Regin: Great! Despite your lack of scientific acumen, your blind belief in the superstitions of traditional science, your lack of critical thinking skills, and your limited cultural prowess, you still seem to be a decent person. Much better than those darn bureaucrats, at least.
: It's tough. Gotta spend more.
::Regin: Well, as long as you can get it done... I might even buy a whole house for you. I bet I would be famous then, and I'll sure make it worth your while.
====Find the Overworld officer who can submit Regin's thesis for him====
;(Talk to Manya)
:Manya: You again? I just said I'm on break... Fine, so what exactly do you want to know?
: I have this thesis here...
:Manya: So you want to give a thesis... to the Supreme Guardian?
:Manya: *sigh* It's impossible to hand it over directly to the Supreme Guardian. But handing over public research results for auditing by the appropriate authorities is well within the rules.
:Manya: But I need some details about you. What school did you graduate from?
: The sky is my alma mater...
: The earth is my classroom...
:Manya: Okaaaay, thanks for that. Let me see... level of education: Semi-literate.
:Manya: In your case, as a researcher with no formal education, we also need you to answer a question to prove that your thesis is worthy of the Ministry of Education regulators' time.
:Manya: Don't be nervous. It's a very basic question.
:Manya: Here it is. Which are there more of: prime numbers, or natural numbers?
: Prime numbers.
::Manya: I see... I thought as much... Come back when you can actually answer this question, and after that, you can show me your masterpiece. Don't even bother complaining, since I don't make the rules. If I make an exception for you, I'm the one getting punished.
: Natural numbers.
::Manya: I see... I thought as much... Come back when you can actually answer this question, and after that, you can show me your masterpiece. Don't even bother complaining, since I don't make the rules. If I make an exception for you, I'm the one getting punished.
: Both have the same amount.
:;(Correct answer)
::Manya: ...That's right. Very well, I'll apply to the Ministry of Education to accept your thesis then. Run along then, and wait for my news. We'll notify you when ready.
:;(Mission completed)
: What are prime numbers?
::Manya: I see... I thought as much... Come back when you can actually answer this question, and after that, you can show me your masterpiece. Don't even bother complaining, since I don't make the rules. If I make an exception for you, I'm the one getting punished.
====Tell Regin the bad news (if you answered incorrectly)====
;(Talk to Regin)
: About this thesis...
:Regin: Oh yes... that's right. And what of it? Has the paper been submitted yet?
: They're gate-keeping me with a stupid riddle.
::Regin: You've been blocked, too? That's alright, and it's not your fault. Those bureaucrats have so little respect for the sciences.
: You never said there was a question to answer...
::Regin: Are they harassing you, too? Now you know how frustrating things usually are for me!
:Regin: But that's alright. Misery loves company. As a scientist, I've had to swallow many a bitter pill over the years. I'm guessing you're the same?
:Regin: Wait a minute... did you just say that they posed you a question? Quick — hit me with it.
----
;(The screen fades to black, and white text appears)
:Tell Regin about Manya's question...
----
;(The screen goes back to normal)
:Regin: What? Is that it!? You can't even answer this basic question?
:Regin: "The same"! They're the same! If I knew you lacked such basic knowledge from the start, why I'd...
: Told you that you should've gone yourself...
::Regin: ...Ahem, can you blame me for that? If it weren't my relationship with them...
: I meant to pick the wrong answer!
::Regin: Ah, yes yes yes. You're correct—
:Regin: Nope, I can't keep schtum any longer: go back! You go back — right now — and tell them the correct answer! Right in their face!
: I really put my foot in it...
: I have the right to say no...
:Regin: C'mon, quit dawdling! Every second you stay here, the more they'll suspect you of cheating...
:Regin: For the sake of the big universe time tunnel theory, please help me do it once more!
====Steel yourself and look for Manya once again (if you answered incorrectly)====
;(Talk to Manya)
: "The same."
:Manya: Huh? What are you talking about?
: The answer to that question was "the same."
:Manya: Question? Which question...
:Manya: Ah, now I remember! Didn't I send you packing last time? What are you doing back here bugging me again?
: ...Please, help me out one last time.
: ...That's what a real scientist would do.
:Manya: This guy's a real stalker and a pain in the behind. Alright then, I'll bend the rules for you just this once — but you have to guess it right, okay?
:Manya: Let me see then... prime numbers or natural ones, which are there more of... This is the first question, right? The right answer is... ahem, hang on a sec...
:Manya: ..."The same." Well, how 'bout that, you're correct.
:Manya: Okay, I can't just go back on a promise that I've made, can I? So I'll apply to the Ministry of Education with your thesis then. Run along then, and wait for my news. We'll notify you when ready.
:;(Mission completed)
===Day 2===
====Speak with Regin at the Goethe Hotel====
;(Talk to Regin)
:Regin: I'm onto something... I know it...
:Regin: ...ah! Dang it. It got away again. It's all your fault — Oh! It's you. Did you need something?
: About this thesis...
:Regin: Oh, you mean that paper we handed over to the Administrative Department earlier. Haven't heard a thing from them. Didn't they promise they were gonna process the submission request for us? Or did they completely forget about this again?
: Submit the paper for "you," you mean.
::Regin: Come on, we work as a team, don't we?
: Don't drag me into this. I had nothing to do with your paper.
::Regin: Hmmm? What do you mean? If you want some credit, I can list you as a co-author.
:: Please, don't. I beg of you.
:Regin: No need to be shy about it. We now sink or swim together. Besides, with a great scientific mind such as mine, shouldn't you feel honored that we are now together in the same b—... b—... What is the word? Ugh, it's just on the tip of my tongue.
: You mean balderdash, as in "complete and utter balderdash"?
::Regin: No! I mean... The word is... um... The word is "boat"! You should feel honored that we are now in the same BOAT together!
: You mean we're in the same boat together?
::Regin: Ah yes — that's the one! My brainwaves were momentarily interrupted by high cosmic radiation levels, rendering my memory sluggish...
:Regin: Enough chitchat. Help me find the person who is in charge of the submission process and ask when I can expect an outcome.
:Regin: If I can just get this paper out, then my big universe time tunnel theory will become common knowledge for the glorious prestige of all Belobog... But unfortunately, you and I are the only ones taking this seriously.
====Find the Overworld officer who can submit Regin's thesis for him====
;(Talk to Manya)
:Manya: You again? I just said I'm on break... Fine, so what exactly do you want to know?
: I'm here to ask about that thesis paper.
:Manya: Oh, it's you. You're here right on time. I was just setting off to look for you. The Ministry of Education has some feedback for you, and they sent this chap to ask you a few questions.
: More questions?
:Ministry of Education Officer: This is just standard procedure to avoid pointless waste of resources. Please bear with me a moment.
:Ministry of Education Officer: Please also trust me when I say that these questions are very easy. If you have the skills to complete a scientific thesis, then you should be able to handle a few simple questions from me.
:Ministry of Education Officer: Question one... Gosh, this is certainly very long. I think it's better if you just take a look for yourself...
;(Read Quiz)
::Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 1)The Limesteins have a large parking lot filled with 42 cars. One day, a thief stole wheels from several cars. Now, several cars only have 3 wheels left. While appraising damages, the insurer bent down and counted a total of 154 wheels across the lot. How many cars had their wheels stolen?1. 422. 143. 28
:Ministry of Education Officer: Mmm? Finished yet? Answer me, how many cars have had their wheels stolen?
: 42.
::Ministry of Education Officer: Ah, how unfortunate, that's incorrect. It seems like there's no need for us to continue.
::Ministry of Education Officer: Of course, you shouldn't be discouraged! Keep working on your studies, and then come back to try again.
: Fourteen.
:;(Correct answer)
::Ministry of Education Officer: Wowsers, you really are one smart cookie.
::Ministry of Education Officer: I hear you have no formal education, mmm? You're no slouch if that's the case. It's pretty impressive how you manage to answer these questions so easily.
:;(Mission completed)
: Twenty-eight.
::Ministry of Education Officer: Ah, how unfortunate, that's incorrect. It seems like there's no need for us to continue.
::Ministry of Education Officer: Of course, you shouldn't be discouraged! Keep working on your studies, and then come back to try again.
: Why does each car only lose one wheel?
::Ministry of Education Officer: That's not the point here! Tsk... forget about it. Seems like there's no need for us to continue here.
::Ministry of Education Officer: Of course, you shouldn't be discouraged! Keep working on your studies, and then come back to try again.
: Let me see the question again...
:;(Opens Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 1) again)
====Tell Regin the bad news (if you answered incorrectly)====
;(Talk to Regin)
: About this thesis...
:Regin: Oh yes... that's right. And what of it? Has the paper been submitted yet?
: Sorry...
::Regin: Tsk, I already made it through their first two hoops, only to fall at the final hurdle like this. That's alright, and it's not your fault. Those bureaucrats have so little respect for the sciences.
: This is harder than I thought...
::Regin: Now you know how frustrating things usually are for me!
:Regin: But that's alright. Misery loves company. As a scientist, I've had to swallow many a bitter pill over the years. I'm guessing you're the same?
:Regin: What is it? They asked you a difficult question, right? C'mon, spill it. Maybe I can help you get to the bottom of it...
;(The screen goes black, and white text appears)
:Describe to Regin the question posed by the examiner…
;(The screen goes back to normal.)
:Regin: ...No, you got that one wrong? But it's so blindingly obvious!
:Regin: Ah, forget about it. I ain't mad at you. I should have no illusions about the limited intellect of "non-scientists"...
:Regin: The answer for this question is "fourteen". It hasn't been long since you left, so that guy can't have gotten too far...
: Please explain how you arrived at your solution...
::Regin: No, there's no time to explain! Hurry, go back and tell that examiner the correct answer to the question!
: How can I become as clever as you?
::Regin: There's no shortcut! If it's scientific wisdom you're after, you'll have to undergo a long and hard journey of professional training...
::Regin: No, there's no time for this chitter-chatter! Hurry, go back and tell that examiner the correct answer to the question!
:Regin: It's still early, and he can't have gotten far. Quick, go put that gilded tongue of yours into action and get him to pass my paper! My fate is in your hands now!
:Regin: Remember: The answer to the question is "fourteen"!
====Steel yourself and look for the Ministry of Education officer again (if you answered incorrectly)====
;(Talk to Manya)
: "Fourteen."
:Ministry of Education Officer: Huh? Didn't this just come in to inquire about their thesis? Why then all of a sudden...
: Give me one more chance!
::Ministry of Education Officer: I... I'm afraid this will impact the fairness of our process. However...
: I was just acting stupid then.
::Ministry of Education Officer: Hahaha, now that's a sentence I have to put up daily — and often. Most students underperforming in examinations fail to place the blame on themselves. And yet...
:Ministry of Education Officer: It's understandable that you're a little nervous, given this is your first time taking part in a high-intensity quiz like this. I'll make an exception for you today and give you another chance.
:Ministry of Education Officer: Listen once more to the question: The Limesteins own a large parking lot...
: "Fourteen."
:Ministry of Education Officer: Um... could you please let me read out the question in its entirety?
:Ministry of Education Officer: ...Ahem, fine, let me see your answer...
:Ministry of Education Officer: Ahem... You're lucky indeed to pass this quiz. In any case, there are still a lot of follow-up procedures to go through with your paper. Please be patient and await our notification.
:;(Mission completed)
===Day 3===
====Speak with Regin at the Goethe Hotel====
;(Talk to Regin)
:Regin: I'm onto something... I know it...
:Regin: ...ah! Dang it. It got away again. It's all your fault — Oh! It's you. Did you need something?
: About this thesis...
:Regin: You're a sight for sore eyes. It's been ages. Has the Ministry of Education sent anything? Go on, help me find out.
: I wouldn't pin my hopes on it.
::Regin: Look how far you've come. You can't back out now!
::Regin: You "non-scientists" just can't manage it. You naturally lack a sense of adventure and enterprise.
: Don't forget to pay your bills once everything's done and dusted.
::Regin: You "non-scientists" are always like this. All you think about is money, money, and more money.
::Regin: Rest assured! You're the first to ever do so much for me. I, Regin, will definitely make it all worth your trouble in the end.
====Find the Overworld officer who can submit Regin's thesis for him====
;(Approach Manya)
:Manya: Minister Bova, this matter is not worth your personal intervention... These self-proclaimed "scientists" are a dime a dozen. We throw out dozens of them every year...
:Bova: Not a problem! This citizen has completed two rounds of testing. Per proper procedure, my attendance is required next.
:Manya: Oh, you've come too? Let me introduce to you Minister Bova — Belobog's Minister of Education.
:Bova: Greetings, young . You've already passed two rounds of testing. Now you have the chance to personally hand me your thesis.
:Bova: However, there's one last hurdle that stands before you.
:Bova: I will ask you two questions, both of which must be answered correctly.
:Bova: These questions will be very challenging and you'll need... wisdom to go with your general knowledge. Have you prepared yourself?
: Bring it on!
::Bova: That's the spirit! Jolly good beans! I love the cut of this youngster, haha!
: I don't want to answer any more questions!
::Bova: Hahaha, don't be like that. The fact I'm even meeting with you means that I'm interested in your prowess.
:Bova: If you're ready, then let's begin.
:Bova: The first question is...
;(Read Quiz)
::Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 2)58 makes First Snow, and First Snow makes 0.39 makes Summershade Bamboo, and Summershade Bamboo makes 14.99 makes Ball Peony, and Ball Peony makes 8.27 makes Sunshine, and Sunshine makes 4.What is the sum of First Snow, Summershade Bamboo, Ball Peony, and Sunshine added together?1) 1622) 423) 365
: 162
:;(Correct answer)
::Bova: Hehe, next question.
: 42
::Bova: Hahaha! Looks like this is as far as you come, then!
::Bova: However, don't be discouraged. I am being utterly sincere with you. All a bright youngster like you lacks is formal education.
::Bova: I can arrange some lessons for you any time, should you have the inclination. I quite admire you.
::Bova: You're so smart. With a little training, you'll definitely be able to answer these questions and then turn in that paper to me.
::Bova: Until we meet again, youngster.
::Manya: So long.
: 365
::Bova: Hahaha! Looks like this is as far as you come, then!
::Bova: However, don't be discouraged. I am being utterly sincere with you. All a bright youngster like you lacks is formal education.
::Bova: I can arrange some lessons for you any time, should you have the inclination. I quite admire you.
::Bova: You're so smart. With a little training, you'll definitely be able to answer these questions and then turn in that paper to me.
::Bova: Until we meet again, youngster.
::Manya: So long.
: It's the four winds!
::Bova: Mmm... hmm? What? Ah, no matter. Looks like this is as far as you come, then!
::Bova: However, don't be discouraged. I am being utterly sincere with you. All a bright youngster like you lacks is formal education.
::Bova: I can arrange some lessons for you any time, should you have the inclination. I quite admire you.
::Bova: You're so smart. With a little training, you'll definitely be able to answer these questions and then turn in that paper to me.
::Bova: Until we meet again, youngster.
::Manya: So long.
: Let me see the question again...
:;(Opens Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 2) again)
----
;(If you answered correctly)
:Bova: Now, the second question. A few days earlier, the wheel thief at the Limesteins' was apprehended...
: So, it's actually based on real events...
: Gosh! I didn't expect there's a sequel.
:Bova: Of course, the general principles of our Ministry of Education's application questions are grounded in real life.
:Bova: Okay, don't interrupt me. Listen up: The second question is...
;(Read Quiz)
::Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 3)The Limesteins' wheel thief was apprehended, with the guards taking in three suspects: Jack, Chris, and Eric. The three argued, with Jack blurting: "Chris is the one who stole the wheels!"The quick-witted Gepard quickly found the culprit. To test his aide, Gepard said cryptically without revealing the thief: "How strange. Of the three, only the thief did not lie."Who was the thief that stole the Limesteins' wheels?1. Jack2. Chris3. Eric
:Bova: ...Hmmm? Did you get all of that? Come on then, who stole the wheel at the Limesteins'?
: Jack.
::Bova: Hahaha! Looks like this is as far as you come, then!
::Bova: However, don't be discouraged. I am being utterly sincere with you. All a bright youngster like you lacks is formal education.
::Bova: I can arrange some lessons for you any time, should you have the inclination. I quite admire you.
::Bova: You're so smart. With a little training, you'll definitely be able to answer these questions and then turn in that paper to me.
::Bova: Until we meet again, youngster.
::Manya: So long.
: Chris.
::Bova: Hahaha! Looks like this is as far as you come, then!
::Bova: However, don't be discouraged. I am being utterly sincere with you. All a bright youngster like you lacks is formal education.
::Bova: I can arrange some lessons for you any time, should you have the inclination. I quite admire you.
::Bova: You're so smart. With a little training, you'll definitely be able to answer these questions and then turn in that paper to me.
::Bova: Until we meet again, youngster.
::Manya: So long.
: Eric.
:;(Correct Answer)
: Gepard
::Bova: Uhh...
::Manya: Uh... wait, you knew it was based on real events... and you still think that's the right answer?
::Bova: Ah, forget about it... Looks like this is as far as you come, then!
::Bova: However, don't be discouraged. I am being utterly sincere with you. All a bright youngster like you lacks is formal education.
::Bova: I can arrange some lessons for you any time, should you have the inclination. I quite admire you.
::Bova: You're so smart. With a little training, you'll definitely be able to answer these questions and then turn in that paper to me.
::Bova: Until we meet again, youngster.
::Manya: So long.
: Let me see the question again...
:;(Opens Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 3) again)
----
;(If you answered incorrectly)
:Manya: Alright. Did you hear what Minister Bova said? Move on, then.
:Manya: But… you really are quite smart. Let’s give it another try next time. No… no no, actually don’t come back. It’s too much hassle.
----
;(If you answered correctly)
:Bova: Hahaha, that's correct!
: Why on earth did the thief only grab one wheel?
:Bova: Because that's the best way to cripple as many vehicles as possible. These crooks are angry about all the nouveau riche prancing around in their fancy lux cars...
:Bova: Ha! But why am I telling you all this... In any case, since you've proven yourself, I'm willing to take a gamble. Let me take a look at that paper of yours!
:Bova: Let me see... Is... Is this the big universe time tunnel theory? That's...
:Bova: Hahaha, I see.
:Manya: I knew it was that guy!
: You knew?
: That guy?
:Manya: I knew that a person like you who can answer questions correctly would be different from those other pesky... science enthusiasts.
:Manya: I knew that it was Regin again with his big universe time tunnel theory.
:Bova: The Ministry of Education has carefully reviewed this... thesis. I have to admit, this thesis is the most profound nonsense I've ever seen.
:Bova: But on the other hand, seeing how he was brimming with so much enthusiasm, the Ministry of Education offered to pull together some entry-level science courses for him, which he took as an insult.
:Manya: We really have no other choice other than to let him come back every other month for another go.
:Manya: He's been inactive the past few months since his ban. I never expected him to hire someone else... *sigh* You're good enough to answer all of these questions. Why'd you help him do all this...
: Sorry...
: ...He gave way too much.
:Bova: It doesn't matter. It may not have been any quantum leap in scientific research, but I still got to meet an extremely smart kid.
:Bova: So for me at least, this encounter doesn't count as a loss.
:Bova: So be it, kid. You go back and tell Regin that the Ministry has accepted the thesis, but a topic as important as the big universe time tunnel theory requires a few months before any replies can be made.
:Manya: Ah, that should put him off for a while.
:Bova: And that way, this youngster here can also get well-deserved rewards.
:Bova: I've got some duties to carry out, so I'll bid my farewell now. Youngster, I hope we are destined to meet again.
====Tell Regin the bad news (if you answered incorrectly)====
;(Talk to Regin)
: About this thesis...
:Regin: Oh yes... that's right. And what of it? Has the paper been submitted yet?
: Sorry...
::Regin: Tsk, I already made it through their first two hoops, only to fall at the final hurdle like this. That's alright, and it's not your fault. Those bureaucrats have so little respect for the sciences.
: Why is the question so hard...
::Regin: Did you run into Minister Bova? I’m telling ya, this old codger’s the meanest of the lot.
::Regin: Sure, others might hurl out difficult questions, but at least they’re always within the realm of math. This old man gives you mind-bending riddles! For a forthright academic like me, it’s frankly humiliating!
::Regin: You’ve met the inscrutable Minister Bova now and his cryptic questions — so now you know how frustrating things usually are for me!
:Regin: But that's alright. Misery loves company. As a scientist, I've had to swallow many a bitter pill over the years. I'm guessing you're the same?
:Regin: Having said that, I’m still curious — what was the question that Bova stumped you with? Come on, and tell me…
;(The screen goes black, and white text appears)
:Describe to Regin the question posed by Minister Bova…
;(The screen goes back to normal.)
:Regin: Hmm...
:Regin: This guy! Now that’s a thorny question! It’s a real mind-bender… I can’t think up answers for these two questions yet.
:Regin Ah, so be it! It seems like the world’s not quite ready for a theory as mighty as my big universe time tunnel theory.
:Regin Even though it came to nothing, it doesn’t matter… I still have to give you my thanks.
:Regin It's been years since anyone cared about my thesis. I know I come across as blunt, but I really am grateful to you.
:Regin: Who knows, perhaps it’s best that my thesis is rejected… maybe I can come up with some new scientific theories!
:Regin …Please, take this! You deserve it, for helping me with everything.
====Tell Regin the good news (if you answered correctly)====
: About this thesis...
:Regin Oh yes... that's right. And what of it? Has the paper been submitted yet? What did the Ministry say?
: The leaders at the Ministry of Education said...
:Regin What'd they say?
: Your thesis made me realize...
:Regin "Real lies"? What are you harping on about?
: No, it made me "realize"...!
:Regin Oh, oh... "real eyes"! That makes sense I suppose...
:Regin Because these guys know their stuff! They must have "real eyes" to recognize my visionary thesis!
: So there's a review process that takes months...
: ...Hope you can exercise some patience.
:Regin Patience? You dare talk to me about patience?
:Regin Every time I'm left out in the cold, they always give the same excuse...
:Regin But maybe things will be different this time because it's been handed over directly to the Minister of Education.
:Regin Ah well, we'll just have to wait and see.
:Regin In any case... thank you.
:Regin It's been years since anyone cared about my thesis. I know I come across as blunt, but I really am grateful to you... even if you're not very smart.
: You said yourself, you're the blunt one!
: Haha, that's clever.
:Regin We're just kidding around, so don't get mad. You've done so much for me, and this time it's my bad! Y'hear me? I'm sorry!
:Regin Take these, and you deserve them. I'm going to go and "exercise some patience" then. Looking on the bright side, maybe I can put this time into working on a new scientific theory!
===Day 4 and Onwards===
====Speak with Regin at the Goethe Hotel====
;(Talk to Regin)
:Regin: I'm onto something... I know it...
:Regin: ...ah! Dang it. It got away again. It's all your fault — Oh! It's you. Did you need something?
: ...Let me see what you've been up to lately.
:Regin: Me? Up to? Ha, well what else — naturally I've been consolidating and fine-tuning my big universe time tunnel theory.
:Regin: Speaking of which, have you heard? The entire Belobog scientific community is going crazy with gossip... Because apparently the crankiest, oldest codger of them all — Minister Bova — is retiring!
: Gossip?
::Regin: What else? Do you think I just made it up?
: ...So what?
::Regin: So what? Don't you get it? This is the equivalent of saying: My time has come! The time of Regin is now!
:Regin: Once Bova retires, I'll knock right on the door of the Ministry of Education and ask them to add my theory of big universe time tunnel into the science textbooks of Belobog!
:Regin: ...Ahem, I got a little bit excited there. I hope I didn't freak you out. Getting back on track and seeing as you're all here, I'd like to ask another quick favor...
:Regin: I'd like you to go chase up those boffins at the Ministry of Education and see if they have any other weird content inside their archives. How about it, can you help me out?
: Sounds pretty interesting.
::Regin: Ha, I knew I could count on you as always!
: My time is very valuable...
::Regin: D—D—Don't go! You're all I got! You're just so different from those barbaric "non-scientists"!
:Regin: With my reputation on the line as the future Chief Scientist, I won't let your labors be in vain. Go, now — I'll wait for your good news while I keep on pondering new theories.
====Help Regin test the question bank reserves of the Ministry of Education Officers====
;(Talk to Ministry of Education Officer)
:Ministry of Education Officer: Oops, it's you. Minister Bova has been singing your praises since last time, calling you a rising star in the Belobog academic circle.
:Ministry of Education Officer: For what purpose have you come today? What task requires the support of the Ministry of Education?
: Test me.
::Ministry of Education Officer: Hmm? Do you mean...
::Ministry of Education Officer: Ah, I see. You've come on a mission, haven't you? You've come to test the variety of questions in our quiz pool, haven't you?
::Ministry of Education Officer: Then I absolutely cannot let you down. I just so happen to have some advanced quiz questions right here with me. Would you like to give them a try?
::Ministry of Education Officer: I would like to remind you in advance that these questions are far from simple... and it's no shame to get them wrong. Onto the quiz, then.
:;(Proceed to read one of several possible quizzes)
: I heard Minister Bova is thinking about retiring soon?
::Ministry of Education Officer: Hmm? Where'd you hear that? I haven't heard anything...
::Ministry of Education Officer: Ahem, sorry. Please allow me to sidestep this question of yours. Is there anything else I can do for you?
:: Yeah. I wanna take the quiz.
:;(Same dialogue as "Test me.")
----
;(One of several quizzes will appear at this point)
----
;(Read Quiz)
:Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 4)
:
:Howard, Philip, and Joyce: among them is a good man, a bad man, and a liar. The good man only tells the truth; the bad man only lies; and the liar... Well, he would say anything — sometimes the truth, and sometimes lies.
:
:One day, Joyce said: "Philip is either the good man or the bad man."
:
:Then, Philip said: "Either Howard or Joyce is the good man."
:
:Which of these three is the liar?
:1. Howard2. Philip3. Joyce
;(Finish reading)
:Ministry of Education Officer: How about it then? Do you know what the answer is? Howard, Philip, and Joyce: Who is the liar?
: Howard.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Philip.
:;(Correct answer)
: Joyce.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Let me see the question again...
::Ministry of Education Officer: No problem at all! Just take your time and think things over.
:;(Read quiz again)
----
;(Read Quiz)
:Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 5)1453=0 1915=1 2409=2 6010=3 9981=4 8848=?1. 42. 53. 64. 18,000
;(Finish reading)
:Ministry of Education Officer: Got the answer then? What is 8848 equal to?
: Four.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Five.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Six.
:;(Correct answer)
: Eighteen thousand.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Let me see the question again...
::Ministry of Education Officer: No problem at all! Just take your time and think things over.
:;(Read quiz again)
----
;(Read Quiz)
:Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 6)
:Hook is playing a game called "Guess the Flower Color" with her friends.
:
:She invited Julian, Luka, and Big who always plays with them — and stuck a flower in each one's hair. There are four flowers — two white, two purple — and nobody including Hook looked at their own flower nor anybody else's flower.
:
:Next, she asked everyone to step forward and form a line. Hook, Julian, Luka, and then Big stood in order. Only looking at the person or people straight ahead is allowed, and nobody may turn around or peek at anyone else's flower.
:
:To keep things fair, Hook blindfolded Big — because 's so tall!
:
:However, while they can't see their own flowers, we can see them as we walk by: Hook and Luka have white flowers, while Julian and Big have purple ones.
:
:Despite Hook's best and fairest intentions, only one person in this game will be able to guess what color the flower they have on their head is. Who is that person?
:
:1. Hook2. Julian3. Luka4. Big 
;(Finish reading)
:Ministry of Education Officer: Do you know the answer? Who is surely able to know the exact color of the paper flower on their own head?
: Hook.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Julian.
:;(Correct answer)
: Luka.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Must be me!
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Let me see the question again...
::Ministry of Education Officer: No problem at all! Just take your time and think things over.
:;(Read quiz again)
:
----
;(Read Quiz)
:Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 7)
:I heard that there's ancient treasure buried in an inconspicuous corner of the snow plains. Sampo the explorer — Tall, Blue, and Handsome — found the treasure after quite an adventure, and before them, they found two talking gates: One gold, one silver.
:
:One of these two doors only tells the truth, while the other only tells lies. Behind one of these doors lies treasure, behind the other lies an ancient monster.
:
:A note on the treasure map advises: The two doors will only answer one question.
:
:The quick-witted Sampo — Tall, Blue, and Handsome — gives it some thought before asking the silver door, "What would the gold door say about the thing that lies behind you?"
:
:The silver door answers, "It would say, there is treasure behind me."
:
:Which door should Sampo — Tall, Blue, and Handsome — open?
:
:1. Open the gold door2. Open the silver door
;(Finish reading)
:Ministry of Education Officer: Do you know the answer? Which gate should Tall, Blue, and Handsome open to get the treasure?
: Open the gold gate.
:;(Correct answer)
: Open the silver gate.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Open the one with monsters.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Like a force of nature, fling open two gates at once!
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Let me see the question again...
::Ministry of Education Officer: No problem at all! Just take your time and think things over.
:;(Read quiz again)
----
;(Read Quiz)
:Ministry of Education Quiz (Part 8)
:The Belobog Academy has discovered a new, invasive species of algae that can double itself in one day, and in 30 days fills a whole reservoir — contaminating the water supply. How many days would it take for the algae to fill half of the reservoir?
:
:1. 15 days2. 29 days3. 31 days
;(Finish reading)
:Ministry of Education Officer: Do you know the answer? On what day will these algae occupy half of the reservoir?
: Day fifteen.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Day twenty-nine.
:;(Correct answer)
: Day thirty-one.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Call in a professional algae cleaner.
:;(Incorrect answer)
: Let me see the question again...
::Ministry of Education Officer: No problem at all! Just take your time and think things over.
:;(Read quiz again)
----
;(If you answered correctly)
::Ministry of Education Officer: Hooboy... you really are Minister Bova's rising star, huh! What an intellect!
::Ministry of Education Officer: It's an honor for the Ministry of Education to serve you. When you want to exercise your brain, please come again.
;(If you answered incorrectly)
::Ministry of Education Officer: Hmm... I'm afraid that's incorrect.
::Ministry of Education Officer: Did you miss all the info in the question? It really is too noisy in here for cognitive testing. I'm sure with your wits, it's only a matter of time before you come up with the right answer...
::Ministry of Education Officer: Ah, it's okay to get it wrong sometimes. Just giving your brain a workout is good, right? It's an honor for the Ministry of Education to serve you. See you next time!
:Ministry of Education Officer: Oh, right. That news about Minister Bova's retirement still needs to be verified by the Ministry of Education. Please work with us here and refrain from believing or spreading any rumors. Thank you very much!
----
;(The officer leaves)
:(Trailblazer): (Mission accomplished... let's report back to Regin.)
====Report your tests back to Regin====
;(Talk to Regin)
: I tried their quiz pool.
:Regin: My word! Tell me then, what questions did they throw at you this time?
----
;(The screen fades to black, and white text appears)
:Describe to Regin the question posed by the examiner...
----
:Regin: Mmm... interesting. Their quiz pool is utterly bizarre.
:Regin: How about this, then: I've been thinking about maybe changing careers and becoming an Expert Quizmaster. After all, I recently came to realize that I'm rather good at these.
:Regin: Ahem... it's just an idea, still way too undercooked! My big universe time tunnel theory is still the masterpiece brainchild of all my life's work... I can't just throw that all away!
:Regin: Thank you for helping me, my dear friend! Take these, and once I save enough money I'll come looking for you again...
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
==References==