The relationship between the brain and the mind was extraordinarily complicated, and largely not understood. Back on Earth, it was clear the mind was housed within the brain, and to some degree, the structure of the mind could be mapped over the structure of the brain. However, it was much more difficult to make more progress than that. Centuries of research in the fields of neurology, psychology and philosophy of mind had yet to uncover the depths of the human mind.
Furthermore, Rui possessed only a shallow understanding of neurology. He was not equipped to fully understand the phenomena associated with the discovery of the Martial Path.
However, even the shallow knowledge he came to possess allowed him to make some conjectures.
The brain could be divided into three sections; The cerebrum, the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata. The cerebrum could further be divided into the Frontal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Occipital Lobe and Parietal Lobe.
Each of the sections and sub-sections of the brain were associated with and caused different neurological phenomena.
The Frontal Lobe was responsible analysis and judgement, morality, personality, social regulation, emotional regulation and motor functions.
The Temporal Lobe was responsible for cognition, language, hearing, speech and memory.
The Parietal Lobe was responsible for recognizing sensation, body position and objects, sense of time and space, and association between functions of other Lobes.
The Occipital Lobe was responsible for Vision and the processing of visual information.
The Cerebellum handled balance and muscular coordination.
The Medulla Oblongata was responsible for the regulation of heartbeat, respiration, body temperature.
Out of all these functionalities, the Cerebellum, the occipital lobe and parietal lobe were sections of the brain that had the highest relevance to combat! The remaining sections were not involved with the general neurological phenomena associated with combat.
Thus, Rui strongly suspected that the permanent superhuman boosts provided by discovering the Martial Path must have altered these three portions of the brain.
A time-pressure math test does not the three lobes as much as combat or a time-pressure physical activity. Therefore, Martial Apprentices were no different from normal humans in this particular.
Any activities that did not involve these portions of the human brain ended up being ordinary, activities relevant to these portions of the human brain ended up being extraordinary performances, depending on how relevant to the three combat-related portions of the brain.
This would succinctly explain why the performances of Martial Apprentices were variable and changing!
"I think it's possible that the discovery of the Martial Path, enhances only some portions of the brain, those portions that are relevant to combat." Rui conveyed his thoughts to Julian.
"That's one of our leading theories." Julian nodded, with a look of surprise. "Unfortunately, it is difficult to estimate which portions of the brain are responsible for which particular mental functions, you see."
Rui nodded. The knowledge of brain structure that he inherited from Earth was confirmed after countless CT and MRI scans. This was something Rui suspected the medical researchers of the Kandrian Empire might not be able to replicate, a suspicion that Julian more or less confirmed.
"Another research project revealed that Martial Apprentices performing two tasks simultaneously could have drastically differing quality of performances." Julian informed, continuing. "We performed the equivalent of having Martial Apprentices perform scenario A and scenario C simultaneously. And we found out that even when they're performed the tasks simultaneously, the performances of the two tasks where heaven and earth apart. This suggests that it is not the brain itself that is changing, just the portions of the brain relevant to each tasks."
Rui nodded; this further corroborated his theory. It's a shame he couldn't divulge the information he knew about the human brain, Julius had once jokingly come very close to discovering Rui's secret. He was incredibly intelligent. There was no way Rui would be able to fool him.
"The research you're working on, is it all centered around Martial Art?" Rui asked, curious.
"Not all, no, but a large portion of it." Julian commented. "Another field I partially specialize in is esoteric technology. Particularly, I'm interested in potions."
"Potions are fascinating." Rui offered.
"They are. I cannot divulge any data in regards these projects, but my focus lies on temporary augmentation." Julian explained.
"Interesting..." Rui murmured.
"The reason I brought it up, is because I wanted to warn you." Julian's expression became more solemn. By this time, they had a bit of privacy as their nerdy discussion drove away the bored children and the adults returned to their duties. Julian saw fit to bring up a matter that was clearly touchy, causing the atmosphere to become tense.
"What do you mean?" Rui asked, expressionless.
"This is something you'll learn eventually, I'm sure. But it's better learnt sooner than later." Julian continued, turning to look Rui straight in the eyes. "Rui, potions are not to be underestimated."
"Hm?" Rui threw a confused look at Julian.
"You are aware of the friction between the Royal Family and Kandrian Martial Union, I presume?" Julian asked, broaching a dangerous topic without hesitation.
"Somewhat, nothing too specific though." Rui narrows his eyes.
"Have you ever wondered how the Royal Family is able to rival the Martial Union to some degree, despite having nowhere near as many Martial Artists?" Julian asked.
Rui remained silent. It was a well-known fact that an overwhelming majority of Martial Artists of the Kandrian Empire were part of the Martial Union. If so, how was the Royal Family not inferior to the Martial Union as far as military power was concerned?
"Numbers... Technology... Other mitigating factors." Rui murmured in response.
"What technology, specifically?" He asked.
Rui caught on to his implication. "You mean temporary-augmentation potions?"
Julian nodded. "These potions temporarily amplify physical and mental abilities to the point of allowing normal humans to fight Martial Apprentices, Martial Squires and even Seniors from what I am aware of."
Rui's expression grew shocked! Julian straightforwardly dropped a bombshell.
"I suspect that higher grade augmentation potions can even combat Martial Masters, or dare I say; Martial Sages." Julian explained. "Unfortunately, I lack clearance to have access to these research and development projects, so I cannot confirm this."
Rui stared at Julian, speechless.
"This information is partially confidential. Most certainly not public, once you reach a higher status economically and politically, you'll naturally learn about this." Julian explained, expressionless. "But it would take you far too much time to reach that status."
Rui realized where Julian was going with this. "You wanted me to be aware and wary of these potions."
Julian nodded. "These potions are one of the ways the Royal Family is able to stand up shoulder-to-shoulder to the Martial Union. If you choose to join the Martial Union, you'll inevitably oppose the Royal Family as far as allegiance goes." He explained. "You need to be aware of the tools of your opponents."
"There is no way you telling me this isn't in some violation of your position as an apprentice scholar." Rui noted, concerned.
Julian smiled gently. "You're my brother."
Rui felt emotions choking his throat. His brother had violated his oath and taken a risk, all for his sake.
"Thanks... It means a lot." He managed to squeeze out.
Julian shook his head.
"You would have done the same."
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