落とし穴１０９堀：正月明けの戦争 重力戦線 (Part1)
**Pitfall 109: The Post-New Year War — The Gravity Front**
**Universal Gravitation.**
It is the attractive force that constantly acts between objects. In the modern era, the term "gravity" is more commonly used.
While the peerless genius Isaac Newton is widely known for discovering this universal gravitation in 1665, the truth is more complex. Robert Hooke, a contemporary who feuded bitterly with Newton, submitted a paper in 1666 that could be considered the origin of the Law of Inertia. This led to a fierce debate over who truly held the original claim.
Even before them, records clearly show that figures like Aristotle and Galileo Galilei had made observations regarding attractive forces, even if they didn't use the specific term "universal gravitation."
Furthermore, the famous anecdote about discovering gravity by watching an apple fall from a tree was never actually recorded in Newton’s own writings. It appears in the memoirs of William Stukeley, who visited Newton in his later years and claimed to have heard the story from the man himself. Even then, the apple didn't lead to the "discovery" of gravity; rather, it inspired the idea that the force might extend to the moon and other planets. The existence of gravity on Earth had already been understood since Galileo's time. In other words, while it was already accepted that objects on Earth are pulled toward the ground, the theory of universal gravitation proved that Earth isn't the only thing with such a pull—the moon and planets have it too.
However, the publication of universal gravitation allowed for visible calculations through formulas based on Newtonian mechanics. There is no doubt that proving theories through mathematical formulas was a monumental event in modern science.
Yet, even with modern science, the true nature of gravity is not fully understood. Perhaps it is arrogant to think we can know everything, but it is certainly a field with much room for growth—and many mysteries. It is a fact that even now, different approaches and research into gravity are being conducted.
***
**Side: Eris**
I explain all of this while scribbling the details of Isaac Newton’s universal gravitation onto a whiteboard.
Even as I write it myself, I am struck by a series of shocks. That genius, despite being a mere human, realized this truth and achieved the feat of translating it into mathematical formulas.
Compared to him, look at the depravity of our Elven race! Are we not just parasites who do nothing but live long lives?
"Now, now, Eris. Isn't it a bit wrong to compare this world to Earth? We have technology like magic that uses mana, after all..."
Yuki-san tries to defend the fact that the Elves have gone to rot, but I cannot allow myself to be coddled by his kindness.
"No! That is just an excuse. Because we Elves live so long, we have deluded ourselves into thinking we are knowledgeable! Therefore! We must, at all costs, stand against gravity and lose weight!"
"..."
Yes. If our ancestors had properly devised a way to control weight or a method to slim down, I wouldn't be speaking so harshly. And while I don't mean to speak ill of Yuki-san, if he hadn't brought out that demonic machine that measures weight... we would never have had to taste this suffering.
"I mean, isn't this just because you all overate during New Year's...?"
"Gravity is to blame."
"""Exactly, exactly."""
Universal gravitation—that is the root of all evil that determines our weight. If only it would show a little flexibility when we step on the scale! The others are all in agreement, so there is no mistake.
"...Well, I get the gist. But how does the talk about universal gravitation relate to this? Also, Eris, how do you know so much about it?"
"I enjoy reading. But putting that aside, we have been developing magic to medically reduce weight based on universal gravitation."
"Hah. I follow the logic, but to go as far as using formulas..."
"We had proper help, of course."
"...Mm. We worked hard."
"Indeed. Why should we hesitate to learn the great sciences of Earth?"
"Yes, Dear. I assisted as well."
With those words, the team that collaborated to execute this operation stepped forward: the magicians Cleena and Samantha, and Rurua, who is both a doctor and a former Saintess.
"Ah, I see. The magic team put in the effort. I guess magicians are the equivalent of scholars on Earth."
"Of course. And it wasn't just us; Hifi-san, Nonoa-san, Comet-san, Zargis-san, and Narjia-san all lent their cooperation willingly."
"What on earth are the heads of my R&D department doing gathering together for this...?"
"Technically, it's under the guise of developing highly versatile levitation magic. Since it involves manipulating gravity."
"Well, I guess that is useful."
Now that Yuki-san seems convinced, it is time to show him the results of our research.
"Now, this is the magic that lightens one's weight."
"Heh. You actually did it."
Yuki-san is looking at us like we're peddling something suspicious, but he will surely be surprised once he sees this. Confident, I activate the weight-reduction magic. A magic circle appears at my feet, and the enchantment takes effect on me.
"It is done."
I say this and give a little twirl in front of Yuki-san.
"You don't look any different."
"Then, please pick me up. Give me a princess carry, just like always."
"Roger that."
Yuki-san immediately scoops me up in his slender-looking arms. Yes, Yuki-san is wonderful today as well.
"Whoa. You really are light. This isn't the weight of a person."
"Isn't it? Isn't it amazing?"
I say this while clinging to Yuki-san's neck. With this, Yuki-san won't get tired even if I'm on top of him. In other words, I can do whatever I want.
*Hehehe...* Wait, I have to switch with Samantha and the others soon. I have to prove to everyone that the effect is real. Besides, if I'm the only one getting a princess carry, the others will get jealous. We must be fair.
"Now, please do the same for Samantha."
"Ah, right."
Yuki-san understands that giving only one person special treatment would be awkward, so he catches my drift and picks up Samantha.
"I-Is it... is it not heavy?"
"Not at all. I mean, I was going to say that you, Cleena, and Eris weren't heavy to begin with, but I guess that's a no-go?"
"...Mm. No-go. A woman always wishes to be beautiful."
"Fair enough."
While chatting, Yuki-san gives Samantha and Cleena princess carries to confirm the effects of the weight-reduction magic.
"It's certainly not the effect of wind or anything. What's the logic behind this?"
"As explained before, we are temporarily negating the effects of universal gravitation. the theory is difficult to explain, but if you ask Zargis or Comet, I'm sure they can give you a detailed lecture."
"No, I'm good. I'd probably only understand half of it anyway. It's happening in reality, so that's enough for me. Oh, and most importantly—there are no ill effects on the human body, right?"