Become a Phantom Thief from the Comic World

Upon hearing Barbara's words, Dick's pupils shrank instantly.

"From what you said, could it be that you have already solved it?"

Dick asked anxiously.

"What do you think? If it's not solved, wouldn't it be meaningless for me to ask you this question?"

Barbara smiled proudly and said, "You must be racking your brains to unlock the notice letter now, and you can't wait to know what is written on it, right?"

"Stop tempting me, tell me now!"

Dick urged quickly.

Seeing that he was so anxious, Barbara stopped being pretentious and said seriously: "Do you know Roman numerals?"

"Roman numerals? Of course I know, but what does this have to do with Phantom Thief Kidd's notice letter?"

Dick frowned and asked, "But even using the Roman counting method, 20 times 3 does not equal 4."

"That's because the real values ​​of the three numbers '20', '3' and '4' are not what they appear on the surface. They may not be specific numbers, but a serial number!"

"Serial number?"

Barbara reminded: "Do you remember the seven basic symbols of Roman numerals?"

“I（1）、V（5）、X（10）、L（50）、C（100）、D（500）、 M（1000）……等等！”

When Dick recalled these seven symbols, an idea suddenly flashed in his mind.

"If '20', '3' and '4' are regarded as Latin alphabetical numbers, that means they must be replaced with the corresponding letters first, and then substituted into Roman numerals... Huh? That's wrong!"

Just halfway through following the inspiration, the joy on Dick's face suddenly stopped, "If we interpret it according to the alphabetical numbers, then 3 is C which is equal to one hundred, 4 is D which is equal to five hundred, but 20 is T. Not in the basic symbols of Roman numerals."

Hearing this, Barbara's eyes flashed and she said meaningfully.

"Polytheism based on Roman mythology has been gradually replaced by Christianity since the time of Emperor Constantine, and has become the afterglow of ancient Rome. The two symbols of ancient Roman culture, Mars and Caesar, appear on the notice letter. Then In fact, it is Kaitou Kidd who reminds us to use the knowledge of ancient Rome to interpret it."

"The numbers must be replaced with ancient Roman numerals, and the letters must also be replaced with letters from the ancient Roman period!"

In ancient Rome, the three letters J, U, and W did not exist!

In other words, number 20 on the alphabet is not a 'T', but a 'V'!

Bringing in Roman numerals, its true meaning is the number 5.

20乘3等于4，即V乘C等于D，5乘100等于500，完美贴切。

At this moment, Dick suddenly became enlightened and his thoughts suddenly became more active.

"If 20 multiplied by 3 equals 4,

Then I will come at a time that does not exist,

When Mars passed his tenth day and night,

Following the guidance of Caesar,

Come and worship the blood-stained dragon eggs. "

"If the first sentence means Roman numerals, the non-existent time in the second sentence refers to zero, because there is no zero in Roman numerals!"

Without any further explanation from Barbara, Dick figured out the meaning of the latter sentence.

"Taking the first three sentences together, Kaito Kidd's action time is midnight on March 3th, which is midnight on March 11th!"

At this point, Dick's brows wrinkled again.

"Then what is Caesar's guidance?"

"I actually didn't understand this sentence. If this sentence is just to guide us to focus on the knowledge related to ancient Rome, it would be a bit unnecessary. After all, mentioning Mars can also play the same role."

As soon as he said this, Dick nodded. He also felt that the sentence was more than just a reminder.

"but--"

Barbara suddenly changed the subject.

"After coming to the Natural History Museum, I probably understood what he meant."

In the ancient Rome special exhibition hall, Barbara looked at a sculpture of Julius Caesar in front of her, with a vague light flashing in her eyes.

This sculpture of Julius Caesar seems to be waving his hand towards the enemy while leading his army on an expedition.

If Barbara remembers correctly, the direction the sculpture's hand is pointing should be the Jungle Pavilion on the east side of the cultural relics pavilion where the 'Dragon Egg Ruby Necklace' is located.

"You mean that Caesar's guidance is just a literal guidance. Kaitou Kidd will launch an operation in the Jungle Pavilion at midnight on March 3th?"

After listening to Barbara's narration, Dick asked doubtfully.

"I know, it's a bit too straightforward, but at least for now, this is the only explanation that makes sense. I haven't found any other 'Caesar's guidance' here."

Barbara shook her head and sighed.

"Well, it seems that there is no other way to solve the puzzle anyway. In short, the time is absolutely correct."

After thinking for a long time, this was really the only explanation. Dick nodded and agreed with Barbara's idea.

At this point, the two of them have interpreted all the contents of Kidd's notice letter.

After discussing some details of follow-up arrangements, Dick cut off the call with Barbara.

At this moment, Dick suddenly heard someone calling him in front of him.

"Hey! Dick! Dick! Come to your senses quickly, Mrs. Anderson is coming to find you!"

I saw Dean in front of him whispering his name, and at the same time, all the students in the class looked at him with gloating eyes.

Dick's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly realized that something was wrong.

"It seems that you have finally woken up, Mr. Grayson. I have called you four times, but you have not responded at all. I have to doubt whether your study attitude is correct..."

A rich middle-aged woman's voice sounded from the side.

Dick's expression suddenly froze. He raised his head and saw Mrs. Anderson's gloomy face.

Mrs. Anderson is their math teacher and has a bad temper.

Dick secretly thought something was wrong. He was so focused on discussing the notice letter with Barbara that he didn't even hear his name being called.

"Can you give me a reasonable explanation, Mr. Grayson?"

Mrs. Anderson asked word by word, her eyes full of oppression.

Cold sweat broke out on Dick's face, and he forced a smile and said: "Uh...Mrs. Anderson, I...I was just listening to your lecture with fascination, and a few seconds ago I was still immersed in the ocean of mathematical knowledge. "

Mrs. Anderson looked into his eyes expressionlessly.

"What you said can only lie to yourself and not to anyone else. I think I have to confiscate your headphones now, and if you get distracted next time, I will have to talk to Mr. Wayne about your education. .”

After saying that, Mrs. Anderson took off Dick's headphones without saying a word and turned back to the podium.