All-rounder Artist

Chapter 517: Chapter 493: Pressing the King (Extra for the innocent Fatty, the Alliance Hierarch)_1

This is basic deductive reasoning!

It isn’t a method of deduction based on thoughtless conjectures, but a unique technique confirmed by the actions of Sherlock Holmes himself. In his own words, as published in newspapers: “A logician doesn’t need to personally see or hear about the Atlantic Ocean, yet he can surmise its existence from a single drop of water. As life is one big, interconnected chain, just a glimpse of a single link can give away the true nature of the entire chain. For someone starting to delve into the extremely tricky realms of the mind and psyche, it’s perhaps better to begin with the more straightforward issues. For example, attempt to identify a person’s history and profession. Such practice may appear childish and boring, but it sharpens one’s observational skills remarkably. It teaches where to look and what to watch out for, like a person’s fingernails, cuffs, boots, knees of their trousers, calluses between their thumb and forefinger, facial expressions, shirt cuffs and so on. No matter from which perspective, these observations hint at what a person does for a living. So, if you can’t elicit insights into a case, despite knowing how to connect these observations, it’s quite unfathomable.”

Unfathomable?

The final statement may seem brazen, but that appears typical of Holmes. He seems to enjoy looking at others’ baffled expressions, right after revealing a complex, intricate and mind-bogglingly detailed deduction.

As if to say:

Is it that difficult?

Similar to when he easily deduces Dr. Watson’s background and then nonchalantly remarks, “It wasn’t difficult to guess.” This is something Poirot would never say because he would think it normal for ordinary people to be unable to deduce the same. He, Poirot, is the genius in this respect.

Just as expected.

The meeting room erupts as every editor voices their opinions, all previous concerns about similarities between Holmes and Poirot completely forgotten!

“Mind-blowing!”

“For the first time, I read a mystery without trying to guess who the murderer was. The beginning of this novel doesn’t seem to intend to offer much in terms of solving a mystery but rather for us to witness the grand entrance of Sherlock Holmes, like Watson!”

“So grand!”

“The attention to detail is unbeatable!”

“Basic deductive reasoning is impressive!”

Only a detective story aficionado can feel the difference between basic deductive reasoning and general logical reasoning. For the average person, Holmes can draw specific statements from the most general premise and reach a conclusion, or solve some cases just by employing this method. This approach sets him apart from other detective novels.

“Amazing!”

“The characters are so appealing. I was wondering why Chu Kuang designed Poirot as a short, elderly gentleman with a peculiar mustache earlier. This character required readers to go through a process to fully accept him. But this time he has certainly changed his style, although Sherlock Holmes is as peculiar as Poirot, at least physically Holmes is more pleasing, easier to fall in love with!”

Showing off?

Indeed, they are.

But a detective in a mystery novel should have this kind of swagger, it’s interesting. If a detective simply lays out his deductions in a straightforward manner without a unique presentation style, it’s better to directly read about a case and its process.

A narcissist?

Sherlock Holmes indeed has the potential to be one. His nonchalant statement of “it wasn’t difficult to guess” could be a grand slam in the face of intellectual battles. But if this is coupled with the plot and explained alongside his deductions, not only would the readers not feel offended but instead find it exhilarating!

That’s correct.

In terms of the reading experience, it’s thrilling to see Sherlock Holmes cleverly explain everything. Why else would Conan polish his glasses before revealing the truth, with a tense and triumphant backing track playing?

People simply love it!

Therefore, it’s all about how one shows off. If everyone is wondering about the result of one plus one, and the protagonist cooly says, “One plus one equals two. Is that so difficult?”

Brothers!

Kill him!

That’s a low-level narcissist. The high-level kind is like Sherlock Holmes who shows off his intelligence in a way that amazes readers. And no matter how much he shows off, they would only find it awe-inspiring and cool.

At that moment.