In the remote mountains, obscured by ignorance and superstition, a remarkable educator has spent his lifetime kindling the flames of curiosity in the minds of peasant children. As his journey nears its end, he gathers his students, a diverse group eager to learn in an environment where education is a rare commodity. Undeterred by the challenges of their surroundings, the teacher imparts his wisdom, fostering a love for math and science that transcends the boundaries of their secluded world.

Simultaneously, in the cold depths of outer space, a cosmic conflict spanning millennia is reaching its climax. The victor, having vanquished rivals in a ruthless interstellar war, now sets his sights on the eradication of any remaining low-intelligence life forms within his newly conquered solar system. To identify these lesser beings, a test is devised and randomly assigned by a sophisticated computer system.

Fate intervenes, and the chosen group of subjects for this cosmic examination turns out to be the mountain-dwelling children. Unbeknownst to them, the outcome of their mathematical and scientific knowledge will decide the fate of their entire planet.