Mathematics – What are the mathematical requirements for understanding Bitcoin?

I realize that perhaps this question itself suggests that understanding Bitcoin is beyond my grasp. Otherwise you will know the steps required. Nonetheless, I’ve encountered similar questions in elementary calculus and algebra where the answers don’t seem to be very realistic. Looking through the Bitcoin Core source code, I found something like an “ElligatorSwift” implementation for secp256k1. I cited this article as an example: The things discussed there are too noble for me to call it that. basic.

I’ve learned the basics of ECC through a variety of resources, including ventures into technical books, but there are clearly big differences from practice. At the same time, trying to build a massive number theory and cryptography background without much of a goal doesn’t seem to be the most effective approach. Is there a reasonable path an interested layperson could pursue to understand the mathematics behind the Bitcoin Core implementation?