Wizards: Starting with Synthetic Gems

Chapter 589 The Senate's Difficulties, the Water Cloud Barrier, and the Ruthless Falling Flowers

In the living room, Williams raised his hand and said to Locke, "Teacher... my original target was the Golden Crown Mountain's traditional permanent defensive force field, [Misty Rain], or [Bamboo Sea Sword Formation] and [Water Cloud Barrier]!"

Locke nodded slightly. These three spells were all common permanent defensive fields on Golden Crown Mountain, spells that botanical witches might choose.

Especially the Water Cloud Barrier.

However, these three permanent defensive spells are considered relatively good spell models. Although they are not unique to Mount Golden Crown, only the seven major academies or some medium-sized wizarding organizations possess complete spell model inheritances.

The Water Cloud Barrier is a spell unique to the seven top wizarding academies. Its spell model is extremely complex, and it is not easy for wizards without a background or who are not super geniuses to acquire it during their apprenticeship.

Locke beckoned, and a magic book from the living room bookshelf appeared in his hands. "This is the magic book for the Water Cloud Barrier."

Locke explained, "The Water Cloud Barrier is something that a first-ring wizard can directly exchange for using contribution points. A Water Cloud Barrier manual only costs 1500 contribution points. Although it's a lot, it's the most renowned permanent defensive force field in Cloud Marsh Wetlands, so I bought it before and studied it."

Williams glanced at the pale blue spellbook in Locke's hand and swallowed hard.

This was something she had always dreamed of.

For the wizard apprentices of Golden Crown Mountain, if their wizard mentors don't provide them with learning materials on the Water Cloud Barrier, then the only way for them to obtain such materials is to participate in competitions.

That was her original purpose for participating in the potion relay race.

Because the reward pool for the Sports Festival Potions Relay Race includes the spellbook "Water Cloud Barrier".

But she never imagined that what was something she, a first-class wizard apprentice, longed for and had to pursue with all her might, was just an ordinary magic book that Locke kept on his living room bookshelf.

Locke said, "According to the library's exchange agreement, I can lend you this book."

"Obtaining information about the Water Cloud Barrier is not difficult for me, but learning it is extremely difficult, and it requires special casting materials: the unique magical plant [Cloud Sky Grass] beside Cloud Lake, a special Fisherman's Song Spell, and a Water Cloud Porcelain."

"Let's put the difficulty aside for now. But if your goal is the Water Cloud Barrier, I can help you. However, Cloud Sky Grass is a first-level magic plant, which requires a lot of money. The Fisherman's Song Spell and Water Cloud Porcelain also require a considerable expense."

Locke explained, "The Water Cloud Barrier is a very famous permanent defensive force field in your Cloud Marsh Wetlands, and it cost a lot of money."

"It is a permanent defensive force field magic that combines the unique magic system of the bards of your Yunze Wetland with the magic system of magic porcelain. It can only be learned in Yunze Wetland."

"Even assuming you can learn it, you would need to spend at least 100,000 magic stones to gather the resources required to learn the Water Cloud Barrier."

One hundred thousand magic stones is no small sum for a wizard apprentice.

Of course, as a typical superior permanent defensive force field of the Cloud Marsh Wetland, the Water Cloud Barrier is very powerful. The wizard who uses it will be surrounded by a barrier that reflects the clouds and water.

It can even borrow a wisp of the world's power to form a flowing cloud and water barrier, which can absorb and reflect the opponent's spell attacks.

It is a very high-quality, permanent defensive force field.

This perfectly embodies the aesthetic of the shamans of Yunze Wetland, who prefer to overcome strength with skill and clumsiness with wisdom, and who are flexible yet unyielding.

Locke estimated that even now, without using the Peach Arch Thorn Arrow or the Brilliant Fern Spear, he would not be able to break the Water Cloud Barrier used by a wizard in the first stage of crystallization using normal magic.

There's even a possibility that your own spells could be reflected back by the opponent, causing you to suddenly suffer a great loss.

Williams gritted his teeth and suddenly said, "The Water Cloud Barrier is very good, but teacher, I heard from my best friends that you possess a special permanent defensive force field, the Magic Forest Sanctuary."

"May I learn the Forest Sanctuary from you?"

Locke paused for a moment, then looked at Williams and said, "Your best friend's information network is quite impressive."

However, upon closer reflection, I did mention the Forest Sanctuary a few times when I was discussing magic with Daniel, Mason, and the others.

Therefore, it's not surprising that someone from the Golden Crown Mountain student council found out about the Forest Sanctuary.

Gregor looked at Williams and asked in a low voice, "Williams, what is the Forest Sanctuary? What are you and the teacher talking about? I don't understand a word of it."

Williams glanced respectfully at Locke, and seeing that Locke didn't intend to stop him, he turned to Gregor and whispered, "The Forest Sanctuary is the teacher's permanent defensive field. It's a special magic that allows the use of multiple permanent defensive fields simultaneously."

Gregor exclaimed in surprise, "Using multiple permanent defensive force fields simultaneously? Doesn't that mean the teacher is equivalent to several people in one!"

Locke coughed and explained, "The Forest Sanctuary can only switch between permanent defensive fields. It's just a platform. Among permanent defensive field type magic, it can only be considered special. It's not invincible, nor does it have the ability to use multiple permanent defensive fields simultaneously."

"I just developed Hydra and Hydra, so that I can use the Permanent Defense Field at the same time."

Gregor looked at Locke with some excitement.

He was just honest, not stupid, and naturally he could recognize the power of Locke's Forest Sanctuary system.

Gregor recalled his original two targets, "The Heartless Fallen Flower" and "The Metasequoia Tortoise Shell," and suddenly felt their appeal diminish.

"Teacher, I also want to learn about the Forest Sanctuary."

Locke was somewhat surprised by Williams and Gregor's request.

Unlike the people of other wizarding lands, the wizards of Yunze Wetlands generally do not consider using defensive magic from other wizarding lands to establish their own permanent defensive force field. They usually prefer to choose common local defensive magic or defensive magic from the Starfield Sea.

However, upon closer examination, the Forest Sanctuary itself merely provides a switching platform, which is perfectly capable of supporting the local permanent defensive magic.

Moreover, the Forest Sanctuary originated from the Witch Myster, the mysterious ancient witch of the southeastern corner of the region.

Looking back now, Lilith's Cottage must have had an extraordinary history, and the Witch Myster was definitely no ordinary person.

Perhaps other wizarding organizations also have similar mysterious heritages, but I have used a series of methods to perfectly replicate the power system of the first headmaster of Lilith's Hut at the first stage.

He possessed the same power as the ancient Lady Myster at the first stage.

It has the same panel and spell pool as the other one.

This is also the reason why it has become so powerful today.

Locke looked at the two and said, "Teaching you the Forest Sanctuary is not a problem. There is only one thing: the Forest Sanctuary is very good, but its only drawback is that it is expensive, and it is a permanent defensive field that grows over time."

"This means that the initial advantage will not be significant."

"If you want to learn Forest Sanctuary, you should be prepared to invest at least 500,000 magic stones in the early stages. After you become a first-stage wizard, you will need to invest about one million magic stones to obtain the complete version of Forest Sanctuary."

Are you mentally prepared for this?

These words calmed Williams and Gregor down.

After all, the money Locke mentioned was indeed a lot for the two wizard apprentices, so they were both weighing the pros and cons.

Williams made her decision quickly. She told Locke, "Teacher, I've made up my mind. I want to study the Forest Sanctuary, and I want to study the best. Because I want to become the most powerful wizard."

"It is my honor to study under such an excellent wizard as you."

"Moreover, I am confident that I can earn this much money in the future," Williams said proudly. "My seventh-place winner in the association-level breeder competition, the Great Bluebird Banana, has already been approached by a shop alliance that wants to collaborate with me and produce more varieties."

"Furthermore, my recently opened personal medicine workshop has improved three apprentice-level potions. My current total income is around 7000 per month. If I spend it sparingly, I can save 5000 magic stones every month."

"You can save 60,000 magic stones a year. It only takes five years to save 500,000."

Williams blushed and said, "Anyway, I can take out a loan. I can borrow enough magic stones to build the Forest Sanctuary first, and then pay it back slowly after I become a formal wizard."

Locke nodded slightly.

Just like what I did during my apprenticeship, Williams already had his own pharmaceutical workshop and some collaborations with the Magic Plant Shop before he came to me.

In every respect, she resembles herself during her apprenticeship.

During my apprenticeship, except for the last year, I could only earn about 10,000 magic stones per month.

In short, Williams was able to earn relatively much money during his apprenticeship.

Especially with the help of her extensive data on flying magical plants, her Great Bluebird Banana product might not be able to help her win first place in the competition, but it could help her earn a lot of money in the magical plant shop.

After all, the Great Bluebird Banana is essentially an apprentice version of its own Great Blue Leaf Dragon Bird.

Its practical philosophy and aesthetics are reflected in every aspect.

It is very practical from every angle.

It is truly the most beloved apprentice-level flying magical plant among the magical plant shops inside the Dragonblood Market castle.

If his predictions are correct, Williams' future income should increase from 7000 to 8000 per month, or even more.

Gregor, standing to the side, looked at Williams with some surprise.

Both were apprentices, but while he was still looking for work, working as an apprentice trader in the Golden Peach Garden of the Dragonblood Market, Williams was already a small business owner.

The difference is huge.

He works as a trader at Golden Peach Garden, earning only 1000 NTD a month!
Comparing people to each other is really infuriating.

Williams said with certainty, "Teacher, I want to learn the most powerful magic. Obtaining the most powerful magic is my wish."

“Therefore, I want to learn the Forest Sanctuary. Moreover, I’ve heard that the Forest Sanctuary can help wizards at the first level to raise their potential, allowing them to grow better. My goal isn’t just to become a first-level wizard, so now that I have this opportunity, of course I must seize it.” “Please teach me the Forest Sanctuary.”

Upon hearing this, Gregor hesitated, still frightened by the enormous cost of the Forest Sanctuary, and said, "Teacher, then I'd better not learn the Forest Sanctuary. That magic is just too expensive. Even if I took out a loan, I still couldn't afford to pay it back."

People in Yunze Wetland all have a concept of advanced consumption.

Gregor said, "I want to learn how to be indifferent to falling petals."

Locke nodded slightly, respecting their choice.

With a wave of his hand, a magic book flew off the bookshelf and landed in his hand. "The Heartless Falling Flowers is a relatively common superior permanent defensive force field spell in the Cloud Marsh Wetlands. It requires the Illusion Flower to assist in learning, as well as the Bard's Sorrowful Song."

"The 'Ruthless Fallen Flower' can generate a large number of pink petals around itself, providing a certain degree of direct defensive and counter-attack capabilities. Countless petals are dedicated to protecting the wizard alone. This is a good choice."

Gregor's face lit up with delight, for Locke had affirmed his choice.

Yunze Wetland has many kinds of permanent defensive force field magic. When learning them, they need to be blessed by the special incantations of bards to gain special power.

In other words, the permanent defensive force field magic here is different from that of other wizarding lands. It's impossible for a wizard to simply take a book, find a corner, and study it on their own to master it.

Instead, it requires a high degree of social collaboration.

It relies on a mature social system, with the assistance of potion-making, breeding, the various spells of bards, and the wonders of the earth discovered by earth wizards.

Locke handed him the spellbook. "You don't need to try to exchange for the 'Falling Flowers' spellbook anymore. I've already exchanged for this. You can borrow it to learn, but you'll have to obtain the 'Illusionary Flower' and 'Song of Sorrow' yourselves."

Gregor took the book from Locke and thanked him, saying, "Teacher, thank you so much. I'll take it back and study it."

Locke nodded slightly. "I've secured you entry to the Four Seasons Valley Secret Realm. Before you go in, come to me to sign your application, and then you can go."

"I hope you can apply for the title of Wizard Candidate Seed as soon as possible."

Gregor swallowed hard. "Okay, teacher, I'll try my best."

He clearly had doubts about whether he could obtain the highest apprenticeship title at Mount Golden Crown and be a candidate for wizard seed.

After all, is he really that outstanding?
After he left, Williams looked at Gregor's retreating figure, frowned slightly, and then said to Locke, "Teacher, I think Gregor is a person without any goals."

"He seems different from us."

Locke didn't answer her immediately, but instead said, "Hmm? Could you tell me exactly where the difference is?"

Williams said to Locke, “Teacher, from the first moment I saw you, I saw you constantly reading magic books. You are busy every day, you find joy in learning and exploring the unknown, and you consider breaking the rules as part of your daily life.”

"You are a wizard who is born to explore the truth. Just like the ideal wizard I read about in books."

"I feel that you are more like a wizard of Yunze Wetland than the wizards of Yunze Wetland."

Locke smiled. "Williams, you're too biased towards me."

Williams said, "Compared to you, I just want to obtain the most powerful magic in the world. I just want power."

“This goal is much smaller than yours, but at least I know what I want. But Gregor seems not to know…”

"As for becoming a first-ring wizard... that is indeed his immediate goal, and he is working towards that goal. But that's not what he wants."

Locke didn't interrupt his student's train of thought, nor did he criticize her; he simply continued to ask, "Isn't this what he wanted?"

After thinking for a moment, Williams seemed to have figured something out, and said to Locke, "Well, I'm pretty sure this isn't what he wants. This is what Golden Crown Mountain wants! He's just following the learning plan set up by Golden Crown Mountain and learning there."

“I feel that Gregor is a very intelligent and energetic person. The reason he seems mediocre is not because he is actually mediocre, but simply because he hasn’t found what he wants yet.”

Williams smiled sheepishly at Locke. "Sorry, teacher. I've said too much again."

“I offended my previous wizard mentor because I was too talkative. He thought I was too stupid.”

Locke shook his head slightly. "We're all foolish when we're young."

Locke recalled that he had also expressed some opinions in front of the Sophia Witch, and now he realized that his words back then were indeed very naive.

The witch Sophia seems to have never said anything about it.

Thinking of this, Locke looked at Williams and said, "However, you are right about one thing. Gregor has indeed not found what he wants. But I cannot remind him of this."

"Because it's useless."

“Unless he wants it himself, it’s useless for anyone to remind him,” Locke said. “In this world, the rarest thing, besides talent, is the intrinsic motivation that a wizard has for achieving a certain goal.”

Both he and the witch Sophia were pure wizards who wanted to seek the truth, while Williams was the kind of wizard who wanted great power.

Catherine the Witch seemed different from them. Although Locke didn't fully understand her, he always felt that she was different from ordinary wizards.

What she sought was neither power, nor truth, nor any emotional thing.

Meanwhile, Gregor continued to drift through life.

His potential has not been fully realized.

Locke looked at Williams and handed her the Forest Sanctuary Magic Book he had written for Albert earlier.

"This is the magic book of the Forest Sanctuary. You will come to me every day to read this book. If you want to learn about the Forest Sanctuary, you should start learning now."

"Furthermore, you'll need to collect at least three first-ring level tree-type magical plants. Another issue is that you'll need at least one acre of magical land. If possible, you'd better purchase a Druid's Ring."

"If all else fails, we should rent some magic fields from the market."

Locke, recalling his own acre of magical land on a very cheap banyan tree, said, "I have an acre of magical land on a banyan tree, which only costs four thousand magic stones. If you need it in the future, I can sublet it to you."

Williams took the spellbook from Locke with delight. "Okay, thank you, teacher."

Immediately, she eagerly picked up the magic book and began to study it.

Locke saw a reflection of his past in her.

He then sat on the other side of the living room table, flipping through the potions materials he had borrowed from the library, while glancing at Williams, who was studying diligently.

Locke looked at the documents in his hand and began to think about how to pass the fourth round of the Heavenly Ladder.

During this period, I would spend at least half an hour every day thinking about how to cure the necromancer in the Southern Witch Capital.

"The best way is to make him give up his abyssal energy, or his necromantic energy, or his shapeshifting energy," Locke offered a solution. "Like a tangled mess of rope, cut it directly, and the knot will untie itself. This could save his life. But this solution definitely won't pass the fourth round of the Heavenly Ladder test."

Locke pondered. "To pass the fourth round of the ladder, I need to further improve my understanding of potions and set up the recipe from scratch, which means I need to have a vision and knowledge that surpasses that of a first-level potions master."

"Given my current abilities, it would be far too difficult to achieve this in a short period of time."

"One year... but there are other ways."

Locke stood up, left the living room, walked to the outside of the dormitory castle, and beckoned a white cloud to the sky—that was the cloud whale.

Then, he jumped onto the cloud whale and headed to the Feathered Serpent Pavilion.

Meanwhile, Locke, sitting on the cloud whale, took out the Ganoderma lucidum plant and discovered that a liquefaction wizard from the Student Affairs Department had contacted him, saying that two of his students, Gregor and Williams, had a record of skipping public classes.

Now we need to deal with them.

Now, as is customary, one should ask for their own opinion.

Locke frowned. "What's wrong with the student affairs department? Isn't it normal for first-class wizard apprentices to sometimes skip general classes?"

Locke sensed something was amiss.

He cautiously refrained from replying immediately, instead sending a screenshot of the message to the Celtic leader. Seeing that the leader did not reply, he assumed the leader hadn't seen it yet. So, he went to the Feathered Serpent Pavilion to look up the information needed to pass the fourth Heavenly Ladder.

Meanwhile, in the student affairs office of the [Glassy Garden] castle, which is under the control of the Golden Crown Mountain Senate, several first-ring wizards were having a discussion.

A first-ring crystallization wizard from the Senate said to the first-ring liquefaction wizard who sent the message, "Well, did Augustine reply to you?"

The staff member working on the first liquefaction stage shook his head. "Deputy Director, not yet."

"He probably didn't see it. But why should I make such a big deal out of two students' absence records? Although skipping class violates school rules, we generally don't make a big deal out of such things."

The deputy director of the student affairs department gave a cold laugh. "You can ask if you want. But I'm afraid you'll regret it."

"This person is a candidate for the Academic Committee. The Senate is very unhappy about his participation in the Spellfighting Tournament."

“They already had one researcher on their academic committee. Now another one has joined.”

"So let's cause him some trouble."

(End of this chapter)