Wizards: Starting with Synthetic Gems

Chapter 797 The Feast at Lilith's Cottage and the Witch Rose's Decision
In the data storage room of the Merage Shop Alliance headquarters, Rose the Witch asked a staff member for Merage's wizard shoe design data from the past thirty years, put on a monocle, sat down, and began to read.

The wizards in the data storage department whispered among themselves.

"Where did this second-circle wizard come from? Have you found out her background? If she has a powerful background, wouldn't currying favor with her be like climbing a ladder to heaven?!"

"We can't find out anything. Her surname is Tustin, which seems to be a very common surname. None of our leaders have this surname. She probably doesn't have any great background, but it's not bad for us to be able to serve an ordinary second-circle wizard."

"A second-circle wizard with no connections... no wonder she was transferred to the archives, a quiet place with no lucrative opportunities. In this situation, even if we were to side with her, we wouldn't get any benefits. At most, we'd get slightly better treatment and a more relaxed job in the archives."

Rose the witch, who was reading the documents, looked at them with disdain. She flipped through the records of Melochy over the past thirty years and shook her head slightly.

She raised her head and looked at the three gasification wizards whispering not far away. Ignoring what they were saying, she coldly said, "Give me design data from the last hundred years, design data from the last fifty years, and design data from the last hundred years. Divide them into three categories. I want all the data on first-ring and second-ring wizard shoes."

The three first-ring vaporization wizards quickly agreed and turned to begin their work.

Whether or not they choose to serve this seemingly unremarkable, unconnected second-ring wizard, they still need to do the work assigned by their superiors.

"Lying flat" means at least doing your assigned work well, and no longer striving for advancement in areas outside your job description.

Instead of completely giving up.

Working at a store alliance like Melochy, slacking off is tantamount to being fired immediately.

Rose the witch glanced coldly at the three of them and shook her head slightly.

"I never expected Uncle Melochy's shop alliance to be so bad. It's hard to believe that this was the same Wizard Shoe Shop Alliance that successfully broke through the commercial blockade of large-scale integrated shop alliances a hundred years ago and became a rising force."

"Grandma asked me to come down to various departments, take a look, and do some practice, which is indeed very meaningful. The industry-academia-research collaboration of Wizard Shoes is Grandma's private domain. There are no problems with the academic and research parts, but the production part seems to have a problem."

"Where exactly did the problem lie?"

Rose the witch took out the Ganoderma lucidum plant and glanced at Locke's black hummingbird wizard shoes on the recent sales charts.

"First place this month? It's so-so, but interesting. He's a worthy competitor."

Rose the Witch pondered, "But I don't have time to deal with him for now."

Rose the Witch's style of doing things is that she won't rush into action until she understands the problem with something and where it is located.

As the Rose Witch's spokesperson for witch shoes, she was acting with extreme caution at this moment.

"The focus is not on any competitors, but on ourselves."

Rose the Witch pondered, "After a hundred years, how could Melochie have fallen to such a state? Why is that?"

"There must be a reason for this. I'll go to Solas Barefoot and take a look."

"Finding out the reason is the most important thing for me right now."

Rose the Witch pondered, realizing that the wizard shoes the breeder was dabbling in weren't the most pressing issue.

Of course, this is the academic lineage of the Red Dragon Throne. It is an impact and provocation on their Rose Throne academic lineage. She will definitely teach them a painful lesson in order to maintain the dignity of the Rose Council and the Rose Throne academic lineage, and to prevent outsiders from daring to provoke the Rose Council of Yunze Wetland.

Rose the witch pondered, "Besides, although my great-grandmother didn't give any instructions, if I can help her deal with the impact of the new textile wizards, I will definitely gain her more attention."

"Product quality should be the top priority."

Rose the witch coldly swept her gaze over the flustered gasification wizards.

"These people are so inefficient. I think there are too many useless people inside Melochy. Perhaps it would be better to raise the bar for applicants and ask about the level of the wizarding academy they came from."

……

Southeast corner area, Lilith's cabin.

Locke and Lady Irina immediately granted authorization, and he prepared to bring the two best-selling wizard shoes to the southeast corner region for sale.

The first style is the black hummingbird pineapple wizard shoes.

The second style is the Demon Pineapple Wizard Shoes.

Locke signed a contract with Lady Irina and pondered, "This time I avoided Arthas and cooperated with Lady Irina, so I still need to have my own production base. If I want to use Arthas's production base, I must tell them that I have cooperation with wizard merchants in the wizarding lands outside."

"Arthas seems to mind this. Therefore, we cannot tell them."

"The reason why wizard shoes are not popular in the Southeast Corner Region is very simple: wizard shoes are already too expensive among all magical artifacts. A magical artifact worth 100,000 is already considered expensive at the first stage, but for a pair of wizard shoes, it is just the starting price."

"A pair of first-ring wizard shoes often costs between 500,000 and 1 million magic stones, which is unimaginable for first-ring wizards in the southeastern corner region."

The monthly salary of a first-level wizard in Yunze Wetland is only a few thousand yuan higher than that of a first-level wizard in the Southeast Corner Region.

However, in Yunze Wetland, first-ring wizards have a large number of vertical and horizontal funds that they can apply for. In particular, Yunze Wetland has a large number of shop alliances, which is itself a very important source of first-ring funds.

The lack of a store alliance in the southeast corner area means that a crucial source of funding has been lost in the first stage of the process.

A first-level wizard in the southeastern corner region simply cannot afford such expensive wizard shoes.

As for Locke, he could easily lower the price of the pure magic plant wizard shoes, since the production cost of a pair of wizard shoes is around six thousand magic stones.

In this way, even the first-ring wizards in the southeastern corner of the region could afford wizard shoes.

Locke said, "Wizard shoes will also be very useful for first-ring wizards, their biggest benefit being increased speed."

Locke said, “Lady Irina, think about it. You and your enemy are both first-ring wizards. If his spell model can't match yours, he'll be at a disadvantage. But what if he's wearing wizard shoes and is twice as fast as you? You won't be able to catch him at all. What would you do then?”

Mrs. Irina's expression changed slightly.

She was happy because she had only heard Locke say that he would authorize her to sell wizard shoes in the southeast corner region.

But now, hearing Locke's example, she realized that wizard shoes were not something dispensable to wizards, but rather something very important.

Lady Irina considered for a moment and said, "A wizard with a pair of wizard shoes will gain the initiative. His speed will be enhanced, so he can choose to run away or turn back to attack at any time."

Locke laughed again, "It's not just about speed; wizard shoes can also improve wizards' foot strength and endurance."

"A pair of wizard shoes is a huge advantage for a first-level wizard, whether exploring forbidden lands or undertaking long journeys. How can someone travel far without a good pair of shoes?"

Lady Irina sighed, "You asked me to limit the price of wizard shoes to around 50,000. When I was sourcing them, I also looked into the price of first-level wizard shoes and found that most of them were over 100,000 magic stones, or even 500,000 magic stones."

"Great Wizard Augustine, your actions not only enable us in the southeastern corner region to buy pure magic plant wizard shoes, but also make wizard shoes affordable for first-ring wizards in our poor and remote areas."

"After hearing what you said, I realize how great a loss it was that we couldn't buy a pair of wizard shoes in our remote and impoverished area before."

Locke nodded slightly. “A witch once told me that the new magic of weaving believes that truth lies in the needle and thread. I think her point of view makes a lot of sense. A pair of shoes, which everyone wears, may seem like an ordinary item, but it contains the hard work of many wizards.”

"Technological advancements should naturally spread to all wizarding lands. Wizarding shoes should be introduced to wizarding lands like the Southeast Corner as soon as possible, so that the wizards there can also enjoy the fruits of civilization's progress."

Harlan Vera said, "In that case, if each of our wizards had been equipped with a pair of pure magical plant wizard shoes during the previous war, we would have easily gained a strategic advantage, able to fight or retreat as we pleased."

Locke and the others had already taken their seats.

During the banquet, wood elf maids carried trays of food, serving dishes to the wizards.

Locke pondered for a moment how he should set up a production base in the southeastern corner of the region.

At this stage of my life, everything costs money, so I try to get whatever I can and save wherever I can.

The production base is not suitable to be located in Yunze Wetland; otherwise, the transportation cost would have to be factored in for every pair of shoes.

To rent the magic field here, one would need to hire staff and send a clone to watch over it, otherwise there would be risks such as technology leaks, and over time, one's wizard shoes would be prone to being counterfeited.

The worst-case scenario is that if the magic weavers on Solas's and Meloch's sides seize the opportunity and directly counterfeit their wizard shoes, it will be a real problem.

Although Lilith Hut is his alma mater, there are too many irrelevant wizards here.

With more people, things become more complicated.

'I don't even have enough clones. If I had another ultimate spell, I could create another clone.'

Locke pondered, "However, there is another way: to set up my wizard shoe production base within the Forest Sanctuary."

A sudden inspiration struck Locke.

Previously, he was unable to modify the spell model of the Forest Sanctuary, but now that he has a cooperative fund with Lilith's Hut for the Forest Sanctuary, he can try to set up his wizard shoe production base within the Forest Sanctuary.

'Albert's forest sanctuary forms an ecological corridor with mine. My moonlight can directly enter his forest. Using this, I can project my consciousness into his forest sanctuary and, using a single one-ring magical plant within it, remotely cultivate several acres of magical fields.'

Locke pondered, "Then I'll leave two kinds of seeds for the two types of wizard shoes in Albert's Forest Sanctuary. Once the basic shapes of the two types of wizard shoes are produced, I can use the enchanters here to complete the final processing of the two types of wizard shoes according to the blueprints."

'Anyway, sales in the southeast corner won't be too high. I'll just cultivate ten acres of magical fields in the Forbidden Forest. Forget it, as a second-ring archmage, I can't be bothered with such a small matter.'

Locke realized that the wizard Albert was now practically his student.

"I'll let him handle the development, and there are the relevant application procedures, etc., but he just needs to give his consent."

Locke immediately spoke with Albert.

Albert, seated in his seat, smiled and said, "Of course. I have absolutely no objection to that."

Locke said, "Thank you, Albert. As a reward, I will give you 10,000 magic stones every month. At the same time, as rent for requisitioning your magical sanctuary, I will also give you 20,000 magic stones every month."

Locke still believed that even close brothers should keep clear accounts.

Feelings are feelings, but if they are not maintained with mutual benefits, they will change.

Albert could barely contain his smile.

“Locke, why do you need to pay so much money? We’re friends. Besides, it’s thanks to your help that I was able to become a full-fledged wizard.”

But Albert did not refuse. Because, in order for Locke to use his Forest Sanctuary to create magical fields, he needed Albert to adjust the spell model of his Forest Sanctuary and assume certain responsibilities for its care.

At the same time, Albert became increasingly aware of the limits of his abilities.

He will spend most of his life in Lilith's Cottage.

He was different from Locke and from the Sophia witch.

His achievements were limited; he did not seek to go far on the path of exploring the truth, but was content with making steady, small progress.

Therefore, he was very satisfied with the 30,000 magic stones Locke gave him every month.

This was already a generous offer for him, enough to make the other formal wizards at Lilith's Hut extremely envious.

Albert looked up and saw many formal wizards looking at him with envy.

They envied him for getting in touch with the great wizard, and for receiving 30,000 magic stones as a reward every month. In fact, many wizards had designs on him, seemingly wanting the same mission.

However, their permanent defensive field is not the Forest Sanctuary, so even if they wanted to, they couldn't ask.

Locke sat at the banquet; he was the protagonist of the banquet and thus controlled its pace.

Harlan Vera and Dean Earl followed Locke's gaze.

Locke said, "Manager Yuri, it's been a long time."

The witch Yuri stood up with a complicated expression and bowed to Locke. Her current magic pressure was only 210.

This is because the Curse of Decay damaged her soul, so much so that over the years she could only barely repair some of the soul damage she suffered as a result of the curse.

Progress is just a pipe dream.

Her own plan was to fully repair her soul damage within five years, then try to improve her magic power, and finally try to become a full-fledged wizard.

Once she can cross that threshold, she will be considered different.

She then entered the level of a formal wizard.

However, the witch Yuri did not expect that when Locke returned, he was not only a formal wizard, but had even become a second-circle wizard.

The witch Yuri looked at Locke with complicated emotions, her mind filled with the image of Locke as a second-class wizard apprentice, when he first entered the Lijin Whisper.

Who would have thought that the wizard's apprentice would become a great wizard?

The witch Yuri seemed to be witnessing a legend.

And so she became a figure in a legendary story.

This made her feel proud.

The witch Yuri bowed to Locke and said, "Lord Augustine, thank you for remembering me."

Locke looked at Yuri and said, "Yuri, has your soul damage not fully recovered yet? Hmm... I helped you get rid of the parasitic demon on you before, but I think my skills were still a bit rusty at the time, so I couldn't solve the problem for you in one go."

Locke opened his right hand, and a primordial fire appeared. The next moment, he used the reverse refining technique to wield the primordial fire and envelop her.

Before the witch Yuri could finish her surprise, strands of spiritual energy transformed into threads within the flames and entered her soul.

After the flames disappeared, the witch Yuri felt refreshed.

That faint feeling of powerlessness completely disappeared.

Locke said to her, "I used a second-circle potion master's technique to refine your soul, restoring it to its peak condition. Hmm, that should save you about five years of soul repair time."

“I also removed the residual magical poison from your soul. This should increase your chances of becoming a full-fledged wizard.”

The witch Yuri was incredibly excited. "Thank you... Locke, have you become a second-circle potion master?"

At the banquet, the first-ring wizards all showed surprise; they hadn't expected Locke to have such an ability.

Is this a second-ring potion master?
Locke pondered for a moment, originally wanting to explain that he was not yet a second-ring potion master. The standard for expert-level potion masters was very high, and the emergence of Ling Hongxue had brought potion mastery to a new and unprecedented level.

But after thinking about it, he realized that even if he told Yuri this, she wouldn't understand, so Locke could only nod slightly.

They don't say whether they are or aren't.

The witch Yuri bowed to Locke, knowing that she was of lower status and could not speak with Locke for too long or take up too much of his time, so she returned to her seat.

Locke glanced around and noticed that his two friends, who were still second-level wizard apprentices, were not present at the banquet. He guessed that this was because they were still second-level wizard apprentices.

He reconsidered and decided not to insist on seeing them.

For me now, simply expressing my feelings is enough to indirectly help them.

Next, many formal wizards tried to strike up a conversation with Locke, like peacocks spreading their tails, talking about various projects and their magical philosophies in front of Locke, hoping to attract his attention, gain his favor, or even receive funding for their projects.

After all, his current status and wealth accumulation are only average in Yunze Wetland, but he is already a very wealthy man in the Southeast Corner Region.

With a casual gesture, he can make many formal wizards a fortune.

Unfortunately, Locke was greatly disappointed after hearing their presentation of their project.

The quality is all too low.

Unbeknownst to him, Locke's judgment had improved considerably.

Ordinary projects rarely pique his interest.

Even if these wizards from the southeastern corner region wanted to recommend themselves, their abilities were really limited. They couldn't even come up with many projects of the diamond-level quality they had in the Six Towers Land.

And those kinds of projects, in my eyes now, are really not even worth mentioning.

Whether I do it or not, my improvement will be very slow for my current level.

Talent and energy are the resources he lacks most right now.

As a second-circle archmage, his energy is limited, so he can only devote his limited energy to the places where he can produce the most important results.

For the rest of the time, Locke mainly spent his time getting to know Harun Vera's formal wizard students who remained in the southeastern corner of the region.

The Green Witch Christine greeted Locke; the two had collaborated before.

Locke was curious about the seasonal botany of the Four Seasons Garden, so he talked to her and got some basic magic books about the Four Seasons Garden from her.

Due to the limitations of her school of thought, she could only give Locke some less core knowledge about the four seasons.

The study of the four seasons, divided into spring, summer, autumn, and winter, primarily examines the relationship between the seasons and plants, and also researches seasonal magical plants.

Locke pondered, "The Four Seasons Garden has powerful backers. If I didn't know they were behind it, I could simply find a way to make the deal; ignorance is no excuse. But I'm currently a second-circle wizard researcher at Golden Crown Mountain, while the Four Seasons Garden is backed by the Throne Wizard lineage of the Rootcrown Court."

'This actually prevents me from directly circumventing the restrictions and conducting transactions.'

Locke now realizes what it means to "stand tall and see far, but not in detail".

A higher magic level certainly has its advantages.

However, there may be some difficult issues in certain details.

For example, right now, I can't directly bypass the restrictions to obtain the core theories of the Four Seasons Garden and the materials on the study of the four seasons.

Even bypassing the restrictions to obtain the essence of seasonal botany itself is a challenge to other academic disciplines.

"As the saying goes, a newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger. That's roughly the idea. In this situation, if one were a crystallization wizard, they could find a way to circumvent it and obtain the study of the four seasons, which wouldn't be a big deal."

Locke said.

'However, that's fine as it is. The publicly available information on the Four Seasons is enough for my needs. As for the more core, esoteric knowledge, if I really want to obtain it, I can simply write to the Rootcrown Royal Court in the Razer Lowlands and apply for a library card.'

When the Green Witch Christine saw that Locke was very satisfied with the seasonal learning materials she had given him as a gift, she beamed with joy and whispered, "Great Wizard Locke, we can be considered fellow disciples now."

"I have a student here whose magic pressure has reached 800. I wonder if she can learn your Forest Sanctuary and receive your blessings?"

Albert, who was standing nearby, became quite anxious upon hearing this.

After all, although Locke established the Forest Alliance Fund, it was for the future to support wizard apprentices who had the potential to use the Forest Sanctuary to become formal wizards; that was a matter for the future.

However, if Christine's students also become official wizards using the Forest Sanctuary, then he will not be Locke's only option in the short term.

Is the Green Witch Christine trying to take away the job Locke offered for 30,000 magic stones a month?

Albert asked, "Christine the Witch, would your student be willing to change his learning goals at the last minute? Or would it be better not to force him?"

Christine the Witch said, “I am also a witch who graduated from Lilith Cottage. That witch apprentice is my personal disciple. I originally trained her according to the botany here at Lilith Cottage. She originally studied the Harvest Field.”

"The Harvest Force Field is one of the three anti-negative energy fields that make up the Mist Force. I have checked the information and read the article that you submitted to Southeast magazine, Great Wizard."

Locke knew that Harvest Field was not the first-line permanent defensive force field spell model to choose from at Lilith's Hut, so that spell model could be taught to others.

They were not bound by the college's contract.

Christine the Green Witch looked at Locke and said, "Great Wizard Locke, my student is indeed very suitable to study the Forest Sanctuary of our Lilith Hut."

Albert coughed and said, "She's a student at Four Seasons Garden. How did she become one of us...?"

(End of this chapter)