Wizard:Starting from Synthesizing Gems

In Sophia the Witch's office.

Sophia conducted some basic performance tests on the Level 4 Super Mandrake Vine.

After completing the tests, a glimmer of interest appeared in Sophia's eyes. "It's truly unbelievable that such a creation could come from a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice like you."

"The basic performance of your Mandrake Vine already rivals that of average-quality Tiff Loron Vine."

"No—in fact, it even surpasses average-quality Tiff Loron Vine in terms of strength and speed attributes."

"Approximately by about 15%."

"It almost reaches the point of replacing ordinary Tiff Loron Vine varieties, though it still falls short of premium-grade Tiff Loron Vine."

As she spoke, Sophia dipped her quill in ink and recorded her test results on a document.

Upon hearing Sophia's words, Locke felt slightly disappointed.

Sophia was a first-tier Breeder, and her professional assessment carried significant weight. It was unlikely she would make a mistake regarding such low-level Magical Plants.

Locke asked, "Teacher, does that mean my Super Mandrake Vine still can't replace Tiff Loron Vine?"

In response, Sophia lightly tapped Locke's forehead with the document and shook her head with a smile. "What are you talking about?"

"Silly child."

"Premium-grade Tiff Loron Vine requires meticulous cultivation using Advanced Growth Serum Gel, Advanced Nutrient Soil, and the expertise of a Breeder. It's expensive, custom-made, and not something that can be mass-produced."

"How can you compare the two?"

Pointing at the potted Super Mandrake Vine, Sophia continued, "This new variety of yours hasn't undergone the 'premium customization' process. If cultivated with a Breeder's techniques for targeted enhancement, it could also become a premium-grade Super Mandrake Vine."

"All its fundamental performance metrics would see significant improvement."

"In other words, Locke Augustine, the Magical Vine you've cultivated could very well change the commonly used Magical Plants for most wizards in Lilith's Cottage who study the Vine Hand series. Over time, it may even spread beyond the academy."

Only then did Locke fully understand. "My apologies, Teacher. I didn't grasp it right away."

Sophia looked at Locke seriously. "Locke, though it's unnecessary—and of course I trust you—I need you to explain your grafting methodology in detail."

Locke nodded. "Understood, Teacher."

This was precisely why he had spent an extra three months completing the Breeding Course before presenting the Super Mandrake Vine.

Locke slowly explained his thought process behind grafting the Super Mandrake Vine.

Naturally, it was fabricated.

But with his foundational knowledge in grafting cultivation methods, his explanation sounded convincing.

Theoretically, it was indeed feasible—provided one could find special Mandrake Vines with ideal traits under perfect conditions.

And, of course, assuming these special Mandrake Vines could be successfully cultivated without dying prematurely.

All of these scenarios were based on ideal conditions.

However, after Locke achieved this result, by working backward and combining it with his foundational knowledge of grafting cultivation methods, he could fabricate a plausible and highly detailed explanation.

As long as Sophia didn't scrutinize every detail and demand that Locke replicate the entire grafting cultivation process step by step, there wouldn't be any major issues.

As a first-circle Formal Wizard, even though his Super Mandrake Vine was indeed groundbreaking, its grade was too low—barely impactful even at the apprentice stage. Therefore, it was highly unlikely she would waste her time meticulously examining every step of his cultivation process.

From Locke's understanding of Sophia during this period, that was simply impossible.

Sophia herself didn't particularly care about the type of magic vines used in the Cantrip series of Vine Hand.

He had known this since his very first day—for a Formal Wizard, it truly didn't matter.

Compared to the increased Spell potency brought by powerful magic vines, Formal Wizards valued the knowledge and mental fortitude gained from mastering Vine Hand far more.

That was a perspective built upon higher wisdom.

Sure enough, after listening to Locke's explanation, Sophia nodded without delving deeper and instead commented, "Your ability to cultivate this Mandala Vine seems to involve a certain degree of luck."

"But this can't be explained by luck alone."

Sophia looked at Locke seriously and said, "Your discernment is exceptional. Without it, you wouldn't have been able to identify the exact vines you needed from among countless ordinary Mandala Vines."

"You have more talent in this area than I initially thought."

She pointed to the document she was recording and said, "This is the ability test evaluation and certification for your magic vines, conducted by me as a first-circle Breeder."

"With this certification, your strain of Mandala Vine can fetch a high price at the Chimera Market."

"Very few apprentices achieve such significant results at your stage. Congratulations, Locke. For the foreseeable future, you shouldn't lack Magic Stones."

After a moment of thought, Sophia added, "Since you have talent in this field, you should strive even harder."

"Your understanding of grafting methods isn't deep enough yet. Moving forward, I'll teach you more rigorously and increase your daily study time here from one hour to an hour and a half."

"One hour will continue to focus on grafting cultivation methods, delving into more complex scenarios. The remaining half-hour will be dedicated to teaching you the follow-up Spell to Vine Hand."

Locke looked up at Sophia. In Lilith's Cottage, very few Second-Class Wizard Apprentices received such treatment.

It seemed Sophia's regard for him had risen yet again.

Locke said, "Thank you, Teacher."

Sophia replied, "I hope you can prove that this wasn't just a stroke of luck. May you cultivate even more remarkable varieties in the future."

Locke nodded. "Understood, Teacher."

He thought to himself that he indeed had a bunch of synthesized plants he wanted to sell next.

Now that he had Sophia's certification, he could gradually bring out those synthesized magical plants and sell them bit by bit. This would help establish his reputation as a breeding genius, elevate his status, and increase the academy's attention toward him.

Sophia said, "Locke, what do you want to name this variety? You can even name it after yourself if you wish. You have the right to name it—for example, you could call it Augustine Vine or something similar."

Locke pondered for a moment before replying, "No, let's not, Mentor. I'm just a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice—that would be too high-profile."

"Let's just call it Super Mandrake Vine."

Sophia nodded. "You're right to consider that."

Locke hesitated before speaking again, "Mentor, I have a suggestion—I don't know if you'd agree. When you report to the academy's higher-ups, could you include your name in the Super Mandrake Vine's breeding team?"

"Just say that you guided me in completing the breeding work for this new variety of Super Mandrake Vine."

His main purpose in doing this was to further reduce unnecessary scrutiny from others.

After all, all he wanted was to sell the Super Mandrake Vine publicly to earn Magic Stones.

At most, he just needed the academy's higher-ups to recognize him as a genius in the field of breeding and pay a little more attention to him.

Participating in the breeding of the Super Mandrake Vine was already enough for that.

Taking full credit for independently breeding it would draw too much attention.

Right now, Lilith's Cottage was still in the midst of a wizard war with the Blood Curse Court. If he stood out too much during this period, it could invite unnecessary danger.

It was entirely possible that the Blood Curse Court might even send someone to eliminate him just to undermine Lilith's Cottage's morale.

Secondly, this was also a way for him to repay Sophia.

Locke knew that Sophia actually needed this title—she needed it to pass the teaching assessment from the wizard organizations of the Star Domain Sea.

Sophia had only recently become a Formal Wizard. She lacked influence and needed such titles to bolster her credentials.

Upon hearing this, Sophia looked up at Locke in surprise. "Locke, do you realize what you're saying?"

"If we do this, others will assume that I was the main force behind breeding the Super Mandrake Vine."

"Though they'd still acknowledge your talent in this field, their evaluation of you would be much lower."

Locke nodded. "Mentor, but I'm just a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice."

"Besides, as long as you recognize my talent, that's enough. You are my Wizard Mentor, after all."

A thoughtful expression flashed across Sophia's face. She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. "I won't deny that, due to certain reasons, I do need something to embellish my credentials right now."

"Locke, your Super Mandrake Vine is exactly the kind of thing that could add luster to my record. I can't deny that I'm... considering it."

Sophia mused before continuing, "But I can't take advantage of you for free."

(End of Chapter)