Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems - Chapter 694

Chapter 691 Agave Ketone Imaginary Roots and Symbiotic Sheaths

The next day, Locke went to the Dune Plane, to the interior of the 2nd Research Institute, and sought out Mason Witch and others to inquire about the current progress of the analysis of the ancient flower roots.

The four of them found a quiet, secluded room and held a meeting.

Mason Witch handed Locke the data they had compiled, including the specific three-dimensional structure of the ancient flower roots obtained using a large metal telescope, their magical properties, and the mechanisms of action of several key natural magical structural components.

The ancient flower roots achieve temporary energy storage in plants through two methods: special glandular organelles and special metabolic pathways.

Complete analysis requires a series of complex experiments, from structural analysis to component analysis, functional verification, simulation of energy release dynamics, and cross-species comparisons.

This work is tedious and complex, and also quite difficult. Without teamwork, Locke, or by hiring a few more students and his two assigned students, would likely not be able to complete it in less than three to five years.

After all, the biggest problem with these non-decisive, high-difficulty tasks lies in their time, effort, manpower, and financial consumption.

This is the significance of teamwork.

In the ancient past, magical research was a personal matter; at that time, one person’s talent might have been sufficient to meet all research needs.

But today, with its emphasis on substantial funding and large-scale equipment investment, magical research requires a large number of people.

Relying on one person is too slow; a large number of wizards are needed to assist that wizard in their research for high efficiency.

Having a large number of students and collaborators is itself a kind of ‘talent,’ a ‘talent’ that allows for rapid research completion.

While an individual’s ‘talent’ might be somewhat mysterious, the ‘talent’ of a research group is relatively easier to define:

it’s the amount of sufficient funding and the number of outstanding talents.

Locke looked at these tasks and nodded. “We’ve completed about one-sixth of the work so far,”

Freya the witch explained. “The three of us, plus you as the team leader overseeing things, are more than enough.”

“The main problem is the equipment, including the three magic mirrors and the large metal telescope, which have all been monopolized by that guy Zaran Bailey’s team. Lately, they’ve been getting increasingly outrageous, and the lab administrators are becoming more and more blatant in favor of them.”

“I dare say, if they weren’t in the way, our analysis progress could have doubled again,”

Locke chuckled. “Competing for experimental equipment and waiting in line for equipment is quite normal. I’ve noticed that many researchers in Group 2 have completely stalled their experiments.”

This time, after joining Group 2, he found that many researchers’ attitudes towards Zaran Bailey had completely changed. They were no longer as respectful as before; instead, they were complaining and whispering in the office, badmouthing him.

This was understandable.

Regardless of their previous relationship, Zaran Bailey was now squeezing out other research resources and equipment for his own personal gain, and many people were even putting aside their own projects to help him, becoming his laborers.

Given enough time, resentment would inevitably surface.

Especially since Zaran Bailey is now arrogant and doesn’t care about the thoughts of a group of first-ring wizards, and of course has no intention of appeasing them.

Freya, the witch, chuckled, thinking of the many researchers in Group 2. She laughed, “Some of them were bragging about their senior brother when they were having dinner with us before. Now they’re seething with hatred, wishing Zaran Bailey would die the next day.”

Barrett, usually a man of few words, suddenly spoke up, “Locke, there’s a problem. The four natural magical components of the ancient flower root are basically common magical substances. We just didn’t expect them to interact. But that’s not the key point of this energy-locking structure.” “

The key point of this energy-locking structure should be the special structure of the root itself. However, I’ve noticed that our previous observations, both microscopic and macroscopic, show some differences,”

Barrett said. “I think this root energy-locking structure is not as simple as we thought. I suspect that with the current three magic mirrors and the all-metal telescope, we cannot fully analyze its three-dimensional structure.”

“I want to ask you, Group Leader, for permission to use the Queen’s Chessboard on it,”

Locke said, taking the data and falling into deep thought. “Did each observation yield different results?”

This indeed indicates that this ancient flower root may possess a very complex structure, making it impossible for current equipment, in terms of precision and principle, to analyze it.

The Queen’s Chessboard is indeed the best solution.

Locke said, “Barrett, thank you. If it weren’t for your careful observation, the progress would have been significantly slower.”

Mason and Freya then noticed the problem, picked up the data again, and compared them, indeed discovering slight differences in the analytical structure.

In fact, it couldn’t be explained by different observation angles.

This very likely indicates that this ancient flower root has a special structure that current equipment cannot analyze.

Freya said, “Brother Barrett is indeed more reliable and thorough. Mason and I didn’t notice these two points. Team leader, I’m so sorry, we almost caused you trouble.”

Locke shook his head. “It’s alright. We’re a team. Any new discoveries by any of us are good for us.”

“The principle behind the temporary energy storage in the glandular root sacs has been preliminarily determined. The internal structure of the glandular root sacs is mainly divided into two categories. One is a vacuolar structure that stores four natural magical structural components.”

“It’s currently unclear which natural magical structural component is stored to temporarily lock in the energy, and how this component can be instantly converted into other components, releasing the stored magical energy during this conversion process.” “The

second major category is the secretory glands. These glands can release four natural magical structural components, the most important of which is a natural magical structural component called [Agave Ketone]. “

We highly suspect that it stores magical energy in the form of Dragon Breath Liquor Alcohol, as a similar situation has occurred in the second-ring magical plant, the Agave.”

“However, agave ketone, a natural magical structural component, has slight toxicity, so it puts pressure on magical plants. Agave ketone is rarely seen in other magical plants, only in agave and a few of its close relatives, and also in magical plants grafted onto agave by wizards. Therefore, it is named after agave…”

Locke looked at the three and said, “So, our most important task right now is to confirm whether the ancient flower roots mainly store agave ketone, and if so, what mechanism by which agave ketone releases energy.”

“Mason, you’re in charge of confirming whether the Ancient Flower Root is primarily composed of agave ketones. Freya, to save time, let’s assume it’s mainly composed of the storage and conversion of agave ketones. You determine the conversion relationship between this natural magical structure and the other three natural magical structures.”

Locke looked at Barrett and said, “Using the Queen’s Chessboard isn’t a problem. Even if the budget isn’t enough, and the Queen’s Chessboard in Group 2 has been occupied, I can pay you to build one outside. But the problem is…”

“I’m currently facing a major competition, my soul is constantly weakening, and my magical pressure is constantly increasing. It’s really not suitable for me to enter the Queen’s Chessboard.”

Locke tapped the table with his fingers and said.

Wizard Barrett gritted his teeth. “Then I’ll go. Group Leader.”

Witch Freya asked with some concern, “Barrett, are you sure you can do it? Group Leader Locke’s magical level is far above ours. Even he thinks the Queen’s Chessboard is dangerous. If you enter it…”

Entering the Queen’s Chessboard carries the risk of spiritual damage or contamination.

Spirituality is the foundation of a wizard; once contaminated, the problem becomes serious.

Mason and Locke glanced at Freya with a strange look; Freya’s concern for Barrett was clearly unusual.

However, neither of them said anything.

Barrett nodded and said, “As long as we’re careful, there shouldn’t be any problems. Team leader, I’ll handle this part.”

Barrett looked at Locke and said earnestly, “We also want to complete our team’s first first-class grant project as soon as possible. Let Zaran Bailey see what we’re capable of.”

Mason said, “Barrett…”

Barrett said, “These days, what Zaran Bailey has done has really angered me. Even a clay figure has some temper, let alone me.”

Locke nodded and encouraged them, “Don’t worry, this is just our team’s first first-class project grant. After the Silent Grail, once I’ve recovered, I’ll let you complete your first-class project grants as well. Anyway, there are still more than two years before the three of you leave the station.”

The three of them perked up, all attracted by Locke’s promise, their eyes flashing with enthusiasm.

Locke had previously helped them apply for second-class project grants, and they were still working on them slowly.

Therefore, they had no doubts about Locke’s words.

As long as Locke could help them secure a first-class project grant, anything they did for him would be worthwhile.

It could be said that if Locke could get them a first-class grant, this sub-group would have limitless vitality.

Locke looked at the three energetic individuals.

As the de facto leader of this group, he could mobilize a large amount of its resources, but he also bore a tremendous responsibility.

His decisions would affect the four researchers’ achievements over the next year, as well as all the students involved.

Therefore, his responsibility was immense, and his decisions had a profound impact.

Locke said, “Then, I’ll give you one hundred magic crystal cards. Use the external equipment as you see fit. Just make sure it speeds up the process. I hope we can produce results within a month.”

“Complete all the projects within a month?”

The three were startled.

Mason the Witch looked at Locke with puzzlement: “Locke, why the rush? The energy-locking structure of this special plant is inherently complex. Even if we were given the opportunity to analyze it directly, we might not be able to fully explore its depth due to insufficient tools or misjudgments.”

Locke explained, “It’s mainly related to the layout of my wizard shoes. I’m developing the fifth pair of wizard shoes and I’ve taken a liking to the potential of this energy-locking structure.”

“Therefore, I want to complete the analysis of this energy-locking structure as soon as possible.”

“Don’t worry, there’s not enough time. Because there’s no limit to the funds you can spend, it’s just that the three of you…” Locke smiled and said, “I only hope that the three of you can complete the analysis work for me.”

“This concerns the future development and fate of our group. If my plan is completed, our group will not lack first-class funding.”

Upon hearing about the application for first-class funding, the three of them immediately became very serious and nodded repeatedly, indicating that they would do their best.

Locke looked at the three of them making promises to him and thought to himself: ‘Given the personalities of these three, they shouldn’t embezzle too much of the funds I give them.’

‘Although I have a close relationship with them, I don’t want to test human nature.’ Now I’m in the same boat as the three of them, and I promise them that as long as I rise, I’ll make sure they also get first-class project funding. “

I suppose they’ll at least do their best for me.”

“There’s no way around it. When employing people, you have to consider whether they’ll be dedicated. The same person working for you can be completely different depending on whether they genuinely care about the group,”

Locke pondered. “These three are all first-stage crystallization wizards, not fools. Therefore, if I only think of myself, I’ll offend them. If they try to outsmart me, I’ll be the one who suffers the most.” “

Only by considering their interests and helping them achieve their goals can this team be united.”

“Even close brothers need clear accounts. Otherwise, even the best friendships will eventually turn sour.”

Witch Mason spoke up, “Everyone has witnessed how powerful Locke’s super-intuitive abilities are these days. We certainly believe that with his abilities, he can definitely help me find research materials and directions that allow us to apply for a first-class project grant.”

Witch Freya and Wizard Barrett nodded in agreement.

Freya the witch said to Locke, “Team leader, there’s a problem. Zhalan Bailey’s research group is increasingly squeezing Group 2’s resources.”

“Team Leader Sith is also increasingly favoring him. Aren’t you going to do anything about it?”

“You were recruited by Team Leader Sith. Why don’t you go talk to him? He has to take responsibility for you.”

Locke said, “Let’s ignore him for now.”

“Let’s just back down for now.”

Locke felt a headache coming on when he thought of Zhalan Bailey; there must be a big problem with him.

This problem involves many people.

Locke looked out the window at the sky, which was once empty but was now filled with gray gas.

Numerous conversion plants had caused large amounts of arsenic pollution to accumulate in the sky, initially blocking the sun and causing a drop in temperature, but now the temperature was slowly rising.

If he wasn’t mistaken, Zhalan Bailey probably hadn’t hired anyone to handle environmental protection, or perhaps he had, but the person he hired hadn’t done it.

And Team Leader Sith was someone who valued immediate profits.

Zaran Bailey’s current plan is advantageous to his Group 2, providing immediate relief.

Therefore, it’s clear that he’s favoring Zaran Bailey.

He probably thinks Zaran Bailey was just a bit too eager for quick results in the early stages, but considering the current good progress, he’ll probably turn a blind eye.

He probably thinks Zaran Bailey has some hidden tricks up his sleeve, so he doesn’t need to interfere.

He doesn’t know what Zaran Bailey is planning, but he feels his affairs are too complicated and he’s too lazy to get involved.

Anyway, it’s none of his business.

The witch Freya seemed somewhat unwilling. “Group Leader Locke, are we really going to keep giving in? If we do, we’ll waste several times the money unnecessarily.”

“If you talk to Group Leader Sith and let us use some key equipment, we should be able to save a million magic stones. I’m worried about your money,”

the witch Freya said. “We’re all wizards. If it’s really just a matter of face, we can tolerate any insults he might inflict.”

Locke nodded. “I know.”

“But Zaran Bailey has a big problem, and my intuition tells me not to get involved.” Locke hesitated for a moment, then said, “I think the current situation is very much like someone is waging a war of magic from afar, and Zaran Bailey is just a pawn.”

The three looked surprised and horrified.

Using a second-circle wizard to wage war of magic, as their pawn?

Locke said, “Of course, this is just my guess. Just treat them like plagues for now, pretend you don’t see them. Don’t make contact with them and drag us into it.”

Locke said, “If you believe my guess.”

Freya blinked, hesitated, and finally said, “So complicated…”

Mason asked, “Locke, did you predict this using your supernatural abilities?”

Locke shook his head. “No. This is a conclusion I reached through logical analysis and deduction based on the current situation.”

Mason nodded, still somewhat doubtful. “Since this is your order, we are naturally willing to take the loss. Until you grant permission, we can pretend to back down to everyone in their group, minimize contact with them, and absolutely avoid conflict.”

Locke nodded and said, “That’s good. Thank you for your hard work, all three of you.”

“Alright, everyone, that’s all for today’s group meeting.”

Locke searched for Scarlett Witch in the Water Hyacinth System, then left the room, quickly leaving the Dune Plane and heading to the Dragonblood Gathering at Golden Crown Mountain.

Inside the room, Mason Witch and the other two looked at each other in bewilderment.

Mason the Witch whispered, “Locke, why do you think Zaran Bailey was being used? Do you think this guess makes sense?”

Freya the Witch said, “I don’t know either. It sounds very strange. However, the group leader doesn’t want us to get involved with them, so let’s listen to the group leader.”

Barret the Wizard said, “The group leader is more capable than us.”

“We’ll listen to him. As for whether it’s correct, we’ll know soon enough.”

…

On the streets of the Dragon Blood Gathering, Locke pondered, “If the temporary energy-storing and locking structure of the Ancient Flower Root ultimately uses Agave Ketones—a natural structure of magical components—as its storage base, then it explains why the Ancient Flower, or the prototype plant of the Ancient Flower, is no longer widespread.” “

Agave Ketones, at a certain concentration, are only slightly toxic. But as long as the concentration increases, they become highly toxic.”

“In other words, plants that evolve this energy-locking structure inherently put themselves in a dangerous situation.”

“Therefore, the unique energy-locking structure of the ancient flower’s prototype plant’s roots did not become a common energy-locking structure in plant communities,”

Locke pondered. “The energy density of agave ketones, however, is extremely high, making them a high-quality natural magical structure component for temporarily storing energy. Of course, there is another drawback: agave ketones are a moderately explosive natural magical structure component.”

“Hopefully, the special three-dimensional structure that requires the Queen’s Chessboard to analyze can solve the problem of the moderate explosiveness of agave ketones. Otherwise, it’s not suitable to use this structure to develop a wizard’s shoe specifically.”

“As a bomb, the advantages of agave ketones are not so great. The key point is that the ancient flower roots, as a unique energy-locking structure, possess a rare short-term energy storage structure among magical plants, which can effectively enhance the instantaneous burst capability of magical plants.”

Locke frowned.

Having previously assigned tasks to Mason and the other two witches, he now naturally needed to utilize these two months to graft the Great Black Diamond Pineapple, which mimics the ancient flower roots, onto the Great Snowcap Pineapple using a grafting cultivation method. The goal was

to cultivate a Great Snowcap Pineapple Wizard Shoe with ancient flower roots.

This would give his Great Snowcap Pineapple Wizard Shoe leaves with the spiral fractal constraint equation of a Pixiu horn, as well as a Tyrant pattern, and agave-like ketone roots.

Its magical plant traits would become extremely powerful.

“The evolution of plant energy-locking structures largely determines the evolutionary history of plants,” Locke said. “From the emergence of fibrous vascular bundles—energy-locking structures for transporting nutrients—mosses evolved into ferns.”

“Vascular bundles give plants channels composed of dead cells, allowing them to transport nutrients, support growth, and compete for sunlight, making forests possible.”

“Then came the miracle of energy-locking structures: the birth of seeds. The structure of embryo + nutrient tissue + seed coat allowed plants to break free from their heavy dependence on water during their fern stage and venture into arid inland areas.” “This

expanded the variety and quantity of plants.”

“Then came another miracle of energy-locking structures: the emergence of flowers and fruits. Their co-evolution with animals optimized energy-locking structures, allowing the natural ecosystem to reach a peak in its ability to retain and utilize external energy.”

“These are just the main energy-locking structures of plants below the apprentice level. Subsequently, a series of evolutions and transformations of energy-locking structures occurred.”

“The study of energy-locking structures is an endless process, from the first ring to the second, and even higher rings,”

Locke pondered. “The difference between second-ring and first-ring magical plants lies in the imaginary root.” “

The imaginary root itself is an energy-locking structure comparable to flowers and fruits.”

“However, the imaginary root, as a second-ring level energy-locking structure, seems extremely complex. I am a first-ring wizard, and the knowledge areas at the second ring level are basically closed to me, making it difficult to acquire this knowledge.”

“Especially since the imaginary root is said to be extremely dangerous. For researchers of insufficient level, it is inherently threatening.”

If the imaginary root weren’t dangerous, the wizarding civilization wouldn’t have abandoned imaginary magic and chosen ultimate magic at the second ring stage.

Once, imaginary magic and kingdom domain magic were among the options for breaking through from the first to the second ring.

But in the end, they both lost to the safer and more powerful ultimate magic.

It’s just unknown whether even ultimate magic will be eliminated in the future.

Locke pondered, “However, botanical wizards and breeding wizards are different from other wizards. Other wizards can avoid imaginary magic, but as a breeder, I will inevitably have to deal with it because of magical plants.”

“After all, imaginary roots are a characteristic of second-ring magical plants.” Locke hesitated, having recently read more about botany.

The first-ring characteristic of magical plants is wood elemental clusters, each plant cell forming a pressure furnace.

But second-ring magical plants seem to primarily evolve towards imaginary roots, though there are some more peripheral evolutionary paths.

Locke had previously suspected that the special roots of the Ancient Flower were a more peripheral way of evolving into a second-ring magical plant, but after specific analysis, he dismissed this idea.

It is said that besides imaginary root magical plants, in certain special places, such as the Forbidden Forest, due to high specialization, there are very rare symbiotic sheath-like second-ring magical plants.

Of course, even in the Forbidden Forest, the main characteristic of second-ring magical plants is generally still imaginary roots.

(End of Chapter)