Wizard: Starting With Synthesized Gems - Chapter 851

Chapter 847 Why Did You Embark on the Path of Wizardry? A Night Meeting with a Wizard

, Locke left the tenth basement level of the 2nd Research Institute.

With the framework established, as long as resources, personnel, and money were invested, the first step, and even the second step, of the finite element cultivation method’s ‘Sword Tomb’ would be completed sooner or later.

The rest was merely a matter of time; once the first two steps were completed, his own atavistic evolution experiment could begin immediately.

However, Locke couldn’t say exactly when the work would be finished.

This depended on how many resources he continuously invested, and sometimes luck played a role. Regardless, according to his designed framework, he expected results within three to six months, after which the final third step could be completed.

Locke prepared to head to the Witch’s Kitchen to celebrate with Mason and the others that evening. He turned back and saw Douglas standing hesitantly on the tenth basement level, unwilling to leave.

Locke turned to Douglas and said, “Working so hard? Your previous article for me was quite good. Help me write another overview of the development of pure magic plant second-circle wizard shoes. Think about the draft first, and I’ll give you the outline and experimental data tomorrow.”

Douglas was almost in tears.

It wasn’t that he really loved working that much, but he had finally managed to have a month of peace with Locke, and then Brandy the Wizard started entering the Dune Plane from time to time, trying to find him.

So now he didn’t dare leave the tenth basement level of the Group 2 Research Institute, because the Sith Wizard had designated the tenth basement level as Locke’s territory in Group 2.

Hiding here would make that Brandy the Wizard somewhat wary.

The Wizard King Lagmamon was also helpless about this, saying in Douglas’s mind: ‘That Brandy kid is really too persistent.’

‘But you have Locke Augustine’s protection, so you can continue working for him. In your era, only by working hard can you get protection, isn’t that right?’ “

I really want to see what this kid’s magical plant cultivation will eventually produce. In my time, there were some breeders as excellent as him. It’s just a pity that breeding science back then was far inferior to what it is now.”

Wizard Douglas felt that something was amiss.

“Teacher, I’m your student. I feel like you’re not thinking from my perspective.”

“I spend almost 24 hours a day in the lab.”

King Lagmamon chuckled in his mind’s eye: “Really? No. Otherwise, you’d be targeted by Wizard Brandy the moment you step out of the lab.”

Wizard Douglas closed the lab door and sighed.

“That’s true. I guess I’ll just have to work harder. Luckily, Grand Wizard Locke isn’t bad to me either.”

…

On the basement floor of the research institute of Group 2, Wizard Brandy’s face was grim. He glanced at the magical mechanical clock tower in the first-floor lab reception hall and checked the time.

“What’s going on? Could he be living in the lab?”

“This guy used to slack off all the time when I was working there, always finding a chance to sneak out of the lab. Now that he’s with Augustine, he’s become so diligent. He’s in his lab all day long.”

The Brandy Wizard even felt a little jealous.

Could it be that Locke was more adept at managing people than him?

“I didn’t realize he was even better at exploiting people than me.”

The Brandy Wizard pondered, “Does your staying put make any difference? If you don’t leave the lab, I’ll go to your lab on my own.”

The Brandy Wizard prepared to register with the staff of Group 2 and then take the elevator to the tenth underground level.

Who knew that the vaporization wizard staff member looked up, bowed to him, and said, “I’m sorry, Brandy Wizard. The tenth underground lab of Group 2 has been closed to the public for twenty days.”

The Brandy Wizard was dumbfounded, then his face darkened as he said, “Why is it closed to the public? How can a public research institute be closed to the public?!”

The vaporization wizard staff member immediately bowed, after all, he was just a temporary worker at Golden Crown Mountain.

“Grand Wizard Brandy. It’s like this, this is an order personally given by the Sith Sun Ring Wizard Group Leader.”

“Mainly because the tenth underground level is currently the Sword Tomb of Grand Wizard Locke, so to prevent unrelated individuals from disturbing it, outsiders are currently prohibited from entering.”

Wizard Brandy immediately realized that he was that unrelated individual.

His mind raced.

‘He has such a good relationship with the group leader here? He even set aside an entire floor for him in the research institute to open a separate private laboratory? Why?’

Wizard Brandy immediately thought of many things.

Either he has a powerful background, or he has a deep business relationship with that Sith Wizard. It’s more likely the latter, because Locke Augustine is an out-of-town wizard.

He shouldn’t have any background in Cloud Marsh Wetlands.

Wizard Brandy’s expression wasn’t very good. Being repeatedly rejected made him somewhat annoyed, and he even wanted to force his way into the tenth underground level.

Anyway, even if he did that, the vaporization wizard in front of him couldn’t stop him.

Any order without power is just an empty piece of paper.

He could force his way in, take Douglas away, and then apologize to the Sith wizard, or even Locke Augustine, finding a plausible excuse.

If it happened only once or twice, as long as nothing serious occurred, there shouldn’t be any serious consequences.

However, the Brandy Wizard hesitated because he suspected that the fortuitous encounter Douglas possessed might not have been left by a Sun Ring wizard.

It could have been left by a Moon Ring wizard, a Star Ring wizard, or even just a rather special encounter left by an ordinary second-ring wizard.

Such an encounter wasn’t worth the risk.

Doing too many such things would damage his reputation.

He couldn’t be as foolish as that Droma, ruining his popularity.

Therefore, everything needed to be weighed.

The Brandy Wizard began to ponder, and he was also somewhat curious about what kind of sword tomb Locke Augustine, this rising star, could create.

‘Generally, second-ring wizards use the Spirit Breath Cultivation Method to cultivate second-ring level magical plants.’ He’s using the finite element method instead of the spirit-breath cultivation method, so he probably hasn’t become a true second-ring breeder yet. Only Zeno in the Advanced Knowledge Academy has passed the second-ring breeder exam. “

But Zhuoma and I have barely learned the spirit-breath breeding method; we just haven’t passed the exam,”

the Brandy Wizard pondered. “What is he cultivating in the Sword Tomb?”

He felt the vibration of the Ganoderma lucidum plant. Opening it, he found a message from a friend informing him that a second-circle wizard from the True Knowledge Institute on Golden Crown Mountain had recently entered the second-circle, first district.

Brandy immediately pressed for the name.

He considered many candidates, even thinking that Zeno was the most likely.

After all, among the advanced True Knowledge Institute, only Zeno had obtained the second-circle Breeder’s Certificate Badge.

Soon, his friend replied.

“It’s Locke Augustine, who seems to have entered the True Knowledge Institute last year. Truly a promising young man. Brandy, how about we invite him to the Witch’s Kitchen for a meal and make his acquaintance?”

Brandy was stunned.

He didn’t even bother with the temporary worker, the vaporization wizard, arguing in the second research institute. He immediately turned and left the institute, boarding his flying vehicle and heading towards the public plane gate of the Dune Plane.

On the small flying vehicle, Brandy looked utterly incredulous.

“Him? Him?”

“He just became a second-ring wizard, and he’s not even a second-ring breeder yet, he doesn’t even know the Spirit Breath Cultivation Method, and yet in his first year as a second-ring wizard, he published a first-tier article in a second-ring journal?”

In an instant, Brandy Wizard felt there was definitely something fishy going on behind the scenes.

But quickly, Brandy Wizard dismissed this idea.

Because Locke was a wizard from out of town with a simple background, and that was a first-tier journal among second-ring journals. How powerful must one’s connections be to pull off such a shady deal?

If Locke had that kind of connection and power, he wouldn’t need to compete with Locke next year; he could just immediately grovel before him and cling to his coattails.

Brandy Wizard asked his friend, “Which journal?”

His friend replied on the Water Hyacinth System, “The Boundary of All Things. It was submitted to the Breeding section of The Boundary of All Things.”

Brandy Wizard paused for a moment, thinking carefully, because The Boundary of All Things wasn’t within the scope of what mainstream breeders in Yunze Wetland usually submitted to.

But after careful consideration, he realized that *The Boundary of All Things* was a mid-level second-ring journal.

This meant it wasn’t even a barely qualifying second-ring journal;

it was a legitimate, long-established second-ring, first-ring journal.

The Brandy Wizard was shocked.

“Damn it, how did he do that? He doesn’t even know the Spirit Breath Cultivation Method. This isn’t fair.”

“How could an ordinary second-ring wizard, someone who just became a second-ring wizard, publish a first-ring article without knowing the Spirit Breath Cultivation Method?”

In an instant, a sense of crisis and apprehension towards Locke rose within the Brandy Wizard.

He had previously planned to force his way in and take Douglas away, but after hearing that Locke had published a second-ring journal article, he felt as if he were being suppressed by his bloodline.

Like a mouse encountering a cat.

At this moment, the mere thought of Locke’s image left his mind blank, only the thought of Locke publishing a second-ring, first-ring article remained.

He published a second-ring, first-ring article…

All his courage vanished instantly.

The Brandy Wizard, piloting the aircraft, gritted his teeth and said, “Damn Douglas, he’s using Locke’s name to avoid me.”

He sighed.

“Oh well, he can’t work in the lab forever. The magical pressure and radiation there are so severe, and besides, it’s a sword tomb; even a crystallized wizard couldn’t stay there for long. He’ll come out eventually.”

“I’ll just wait patiently.”

“After all, he’s someone who published in the Second Ring, First District journal. I can’t afford to offend him. Looks like he’ll be a formidable opponent next year.”

The Brandy Wizard thought, “Currently, among the people in the Advanced Institute of Truth, only Zeno and Antoine from the Senate faction have published in the Second Ring, First District journal. Droma and I haven’t even published in the Second Ring, Second District journal.”

“Antoine must have gotten it through connections, and Zeno is our biggest threat.”

He had initially gathered all the Second Ring wizards in the Institute of Truth into a group precisely to gather information on these competitors, and also because they had a tacit understanding to unite against the most powerful, Zeno.

Of course, this unity wasn’t about forming small cliques or anything pointless.

Rather, it involved trading within the group, sharing resources and information. Zeno, arrogant and talented, had joined the group but had never actively participated in discussions.

Therefore, this group could actually help balance the situation.

But now, the Brandy Wizard felt a chill.

Because a second Second Ring wizard from the Institute of Truth had published in the Second Ring, First District journal.

Brandy Wizard looked into the group chat and, sure enough, saw that Jon Quess Wizard had posted the news.

Jon Quess sent a smiley face emoji.

‘Look everyone, our Golden Crown Mountain Institute of True Knowledge has a second senior researcher who published a paper in a second-ring, first-zone journal.’

‘I’m so proud!’

At this moment, Droma Wizard sent an astonished emoji, followed by a sentence.

‘Incredible. In his first year as a second-ring wizard, he published a paper in a second-ring, first-zone journal. How are we supposed to survive?’

The other two wizards also sent shocked emojis, followed by some words that seemed to encapsulate the meaning of life—

‘This is amazing. The people who come into our Institute of True Knowledge are getting more and more monstrous every year.’

‘Keep striving. Hopefully, we can publish a good paper next year and directly apply for the top-tier grant. Otherwise, if we wait another two or three years, and by the time they’ve grown up and have enough experimental data to apply for top-tier grants, what chance will we have?’ ‘

A rare message from Zeno appeared in the group.

‘I usually subscribe to the World’s Edge journal. I’ve read that article; the concept is ingenious, but getting published in a journal of that caliber requires taking a shortcut. Of course, it’s still impressive.’

‘Only those with sufficient strength can find such shortcuts.’

The group chat remained silent for a while.

Then, the two ordinary second-ring wizards immediately sent messages: ‘It’s rare to see someone like Zeno, a big shot in front of his teacher, appear. It seems you were also quite surprised by this news.’

‘Hahaha… Even geniuses feel pressure.’

‘We won’t give up on next year’s special grant application.’

The Brandy Wizard seized the opportunity to send a message: ‘I suggest we organize another wizard night meeting in the group. We can share our resources and information, discuss intelligence about the special grant, and revisit past tips for getting through. What do you think?’

‘Zeno, are you coming?’

Zeno didn’t answer.

But the two wizards in the group sent messages.

“Okay, I’ll participate. To be honest, I’m a little panicked right now. I really need to exchange ideas with my peers.”

“Yes, I’ll participate too,”

the wizard Droma texted.

“Then I’ll participate too,”

said the wizard Jon Quess. “I’ll definitely participate. Or should anyone invite the wizard Augustine? And the wizard Antoine too. Didn’t he recently say he’s going to apply for special grant next year? More people means more information.”

This was exactly what the wizard Brandy wanted.

The wizard Brandy said, “I can try to contact the wizard Antoine.”

He could use this wizarding gathering to make it his own resource and then use it to win over Antoine, trying to establish a relationship with wizards like Antoine who have resources and backgrounds.

The wizard Droma said, “Then I’ll contact the wizard Locke.”

On the other end of the Water Hyacinth system, the wizard Droma was also thinking about Locke’s wizard shoes. She had purchased the Bloodwave Pineapple Wizard Shoes, and they were indeed quite good, good quality and inexpensive.

The witch Droma pondered, “We can take this opportunity to bring Locke into our group.”

“It also helps us build a closer relationship. Three birds with one stone.”

…

Meanwhile, in the witch’s kitchen, Locke received a thank-you message from his senior brother, the Sun Ring Senior.

He seemed to be using his main body in the Dark World to send the message; the communication system formed by the water hyacinths floating on Cloud Lake was truly powerful, able to send messages across the Great World.

The Sun Ring Senior congratulated him: “Congratulations, congratulations, junior brother, you’ve published your first second-ring journal article. I’ve heard from my friends that I didn’t have such academic achievements at your age.”

Locke checked the water hyacinth system and saw congratulatory messages from the Celtic Group Leader, the Sith Group Leader, his senior brothers and sisters, and his friends.

Locke replied to each of them, thanking them for their congratulations.

The witch Preston sent him a message after congratulating him:

“Little Locke, now you can relax for a while. After all, you just published a first-ring journal article.” “

It’s time to take a break. By the way, I recently became a second-circle wizard and am considering whether to organize a dimensional exploration team for a dimensional exploration mission.”

Locke paused for a moment, realizing that he hadn’t just not stopped to rest, but seemed to have immediately entered into preparations for the Golden Cup competition.

Moreover, he had recently been thinking about how to develop a second set of second-circle wizard shoes.

Locke replied to the Preston witch: “Good luck, Preston witch.”

At that moment, Locke looked up and saw the Mason witch, Freya witch, and Barrett wizard, who raised their glasses and said to Locke, “Congratulations, team leader.”

Locke nodded slightly, clinked glasses with them, and then drank it down.

After Freya witch finished her wizard’s wine, a blush appeared on her delicate face.

“Peach Blossom Wine is so easy to get drunk on. This time, the three of us are treating. Team leader, it’s been a year since we started working with you. You are indeed a great leader. With you, the three of us have achieved results that we couldn’t in the previous three years combined.”

The Witch Mason nodded.

“Before, the three of us even considered getting a second-class project grant as luck, just our wishful thinking. But with the team leader, we are now even able to complete a first-class project grant.”

“So this meal should be our treat to you, group leader,” said Wizard Barrett.

“We know our abilities. It’s thanks to your guidance that we’ve grown to this point. Meeting you is our good fortune.”

Locke glanced at them with surprise.

“Isn’t it my good fortune to have such responsible and ambitious colleagues like you? It’s been a year since we met, and I’m very happy to have gotten to know you all.”

Locke raised his glass and downed the wizard’s wine, which could intoxicate even a crystallizing wizard, in one gulp.

He discovered that without using much magic, he actually felt a little tipsy after drinking it.

This five-thousand-gold-a-pot peach blossom wine truly lived up to its reputation.

Locke said, “Now we have a new beginning. In the new year, you will complete a first-class grant project, and I will receive a special-class grant project.”

The four exchanged glances, then, immersed in the pleasant atmosphere, began to vie for the pot of peach blossom wine on the table.

Soon, Barrett and Freya, unable to hold their liquor, were drunk.

Mason, half-drunk, propped her chin up and looked at Locke, saying, “Team Leader, I’ve had a question I’ve wanted to ask you for a long time.”

Locke, completely sober, sat upright at the table, pouring himself a complimentary cup of wizard tea. “Go ahead, but I might not answer,” he said.

Mason continued, “Team Leader, why did you become a wizard? Barrett wanted to gain immense power, Freya wanted eternal youth, and I wanted to become a more perfect person.”

“Like a perfect person like Teacher Catherine.”

“And what about you, Team Leader?”

Locke pondered for a moment; the question wasn’t hard to guess.

“Interest, I guess.”

Mason was taken aback by the answer.

“Interest? Is it really possible for someone to become a wizard just because of an interest? That sounds as fantastical as doing something for an ideal. But if it’s you, Team Leader, there must be a reason.”

“After all, you and we are wizards of a different level.”

Mason suddenly collapsed, slumped onto the table, and fell asleep.

Locke watched his three friends in this wizarding world pass out drunk before him. He shook his head slightly. Although he could use the Reverse Refining Technique to immediately sober them up, wouldn’t that mean the five thousand-gold-a-pot bottle of Peach Blossom Wine they had just drunk would have been wasted?

So, Locke didn’t try to sober them up.

“Never forget your original intention…”

Locke sat upright at his dining table, pouring himself tea.

“Never forget your original intention, and you will see things through to the end.”

“How many people, on the path of pursuing truth, have become alienated, forgetting why they embarked on this path in the first place.”

Locke looked at the Water Hyacinth System; someone had contacted him. Locke looked closely and frowned.

Southern Wizarding Capital—”Southern Gold”?

He shouldn’t have any connection with them.

Wait, does the Southern Wizarding Capital also research gold magic? (

Double reward period, please vote!)

(End of Chapter)