Chapter 1179

Chapter 1154 Goodbye, Sophia the Witch!

A courier from Reincarnation Logistics handed Locke a cardboard box. Locke opened it and found a sunflower inside.

The courier said, “Happy Sunflower. A Moon Ring Magic Plant, worth ten million magic stones in the Star Domain Sea. It cannot be cultivated in other areas of the Eastern Boundary. Once used, it withers, leaving only seeds. Alright, this is the information that important person asked us to convey to you.” “

Then sign your name. I’m leaving.”

After Locke signed his name, the courier left.

At the same time, Locke bowed to the Sun Ring Wizard from Cloud Marsh Wetlands. “Excuse me, sir, may I use this magic plant to contact my teacher first, and then decide whether to sign the list for entering the Star Domain Sea Grand Examination?” The Sun Ring Wizard’s

eyes narrowed. A teacher from the Star Domain Sea?

He extended his hand to Locke, gesturing for him to continue. “Of course, that’s your prerogative. But please hurry, Wizard Locke, as our department has a lot of work to do.”

Locke thanked him, “Thank you, sir.”

Then, Locke channeled his magic into the sunflower, and the sunflower cast a magical glow towards his brow.

The next moment, Locke found himself standing in a breathtakingly beautiful corridor. Every flower in this corridor seemed like a magical miracle, radiating powerful magical light. The buildings in the distance were densely packed,

a beauty .

The corridor appeared ordinary, but the distance between each column and the height between them all demonstrated a high level of magical artistry.

Locke even saw his long-lost mentor here.

The Witch Sophia!

The Witch Sophia wore a star-moon robe, without a wizard’s hat, her long, flowing hair cascading down her back. Three hairpins adorned her head; these three hairpins were essentially magical entities, condensed into the form of hairpins, each holding a powerful sun-ring magical plant.

Sophia the Witch sat on a chair in the corridor, holding a magic book, with a beautiful garden view and a sunny day behind her.

“Sit.”

“Locke. Long time no see. I’ve finally found the opportunity to see you again. Although I have dozens of students now, I never expected that the best one—is still you.”

Sophia the Witch tossed a strand of hair aside, sat down in her chair, and smiled gently at Locke.

The bright sunlight shone on Locke’s face. For a moment, looking at the dappled shadows in the corridor, Locke thought he and Sophia were still in Lilith’s Cottage.

What was he doing back then?

Running what now seemed like an extremely rudimentary apothecary?

Sophia bent her left hand to shield her eyes, then smiled at Locke, “What’s wrong? Haven’t seen me in a long time. Don’t you want to say something, little Locke?”

“You seem to have become stronger.”

Locke walked over and bowed to Sophia. Sophia possessed a Sun Ring level magical pressure, so powerful it seemed to surpass even the Sun Ring wizards Trajan and Lana.

This was simply unbelievable.

His own advancement had been fast enough.

But compared to Teacher Sophia, he was still much slower.

Locke opened his mouth to speak, but didn’t know what to say; a thousand words condensed into one sentence. “Teacher—”

Sophia the witch looked at Locke and said, “It’s incredibly difficult to contact other wizarding lands from the current Starfield Sea. The Starfield Sea is currently in a special state of constant strife. Alas, those who pick the fruit always appear when the trees are laden with fruit.” “

When planting fruit trees, it requires hard work, so they never appear. But

when our trees are full of fruit, those people will try to pick the fruit directly. Therefore, it’s not that when a civilization declines, these parasites appear in large numbers. Rather, it’s during prosperous times that these parasites, which usually lurk, emerge.”

“That is, right now.”

Locke asked Sophia the witch, “Teacher, were those three black dot images sent to me by you? I miss you very much.”

Sophia the witch raised her index finger to Locke, placed it in front of her lips, nodded slightly, and then deliberately raised her eyebrows, revealing a puzzled expression.

“What are you talking about? When did I send someone to deliver something to you? It was the first time I’d ever sent you anything, and I was worried it wouldn’t be in time. Luckily, it was in time. Locke, you’ve become very strong lately.”

“You’ve changed a lot too.”

The witch Sophia looked at Locke, her eyes clearly lost in memories.

“When I first met you, your eyes weren’t like this. But now, your eyes are full of determination.

You must have suffered a lot out there. Back then, I was about to head to the Starfield Sea, and I didn’t want to take on any students. However, the academy forced you into my life, and it turned out quite well. Thinking about it, I should thank Lilith’s Hut.”

“Locke, tell me about your recent experiences, okay?”

Locke sat down next to the witch Sophia and succinctly recounted his experiences in the Silent Grail, the Spellfighting Tournament, the Cloudze Cup, and the Probus Truth Unveiling Tournament, as well as his battle of wits and magic against the third-circle wizard Solas’s property

. The

witch Sophia raised her eyebrows in surprise when she heard that he was actually vying for the property of a third-circle wizard.

“A third-ring wizard, huh. It seems you’ve entered a highly aggressive lineage. The Red Dragon Throne, huh? She’s a very good breeder. I overheard of her when I was attending a lecture in the Star Sea. She’s a very powerful witch; everyone speaks highly of her.” “

Locke, I’m so glad you’re her student.”

Locke then started talking about his time with the Sea Queen Throne, making Sophia chuckle. Sophia smiled and

said, “Should I not laugh at your potions teacher in front of you? But she really is an interesting potions master.”

“Locke, you’ve been through a lot. You even have two forests now. That’s excellent.” “

I can’t give you the magical knowledge from the Star Sea, but I can give you some of my own creations. Look, this is a forest I created during my Moon Ring wizarding phase that I used to use. Here you go. I hope you find it useful.”

“I didn’t expect that you’d changed so much in such a short time. I’m so happy for you.”

Locke said, “Teacher, you’re a Sun Ring wizard now. Compared to you, my achievements are insignificant—”

Sophia coughed. “Well, Locke, you’re already one of the most brilliant geniuses I’ve ever met. As for me, my situation is special; you can’t compare to me. No wizard can compare to me. My situation is very special,

and I’m a wizard of the Happiness School. You once studied under me, so I gave your name to the school, making you also a wizard of the Happiness School.”

“I think you used that right when you held the Probus Truth Unveiling Competition.”

Locke had expected this, but he was still surprised. He hadn’t expected it to be his teacher, Sophia, who had helped him. “Teacher, what’s the Starfield Sea like?”

Sophia became serious, her expression solemn, her tone calm. “Locke, I’m risking contacting you because I have two things to tell you. First, you can’t participate in the Resource Management Integration Committee in the Cloud Marsh Wetlands. The reason is a conflict of schools. People from the Happiness School absolutely cannot participate in this project, not even touch it. You can have business cooperation with them, indirectly, but not directly.” “

And from my perspective, I don’t think they’re worth cooperating with. I hope you haven’t done so yet.”

Locke nodded. “Teacher, I’ve heard of the Resource Integration Management Committee. The Red Dragon School doesn’t currently cooperate with them; instead, they cooperate with the Rose School and the Rose Council,”

Witch Sophia chuckled. “That’s good. However, if that’s the case, you’ll still have to contend with the Third Ring Wizards’ shop alliance.

I think that’s too much to ask of you. Therefore, I can tell you something that none of the wizards in the entire Cloud Marsh Wetland know right now. Didn’t you say you were making wizard shoes?”

“Six months from now, the Star Domain Sea will hold an award related to wizard shoes, called the [Eastern Boundary Wizard Shoe Achievement Award]. This award is very important; if you can obtain it, you’ll gain a large amount of magical resources and increase your qualifications. But this award has only been established for less than half a day. I estimate that in a few months, the wizarding forces in the Cloud Marsh Wetland will gradually learn about it.” “The

achievement award is divided into three areas: First Ring, Second Ring, and Moon Ring. Remember, there is no Star Ring.”

“The main judging criterion is currently tentatively set as the ability to explore the void.”

“If you can win this award, Solas, with his bare feet, will be completely helpless against your Augustus, and might even be killed by your Augustus.”

Locke looked at the witch Sophia gratefully. “Thank you, teacher. I didn’t expect you to still care about me.”

The witch Sophia said, “Besides, I must stop you from participating in the Starfield Sea Grand Examination.”

Locke looked at the witch Sophia strangely.

Sophia the Witch said, “I participated in the Starfield Sea Grand Examination last year, and my score was too high.”

“I blocked many people’s paths. Back then, I hadn’t entered the Happiness Academy and there were many things I didn’t understand. And after I did this, as far as I know, the entire examination has changed.”

Locke looked at Sophia the Witch with suspicion and said, “Teacher, isn’t the Starfield Sea currently in a golden age? And we still have to complete the Ascension Plan. If that’s the case, why is it like this?”

Sophia the Witch said, “As I said, those who reap the rewards will only appear after the fruit is ripe. Therefore, Locke, as your teacher, I must criticize you for what you said. You didn’t listen to me carefully. Let me tell you, the more prosperous the era, the more likely those who reap the rewards will appear.” “

In addition, the Starfield Sea Grand Examination has been held for many years. Over the years, the examination methods have been thoroughly figured out. There’s even a professional training industry chain, and many related personnel have been infiltrated. The interest groups created by the Starfield Sea Grand Examination are increasing, forming a stable circle.”

“So, the Starfield Sea Grand Examination was already fraught with problems. And with the stimulation of the Ascension Plan, these reapers—the ones picking the fruits of others’ labor—have also appeared, becoming increasingly arrogant. The crucial moment is approaching. In every prosperous era, we have a responsibility to oppose these sycophants. If we lose, the prosperous era will be seized by them. Besides, the Starfield Sea’s Ascension Plan is more complex than you think, more complex than many wizards in lower-level wizarding lands imagine. It’s a situation far more complex than ordinary Daoist competition; the entire Starfield Sea is in a state of turmoil.”

“If you go to participate in the Starfield Sea Grand Examination now, you will face even more injustice than in previous years. Because my appearance last time severely provoked them. That’s why I wanted to stop you from participating in the Grand Examination.”

Locke suddenly understood.

Sophia the Witch said, “As far as I know, some high-ranking officials in the Starfield Sea are deliberately letting those people act. You need to understand, once the pests hide, they can’t be completely eradicated. So, these past few years’ exams are likely to be cannon fodder. Starting with this exam, even if you achieve a high ranking, under the blockade of interest groups, your group will be suppressed in the future, and no one will dare to trust you.” “

That’s why I contacted you, asking you not to participate. And the reason they’re inviting someone with a bit of fame like you to participate is because they need you as scapegoats to show that the exam is absolutely fair.” “

So, you can’t go.”

Locke said “Oh,” and then asked, “Then, Professor Sophia, with your high status now, can I use your connections?”

Sophia the Witch closed her magic book and tapped Locke on the head. “Little Locke, what are you thinking? You want to use my connections? Then I can only tell you that you need to be down-to-earth and take it one step at a time. All I can give you is for you to work harder on your research.”

Locke laughed, “Teacher, I was just joking.”

Sophia the Witch said, “It’s been many years, and your personality has become much more interesting than before. Indeed, you’re no longer a wizard apprentice, but a full-fledged Moon Ring Archmage. I just observed your pseudo-forging; it’s quite good. Keep up the good work.

Train more representative species. If possible, you can also create a few more pseudo-forges.”

Sophia the Witch said, “I don’t have any other way to open a special channel for you. My advice is to continuously accumulate prestige and experience. Entering now through exams isn’t as good as getting in through connections. To obtain the awards I mentioned, and the awards on this form, you also need to become a Sun Ring Wizard.” “

There is a special talent channel in the Star Domain Sea.”

“This talent channel was recently established, so it hasn’t been occupied by those with vested interests yet.”

“That’s the ‘Pillar Wizard’ introduction plan, but just getting the title isn’t enough. You also need a lot of qualifications, and only one person can enter through this channel each year. The person who enters needs unquestionable qualifications, and must defeat all the Sun Ring Wizards in the Eastern Boundary and those Sun Ring Wizards who left the Starfield Sea early to enter the lower-level wizarding lands. In other words, they must defeat all the Sun Ring Wizards in the Eastern Boundary.”

“Produce unparalleled research results.”

“I want you to break in,” Witch Sophia laughed. “Back then, I was at the Happiness Academy, and I probably had a lot to say to my colleagues and current students. I told them how outstanding my first student was.

But they—were all skeptical.”

“But remember, the Pillar Wizard title I mentioned was issued by the White Wizard Association, the one in the information I gave you. Some wizards use similar titles to scam magic stones for a prize fee. You need to carefully check who issued it.” “Also

, there can be no bribery involved in obtaining the Pillar Wizard title, otherwise you’ll definitely be reported. Don’t choose the other three titles of the same rank. Unless you don’t want to come to the Starfield Sea. Come to me instead.”

Sophia the Witch smiled, “Although I think the Red Dragon Throne is also a good place.”

“It seems she’s taking good care of you.”

“Perhaps I can thank her someday.”

Sophia the Witch stood up, the spellbook in her hand like a blackboard erased by an eraser, gradually fading, energy particles floating upwards, about to return to nothingness.

Sophia the Witch looked at the spellbook in her hand and sighed. “The contact time with the Happy Flower is limited.”

“I really want to share with you again what I’ve seen and heard in this Starry Sea.”

“Locke, your teacher has one last warning for you: never come to the Starry Sea at this time through the Starry Sea Grand Examination. The current struggle in the Starry Sea is beyond your comprehension. This is a critical moment. If the wizards supporting this Ascension Plan lose, and the fruits are picked by others, then the Ascension Plan will fail. Even if you win, if it’s a Pyrrhic victory, the outcome will still be unsatisfactory. As for my identity, you will know when you come to the Starry Sea.”

Locke instantly left this special space and returned to the Cloud Marsh Wetlands, the branch of the Root Crown Royal Court. He held the flowerpot in his hands and saw that the Happy Flower sunflower looked withered.

A gentle breeze touched it, and the Happy Flower sunflower turned into ashes and disappeared. A crystal seed quickly moved away from here in a spatial flash.

Seeing this, the Sun Ring Wizard staff member from Yunze Wetland approached and said, “This seems to be a special magical plant that can only be grown in the Star Domain Sea. So, have you made up your mind, Mr. Augustine? Do you want to sign?”

Locke bowed to the Sun Ring Wizard staff member. “I’m sorry, sir, I won’t sign.”

The Sun Ring Wizard staff member wasn’t stupid; he knew there was more to this than met the eye, so he asked curiously, “To receive an invitation from the Star Domain Sea, that should be the honor most wizards dream of, right?”

Locke hesitated for a moment, then said, “My master is a witch from the Happiness Lineage, and she has her own concerns. This is an internal consideration within the lineage.”

The Sun Ring Wizard staff member had obviously heard of the Happiness Lineage through the White Wizard Association, hence the look of shock on his face. He recovered and smiled at Locke. “So you’re a disciple of the Happiness Lineage. No wonder, no wonder. I respect your choice.”

The Sun Ring Wizard pondered for a moment, then turned and left.

When he arrived in his magical carriage to return to the White Wizard Association, he sat deep in thought. “The Happiness Clan must have information I don’t know. Why don’t they let their students participate in the Starfield Sea Grand Examination to obtain top-tier teaching positions?”

“Is there a problem with the examination, or does the Happiness Clan have its own channels that don’t require it? That wizard, so young, received an invitation from the Starfield Sea. No wonder he’s so impressive; it turns out the Happiness Clan is behind it. You can’t underestimate people; who knows what connections he has?”

This Sun Ring Wizard was glad he hadn’t been too arrogant earlier. He had asked several people through the Ganoderma lucidum plant and confirmed that there were no problems with the Starfield Sea Grand Examination, mistakenly assuming that the Happiness Clan had its own channels to enter the Starfield Sea, eliminating the need for the examination to obtain a teaching position.

“Looks like I was overthinking it.”

Locke returned to Golden Crown Mountain and went to Dragon Blood Market. Following the information Camilla the witch had given him, he headed towards the private room.

Throughout the journey, Locke pondered the messages Sophia had painstakingly conveyed to him.

First, he needed to quickly have someone decipher those dotted maps.

They definitely contained some crucial information, something Sophia couldn’t convey even with her Happy Flower.

Second, he needed to pay attention to the timing of the award Sophia offered him; it might be the key to his decisive battle with Solas. Furthermore, her suggestion to enter the Star Sea was far easier and more cost-effective than taking the entrance exam.

The entrance to the Star Sea exam was now essentially useless; entering that way would raise suspicions of connections with certain wizards.

Entering the Star Sea without the exam meant direct access to its core.

Not just him, but probably all wizards were facing this situation.

In times of prosperity, those unwilling to plant trees or exert labor arrive after the trees have grown, ready to reap the harvest.

It’s similar to locusts always appearing after the autumn harvest.

The Starfield Sea is currently in a very strange state. The higher-ups are intentionally allowing treacherous individuals to rise to power, and pests are emerging, hence the pervasive eeriness there.

This is the most intense struggle between wizards who pursue truth and those who pursue form.

So, he himself wants to enter such a Starfield Sea—

Lock pondered for a moment and agreed.

It’s better to fight your way in than to try and get in through examinations.

Suppressing all the Sun Ring Wizards in the Eastern Boundary, letting the entire Eastern Boundary know of his magical strength and level, and directly entering the Star Domain Sea without any tests or entry tickets, forcing the Star Domain Sea to accept him—

this idea perfectly aligned with his own thoughts.

This was also what Witch Sophia believed was the best way to enter the Star Domain Sea at this moment.

Otherwise, if he couldn’t enter the true circle of the Star Domain Sea and was excluded, he might as well stay on Golden Crown Mountain.

At least he had already established himself on Golden Crown Mountain in Cloud Marsh Wetlands, receiving the treatment of a direct descendant and enjoying the trust of his teacher, the Red Dragon Throne, becoming her assistant.

Locke opened the door to the witch’s kitchen private room. Camilla, dressed in a purple wizard’s robe, the hood of which resembled the head of a carnivorous plant, was sitting at a square table. At the head of this table sat another wizard, the smiling Aura Wizard.

Locke glanced at Aura Wizard, his expression showing no surprise. When Camilla approached him, he had suspected she was acting on someone else’s orders.

Camilla the witch warmly stepped forward to greet Locke, saying, “Mr. Augustine, you’ve arrived. I found our past collaboration very pleasant. Recently, our shop has launched a new type of natal witch porcelain. All of it has been recognized by the Nexus.”

“If you’re interested, you can take a look. Oh, by the way, please have a seat.”

Camilla the witch brought out a seat for Locke next to the main seat, to the left of the main seat where the Sun Ring Wizard Aura sat.

Camilla the witch bowed to Locke and gestured for him to sit. “Lord Augustine, please have a seat. When I hosted you for the banquet, I happened to meet Commissioner Aura in the witch’s kitchen. Commissioner Aura heard that I hosted you, so he became very interested in you and wanted to come here to meet you.” Locke

thought for a moment and sat down.

A satisfied smile appeared on the face of the wizard Aura. He glanced at the witch Camilla, who seemed to respect him very much and immediately served him tea and water. After serving tea to the wizard Aura, she immediately served tea to Locke as well.

Wizard Aura looked at Locke and said, “This is my second meeting with Mr. Augustine. How was that ‘Hand-Growing Green’ magical plant from last time?”

Locke carefully recalled the experimental records of that ‘Hand-Growing Green’ and the analysis records made by his research group members, and said to him, “A very special magical plant.”

“I think there are many aspects worth studying in depth.”

Wizard Aura smiled, unconvinced, and said, “That kind of place does indeed easily produce a large number of mutated special mushroom-type magical plants. I’m glad you’re satisfied. Last time we met, I didn’t even recognize that you were Augustus’s master. What a miscalculation.” “

At the last launch event for Solas’s Barefoot, I already witnessed the quality and reputation of the Starry Golden Dragon Claw Air Pineapple wizard shoes. I believe Augustus has even greater potential. Especially since Augustus currently has two groundbreaking products.”

“The Black Hummingbird Wizard Shoes from the first ring and the Starry Golden Dragon Claw Air Pineapple from the second ring—although I think the original version of the Golden Dragon Claw and the Abyss-adapted Dark Gold Dragon Claw Air Pineapple are already quite good. Augustus has a very promising future. If you can cooperate with our Resource Integration Committee, I’m confident that within two years we can make Augustus the top wizard shoe shop alliance in Cloudze Wetlands.”

Locke looked at Wizard Aura strangely and said, “The Resource Integration Committee is so confident in itself?”

Wizard Aura picked up her teacup and took a sip. “Of course. Without exceptional skills, one certainly wouldn’t take on this job. Just like I said at the Solas Barefoot promotional event, most wizards may lack sufficient business acumen and research capabilities, making everything they do difficult. But what’s even more regrettable is that this wizard possesses strong research abilities but lacks sufficient business acumen.” “

If you entrust your shop alliance to our Resource Integration Management Committee, you won’t have to worry about anything; you can simply let us handle it. You can just sit back and collect your money.” “For

high-quality shop alliances like Augustus’s, I also want to send a dedicated consultant and integrate Augustus into the resource section of our Resource Integration Management Committee.”

“Not only that. Our Resource Integration Management Committee is currently creating rankings for various industries. We believe that many wizards are too busy with research to study the performance of different products. Therefore, we proactively help them reduce the difficulty of understanding and searching for information. What we do mainly involves two aspects: first, reducing the difficulty for a wizard to transform research

results into commercial value; second, reducing the difficulty for wizard customers to search for information.”

“Thirdly, we’re still making progress.”

Wizard Aura put down her empty teacup, and the witch Camilla immediately poured her a cup of wizard’s tea.

Seeing a second-ring witch being so attentive to her, Wizard Aura gave a faint smile but didn’t offer Camilla a seat.

After a while, Camilla stood to the side, listening to Locke and this Aura committee member speak, feeling like a maid. She herself felt a little awkward, surprised that this Aura committee member hadn’t offered her a seat.

Wizard Aura said to Locke, “The third point is to cooperate with the major wizarding academies. We can adjust the funds allocated by the White Wizard Association to the wizards who want to undertake projects. According to our assessment, many project funds are currently being wasted.” “

For example, a wizard applies for a first-ring fund, completes the project before spending all the money, or it inevitably fails, so spending money is a waste. At this point, if someone adjusts their funds and lends them to other wizards, wouldn’t those wizards who need to undertake projects have a chance to complete them, and the wizards who lent the money could earn interest?” “

So, thirdly, we are preparing to do business adjusting fund funds.”

“Starting from this third point, we can even help wizards apply for projects more effectively. For example, you probably haven’t applied for your first second-ring project yet.”

“With our help, you can get approved very quickly.”

“Actually, Wizard Locke, the path you’ve taken is a bit unusual,” Wizard Aura said, spreading her hands. “Wizards in similar situations to you should already have teaching positions, or even some teaching positions. What are your thoughts?”

Locke, of course, wouldn’t tell him about the plan Witch Sophia had devised for him. According to that plan, he could potentially obtain a formal wizard instructor position, or even a senior wizard instructor position, as soon as he entered one of the top wizarding academies in the Star Domain Sea.

But this required him to acquire sufficient qualifications and micromanagement skills.

Sophia’s plan was that he shouldn’t just obtain a formal wizard instructor position in the Star Domain Sea.

Because that wouldn’t make him a particularly outstanding talent.

Her plan was to become a genius coveted by the Star Domain Sea, to enter the Star Domain Sea as an absolute expert in a certain field, and to start accumulating research progress for his three-ring project from now on, to start accumulating experimental data from now on, and to confirm the direction.

Witch Catherine had also told him this.

The Macedonian Witch had done the same.

Locke said to Wizard Aura, “Wizard Aura, the Resource Management and Integration Committee you introduced to me certainly has ambitious goals. So, what’s next?”

Aura paused, glancing at Locke with surprise, but continued nonchalantly, “The Resource Integration and Management Committee is genuinely working for the wizards of Yunze Wetlands. We came here not to destroy what exists here, but simply to make things better for you.”

“To achieve these three things, we need the help of excellent wizards like yourself.” “

Previously, I unintentionally cooperated with Solas the Lightfoot first, unintentionally becoming your enemy and harming Augustus’s interests. I apologize for that.”

Locke said calmly, “So, you won’t cooperate with Solas the Lightfoot anymore?”

Wizard Aura glanced at Witch Camilla, who immediately stood beside him and poured him tea.

“Of course we will. Solas Barefoot is the most powerful wizard shoe shop alliance here. How could we not cooperate with them? Besides Solas Barefoot, I think other shop alliances like Cowherd’s Pavilion will soon find it increasingly difficult to do business. But I’ve arranged a unique niche for you, Augustus. It’s the eco-friendly wizard shoe niche. I can also contact the Hand of the Jungle and mobilize resources in that area.”

Committee Member Aura said, “I just want to say that I’ve already reserved enough niche for Augustus in my heart. Let’s embark on a great cooperation. I assure you you won’t regret it, Wizard Locke. Here’s the contract, and I hope we can sign it.”

“Entrust your shop alliance to us,”

Committee Member Aura said. “We are not involved in any conflicts between academic lines. So the Red Dragon lineage and other lineages will not affect

our cooperation with you. We are absolutely neutral, and the Resource Management Integration Committee is not a department composed of foreign wizards. We will soon be recruiting a large number of native wizards from the entire Cloud Marsh Wetland.”

Committee Member Aura glanced at Locke’s expression and urged, “I can only tell you that the sooner you join our plan, the lower the threshold will be. The more you can enjoy the benefits that our Resource Management Integration Committee will bring you.”

“If we wait until our management committee is fully staffed, to be honest, Augustus’s current scale is not enough.”

“I approached you to give Augustus an opportunity. Of course, I personally admire you very much. The witch Camilla introduced you to me, which makes me even more convinced of this. This is the contract, which I brought.”

Locke carefully read through the contract. After all, although the witch Sophia had instructed him, as a Moon Ring wizard, he certainly had to be responsible for himself.

Of course, without Camilla acting as a bridge of communication, he certainly wouldn’t have come.

Locke glanced at Camilla, then at the contract in his hand. Clearly, Camilla had either partnered with the Resource Management and Integration Committee, reaping substantial profits, or she had accepted bribes.

However, this didn’t matter.

Formal wizards, possessing strong soul resistance, were responsible for themselves from the moment they emerged from the primordial chaos.

It was perfectly normal for the witch Camilla to act for her own benefit.

It was just that he wouldn’t trust her as much anymore.

She had simply used the trust she had placed in him to exchange for certain benefits.

Locke finished reading the contract; overall, it was sound. He only needed to pay the Resource Management and Integration Committee ten million magic stones annually as a consultant fee.

Although this exceeded the taxes for a second-circle wizard, the contract guaranteed his shop alliance would be profitable, with a 50% annual increase in trade volume for ten years. If the growth rate fell below this, the entire consultant fee would be refunded.

In addition, it also requires authorizing certain rights of the resource integration committee, including the right to finance, related operational agency, cooperation with other shop alliances and even wizarding academies, and the right to use the shop alliance’s account funds to pay advertising fees.

“The contract is very attractive.”

“A 50% increase in trade volume every year?”

Wizard Aura laughed, “Actually, I’m being conservative. I think I can double Augustus’s trade volume this year.

Don’t believe me? Ask Witch Camilla.”

Witch Camilla nodded vigorously. “It’s true. The Resource Integration Management Committee is truly amazing. Now, anyone who doesn’t join the Resource Integration Management Committee is missing out. The Resource Integration Management Committee is also helping me apply for the Second Ring Fund. Because the local White Wizard Association stipulates that as long as there is sufficient business cooperation, the difficulty of applying for the Second Ring Fund can be reduced. This

indirectly proves the feasibility of the business.”

Wizard Aura explained, “The commercial value can be used to explain part of the prospects of this technological field development. The White Wizard Association values this very much.”

“There are also many loopholes in the rules that can be exploited.”

“Finding these loopholes will allow us to proceed more smoothly. For example, the path that Augustus originally needed three years to complete, we can complete in one month. Our Resource Integration Management Committee also came from the Central Boundary. After arriving in the Starfield Sea, we received support from some high-ring wizards. Sign it, Wizard Locke.”

Wizard Locke pointed to the trade volume stipulated in the contract and said, “Why? It says trade volume here, not net profit. No matter how well the financial report shows trade volume growth, it’s different from net profit growth.”

“If I sign this contract, all operational rights will be transferred to the Resource Integration Management Committee,”

Wizard Aura said, looking at Locke.

Witch Camilla said, “Locke, my shop’s net profit is growing rapidly. Don’t forget, if the committee wants to establish itself in Yunze Wetlands, it needs to achieve good results. On this point, the committee’s interests align with ours. Perhaps the committee itself has problems, but that’s a matter for the future. Once we make money, we can just kick the committee out.” “

While the committee’s position is still unstable, let’s cooperate with them. At least the current committee seems genuinely interested in helping us all make money. Why not do something beneficial?”

Wizard Aura coughed, a hint of embarrassment on her face, while Witch Camilla realized she had spoken out of turn and remained silent.

She had inadvertently revealed her true feelings.

Locke said, “Mr. Aura, I’m not interested in this. I’ll be leaving now.

The Happiness Lineage has already issued an order that no wizard from this lineage should cooperate with the committee. Although I don’t know why, judging from the current contract, the committee can’t convince me to go against the Happiness Lineage and abandon its interests.

Moreover, judging from this contract, the Resource Integration Management Committee hasn’t given me any guarantee of making money; on the contrary, I’ll have to pay out at least 30 million every year.

Augustus is thriving now, why rush to sign a contract with them?

There’s no reason.

” Committee Member Aura frowned, raised her voice slightly to Locke who was walking to the door, and said with some urgency.

“The battle between academic factions is akin to a life-or-death struggle. While large-scale deaths are unlikely, the goal is to bankrupt the opposing faction financially and academically. Therefore, your faction’s wizards will be targeted. Solas’s Barefoot’s next move against you will not be like before, merely aiming to bankrupt Augustus. They will seek to make you a debt slave.”

“Aim to utterly defeat you academically.”

“In such a crucial situation, you refuse to cooperate with me. This is foolish. Because by not cooperating with me, you are standing on the opposite side of me and Solas’s Barefoot.”

Wizard Aura stood up. “I said I gave Augustus a choice. As long as you choose us, Solas’s Barefoot will maintain a monopoly in the wizard shoe market of Yunze Wetlands, and Augustus will have a special foothold in the environmental protection field.”

Locke looked at Wizard Aura. “I don’t just want that. I also want to expand into the Moon Ring and Star Ring realms. I want to maintain the best records for all wizard shoes across the First Ring, Second Ring, Star Ring, and Moon Ring.” “

I want Augustus to capture a larger share of the market. I need more money to complete the tasks my teachers gave me. I need money to accumulate experience and achieve further research breakthroughs.”

“Committee Member Aura, it seems you can’t meet my demands.”

Wizard Aura frowned, recalling the day Augustus had humiliated Solas Barefoot, and hesitated, pondering the value of Augustus and Solas Barefoot.

“I can consider this carefully.”

“I need to balance the existing gap between the two shop alliances. You know, one must be realistic; the existing gap is important. Only by considering the existing gap can a reasonable distribution of profits be made. We can’t expect a deer and an elephant to eat the same food.”

Locke asked a crucial question. “Then why does everything have to be static? Is it possible that the size of Augustus and Solas’s bare feet will reverse in the future? If you consider the distribution of my benefits based on your current views of the two, wouldn’t I be at a disadvantage?”

“Commissioner, when you think about this issue, it seems you haven’t considered that the size of the so-called ‘deer’ and ‘elephant’ might one day reverse. It’s as if you think the whole world is forever static, so I have no reason to sign this contract.”

“Mr. Aura, I’m busy. The wizards in my research group are looking for me. I’ll take my leave now.”

Commissioner Aura blinked.

The witch Camilla quickly said to him, “Commissioner, don’t worry. I’ll try to persuade him again. He’s just so stubborn; he missed such a good opportunity. I really don’t understand why he would refuse something that’s definitely beneficial to him.

Isn’t this something entirely advantageous?”

“The Future Resource Management Integration Committee will most likely become the mainstream in Yunze Wetlands, and all the shop alliances will actively cooperate. After all, it’s very convenient. We wizards are so engrossed in research that we really don’t have the energy to pursue our own businesses.”

Commissioner Aura ignored Camilla’s words, instead crossing his arms and watching the door to the private room that Locke had left open. A cryptic smile appeared on his lips.