Locke snapped his fingers, and instantly, a 1400-degree Wood Element Flame ignited beneath the cauldron stand. The cyan flames were the most gentle in nature.
Only Simple Potions could be brewed using ordinary fire. Slightly more complex potions required the use of Magical Flame.
Only Magical Flame could extract the natural magical components from medicinal ingredients and, through the different properties of the flame, alter these components to achieve the desired effects the Potion Master sought.
It could be said that in the potion-brewing process, the material formula was one aspect, and mastering the heat of the Magical Flame was another.
To some extent, heat control was just as important as the formula.
An ordinary wizard without the relevant qualifications, even if they knew the exact formula and gathered all the materials, would never be able to brew a qualified potion because they couldn't accurately control the heat and timing.
Locke first placed honey and Rawhide Gelatin into the cauldron, quietly waiting for them to begin boiling.
Next, he poured in Blue Butterfly Cocoon Powder and Cat's Eye Stone Powder, then waited patiently.
Thirty seconds after the liquid in the cauldron turned blue-green, Locke added White Leaf Tree Sap. Immediately, the Magical Flame beneath the cauldron turned red—it was now a Fire Element Magic Flame.
The liquid in the cauldron seemed to sense the violent nature of the Fire Element Flame and began boiling violently.
In his mind, Locke recalled the key points of brewing Contemplation Balm.
The main ingredient of Contemplation Balm was actually Silverleaf Mint. Silverleaf Mint contained several natural magical structures that inherently had calming and focus-enhancing effects.
In other words, this Magic Plant contained many natural components with magical Rune structures similar to the spell model of the [Focus Concentration] Enchantment Spell.
In fact, many Spell Rune models were borrowed and optimized by wizards from the natural magical structures found in Magic Plant components.
This was also one of the foundational principles of Potionology.
Through blending, modifying, and extracting these natural magical structure components from different materials, Potion Masters could brew various potions with different effects.
Now, Locke had transformed the Magical Flame into a Fire Element Flame to better extract the different natural magical structure components from the materials in the cauldron.
After waiting a minute, Locke skillfully placed a Silverleaf Mint into the cauldron and then changed the Magical Flame from Fire Element back to Wood Element.
In the potion-brewing process, the primary role of Fire Element Flame was to force the special natural magical structure components out of the materials more effectively.
However, the natural magical structure components inside Silverleaf Mint were easily destroyed by the overly violent Fire Element Flame, so Locke needed to switch to the gentler Wood Element Magic Flame.
The Wood Element Magic Flame was less effective at forcing out the natural magical structure components from the materials, but it was more gentle and lacked extreme properties, making it compatible with almost all materials.
Locke waited another three minutes until the liquid in the cauldron turned a silvery-blue hue and emitted an intoxicating fragrance. Then, he switched the Wood Element Magic Flame to an Earth Element Magical Flame.
Under the influence of the earthen-yellow flame, the liquid in the cauldron gradually transformed into a gel-like substance, resembling an ointment.
After waiting just over five minutes, Locke immediately extinguished the Earth Element Magical Flame, as the refinement process was complete. He then replaced it with a Water Element Magical Flame on the stand.
The Water Element Magical Flame had a low temperature, barely reaching a hundred degrees. This allowed the cauldron to cool slowly, minimizing the impact of sudden temperature changes on the efficacy of the Contemplation Balm.
This was actually a small trick Sophia the Witch had taught him. Though minor, it slightly enhanced the potion's effectiveness—small but undeniably useful.
Many wizards overlooked this detail during refinement, opting for rapid cooling afterward, which subtly compromised the potion's quality. However, Sophia held a different perspective.
She believed that for most Magic Potions, the final stage should involve using a Water Element Magical Flame to stabilize the potion's properties.
This was a refined habit retained by many first-tier Potion Masters.
The three Formal Wizards observing the scene nodded slightly in approval.
Wizard Derrick Jones praised, "A good habit. While your theoretical foundation may not be the strongest, your practical skills are excellent."
"Stabilizing the potion's properties is a step many Potionology Assistants neglect. Of course, without sufficient Mana stability, this final step can be quite taxing—which is why many assistants skip it to save effort."
Locke had maintained this habit precisely because switching Magic Flames was effortless for him. Otherwise, if each switch required intense focus and exhaustion, assistants would naturally minimize such transitions during refinement.
An hour later, all three had completed their refinements.
Wizard Derrick Jones first inspected Locke's Contemplation Balm, examining its appearance and scent before remarking, "High quality."
"Your precise technique has produced a Contemplation Balm of upper-mid-tier quality—a level rarely achieved by wizard apprentices who haven't even earned their Potionology Assistant certification." He added approvingly, "It seems becoming a Potionology Assistant is merely a stepping stone for you. Keep up the good work."
Returning the balm to Locke, Derrick Jones continued, "The Contemplation Balm distributed by the academy to Second-Class Wizard Apprentices is typically lower-mid-tier at best, sometimes even worse."
"If you master large-scale refinement of this balm in the future, you could take on academy tasks to produce it, earning a steady income of Magic Stones—or even Contribution Points as rewards."
Locke bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your guidance, Master Jones."
"I will strive to improve further."
Wizard Derrick Jones nodded with a faint smile, then walked over to Gogol to inspect the quality of the Blood-Stopping Moss Balm.
"Average at best."
Wizard Derrick Jones couldn't help but comment, "The quality is somewhat subpar."
Under Gogol's nervous gaze, Wizard Derrick Jones finally said, "I'll pass you."
Gogol immediately let out a sigh of relief, his eyes brimming with wild joy as he hastily bowed to Wizard Derrick Jones. "Thank you, Master Jones."
"Thank you, thank you."
Wizard Derrick Jones coldly moved on to Bate, examining the Night Vision Potion. Under Bate's trembling gaze, he sternly declared, "Although successfully brewed, such a simple potion with such low quality..."
"Disqualified."
Bate's face twisted in dismay. He knew the academy typically held higher standards for its own students compared to external wizard apprentices, but experiencing it firsthand left him with an overwhelming sense of frustration.
After all, Lilith's Cottage was the dominant force in Potionology within the Southeast Corner Domain, and its expectations for First Class Wizard Apprentices were undoubtedly far stricter than those outside.
Bate bowed to Wizard Derrick Jones and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Master Jones. I... I... will continue to work hard for the next examination."
Wizard Derrick Jones waved his hand dismissively and turned away. "The assessment is concluded. Locke Augustine and Gogol Harden, you two have passed the Potionology Assistant examination and are now Potionology Assistants."
"Congratulations to both of you."
"The field of Potionology is vast and boundless. I hope you can refine your skills, learn more, and eventually make your mark in this domain."
(End of Chapter)