Chimera Market, bustling with activity. Witch's Kitchen.
Flavorists specializing in the taste-altering magic branch of the Enchantment School were in the kitchen, adding their own special touches to the dishes they had prepared.
They incorporated numerous specific School of Enchantment magics to adjust the flavors, creating delicacies impossible for ordinary people to replicate.
A steak enchanted with the 0.5-circle magic [Tri-color Salt Grain] was brought to the table, elegantly placed in the center where Locke, Yuli, and Zach—the head of Academy Centralized Procurement—were seated.
A Second-Class Wizard Apprentice Flavorist lifted the iron lid covering the Tri-color Salt Grain steak, releasing a cloud of aromatic steam.
The red, yellow, and blue salt grains were exquisitely arranged.
The succulent steak promised endless delight.
"Esteemed guests, this is our signature dish at Witch's Kitchen—the Tri-color Salt Grain Steak."
"Normally, you'd need to reserve it seven days in advance to enjoy this dish. A single serving costs fifteen Magic Stones. But how could I refuse Master Zach? So, I made an exception to personally prepare the finest Tri-color Salt Grain Steak for you three."
"The red salt grains are taste-enchanted crystals materialized from anger, delivering a spicy flavor. The yellow ones are crystallized happiness, offering sweetness. The blue grains are condensed sorrow, imparting a savory saltiness."
Flavorist Julianne smiled coyly. "You can enjoy each salt grain separately with the steak or mix them freely. The beef, seasoned with the emotions of happiness, sorrow, and anger, leaves an unforgettable aftertaste that many wizard apprentices who've tried it can't get enough of."
"Please take your time and savor it."
Zach gave her a nod, his tone rather indifferent. "Mm, you may go."
Zach was a tall, slender man dressed in a tailored black robe, without a Wizard Hat.
His gaunt frame made his prominent aquiline nose stand out even more.
Turning to Locke, who sat across from him, and Yuli beside him, Zach offered a warm smile.
"The dishes these Flavorists make are truly exceptional, but they have one drawback—they can spoil your palate. Once you're hooked, it's hard to go back."
Locke nodded slightly, taking a bite of the steak. The taste was indeed astonishingly memorable.
Zach and Yuli were already acquainted, as both were students of Harun Vera.
However, while Yuli was on the outermost fringes, Zach was neither a core disciple nor an insignificant figure in Harun Vera's circle.
Zach turned to Yuli and said, "Junior Burns, I've been keeping an eye out for opportunities regarding your Aging Curse."
"Recently, I came across something promising."
"From the recent private gatherings of Harun Vera's students, I heard some news—Verdantia University is reportedly sending a group of students and a few Formal Wizards for a short-term exchange in Potionology."
"Perhaps you can take this opportunity to find someone to help you resolve the Aging Curse on you. You could try. Your complex condition might spark research interest among the Potionology Masters at Verdantia University."
Yuli Burns' eyes lit up, "Really? That would be wonderful."
"Anyway, thank you, Senior Zach," she quickly composed herself. After all, she had been tormented by such false hopes too many times before, each ending in disappointment.
Locke turned to Zach, who was undoubtedly far better informed than him. With Harun Vera's vast network of connections and various alumni gatherings, it was perfectly normal for Zach to know things Locke had never even heard of.
Locke asked, "An exchange conference?"
Zach smiled at Locke and nodded. "Yes, wizard organizations with comparable expertise in certain fields regularly hold exchange conferences to share knowledge and insights, collectively elevating specific aspects of the White Wizard community in the Southeast Corner Domain."
"This prevents knowledge from being confined to obscure corners. The Black Wizards are quite different in this regard." Zach's expression darkened at the mention of Black Wizards.
"If not for the many archaeologists among them who excavate tombs and ancient ruins, those Black Wizards would long have lost the strength to oppose us White Wizards."
"They kill each other, lacking principles or values. More of them die from infighting than in actual wars."
Zach clearly valued Locke's opinion more highly. In his eyes, Locke's three creations in the Lijin Secret Language were undeniable proof of his genius as a Breeder. As one of the primary figures responsible for the Academy Centralized Procurement, Zach naturally held Locke in high regard.
Zach took a sip of coffee and said to Locke with a smile, "Speaking of which, our academy leadership recently planned an operation. While White Wizards may be individually weaker in combat compared to Black Wizards, we excel in coordinated actions."
"More efficient too."
"Recently, the academy organized a group of First Class Wizard Apprentices to pour large quantities of Emerald Potion into the water sources deep within Blood Curse Court territory."
"Then, the academy leadership had the Weather Manipulators from the Shaping School use those Emerald Potion-contaminated water sources to create hurricanes, torrential rains, and typhoons across the Blood Curse Court's heartland."
Zach stifled a laugh, "Now the Blood Curse Court's core territories experience daily rainfall mixed with Emerald Potion. Essentially all farmland soil has been 'contaminated' by our potions."
"Rumor has it the vampires of the Blood Curse Court are now hiding indoors, afraid to go outside for fear of being drenched by Emerald Potion-laced rain..."
"They also dare not casually feed on mortal blood anymore, because the mortals' food has absorbed components of the Emerald Potion through the soil, making their blood contain traces of it too."
"Hahaha..."
"Truly satisfying." Zach seemed to remember something and covered his face, "Apologies, I lost my composure."
"Breeder Augustine."
"You have no idea how much frustration we've endured recently. This operation has left the higher-ups of the Blood Curse Court hopping mad—it's truly satisfying."
Zach grew serious. "But the Blood Curse Court's retaliation will likely come soon. The Academy needs to prepare for war."
"That's why a new round of Academy Centralized Procurement has been initiated. I'm responsible for the Magic Plant procurement."
"To be honest, your Crystal Palmfire Lotus is of excellent quality. This new variant has roughly twice the potency of the original, and it's even safer to transport."
Zach said to Locke, "That's why I wanted to meet face-to-face with a brilliant Breeder like you—and thank you for this creation."
Zach raised his coffee cup toward Locke.
Locke steadied himself, knowing the crucial moment had arrived.
He was currently short on funds and needed substantial resources to fully utilize the one-month beginner's grace period of the Advanced Meditation Technique.
The best solution lay in this procurement opportunity.
Zach continued, "I want to secure a contract with you worth at least twenty thousand Magic Stones, paid upfront. In return, you must deliver four thousand high-quality Crystal Palmfire Lotuses within the next three months."
"Is that acceptable? If so, I can sign the contract with you now and transfer the twenty thousand Magic Stones the very next day."
Zach added thoughtfully, "You could use those Magic Stones to expand your plantation, cultivate new Magical Fields, and increase your Crystal Palmfire Lotus production."
Locke considered the proposal. Delivering four thousand Crystal Palmfire Lotuses in three months would require cultivating at least a hundred acres of Magical Fields.
He did happen to own a mid-sized plantation of about a hundred acres—otherwise, he wouldn't be able to accept this task or sign the contract.
If production fell short, he might be able to lease a few extra acres of Magical Fields for emergency use.
Locke examined the contract Zach handed him. The penalty clauses for breach were quite severe—after all, the Academy's money wasn't easy to take.
(End of Chapter)