Locke stood calmly at the speaker's position of the oval table and began, "Our team—comprising myself, Angulo, and Essie—has spent this past month conducting various experiments at the treatment center to verify the efficacy of the Bear Spirit Emerald Bile Potion. Based on the nearly ninety patients we treated within this month, the Bear Spirit Emerald Bile Potion has indeed proven capable of replacing the original Bear Spirit Bile Potion, demonstrating corresponding therapeutic effects against various curses."
"Additionally, we plan to utilize the high patient volume at the treatment center to collect their treatment data, compiling it into a comprehensive report for the three-phase trials."
"Furthermore, our team will recruit several Second-Class Wizard Apprentices as researchers through external recruitment to assist us in conducting animal and human trials."
"For the animal trials, we will primarily use mice as the model organism. These creatures have rapid generational turnover, clear genetic backgrounds, and are easy to study."
Locke spoke eloquently, revealing part of the research framework for the three types of trials.
A faint smile appeared on Wizard Edwin's face. "Locke, it's excellent that you have a clear plan. I won't have to keep urging you on behalf of the academy's higher-ups to complete the three-phase trials for the Bear Spirit Emerald Bile Potion."
"However, I can help refine your experimental framework."
Locke bowed respectfully to Wizard Edwin. "Please guide me, Master Edwin."
Wizard Edwin smiled approvingly. "Locke, you are very courteous. My suggestion is that when designing the experimental framework for the animal trials, you should include several zebrafish test groups alongside the immunological testing in the mouse groups."
"Zebrafish are also model organisms with well-defined genetic backgrounds, rapid generational turnover, and ease of study. Their embryos remain transparent for up to five days post-fertilization and can develop externally."
"Zebrafish are one of the most suitable model organisms for drug testing. By injecting the Bear Spirit Emerald Bile Potion and Cursed Stone separately into zebrafish embryos within five days of fertilization, you can observe the effects of the curse—and the efficacy of your potion—on the internal blood vessels, nerves, heart, and other organs within the transparent embryos."
"This organism is frequently used in drug screening experiments."
Locke bowed again. "Thank you for your guidance, Master Edwin. I hadn't considered this before, but incorporating this experiment will allow us to dynamically observe the Bear Spirit Emerald Bile Potion's reactions to different curses."
Wizard Edwin nodded in satisfaction and remarked to the other two Formal Wizards, "You see, even among outstanding juniors, Locke is far more courteous."
"And much more to my liking."
Wizard Derrick Jones and the other Formal Wizard chuckled in agreement.
At the oval table, Angron's eyes flashed with deep displeasure. In his view, even if Locke was a rising star, he was still far from being on equal footing with him.
The two were not even in the same league.
Angron's Personal Pharmaceutical Room was the most renowned among the apprentice-level facilities in Lilith's Cottage. He had published numerous A-grade papers and dozens of B-grade articles, and he himself held the prestigious title of "Wizard Seed."
As for Locke, he had only just been promoted to a First-Class Wizard Apprentice this year. It would likely take him another decade of experience to reach Angron's current level.
That said, Locke did possess remarkable potential.
Wizard Edwin nodded at Locke and offered additional advice. "For your drug screening experiment on zebrafish embryos, you could also use fluorescent potions to intervene during the embryonic stage. Mark the bloodline factors in their vascular system with fluorescent potions as the embryos form."
"This way, the blood vessels that develop later will glow green, making it easier for you to observe the drug's effects."
"When conducting trials on ordinary humans, ensure they all have informed consent. Otherwise, you won't pass the White Wizard Association's ethical review."
"Pay special attention to the Second-Class Wizard Apprentices you recruit. They might not always be diligent. Sometimes, their laziness, negligence, or even deliberate sabotage could cause your entire project to be halted by the White Wizard Association."
Wizard Edwin added meaningfully, "Young man, you haven't faced setbacks in this area yet, so it's best to be cautious."
Locke, regardless of whether the advice was immediately useful, promptly noted down Wizard Edwin's guidance in his notebook.
Wizard Edwin nodded again. "Alright, I have no further comments."
"My only suggestion is to speed up your progress."
"The two excellence project grants you applied for from the academy have been approved and should be disbursed in the next few days."
Locke bowed respectfully to Wizard Edwin before leaving the speaking podium.
He returned to his seat beside Angulo and Essie, who discreetly gave him a thumbs-up. After all, neither of them could remain as composed as Locke in front of their Wizard Mentor, Edwin.
It was clear to everyone that Wizard Edwin favored Locke far more than Angron.
Edwin hadn't even picked apart Locke's plans for flaws, as he often did with Angron. After all, if one looked hard enough, flaws could always be found—whether it was speaking too softly or not maintaining a proper attitude.
When Angron heard that Locke had secured academy funding for two projects, his eyelids twitched violently, and he grew increasingly restless. 'I must find a way to deal with this. Otherwise, all my plans at the treatment center will be ruined by this upstart.'
Angron's eyes darkened as he made a decision. 'Desperate times call for desperate measures.'
'Just this once shouldn't matter.'
Next, several others presented their work reviews and future plans, only to be mercilessly criticized by Wizard Edwin—some nearly driven to the brink of collapse.
Two hours later, the group meeting concluded smoothly.
Locke left the third floor with Angulo and Essie, heading toward their second-floor office.
Locke wanted to purchase the Metal Frenzy series spell courses at the public lecture hall, so he had Angulo and Essie cover his duties for a while. Meanwhile, he left the treatment center and headed toward the public lectures.
He also planned to visit the academy's Germplasm Repository to brainstorm ideas for his sixth Magic Plant creation. After all, he needed more funds to support his training expenses.
Regarding Potions, Locke focused on several he frequently used: the Bleeding Dragon Potion, Tears of Stars Potion, and Energy Potion. However, getting the Bear Spirit Emerald Bile Potion through its third-phase trials would require substantial effort—he truly couldn't spare the time right now.
Along the way, as Locke rode on the back of an Engel Swift-Spin Snail, he suddenly frowned and glanced toward the bushes beside the road ahead. "Mana tainted with blood... Are you a Black Wizard?"
The Clivia on his left hand twitched, and a Leaf Blade materialized nimbly before him, spinning lightly. With just a thought, the All Plants as Soldiers Magic could activate against the hidden Second-Class Wizard Apprentice—a Black Wizard lurking by the roadside—killing him instantly.
The terrified apprentice scrambled out from behind the tree, raising his hands in surrender. "Lord Augustine, I'm not here to fight you. I wish to serve as your informant. I've come to defect—I possess extensive research on Plant Curses from Seflin's studies. I want to sell it to you... in exchange for resources from your White Wizard society."
Emerging from the foliage, the Wizard was portly, unmistakably a Black Wizard. His right hand was mutilated—missing the thumb, middle, and index fingers, leaving only the ring and pinky fingers. His left eye was blind, his right eye cloudy, and his body covered in wounds.
The pitiful Black Wizard apprentice pleaded, "Lord Augustine, I'm just a wretched Second-Class Wizard Apprentice. When my senior Seflin fell from power, I was thrown here as cannon fodder for covert operations. But I don't want to die. I want to live—to strike a deal with you."
Locke's expression remained icy as he warned, "I recall you're all bound by surveillance Curses."
The apprentice immediately bowed. "Senior, that's true, but the madwoman Seflin, who was supposed to monitor us, has already been punished by the academy. The Blood Curse Court is in disarray, so no one has noticed I'm no longer under supervision. That's why I dared approach you—to offer these materials as proof of my loyalty."
He knelt, placed a stack of documents on the ground, then shuffled back ten paces on his knees to show he meant no harm. "Senior, please take me in... I can relay intelligence about the Blood Curse Court. Just grant me some protection so I don't die miserably."
Locke coldly retorted, "Don't call me 'senior.' You're unworthy."
(End of chapter)