The waiter approached, and Zach promptly ordered three servings of sunshine-flavored lettuce salad as appetizers, three main courses of tricolor salt grain steak, with firefly pudding for dessert.
After the waiter left, Locke explained to Captain Jack, "Well, it might be because I've been interacting with quite a few dark wizard apprentices lately. I recently captured a first-class wizard apprentice vampire and have been conducting experiments on him."
Of course, it could also be due to his recent study of archaeological spells, which might have increased the concentration of negative energy magic around him. This depended on whether the Magic Eye, designed by his old friend Tyne, detected Black Wizards based on negative energy particle concentration or the intensity of death aura (the residual aura left after killing someone).
But more likely, it was a combination of both.
Upon hearing Locke's explanation, Captain Jack's right eye reflected an even greater admiration for him. Smiling, he said, "I see. That's what I thought."
"Capturing a first-class wizard apprentice from the Blood Curse Court—impressive work, as expected from a genius breeder. We Storm Masters often struggle to capture enemies. Mine either end up as charred remains or sliced into countless pieces by my wind element magic."
Captain Jack elaborated, "The undead curse of vampires is indeed formidable, but it's no longer a problem once you decapitate them."
"That's why it's crucial to launch saturation attacks on vampires from the outset."
"Many White Wizards in our academy suffer setbacks because they lack experience battling undead creatures. They often assume the fight is over after what they think is a killing blow, conserving their mana. Little do they realize those repulsive undead creatures must be utterly shattered into fragments before their loathsome presence can be permanently erased from this world."
Locke nodded slightly at Captain Jack. "Indeed, I've noticed the same during my battles with vampires."
"In that regard, the spells of you Storm Masters are far more convenient."
Captain Jack and Locke exchanged a smile. "Locke, it seems we share quite a few common topics," said Captain Jack.
"You're different from those breeders who only care about research. While I respect them, I can hardly hold a conversation with them. Every time we talk, all they discuss is how to publish more papers."
Captain Jack spread his hands. "Although in recent times, the wizards in our combat division have also been under increasing pressure to produce more and higher-quality papers, what ultimately determines our promotions or access to more magical resources is still the number of enemies we eliminate."
"Only during peacetime do papers hold significant importance for combat wizards like us."
Locke waved his hand slightly. "Captain Jack, I wouldn't say that. There are plenty of papers you combat wizards could write. You could leverage your strengths and resources to publish high-quality articles that also significantly enhance your combat capabilities."
Captain Jack's right eye revealed a look of confusion. "We combat Wizards actually have an advantage in publishing articles?"
"How so?"
Zach had initially been somewhat worried seeing the discussion between the two, attempting to interject several times. But now that he saw Locke and Captain Jack conversing so well, he relaxed and poured himself a glass of Witch watermelon juice.
Locke then focused on explaining to Captain Jack at the dining table how he had captured that Vampire apprentice, conducted experiments on him, and published an article about methods to inflict damage on Vampires. He emphasized that Wizards from the combat department would find it easier to write such articles.
This was because combat Wizards had more opportunities to engage with the academy's enemies and possessed greater practical experience in battles.
After listening, Captain Jack nodded repeatedly. "Excellent. So it seems we combat Wizards do indeed have our own unique advantages when it comes to publishing articles."
"Especially during Wizard wars, we'll be able to publish even more. Locke, my friend, your perspective is truly worth learning from."
Captain Jack turned to Zach with a smile. "Zach, I really like the personality of this Breeder you introduced me to this time."
"I know your intentions—it's not the first time after all. Show me the information about the Magic Plant you want me to purchase. If it's suitable, I might buy it."
Zach quickly replied, "No, no, this time I genuinely just wanted to treat you to a meal and introduce you to a friend I think highly of."
Captain Jack raised an eyebrow. "Zach, your only flaw is being too indirect."
He then looked at Locke and smiled. "Breeder Locke, I quite like your personality, as well as your work on the Crystal Palmfire Lotus."
"The creations of you Breeders determine the fate of us frontline Wizards. Of course, I'm willing to lend a hand in supporting your excellent works."
"Alright, let me take a look."
Zach immediately retrieved a set of documents from his Astral Ring, along with a prepared purchase contract.
Captain Jack looked at the blank contract handed to him along with the documents and sighed. "And you claim this was just a casual meal—you even prepared the contract in advance. Well, if it were just a meal, I wouldn't have had the time anyway."
Zach chuckled.
Captain Jack opened the documents and began reviewing them carefully. Though he wasn't a Breeder or a Plant-based Wizard, he was at least somewhat familiar with Magic Plants. At the very least, he could understand Locke's article about how Defensive magic plants countered Curse Magic.
After finishing that article, Captain Jack's eyes flashed with keen interest.
He then proceeded to review the other materials included, such as Locke's article on the specific damage mechanisms of Perseus' Eye against Vampires, as well as the combat footage recorded with a True Sight Crystal Ball, which Zach had transcribed onto a Memory crystal for Captain Jack to study.
Captain Jack exclaimed in amazement. "Breeder Locke, your research on vampires is quite profound. And the effects of this defensive magic plant are truly astonishing..."
Captain Jack looked at Locke and Zach. "With defensive magic plants of this caliber, do you still need our team to endorse it? Shouldn't it already be the champion?"
He continued indignantly, "I remember Green Sprout Workshop's entry every year is that outdated Gear Iron Thorns. The same old magic plant entry, recycled year after year."
"It's been over 150 years! That Green Sprout Workshop never wants to try anything new or innovative."
"Every time Green Sprout Workshop enters a competition, they bring out the same thing and win first place every time," Captain Jack said. "But I know Perseus' Eye Lichen is far superior to Gear Iron Thorns."
"Any frontline wizard who sees this would agree."
Locke nodded slightly. "Thank you."
Zach sighed. "But the judges of the Custom Magic Plant Competition aren't frontline First Class Wizard Apprentices like you who are constantly in battle."
"That's exactly why we need your team's endorsement."
"What Perseus' Eye Lichen currently lacks most is documented battlefield performance."
Captain Jack pondered for a moment before saying angrily, "I don't understand what those administrative higher-ups are thinking. Instead of supplying such excellent magic plants to the frontline, they keep ordering that ancient Gear Iron Thorns."
"If Gear Iron Thorns were truly that effective, would so many frontline soldiers still be dying?"
Locke and Senior Zach exchanged glances—it seemed their plan was working.
Of course, Locke knew why Captain Jack thought so poorly of Gear Iron Thorns. It wasn't that the plant itself was inferior.
But being Lilith's Cottage's standard defensive magic plant, it had long been studied extensively by enemies, with various counter-spells already developed.
Naturally, its performance wouldn't be impressive.
As for Green Sprout Workshop entering competitions—they did it to obtain magical resources and had no intention of leaving their comfort zone.
Why would Green Sprout Workshop risk new projects in competitions when they could safely win championships and secure resources?
Zach pointed to the contract. "So Captain Jack, how many Perseus' Eyes would you like to purchase?"
After some thought, Captain Jack replied, "Originally I just came to buy one or two out of respect for you, but with such excellent products, I can't just let this opportunity pass."
He turned to Locke. "I'll take ten for now."
"Though it's a shame there aren't any specialized spells developed for it yet—we'll have to use older spells. Breeder Locke, when will you find a plant-based wizard to develop dedicated spells for this magic plant?"
"Of course, even as it is now, it's more than sufficient."
Zach also looked curiously at Locke. "Right, Locke, this is an important matter that could significantly boost Perseus' Eye Lichen's value."
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