Moon-Ring representative species and Sun-Ring model species, the gulf between Moon Ring and Star Ring

Inside the magic carriage, the girl with black-and-white twin ponytails examined the magic plant.

"The wizard who created this magic plant probably did so on a whim, but it represents issues and conflicts that low-ring wizards like you cannot understand."

Locke privately speculated about her identity. Still, since she had not told him who she really was, he naturally had no need to address her with special deference.

Nor did he need to worry that sitting directly opposite her, face-to-face, was in any way disrespectful.

Curious, Locke asked, "May I ask what sort of issues you mean?"

The witch smiled. "Have you heard of representative species?"

Locke shook his head in puzzlement.

"When a Moon-Ring-level breeder cultivates an exceptionally powerful magic plant, it may challenge an existing [representative species]," the witch said. "Class, genus, and species—these are three levels of magic plant classification. For instance, rose magic plants include the pear genus, rose genus, apple genus, and so forth, while the rose genus contains individual species of rose magic plants."

"The hundred most powerful species of rose magic plants in the rose genus are its representative species.

"The same applies to other genera."

"Above all of these stand the model species," the mysterious young witch said. "Those belong to the realm of Sun-Ring-level breeders. A model species is one whose entire genus exists because of it. It defines and distinguishes the boundaries and framework of that genus. In principle, a Sun-Ring breeder can only cultivate one model species through their own Great Magic."

"Thus, a model species is also called a unique species."

"Only a Sun-Ring-level breeder can accomplish that."

"Of course, even if such a Sun-Ring wizard wished to cultivate more model species, they would probably provoke widespread outrage and be forced to stop."

Locke caught on. "So this