The Fourth Magic Plant: Emerald Iris Lichen

Seeing Zack state his position and produce an Academy order worth ten thousand Magic Stones as compensation, the chill in Locke's eyes finally faded.

After all, he had no reason to turn down money.

Moreover, he had more or less guessed that the administrative higher-ups behind Zack were testing his limits. If he agreed, they could save the Academy another sum of money while allowing Lilith's Cottage to retain its large-scale production capacity for Crystal Palmfire Lotus.

It would merely mean that he had to bear the cost himself.

Even though he would still make a profit that way, it would undoubtedly squeeze his margins, affect his development of subsequent Magic Plants, and even slow his progress in increasing his mana. So Locke decisively refused.

Locke softened his tone. "If the Academy has demand, just place an order with me. Restoring one hundred mu of Magic Fields would only take a little over a month."

Zack smiled. "Indeed."

"Come, let's raise a glass to Locke."

Next, in a private room at Witch's Kitchen, Locke and Zack finalized their second Academy bulk-purchase contract.

After handing ten thousand Magic Stones directly to Locke, Zack smiled. "This batch only needs to be delivered within three months as well."

"The Academy and the Blood Curse Court have not yet entered the stage of full-scale war, so these Magic Plants are only being purchased for stockpiling."

"By the way, junior." Zack grew serious and handed Locke a document. "This is a recently announced custom Magic Plant competition from the Academy's Combat Department."

"It is a competition being held for the war. According to the requirements, participants must develop a Magic Plant that meets the needs of wizards in the war division and enter it into the competition."

"First place will immediately receive an Academy bulk-purchase