Harlan Vela's Victory

Under the watchful eyes of the two great academic factions, fine beads of sweat appeared on Francis's forehead.

No matter which side he agreed with, he would certainly offend the other.

Just as Francis was considering what to do, Harlan Vela suddenly said to Lady Morgana, "How about a deal? Give Locke to me, and I'll withdraw from the competition for Verdant Nursery's Magic Plant garden maintenance project."

"That Magic Plant garden project shouldn't only involve energy nursery plots. A large part of it should also concern Magic Plant weapon nursery plots. If I compete, our chances of winning are fifty-fifty."

"No, my chances are even slightly higher than yours. Lady Morgana, your research into energy Magic Plants is indeed profound. No one in the Southeastern Corner Region can match you."

"But Verdant Nursery is a mid-sized White Wizard organization. Compared with energy Magic Plants, they'll pay more attention to multifunctional Magic Plants—ones that can provide energy while also offering spell protection and spell attacks."

"After all, their organization doesn't have much money. Wizard organizations without sufficient resources usually prefer multifunctional Magic Plants."

"You see, this deal is quite worthwhile for you."

Lady Morgana looked at Harlan Vela strangely. "You have so many talented students under you. Why fight me over one student?"

"That Magic Plant garden maintenance project is worth at least a hundred thousand Magic Stones. That's enough to keep your students fed for a long time. Instead of fighting for their interests, you're actually withdrawing from commercial competition with my research group for the sake of a student who doesn't belong to you?"

Harlan Vela nodded seriously. "I truly want to teach a genius like Locke Augustine. Besides, Locke is your student's student. Ethically speaking, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to become your student again."

"But