Wizard:Starting from Synthesizing Gems

In Sophia's office, Locke placed his hands on the Amethyst Matrix. Soon, a number [53] appeared on its surface.

Locke's eyelids twitched. Indeed, he had now reached the level of a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice.

"One year, and I've become a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice," Locke pondered. "My learning speed is roughly between fifth-grade and sixth-grade talent."

"But as long as I find more synthesis formulas and solve the issue of Magic Stone sources, I believe my learning speed can improve further."

Over the past year, Locke had worked as Sophia's assistant every day, earning a total of one thousand Magic Stones. However, after learning two Spells and covering various experimental expenses, only eight hundred Magic Stones remained in his possession.

These eight hundred Magic Stones were the result of extreme frugality.

Locke had already made plans: five hundred of the remaining Magic Stones would be used to purchase a Meditation Method.

Becoming a First-Class Wizard Apprentice without a Meditation Method was nearly unimaginable.

Between third-class and second-class wizard apprentices, one could still forcibly learn Spells and forcibly increase mental power. But the gap between second-class and first-class wizard apprentices was far too vast.

Without a Meditation Method, given his already below-average Wizard Talent, it might take him a lifetime to become a First-Class Wizard Apprentice.

As for the remaining three hundred Magic Stones, he would see if he could gather enough to purchase the Magical Plant Breeding Class from Sophia.

With so few Magic Stones at his disposal, Locke didn't even dare to enroll in an additional course in the public classroom.

For example, local wizard apprentices would spend money in public classrooms to purchase private advanced courses, such as the Magic Circuit Flaw Detection Course, where Formal Wizards and First-Class Wizard Apprentices would help examine the defects in their bodies' Magic Circuits to better construct Magic Channels.

Some wealthier local wizard apprentices even took courses like Magical Pet Class or Basic Magic Potion Class to acquire specialized skills.

Locke had also considered synthesizing Magic Stones as a solution to his shortage. But when he placed the Magic Stones into the Synthetic Cube, he was notified that the synthesis level exceeded the current limit.

Thus, Locke knew that with his current character level cap, synthesizing Magic Stones was impossible.

For some reason, the synthesis level required for Magic Stones seemed particularly high.

Hearing Sophia's footsteps, Locke immediately stepped outside and saw her supporting a young, unfamiliar wizard whose lower half had turned into black sludge.

Locke noticed the Holly Tower emblem on the unfamiliar wizard's robe.

He must be a Formal Wizard from Holly Tower.

Sophia sighed as she supported him. "Really, Wesley Durant, you're already a one-circle wizard of Holly Tower."

"You're a man of status. And yet you engaged in a private duel with a Black Wizard."

"You must be insane. The curses from those Blood Curse Court wizards are bizarre beyond belief. This time you were lucky to be near Lilith's Cottage territory. If it had been anywhere else, you'd already be dead from that Thousand Holes Curse."

Wesley Durant's face turned pale. "So it was the Thousand Holes Curse."

"Fortunately, I have a friend like you at Lilith's Cottage. Thank you, Sophia. You've always been so kind."

"You helped me greatly back when we were on the wizard caravan heading to the academy."

The witch Sophia sighed helplessly. "What can I say? We're friends from the same cohort."

"Among our batch of wizard apprentices, only a handful of us have become Formal Wizards now. But treating your injuries doesn't come free—you'll have to pay the appropriate fee."

Wesley Durant replied, "No problem."

Witch Sophia noticed Locke Augustine standing nearby.

She cast a spell, changing the Vine Flowers on her witch's hat from pink to white, instantly adding an air of authority to her demeanor. In a low voice, she said to Wesley Durant, "Keep quiet. My student is here."

Wesley Durant glanced at Locke, his expression immediately becoming impassive and dignified.

Witch Sophia addressed Locke with some impatience: "Locke, why are you here at this hour? Class isn't for another three hours."

"I'm very busy right now."

"If there's nothing important, don't disturb me."

Locke hesitated, then said to Witch Sophia, "Teacher, I came to tell you that my mental power has reached 53."

"I tested it using your Amethyst Matrix."

"I've also completed Poison Berry Catapult and Green Cleansing Grasp."

Hearing this, the slight impatience on Witch Sophia's face vanished as she looked Locke Augustine up and down in surprise.

Of course, she didn't need to rely on the Amethyst Matrix like a First Class Wizard Apprentice to measure an apprentice's mental power.

After examining Locke briefly, Witch Sophia was almost convinced of his claims.

"This growth speed exceeds my expectations, Locke," she said with some surprise.

"My original plan for you was to become a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice within four years, but you've done it in just one. And you constructed Poison Berry Catapult in only one-third the time I anticipated."

Her gaze at Locke grew more appreciative. "You must possess some special talent."

"Such things do happen occasionally. After all, Wizard Talent detection methods keep improving, but even the most thorough examination can't completely reveal a person's potential."

"So sometimes exceptions slip through."

"In my opinion, your actual Wizard Talent must be far superior to the academy's evaluation of you."

"The academy wouldn't likely assign me students with exceptionally high talent, so this situation is probably unexpected. Locke, you've given me a pleasant surprise."

Witch Sophia wore a thoughtful expression. "In a few days, I'd like to conduct a free Bloodline Tracing Examination for you. Would that be alright?"

Locke nodded immediately. "Yes, teacher."

Sophia the Witch said, "I've changed my mind. Locke, now that you're a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice, you can truly be of help to me."

"Come with me."

"First, go collect 500ml of Dryad blood, then bring it here. We'll brew the curse-breaking potion together. With your assistance, it should be easier for me."

"Locke, circumstances have changed. Perhaps your future may extend further than I originally envisioned."

Sophia continued, "I recommend you spend one hundred fifty Magic Stones to purchase the All Things Class from the public courses. I don't have time to teach you such basic lessons myself, but they'll be very beneficial for you."

"As for the Magical Plant Breeding Class you've always wanted to learn, I can instruct you as well. You'll just need to pay me five hundred Magic Stones. Also, now that you're a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice, you can begin learning the more advanced skills required of a potion assistant."

Locke quickly nodded in agreement.

Wesley Durant, who had remained silent until now, quietly said to Sophia, "Congratulations on acquiring a promising student."

"How enviable. Holly Tower assigned me several second-tier aptitude wizard apprentices - it's utterly infuriating. What use do I have for such mediocre apprentices? They're not even qualified as test subjects."

"I truly don't understand why those obstinate old fossils at Holly Tower insist on accepting wizard apprentices below third-tier aptitude. Couldn't they just raise their admission standards?"

"Though I must say, Sophia, I never expected you to take on a student of your own."

Sophia the Witch cleared her throat and whispered, "Mr. Wesley, please mind your words. My apprentice is present."