Locke reorganized his thoughts. Considering the unique nature of the Nine-Serpent Flower—its essence being nine intertwined blossoms—he realized he needed to incorporate an additional universal calming frequency.
Thus, three distinct frequencies would need to act simultaneously on this single Nine-Serpent Flower.
As Locke was refining his approach, Martin, standing nearby, had already begun using the provided Radiation Cauldron to apply the Magic Resonance Breeding Method.
The previously wilted Nine-Serpent Flower, suffering from dehydration and root rot, gradually revived under the influence of his universal invigorating frequency. Each of its nine serpentine blossoms swayed rhythmically under the specialized radiation, as if dancing.
The three external examinees watched him with envy.
"As expected of a student from Lilith's Cottage—he figured out the solution so quickly."
"His control over the Magic Resonance Breeding Method is incredible. He might actually pass this exam..."
The three Formal Wizards, however, remained silent, observing coldly.
Just as Martin believed he was about to complete the second round of the exam, an unexpected turn of events occurred. The Nine-Serpent Flower, momentarily revitalized by the universal invigorating frequency, suddenly turned violent—each of its nine heads began attacking the others.
It was a vicious sight.
Every serpentine blossom revealed the sharp, serrated calyx hidden beneath its petals, savagely biting into its counterparts.
In moments, green leaves scattered, and crimson petals withered. The once vibrant Nine-Serpent Flower had effectively committed suicide within five minutes of Martin's intervention.
Martin's face paled. A single exam attempt cost five hundred Magic Stones—equivalent to over half a month's wages from his job at the Magic Plant shop.
He had worked so hard to save up for this.
"No, no—stop it!"
"Don't fight, don't fight!"
Two of the Formal Wizards couldn't bear to watch, while Madam Morgana reprimanded sharply, "This is the consequence of inadequate theoretical knowledge."
The three external examinees looked utterly despondent. They hadn't expected even Martin—an elite student from Lilith's Cottage, whose skills they admired—to meet such a disastrous outcome.
This exam was far too difficult.
Was this the gap between a Breeder and a Breeder Assistant?
"Look—the other examinee from Lilith's Cottage is starting now. Will he succeed?"
Meanwhile, Locke, having finalized his approach and double-checked for oversights, applied a blended frequency using the Magic Resonance Breeding Method to his Nine-Serpent Flower.
Under the Radiation Cauldron's influence, the Nine-Serpent Flower began swaying, initially resembling Martin's earlier attempt.
But the difference became clear five minutes later. Not only had the flower regained vitality, but the insect eggs on its leaves also hatched prematurely, the pests swiftly driven away.
Moreover, the Nine-Serpent Flower showed no signs of internal conflict. Instead, each blossom remained tranquil, perfectly at peace.
Martin stared at Locke's pot of Nine-Serpent Flower with a puzzled expression. He couldn't understand where he had gone wrong or why there was such a stark difference between his results and Locke's.
Ten minutes later, the previously wilted Nine-Serpent Flower had completely revived in Locke's hands.
Using Magic Resonance, Locke channeled a trace of his Mana into the Nine-Serpent Flower, accelerating its root recovery capabilities.
In this way, without even touching the plant with his hands, Locke had fully revived a Magic Plant on the verge of death.
Though unnecessary, this method effectively tested the breeder's practical skills—a crucial aspect of the examination.
The two Formal Wizards observing the scene were surprised. They hadn't expected any candidate to demonstrate such mastery of the Magic Resonance Breeding Method during the exam, let alone uncover Madam Morgana's hidden test trap so quickly.
The two Formal Wizards nodded approvingly. "This examinee, Augustine, truly operates at the level of a certified Breeder. In fact, his application of the Magic Resonance Breeding Method might surpass that of an average certified Breeder."
"He's a First Class Wizard Apprentice who just advanced this year, isn't he? And he obtained his Potionology Assistant Certificate within the past six months."
"I believe he's a student of Sophia the Witch, making him Madam Morgana's grand-disciple. The skill certainly runs in the lineage. His future looks promising."
One Formal Wizard glanced at Madam Morgana, subtly using the opportunity to flatter her.
Madam Morgana's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Hmm, his theoretical knowledge still has room for improvement, but his practical skills are indeed excellent."
"His talent in breeding is quite commendable."
She had intended to find faults, but Locke had seen through her examination trap, leaving her with little to criticize.
Though a Senior Breeder could still identify numerous flaws in Locke's technique, this was merely a Formal Breeder examination. As the chief examiner, she couldn't impose criteria beyond the syllabus.
Madam Morgana looked at Locke and praised, "You're quite clever."
"To recognize my examination trap in such a short time."
Locke answered honestly, "Madam Morgana, it was thanks to another examinee mentioning Centipede Grass that I suddenly compared its characteristics with the Nine-Serpent Flower in my mind."
"I was fortunate."
Madam Morgana replied, "That only proves you had already sensed something amiss."
Eager to find some fault, she added, "Had you used the Nine-Serpent Flower's optimal resonance frequency, the effect would have been better."
"Sophia should have taught you that in advance."
Locke could only offer a wry smile.
The Nine-Serpent Flower's optimal resonance frequency was a proprietary secret—how could he possibly know? Sophia the Witch didn't specialize in this field either, so she wouldn't know either.
Of course, he understood this was simply Madam Morgana's way of finding something to critique. Having failed to identify any real flaws, she could only offer this forced piece of advice.
As his teacher's teacher, it was best not to argue.
After all, there was still the final round of the exam.
And listening wouldn't hurt him either.
Madam Morgana offered some comfort to the other examinees. "The second round only tests your proficiency in the Magic Resonance Breeding Method, so it's not necessary to successfully revive the Nine-Serpent Flower in your hands."
"As long as each of you performs to the best of your ability, that will suffice."
Her words immediately lifted the spirits of the previously disheartened examinees, and even a glimmer of hope flickered in Martin's eyes.
Another hour passed, and seeing that the remaining four examinees had made no progress, Madam Morgana announced, "Time's up."
"Alright, the final round is the directional mutation test. Here are two hundred pots of Tiff Loron Vines. You must select two of them and use the Grafting Breeding Method to cultivate one optimized Tiff Loron Vine."
"The only requirement is that the performance of this Tiff Loron Vine must surpass any of the two hundred pots here."
"You have one afternoon to complete this."
Jonas Cortes added, "The time is somewhat tight, but if you truly possess the skill of a certified Breeder, you can accomplish it."
"A certified Breeder's discernment, judgment, and intuition must be worlds apart from those of a Breeder Assistant."
Upon hearing the content of the final exam, Locke felt a surge of confidence.
This was in the bag.
If the directional mutation test in the final round had involved other Magic Plants, he might have been eliminated at this last hurdle.
Many Breeders had been delayed for years in obtaining their official certification simply because they drew exam topics they weren't proficient in.
But the problem was—the final round tested directional mutation of the Tiff Loron Vine. Wasn't that his most specialized field?
(End of Chapter)