The tranquility of the Central Library didn't stem from magical wards alone; a natural order had formed here.
The towering bookshelves were like silent giants, their cast shadows dividing the reading area into individual spaces for thought.
Allen was reading quietly in one such space.
The book, *Fundamentals of Universal Transmutation: Equivalent Exchange and Conservation of Energy*, introduced the origins and foundational theories of universal transmutation—the oldest branch of the school of alchemy.
They pursued the pinnacle of material transformation, with the legendary Philosopher's Stone and the creation of Divine Artifacts rivaling the power of gods as their ultimate goals.
Of course, during the apprentice and low-level Wizard stages, the focus was still primarily on creating Alchemy Tools and Magic Potions.
Allen closed the book, his gaze falling upon the last one: *An Introduction to the Essence of the Soul and the Divergent Forms of Magic Power*.
The book's cover was deep black, its title branded in silver Runes, exuding an air of mystery.
Unlike the previous two books, it didn't belong to the school of alchemy but was instead classified under the intersection of "soul studies," "biology," and "magic power studies."
Yet this book also held key information regarding potion-making.
The book explained that in the mortal and apprentice stages, life forms and Magic Power structures are relatively convergent. Therefore, standardized, general-purpose Magic Potions are remarkably effective.
Whether it was restoring Spiritual Power or temporarily boosting mental acuity, their mechanism of action was to externally intervene in a standardized "human system."
Once one advanced to the rank of Official Wizard, their soul would deeply integrate with their personal Meditation Method, bloodline, and knowledge system, forming a unique soul imprint.
The body would also undergo a fundamental alteration, scoured over the long term by different kinds of Magic Power and subjected to various modification techniques.
At that stage, every Wizard is a unique life form.
The effectiveness of general-purpose Magic Potions would plummet, or even fail entirely.
If a Wizard from the Witchcraft School mistakenly used a potion formulated for a Wizard of the Bloodline School, the conflicting properties of the potion could directly lead to a Magic Power disorder, or even physical mutation or sudden death.
Therefore, the potions used by Advanced Wizards were almost all researched and concocted by themselves, or they paid an astronomical price to have a potion master customize one for them.
In other words, the effectiveness of general-purpose Magic Potions was limited. They were mainly suitable for mortals, apprentices, and some newly-promoted First-level Wizards.
'This is the most valuable piece of information I've learned today.'
It revealed a core limitation hidden beneath the prosperous facade of the Wizarding World: Wizards who lacked personal research and innovation skills would stagnate at higher levels, even if they were lucky enough to advance by relying on cultivation resources.
'Knowledge and wisdom are the true fundamentals that determine how far a Wizard can go.'
This also meant that Draven's potions could never sustain those powerhouses who had truly embarked on the transcendent path.
The last paragraph in the book made the image of a Wizard in Allen's mind even clearer.
"...Therefore, any Alchemy Wizard who aspires to go further on the path of potion-making must abandon their reliance on general-purpose formulas."
"He must become a researcher, an innovator. He no longer studies herbs and minerals, but each and every unique soul. Customizing specific solutions for specific individuals is the only ladder for the art of potion-making to ascend to godhood."
"For an Alchemy Wizard who lacks personal research and innovative capabilities, their achievements will end the day the general-purpose formulas they rely on are rendered obsolete by the market."
The DSeek interface silently refreshed in Allen's consciousness.
[Information update complete. Secondary evaluation in progress...]
[Target: Draven Craig.]
[Advantages: Abundant capital, production capability (Alchemy Workshop), network and status advantages as a senior student, information asymmetry advantage (over newcomers).]
[Disadvantages: Extremely low market ceiling, limited to apprentice and newly-promoted Wizard tiers; product universality decreases as customer level increases; extremely high dependence on personal R&D capabilities; cash flow likely to be severely strained by R&D costs.]
[Re-analysis of Invitation Intent:]
1. Business Integration (75% probability): Draven has perceived the potential of the 'knowledge service' market and intends to integrate Allen's 'diagnostic' ability into his sales chain.
For example: Before purchasing a Magic Potion, customers would first receive a 'diagnosis' from Allen, who would recommend the most suitable product, creating a 'diagnosis + sales' model to increase sales volume.
2. Elimination of Competition (20% probability): Allen's mutual aid group is fostering apprentices' ability to think independently and solve problems. In the long run, this will weaken their dependence on finished Magic Potions and study notes.
Draven may see this as a potential threat and intends to control this variable through cooperation.
3. Value Assessment (5% probability): A simple appreciation for Allen's personal abilities, conducting an investment-like probe.
[Counter-strategy Deduction:]
[Option A: Accept Integration] - Maximizes short-term gains; allows for rapid expansion of influence using Draven's products.
Risk: Loss of control, risk of core technology exposure, long-term development constrained by another party.
[Option B: Limited Cooperation] - Propose a non-interfering business partnership, such as mutual customer referrals.
Risk: Draven will likely be dissatisfied, potentially causing negotiations to break down and leading to the consequences of Option C.
[Option C: Complete Refusal] - Maintain independence, but immediately enter a competitive relationship with a powerful senior apprentice.
The other party may mobilize resources for suppression, for example, by spreading negative rumors, poaching group members, or even obstructing missions or resource allocation.
'Draven is a typical resource-based player, while I am a pure tech-based—or rather, knowledge-based—player.'
'This meeting isn't just a meeting between two apprentices.'
'It's the first clash between two development paths, two mindsets.'
He still needed to consult a few more books—not about Magic Potions, but about the academy's commercial regulations, case precedents of business disputes between apprentices, and the limits of senior apprentices' abilities.
'Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can command the entire situation.'
'The negotiation truly begins now.'
Allen opened his eyes. His deep blue irises held no contempt, only the calm that comes from seeing the whole picture.
He now fully understood the significance of this meeting.
'What Draven sees is a channel to help him sell his "crutches" more efficiently.'
'And what Allen sees is an old model doomed to be obsolete from its very foundation.'
'Draven's business has a fixed market ceiling.'
'All he's doing is fishing in a limited pond, one where newcomers constantly flow in and old-timers constantly leave.'
'But Allen's "knowledge service" cultivates an apprentice's ability to solve problems independently—an ability that is a core competitive advantage throughout a Wizard's entire career.'
'In this negotiation, I've already seized the high ground.'
'Tomorrow's trip to H District Workshop No. 17 is no longer a passive appointment, but an offensive business negotiation.'