Looking at the sudden changes on the system panel, Ciel's mood lifted considerably. Combined with dealing with Rita Skeeter, this could be considered three blessings at once?
Then, his gaze fell on the Platinum-tier Levitation Charm. Ciel's eyes showed anticipation. Based on previous experience, spells advancing from Gold to Platinum tier would take the step from macroscopic to microscopic. The magnitude of that qualitative change might be greater than all previous advancements combined.
Just as he had begun cultivating the next batch of Marguerite plants, the advancement of the Levitation Charm came at the perfect time. Then Ciel quickened his pace and returned to the greenhouse.
Upon entering the greenhouse, a wave of heat hit him. The previous batch of Marguerites had been harvested and processed. The originally brilliant sea of flowers had vanished completely, revealing the original color of the earth. But in Ciel's eyes, the monotonous dark brown was like a canvas full of possibilities.
The soil was brewing with vigorous life, ready to paint boldly across the canvas. This batch had been planted with seeds from plants with excellent traits. So they emitted magical aura that was generally more active than the previous batch. This made Ciel's mood even more pleasant.
After all, this meant when this batch of Marguerites was harvested, they would provide more rewards than before. At this rate, after selecting for about five generations, compared to the original batch of Marguerites, there would be enormous differences.
However, this would also consume considerable time. If possible, Ciel naturally hoped to make breakthrough progress in Marguerite cultivation as soon as possible. And this would depend on the Levitation Charm for induction.
Then Ciel came to an empty area in a corner of the greenhouse. He took out the same batch of Marguerite seeds and planted them in the soil. Then he lightly waved his wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
The Platinum-tier Levitation Charm responded instantly. Ciel immediately felt the qualitative change after the advancement. Previously, one Levitation Charm could only affect one object. But now, the spell seemed divisible into many parts. Each part could function independently. This meant Ciel could either cast one Levitation Charm to fully levitate one massive object or simultaneously levitate many small objects.
As for how small, this depended both on Ciel's spell mastery and his own magical perception. This made his eyes show a strange gleam.
"If the Levitation Charm's target could continue penetrating to microscopic levels, acting individually on molecules, counteracting intermolecular forces, what would be the effect? Even if continuing deeper, to atomic levels, electron levels. What would happen then? Could a Levitation Charm at that level still be considered the most basic spell?"
Many thoughts flashed through his mind. But soon, Ciel buried these magical concepts that were currently beyond his reach. For now, he should focus more on the Marguerites before him.
With a slight flick of his wand, the Levitation Charm's magic was immediately "shaken apart," transforming into countless "sparks" that fell on the newly planted Marguerite seeds. The next moment, the seeds, along with the surrounding soil, seemed placed in a space station. Gravity's effect on them was greatly counteracted.
Throughout this process, Ciel's gaze remained fixed on the reward orbs above these seeds. After the Levitation Charm enhancement, their reward orbs entered an unstable state of flickering brightness. When bright, they performed better than all the Marguerites in the greenhouse. When dim, they almost went out completely. The entire performance was like a roller coaster.
Ciel wasn't surprised by this. Plants showing maladaptation, stress responses, and other reactions to environmental changes was common. Even Muggle flower potted plants, when bought from well-equipped greenhouses and taken home by customers, often showed maladaptation. Some delicate flowers died during this process.
The Marguerite seeds were experiencing massive gravitational changes. Even magical world plants would probably need quite some time to adapt. Ciel didn't disturb these seeds further. Let them slowly adapt to their new environment.
Just as he turned to leave, his steps paused slightly. He noticed water mist floating out from the soil treated with the Levitation Charm. After thinking for a moment, Ciel understood the principle.
"Generally speaking, moisture in soil is locked deep within, making it difficult to evaporate. But now, since this portion of soil has been affected by the Levitation Charm, it's become looser with larger gaps. The moisture isn't affected by gravity either, so water originally locked deep in the soil can now escape."
Ciel didn't pay much attention to this. Water evaporating faster? Just add more water. Then he took a watering can and sprinkled water over the area treated with the Levitation Charm.
At this moment, a strange phenomenon occurred. The originally pouring water stream was dispersed by the Levitation Charm's magic influence, becoming uniform mist. Then it spread into the soil, maintaining the soil's moisture level. This scene had quite a misty, ethereal feeling.
But Ciel's gaze, after initially being attracted by the mist, immediately focused intently on the mist's diffusion speed into the soil.
"After misting, water droplets have larger contact area with soil. Faster diffusion speed, better absorption effect. Through misting, moisture can be uniformly absorbed by soil. This even saves water... What if this were used on potions? Would it have the same phenomenon?"
Then Ciel's eyes lit up. He immediately took out the Devil's Snare root section. Along with a new bottle of potion obtained from Professor Sprout. He waved his wand. A Sectumsempra spell was cast, cutting open another magical node on the Devil's Snare root. He was already very skilled at this operation, completely error-free.
But when applying the potion next, Ciel didn't drop a dozen drops at once like before. Instead, he applied it drop by drop. Also using the Levitation Charm. Under the spell's effect, each drop of potion turned to mist, enveloping the Devil's Snare's cut.
Clearly, compared to previous liquid drop application, this mist form of potion was absorbed much faster by the Devil's Snare. With less magical power escaping during the process. This resulted in better absorption effects.
Ciel calculated drop by drop and finally reached a conclusion. "Using this method to apply potion to Devil's Snare. At least twenty percent of potion usage can be saved, with effects no worse than before, even exceeding slightly!"
This discovery excited him greatly. Devil's Snare cultivated with Sectumsempra required enormous potion consumption, which had been a headache for him. But if this misting method was adopted for potion application, this pressure could be greatly alleviated.
"At this rate, this entire bottle of potion would be enough until..." Ciel suddenly fell silent. Well. His Devil's Snare root was a major potion consumer. Even with misting application, this bottle probably couldn't handle its cultivation. Let alone when he would later mass-cultivate Devil's Snare. The potion shortage was too great.
As for whether he could get enough potions from Professor Sprout, Ciel shook his head. If this potion were ordinary goods, Professor Sprout would probably give him a whole pool without hesitation. But she could only give him one bottle at a time. This indicated its considerable value. Even for an herbology master, getting the quantity he needed at once would probably be troublesome.
Unless absolutely necessary, Ciel didn't want Professor Sprout to sacrifice so much more. "But where can I get this potion?"
Taking a light breath, he could only think of the compensation the Ministry had promised after this hearing. "If it were someone else, even if the Ministry promised verbally, actual implementation would probably drag on indefinitely. But this time Dumbledore is helping me demand compensation. This should be faster, right?"
Just then, several consecutive explosions suddenly came from outside the Sprout family home. Ciel's expression tensed. Someone else was coming? Could it be Umbridge's revenge? Or was the Ministry still being persistent?
He immediately gripped his wand and walked out of the greenhouse. Professor Sprout reacted even faster. She gripped her wand tightly, her expression angry.
"Good. If anyone else dares to act presumptuously at our family home, I'll plant them in the ground as fertilizer!"
Just then, a familiar voice came from outside. "Don't be nervous, Pomona, and young Mr. Sprout."
Professor Sprout was stunned. "Dumbledore?"
Then she saw Dumbledore, Fudge, and several Ministry personnel walking in. Fudge forced out a smile with difficulty. "Professor Sprout. We're here to discuss terms."
With Dumbledore's explanation, Ciel and Professor Sprout finally understood. Fudge had come personally to discuss compensation for the Sprout family. Looking at Fudge's forced smile, Ciel's eyes showed strangeness. This guy truly deserved to be called a complete political creature. Really shameless, able to bend and adapt.
It seemed current public opinion was too unfavorable to him. The Ministry just wanted to settle things quickly. Plus, with Dumbledore involved, Fudge would adopt such a low posture, even coming personally to discuss compensation.
At this time, Dumbledore coughed twice more, winking at Professor Sprout and Ciel. "Minister Fudge believes that support for Hogwarts education has been insufficient over the years, especially in herbology. It's already been approved that Hogwarts will receive a large renovation grant this year. Especially the greenhouses, which will have more funding than ever for maintenance and repairs, even partial expansion won't be a problem. I think this benefits all Hogwarts faculty and students."
"Besides this, there's personal reputation compensation for Pomona, reputation compensation for the Sprout family. Of course, there's also personal compensation for young Mr. Sprout."
Fudge smiled repeatedly, hurriedly presenting his conditions. "The Ministry is willing to bear all costs and resources for Ciel's herbology research during his time at Hogwarts. We can sign a contract, going directly through the Ministry's monthly budget allocation. Besides this, the Ministry can allow Ciel to enter our oldest, most precious warehouse and freely choose one item to take away, as the Ministry's apology and gift to Ciel."
"Professor, we come with sincerity."
However, Professor Sprout frowned, showing dissatisfaction. "Herbology resources? Does the Sprout family lack resources to support Ciel's herbology research? How many resources could a young wizard spend on research? As for your so-called ancient precious warehouse..." Professor Sprout snorted coldly.
"Everyone knows the Ministry has plenty of good stuff. But which generation of Ministers ever bothered with warehouse management? No matter how good something is, without maintenance and care, what's left after hundreds of years? All just a pile of garbage. Let Ciel choose treasures from your oldest warehouse? What's the difference between this and panning for gold in waste? Minister Fudge, do you think we're country bumpkins? Is this your sincere compensation?"
Upon hearing this, Fudge was at a loss for words. He secretly regretted his approach. He had thought the Sprout family had declined long ago. Professor Sprout was devoted to herbology. As long as he adopted a low enough posture, he should be able to muddle through. Surely he wouldn't have to bleed heavily?
After being thoroughly fleeced by Dumbledore, Fudge's flesh still ached! He hadn't expected Professor Sprout to see through the tricks immediately and explode publicly. This forced Fudge to squeeze out an embarrassed smile.
"Professor, it's not like that. We truly come with sincerity."
But just as Professor Sprout was about to mock Fudge with her cold expression, Ciel suddenly spoke up. His eyes lit up, showing joy. "Minister Fudge, is the Ministry truly willing to bear my herbology research expenses? Whatever resources I need, the Ministry can supply them all?"
He seemed a bit embarrassed, a bit timid. "But I often consume potions in my experiments. Some potions aren't cheap. Would this be acceptable too?"
Upon hearing this, Fudge seemed to see a way out. He breathed a sigh of relief. He even felt somewhat grateful. This young Hufflepuff wasn't as annoying as at the hearing. Now he looked like a good child who understood others' difficulties.
Fudge hurriedly spoke. "What's the big deal? The Ministry supplying herbology resources for one young wizard... how hard could that be? As long as you're not reselling or wanting extremely rare, world-unique resources, the Ministry can provide anything."
Ciel showed an interested expression. "Really? That would be wonderful. Minister, why don't we sign the contract now?"
Professor Sprout was stunned, showing thoughtful eyes. Then she looked at Ciel helplessly. "Ciel. You're too honest. Sigh..."
Then Professor Sprout glared resentfully at Fudge. That expression seemed to say he was getting off easy! Fudge couldn't help but smile. He immediately had the accompanying Ministry personnel prepare the contract on site. His mood, which had been extremely depressed these past few days, finally improved a bit.
Settling with the Sprout family went more smoothly than expected. Almost no cost at all. He had been prepared to implement his second plan and bleed more. He hadn't expected Ciel to agree himself. Hufflepuff children were indeed virtuous and honest. They didn't blackmail people!
As for what Ciel mentioned, Fudge didn't take it seriously at all. The Ministry supported so many parasites who took money without working, and that was fine. Supporting one more little Hufflepuff... could that bankrupt the Ministry? Just one little Hufflepuff. Fudge calculated the big picture. His heart contained the entire wizarding world.
He didn't believe it. Letting one young wizard do a few experiments, plant a few acres... could that impoverish the Ministry and create a financial crisis?
Therefore, when the contract was drafted, Fudge glanced at it casually and signed his name with a flourish. Ciel also scanned the contract. There really weren't many restrictions. Besides Ciel not being able to waste Ministry-provided resources and not being able to resell, there were no other restrictions.
Dumbledore also nodded to Ciel. He confidently signed his name. Then light flashed across the magical contract.
"Is the contract established? I can now request whatever materials I need from the Ministry, and as long as they're for herbology, the Ministry will provide them?"
After receiving confirmation, Ciel's eyes lit up. He immediately took out the bottle of potion used for cultivating Devil's Snare. "This potion... give me a hundred bottles first."
Fudge suddenly froze. He doubted his ears. "What? No, wait. How many?!"
The Ministry officials behind him also changed expression slightly, reporting quietly to Fudge. "Minister. This appears to be potion for cultivating Devil's Snare. A bottle isn't cheap on the market. A hundred bottles would cost this amount..."
Hearing the figure his aide whispered in his ear, Fudge frowned. This was far more than he had expected. But a moment later, seeing Ciel's hopeful expression, Fudge's heart suddenly relaxed. He even wanted to laugh.
What was he thinking? Ciel was a Hufflepuff after all. Hufflepuffs loved food. With a bit of hamster nature, they liked hoarding things. Wasn't this recognized throughout the wizarding world? Now Ciel was obviously overwhelmed by the unlimited resource supply, so he wanted to hoard this much at once.
But according to the contract, Ciel couldn't apply for the next batch until he finished this batch. This would probably last him over a year? Thinking this, Fudge's face was full of brilliant smiles.
"Certainly. We'll follow the contract to the letter. You Hufflepuffs are absolutely charming. Can I confide something? Don't breathe a word to anyone. Between you and me, your house is my personal favorite. Such delightful students! Now, after Christmas break ends, we'll have this potion shipment delivered straight to Hogwarts."
Hearing Fudge's reply, Ciel showed delighted expression. At this moment, he sincerely felt Fudge was radiating golden light. "Minister. Great and generous. Within five years, you'll definitely become the most renowned Minister in magical history. No matter how many years pass, people will definitely remember your great achievements with bone-deep gratitude."
Ciel's "compliments" also greatly pleased Fudge. Then Fudge waved his hand spiritedly. "Alright. There's also a small personal gift from me. Come, I'll take you to the Ministry's oldest warehouse. That's a veritable ancient treasury, supposedly containing things from the mythical era. Like items used by Olympian gods, boots worn by Odin... you might find them all there. Those are all rare treasures."
Then Fudge took out a Portkey. Professor Sprout took Ciel's hand toward the Portkey. Dumbledore also simultaneously reached out to grasp it. The next moment, with a spinning sensation, Ciel found himself in a deep, underground building where even the air was filled with decay.
Fudge proudly said, "This is the Ministry's oldest warehouse to date. Top secret. Ancient. Precious."
While Fudge was still boasting, Professor Sprout coldly interrupted him. "And simultaneously the most extravagant garbage dump in history. A typical manifestation of the Ministry's wasteful practices."
Fudge smiled awkwardly and quickly stopped talking. "There are really good things inside, just might take some effort to find. But anyway, letting the child go in to play and broaden his horizons is quite good."
Then Dumbledore also nodded slightly. Only then did Ciel feel reassured. With Dumbledore's nod, plus the Ministry having no reason to harm him at this time, entering this secret vault should be safe. As for whether he could find anything, Ciel held no hopes. Anyway, he had already obtained what he needed most. Any gains here would be extra surprises.
If worst came to worst, he could get some antiques that might be worth some Galleons. Then the secret vault's door slowly opened. Even stronger decay emanated from within. Ciel took a breath and quickly walked in.
After entering the secret vault and walking just a few steps, Ciel saw a scene that deeply shocked him. He had once thought the discarded flying broomsticks piled up in Hogwarts' abandoned warehouse could be called mountainous. Maybe only the Room of Requirement could be more spectacular.
But now he realized that the garbage accumulated by the Ministry over a thousand years really couldn't be compared to the Room of Requirement. What appeared before him was like a mythical Titan's junk room. Everywhere were mountain-like piles of random objects. The flying broomsticks in the abandoned warehouse wouldn't even count as a small hill here. At most a small mound.
Even bringing all the garbage from the Room of Requirement would be a drop in the ocean. No wonder the Ministry didn't organize this place. It would probably take a hundred years to clean up! This kind of thankless task that couldn't become political achievements... naturally no one would do it.
If not for Fudge wanting to do him this favor, this secret vault probably wouldn't open once in the next hundred years. Ciel shook his head and quickly walked past those mountain-like piles of garbage. Here he could see many alchemical items carved with extremely complex patterns. Many precious materials that had appeared in textbooks but were now extinct.
But under hundreds of years of neglect, no matter what it was, everything had become a pile of useless antiques under time's erosion. Ciel felt finding useful things here would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, he had Platinum-tier night vision abilities. He could see magical power dissipation in the dark secret vault. Maybe he could gain something by watching this?
The next moment, Ciel began carefully observing the residual magical particles in the air. He first found a set of armor nearby. It still had a trace of silver light. Made of some unknown magical metal. It might once have been able to resist swords and many spells. But now, Ciel had to be extremely careful when picking it up. As for the remaining magic on it, it could probably be shattered by even a first-year student.
Ciel put down the armor. He dug out several more items with residual magic. The results were similar. The magic had mostly dissipated, with too little utility. He simply couldn't be bothered to dig through these anymore.
Ciel directly followed the dust-covered guide signs toward the herbology-related items section. Whatever he could find there would be fine. If he found nothing, he'd just take something as a souvenir and not waste more time.
After a full ten minutes, Ciel finally reached the herbology section. The situation here was similar. Everywhere were rotted plant seeds and various specimens. Along with gem-encrusted shovels and such. All useless now.
Ciel searched around. The most useful thing he found was probably a small silver bucket. The remaining magical aura on it seemed able to stimulate vitality. It was probably used as a container for storing seeds. Seeds stored by the small silver bucket would be easier to germinate and have higher survival rates. When intact, this should have been quite precious herbology equipment.
Now its effectiveness was down to one-tenth, but at least it had some use. Ciel sighed. "Fine, this will do. Something useful is better than nothing. After going out, maybe I can find master craftsmen to repair it and restore most of its function? Then it would be a practical item."
Then Ciel prepared to leave with the small silver bucket. But when he tried to pick up the small silver bucket, something black underneath... some unknown plant root... was entangled with the bucket's handle.
Ciel didn't think much of it. He casually cast a Levitation Charm, planning to make this root let go so he could take the small silver bucket. But when the Levitation Charm fell on this root section, the feedback made his expression suddenly change dramatically.
His current magical strength wasn't that high, but combined with a Platinum-tier Levitation Charm, lifting a large stone should be no problem. But this small root section remained completely unmoved under his spell.
Ciel even felt like he was trying to levitate a real mountain with the Levitation Charm. Even "a mantis trying to topple a tree" wasn't adequate to describe it! His gaze was shocked, staring intently at this root section.
"What the hell is this thing?!"
Just then, a system notification slowly appeared before his eyes.
[You obtained World Tree Root]
[Successful planting can yield unknown rewards ???]
[Cultivation to maturity can yield unknown rewards ???]
[Chapter Complete]
***
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