Ciel stared at the Margaret flower seed that had absorbed the Robinson bloodline, uncertain what he was witnessing. Flickering reward information meant the plant was undergoing transformation. But he'd never seen anything like this before—such wild, frantic flickering.
Every second, the seed's reward information flickered dozens of times, with constantly changing luster. Most of the time, a dull Black Iron luster flashed past. Sometimes Bronze or Silver luster appeared. But occasionally, either the Black Iron luster vanished completely, or Gold-level or even Platinum-level radiance burst forth.
What's happening? Is this Margaret seed mutating every single moment?
Magical plant mutations were incredibly rare. Even herbologists deliberately cultivating magical plant variants might require years or decades. Some unlucky herbologists might never cultivate one variant in their entire lives. Yet now, this Margaret flower seed's mutation rate had suddenly increased millions of times over, mutating every moment...
Ciel took a deep breath, recalling catalysts from organic chemistry experiments in his previous life. Originally slow chemical reactions could accelerate by factors of tens or hundreds of times after adding catalysts. This situation seemed quite similar.
Could Edelyn Robinson's partial Demeter-descended bloodline act like a catalyst on magical herbology, drastically lowering mutation thresholds and accelerating mutation processes?
As he pondered, the Margaret seed's continuously flickering reward information gradually slowed. Anticipation built. But seconds later, when the information finally stabilized, disappointment washed over him. He'd selected this particular Margaret seed because it had relatively superior traits—originally its Black Iron reward had shown considerably richer luster than ordinary Margarets.
But after Edelyn's blood-catalyzed mutation finally stopped, the mutation had actually worsened the seed's traits. The Black Iron luster had dimmed nearly to nothing. Even Margaret's original Magic Intensity Enhancement reward had changed to [Body Size Growth]. He frowned. What use is this reward? Would anyone really need it?
Pushing aside his frustration, he concentrated on the core issue. Using Edelyn's blood combined with Dark Magic Transfiguration to modify plant seeds seemed effective. But apparently he couldn't control the mutation direction.
Yet that bag of Patronus tree seeds Edelyn gave him—judging by the blood freshness, clearly modified just before dinner—had definitely enhanced considerably, advancing from the original Silver-level toward near-Gold-level. If this method was uncontrollable, how did Edelyn ensure that in such a short timeframe, all the seeds displayed identically enhanced traits?
What am I missing that's causing problems with this step?
The Dark Magic Transfiguration techniques should be fine—her methods are crude, and I completely understand them. The blood itself? But the blood was extracted from those Patronus tree seeds; it's genuinely from Edelyn. What problems could exist?
After considerable thought, he finally turned his suspicion toward that blood. Perhaps after this blood modified the Patronus tree seeds and was then extracted by him, it was missing something. These missing elements might be what allowed those Patronus tree seeds to select trait-superior variants among thousands of mutations.
As for what was missing, according to his speculation and current magical understanding, it likely involved Edelyn Robinson's will. After all, according to magic's deepest logic, everything magic-related required will participation. Wizards' initial magic outbursts needed strong thoughts. Every subsequent spellcasting required clearly issuing mental commands about desired effects.
Will was essential to magic. During Edelyn's blood-modification of the Patronus tree seeds, perhaps her will—her desire for stronger seeds—had been imprinted in the blood, guiding the seeds to select trait-superior variants among countless mutations. But after extracting the blood from the Patronus tree seeds, Edelyn's will had vanished. The blood itself could only act as a catalyst. Which mutation the plants ultimately expressed was left to chance.
With good luck, perhaps rare mutations could occur, allowing Black Iron plants to jump to Gold or even Platinum tiers. But mostly, the results would be like what he just obtained—worse traits, with even originally desired rewards mutating away.
His frown deepened. For him, completely random mutations were unacceptable. After all, he needed large-scale planting. Stable, controllable mutation methods—even if improvements weren't dramatic—were what he needed.
I need to restore will to the blood. But I definitely can't ask Edelyn for blood to help me. First, I don't want deep entanglement with her troubles. Second, my planting shouldn't have strong associations with anyone. If Edelyn later leaves or becomes my enemy for whatever reason, my entire operation could collapse. I can't let myself be controlled like that.
So I need to find a method I completely control to replace Edelyn's will.
His thoughts gradually clarified as he considered several approaches he'd already pursued for this challenge:
Lumos Maxima pushes magical light frequency far beyond the visible spectrum—even when combined with laser spells, the light intensity can soar to incredible levels. This method previously induced transformations in Piranha Grass and Shadow Thorns. Photosensitive plant mutation induction.
There was also the Levitation Charm-based gravity-canceling method. The Levitation Charm experimental groups had proved this method worked. Though success rates were low and uncontrollable, some truly superior trait individuals had appeared.
And there's Curse Studies, which he held high hopes for. Using curse characteristics for directional mutation induction—theoretically controllable.
He ran through the various routes previously considered. He hadn't invested excessive energy in these areas partly because his theoretical foundation had been insufficient. Additionally, inducing plant mutations might consume impossibly long periods—possibly only conducting dozens of trials over one or two years, with success taking forever.
But now, his magical foundation and herbology mastery far exceeded the past. More importantly, due to Edelyn's blood's catalytic effects, plant mutation processes could accelerate thousands of times. The previous obstacles had been cleared without him realizing it.
It's time to use these puzzle pieces and assemble the complete picture. If successful, this will be a milestone event for my herbology—for magic itself.
The only remaining challenge is the sheer volume of work. Three mutation induction routes plus their compound effect experiments, accelerated thousands of times—the workload could match decades of normal research compressed into days.
He took a deep breath. Workload exceeding ordinary people by orders of magnitude? I've grown accustomed to that in this life. Previously, excessive mental consumption forced rest periods. But now, after his drastically enhanced mental capacity, he could multitask, simultaneously conducting several complex tasks that would have previously pushed him to his limits. This problem was manageable.
Let's begin.
Without hesitation, he waved his wand. Margaret seeds fell before him, sorted into groups. Then his wand waved again. Droplets of Edelyn's blood atomized into mist, enveloping these seeds. Simultaneously, he cast Dark Magic Transfiguration. The blood mist under Dark Magic Transfiguration spread like pervasive tentacles, drilling into these Margaret flower seeds.
Instantly, the scene he'd previously witnessed reappeared. Each seed's reward information flickered rapidly. His wand began waving almost continuously, the movements blurring together. Sometimes invisible light illuminated the seeds. Sometimes gravity was canceled in certain areas, and the seeds began floating. Sometimes cold, twisted, illusory curses like bone-chilling afflictions entangled the seeds' own magic.
To any observer, his current actions seemed completely random—hurried, chaotic, like a headless chicken, or frantic improvisation.
But on his system panel, Diamond-level Occlumency and Mental Enhancement both glowed brightly. He was immersed in his deepest flow state yet. Everything around him slowed to a crawl. Not even the finest information could escape his perception.
Experimental Group One, continue shifting Lumos frequency toward infrared. No statistically significant changes observed currently. Group Two shifts toward ultraviolet. Also no obvious changes. Group Three, increase illumination intensity. Group Four, a compound experiment of infrared shift and intensity increase. Also Levitation Charm, curses—
Massive amounts of information that would overwhelm ordinary people continuously flooded his mind, yet he handled it effortlessly. He even continuously accelerated. Faster. Even faster. Edelyn's blood activity will constantly drain, catalytic effects will continuously decline, reaction speeds will slow. The faster I am now, the more time I'll save. Continue accelerating!
Meanwhile, though it was still dawn, the summer sky brightened particularly early—a faint light already appeared on the horizon. Edelyn had awakened from the soft, comfortable bedding under years of ingrained instinct. She inhaled deeply. Though still somewhat nostalgic for the bedding's comfort, determination settled over her features.
Reforging Robinson family glory—this responsibility only I can shoulder. Therefore, not even one day's laziness is permitted. Only working harder than anyone can shoulder this burden.
Just then, her gaze fell on the view outside the window, and she noticed the greenhouse still had its lights on, which surprised her. Forgot to turn off lights? She quickly shook her head—after all, the Sprout family had house-elves. Even if the master was negligent, house-elves would never overlook such obvious matters.
Professor Sprout must have risen even earlier than me. At that thought, Edelyn felt respectful. A Herbology Master and Hufflepuff Head still so diligent—it shamed her. Curiosity stirred within her—what research was Professor Sprout conducting? Perhaps she could observe, even communicate with, Professor Sprout—which would be beneficial for her herbology.
Edelyn quietly walked to the greenhouse entrance, peering through the gaps inside. The scene before her eyes stunned her. Inside the greenhouse wasn't Professor Sprout at all, but Ciel.
This child rose so early? Wait— Edelyn suddenly remembered. I recall last night after dinner, Ciel didn't return to his room but left the estate toward the greenhouse, right? Could it be he didn't rise early but never slept, pulling an all-nighter in the greenhouse?!
Her eyes widened, and she quickly studied what Ciel was doing—which only confused her more. His wand seemed to be flailing wildly, cutting through the air with sharp whistling sounds, performing incomprehensible actions toward the seeds before him.
Edelyn frowned. What is this? Those are Margarets, right? How can Margaret seeds be treated like this? Simply nonsense... Just as she wanted to open the door and show Ciel the proper way to handle Margaret seeds, Edelyn halted.
As a Herbology Master, how could Professor Sprout not teach Ciel how to handle Margaret seeds? And with the Professor's love for Ciel, how could she not know he was pulling all-nighters in the greenhouse? Yet the Professor still let things be. This means—not that the Professor didn't want to teach, not that Ciel didn't want to work hard or learn, but his talent is truly too poor to learn. Even working all night still shows no progress. So now, this is despair, venting frustration?!
Watching this scene, Edelyn's emotions were mixed. This child's mediocrity isn't what he wants either. He definitely wants more than anyone to uphold the Sprout family reputation. He's already done his utmost. Sigh, Ciel's heart must already feel terrible.
Edelyn dismissed her thoughts of guiding Ciel. This child already has it hard enough. Insufficient talent isn't his fault. I shouldn't hurt his feelings further. After I restore Robinson family glory and wash away family humiliation, I won't fear bringing him troubles. Even if Professor Sprout leaves, I can shelter Ciel.
With that resolved, Edelyn quietly moved away from the greenhouse. But she didn't notice Ciel's eyes flicker, watching her retreat. Originally thought Edelyn detected my use of her blood. But just now seeing her eyes—why so pitying, sympathizing with me?
Moments later, he shook his head, redirecting his attention to the Margaret seed group before him, his eyes lighting up with satisfaction.
Much smoother than I expected. My luck is actually pretty good this time.
The Levitation Charm reduced the seeds' weight by ninety percent. The Lumos spell provided blue-purple spectrum illumination at approximately 12,000 lux—by previous life standards. Combined with a specific curse that caused wizards' spellcasting failures, these factors worked together with Edelyn's blood's catalytic effects to repeatedly, stably induce superior mutation variants.
Before his eyes, this Margaret seed group's reward information was completely different from the previous Black Iron luster. Shining silver light had replaced it! Lines of text appeared before his eyes:
[Your Margaret seed was influenced by multiple factors, producing trait-superior Margaret variants.]
[Cultivating variant Margarets to maturity grants rewards—]
[Magic Intensity Enhancement (Silver Level)]!
He took a deep breath. No matter how composed he was, his heartbeat now pounded loudly. Only one thought remained in his mind: Success... Success!