Chapter 37: Reward, 5X Fantastic Beasts

Professor Sprout looked at the potion bottle in Robert's hand, her face filled with surprise. With her mastery of Herbology, she could tell at just a glance—Robert had made huge progress in cultivating Guardian Tree seeds this time.

Although even now, his performance still couldn't compare to those students blessed with exceptional Magic Perception, the key lay in his rate of progress. In just over two weeks, his advancement was nothing short of remarkable.

Even Professor Sprout herself hadn't advanced this fast when she was his age.

Her eyes sparkled with undisguised joy.

My Robert truly has the potential to become a Herbology Master!

Despite his lacking magical talent, he had still managed to perform impressively.

But what if—just what if—his Magic talent could be improved?

The thought made her heart race.

"I've already found traces of the ingredients for a talent-enhancing potion," she murmured to herself.

"Moonpetal Flower, Carrion Vulture Feather, Geranium Luo…"

"I'll gather those materials as quickly as I can, Robert. Just wait a bit longer."

After praising Robert's outstanding progress, Sprout shifted the topic back to the blood emerald she held in her hand.

Robert's curiosity piqued.

He knew nothing about the properties of the blood emerald, and the reward information hadn't yet appeared to him. Just like when he'd first planted the margaret herb, the reward remained a mystery until someone explained the characteristics of the plant.

Now, listening closely, Robert awaited Sprout's explanation.

"The blood emerald," she began slowly, "is a magical herb that mutated from the Luminous Mushroom. It has astonishing hemostatic and blood-producing enhancement effects."

"You've already studied Dittany in Herbalism, haven't you?"

Robert nodded.

"Dittany is a rare and powerful hemostatic herb," she continued. "Especially the essence brewed from it—just a few drops can heal external wounds with astonishing speed."

"However, Dittany's effect on internal bleeding is rather limited."

"But based on my tests, if we combine blood emerald with other ingredients, we might be able to brew a potion capable of healing internal injuries at a level comparable to Dittany Essence."

"Additionally," she added, "the herb significantly enhances blood production. That means faster blood replenishment—highly beneficial for those with major injuries or weak constitutions."

As she finished speaking, the reward information for the blood emerald finally began to surface before Robert's eyes.

[You have successfully planted blood emerald. Reward unlocked: Slight increase in blood production ability (Bronze Level, incubating)]

[Upon full maturity, reward upgrades to: Slight increase in blood production ability (Silver Level), + Unknown Reward (Black Iron Level)]

Robert's heart stirred.

So the Silver Level reward offered an enhancement in blood production.

According to Professor Sprout, such an ability was excellent for both physical endurance and recovery. But instead of being thrilled, Robert felt a hint of disappointment.

"This seems to overlap with the legendary vitality enhancement I already have," he thought to himself.

"Unless this stacks significantly, the improvement may be too subtle to notice."

But then his eyes widened.

He glanced toward his Legendary Level Vitality Enhancement—a powerful ability that had not progressed for over a year, no matter how much effort he poured into it. He had once dreamed of pushing it to Mythical Level, hoping for effects like extended lifespan—or even immortality.

But it was stuck.

He had nearly given up on the idea.

And yet… now, looking at the new blood production enhancement, a sudden realization struck him.

"What if I also stack this new ability to Legendary Level?"

"And then combine it with my Legendary Vitality?"

"Could a synergy between the two abilities trigger the breakthrough to Mythical Level?"

That single thought ignited a spark in his eyes.

It was still a hypothesis, but after all his failed attempts at evolving his vitality ability, this new direction looked like the most promising path forward.

A Mythical Level ability…

The qualitative leap beyond Legendary—just the possibility was worth pursuing.

Determined now, Robert turned his attention to the Black Iron Level reward that still remained a mystery.

He looked up and asked Sprout again:

"Auntie, are those all the known characteristics of the blood emerald? Could there be other effects—ones not easily observed?"

Professor Sprout was visibly surprised. Then, she smiled warmly.

"Robert, your intuition is quite extraordinary," she said. "Your gift in Herbology is stronger than I expected."

"I wasn't planning to mention it, since there's no solid evidence yet… but since you asked, I'll share my guess."

She took a slow breath.

"I suspect this herb may also have a subtle, positive effect on the bloodline of magical creatures—or even wizards."

"But the effect is so faint, it's almost negligible."

"I'd need extensive research to confirm it, and for now, it's purely speculation."

As soon as she finished speaking, the final piece of reward information materialized before Robert's eyes.

[Upon blood emerald maturity, reward unlocked: Extremely slight bloodline purification (Black Iron Level)]

Robert clenched his fists.

This was big.

A wizard's Magical Talent came from their bloodline.

So, if his bloodline were even slightly purified, could it enhance his magic perception or strength?

If he could somehow elevate Magic Strength, Perception, and now even bloodline purity, there was a real chance to raise his magical talent to an entirely new level.

He couldn't hold back his excitement.

The blood emerald was no longer just useful—it was vital. Even more valuable than the Guardian Tree!

Robert had made up his mind. This herb must be cultivated, no matter the cost.

Then came the most pressing question.

"So, Auntie," he asked, "what are the conditions for the mutation from Luminous Mushroom to blood emerald? And how can we get it to mature?"

At that, Professor Sprout sighed.

"That's where the trouble lies," she admitted. "This mutation has high value, yes—but the cost of cultivating it is outrageously high."

"To induce the mutation, you must catalyze the Luminous Mushroom using Magic-infused blood. The stronger the blood's magical energy, the higher the mutation probability."

"I used my own blood, and even then, the success rate was only about one in a thousand."

"Once the mutation occurs, the blood emerald enters a growth stage where less potent blood—provided it has strong vitality—is enough to support its development."

"But here's the kicker."

"At the critical stage from growth to full maturity, it requires even stronger magical blood. And mine doesn't meet the standard."

"In fact, very few wizards alive can provide blood powerful enough to meet the maturity requirements."

"The best method is to use the fresh blood of powerful magical creatures."

She paused, then added, "Blood more than a few hours old won't work. I tried using bottled Dragon blood from Diagon Alley—it was useless. It must be fresh, ideally drawn within two hours."

"Other magical beasts could work too, as long as their blood is strong enough and freshly collected."

Robert was dumbfounded.

Fresh blood from 5X-level magical creatures?

Dragons. Basilisks. Acromantulas. Venomous Pouch Leopards...

These were all terrifying beasts that even fully trained adult wizards hesitated to approach.

And now he was supposed to get them to bleed for a plant?

Even their young were rare, dangerous, and absurdly expensive—if not outright illegal to own without Ministry approval.

He sighed.

So much for cultivating blood emeralds easily.

He was just about to shelve the plan, when a sudden, electric thought zipped through his mind.

"Wait…"

"5X-level magical creature younglings…"

"There… might be a way after all?"

To be continued...

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