205: Shadows lurking (Part 2)

"No!"

Green flatly refused.

"The Western Development Project involves the Academy's Destiny Accumulation mission, and there's no room for ambiguity. All the task indicators I've assigned must be implemented without compromise."

"If the Academy's destiny accumulation is delayed, I will hold you accountable."

"But, in that case, the Academy's development will also be short-staffed. This year, over 800 Wizards have already been mobilized to open up the west, and the Academy's manpower shortage is becoming increasingly severe."

Mentor Bruceklin also complained.

"Isn't the Academy's key industry contraction plan already in motion? Speed it up a bit. Just reallocate the Wizard personnel in these key controlled industries."

"For example, for those construction industry contractors, only keep a few teams with the best professional capabilities. The rest, send them all to the western region to build advanced strongholds for Wizards over there."

"And those Wizards in the education and training industry, since external students are no longer being recruited, this industry needs to be cracked down on. Don't think I don't know some Wizards are secretly running tutoring classes. They've tasted the sweetness and are ignoring the Academy's prohibitions!"

"Hmph, no matter who it is, as soon as they're caught, send them directly to the west for pioneering. The education and training industry can only transform. You go and issue the order—"

"Launch a strict crackdown!"

"Now that Joyce is not here, other Wizard Academies will not tolerate us extensively spreading high-level Wizard knowledge anymore."

"Also, I told you to rectify the potion industry, so do it properly. All low-end potion material processing and low-level potion refining should be outsourced. Transfer 80% of the production capacity to those affiliated forces. Won't these unemployed people be able to be sent to the Demonized Plants cultivation industry and the Western Development Project, these two areas?"

"Is something so simple beyond your capabilities?"

..."Uh..."

Mentor Bruceklin's forehead was covered in cold sweat.

He secretly cursed in his heart.

Is this a question of whether they can do it?

This is a question of whether it *should* be done, and if it's a good idea!

If things were handled according to Lord Green's approach, wouldn't those Wizards forced to transition curse the Academy's high-ranking officials to death right at their doorsteps?

That's not even the most serious part.

The more serious situation is that these three industries facing transition are currently the pillar industries of Plant Heart Academy. Such a large-scale reduction in manpower is like stabbing oneself, isn't it?

Not only did Brucekrin not understand, but most of the high-ranking Wizards in the Academy didn't quite understand either. Although Lord Green said this was to prevent economic attacks from enemies and cool down these three industries,

However, more than half a year has passed, and the economic attack Lord Green predicted has not occurred. Plant Heart Academy is still calm. At this point, Lord Green's reasoning became somewhat untenable. This is also why Brucekrin, representing the Academy's highest management committee, came to sound out Lord Green...

"Lord Green..."

"You might not be entirely aware, but these three industries are interconnected. If we make changes according to your plan, even if stretched over 10 years, it will still have a significant impact on the Academy's economic development. With such changes, these three industries shouldn't expect significant growth; they might even experience a major decline!"

Mentor Bruceklin bit the bullet and expressed his thoughts.

"At that time, if the enemy's economic attack doesn't materialize, but we cripple ourselves instead, it would be a laughing stock. Lord Green, shouldn't you consider this more carefully?"

"You don't need to persuade me. I've already made up my mind."

Green said firmly:

"The policies I've set are for the overall good. Although there will be some impact on the Academy, with the funds from the past three years' savings plan as a cushion, our Academy can endure it. This wave, no matter how big the storm, I will carry out reforms."

"Ah..."

"Lord Green, wasn't the three-year savings plan supposed to be our last resort against external economic attacks? Using it prematurely now, won't there be any negative consequences?"

"Heh heh, you need to look further ahead."

"Once Plant Heart Academy's current contraction plan is completed, the Academy's risk resistance capabilities will greatly improve. And not all of the savings plan funds will be used up, so there won't be any serious consequences."

"Mentor Bruceklin, when you go back, you need to unify everyone's thinking. Our Plant Heart Academy, right now, is living a bit too comfortably, blinded by these flashy magic stones. If this continues, our Academy is definitely going to stumble badly."

"Understood, Lord Green, I will follow your instructions."

A hint of bitterness appeared on Mentor Bruceklin's aged face.

[Alas, I'll still trust Lord Green. After all, he has never failed economically before, and the previous 10-year economic miracle further proved Lord Green's genius.]

[It must be that we ordinary people cannot understand the world of a genius. Just follow Lord Green's instructions. If there's a big problem, I'll just come to Lord Green immediately, won't I?]

..."Oakes, is there anything else?"

"Yes, Lord Green."

"Our Academy has received 3 invitations, all for you. One is for the 300th birthday of Lord Orleans, the Guardian Wizard of Motlan Grand Kingdom, inviting you to attend his birthday ceremony."

"It is said that Lord Orleans has opened a large market near the capital of Motlan Grand Kingdom. For this birthday banquet, Lord Orleans has also organized a high-end auction, which is rumored to feature major figures of Formal Wizard level. Currently, the Academy has confirmed 13 Formal Wizards will attend."

"The second invitation is from Lord Malthus of Radiant Fire Academy. He invites you to attend his end-of-life ceremony. It is said that Lord Malthus suffered an accident during an experiment, which caused old injuries to flare up, and his lifespan is now short. This invitation also intends to discuss an alliance and diplomatic relationship between our two Academies, to build a closer partnership and friendship, and promote the common development of both Academies."

"The third invitation is from Lady Anna of Wind's Tale Wizard Academy. Lady Anna achieved Formal Wizard status with you in the Ancient Secret Realm. She has invited you to visit Wind's Tale Academy. Lady Anna's intention is to join the Bio-Armor Project, and their Academy's rune knowledge system and Wizard Array knowledge will be open to the Bio-Armor Project."

"All these invitations are for August. According to the itinerary, you can only accept one invitation."

"So, we need to seek your opinion, Lord Green. Which one will you go to next month?"