69: The choice of pharmaceutical path (II)

Mentor Bridger paused.

He continued, "The second path is a new Apothecary researcher."

"This path is also good, following some big shots in the exploration and development of entirely new potions."

"Many people are taking this path, but most of them do so after becoming 4-Star Apprentice Alchemists."

"For you 3-Star Apprentice Alchemists just starting this path, it will be quite challenging."

"Developing new potions requires sufficient knowledge and experience; otherwise, it's impossible."

"Moreover, from development to patent certification and then to mass production, a new potion is an extremely long process, at least twenty or thirty years of effort."

"During this period, you must be able to endure a long, quiet period."

"In the early stages, the salary and benefits offered by the laboratory are quite generous, enough for your daily cultivation needs."

"In the later stages, once the new potion you participated in developing yields results, the laboratory will give you a certain patent share based on your contribution and merit."

"This is a long-term income; as long as you are still here and the new potion is still being produced, you will always have a stable income."

"This path is easy in a way, as long as you are willing to settle down and do research."

"It's not uncommon for people to achieve results; many big shots are involved in new potion development, like Mentor Serena and your teacher, me; we all have such tasks."

...Hearing about this so-called new Apothecary researcher, Gelin knew: this path was also not suitable for him.

Isn't this just an otherworldly version of a scientific researcher?

Although they are indeed very powerful, some of the amazing ones are truly amazing.

But to settle down for decades, endure decades of quiet work, just to achieve some pioneering accomplishments...

Gelin couldn't sit still for that.

Gelin couldn't give up his delicious food, and Gelin still wanted to travel more, to see the different landscapes of the Wizard World.

Gelin glanced at Westley.

He thought to himself:

"He is very suitable for this path."

Westley had been living in the laboratory every day for years; Gelin couldn't help but admire him, thinking he was a determined person.

If Westley chose this path, it would certainly be a perfect match.

Mentor Bridger also frequently looked at Westley, clearly he also favored Westley, believing him to be good material for research.

As for Gelin... "Don't be ridiculous, with Gelin's flattery and glib tongue, he'd be better off as a merchant." Mentor Bridger thought to himself.

Although Mentor Bridger and Gelin kept looking at Westley, Westley showed no reaction, still sitting there quietly, maintaining an attentive listening posture... Mentor Bridger saw that Westley showed no sign of being moved.

He also sighed inwardly, having missed another good candidate for research.

Mentor Bridger finished the remaining sweet tea in his cup, and was about to refill it.

Gelin was quick to seize the opportunity, immediately and diligently refilling Mentor Bridger's cup about eight-tenths full.

"Mentor, what about the third path?"

Mentor Bridger didn't respond immediately, instead taking several sips of tea before slowly saying:

"Don't rush, the third path will be very suitable for you, Gelin."

"The third path is to join the Bio-Armor Project and become their invited or exclusive Apothecary."

"Bio-Armor Project?"

This name, it sounds so impressive!

Gelin was impressed without understanding, just by hearing the name, he knew this project was not simple, and couldn't help but exclaim...

"Exactly, in the past, your level was too low, and it was also relatively far from you."

"So, you didn't know."

Mentor Bridger said indifferently.

"Let me briefly explain this so-called Bio-Armor Project to you."

"This Bio-Armor Project is a super-large project that our Plant Heart Wizard Academy has been fully promoting for the past thirty years."

"The overall goal is to develop a protective Bio-armor that apprentices can wear, possessing the ability to resist Wizardry below 100 Intensity."

"Because this Bio-armor is refined using Demonized Plants as the main body, this project involves a considerable number of departments and people, including Magical Plant Cultivators, Apprentice Alchemists, Magical Item Makers, and Wizard Array Masters."

"Therefore, this path is very suitable for you, Gelin."

"I am also participating in this project."

"I also heard that Mentor Serena and Mentor Jordan are preparing a customized Bio-armor for you."

"If you join, you can get familiar with this Bio-armor and also act as a Bio-armor test subject."

"Two salaries for one person, isn't that tempting?"

At this point, Mentor Bridger's face suddenly showed a smile of unknown meaning, making Gelin feel uneasy...

"This sounds like a good thing."

"But why is Mentor Bridger's smile so strange?"

Gelin shook his head, clearing out the jumbled thoughts.

At the same time, he asked the doubt in his heart:

"Mentor, what can we Apothecaries do if we go to participate in the project?"

"Our task as Apothecaries is very easy; it's mainly to help them refine two intermediate potions:

Plant Activity Solidification Potion and Plant Activity Activation Potion."

"It's very easy; you just need to hand in the potions on time and in the required quantity. If you want to earn more magic stones, you can also actively take on more work; the more you work, the more you earn."

..."Uh..."

"Mentor Bridger..."

Gelin asked somewhat timidly:

"What is a Bio-armor test subject, as you mentioned? I don't quite understand. Is it very dangerous?"

"Ha ha ha..."

"Gelin, this is a good thing."

"You don't have to be so scared."

"This Bio-Armor Project has many Bio-armor test subjects, not just you. Even your Mentor Jordan is a Bio-armor test subject in it, so don't worry that we will devour you."

Mentor Bridger said with a wry smile.

But he thought to himself:

Gelin is too timid, I really don't know how he became a Grand Knight. Could it be that Mentor Jordan's special training is so effective? Hmm, when my son reaches the age, I'll let him try it too...

"Oh, so that's how it is."

Upon hearing this, Gelin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It's good if there's no danger. If there's no danger and he can earn two salaries, this job is doable.

"Mentor, I think I am most suitable for the third path, to join the Bio-Armor Project as their invited Apothecary."

"I'll choose this path; no need to consider it any further."

Gelin said firmly.

"Are you really not going to consider it again? Aren't you afraid I'll sell you out?"

Mentor Bridger still had the mind to joke.

"No..."

"Mentor Bridger, you are so good to us, why would you think of selling me?"

"With only five hundred pounds of meat, and most of it fat, even if you weigh it by the pound, it wouldn't fetch a good price."

Gelin had chosen his path, the one most suitable for him, a path with great financial prospects, and he was overjoyed, so he started to play around with Mentor Bridger...

"You, oh, you..."

"Alright, Gelin, I'll fill in your path for you: join the Bio-Armor Project."

Mentor Bridger paused for a moment, then said:

"Westley, you don't have to be influenced by Gelin."

"Go back and think carefully, then submit your choice to me in three days."

"I'll remind you one last time: behind every gift of fate, there is a price."

"I hope you can make a rational choice and not let the fantasies and unwillingness in your mind break through your reason."

"People, ah, always have to learn to face reality."

"Westley..."

"Prejudice in a person's heart is a great mountain, often insurmountable."

"However, the great mountain within your own heart still has the possibility of being overcome."

"I hope you can figure it out..."

"Alright, that's all for today. You all go about your own business..."