The Cornflower Witch

Chapter 124: Association Contract

The camel set off once more, though this time its destination was the final stop.

About ten days later, Sylutia and her fellow students finally saw sunlight again after a long absence, emerging from the confines of that towering, enclosed high-rise.

The place they disembarked was a hillside, and the roughly three-hundred-meter-tall camel stood at the foot of this mountain.

Then, under the guidance of a group of cavalry wearing dark green robes, the group passed through the road between the hillsides and arrived at the valley below. Here, several hidden lakes were scattered.

The water on the lake's surface was as clear as a mirror, reflecting the mountains and sky in a black-silver hue. At this moment, several crescent-shaped boats were moored by the lakeside.

Not far from the lake, some wizards dressed in black robes, their faces unclear, stood. Their Aspects belonged to one of the three Moon Aspects, with ranks between 2 and 3. There were roughly five Third Tier wizards and seventeen Second Tier wizard apprentices.

"According to the numbers and names I call, you will board the ships in order and head into the lake," a black-robed wizard standing on a rock ledge to the side announced to the students below.

Upon arriving here, Sylutia had to part ways with Florerella because the lake passages they were heading to were different.

Under the tall tree shade by the shore, Sylutia sat on a two-meter-tall black wooden crate waiting. Beneath her black silk skirt, her well-proportioned calves and ankles were clad in stockings, swaying slightly back and forth like a swing.

Other students also waited in the open space by the lake with their respective luggage, some gathering in twos and threes to chat idly."Are we going to the Hidden Grove soon?"

"To think we'd use this method," someone said, looking at the scene on the lake, feeling surprised and unexpected.

On the lake surface, several crescent boats carried students and their luggage to the center of the lake. Then, light glowed from the lake's surface, and the students and luggage on the boats instantly vanished, leaving only the empty crescent boats, which were pulled back by ropes again.

"The shadows beneath the continent and the world on the continent have a wondrous connection, just like the inside and outside of a mirror being symmetrical. Certain abilities of the Moon Aspect can be used to swap them, then arrive in the Shadow World," a knowledgeable student explained.

"The people going to Glitterstone Town have finally all left. It should be our turn now."

"Students heading to 'White Falcon Cliff' begin preparing," the wizard on the cliff announced.

"Alright, let's go, let's go." These students stood up, dragging their luggage, and gradually boarded the boats.

Under the tree shade, Sylutia watched as other students boarded the boats one by one, but her name was never called. This continued until dusk, when the distant sun slowly set, leaving only about ten people remaining.

"Students heading to 'Glittergold Plains' begin preparing." Glittergold Plains was finally called.

Sylutia lightly jumped down from the tall wooden crate. Several boatmen by the lake helped her drag and lift the large wooden crate onto the boat. The final batch of students also gradually gathered.

"Sylutia, First Tier·Verdant Nectar, heading to Glittergold Plains." The black-robed wizard checked her identity against a booklet, nodding slightly at the young girl before letting her pass.

"Cleared, next."

Sylutia gave a simple thanks, then picked up her personal luggage, walked to the boat's side, carefully stepped onto the gunwale, and boarded the slightly swaying crescent boat.

Come to think of it, it seemed she couldn't swim. Sitting in the boat's hull, the silver-haired girl gently dipped her fingers into the water, feeling the cold chill of the flowing water.

After playing with the water for a while, Sylutia sat up properly again. By now, other students were also boarding the boats one after another, with roughly 1-2 people per boat. Sylutia's boat only had herself and the luggage she carried.

Once ready, to Sylutia's surprise, several wizard apprentices by the lakeside also boarded the remaining small boats, following them as they slowly advanced toward the lake's center.

The lake water rippled. The small boat traveled across the evening lake surface as if moving on a black mirror. The mountains, rocks, and trees in her vision gradually disappeared, everything becoming exceptionally empty. Only the vast twilight sky above and the black lake water below remained.

Upon reaching the lake's center, Sylutia leaned against her luggage, feeling slightly nervous. But then she thought, she could probably switch to the 'Alien Star' Aspect, so she shouldn't fear this method of space-traveling. Thus, she gradually calmed down again.

Faint silver light glowed from the lake's surface. In this moment, Sylutia could see her own reflection in the lake water.

Not far away, other students exclaimed in surprise. Then, the surrounding environment grew hazy and blurred.

A few seconds later, everything became clear again. She and the group of students landed on a white stone slab floor, with a clear, azure sky above as well.

A fortress protected by white city walls sat on the golden plains. Outside the high walls, vast stretches of wheat fields were neatly distributed, forming shimmering golden waves when the wind blew.

In the distant view, that fortress had six white stone towers standing tall within. Their spires pointed toward the sky like sharp swords. Above them, incredibly thick, heavy clouds seemed to be expelled by an invisible force field, opening up a massive circular void. Through this enormous opening, sunlight slanted into this world within the shadows.

...

"You must be the new students of this term," a tall, thin young man came before the group. He wore a white hooded robe and held a booklet in his hand.

"I am the senior responsible for guiding you. Now, please follow me to White Tower Fortress." He carried a strong scholarly air and wore glasses. One corner of the frame had a golden chain connected to a pocket on his chest.

Hearing his introduction, everyone curiously stepped forward. He then answered their questions one by one.

"Carriages have been prepared. Coordinate their use based on how much luggage you have. First, move your things to the Hidden Grove Association's warehouse in the city. Later, assignments will be made based on the specific places you need to go."

"Alright, no need to ask me so many questions. Once you go to the Hidden Grove Association, teachers will specifically explain things to you." After speaking, he adjusted his glasses, his gaze sweeping over the group.

When he saw Sylutia, his gaze lingered for a few seconds, probably noticing the badge the young girl wore on her chest.

Half an hour later, the coachmen loaded the luggage, then carried these students toward the fortress. The journey along the hillside road was somewhat bumpy and shaky.

"Why not just build the teleportation spot inside the city? That would save so much trouble," someone couldn't help but ask.

"You didn't study hard, did you? Fortresses are basically creations of the 'Castle' Path. They naturally suppress other Aspects. If moved into the city, it would be hard for them to function effectively."

"Oh, I remember now. That seems to be true."

"Yes, although living in a fortress is inconvenient, it's also very safe," the tall, thin senior spoke again. He was currently 'Second Tier·Castle,' so he seemed quite accustomed to life here.

"If you happen to practice the 'Castle' Aspect, then living in a fortress has even fewer drawbacks."

"That's true for safety, but it's also a bit boring. I still prefer the feeling of freedom in the wild."

Everyone chatted about their respective thoughts. Occasionally during the journey, someone would sneak glances at the young girl sitting in the carriage watching the scenery, who never spoke.

Although many admired the beautiful appearance and aura of this silver-haired girl, after seeing the badge she wore, no one dared to approach and strike up a conversation to disturb her.

Thus, the line of carriages slowly drove into the fortress. Bustle and noise gradually flowed into the air outside the carriage compartment.

The streets here were exceptionally wide. Many strange-looking non-human races walked and moved about, though of course, more were humans. But everyone was clearly more curious about the unfamiliar, unknown things.

Unlike the continent above the clouds, almost all the residents and pedestrians here possessed condensed Aspects. That is to say, 90% of people had at least First Tier proficiency. The remaining ones without condensed Aspects were mostly slaves and laborers in the city.

Along the way, Sylutia saw various demi-humans, including Lizardmen, Elves, half-giants, the Moon Rabbit race, and so on. There were also cavalry guard units training in neat formations within the city, all wearing white armor and capes, with strict discipline.

Although there were many non-human races and people of various appearances and auras, the public order here was exceptionally good. No wonder it was among the top ten populated locations among Hidden Grove outposts.

The carriages arrived at the Hidden Grove Association. Sylutia jumped off the carriage, saw the signboard and tall building ahead, confirmed this was the 'Hidden Grove Association' outpost for reporting, and walked in with the group of students.

Inside the association, people moved about. Many came here to handle affairs. The leading white-robed, bespectacled senior brought the group to a dedicated window on the side and began processing them one by one.

About half an hour later, it was Sylutia's turn.

The young girl sat on the chair before the counter. Her silver, waist-length hair cascaded down, forming a slight crescent-shaped gap at the small of her back. She first handed the letter of recommendation she carried to the clerk, then took out her badge and showed it to the other party.

"I see, Miss Sylutia." Seeing the badge, the other party became slightly more serious and checked the information.

Soon, this young woman with glasses and a low ponytail put the letter down, then took out a booklet from the side and flipped through it.

"There are many jobs suitable for new students here. Considering your background as a gardener, the most suitable should probably be managing crops in the wheat fields outside the city."

"Currently, roughly three areas still need gardeners. The first is close to the fortress, mainly tending to improved wheat to supply high-quality grain. This has very low difficulty. Of course, your subsidy would also be much less. But the benefit is the work is simple, with plenty of free time to stay in the city."

"The second is an area five kilometers from the fortress. There's a relatively mature 'Glittergold Wheat Field' there. The Glittergold Wheat produced, after processing, can refine a small amount of precious glittergold. Going here would offer a much higher subsidy, but tending Glittergold Wheat requires considerable effort, especially for unfamiliar gardeners."

"The third is even farther, a valley plain 20 li outside the city. Since it was just opened up from the Shadow World, not many have gone there yet. Not far nearby, there's a hunter's cabin and a patrol post. They often send people to clear out monsters that appear in the surroundings, so there's a slight degree of danger."

"Then I'll go to the third location," Sylutia quickly made her decision. This wasn't because that area was the largest, but because she preferred that kind of quiet environment where she could freely exert herself.

"That place will be quite far. If you can cultivate a large area of good farmland, the association will give you a certain reward," the other party pushed up her glasses.

"Since you don't regret it, then sign here." As she spoke, she took out a sheet of paper and handed it to the young girl.

The paper stated that the valley plain would be temporarily entrusted to Sylutia for management and care. They would send someone to inspect the situation after half a year. If she could successfully cultivate 100 mu of farmland, she would pass. If she could reach 200 mu, she would receive an excellent evaluation. If she reached 300 mu and handed over 5,000 jin of high-quality wheat, she would receive a perfect evaluation.

The quality of evaluations during these years in the Hidden Grove would affect the difficulty of joining various organizations in the future. Organizations would review students' performance over these years.

"What is high-quality wheat?" Sylutia inquired about the standard.

"Wheat quality is commonly divided into Pass, Good, Excellent, Exceptional, Rare, and Perfect. 'High-quality' generally refers to the Excellent-Exceptional stages."

"The 'high-quality' on the contract means you must hand over at least 5,000 jin of Excellent-quality wheat flour without adulteration," the other party explained in detail and added this line in writing below.

"Let me show you samples." As she spoke, she skillfully opened a drawer and took out different wheat ears and grains.

The wheat at the passing mark was what ordinary shops in Scorchstone City used to sell, mostly grown by farmers themselves.

Good-quality wheat was roughly what nobles in Scorchstone City's castle used for making bread and pastries, mostly produced specifically in noble estates.

Sylutia hadn't seen Excellent-quality wheat before. Now, she dipped a tiny bit with her finger, licked it with her tongue, and carefully tasted it.

Wheat of this grade clearly provided richer nutrition and energy, with better texture as well.

The young girl also tasted Exceptional-quality wheat. If Excellent-quality wheat could provide 130% of the nutrition and energy of ordinary wheat, then Exceptional-grade provided 180%.

As for Rare-quality wheat, she continued tasting it. It provided roughly 300% of the nutrition and energy of ordinary wheat and carried a faint, sweet fragrance. If used to make pastries or bread, it would probably be an exquisite delicacy.

Finally, Perfect-quality wheat. The other party didn't let Sylutia taste it, only letting her touch the wheat ear to look.

"Can't taste it. If everyone came to take a bite every day, the association would lose money," the woman facing her smiled and waved her hands to stop her.

Sylutia looked at the plump, golden wheat ear. Even touching it with her hand, she could feel the faint vitality emanating from within.

Wheat like this was probably military supplies provided to high-ranking knights, specifically for consumption and replenishment before major battles.

"Transporting supplies from the Floating Cloud Continent to the Hidden Grove is extremely costly. Here, even the most ordinary wheat costs 10 copper coins per jin, ten times the price on the surface," the woman at the counter explained to Sylutia.

"Excellent wheat is roughly 1 silver coin per jin. Exceptional-quality wheat is 3 silver coins per jin. Rare-quality wheat is 10 silver coins per jin. As for Perfect-grade wheat, it's about 1 gold coin per jin." She quoted the price list.

"Of course, these are retail market prices. You are currently an association member, so the purchase price will be 20% lower than the market price. The benefit is you don't need to worry about selling. Also, during the busy farming season, the association can send people to help you harvest, bundle, and process it."

"This is already very fair. As for the purchase price for external personnel, it's roughly 40% lower than the market price. After all, the association also needs to make a profit."

Regarding this, Sylutia didn't object. If she insisted on taking all the profit, she would probably have to face many trivial matters, like threshing, transporting to the city for sale, tax issues, business negotiations, after-sales matters, etc.

With that time and energy, it was better to focus on things she liked and was good at.

Division of labor and cooperation was indeed a major advancement of civilization, allowing people to focus more on one thing without interruption.

Having decided, Sylutia signed her name on the contract. Her subsequent farming life would also gradually begin.

Golden Perfect wheat? I wonder if I can cultivate it.