Ten minutes passed, and finally, some participants started getting the hang of it.
A few girls managed to carefully extract the roots of the medicinal herbs, cautiously transplanting them into the nearby test fields.
Virgil immediately confirmed their identities and awarded them points on the leaderboard.
"Haha! Did you see that? That's my daughter! Go, Miranda!"
"Caroline, be patient. Don't rush. Remember what I taught you at home?"
"You idiot! Didn't I tell you to be gentle?"
Cheers and advice from the onlookers were constant, and Owen glanced at them indifferently but didn't stop them.
Shouting encouragement at this moment was more likely to cause harm than good!
The explosions in the herb field continued, placing enormous psychological pressure on the participants.
With their parents nagging incessantly, it wouldn't take much for someone to make a mistake and ruin all their progress!
"But... it seems like girls are indeed doing better in this task than the boys," Owen observed as he scanned the list.
So far, more than fifty people had successfully transplanted their first herb, and among them, an astonishing forty-one were girls, with only twelve being boys.
However, Owen didn't see this as an issue of fairness.
After all, attention to detail and patience aren't exclusive to female mages.
If someone failed, they should look inward for the reasons, rather than blaming it on gender differences.
As most participants settled into the task, Owen, of course, wouldn't let them pass the challenge so easily. After all, what kind of Owen would he be if he didn't add a twist?
"A friendly reminder, twenty minutes have passed. Only ten minutes remain."
As soon as Owen spoke, the previously calm herb field exploded once again in a flurry of mishaps!
There was nothing they could do—the pressure of the ticking clock was too much to ignore.
In their rush, participants made mistakes, leading to more explosions and forcing them to start over.
"Damn! This has to be on purpose!"
"Hurry up! I found a herb that's easier to transplant! It's the one I'm holding. It doesn't have as many delicate roots—just a few sturdy ones. Look for more like this!"
Hearing this, Owen couldn't help but smile.
Finally, someone had figured it out. He was beginning to worry that his helpful hint might go unnoticed.
To prevent a total wipeout due to the formation's effects, Owen had planted several herbs like iris and Tianling grass, which had less complex root systems and tougher roots, to make things easier.
However, by the time they were discovered, it was likely too late for those still struggling to transplant even a single herb.
They would just have to accept their fate.
"Countdown, ten! Nine!... Three! Two! One! Time's up. Everyone, stop what you're doing. The second round of the test is over."
Owen's countdown felt like the sword of Damocles hanging over each participant's head, forcing them to rush and, in turn, causing yet another round of explosions and electric shocks.
With his goal achieved, Owen stepped back and left the summarizing to Virgil.
"After tallying the results, a total of seventy-seven participants met the passing criteria. Among them, four people managed to transplant more than three herbs. For those who didn't succeed, there's no need to feel disheartened. Master Owen has thoughtfully prepared consolation gifts for everyone—each of you can take home the herbs you attempted to transplant, free of charge. These herbs have been personally enhanced by Master Owen, with their efficacy increased by at least threefold. Think of it as a small token of appreciation.
As for those who passed the test, you can proceed to the location for the third round. Master Owen is already waiting for you there."
With that, Virgil closed his notebook and walked away without any expression.
Seeing this, Fiona nodded in satisfaction.
It seemed that Master Owen's eye for talent was sharp.
The group of students admitted earlier had started to show promise after some time at the academy.
Virgil, in particular, was impressive—capable and reliable, able to handle many of the small tasks that helped ease Fiona's workload.
After the seemingly simple tests, only seventy-some participants remained—compared to the initial nearly four hundred, the pass rate was dismally low.
But this was exactly the outcome Owen had hoped for.
On one hand, with too many students, Owen couldn't teach them all effectively. On the other hand, rarity increases value...
If everyone could join the 5th School, who would be willing to pay a million for a trainee spot?
See? Owen's calculations were all part of the plan—a perfectly closed loop.
"Still, seventy-something is a bit too many. My target is... around a dozen."
If he only accepted a single-digit number of students, the difficulty might discourage many people. But at most, no more than twenty should be admitted.
"It's time to test the combat capability of the Model I Golem made by the Core of Everything."
This golem was designed to assist students in daily combat training, so Owen thoughtfully implemented adjustable difficulty settings, ranging from Iron-tier to Platinum-tier, to cater to most needs.
As for Diamond-tier students, at that level, routine practice drills wouldn't be as effective, so there was no need to invest resources and effort in that area.
Of course, there weren't that many golems.
Owen had only produced ten so far, not enough for everyone to use simultaneously, so they would have to draw lots and form groups.
At this point, it was nearly impossible for Owen to avoid drawing the attention of the other schools at Crossbridge Academy.
Sure enough, before the lot drawing even began, Owen saw Dean Felix and Catalina arriving together, forcing him to set aside his plans for a break and quickly go to greet them.
"Mentor, Felix, what brings you two here?"
"You're making such a ruckus, we got curious about what you're up to and decided to take a look. We're not interrupting anything, are we?"
"Of course not! Felix, it's an honor to have you here."
"Owen, what are you up to...?"
"Mentor, I'm conducting entrance exams."
Owen scratched his head and explained, "As you can see, I've been focused on my research these past few days. But then, so many people came, wanting to send their children to the 5th School. I originally wanted to refuse them all, but given their influence, I had no choice but to make an exception. I hope you understand."
"There's nothing to apologize for. Every school has the right to conduct its own admissions."
"I must say, Owen, you're doing well! I took a quick look, and the people here are all top-notch. Are you really going to turn them away?"
"My capabilities are limited. Rather than teaching a thousand students at fifty percent of my capacity, I'd rather fully commit to teaching a few dozen. Besides, I'm doing this for the sake of the other schools as well."
"Very well said. In just a short while, I've already spotted a few promising candidates. Catalina, I'll leave you to talk with your student. I'm off to see if I can recruit a few of these talents for myself!"
Since the rise of the Flamecourt Kingdom, the Fire School has been in decline.
This opportunity is a rare chance to turn things around, and naturally, Felix is determined not to miss it!
As a friend, Catalina was well aware of the struggles Felix and the Fire School were facing, so she let her go without saying much.
"Owen, you always manage to surprise your mentor. These combat golems—did you create them as well?" Catalina asked.
"Yes, mentor. I value practical experience, but when students spar, there are often issues with holding back for the sake of relationships or other factors. So I designed these golems to allow students to fully express their combat potential.
They're still in the research and development stage, but once I overcome the technical challenges, I should be able to mass-produce them. And of course... it won't be free," Owen explained with a sly grin.
"Owen, we're all part of the same academy. Charging money... isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Catalina raised an eyebrow.
"Mentor, I wish I didn't have to, but research costs, materials, and inscribing magical arrays all require funding. Without money, how can we achieve mass production? You can't expect the horse to run without feeding it..." Owen responded, shrugging.
"Research funding is indeed crucial, but, mentor has heard that you've made quite a bit from tuition fees, haven't you? A million gold coins per person, totaling a whole billion gold coins—Owen, is that true?" Catalina asked pointedly.
At this, the smile on Owen's face froze.
"M-Mentor, how did you find out about that..."
"So it's true then? You really collected a billion gold coins as tuition?" Catalina pressed.
"N-No, not tuition—trainee slots! They wanted to get their children into the 5th School, but right now, the 5th School's facilities can't accommodate so many people.
So, I offered trainee slots. When we admit more students in the future, we'll give preference to those in the trainee program.
Mentor, they brought it up themselves, and they willingly paid... You can't blame me for that, right?" Owen stammered.
Catalina glanced at Owen's anxious expression and suddenly laughed, lightly tapping his forehead with a finger.
"Alright, don't be so nervous. I'm not blaming you. The fact that the 5th School is so popular, with so many influential people eager to join, is entirely your achievement.
I don't need a single coin of that money. However, next year's budget will definitely be reduced.
Also, while you don't have to share your golem technology with the students, you must provide the finished products free of charge.
If you don't, mentor will deduct from your trainee fees. Understood?"
At this point, Owen had no choice but to agree.
"I understand, mentor..." Owen sighed.
"Good, that's my obedient student. Alright, go back to your work. I'll just look around here."
"I'll ask Elaine to accompany you!" Owen replied quickly, before dashing off, leaving the tough task to Elaine. He returned to the training grounds to prepare for the third round of testing.
As the only test focused directly on combat ability, Owen took it quite seriously.
He limited the golems' power to Silver-tier level 5, a mid-level setting that wasn't too easy but also not too difficult.
Initially, Owen considered setting it at Bronze-tier, but he realized that those who had made it this far weren't ordinary.
Bronze-tier would be too simple.
"Is the grouping done?" Owen asked as he approached Virgil.
"Yes, mentor. Here is the list of groups. Please take a look."
"Good work, Virgil. When this is over, I have a reward for you," Owen said, causing a rare flicker of emotion in Virgil's usually stoic expression—his eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"Thank you, mentor! I understand," Virgil responded.
"Take a rest; I'll handle the rest," Owen offered.
"It's alright, mentor. I'd like to see which students become my juniors," Virgil replied.
"Very well, but I'd like to hear your thoughts afterward," Owen agreed, then moved to the front of the group and called out ten names for the first batch.
"Those whose names I called, you may enter the field. I'll briefly explain the rules. If you can hold out against the combat golems for thirty minutes, you'll pass. If you manage to defeat a golem, you'll be rated as 'Excellent.' Depending on your performance, I'll assign different evaluations. That's all for the third test. Let's begin."
As Owen finished speaking, the ten golems activated, their eyes glowing with an eerie red light. Even before the fight began, the atmosphere was oppressive!
To be honest, it wasn't going to be easy.
These golems were designed based on Owen's own abilities!
In other words, anything Owen could do, they could do as well—although limited by their tier, they couldn't unleash their full potential.
However, being proficient in all elements was no small feat!
The battle erupted, and the air filled with the sounds of chanting, as spells of dazzling variety hurtled toward the golems!
"Oh dear, it seems the first move was a mistake," Owen mused.
Rushing in without knowing the golems' capabilities was far from wise.
Unlike these rookies, who needed to chant to cast mid- or high-level spells, the golems didn't need to chant at all!
Their bodies were inscribed with countless magical arrays.
As long as their mana held out, they could cast spells with just a thought!
Sure enough, after the novices made their initial moves, the golems sprang into action.
Some instantly conjured matching elemental shields to block the attacks, others retaliated with magic of their own, while some even used shadow magic to vanish into the darkness.
Their countermeasures were as varied as they were effective!
"What the...! They can do that?" Bob exclaimed in shock as he watched his massive fireball spell get absorbed by a golem, only to be returned to him with even greater power and without the need for chanting!
After a barrage of spells from the ten golems, the battlefield was left in a cloud of dust.
Owen simply waved his hand, and a gentle breeze blew the dust away.
He continued his explanation, "It looks like the first group has been thwarted, which gives me the opportunity to introduce the combat golems properly. These golems are modeled after me. They can use all elemental magic without chanting. As long as they have enough mana, they're the most terrifying fighting machines!
"Of course, I've limited their power to Silver-tier, meaning they'll only use spells up to mid-level. Additionally, each of the ten golems has a different combat style. To win, you'll either need to overwhelm them with sheer power or, more efficiently, find a way to counter their combat style.
"Let me give an example. Suppose the golem you're fighting has a 'brute force' combat style. Going head-to-head with it may not be the best choice. You'll need to think of a way to counter it. I'll leave it to you to figure out the specifics."
Hearing Owen's explanation, the spectators and parents in the audience were suddenly more interested in the golems than in their children's performance.
The idea of a golem that could use all elements, didn't need to chant, and had various combat styles, with the ability to adjust its power level—what kind of genius would come up with something like this? Owen wasn't just a genius; he was a polymath!
"Owen! Can you sell these combat golems? I don't ask for much—just let me buy one from this test after it's over. Name your price!"
"Exactly! How about twenty million? If that's not enough, I can go up to thirty million!"
"Owen, can these be mass-produced? I'm willing to invest ten billion in funding to share this technology with you!"
Hearing the enthusiastic discussions from the crowd, Catalina wasn't surprised.
In fact, after listening to Owen's explanation, even she felt a strong temptation to acquire one of these golems.
However, standing from the academy's perspective, she was concerned about Owen selling these combat golems.
Such a significant technology, if copied—even partially—by others, could easily trigger a war.
Clearly, Owen had the discernment to understand what could and couldn't be done.
He knew very well what was acceptable and what was not.
"I'm sorry, but since the golem technology is still immature, I don't plan to sell them or make the technology public—at least not in the short term. So, I suggest you all refocus on the combat itself. Observe how the participants are responding to the challenges—that's where your attention should be," Owen said, withdrawing his gaze, a sly glint in his eye.
Thirty million! These people really were incredibly wealthy.
Thirty million gold coins for a golem with a maximum strength of a platinum-tier mage? Was their money just blowing in the wind?
No matter how impressive this thing was, at the end of the day, it was just a platinum-tier mage.
Moreover, the internal technology and structure were incredibly complex, not something easily reverse-engineered.
The development cost for one unit was only around two million gold coins, so selling it at ten to fifteen times that amount would be an absolute windfall for Owen!
Of course, selling them was possible, but not just yet.
After all, if he started selling to outsiders before even the Crossbridge Academy had access to them, the ever-so-beautiful Catalina would definitely not be pleased.