This time, the review period by the Arcane Master Association took a bit longer, and it wasn't until five days later that Duke was informed of the results.

His revision plan for the Sun Resilience Potion received high praise, earning him a full fifty Arcane Master points.

The fact that a Level 1 Potion revision plan earned fifty Arcane points speaks volumes about the value of this improvement plan.

Duke's Arcane points have accumulated to eighty-one points, not far from the hundred Arcane points mark.

In fact, his speed is considered quite fast, as most Level 1 Arcanists take many years to reach this step.

Duke also knows well that out of the three research results he submitted, only the Water Shield Technique wouldn't take much time, while the Magic Potion research results require a lot of time and effort.

When he held the document provided by the Arcane Master Association, even Harrison was somewhat shocked, realizing that he had underestimated the research capability of this young man before him.

Harrison clearly understands what fifty Arcane Master points mean, and after learning about this, he directly discussed it with the senior management of the Giant Rock Commerce Association for quite some time.

They are no longer just focused on this particular revision plan for the Sun Resilience Potion but have set their sights on Duke himself.

They need to consider how to retain Duke, as such talent will surely become a major asset for the Commerce Association in the future.

…

In a high-end restaurant in Harbor City, Harrison booked a private room to meet with Duke.

This time, he wasn't alone; Eugene, the chief of the Harbor City branch of the Giant Rock Commerce Association, also joined him.

Eugene was an elderly man dressed in a deep blue velvet robe, with a serious demeanor and penetrating gaze, considered an important figure within the Giant Rock Commerce Association.

After Harrison made introductions, Eugene went straight to the point: "Mr. Duke, the Commerce Association's upper management places great importance on the talent you've displayed. We believe your future achievements will not be confined to just being a Level 1 Arcanist. Therefore, the Commerce Association hopes to establish a more in-depth and stable long-term cooperative relationship with you."

He paused, then presented the Giant Rock Commerce Association's sincerity: "We are willing to offer you a long-term exclusive cooperation agreement. The Commerce Association will provide you with top-level resource support: including a private laboratory equipped with the highest quality experimental equipment located in the core area of the Flower Sea Plane, and a fixed annual salary far exceeding your current income; the specific figures can be discussed further."

"All the knowledge bases and rare materials within the Commerce Association that you are authorized to access will be available to you with priority. Meanwhile, the revenue share for all your research results sold through the Commerce Association channels will be raised to an unprecedented level."

"Hereafter, any research resources related to Magic Potion, our Giant Rock Commerce Association can provide to you for free. The only requirement is that your future research results need to be collaborated on with our Giant Rock Commerce Association."

This is almost the highest level of treatment the Giant Rock Commerce Association can offer to a non-core direct-line Wizard, providing nearly all research resources needed for Magic Potion studies, with the aim of binding Duke firmly to the Commerce Association's endeavors.

Harrison looked at Duke, waiting for his response.

He believed that faced with such an enticing offer, it would be hard for any Level 1 Mage to refuse.

However, Duke's expression remained calm and composed.

He picked up the teacup, took a gentle sip, and then slowly began to speak, his voice clear and composed: "The conditions offered by your Commerce Association are indeed very sincere. However, regarding the exclusive agreement, I must decline."

Duke put down the teacup and looked directly at Eugene: "What I pursue is truth, the boundary of knowledge. Binding myself within the exclusive framework of one association is not my intention. It would restrict my opportunities for free exchange and cooperation with other entities, other Commerce Associations, which runs counter to my path of exploring the truth."

"Of course," Duke shifted the conversation, with a more pragmatic tone, "I understand the Commerce Association's concerns and expectations. I also deeply value the good cooperative relationship currently established with the Giant Rock Commerce Association. Therefore, I propose an alternative solution."

"Firstly, I can continue to grant the exclusive sales rights for the improved version of the Sun Resilience Potion to the Giant Rock Commerce Association, with specific durations and revenue shares to be discussed. Secondly, I am willing to sign a priority cooperation agreement with the Giant Rock Commerce Association. In the future, for all the research results I wish to commercialize, the Giant Rock Commerce Association will have the first priority negotiation right and first option to purchase. Under the same conditions, I will prioritize choosing to work with your Commerce Association."

Duke's thoughts were very clear, rejecting complete binding while retaining the maximum degree of freedom and choice, yet granting the Giant Rock Commerce Association the most crucial commercial priority rights.

He didn't need a fixed annual salary, even if it were tempting, he paid it no heed.

Compared to the immediate benefits, Duke cared more about long-term freedom of choice rather than being entirely bound to the Giant Rock Commerce Association.

Eugene gave Duke a serious look, thought for a moment then said: "Alright, the Commerce Association will still grant you maximum access permissions. If you need any resources, you can directly contact Harrison, and they will be sold to you at the lowest price."

His meaning was also simple: if the exclusive long-term cooperation agreement was signed, these needed resources would be free.

But since Duke was unwilling to sign, the maximum access remained open, but these resources would require Duke to spend his own money to purchase.

The parties discussed further at length and finally signed a priority cooperation agreement, preserving Duke's freedom of choice to the greatest extent.

Duke then asked: "What's the situation with the Flower Sea Plane you just mentioned? I'd like to know more."

Harrison volunteered: "The Flower Sea Plane is a Low Plane, inhabited by plant-based intelligent life forms that are not very aggressive. The Silver Hand easily took over this plane, and due to the pleasant climate, it has been developed into a recreational plane..."

The Flower Sea Plane's inhabitants are plant life forms, and the climate is very suitable for their living and growth, also being very habitable for humans.

In addition, the entire place is a world of plants, with good air quality and beautiful scenery.

Since the Silver Hand took over this plane, they have largely preserved the plane's original appearance and developed it into a tourism-focused plane.

Many Wizards choose to buy a property there as a place for leisure living.

The laboratory mentioned by the Giant Rock Commerce Association is located in the Flower Sea Plane, and currently, the real estate prices there are not affordable.

Duke originally planned to purchase a new residence in the Other Plane to make his comings and goings in other planes more discreet.

Eugene, after a moment of thought, said: "Mr. Duke, if you are interested, I can take the liberty to sell that laboratory to you at a low price and deduct the cost from future revenue shares."

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