Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 37 Judgment and Compensation

Link re-entered the review office.

Sophie Lucia stood obediently and respectfully in front of the wizard Paro's desk, not daring to be presumptuous.

This scene evoked many emotions in Link.

Strength is the foundation of confidence.

To avoid being looked down upon, one must possess exceptional strength.

Link stepped forward and stood in front of the wizard Paro's desk, a step's width apart from Sophie Lucia.

"Link Grand, it has now been determined that your 'paper' does not contain any academic plagiarism or copying. The format is appropriate and the wording is suitable. The review result is that it is approved and will be published this afternoon."

With a serious expression, the wizard Paro read out his judgment on the "paper" collision dispute: "Sophie Lucia, it has now been determined that although your 'paper' was completed independently, it was inspired by Link Grand, and the experiment involved investigating and referencing Link Grand's part-time work logs. The review result is that it is not suitable for public publication."

After reading the verdict, Wizard Paro looked at the two men and asked in a deep voice, "Do either of you have any objections to this verdict?"

"No!"

Link immediately and decisively replied.

A hint of reluctance flashed in Sophie Lucia's eyes. After a slight hesitation, she replied, "I will obey your judgment, Wizard Paro."

"it is good."

Seeing that both of them had accepted his judgment, Wizard Paro nodded slightly and continued to read: "Based on the special circumstances and the economic value of this new method for germinating Silver Star Flowers, it is hereby determined that the rights to this new method for germinating Silver Star Flowers shall be split 70/30, with 70% going to Link Grand and 30% to Sophie Lucia."

After a similar pause, Wizard Paro looked at the two and asked in a deep voice, "Do you two have any objections to this judgment?"

"As you deem it!"

Link replied firmly.

To say that Link truly had no objections would be utterly hypocritical.

After all, it is the crystallization of one's own wisdom and the result of one's hard work. Wouldn't it be a pity to give it away to others for nothing?

But Link knew that circumstances were beyond his control, and faced with the judgment of someone like Paro Wizard, who was stronger in terms of status, power, and strength, he had to obey even if he had objections.

There is no room for negotiation.

So even though Link changed his mind, he didn't hesitate at all.

"As you decree, esteemed Wizard Paro."

Sophie Lucia was overjoyed this time, as she thought she had worked for nothing.

Not only will you not get the "credits", but your investment will also be wasted.

The wizard Paro was very satisfied with their statements.

He really didn't want to waste time on such a trivial matter, which is why he handled it so quickly.

However, if Link Grand is handled this way, he will undoubtedly be at a disadvantage.

Therefore, Wizard Paro continued, "Sophie Lucia, given that your inspiration came from Link Grand and that you referenced Link Grand's work log during the experiment, I personally believe that you should compensate Link Grand with no less than ten standard level one magic stones. Are you willing?"

"willing."

Sophie Lucia hadn't expected this turn of events and was a little too happy too soon.

However, after doing the math, she felt she had still come out ahead, so she didn't dwell on it and readily agreed.

"Thank you, Wizard Paro."

This compensation was a pleasant surprise for Link, somewhat making up for his losses.

The wizard Paro had mastered the art of giving a slap followed by a sweet treat.

This series of actions balanced the interests of both parties and minimized their resentment.

"Okay. The matter of the 'thesis' and compensation is settled then."

Satisfied that his will had been carried out, the wizard Paro moved on to the next task and asked, "What do you two plan to do with this new method for germinating Silver Star Flowers? Link Grand, you go first."

Link immediately replied, "Reporting to Wizard Paro, I originally planned to apply for a patent as soon as the 'paper' was published, and then sell the patent when the time was right."

The wizard Paro remained noncommittal, then turned to Sophie Lucia and asked, "What are your plans, Sophie Lucia?"

Sophie Lucia replied, "In response to Wizard Paro, I had also planned to apply for a 'patent' and then sell it to a trading company I had previously worked with."

"Um."

Wizard Paro nodded, offering no comment on their plans. Instead, he picked up two documents from the table and handed them to the two men, saying, "This is a patent transfer agreement. The academy plans to acquire this new method for germinating Silver Star Flowers. There are three options: outright purchase, revenue sharing, and a combination of both. You two can review the details yourselves."

Link took the agreement and began to read it carefully, word by word.

The agreement is lengthy, comprehensive, and very fair, safeguarding the fundamental interests of patent holders.

If Link agrees to the buyout, he will receive 300 * 0.7 = 210 standard level 1 magic stones in one go;

If Link agrees to the profit-sharing arrangement, he can receive 0.1% of the profits for 10 consecutive years.

如果答应半买断半分成，林克能一次性获得150*0.7=105块标準一级魔石，以及持续5年获得0.1%的收益分成。

The revenue from profit sharing is undoubtedly far higher than that from a buyout.

However, Link chose a buyout and profit-sharing arrangement, sacrificing some long-term gains to meet his immediate need for magic stones.

"Have you thought it through?"

After hearing Link's decision, the wizard Paro kindly offered a reminder.

"I've thought it through!"

Link replied with absolute certainty, then checked the "half buyout, half profit sharing" option on the agreement and signed his name.

Sophie Lucia opted for the most profitable and lucrative revenue-sharing model.

The trading company she mentioned earlier that was preparing to sell the "patent" was a trading company under the Rukia family.

As a key member of the Rukia family, Sophie has no shortage of magic stones for everyday expenses.

Given the potential for longer-term and more substantial returns, she certainly wouldn't be shortsighted enough to choose a buyout.

The patent transfer agreement was made in duplicate. The wizard Paro signed and stamped all four documents and then "scanned" the agreement documents into the office's smart computer for archiving.

Soon, Link felt the vibration of his personal AI.

Upon inspection, it was a notification that 105 standard level 1 magic stones had been deposited into my account.

Once he returns to his dormitory and retrieves the magic stone from the mailbox by the door, he will become a bona fide "mini-millionaire".

"Alright, you can go back now. Sophie Lucia, remember to give Link Grand the magic stones as compensation."

The wizard Paro gave one last reminder, then finished his work and asked them to leave.

"Excuse me, Wizard Paro, goodbye."

Link bowed to Wizard Paro, said goodbye, and left the review office.

Sophie Lucia had originally planned to say goodbye verbally, but seeing Link's gesture, she could only bow in return.

After leaving the office, Sophie glared at Link, took two small boxes from her pocket, tossed them into Link's hand, and walked away with her head held high.

Link tossed the box around, a cold smile playing on his lips.

This feud is now set in stone!

(End of this chapter)