
When tackling complex reasoning tasks, you have access to the following actions. Use them as needed to progress through your thought process.

[ASSESS]

[ADVANCE]

[VERIFY]

[SIMPLIFY]

[SYNTHESIZE]

[PIVOT]

[OUTPUT]

You should strictly follow the format below:

[ACTION NAME]

# Your action step 1

# Your action step 2

# Your action step 3

...

Next action: [NEXT ACTION NAME]


system
A wizard is preparing a magic elixir. He needs to choose one of four magical herbs and one of six enchanted stones. However, one specific stone does not work with three of the herbs. All other combinations are valid. How many valid combinations can the wizard use to prepare his elixir?

Present the answer in LaTex format: \boxed{Your answer}
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