Awarding Ceremony ( Part 1 )

Vera and her team did their best to gain better results this year but fall short in terms of their explosive power.

Their team was very stable, coordinated and have always made the right decision during their battles. Unfortunately, even with a good strategy, they were still unable to suppress the overwhelming power of the 5 magicians that Wallace took notice of.

"If their mana artifact had been changed or made a further adjustment, they might have a chance."

Wallace muttered to himself upon seeing the final results of the third year's division. He wasn't belittling Eric's team in their artifact forging ability, as a matter of fact, their ability even surpassed those in Skywalker. They created above standard mana artifact that even provides peak Grade 2 magic spells for them to use but their opponent is just that strong.

There is nothing that he could do about it as well.

After all, he is not in a position to command or give advice to his seniors during their month of preparation and while Wallace could think of a possible improvement to help his seniors in their artifact forging, he hadn't had a chance to do so. He doesn't want to be stubborn at this since he was also curious about his senior's ability. He would like to see their capability as a 3rd-year mana technician as well.

After the matches, Wallace hadn't been too surprised with the results in the third year's division. It was a bit expected for him when he saw their 3rd to 4th matches in other academies. During these matches, Wallace saw their potential, strengths, and abilities which allowed him to somehow predict the result of the competition.

"I'm thinking that this Avery from Isolde is an Instructor in their Academy." Gilbert smiled helplessly and said as after he watched all her battles, it was like she was playing with kids. No one has defeated her in a one-on-one fight. She only lost against the duo Vanessa and Aria from Skywalker. The duo was like her and on the same Instructor level and had been undefeated when they partnered together. 

Avery had even defeated the strong Hector Newman from Stoneheimer Academy. 

Wallace heard Gilbert but didn't deny his claims. Although Avery and others aren't an Instructor in their academy, they were still reaching that level making other academies look very weak. 

"Our seniors just had bad luck being with the same year with these prodigies." Tracy said in conclusion. She was also looking at the result of the competition and saw the difference in their level. The battle of these 3rd years can't be compared to the 1st and 2nd year's division.

Third Year's Division Battle Results

Skywalker: 11 wins

Isolde: 10 wins

Stoneheimer: 9 wins

Odrexelt: 8 wins

Leonhearts: 7 wins

Eternal Fey: 6 wins

Phoenix: 5 wins

Sacred Peak: 5 wins

Mystic Gate: 4 wins

Neon: 4 wins

Abuxorth: 1 win

Honeysuckle: 1 win

Leonhearts Academy was no longer placed at the top and was replaced by Skywalker Academy who took the undefeated win streak. At the very least, they had performed their best and still took the 5th place. 

Eternal Fey Academy also garnered some attention since they had successfully removed themselves in the bottom ranking. It must be remembered that during the 1st and 2nd-year division battles, they took 12th place on both occasions. But now, they were placed just behind Leonhearts Academy. It was already enough for them to not be too dejected once they returned to their city.

"Everyone, the awarding ceremony will begin at 7 PM. Be sure to arrive early." Instructor Jake informed the participants. Everyone acknowledged it and proceeded to busy themselves as there still about 2 hours before the start. During this time, the non-participant students were also preparing to head back to their city. They aren't invited to this closing and awarding ceremony. 

"Goodluck Wallace! You'll be selected for the international competition." Ericka waved goodbye to Wallace. She was together with her group, Gilbert and Kazimir in a car owned by Kazimir's family. The latter also congratulated Wallace and asked for him to treat them a meal back at the academy. 

"That won't be a problem. As long as I'm chosen for the joint country competition." Wallace chuckled and agreed to their request. As long as he was selected, he'll have a chance to look for his spaceship and his 'body.' He couldn't wait to see if it's still existing and if his bio-armors, space gun, and other equipment were still there. Especially the ship's A.I. Avalon has a lot of information stored that he can take advantage of.

He was getting worried the longer it takes to visit the island nation of Montego.

Although he stealthily landed in a very hidden location, his body that died in front of the spaceship may cause attention. Of course, it's on the premise that his body is out there, cold and lifeless.

Recently, he had made a wild guess that the Wallace of this Earth and the other Wallace from the outer space is the same but since he arrived here in the planet, the world did not allow two Wallace to exist resulting to his death and reincarnating or merging with the other Wallace here. The Pathfinder was also a mystery that probably came from the ancient relic he had with him in his spaceship.

Wallace took a deep breath and gathered his mind. In the history of Leonhearts Academy, no one was selected as a participant for Artifact Forging at the international level. 

At this level, there will only be three selected Mana Technicians that will represent the country. The judges from the Ministry of Magic Education will select them from 1st to 3rd-year students. Being a 3rd year won't give you a higher chance of being selected. It all depends on the results they made during the Artifact Forging segment. There was even a time that all 3 Mana Technicians came from 1st-year students from three different academies. 

Wallace went to his assigned room in the hotel to take a bath and planned to nap for a bit before attending the ceremony. He had a lack of sleep during the competition and now that it's over, he'd like to relax a bit.

Before all his plan will come into fruition, the Ministry will later reward all top 3 Mana Technicians each year. As Wallace understood, if he got 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in second year's Artifact Forging, he'll get the rewards from the Pathfinder. He was also looking forward to this. Hopefully, the Ministry will not disappoint his expectations.