Awarding Ceremony ( Part 2 )

Wallace noticed Hayden Fraser, the Enneadic Magician who made the opening speech for the competition proper. He is currently seated near the small stage made for this awarding ceremony.  

He doesn't seem to be involved in this ceremony and will just observe. Wallace saw that he was together with three individuals. A bald and stout middle-aged man, a good looking gentleman in his thirties and a young lady about 13 or 14 years old. The four of them occupied a seat as the three gentlemen chatted regarding some topics. He couldn't hear their conversation and wasn't interested in it anyway. Wallace also noticed that the young lady seems to be looking for someone as she always pops her head and glance at some group of students that were gathered together. 

Wallace shook his head and stopped minding about it. It was almost 7 PM and the students were getting impatient to see the final results of the competition. Although they know the winners of each year, they are still curious about the awards they will receive and eager to learn who will be qualified for the joint country competition. 

Apparently, in that said competition, only 6 combat magicians and 3 mana technicians from the 12 Magic Academies will be selected. The others can only envy those who will be selected. 

After some time, they saw a young man walking to the stage.

"Good evening to everyone! It is a big pleasure to share this night with all of you here. The Twelve Magic Academies Competition is a traditional event that takes place annually in our country. Thanks to the benevolent support from the Ministry of Magic Education, the awards over the last 17 years are found widely recognized and warmly saluted by winners. Again in this year, the Awards are separated into two categories, distinguishing combat magicians that have not only achieved academic recognition but also proved their potential as future Battle Mages. There are also Mana Technicians who had proven themselves and created competitive Mana Artifacts for magician's use."

The young man said his introduction. Everyone was already familiar with the person as he was giving comments in every post-fight analysis during the competition. The man is one of the youngest Battle Mage of the country that was fully sponsored by the Ministry when he was still studying, Clarence. His appearance did not surprise anyone as they are already used to him this time. Although he is a celebrity Magician, as they were always seeing him analyze every battle, they felt that they've gotten closer to him especially whenever he points out their mistakes and suggested a way to improve them. Clarence continued his speech.

"We have given equal opportunities to all the students so that they realize their true potential and get ready to face the outer world once they complete their academic studies. And I am much pleased to see our young students performing and excelling in their respective areas of interests."

"Also, I would like to address those students who have not won any prize and say that do not lose hope as this is not the end of everything and there will be many more opportunities coming your way to prove your mettle. The Twelve Magic Academies Competitions are just a beginning. I have a very inspiring line for all of you said by Aeolia Schien, the founder of the 4th and 5th Generation Mana Artifacts, the National Hero of our country who contributed all his wisdom for the sake of our future: "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Some people may have dreamed of accomplishing great things but others stay awake and make it happen."

"In the end, I would like to use this wonderful opportunity to thank Sir Hayden Fraser, Sir Mace Reyes and the board members for taking this competition to new heights and creating a distinct path for the students to follow. I would also like to extend special thanks to all the people who watched the whole event for joining us and making this occasion a huge success. Thank you!"

Everyone applauded after Clarence's short speech to start the ceremony including the instructors, students, and organizers within the hall.

Soon, the winners of each year were called to receive their prizes of winning. 

In the first year's division, the reward is as follows:

1st Place - Leonhearts Academy: A trophy and Gold medals together with 10 Grade A Mana Artifacts and 6 blueprints of different Grade 2 Magic Structures. 

2nd Place - Mystic Gate Academy: Silver medals together with 5 Grade A Mana Artifacts and 3 blueprints of different Grade 2 Magic Structures

3rd Place - Skywalker Academy: Bronze Medals together with 5 Grade B Mana Artifacts and 3 blueprints of different Grade 1 Magic Structures.

The second year's division:

1st Place - Leonhearts Academy: A trophy and Gold medals together with 10 Peak Grade A Mana Artifacts and 6 blueprints of different Peak Grade 2 Magic Structures

2nd Place - Mystic Gate Academy: Silver medals together with 5 Peak Grade A Mana Artifacts and 3 blueprints of Peak Grade 2 Magic Structures

3rd Place - Skywalker Academy: Bronze medals together with 5 Grade A Mana Artifacts and 3 Blueprints of Grade 2 Magic structures.

The third year's division:

1st Place - Skywalker Academy: A trophy and Gold medals together with 10 Peak Grade A Mana Artifacts, 6 blueprints of different Peak Grade 2 Magic Structures and 8 One-Day Pass in Revitalization Mana Spring

2nd Place - Isolde Academy : Silver medals together with 5 Peak Grade A Mana Artifacts, 3 blueprints of different Peak Grade 2 Magic Structures and 8 Six-hour Pass in Revitalization Mana Spring

3rd Place - Stoneheimer Academy : Bronze medals together with 5 Peak Grade A Mana Artifacts and Peak Grade 2 Magic Structures

This announcement made the crowd stunned before buzzing whispers could be heard within the hall.

They didn't have time to be surprised about the generous rewards in the 1st and 2nd year's division due to the Revitalization Mana Spring Pass they heard.

"Did we hear correctly?" A student asked their instructor if they couldn't believe that such a luxury will be given as a reward. The instructor from Mystic Gate nodded gravely. The importance of this pass could not be said in a few words as the spring is something that is heavily guarded by the government. It is not normally being given as a reward and only accomplished magicians have the opportunity to visit the spring.

"To think that the Ministry will give such an opportunity to these students." The instructor could only sigh in disappointment as they missed the opportunity to receive even a six-hour pass in the spring.

Wallace only have superficial knowledge about the spring and looking at Ross and Tracy's reaction, it seems that they know a lot more about this mysterious spring guarded by the government. As much as he would like to ask more about this, the ceremony continued as each group of students received their award. 

Now, the master of ceremony is about to announce the participants of the joint country competition.