Forging (Part 3)

The mana stabilization array and mana gathering formation placed in the 3 artifact forging box was in courtesy of both Ross and Tracy.

Wallace had arranged the 60 genuine materials they acquired from the shelves. The 15 metal ores they took has some impurities but can easily be removed using auxiliary magic array to be placed in the Artifact Forging Box.

As the audience watched the live feed and noticed that all the materials taken by Leonhearts Academy seems to be all genuine, they were surprised and waited for the announcers to report the status of selection.

"We received a report and confirmed from the automatons that all the materials taken by the students from Leonhearts is genuine!"

Felicia announced the news excitedly after she received the report from the organizers.

"This is the first time that a team was able to pull that off. I wonder if there would be a similar occasion in the third year's match."

The other male announcer beside Felicia commented.

They also look at the other academies, especially Mystic Gate and Skywalker Academy which is noted to be amongst the best contender. He continued his comment as he watched the live feed.

"Looking at the Mystic Gate's team. Although the genuine materials they were able to get were only 37. It seems it was enough for them as they coolly started their forge."

"That's right. After all, it's not a competition of how many genuine materials you can take, but it is all about the mana artifact you can make."

It was Felicia who commented which received a nod of approval from the audiences. She then voiced some more of the things she noticed.

"I noticed that the Skywalker, Isolde and Phoenix Academy of Magic did not even fill up all the 20 allotted materials that each student could take."

"That's right, I noticed that as well. It seems that they are confident in the materials they selected and perceived that the materials they acquired is more than enough."

"I agree with that, these 2nd-year students or participants in this competition are no joke. They all have outstanding skills that couldn't be ignored compared to the first years that made a lot of error in their selection."

Felicia nodded and agreed on the announcer beside her and even asked him about his opinion after.

"Dervi, as a previous participant of this Twelve Magic Academies Competition, how will you compare it to this year's students? Was it about 30 years ago?"

"Hey! I'm not that old. It was only 8 years ago. Haha! But the rules are completely different. During that time, we were given abundant materials and the only task is to create the best mana artifact out of it. You also wouldn't have to worry about its practicality in battle as long as it's powerful."

Dervi commented as he recalled his experience during his school days. Felicia nodded again as she agreed on it.

"This time, not only you will have to worry about the materials you acquired but has to consider the 2nd year counterpart who will be using your creations."

***

On the audience area in the Zairus IV Arena.

"Kazimir, how do you think Wallace accomplished it?"

Ericka asked this question to her classmate as there's no one else to ask since her other genius classmate like the Cummings twins and Mark Halevey is nowhere to be found. Only Kazimir who could somehow perform at almost the same level were present so she asked the question that has been bothering her including Gilbert beside.

She was referring to how Wallace just pointed his fingers and all resulted to be genuine. It was quite a feat that needs to be analyzed.

Unfortunately, Kazimir could only shake his head as he was confused as to how Wallace did it as well.

"I'm sorry. I'm similarly surprised about it."

Ericka and Gilbert sighed as they could only wait now after the competition was finished and ask the culprit.

***

"Wallace, are you sure about this?"

"To just suddenly change the plan, it's not like you."

It was first Tracy followed by Ross as they got confused about what has Wallace just told them.

"I'm certain of this, this will be the trump card they can use in case something goes south."

The reason for all of this is because Wallace took a genuine material that could be used for a certain magic skill.

It is a genuine ancient abyssal glass!

This was the same materials that the first years had seen but this time, the material is larger. It was about the size of an adult's fist.

"Can you make its magic structure in time?"

Tracy was still worried because even she would require quite some time to create that highly complex magic structure.

Ross clenched his fist as he wasn't even sure if he could make its magic structure, but Tracy could accomplish it as long as she was given some time and Wallace seems to be confident as well on doing it.

He did not comment anymore and continued in creating the mana artifact assigned to him. His thoughts were that as long as he created and did not make a mistake in his part, it would be enough. All the materials he requires were all present and it will be easy for him to create the planned mana artifacts.

"Yes, trust me Tracy, Ross. The other academy's team seems to be very confident about their planned mana artifact. Everyone is, including us. But I felt that it would still be dangerous especially just how confident those in Mystic Gate."

Wallace looks at the direction of Mystic Gate's team who were quickly making arrangements on their artifact forging that is about to start.

"We can't waste any more time. So, if you are confident then just do it. Just make sure that you will still create the other planned mana artifacts."

Tracy assented after noticing how firm Wallace looked.

"Of course, I will do so."

Wallace was certain that he could create a surprise because of this material that has been included in the selections. He noticed that there are 12 of these materials from the 10,000 available options but only took one as it's more than enough.

Since the suitable magic structure for this would consume some time even for Wallace, he decided that he'll make this last.