Combat Magicians (Part 1)

Zairus IV Arena.

This arena which has 10,000 seating capacity was known for its magic reinforced structure as this place is mostly being used for events like competitions or battles between magicians.

Yesterday, during the artifact forging segment, it was barely filled with audiences. But during this time, the 2nd day of TMAC, a round-robin battle between the magicians of each academy is about to take place so as expected, the seats were filled to the brim and some of them weren't even able to get in. Fortunately, the battle could still be watched in the live stream.

"Ericka, what's the scheduled match today? There is quite a crowd here."

"It will be a battle for the first years this time. It seems that 2nd years would still start tomorrow."

It was Gilbert who asked Ericka the question as they were currently seated on the audience area designated for their academy.

"Well, do you know anyone from the first years? We could've watched it on the live stream anyway."

"We just need to show our support here, alright? Who knows, we may get some inspiration on the mana artifact they will be presenting here."

Ericka finally said to convince Gilbert to stay and watch the match in the arena. As students on the Artifact Forging course, they care more about the mana artifact that will be used rather than the battle itself.

Kazimir beside the two took out his mobile device and searched for the scheduled match this morning. They all went here together with other students of Leonhearts to go with the flow but also to show support to the participating students from their academy.

"Hmm... This is today's match. This will be the same arrangements with 2nd-year and 3rd-year competition."

Skywalker vs Eternal Fey

Mystic Gate vs Stoneheimer

Leonhearts vs Honeysuckle

Isolde vs Abuxorth

Odrexelt vs Phoenix

Neon vs Sacred Peak

The match only has few rules. First, the combatant must use the mana artifact created by their mana technicians. Any usage of other mana artifacts would result in a disqualification for the whole competition.

Second, once the mana shell of the combat magician has been destroyed, it will be considered a loss.

The match will start with a battle between the team's 1st fighter. The second would be a battle of pair, the 2nd and 3rd fighters would team up for the match.

The third battle would be a single match with the 4th fighter.

The fourth would be a battle of pair again, the 5th fighter together with any capable fighter.

The fifth or last match would be another battle by a single fighter.

The team only needs to acquire 3 victories on the match to win the battle.

"Hey, Wallace. I thought you weren't coming here."

Gilbert noticed Wallace who approached them from the side. He seated beside Kazimir as he glanced on the mobile device showing today's schedule.

"Well, I have nothing to do at the moment so we can just watch the match together."

"Where is Tracy and Ross? Why they aren't with you?"

"Not sure, I think they're with the instructors."

Wallace answered Ericka since he noticed the pair before going here that they went to talk with Instructor Eve with something. He didn't think too much about it.

"Hey, do you think our first year will get a good score?"

Ericka casually asked Wallace not to bother to stay on that topic. The competition would still start within 10 minutes so they were just passing time.

"Mhm. I think that our first years have a good chance."

'But our seniors would most likely have a terrible performance this year.'

Wallace only said the last part in his mind. During the opening ceremony, it must be remembered that 7 students were able to somehow feel his Divine Sense. All six were senior students from other academies. Only the seventh student who felt his skill was the first year. Base on this result, the seniors in his academy may have trouble with the competition.

'Oh, there is still Vera. She may come up with something that could help them win. Anyway, I'm not sure of the third year's strategy on this.'

Wallace remembered Vera's mana fluctuation. Although she does not possess overwhelming mana, her strong and stable mana fluctuation gave him a feeling of indestructible power.

He must admit that Vera, even without mana artifact may be able to give a fight with those who possess mana artifact.

"I can see two stages in the arena. So it seems that this will be quick."

Wallace checked out the arena and saw two separate mana reinforced stages on the left and right side of the arena.

Each battle will not last more than 10 minutes, most of them may even only last 5 minutes, especially now, the combat magicians will be using the hastily made mana artifact of their fellow first-year student.

"It will be quick indeed. But even if the mana shell of these students were weak, as long as they were able to utilize their mana artifacts. They should be able to last long."

As they chatted more, the time passed and the start of the first match came.

"I know everyone was excited about today's battle! We are not going to make you wait any longer! The battle between 4 teams, Skywalker Vs Eternal Fey and Mystic Gate Vs Stoneheimer will start now!"

Felicia, the cute announcer started doing her job as she announced the presence of each team.

There were a total of 24 people in the stage, the 20 are the 1st year combat magicians and 4 referees for the match.

The four referees were an expert combat magicians and highly trained in speed casting. Anyone who had their mana shell destroyed would be unprotected and can easily be damaged critically by a magic attack.

The four would be able to give a certain protection to those magicians. In any case, the magicians would have to stop their attack once the referee announces the loss of their opponent. Deliberately attacking the magicians who lost their mana shell would lead to a penalty.

It may result in an immediate loss in the match or disqualified depending on the severity of the case.