Chosen Participants

Wallace's group took their medals and prizes with them on the stage and their 2nd-year team had a quick commemorative photo as a keepsake for this TMAC. For the golden trophy they received, it would be sent to their Academy's collection. He had thought that ranks will be announced for the Artifact Forging segment, but it seems they have combined it with Combat Magician's results.

They returned to their seat and took their time to check the prizes they received. The 6 blueprints of Peak Grade 2 Magic Structures would be given to Wallace, Ross, and Tracy. They would either have to divide it themselves or let them jointly study the 6 magic structures as the three of them have quite a few magic structures as well that reaches Peak Grade 2. 

As announced a few moments ago, these Magic Structures were indeed different from each other. Water Prison, Iron Wood Bind, Wraith Fire's Wrath, Tornado Slash, Frost Breathe, and Earth's Tremor.

"They were generous this time." Tracy said upon checking the blueprints. 

"Are you familiar with these magic structures?" Wallace asked as he wasn't too familiar himself with these, though he can vaguely remember that he heard or read of these structures before.

"If I'm not mistaken, these magic structures were previously being used by our military. But they recently had new and more advanced magic structure... Oh, I believe it was last year so these weren't being used anymore." Ross explained to Wallace but after he remembered that it was someone from his Schien's Main Branch Family who supplied the new magic structures, he recollected that it happened last year. 

Wallace nodded telling that he understood now. He didn't ask further questions as he waited for the ceremony to be over first. He would like to take a glance as well in the 10 Peak Grade A Mana Artifacts that will be divided by the five 2nd years. He was curious about the artifacts that the ministry is willing to reward and it's quality. It wasn't every day that Wallace could personally see other's mana artifact.

The 3rd years could only look in envy while this is all happening, but they were also happy for their juniors achieving better results. 

A few moments later, the top participants in both Artifact Forging and Combat were about to be announced. 

"For the Joint Country Competition, we will be selecting the top performers in the competition regardless of their respective years."

Everyone went on silence upon hearing this. Even if you've won 1st place in your respective year, it doesn't guarantee you a slot and will only give better leverage. 

"For the Combat Magicians, here is the results."

1. Avery Marshall - 3rd year from Isolde

2. Hector Newman - 3rd year from Stoneheimer

3. Vanessa White - 3rd year from Skywalker

4. Nyla Lawson - 3rd year from Odrexelt

5. Aria Scott - 3rd year from Skywalker

6. Kyla Rogers - 2nd year from Mystic Gate

A projection came and everyone saw the list of selected participants. Everyone was surprised to see a 2nd year had managed to sneak into this selection but they weren't too shocked as there has been a precedent occasion in the past years. As the crowd was about to discuss the results, the projection changed and the name of participants for Artifact Forging was shown.

1. Jun Richardson - 3rd year - Mystic Gate

2. Wallace Ravencroft - 2nd year - Leonhearts

3. Sheryl Vermont - 2nd year - Mystic Gate

As an academy that is known for its Artifact Forging, the Mystic Gate deserves the slot. Many were surprised to see the name Wallace, the crowd wasn't too familiar with him but since they noticed that he was from Leonhearts and second year at that. They had somehow connected it to the weird mana artifacts used by the magicians.

"Was it him? The one who made the Ultrasonic Burst?"

"Yes, I heard that he also made the Mirror of Trace. That was very impressive."

"Then no wonder he was selected for the joint country competition."

"Do you think he'll register the magic structure in NMTI? Sigh... I hope I could buy and learn that spell too."

"If ever that the structure was for sale, I'll purchase it whatever the price is."

Whispers can be heard as soon as they saw the results. Many were curious but some others don't care too much. After all, no one is expecting too much about the international level of this competition. It will only give them at least an honor and a chance to perform outside the country. They weren't too optimistic to win against other countries and were already happy to excel here in their home field.

Their lack of excitement or urge to join the competition was due to the past few years that Zairus were performing poorly. On the other hand, Wallace wasn't too excited as well since he was more worried if he'll have a chance to look for his spaceship in Montego. 

After all, this international level competition will be joined in by Zairus, Maja, Montego, and Virgan, the security level that will be placed for the sake of the event must be very high. 

But his worries were somehow resolved upon announcing that the competition will happen in a month from now and they will arrive 5 days earlier in events. The event will start 10 days after the new year. It means that during these 5 days before the competition, Wallace must try to locate his spaceship in that island nation.

Yes, it will be very difficult but Wallace had been preparing for this in the past months and almost ready with it.  He still has few weeks to complete his preparation for this anyway.

"Congratulations Wallace!" Tracy and Ross said beside him upon seeing his name in the projection.

"Thank you, I think both of you deserve the slot as well." Wallace replied.

"Haha, maybe if they are looking for 10 slots, I might have a chance." Tracy chuckled at this and said looking not too concerned about not being selected. 

"Senior, you're amazing. You've been selected, please bring us souvenirs." Shirley said not too far away from their group.

Upon hearing this, Wallace didn't reply immediately as he remembered his promise to his little sister that he'll bring a gift once he went back home to celebrate the new year. Wallace kept it in his mind and agreed to Shirley. Alice, the first year mana technician joined the conversation and congratulated Wallace.

"You deserve it senior, I hope that you can win there as well."

"Haha, winning might be too much but I'll do my best." Wallace said to Alice, they have gotten a bit closer due to the training they made before this TMAC. 

The night was long as they celebrated the winners and ate joyously together with other academies. 

***

On the same night of celebration, in Tanza City. A group of cloaked individuals were moving very fast as if they were running from something. 

"This is Hawk. We've been ambushed, abort the mission. The location is a trap. Again, abort the mission..." 

Hawk is the leader of the team and was tasked to apprehend a group of researchers that was suspected to have something to do in the recent attacks from a mutated magician. Unfortunately, upon arriving at the alleged research laboratory, they were welcomed by powerful attacks by high-level magicians and even used poison to paralyze them. They were currently being pursued by the enemies and warned the other team on site.

"We can't abort it yet. Proceed to point B, Raven's team will be there in 5 minutes." It was instructed by someone in the other line where he was speaking. Before he could reply, the person continued. 

"Once you rendezvous with his team, use the new equipment they brought and annihilate the enemies. You don't need to capture anyone alive."