Before the Competition

Wallace earned a lot with his sales in the manufacturing rights of the Float Drive System. But because of this, he had to spare some of his time creating the main magic structure of this mana artifact.

There is a total of 16 orders for the magic structure crystal required in the artifact. Wallace needed about 3 hours to complete a single order so it would eat up a lot of his time.

"Mom, we'll not sell any more of this float drive system. I mean, it's only for the meantime. I'll be focusing on the competition since I have enough in my savings."

"Sure, just let us know if you need something else. Don't overwork yourself. Good luck with the competition."

"Thanks, mom, I'll do my best."

Wallace phoned his mom to inform about his plan. After the call ended, Wallace passed some of his time by browsing the internet as he waited for the delivery of the materials to arrive.

He only placed the order yesterday but he added some premium fee so it would be quickly be delivered. He was informed that his orders would be delivered today before 12 mid-day.

The ordered materials are consisting of common metals up to rare mana suffused materials.

During the month before the competition, the participants weren't required to attend their morning class in the academy but have a mandatory attendance every afternoon during the weekdays. So Wallace still has some time before going to the academy.

Just as Wallace planned to take his lunch, he was notified in his phone that his order is already in transit and would arrive in 10 minutes.

"Mr. W Ravencroft, your order's expected delivery time is 12:15 PM. If you miss the delivery, you may change the delivery address or pick it up in our local depot, just reply to this message or arrange it online. Thank you for using Secret's Shop service."

It was the notification he received on his phone and after a while, he heard a truck closing in and confirmed that it was Secret's Shop delivery truck.

He saw the same delivery man when he first made an order and noticed he was with 2 more helpers since he ordered quite a lot. After confirming all the materials has arrived, he signed the acknowledgment form presented by the delivery man.

Wallace left the boxes of materials in the workshop as he prepared himself to attend the meeting in the school.

***

Leonhearts Academy. Head office.

There's a meeting of 3 people in the office who were discussing things about the students.

"How were the participants?"

Headmaster Percival asked the opposite female instructor. It was the beautiful and elegant Instructor Elaine whom Wallace had gifted his red bracelet he got in a random reward from Pathfinder.

"They are ready. All required preparations were completed, there has been visible improvements in both of our combat magicians and mana technicians. I believe that we have a high chance of getting a higher position in the rankings."

Instructor Elaine answered as she mostly works in providing statistics development for each student. She has more information about their progress since day 1 when they were selected as participants.

During the weeks of preparations before the competition, there has been a lot of mock battles conducted. There was even a participation of several instructors during the battle.

It was very helpful to the students since battling combat experts like Instructor Jake and others would give them opportunity to see how experts utilize any mana artifact they could acquire.

During this time, they also realized the gap between the expert combatants and students who mostly battled mana artifacts or automatons.

"The combat magicians of each year has now better coordination. Their daily practice was very fruitful as their teamwork has immensely solidified. They also got accustomed to utilizing multiple mana artifacts."

It was Instructor Eve Luxford who answered this time as she explained the improvement she had noticed during their weeks of practice.

Headmaster Percival nodded at the two. This two female instructors from 3rd year, one is for the Sun Class - Combat Magicians and other is for the Moon Class - Mana Technicians were the representatives who will be leading the group of 24 to the venue of the TMAC that will be held in Cavalen City, the capital of Zairus.

"That is good to hear, I won't be heading to the capital so you guys with 3 more instructors will lead the group. I also made arrangements with Aaron.

Alright. I'd also want to meet the participants before you head to the capital tomorrow."

Percival gave his instruction as the other two followed him to head where the students practicing their combat and forging skills.

***

Wallace is currently with Tracy and Ross as they rested during their spare time. The three of them have gotten closer, especially Ross and Wallace as they were able to converse now without any awkwardness.

"I've noticed that the range of mana artifacts that you can make is getting wider and wider."

It was Ross who started the conversation as he noticed a great progress on Wallace's forging skills. Of course, it was all thanks to his money and time spent in practicing standard mana artifacts, this allowed Wallace to have a sturdier foundation in artifact forging.

During the month, Wallace even received a mission to create 20 mana artifacts that are considered to be in 'top 100 common mana artifacts that mages use'. This allowed Wallace to earn another memory crystal.

"That's true, Your improvement is more obvious than the two of us."

It was Tracy this time as she agreed on Ross' statement.

"Instructor Elaine, Garen and others were just great teachers that I could easily improve."

Wallace smiled and answered, both of them knew he was Traceless Hands who created magic jammer canceller and float drive system. So they should have an idea of his capabilities.

As they were seated on a bench just near the Forging Room in the Training Facility, they noticed a group of people entering the place. It was the headmaster with a few instructors following behind him.

Tomorrow will be the competition so he may be giving his words before they attend the competition.

The group of students gathered and welcomed the group.

"Tomorrow, you will be heading to the capital, Cavalen City. Good luck to all of you. Do your best and I know that you'll bring glory to our Leonhearts Academy when you get back."