Sheryl Vermont, a student who transferred from Leonhearts Academy to study Artifact Forging in Mystic Gate Academy is a highly respected Mana Technician in her current school.

On the day she was transferred, it was hinted by an instructor that she may be representing their academy for the upcoming TMAC which roused some animosity from other students that were aiming to be selected.

Some questions or doubts about her ability was raised.

"How come a transferee from Leonhearts could attend the competition instead?"

"I even heard that she was a combat magician on her first year."

"Indeed, such an undecided person would never reach the peak of forging."

"I should be better than her. Maybe we should try her skills."

"That's true, if it was proven that we are better than her in mana artifact forging, then she can only dream of participating in TMAC. Hmph."

It was then the start of dueling between Sheryl and other students dreaming to be selected to join in the prestigious competition.

A battle between mana technicians can be done in multiple ways like measuring the speed of creation on a specific mana artifact and magic structure. Also, battles like creating mana artifact on whatever resources that were provided, or measuring the capabilities of the mana artifact and many more challenges can be done.

During the early days of Sheryl's transfer, she was challenged multiple times but remained steadfast as she defeated and made all those students who doubted her silent.

Now, as the leader of the team, Sheryl had made a lot of preparation and prepared a surprise with the help of some Mystic Gate's instructors.

"Once I have completed this, I doubt anyone in the competition could defeat Kyla."

Sheryl smirked as she remembered Kyla Roger's training in the academy on how she utilized the mana artifact she created.

***

Skywalker Academy is known for its highly trained combat magicians but it doesn't mean that their mana technicians have a low rating. As a matter of fact, their mana technicians were able to get high scores in ranking as well.

"As long as we created the most compatible mana artifact for our combat magicians, we can win this."

"Mhmm. Just make sure we all stick to the plan. So our magicians won't get confused."

"Alright, let's start the forging process."

The leader of the group announced the start of their process to also help them get their focus.

***

Phoenix Academy was known for its unorthodox main course of study which is the study of potions. So the expectation for this academy was quite low.

Other academies like Neon, Odrexelt, and Abuxorth seem to have also prepared for this competition giving them some form of assurance as they got excited for the battles for tomorrow.

***

Wallace had just completed the three mana artifact assigned to his bucket.

The changes in the plans made by Wallace are all because of the material he took even though it wasn't part of the plan.

The fourth mana artifact he was about to create would be where the unique material he got from the selection is to be used.

It must be remembered that during the month of preparation, Wallace received 2 memory crystal from pathfinder due to the missions he had completed. He will be able to use the knowledge he acquired from the two with this 4th artifact he's about to make.

Wallace glanced at the genuine ancient abyssal glass as he first prepared to put all materials required and start the material creation process.

"Luckily, it seems that no other students picked up the same thing."

He thought of some other possibilities why the material wasn't collected by anyone.

'They probably have their planned mana artifact and did not dare to pick it up and go out of plan.'

It was his opinion as he believes some other participants could recognize the material and use it for their own but ultimately decided against it.

"Good luck then, I'll start my fourth mana artifact."

Tracy commented at Wallace's decision to start the fourth mana artifact. She continued and felt happy about Wallace's decision in creating a surprising mana artifact.

"Hmm... You guys are sure fast."

Ross finally said as he just completed his 3rd mana artifact.

The three of them plans to create 4 mana artifact each. It means 12 mana artifacts for 5 combat magicians.

Wallace nodded at this as he started taking other required materials for the forge. He needs other alloys like arcane metals.

The competition of 2nd years would only last for 2 hours and 30 minutes, so for them to create 4 mana artifact is an incredible feat.

"Time is up!"

Felicia shouted the end of the competition as the automatons started to appear and put the materials in a safe place.

"The match has ended. Let us check the result and see the tally of the artifact they created."

Leonhearts Academy : 12

Mystic Gate Academy : 10

Skywalker Academy : 10

Honeysuckle Academy : 8

Isolde Academy : 8

Other magic academies were at least able to create 7 mana artifacts at its lowest.

"Congratulations to everyone. I hope these artifacts can bring satisfactory performance. Now, I'm excited about the outcome of the battle of combat magicians for tomorrow."

"Correct, Felicia. No matter how fancy the mana artifact looks like, it has to be usable. Durability, diversity and power must be considered for the mana artifact as this will be used for real battles."

Dervi dutifully agreed with Felicia.

"Haha, that's right. Now we just need to have a break as this afternoon will be the start of the battle between third-year mana technicians."

***

The third-year competition for artifact forging segment was completed in the afternoon. But this time, the highest number of mana artifact creation was with Mystic Gate Academy who created 9 mana artifacts in 2 hours of given time.

Wallace slept well during the night. He had difficulty sleeping as tomorrow will be the start of the battle between combat magicians. It was due to excitement and a little nervousness.

"No problem occurred in our mana artifact forging process, it was all up to our combatants now."

It was what Wallace said finally before he was able to fall asleep.