Tomorrow will be the 4th day of the Twelve Magic Academies Competition.

All the academies were preparing themselves for the battle that would commence the next day. They all had 4 matches this day and allowed everyone to have a peek on their prowess. They somehow learned each and everyone's ability so they expected to have a tough battle tomorrow.

Of course, their mana artifact won't be changing or possibly be upgraded as the mana artifact can only be taken before the battle. But they could come up with a strategy since they were aware of the capabilities of their mana artifact.

***

In the hotel near the Zairus IV Arena. A couple of Magicians wearing casual clothes can be seen resting in the lobby.

The two weren't unknown magicians but has been popular recently because of their appearance in the whole competition.

"All this time even during the previous TMACs, we only know how to use mana artifacts to cast a magic spell and throw it to the enemies. But this time, Leonhearts were showing interesting ways to shatter or deactivate the Mana Shell."

The female magician said. She's only wearing a casual attire of a white shirt and a skirt instead of a fancy clothes she normally wears whenever she worked. She is Felicia, the announcer in the competition and currently, she was together with Clarence, a Battle Mage.

"Mhm. This year's competition looks more interesting than before. Also, I've seen several strong magicians..."

Clarence nodded and said as he agreed with Felicia.

"Hey, they are still studying. Do you plan on recruiting someone already?"

Felicia was surprised that a magician caught this man's attention. Clarence's status wasn't simple and Felicia was aware of it. She was only an average magician but Clarence has a prominent background behind him.

He only laughed at her.

"I didn't say that. I'm just happy to see magicians that have a lot of potential."

He smiles at her but Felicia only shook her head.

"You sound like an old man. You're only 23."

***

The day has arrived and the students were excited to win their matches today.

"Is everyone prepared?"

Kite, the team leader of the 2nd year team in Leonhearts Academy asked his members. He had only fought once when Ray had lost once in a fight. Currently, the couple Lina and Alphonse together with Shirley hadn't lost a fight yet.

"Yes!"

Everyone answered full of energy as they picked up their mana artifacts delivered by the automatons. Every after fight, the automatons will take the artifact and will be maintained to keep it's performance always on top.

The first fight was with Isolde vs Sacred Peak and Leonhearts vs Mystic Gate.

A lot more audiences watching the arena were more interested in the latter's match. After all, both teams were currently undefeated and the two made amazing performance during their previous matches.

***

Instead of going to the arena, Wallace is currently watching the live feed within Leonhearts camp together with Ross and Tracy.

His other classmates or Gilbert's group were still in the audience area and were cheering for their fellow students.

"Leonhearts' Ray vs Mystic Gate's Lawrence."

An exciting match is about to ensue as the two participating magicians are known for their toughness.

Lawrence was using two mana artifacts. A black baton and a bracer tinted with gold.

Ray used his signature move. Freezing Mine Field to restrict his opponent's movement. But Lawrence was aware of this field magic. This spell can be used together with Ice Shard Explosion that could easily destroy his Mana Shell.

Lawrence decided to attack while the field magic still has a small influence on the stage. After all, when the field magic stays there longer, he may be a disadvantage unless Ray consumed his Mana Pool.

"Royal -- Wind Wave!"

"Archon -- Piercing Wind Arrow"

Simultaneous casting. Lawrence used the artifact almost at the same time.

His first skill cleared any obstruction so he the Wind Arrow could effortlessly hit Ray's defense. The field magic wasn't able to stop the arrow as it was temporarily halted by the Wind Wave.

Unfortunately, the power of this Wind Arrow cast by Lawrence isn't enough to shatter Ray's Mana Shell and base on its sturdiness, the latter will just recover his Mana Shell in a few seconds.

Ray uses this moment to cast his attack spells. But he was surprised that he wasn't able to control his magic casting.

"You--!"

Boom! A weak explosion was heard and Ray's Freezing Mine Field crumbled, he felt dizzy due to the backlash. His opponent used his Mana Shockwave perfectly stopping him from successfully casting his magic spell and interrupted his Field Magic.

"Tsk!"

Lawrence would like to follow up on an attack to quickly finish off Ray but he was disappointed as due to abrupt canceling of Freezing Mine Field, it caused some chaotic mana interference and he wasn't able to properly control the mana to attack Ray.

Although it only lasted a couple of seconds, it is very to crucial to both magicians. The two of them are utilizing the 5th gen mana artifact that has brain-boosting magic structure within. Their senses and reaction speed were enhanced so the battles were normally fast-paced.

Ray was able to survive the Mana Shockwave as Lawrence wasn't able to successfully do a follow-up attack. He tried to retreat and gain some distance between his opponent but Lawrence didn't allow Ray to have more time to recover.

Lawrence unleashed his only Grade 2 magic spell. It's even an exclusive magic spell from his Wind Haze Bracer artifact.

"Cyclone Slash!"

A twisting mana slash aimed at Ray pressuring him and almost unable to counter the attack. Ray saw in split second that Lawrence looked very exhausted. The Mana Shockwave together with this Cyclone Slash might have drained his mana pool.

Although he felt the danger of this magic spell and still feeling a bit dizzy. Ray took out the Mirror of Trace, gritted his teeth and activated the artifact.

"It's all up to you!"

As soon as he poured his mana into the artifact and controlled its activation, a blinding light that lasted a second came out and the Cyclone Slash was absorbed by the mirror for a moment before reappearing. But this time, it was headed to Lawrence.

"What magic is this?!"

He couldn't believe that his exclusive magic spell was reflected towards him. He doesn't believe that his opponent uses the same magic structure as Ray specializes in ice spells.

He remembered that he only lost control of his spell in a moment when a bright light blinded him.

As he opened his eyes and tried to see the result, the Cyclone Slash was already a few feet towards him and couldn't cast a strong enough spell to defend. After all, it was a Grade 2 magic spell and even felt stronger after it was reflected.

Lawrence's Mana Shell shattered and the referees announced the result.

The crowd watching the fight cheered as Ray achieved another victory for his team.

"Hehe, that feels awesome."

He recovered from his dizziness and was appreciating the cheer coming from the crowd.

***

Inside a certain room within the arena.

"Urghh. It was made successfully. Such a waste."

A fat and balding middle-aged man said when he saw the activation of Mirror of Trace. He felt his heart bleeding.

There were two more companions beside him in the room. Another middle-aged man wearing a full black suit together with a young lady in her teens.

"Uncle Kurt, what happened? Why is Sir Mace looking heartbroken?" The young lady asked.

"The guy used Mirror of Trace, it was made from Ancient Abyssal Glass and once created, it can only be used thrice before it shatters... This artifact is said to be capable of reflecting even Grade 4 magic spell."