Wallace arrived late at the academy and courteously apologized to Instructor Garen.
"Mhm..that's fine, we've just discussed your participation in the international competition. You'll be exempted in projects that will be assigned to your class so you only have to focus yourself in the competition."
The instructor said as Wallace seated in his chair. Since there will be a long vacation to celebrate the end of the year, the academy instructors normally assigns small projects to their students to keep them a little busy.
Since they were in Moon's First Class in Second Year and Section 1 at that, these small projects would normally be about providing insights in some unrealized Mana Artifacts, certain Magic Structure theories, and even some certain individuals that were largely involved in Magic Engineering can be their focus of research.
Wallace thanked the instructor but he did not mind even if he was still tasked to do this small project. After all, it wouldn't take too much of his time and maybe interesting as well if he was given an engaging topic by his instructor.
In the meantime during the remaining week before the vacation, their class has to completely familiarize themselves with all important Magic Structure theories. They don't have to necessarily be capable of creating them as long as they know how it's principle works. Once they are in the third-year class, all the known and official method in artifact forging will be learned as they will be readied to take their licenses as Magic Engineer after they graduate. After all, licensing may take years before being completed.
The class resumed and during the remaining time in the morning class, instructor Garen completed the assignment of projects to each of his students. Everyone has different topics that they have to tackle which makes it a bit difficult for others. Aside from that, Garen taught them some uncommon Magic Structures that were quite helpful.
These magic structures were those that are not being heavily looked into by Prime Magic Engineers who wanted to only create powerful Mana Artifact that is helpful in combat. In truth, these simple Magic Structures can only be helpful in the daily lives of not only non-magicians but also for the certified magicians themselves. Some examples of these Mana Artifacts were mostly being used to help laborers in doing detailed constructions, some were assistive Mana Artifacts to make cleaning easier, there are even those that help in agriculture, those that prevent toxic smokes or air pollution, even a simple Mana Artifact that helps in removing fine dust is very useful and many other simple but uncommon artifact.
During the remaining week, he taught them that learning basics would give them a higher chance of succeeding in Magic Engineer's path.
"You all know that a licensed Magic Engineer isn't the end of the road in your path. There's still a lot of challenges to reach the apex of craftmanship, so learning the basics will give you a sturdier foundation. Do not forget that."
Garen told everyone and was acknowledged by all the students. They agreed that a good foundation will bring them to higher heights. A good example of this is Tracy Guilford, their number one in academic grades. She doesn't have unique abilities and hasn't submitted original mana artifacts like Ross and Wallace but due to her extensive knowledge in theories and practice, she's almost always successful in artifact forging. She's not failing in any artifact forging they did during their practical class.
***
"I got lucky, I only have to give insights about Dr. Mau Zed's theory of Mana Density and Constancy. How about you?"
Gilbert said to the group while having their lunch in the cafeteria. Their group occupied a table, their number increased to 7 people. After all, everyone in their class were friends since there's only 30 of them in it. Most of them were also classmates when they are in their first year.
"What? That won't be easy alright. Dr. Zed's research probably contains 10-12 thick books if I remember. Are you aware of that?" Ericka commented on the side. She seems to be aware of the theory.
"Really? You're aware of it?" Gilbert asked in disbelief.
"Yes! I also stumbled on it when I visited the library before. I don't think it's useful at all in battles but can be used for research purposes. That doctor has a unique way of viewing mana as an energy or source of power."
It was answered by Ren Morris. He is one of the seven nobles in their room aside from Tracy, Mark, Ross, and the twins. Ren is a short guy with a black hair and wears luxurious accessory, unlike Ross and Tracy who likes to dress simple. His identity as the son of a prestigious hospital owner in the city made him popular in the academy. He refused to study the Mage Doctor's path to join their family ranks but he instead selected to study in Leonhearts Academy that only focuses on combat magicians and mana technicians.
"I'm only familiar with his name as he created that useful Mana Artifact, Zed's Poison Detoxifier, that still being used until to this date. Right?" Gilbert asked to clear his doubt.
"Haha! There's more to him. Be prepared once you begun to read his theory. My project is just to give reaction or insights about the situation in the Northern Continent." Ericka replied to Gilbert. There's only very limited information about the situation in the northern continent. Some of the information states that only powerful magicians can live there due to the chaotic mana that is existing there.
"Oh! You have an interesting one." Kazimir said to Ericka. He was also quite curious about the northern continent.
"My project is to provide insights about the Lost Technology." Kazimir took a deep breath before continuing.
"Aeolia shouldn't have died before discovering this." He joked a bit. Ross wasn't present here anyway. Apparently, before Aeolia's death or disappearance, he was focusing on research of a specific Lost Technology.
Everyone discussed their chosen project except Wallace who silently ate his lunch and kept listening with the others. Their other two classmates in the table also joined the conversation and shared their chosen topic for the small project.
During this time, because of their discussion, Wallace remembered that he had also discovered that there were side effects in the existence of mana that prevents nuclear energy. The side effect is its ability to disrupt radio waves as well, which heavily restricts the range of radar and conventional communications. That could be why standard machines without mana enhancement has very limited usage.
Wallace recollected that before his spaceship's descent, he waited in this planet's orbit to receive a form of communication as no one is responding in his attempts. This could be the reason why no one was answering him, the mana may be the barrier that stops them in any outer space contact or exploration.
He shook his head and continued listening to his classmates. He may discover more once he gets the assistance of his A.I.'s calculation ability, so he kept it at the back of his mind. After today, everyone will go to their provinces to have their vacation and will only meet the next year that's why they're spending more time in their chat.
Wallace was now on his way home and he's looking forward to his nearing union with his spaceship. He couldn't help but feel a little excited and worried.