บท 42: Forging (Part 1)
"Tsk! It seems we don't have enough materials."
"I'm sorry. I miscalculated the difficulty of this selection."
"It's okay, we can still make 5 mana artifact in these materials. We can just focus on its quality to make sure that our combat magicians can still perform the best of their ability."
These kinds of conversations can be similarly heard to the other groups of the student except the Leonhearts, Mystic Gate and Skywalker Academy of Magic.
Escanor looked at the remaining time and relaxed.
"We have enough time. Eight or probably nine mana artifacts can be done."
Other groups were worried if their combat magicians would have mana artifact they can use but Escanor's group could easily create more than enough.
"We've already arranged all the materials." Alice sorted the materials they collected and thrown the fake materials that have mixed on it.
"Hmm... From 60 materials we've selected, 16 were still fake. Oh well, it isn't that bad." Samantha commented as she fixed her hair clip.
"Good, as expected from you guys. I'll make the best mana gathering formation, watch me."
Escanor smiled and boasted a bit as he started to work.
"Just don't make mistake creating one. I'll arrange mana stabilization array in other artifact forging box."
Samantha also started to work as she noticed that Escanor was about to start. The third artifact forging box would have to wait as it wasn't Alice's strong points in making these two auxiliary magic. Although she was capable of creating them, the other two would be better for this competition.
The three of them excel on different things so they need seamless teamwork.
Alice observed the two quickly set up the mana formation and array on the 3 artifact forging box. After some time, she noticed that they were all ready to start forging. She swiftly arranged the readied empty magic structure crystals and materials at the side of each forging box.
No words are being said as they started forging an artifact.
They first created the artifact and proceeded on creating its magic structure. Creating this magic structure is the longest part of artifact forging, but as the three were extremely familiar with these, it didn't consume so much time, unlike the others.
Since they collected enough materials for the planned mana artifact. They could easily carry out their plan.
If just in case they weren't able to take the genuine materials they are looking for. They would have to make do on whatever materials they have and use it as a base on which magic structure is suitable for it.
But of course, there are some magic structures that don't need special materials. The only problem is that it would not be enough for this type of competition.
They all took almost an hour in creating three mana artifacts.
Ring of Luxury Protection.
Bracelet of Earthen Spirit.
Scourge Staff.
The first two were made by Alice and Samantha. Creating small accessories would be beneficial in this time-constricted competition.
But Escanor, living up to his reputation as the most talented first-year student in the Leonhearts, had created a flashy staff with golden lines on its edge as design.
"Hey, are you sure we have enough time? You took your time." Alice shook her head as she saw the staff Escanor made.
"Haha. I'm assigned to create 1 artifact for Hilda, right? This is for her. Sir Wallace and I created this idea, but I overdone it's design a bit."
Escanor smiled and continued.
"No worries, I'll make a simpler design next so we'll have enough time."
"Alright, just don't get too engross in forging again."
Alice said at last.
The three continued creating mana artifacts with simple external design but solid magic structure.
Alice created 3 mana artifacts the same with Escanor but Samantha created only two. Since they were able to create a total of 8 mana artifacts, they still felt motivated especially that they were aware themselves about the quality of mana artifact they created. Due to enough special materials they have, they were able to maximize their skills in forging, allowing them to create powerful mana artifacts.
They look at the remaining time and noticed that there are still 6 minutes left before the end of the match.
They observe the other academies and have seen that some are also wrapping up, but others are shaking their heads and frowning at the results they made. Looking at some other students who are still confident in the creations they made were students coming from Mystic Gate, Skywalker, Stoneheimer and Abuxorth Academy of Magic.
But of course, the final results would still be based on the combat magicians who will be using these mana artifacts.
A buzzing sound was heard as soon as the countdown reaches 0.
"The time is up!"
Felicia who was still active announced the end of the match.
The mana artifacts were then collected by automatons, shelved and transported in a highly protected room inside the arena.
These will only be taken out again once the first year combat magicians started their battle.
Of course, prior to this, the mana artifacts have already been analyzed as soon as it was shelved by the automaton allowing the viewers to see the artifacts that were made by the students.
All academies were able to create at least 5 mana artifact but it doesn't mean that all of these 5 artifacts have special materials. Some of it are mostly just common metals that have been forcefully imbued by magic structure.
Although it's durability will be low, it is just enough for this competition. After all, they don't have a choice if their collected materials aren't up to par.
The tally of mana artifacts was shown in the large screen in the arena and a picture of them was also shown at the side.
Leonhearts Academy : 8
Skywalker Academy : 7
Mystic Gate Academy : 7
Stoneheimer Academy : 6
Abuxorth Academy : 6
And all the remaining 7 academies were only able to create 5 mana artifacts.
***
Wallace, Tracy, and Ross were already at the waiting room and watching the competition instead of the live stream within the room.
"The juniors did it, huh. Let's show them how us, sophomores, will triumph over the other academies."
Tracy smirked as she saw the tallied results. She was confident enough as she boasted with certainty.
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