Wallace tried to plan his new magic structure that evening. He was aware that his attempts to gain enough reputation to participate in the competition hadn't gone unnoticed to his classmates.

He purchased a bunch of alloys and ores as his new mana artifact design requires better quality equipment.

Only 29 days left until the selection for the competition in the last month of the year. Once a participant was selected in their academy, they would still have a month of preparation before the start of the competition, they will receive special training and privileges during this time.

If the academy will select the participant right now, no doubt that Wallace would be selected. But there are remaining days left so he can't be relaxed yet and has to maintain a good performance.

Wallace entered his new workshop that is connected to the left side of this house. The interior was painted white and gray at the edges. There were stacked boxes and piles of metals on the floor.

Wallace created a space at the center table and put the artifact forging the box on top of it. This forging box was an old one inherited from his father. Unlike the school's box, this one was an older design but was well maintained by Wallace.

"Should I first create a much better mana stabilization array?"

Wallace pondered a bit. His mana affinity has increased a bit thanks to the first reward he received before and felt that he was able to control a larger amount of mana. And maybe due to the changes in his body, it continued to affect his improvement in mana affinity.

Due to this, he needs to adjust his array. Although any mana stabilization array out there would control the flow of his mana to the forging box, just like Gilbert told before, it would be better to use your array due to compatibility reasons.

Of course, it doesn't mean you'll be able to perform to the best of your ability as those professionally made arrays can be found to be better than what you can create. Not all rookies were like Wallace who has a good grasp on this array.

Wallace started adjusting his array and mana gathering formation to better suit himself before he started the forge.

***

A week has passed and some changes occurred as Ross introduced his newly created mana artifact and was even published at the local newspapers. Several articles were introducing the new mana artifact.

"A top student at the Leonhearts Academy, a descendant of a legend, Ross Schien has submitted his new mana artifact at the NMTI. Another 5th gen artifact that has a grade rating of A..."

"Arcane Sword - A new mana artifact designed by Ross Schien, an uprising star in the field of artifact forging..."

It's unusual to have a second-year student in school create their original mana artifact and magic structure. At most, students and new graduates are expected to only be capable of replicating a pre-designed mana artifacts. So this news was immediately noticed by many people.

Although it was surprising to many, after they learned the person's background, they attributed it as him being a descendant of Aeolia Schien.

***

Wallace got a hold of the news as Gilbert told him about it this the morning on their class.

"Isn't Ross amazing? I wish I could accomplish that as well. Someday, I'll make my own."

It was Gilbert, he was referring to making his own artifact. He was chatting with Wallace as they have free time between their subjects.

Wallace was also checking out this new artifact featured. He used his laptop to check the Arcane Sword made by Ross. Although the complete attributes weren't published due to confidentiality reasons, it was enough to have some grasp on its capability.

It is a 23 inches dull short sword, silver hilt and handle. It was designed that the blade wasn't so sharp but with the usage of magic structure imbued in the mana artifact, it could unleash sharpness that could cut almost anything.

Another notable thing is the shimmering purple gem attached to the sword just above its hilt. Base on its description, it allows the user to control lightning and fire element. Of course, the two-element could not be used at the same time but its transition was quick. If the magician's mana control was superb, they could transition elemental attacks with only 2 seconds as a buffer.

Wallace observes the mana artifact and absorbed all the information in the articles he read.

"It seems that Ross is going all out. This is definitely his attempt to secure his position as a participant... but it seems to be a bit rushed. There are still some flaws in it."

Wallace was muttering and Gilbert heard this.

"Really? Where? Haha... Maybe because he's in a hurry? Who knows, he probably thought that you might be selected as a participant instead."

Gilbert commented but did not wait for Wallace to answer him. As they continued chatting, Wallace noticed that Tracy was looking at him from time to time.

She was seated 2 desks in front of him so whenever she looked behind, Wallace could notice her in his peripheral vision.

Wallace wasn't too concerned about it as he ignored the girl. A few moments before their instructor arrived for the next subject.

Wallace heard a familiar sound in his mind. It was a notification from the pathfinder.

[ The competition is near! Make your presence known once more.

Mission: To be selected as a participant in the upcoming academies competition

Mission Reward: 2x Mystery Box and a small increase in mana affinity. ]

Wallace checked the new mission. It was aligned to his goal so he just nodded upon reading the new mission from the pathfinder.

"21 days left before the selection. I still have some time." Wallace thought he could still complete his new mana artifact.

As he was thinking about his plans, it seems that Tracy could not wait anymore and approached him.

Gilbert, who was sitting just beside Wallace saw her proactively approaching them was amused and he immediately went silent. In his mind, first, it was the Cummings twins but now, even the top student.

"Do you have some time after this class?" Tracy asked Wallace who was now looking at her.

Mark's eyes squinted as he saw this scene. Although it was normal for classmates to have a chat, form a group after classes and Tracy was even known to be friendly and approachable, he felt that it was different this time.