As soon as the mana barrier blocking the materials has disappeared, it signifies the start of the competition.

"Just focus on your part, Escanor."

It was Alice who blandly reminded Escanor as she, together with Samantha went to the mountain of materials to pick the items they need to use.

They weren't in a rush as the artifact forging may not be the hardest part of this competition but instead this first part where you have to acquire the genuine materials.

The three of them were the elite students and had noble backgrounds as well allowing them to gain a lot of experience in forging and be exposed in multiple materials.

They closed into the shelves containing the materials. There are about 8,000 objects displayed and from this number, the 36 first-year students are only allowed to take 20 materials each.

So a total of 720 materials would be taken from this 8,000.

"We only know that there will be fake copies that would be mix in the displays, but to think that it would be this much."

Samantha grumbled a bit as she looked at the thousands of materials that are displayed and placed on its shelf. Of course, it wasn't only her as other students can be seen frowning at the large number of materials in front of them. They don't have the luxury to stay too much time scrutinizing each material.

They can't be too slow as well as genuine materials can be selected by the other team if they will consume too much time studying each item.

"Alice, it's up to you now. You're the one who received more guidance from him and he's watching so do your best."

Escanor patted Alice's back as he urged Alice to start her selection.

"You-- Whatever, I'll do my best. But you should analyze my selections as well to double-check them. Of course, if you've seen a material that is genuine and you can be sure about it, just pick it up."

"Mhm.. alright, Alice and Escanor. Let's focus now."

Alice had a deep breath after answering Escanor who was teasing her. Samantha only shook her head at this and reminded them to focus since it's already the start of the competition.

In the month of preparation before this. Wallace and these 3 first-year students had gotten close to the former as he taught them some tricks about validating materials. With Wallace's Divine Sense, he could clearly analyze any object that his skill has touched.

Due to this ability, he was able to determine more hidden traits about the materials being used for artifact forging.

Alice quickly started to gather her mind as she remembered all the training she has including Wallace's personal guidance.

"Dotted coating... minimal shade of blue.. moist texture... purple reflection... golden bearing... incorrect volume -- full of impurities.. obsidian hallow... glittering powder..."

Alice was muttering something as she collected materials. Every time her hand touches a material displayed on the shelves, it would be considered as her selection lessening the 20 available slots for selection. As soon as it was selected, automatons would take the materials and bring them to their academy's station was the 3 artifact forging box is located.

Everyone could not be bothered to check their opponent's selection as they busy themselves on their own problem. But it doesn't mean that the audience and announcers wouldn't notice the abnormal sprees of Alice.

"Whoa~ As we can see, someone from the Leonhearts Academy seems to be rushing her selection. Are they sure that what they are selecting arent fake or filled with impurities? Have they given up or this is just a part of their strategy? What do you think Dervi?"

"Well, Felicia... The student is Alice Winterfrost, an elite in their academy... So they should definitely have some plan."

"That's true but --- Oh, it seems another one is rushing in. It's the handsome Travis from the Stoneheimer. I wish that they're selecting genuine materials."

The audience could see that not only Alice is rushing as another student named Travis seems to have gone mad in selecting materials. Either he loses his very short patience or just a part of their plan.

"I've completed my 20 selections. Now let me help you guys."

Alice approached her two teammates to help them select materials as it wasn't their strong side in the artifact forging.

"Ok, Alice. Help me first."

It was Samantha who answered and Alice didn't mind as they walked around the place to find materials. After taking almost half an hour, they are now looking for Escanor's pick.

"Jax stone, fake. Mana stone, fake. Sunearth fragment, fake. Mithril ore, about 90% impurities. Arcane alloy, 96% impurities. Rayleigh obsidian stone, genuine. Silvereye gem, genuine. Mana stone, genuine. Ancient abyssal glass, genuine... Aqua gemstone----"

"Wait, stop! Genuine ancient abyssal glass?!"

It was Escanor who stop Alice giving her comments in the materials they are passing by.

Samantha who was following also stopped and looked at the materials.

"Hmm... There's only 1 specific mana artifact that I know that requires this material." Samantha commented.

"That's true, and no one from us has ever experienced creating that mana artifact. What a pity."

It was Alice who looks sad that they can't make a use of the artifact.

"Why can't we pick it? If other teams found this and capable of forging 'that' artifact. We're into tough luck."

Escanor suggested shamelessly. After all, they could select a total of 60 materials which is still a huge number as for 5 mana artifact they plan on forging for the math seem to only take about 25 materials. So they could fail several times as it's OK, but they have to get 25 of their desired materials to this.

As the three of them completed their selection, they noticed that none of the other group has returned yet. They confirmed that the other 11 groups were still analyzing and cursing as some of them realized they have selected fake materials or even materials filled with impurities.

"Darn, can we still complete 5 mana artifacts?"

"For the materials selected, we have a very limited range of mana artifact we can forge. Hmm.. this will be difficult."

"No worries, at least we had 5 genuine products. We can do this."

It was the group of three female from Isolde Academy that is worried about their performance.

"Daryl, how come all 20 of your selected materials are fake?"

"I'm sorry Borris, I really tried. It was too difficult for me."

The two were from Honeysuckle Academy as they were all disappointed about the outcome of their selection.

***

"Wallace, what do you think? Will they be able to create enough artifact?"

Tracy asked Wallace as they conversed on the audience seats.

"They did pretty good."

Wallace can be seen smiling as the group of 3 started their artifact forging.

Only 2 hours and 14 minutes left for this segment of the competition.