The battle between the 12 Academies in the 2nd Year's Division is finally about to start.

Wallace looked at the scheduled matches and found out the same arrangements with the first years will be used for the 2nd year.

Skywalker vs Eternal Fey

Mystic Gate vs Stoneheimer

Leonhearts vs Honeysuckle

Isolde vs Abuxorth

Odrexelt vs Phoenix

Neon vs Sacred Peak

But apparently, only the 1st match will be the same and it follows different arrangements for their 2nd match.

Wallace was hoping that their academy will be matched later against strong academies.

'It would be better if we can save some trump cards before fighting Mystic Gate or Skywalker.'

This is what he thought since although they created 12 mana artifacts, they only have a few trump cards. He was worried that if it was revealed too early, the enemies might create some strategy to counter it.

But of course, Wallace was just worrying unnecessarily since the mana artifact that the magicians will be using was already made and can't be altered. Also, creating counter moves against their hidden magic spells wouldn't be that easy.

***

The five members of the team from Leonhearts were now in the waiting room preparing before their match. They were together with an instructor from the academy giving last bit of advice and moral support.

"I know you guys are a bit pressured. Our first years performed splendidly after all. You're probably thinking that you have to achieve complete victory like them or you shouldn't lose at all costs. It's ok if that will motivate you. But if it hinders you from performing your best, then you need to change your mindset. You've all trained enough, just show them what you've learned in all those training."

Unexpectedly, it was Instructor Eve Luxford of the 3rd-year class who is giving them some last advice.

Shirley nodded and clenched her fist. She saw how Hilda dominated all her fight and she admits that the latter was too strong. She was well aware that she's certainly not capable of defeating Hilda without Wallace's Mana Artifact.

As the ace of the team, fighting with the same position as Hilda, she must try her best as she knows that she'll be compared to her.

She shook her head and gathered her mind.

'You can do this, I'm also strong. Even stronger with those mana artifact readied by Wallace.'

Shirley was talking to herself as she tried to gain confidence before the fight.

Inside the waiting room, they could watch the matches between the four academies that are scheduled to fight first on the plasma screen but they only glanced a bit on these fights. There is a team in their academy who will be recording these battles and create some plans once they have been matched with that academy.

For now, they have to focus and remember all the information they received about their opponent gathered by their student council. Although Honeysuckle wasn't in the top teams, they still have to be careful as anything can happen within the stage.

As soon as the battle ended with the first 4 academies, they checked the results and as expected, Skywalker and Mystic Gate achieved their first victory.

A few minutes have passed and the door opened and the coordinator from Ministry of Magic Education together with a few automatons brought the mana artifacts created by Wallace's group.

This is the first time they saw the artifact they made but there were briefed by Wallace's group about the artifact and during the practices they did in the past month, they have planned the mana artifact they will be using for today.

They made 12 mana artifacts as the three mana technicians created four each.

Shirley took the first 3 mana artifacts created by Wallace.

Ray as the vanguard took the 4th or last mana artifact and took another 2 mana artifact made by Ross. He then checked that circular flat surface mana artifact or a mirror made in Ancient Abyssal Glass and some other alloy on its edges as a holder.

"So, it was this mana artifact?"

"What's so special about this, Ray? He was supposed to create you an Asura Gauntlet, right?

Alphonse and Lina asked. They were the duo who will be fighting for the 2nd match. Also, they are a couple so their teamwork can be considered top-notch amongst the group. They took two each or all mana artifacts made by Tracy.

"Hmm, I heard it was made in Ancient Abyssal Glass. So, you can just imagine how amazing this is."

It was Kite who said at last. He was the team captain and took the last 2 artifacts made by Ross.

"Eh? I'm not quite sure about the materials but I've heard about it. Isn't the TMAC sponsors so extravagant to use such treasure as a material for this competition?!"

Lina was surprised upon hearing this. She only learned about this mana artifact now. Also, Ray did not tell them of its specifics so she has been unaware of Wallace's advice about this artifact and how it is utilized. Wallace only told Ray about how to use this mana artifact.

"I'm more surprised that Wallace could forge something out of it. I heard this material is difficult to use as forging material. Especially with such limited time in forging."

Kite said as he pondered how Wallace accomplished such a task. He could only think that he has a different style of forging mana artifact. Though he didn't care too much about it as long as they would have a better chance of achieving victory.

Kite then took the lead to head out on the stage to face Honeysuckle's team.

Shirley only nodded and followed the group as her admiration towards Wallace increased more.

"Good luck to all of you."

Instructor Eve said before they left. They thanked her and moved out.

Shirley caressed her 3 mana artifacts made by Wallace. These were familiar mana artifacts as this is the copy of artifacts that Wallace made during the month of practice. She really liked these three but of course, she also knows how to utilize other mana artifacts and she was only accustomed to these due to compatibility that Wallace has considered before it's making.

Wallace made something special about her mana artifact as trump card as well that even her teammates were unaware of. She smiled at this and now felt excited for the upcoming battle. She no longer felt pressured as she confidently stride together with her teammates towards the arena.

As they walked out of the dimmed hallway, they were basked by the sunlight and saw the stage full of audiences as they cheered for the team they wished to win.