n

n

nWallace never expected to be rejected at all. This made him truly surprise since Clyne seems to be very sure in his judgment that he doesn't qualify for the requirements they've arranged.

nAs for the people behind him, they didn't care at all and wishing for Wallace to move away already.

n

"Sir, may I know the reason why?

"

nWallace asked after getting over on his surprise. He was sure that he had passed the qualifications. He is single and had also made several original mana artifacts under his name...

n'Wait, is it because of that? is this perhaps a misunderstanding?' Wallace had suddenly realized his blunder. He looked at Clyne who had his eyes squinted as if annoyed by Wallace's persistence.

n

"You don't have any registered original Mana Artifact.

"

nClyne coldly said and as he hadn't lowered his voice, everyone at the back of the line was surprised.

n

"Isn't he a bit too presumptuous?

"

n

"Haha! He needs to learn how to read first before applying as an apprentice.

"

n

"That's one of the most important qualifications that was needed. I hope some other guys trying their luck would hear this so they can move away already.

"

n

"Mhm... That would shorten the line.

"

n

"Hahaha! He has some guts! Just to apply here even if he hasn't registered a single original mana artifact is admirable.

"

n

"That's commendable courage but it is not enough to let him slip this time.

"

n

"It's a bit sad. Maybe, he hasn't read the qualifications carefully?

"

n

"Impossible. Anyway, I found this guy familiar.

"

n

"Haha... He's probably a comedian.

"

n

"I think I've seen him somewhere before.

"

n

"Hey, can you move over now. There's still a lot of people behind you!

"

n

"Just because you're handsome, you can think of bypassing the requirements! Move!

" One of the impatient magicians couldn't help but shout at Wallace.

n

"Pfft!

"

nMerlin Hermes, the 13-year-old scion of Skywalker Academy's Headmaster couldn't contain his laughter after seeing a 15 or 16-year-old magician applying to be an apprentice to a Grand Arcanist even without registering a single mana artifact on his own.

nHe himself had grasped the essence of crafting at eight and created his very first original artifact when he was ten. He can only shake his head seeing Wallace's stupefied face.

nAfter he released his laugh, he immediately tried to calm himself thinking about his father's words, he was a genius that only appears in a century. He had to act like one.

n'It seems that there are still too many ignorant magicians.' Merlin thought as he closed his eyes and waited for his turn.

nWallace on the other hand didn't care about their words or thought.

n'Just like what I thought...' Wallace's inner thoughts were spot on. He prepared himself to explain but Clyne doesn't seem to be willing to listen to his words.

n

"I can explain!

"

nWallace needed to get the man's attention. He wasn't sure when will someone of this caliber require another apprentice. Although he could probably apply as an apprentice to an Arcanist or Artificer, the chance of being apprenticed to a Grand Arcanist would give him better status. He couldn't miss this chance.

nAfter he raised his voice, the surrounding students quieten down waiting for him to explain so they could laugh at him.

n

"Maybe he created an original Mana Artifact today and he hadn't registered it yet?

"

n

"Haha... Then that might work for him.

"

n

"That's true. After all, some Magic Engineers would like to keep their originals hidden as their trump card.

"

n

"Well, that only goes for the licensed magicians. For us, students or apprentices, we need prestige so that our names can catch the attention of these high-level Arcanists. We don't have to be so secretive on our stage, right?

"

n

"That fully makes sense. Anyway... let's hear him out...

"

nWallace remained unwavering as he didn't wait for Clyne's reply.

n

"I have registered my Original Mana Artifacts under my brand, Traceless Hands, so my name would not show.

"

nClyne frowned after hearing this. He was a magician from the capital city so he wasn't too inclined in learning the real identity of Traceless Hands.

nWhat he was aware of before about this brand name was that it symbolizes an organization or group of researchers.

nHe had also read the certifications about the original mana artifacts and magic structures that Traceless Hands had submitted for evaluation. All the submissions occurred in a very far city called Tanza City.

n'Is it really just a single person?' Clyne wasn't too sure. He was only a butler that relies on general information. Although he knows many internal secrets, Traceless Hand's identity wasn't included in it.

n

"Are you sure that you're Traceless Hands?

"

n

"Yes!

"

n

"Was all the registered mana artifacts and magic structures under that name was made singlehandedly by you and not a group of people?

"

n

"Yes!

"

n

"Mhm... Allow me to consult some things. Kian, come here.

" Clyne said and suddenly, another man came out from the gate. It seems that he was the one assisting those people who got in first.

n

"Sir Clyne, how may I help?

"

n

"Replace me here for now. Check all of these kids' qualifications. I'm going somewhere.

"

n

"Mhm. You can leave it to me.

" Kian answered.

nClyne handed his devices that were used to verify other's identities to Kian.

n

"Just wait over here.

" Clyne said as he glanced at Wallace.

nClyne even waited for the latter to confirm that he understood before going back to the manor.

nWallace felt relieved that Clyne seems to have methods to learn the truth as long as he would try.

n

"Hey... Did you hear them?

"

n

"Traceless Hands?

"

n

"Isn't that the organization that registered Magic Jammer Canceller?

"

n

"Amazing...

"

n

"Does it mean that its not really a group but an individual?

"

n

"Then if that's true, he'll surely pass the qualification and might even have a high chance of getting selected.

"

nEveryone nodded at these words. Although they all created their original mana artifacts, it was all Grade C with even lower grade magic structures.

nThey were those artifacts that the high-level magic engineers didn't bother to make.

nAfter all, the 5th gen had only been discovered hundred years ago and during that time, it was a chaotic era and border expansions were the main focus of all the powerful countries. Only after realizing the balance of each country in terms of military might did they set their sight on the northern continent.

nThis method not only allowed them to gauge the power of each nation but also to test the extent of their understanding of the 5th gen.

nThis also shows how each country prioritized the weaponized mana artifacts rather than convenience mana artifacts that help people live in their day-to-day life.

nThat's right. Since the senior magic engineers chose the development of mana artifacts towards weaponization, the young mana technicians took this chance to develop simple but original mana artifacts that can be used for convenience. But there are some mana technicians who had actually dabbled towards the weaponization of mana artifacts like Ross Schien, Rhine Wimbledon, and if the guy in front of them was telling the truth that he has developed those mana artifacts that can be used for battle, then this Wallace would surely have the edge.

nThere are not many mana technicians that can make artifacts that can be used for combat, either through offensive, defensive, or assistive.

nClyne didn't take long as after Kian checked about 40 students, he returned telling Wallace to get in.

n

"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

"

n

"No, it's not your fault since I didn't use my name in registration.

"

nClyne shook his head and replied.

n

"We should've done our research beforehand. Anyway, good luck on the first part of the examination.

"

nThose few remaining students were surprised hearing Clyne apologized to Wallace. They also didn't forget Wallace's face as they noted him as the Traceless Hands.

nWallace thanked the man and felt that this butler doesn't seem to be too bad at all.

nAs he entered the large gate, he was greeted by the large manor house surrounded by several black-suited guards. Due to the presence of hundreds of magicians, it was normal for them to assign multiple guards around the place.

nThe style of the house tells that it has been built for more than a century but its majestic appearance does not decline.

nAt the left of the manor was a small camp where the qualified applicants were having their weights and heights were being measured. There were also vision tests and lastly, the blood test where they can identify any drugs or foreign elements within the magician's body.

nWallace wasn't sure what they were looking for. For him, it seems that the first examination was too simple.

n'What are they searching for? Is it just for health? Oh-- Maybe this is the reason why those recommended by Artificers don't have to conduct the first examination.'

nHe was then ushered to fall in line again and to be tested. He saw those people who mocked him a while ago for believing that he didn't make any original mana artifacts. Although they were surprised to see Wallace, they couldn't bother with him as it seems that several mana technicians were sent home after the blood test results came out.

n'Didn't Clyne said that even if the drugs were used, we can still pass the exam?

nSigh~ Its really hard to be an apprentice of a Grand Arcanist. Their selection method is so unconventional.'

n