n

n

nWallace attended school as normal. The class was a bit more interesting this time as Instructor Elaine lectured them about Sealed Artifacts.

nIt is just like what his sister Clarice said. This information was indeed being taught in the third year in the academy.

nWallace wondered what new things he will learn about it. After all, information about Sealed Mana Artifacts that can be found online was only superficial and didn't touch the topic clearly.

n

"Have anyone seen a Sealed Mana Artifact?

"

nThe instructor asked and surprisingly, only Wallace didn't raise his hand.

n'Eh? What's the meaning of this?' The young man was surprised as he hasn't seen one at all.

nSoon, Gilbert whispered behind him.

n

"Haven't you seen one online?

"

n

"You should watch the news more often.

" Erica added.

nIt seems that there has been recent news about a sealed artifact. Anyway, Instructor Elaine called one of the students to share her knowledge about the topic.

n

"Sealed Mana Artifacts were said to possess a unique form of magic outside of Elemental Path.

"

n

"Mhm... That's correct. Anything else?

"

n

"It was said to have similarities with Natural Artifacts... Er... I might be wrong.

"

n

"That's fine. Anyone?

"

n

"Sealed Mana Artifact was said to be uncontrollable artifacts. That was why it was sealed.

" One of the students said after raising his hand.

n

"They are powerful weapons but can only be used by the government.

"

n

"It was rumored that all Sealed Mana Artifacts were made by Sir Aeolia...

"

n

"I heard that they came from the northern continent...

"

n

"Using the artifact could cause a Mana Calamity depending on the artifact's power.

"

n

"Oh, that's right. Mana Calamity came from long exposure to this sealed artifact. If they are not sealed every time it was used, it was said that Mana Calamity like the

"Illusion of Venarian Town

" could happen...

"

nThe students explained one by one their understanding of the topic. Instructor Elaine only kept her silence while listening to her student's explanations...

nAfter a few moments, she looked at Wallace who wasn't cooperating at the discussion.

n

"Wallace, what do you think?

"

nThe young man paused for a moment before he carefully voiced his thoughts.

n

"The Sealed Mana Artifacts were very mysterious since their origin is highly likely from the unknown northern continent. The natives there might have another method of utilizing Mana.

"

n

"Alright. Thank you everyone for giving your ideas about the topic. Now, let me tell you, the records about the Sealed Mana Artifacts were just very few. Information about it was very limited and it was just barely mentioned in some books. But I would like everyone to know that there were shreds of evidence that the first Sealed Mana Artifact has already appeared before the 4th Generation of Mana Artifacts.

"

nThe class immediately went silent as they listened intently.

n

"The Magic Structure of the Brain-Boosting Magic was said to come from a Sealed Mana Artifact called Faded Skull Staff.

"

n

"...

"

nAll the students including Wallace were surprised after hearing this revelation. Certainly, the magic structure of the brain-boost was always special as it has to be separated from the structure of the 5th gen.

nThinking about it now, the brain-boost was indeed strange in its own way but many magicians didn't think of this case because they believed that brain-boost can even be done with the advancement of technology. That's right, Sealed Mana Artifact was synonymous with 'mysterious artifact capable of creating an unexplainable form of magic'. The brain-boost shouldn't be included within the same level of Sealed Mana Artifacts. But looking at Instructor Elaine's face, she seems to have more to say.

n

"The staff was a Sealed Mana Artifact that was destroyed during the warring era. If you want to know where these fragments were found... they were discovered at the rubbles of Aeolia's research facility after his death. The later researchers studied the fragments for several years. Although it was very difficult to analyze, they found out that the magic structure imbued naturally at the skull has similarities to what we use now in brain-boosting magic for the 4th generation... Now, why am I telling you this?

"

nThe student went silent and didn't answer her question but their minds were trying to find out why indeed.

n

"Its because in the future, the Sealed Mana Artifacts will no longer be as rare as it is. There would be a lot of them appearing in the near future. Everyone must be knowledgeable and have an open-minded view of the uniqueness of this magic.

"

nThe students were confused about hearing this.

n

"Instructor... The Sealed Mana Artifacts were very rare. It was said that only 10 or so exists in our country.

"

n

"Mhm... That's right. The study of these artifacts has never been fruitful due to their small numbers. One mistake of handling the artifact and it might get destroyed through some unique tests.

"

n

"That's correct. It was rumored that once the mysterious power within such an artifact was emptied, it can no longer be used again. How come they would suddenly inflate?

"

nElaine smiled and asked another question.

n

"Then, tell me where are the three Grand Arcanists of our country?

"

n***

nThe Northern Continent's weather wasn't very stable. Right now, after Slaine Allusia's team passed through the Giant's Forest, they were welcomed by a strong blizzard after half a day of trekking.

nThe group immediately dropped their things and made a temporary settlement in a matter of seconds. It was thanks to their portable equipment and vehicles behind them carrying these things.

nA magic formation was immediately arranged and a Mana Barrier was set up to protect them from the strong blizzard. Although they were capable of continuing their journey using their Mana Shell to protect themselves, that would quickly drain their energy and they would easily succumb to the coldness of this place. Looking at the group right now, their number has dwindled for a bit.

nRight now, Slaine Allusia and the five other members of the expedition were in a separate tent and have been discussing their plans due to the losses they had when they passed the forest.

n

"Four of our Adept Mages died just like that...

" Slaine muttered after seeing everyone present before taking a deep breath.

n

"Everyone is aware of the danger of coming here... There is no one to blame, Slaine.

"

nOne of the Mage Doctor said. In truth, without their presence, there could have been more casualties in their journey. Due to their tireless efforts, they managed to heal 10 more injured magicians back to their peak.

nWithin the Giant's Forest, they encountered powerful groups of Mana Beasts. They would come almost endlessly and the group had very little time to take some rest.

nFirst was the group of Vale Apes, followed by Black-Eyed Wolves, then they will have to be careful of Laughing Poison Bees and other small mutated insects like Shelled Ants and Diamond Horned Beetles.

nIt would have been alright if this was their only problem. Unfortunately, they caught the attention of one of the notorious flying monsters of the northern continent, a Thunder Wyrm. Luckily, Slaine who practiced AOTL to its final stages managed to send it away after some sacrifices on the battlefield.

nOne of the reasons they chose to travel through the land was to avoid these powerful monsters of the sky.

nIn truth, this wyrm wasn't the only one they had to deal with if they decided to travel through the air. There will be a lot of mana beast like Iron Vulture, Bone Fletcher, and other flying mana beasts.

nIt was too difficult to fight or defend in the air so they decided to travel through the land. This way, even though the existing mana here in the northern continent was difficult to control, they could still manage to adapt in due time.

n

"Haaah~ There's no turning back now. Was everyone really healed, Mao?

"

nSlaine was referring to the Mage Doctor in Enhancement Path. Mao chuckled and didn't answer since Slaine was only asking to make confirmation of what he already knows himself. The doctor instead asked a question.

n

"Slaine, tell me. Why are you so hardened to go on this expedition? Your status in the country is almost at the peak. No one would dare to question or fight against you. Even your country's leader wouldn't dare to annoy you thoughtlessly.

"

nSlaine went silent for a while before deciding to answer truthfully. There's no point hiding it now that everyone's life can be at risk.

n

"Mhm... Since we are already here near our objective, let me tell you something I've been thinking about all these years... Do you know Alpha, one of the 24 survivors?

"

n

"I heard from him. He claims that he's an Oracle and went crazy before he died from suicide.

"

nSlaine nodded at this and said.

n

"He had visions for the future. He was always seeing the nightmare coming to this world. It haunts him every single night for 10 years. He wanted to stop the visions but he couldn't. Years had passed and since he couldn't take it anymore, he ended his own life.

"

nHe was absentmindedly looking at his warm tea when he said those words. After a while, Mao asked.

n

"His vision has something to do here?

"

n

"No... But his vision made me decide to try changing the future of this world. In order to do that, I will be needing some help.

"

nSlaine resolutely said to everyone while holding a stone he got somewhere from passing the Giant's Forest.

nThe magicians within the room felt the powerful desire in the man's eyes during that moment.

n