Chapter 182: Presentation I

Reiji already heard the full story of the Cursed Mask from Yui… 

The mask was actually stolen by one of the traitors of their clan and sold for a high price. Unfortunately, they couldn't do anything about it as it was purchased by nobles that were then handed over to the Arcanist Tower for examinations. 

The item was also something cursed and it's difficult for the Sakura Clan to claim ownership of such dangerous Cursed Arcana.

In the end, they have to steal the item that was originally theirs. 

On the other hand, Odette also needed the Cursed Mask as the wand seemed to require it for her advancement… 

Apparently, the Clan doesn't really care whether she could take it back to their land as long the Arcana could no longer threaten them… As a matter of fact, it would be better if they'll destroy it instead…

On the other hand, the Mind Collection seemed to have an interest in the Cursed Arcana for a different reason.

'Fine… I'll help you with that… That's a Cursed Arcana anyway… But you have to brief me about the Mystical Energy that I needed to practice.'

Reiji also has a condition for assisting them. He's quite confident with his abilities so he felt that completing this mission wouldn't take very a long time if they know its location…

What matters in this type of mission was information. They need to have a clear grasp of the place where it is being kept and to properly identify the level of danger when stealing it…

'You can request a bit more… As long as we managed to secretly take the Mask without them suspecting me, you can add more requests…' Yui said sincerely. This just shows how much she wanted to leave this place already.

'Well, let's talk about that once we completed it. In the meantime, teach me about Mystical Energy. It might be useful on this mission.'

'Of course… But, aren't you interested in your wielder's progress now? Look, he just finished his Magic Item. It looks weird.'

Yui pointed at Rufus who was smilingly widely after finishing his task…

Reiji observed the item but he has no idea about it.

'Right, Yui… Is it difficult to create a Magical Storage Bag or something that can store large objects into a ring? I've seen a couple of such Arcana…'

'Oh… Create? I haven't seen one that is not from Arcana… All of those accessories with such a storage space were all summoned Arcana… At most, I heard that there are Magic Items that can keep their food fresh for months or even years but storing objects can only be done by an Arcana…'

Yui explained truthfully. An Arcane Magic that is related to time or space was perhaps the most mysterious subject that even the top Arcanists of the kingdom would have no clear knowledge about it. 

After all, they haven't even advanced that much in terms of using Arcane Magic to help their daily lives. Even practical or simple Magic Items were barely present in the market.

Most Arcane Magic was meant for killing beasts, getting stronger, protection, or means of gaining status…

This may be the reason why Kael, the Second-Class Arcanists, wanted these young trainees to think of Magic Items that aren't meant for harmful acts and would perhaps benefit everyone in the future…

Reiji accepted her explanation. 

He finally understood why Rufus had a weird face after he suggested making such Arcana.

'However, what kind of item is he making this time? It would be quite awkward if he failed in this evaluation. This is the only thing that he's proud of…'

Reiji was hoping that Rufus would do well in this evaluation… In truth, he was also looking forward to having a connection with such an amazing Crafting Specialist.

After all, it would be quite awesome if Rufus would help him build his territory or dojo in the future… The talented young man will definitely make superb training equipment or weapons in his dojo…

Although it may still take several years before he could start building one, it wouldn't be too early if he makes connections with the right people now…

***

Kael's group entered the hall where the trainees gathered themselves.

He was quite excited to appraise the Magic Items that these talented young boys and girls made…

It wouldn't be wrong to call these trainees the future pillar of the Kingdom since they are studying under the best teachers that the Chodora could offer… 

Their facilities were also considered to be at the top level since they've bought their devices from Erliente Dukedom.

"Everyone, Sir Sven and Sir Kael would examine your Magic Items but before that, you will be allowed to introduce your creation… You will be given a maximum of 30 seconds, so be concise with your words… 

"Alright, I hope that everyone managed to create something that has the spirit of our theme… Good luck!"

This was said by the supervising Arcanist after noticing the entrance of the judges… 

The two old Arcanists sat on a chair prepared for them.

In front of them is a black stone table where the trainee can place the Magic Item they've made later on.

"Chrisome, you may go first."

The first name was called as he took his creation in front. Rufus and the others cheered for their friend… 

The young man was a bit nervous about being called first but he still took his item and brought it in front. 

He walked slowly as he didn't know what he should be saying to introduce his item… He wanted to buy some time…

Nevertheless, everyone can see the items he's holding.

'A carriage wheel? Maybe it's heavy….'

'It's not even a pair?'

'What kind of Magic Item is that?'

The crowd was curious. This is the man who used the Flame Cloud Generator a while ago to fight against their top 1… Now, he brought another unusual item for the 3rd Evaluation.

Chrisome went in front and noticed that the two old men were just silent and waiting for him to introduce it…

He took a deep breath before he voices out his thoughts.

"T-this is a carriage wheel that will never be worn out…"

This introduction caught everyone's attention as they immediately went silent to hear more from him.

Chrisome continued.

"After hearing the theme for the first time, this is the item that I immediately wanted to create. As far as I know, there has been no Arcanist who bothered to improve the carriages we have in our kingdom. This wheel that I have, will not only help us for a smooth ride but will also save the coachmen for constant repair or changes with their wheels. This is my Practical Arcane, a useful non-killing Magic Item. Thank you…"

The young man praised himself after he successfully said these words without stuttering. He's very nervous right now…

However, the judges barely showed their reaction. They only nodded at him as they placed their hands on the wheel to appraise it…

"Mhmm… Not bad. The Arcane Magic inside is better than what I expected. Right, we will be appraising everyone's Magic Item now but the result will be announced after a day or two… Thank you for your participation, Chrisome…"

"Y-yes… Thank you…" The young man nervously replied before returning to his table. On the other hand, the wheel was taken away by the red-robed Arcanists behind them. 

After seeing that they will not be criticized in front of their fellow trainees, the others heaved a sigh of relief… 

It would be quite embarrassing if the two old men decided to be a critic and belittle their work in front of this huge crowd…

Then a few other trainees introduced their Magic Items…

"I'm calling this Windy Broom. It creates a weak gust of wind to clean dusty rooms…"

"This is Tranquilizing Horn… If you blew this horn near low-level beasts, they would easily fall asleep… You can then capture them to make them your pet… I say no to killing!"

"I made a backpack with a similar concept to the popular Freshening Backpack. Just like the latter, it can also keep your fresh food warm… However, my backpack can also keep cool things cold…"

"This cup can keep your drinks hot even in winter…"

"My Special Lover's Rings can detect the presence of the other wearer as long as it does not exceed 500 meters…"

Reiji was actually enjoying this… Listening to their creations was quite interesting since they've made Practical Arcane just like Kael wanted.

Finally, it was Lexi's turn.

She's the top 1 trainee so everyone was expecting an impressive Magic Item…

"I've made a device called sight recorder…" 

Lexi introduced her Magic Item and Reiji realized that what she made is a camera! 

The weirdly shaped box even has a paper on it where the picture can be placed after the Memory Crystal captured the 'sight'…

Without Lexi's explanation, they might've thought that it would just be a normal memory recorder, however, this sight recorder was completely different as it would use a different medium to view the 'memory' instead of sending it directly to their minds… 

This is a much difficult task!