Wacepared his previous ess level to his current one.


    ''It is more convenient now, huh...''


    Hemented after validating one of the upgrades he had just now.


    He was referring to the additional size of his Spatial Bag, from 5 cubic meter to 10 cubic meter space. This new feature would even let him bring his Iron Knight or his Lotus Mech Frame allowing him to carry a powerful form of weapon.


    Unfortunately, the Corvette-ss spaceship would still not fit in.


    Anyway, he was also thankful for having more rewards in his future missions. Aside from this, he was curious about the weapon that he could get.


    He willed his mind to validate this reward as his consciousness was suddenly sucked into the Cube of Paradox within him.


    After a few moments, information about five weapons appeared in his mind.


    ''So, these are my options? Let''s see...'' Wace immediately tried to review all the weapons.


    [ Dread Portable methrower


    Range: 10 meters


    Fuel Type: Mana ( If fueled with a higher purity of Mana, the methrower''s output will be higher in quality. )


    Effects: High chance of triggering "Tenacious Burning". A burn effect that will stick to the target until decimated. ]


    ''That effect is quite dreadful indeed..'' Wace imagined an unending me burning the target until ash remained. It was quite scary to use. If this was given to the wrong hands, a disaster could happen in the country. Wace twitched his mouth and decided to check the second weapon.


    [ Light Battle Spear


    Type: Highlypressed cold weapon


    Magic Enhancement: Fire Element


    Effects:


    - Activates the enhancement and releases fire magic bullets from the tip of the spear.


    - Activating Arc sh releases a sharp de empowered by me.


    A weapon made of magic and top-sspressing technology. Usable for range and meleebat. ]


    ''It looks a bit simple this time. I only have a little idea aboutpressing technology. Hmm... But it should be something awesome since it''s included in the options for Knight Commander''s use.'' Wacemented before going to the third option.


    [ Chaos Eagle Pistol


    Effective Firing Range: 180 meters


    Effects: Triple Shot - the gun has been modified with the capability to fire up to three bullets per shot.


    Due to the strong recoil, the user needs to have considerable strength before attempting to use it. The bullets weren''t only enhanced by magic but it was also using a unique explosive technology.


    The package includes six 10mm Magazines and 12 boxes of ammunition with 50-rounds per box.


    Caliber: 9mm ]


    Wace was a bit interested in this weapon but still decided to check the other two. The methrower was a bit bulky and the battle spear was a bit long. He felt that the handgun was convenient to use against surprise attacks.


    Although he still had to test just how powerful it ispared to his magic spells cast by his mama artifact.


    [ Phantom Sniper Rifle


    Effective Firing Range: 2,900 meters to 3,200 meters


    Effects: Uses electromaic force tounch high velocity, silent, and traceless bullets.


    Low recoil and high uracy due to Assistive Mana Imprint to the target.


    The package includes 6 magazines and 6 boxes of ammunition with 50-rounds per box.


    Caliber: 16mm ]


    ''This can be a weapon for assassin instead of amander.'' Wacemented after seeing the impressive image and specification of the sniper rifle. The weapon was shining ck and carved delicately. Holding such a high-end weapon was definitely very satisfying.


    Wace then checked thest weapon before he can decide to choose.


    [ Mechanical Bird


    A very useful silver and blue color bird made of advanced technology.


    Weapon: Sharp Beak and Sharp ws.


    The bird doesn''t feed organic food and only requires high purity of mana as a source of energy. ]


    "That''s it?" The description was very vague but it at least mentioned that it''s useful. Anyway, all these weapons are useful in their own way.


    Wace took a deep breath as he considers the pros and cons of each weapon. After about 15 minutes of thinking, he decided to settle for a more effective weapon for him.


    ***


    "Miya, I heard that you''re quite familiar with Wace?"


    "Huh? No, I''m not. Where did you hear that from?"


    "Hmmm..." Thedy paused for a moment as if trying to figure out whether her information gathered was real.


    "Well, I''ve spoken to him before when our group went to their town. Do you remember the time we joined with the Veritas Group before our team went to Ste Region?" Miya could only add to exin.


    "I see. I understand. Then, did you notice any powerful artifact with him? Something capable of breaking through into any magic defense?"


    "Do you mean the probing magic he has with him?"


    "So, you really know him!"


    "Sigh~ I really don''t. At most, I''m aware that he doesn''t use any Mana Artifact to use a very powerful probing magic of his. It was very impressive."


    This was Miya Linus and Instructor Chamber talking about Wace''s skill.


    Their conversation shows that Miss Chamber wasn''t just an instructor of the academy but also a friend of Miya. After some time, Miya narrated everything that has happened in the town and within the Veritas'' Airship.


    "It''s better not to further mess with him, instructor... You should''ve heard the news, correct?"


    "Ah, you mean that identity of being an apprentice of a Grand Arcanist?" Miss Chamber asked to rify.


    "Mhm..."


    "Well, I know my limits. I just want to do something about it. I can''t just ignore that and let our defenses be this weak. Learning about that magic may help us create a better defense. Don''t you agree?"


    Miya smiled hearing this before answering.


    "You always think about our safety, I guess... you''re right. But if that was the case, you can just ask them to cooperate. Tell him your reasons, maybe he''ll give in and even help you to create a powerful defense. He''s an exceptional Mana Technician, after all."


    Miss Chamber paused as if realizing something. It seems that it was a good decision to speak with this youngdy...


    "Great! I''ll try that. I hope it works..."


    ***


    Within a high-ss hotel at the center hub of the Tanza City. A group of five people entered the elevator going to the 14th floor. They were all middle-aged men and seemingly business executives based on their attire and manner of speaking.


    They were all talking about some kind of business in their field but their topic suddenly changed after entering the board room on the 14th floor. The room was highly protected and this made them a bit rxed and morefortable.


    "The Z-Company was no longer operating within the City..."


    "Have you confirmed it with him?"


    "Yes, it was from the Prime Minister himself."


    "Do you know where the Shaman''s Hex Faction operates now?"


    "We haven''t been informed. But they wereying low due to some recent failures about their operations... Even their Cryptic Link Serum was stolen and perfected by the Congress...


    "Are we still taking over this city?"


    "Yes... The experimentation for the Sealed Artifact Hallowed Eyes has beenpleted. We can proceed to our ns now..."


    "But I heard that we haven''t gathered all the solidified cores yet..."


    "Hmmm... We''ve sent two teams but they were all annihted even before they gathered some cores.. It''s very annoying."


    One of the five men started grumbling about the failures of the people he has been sending to collect the cores. Although he has the Sealed Artifact with him and uses it indefinitely, it wasn''t without a price. It was also costly to hire mercenaries. Although they have plenty of funds, he felt that they could''ve used it with other projects.


    "Who was interfering? Is it the police?"


    "Hey, don''t tell me that they can''t even defeat those lousy automatons from the Golden Trident?!"


    "No! Of course not. They were just failing because they are targeting the automatons stationed at the house of ine''s apprentice..."


    The Sealed Artifact owner then started to exin what happened in the past operations. Soon, they learned about Wace''s identity and decided to stay away from him for now and gather the cores from other ces.


    They have a grand n for this city as this ce held some secrets they desire.


    "Fine... Then we should call Avery as we need another Sealed Artifact wielder. Does everyone agree with that?"


    The other four looked at each other and didn''t voice any disagreement. The meeting still continued for an hour as they talk about other problems they''re encountering and the sess they''re getting.


    ***


    Wace attended the school on the next day as he was bombarded by his ssmates about the 5th apprentice thing.


    "Hey! Why didn''t you tell me about it?!"


    "I evenughed about it as you have the same name... Huh!"


    "By the way, have you met Miss Lacus? Do you think you can help me meet her?"


    "Aren''t you famous now? You should at least treat us!"


    "Let''s celebrate!"


    "Mhm... I can arrange a ce."


    Thest sentence came from Keh Cummings. Their background wasn''t simple so he suggested a very nice ce as a venue. Ericka, Gilbert, and some other ssmates agreed about it as they tried to get as many details as they could about the method of apprentice selection.


    Wace could only helplessly satisfy their curiosity.