Chapter 251 - A Future for Problematic Daughters That Might Be Faintly Bright
After the successful paid observation of the apprentice final exam, I decided to check up on the girls who were, more or less, thrust into my care.
It has been about ten days since I took in those troublesome girls. I can't help but wonder how they're doing.
On a morning with a gentle sun, I decided to take a stroll over to the apprentice facility.
I visited the busy Instruction Bureau Chief, offering a small gift to show my appreciation, and inquired about the new arrivals.
"For now, things aren't going as smoothly as we had hoped," he said.
"Of course, they're troublemakers because they don't listen, right? Can you be more specific?"
"They generally ignore us. It’s like they had a prior agreement among themselves, especially those who know each other."
If they were easy to manage, it wouldn't be such a problem.
That's why they were thrown in here. I expected as much, but the question is, what do we do now?
"These troublemakers aren’t the only ones who act on their own. There are always people who do what they want. The Instruction Bureau is used to dealing with such defiance, and Fulaveneta and her team have been working hard to win them over."
If you listen to them and treat each one as a person, most will gradually open up. Even if that doesn't work, the Instruction Bureau has other methods. I imagine they plan to try various approaches this time as well.
When I was training apprentices, it was enough to simply show them the difference in strength.
They came to us voluntarily. Once they saw the stark difference in power, they quickly fell in line. I told them, "Follow my orders, or I'll train you."
The unspoken pressure probably helped as well.
But this time, the situation is entirely different. These girls didn't come here willingly.
"Focusing on time and the changes it brings is what we believe will be effective for them. I think the effects are already showing. Would you like to observe them?"
"Hmm, I'll take a look."
Fulaveneta seems confident. It must be the right timing.
We moved to the rooftop to quietly observe the group training in the courtyard.
There, under the watchful eyes of the Instruction Bureau members, the apprentices were diligently performing repetitive exercises. They were lifting heavy balls, climbing ropes, and navigating obstacles—exercises designed to build strength and endurance. The apprentices were clearly putting in a lot of effort. They looked determined.
However, there was also a group that seemed more relaxed.
"Ah, I see. The ones not doing anything in the corner are the troublemakers, right? So what's the plan?"
"While they aren't doing anything, they are at least quiet. They were chatting a lot at first, but now they look uncomfortable. It's kind of cute, isn't it?"
"I don't think it's that simple for them to start working on their own. Also, why aren't the other apprentices saying anything?"
That's a curious point. The other apprentices are working hard, yet they seem to ignore the slackers.
"We're not doing anything special. All apprentices are in the initial stage, and we focus them on their own goals. Once they meet their objectives, they can move on to the next stage, regardless of what others are doing. There's no time to worry about those who lack motivation. If an instructor notices someone getting distracted, they assign additional training."
"So you ignore the slackers. Does that motivate them?"
"Probably. As others clear their objectives and move on, the slackers start to feel left behind. This creates a serious atmosphere, which is what we want."
The families of the troublemakers are wealthy, and some are from high-ranking noble families. They generally look down on the other apprentices.
Most of the kids who come to us are from humble backgrounds, often lacking in manners and education. It's no wonder the wealthy girls feel superior.
However, their pride is based on their family and wealth, not their own achievements. Such pride is meaningless here.
There are also a few who used to be from high-ranking families. Whether they are nobles or street urchins, once they join us, they are all on the same level.
We clearly state that social status doesn't matter. Everyone knows this, so no one cares about the troublemakers' backgrounds.
Here, only strength matters. Strength is the only way to be evaluated. Even if they don't realize it at first, they will eventually understand.
The training isn't just about physical strength and combat; it also includes academic studies and skill acquisition. If they slack off, they will fall behind in every aspect.
While they waste their days, others will progress. They will see their peers, who they once looked down upon, surpass them in physical ability, knowledge, and skill. They will witness these peers excelling in etiquette and manners, areas they thought they had a monopoly on.
It's only a matter of time before they realize they can't compete in anything outside their family background and wealth.
Is there anyone who won't feel anxious in such a situation?
This place is serious. No one messes around here. It's a place for genuine training and learning.
They may not become immediately compliant, but change will come. If they don't, they are likely very stubborn or morally corrupt.
Personally, I don't care if they are stubborn or corrupt, but I won't allow them to use it as an excuse for weakness.
If you can do everything and are strong, you can achieve many things. I will allow it because this is a meritocracy.
"Exposing them to the serious atmosphere and changing their mindset, huh? That's a patient approach."
"I'm glad to see them start to change on their own. Some of the girls show promise, but unfortunately, some won't change. We'll keep an eye on them, but we are committed to their rehabilitation. If necessary, they will learn that this is the Kikyo Society."
If they don't change, they will face harsher methods. But Fulaveneta is surprisingly patient.
I would have started with a punch and forced them to submit within minutes. I try to be kind to those with motivation, but those who lack it are just a hindrance.
"What about those who lose motivation despite trying?"
Even those with initial motivation can get discouraged. Some may struggle with academic studies or combat training. While effort can compensate for many shortcomings, some things are just beyond their reach. That's what talent is.
Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Apprentices will notice these differences during their group training.
Effort can make up for most things, but not everything. Talent is a different matter.
One of the most obvious talents is magical aptitude, which is innate and unrelated to effort.
Everyone envies others' talents at some point. I envy those with versatile wind magic or powerful fire magic.
But everyone must play the cards they are dealt. We don't accept talent as an excuse.
A prime example is the combat unit leaders who have no useful magical aptitude. Bonnie, the leader of the Fourth Combat Unit, has a rain-summoning magic, which is impressive but rarely useful. She can only cast light rain over a small area for a short time. It's not combat-effective.
Yet, Bonnie is a combat unit leader. She earned her position through her overall strength, not just her magic.
Strength is a combination of many factors. One weakness doesn't define you. There are many excuses, but they are easily dismissed by real examples.
Even I, without mineral or alchemy magic, would still be strong. I would still be the president.
Fulaveneta and I watched the diligent apprentices for a while.
After a while, we heard a cheerful voice.
This place isn't devoid of laughter, but it's rare during training.
"Yukarinowe, did you hear something?"
"Ah, I thought I heard a cheerful voice."
My keen hearing picked it up, but I wasn't going to point it out. Since you asked, I had to answer.
"That cheerful voice... It might be one of the recent graduates. They are probably packing up their rooms."
Graduating apprentices move to new quarters. It makes sense they would chat while packing.
"Would you like to meet them?"
"Nah, I'll motivate them when I give them their cloaks. What about those who failed the exam?"
"We always have them reflect on why they failed. It helps them improve for the next time."
The examiners know exactly why each one failed, but they don't give easy answers. The apprentices must figure it out themselves and work on their weaknesses. If they are off track, they get subtle guidance.
This place is full of passion, and that's what makes it great.
It's a space where people genuinely strive to improve and reach new heights. It makes me want to train harder too. That's why the regular members take on roles as temporary instructors and trainers.
Feeling invigorated, we returned to the Headquarters.
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The educational part of the story ends here.
I'll write about their progress later, but the next episodes will focus on the Arena! (Probably)