Chapter 334 - The Magic Doll Club
At Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy, there are groups whose mere membership confers status.
These are the Student Council, the Choir, the Drama Club, and the Magic Doll Club. While there are many student groups, these four stand out as special.
First, the Student Council. Membership here is exclusive to those from noble families. Even if a girl is from a noble house, if her family is a recent addition to the nobility or a one-generation noble, she is not eligible. There is no concept of elections; lineage is everything, and this group holds significant influence within the Academy. The Student Council is different from clubs; members cannot join any clubs while being part of the Student Council. Choosing between power and club activities can be a difficult decision for some.
Next, the Choir. While noble status is a requirement here, it doesn't have to be from the upper echelons of nobility. However, to join, one must pass an examination. Merely being a good singer isn't enough; one must also have an excellent appearance. For some, the Choir might be even harder to join than the Student Council. The beautiful singing of these girls is somewhat intriguing.
The Student Council and the Choir play significant roles in school events, so it's easy to imagine why they value tradition and prestige. Indeed, these two groups are the only ones that are exclusive to nobles.
Then there's the Drama Club. It's considered special not just because it attracts students with striking appearances and strong personalities, but also because it has a history of producing many stars. Many popular actresses from Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy's Drama Club have a significant influence. For young students, it might be the most coveted club. Even if one doesn't perform on stage, there are many behind-the-scenes roles, and the club is open to all regardless of status. However, if one is deemed lacking in ability, they might lose their place in the club. This reflects the club's seriousness and dedication.
And then, the Magic Doll Club. This is a bit of a unique group.
The Magic Doll Club, which I've been entrusted to revive, is a popular club activity in the northern part of the continent. It's more widely known beyond the Academy, almost like a major sport. Bloodline doesn't matter here; it's all about skill.
However, the once-prosperous Magic Doll Club has fallen from grace and no longer confers status within the Academy. It's a shadow of its former self, retaining only a faint glimmer of its past glory.
After the commotion outside the club building, I entered and made my way to the back.
This place is usually quite noisy, but now it's eerily quiet. Many students seem to be holding their breath, watching my every move. Perhaps other club advisors have been explaining the situation to them.
Still, with my sunglasses, tracksuit, and sandals, not to mention the iron rod I'm carrying, I must look like a suspicious and incomprehensible figure to the young ladies. The unhidden aura of violence is enough to intimidate anyone. The fact that I'm casually holding the iron rod, which I had previously bent and discarded, only adds to the eerie atmosphere.
This is a bottom-tier school where delinquents thrive, despite its outward appearance as a ladylike academy. I'll have to use methods that a refined noble teacher wouldn't.
"…Here we are."
At the back of the first floor of the club building, a heavy sliding door bears a plaque that reads "Magic Doll Club." I opened the door without hesitation and stepped inside.
The room is spacious, about twenty meters square, and the ceiling is as high as two floors. Inside, many students are seated on simple chairs, chatting in small groups, with tea and snacks to accompany their conversations. It doesn't look like they're doing any club activities at all.
The dozens of girls present seem surprised and uneasy. They freeze, unable to speak, at the sight of me, a stranger with a rough demeanor. They must have been unaware of the commotion outside.
Sigh, what a bunch of wimps. The club seems more like a casual gathering for after-school chats than a serious, merit-based organization. It's clear from just a few seconds of observation how far it has fallen.
The Magic Doll Club at Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy was once at its peak. Its decline began when the previous advisor left.
My predecessor also stepped down at the end of spring, and I heard the club is currently advisor-less. Without a dedicated supervisor, it's no wonder the atmosphere is so lax. Even if there were motivated members, it would be impossible to take things seriously in such a relaxed environment.
Well, this has been a pleasant after-school activity for them. But now that I'm here, their time in this comfort zone is over.
The Headmistress's order is to restore the Magic Doll Club to its former glory. To achieve this, all has been entrusted to me.
I'll start right away.
The students by the wall must be wondering what to make of this suspicious figure in strange attire, holding an iron rod. I stood just inside the entrance, silently observing the girls.
The air of violence and my appearance are enough to intimidate even the most arrogant students. This is the purpose of my fashion and the Physical Enhancement Magic I'm displaying.
First impressions are crucial. I need to establish who's in charge here.
"Everyone, line up. The club president, come to the front!"
My voice echoed in the silent room. I infused my command with a powerful magical force to ensure even the densest students would understand. For those unaccustomed to threats, it must feel like a blade at their throat.
The sudden shift from a pleasant after-school chat to this abrupt change has left the students frozen. But I won't show any mercy.
"Don't make me say it twice. If words don't get through, I'll use this."
I tapped my shoulder with the iron rod, reinforcing my seriousness with a surge of magical energy.
This isn't a playground. Those who want to play can leave. If no one remains, so be it. I'll teach those who are willing, but those who aren't are just a hindrance.
Reviving the club won't be easy. I'm serious about this, and it will be a challenge for me as well. It's a two-way street; I need the members to be equally committed.
As I projected my authority and magical pressure, one student stood up, and soon the rest followed like a domino effect.
Heh, it took some effort, but it's worth it. Usually, a few will resist until the end, but it seems this group is more compliant. Or perhaps the delinquents who might have joined the club don't show up here. It's more of a social club, after all.
I'll let the scattered lineup slide for now.
The girl who stepped forward appears to be the president. Despite her earlier slacking, she gives an impression of being bright and charming. She looks up at me, her tall figure, with a questioning gaze. I'll answer her doubts; introductions are necessary.
"I am Yukareed Evilbanshee, the new advisor for the Magic Doll Club. Now, let's begin the club activities. First, show me how you've been conducting them."
To be honest, I didn't know much about the Magic Doll Club until this morning. I only heard a brief explanation from the Headmistress, so I can't claim to fully understand it. I need to start by learning myself.
I'll observe their activities, grasp the essentials, and develop practice methods. Or I could seek advice from someone knowledgeable. After all, I'm a beginner in this, despite my authoritative demeanor.
However, the gathered members remain still. Even though I understand that my enthusiasm isn't reciprocated, I didn't expect them to know even less than I do.
Ah, I see. No need to wonder. It seems the Evilbanshee name is causing some hesitation. They don't want to be lectured by a teacher from some rural noble family, dressed in such a shabby manner.
Frustrated, I intensified the pressure of my Physical Enhancement Magic. Just as the president was about to speak, a girl in the back moved. She wasn't responding to my request but seemed to be leaving the room. The president noticed this.
"Wait. Where are you going?"
"Where? I have nothing to learn from a teacher with an unknown family name and such a shabby appearance. It's even questionable whether you're a real advisor."
The defiant girl glared at me as she spoke. I have to admit, it's a reasonable argument.
I'm impressed by her boldness despite her fear. I'll respond, but not kindly.
"Those who want to leave, go ahead. I won't stop you. Only those who want to participate in the Magic Doll Club should stay. The rest are unnecessary. President, start."
With those dismissive words, the first student who tried to leave stormed out, her face red with anger. Many others followed, leaving only about a third of the original group. Well, that's to be expected.
At least those who remain want to be part of the Magic Doll Club. Having about twenty is a good start.
The president, unable to stop the departing members, watched them go with a sad expression. Then, she turned to me with a stern face.
"…Evilbanshee-sensei, please stop being so high-handed. I admit we weren't prepared, but your attitude is unacceptable."
"Talk big only after you've achieved something. Do you realize why I was called here? It's because you've been pathetic."
My words, lacking in credibility given my lack of achievements, made me inwardly laugh. But they don't know that, so I can say what I want.
"Will following your guidance lead to victory?"
"We will win."
I stated it firmly. Whatever happens, it will be better than now.
The president responded with a self-deprecating smile.
"I hope so… Everyone, let's start preparing. We'll show Evilbanshee-sensei the current state of our club."
Her words seemed to carry a hidden meaning. I wonder what she's getting at.
The members disappeared into a room that looked like a storage area. A short while later, they returned carrying mannequins about eighty centimeters tall. They were dull white, faceless humanoids. These must be the magic dolls, though it's my first time seeing them.
"These are our dolls. What do you think?"
As they gathered with their dolls, the president asked with a meaningful tone.
What am I supposed to say? I have no idea what she's getting at. I'll dodge the question.
"The chatting time is over. Start now."
"I understand. We'll start, even though we're using dolls from two generations ago."
So that's it. The key magic dolls are antiques.
Still, for a wealthy school, it's unusual not to have the latest models. I don't know how much the performance of two-generation-old dolls differs from current ones, and there's a lot I don't understand.
One of the members activated a device in the corner, and several platforms, about two meters square, rose from the floor. These must be the arenas where the dolls battle.
The Magic Doll Club involves controlling magic dolls in combat. It's like advanced doll play.
I watched silently as they began their practice.
"…Interesting."
The dolls on the platforms are wired. They move by channeling magic through flexible cords.
"Start with the basic movements! Move them carefully!"
The president called out and demonstrated the basic movements. Despite their lack of regular practice, they do have a basic training regimen.
The controlled magic dolls moved awkwardly, raising their arms, walking, and crouching. They're well-made toys, I suppose.
After a brief observation, I got the gist of it.
The dolls are made of a flexible material, like rubber or clay, with a magical core embedded in their chests. They are filled with magic and controlled using that magic. I wonder if there's much difference between old and new magic dolls, but their movements are indeed slow and clumsy.
It's hard to tell if this is due to the members' lack of skill, the poor quality of the dolls, or both. I'll need to investigate the equipment later.
"Evilbanshee-sensei, we've finished the basic training. Before we move on to practical exercises, could you show us your skills? Please."
The president smiled brightly but seemed to be challenging me. She might be hoping to mock me if I can only control the dolls as well as the members. What a nasty person. She might be thinking that even if I operate the antique dolls well, it won't make much difference.
Fine. With my Magic Item Handling Insignia, controlling these toys should be child's play.
I'll show them the difference in skill.
My time as the club advisor has begun, but of course, it hasn't been smooth sailing from the start.
Next time, I'll continue with the guidance and delve into the club's challenges.
(By the way, this is still my first day as a teacher.)