Chapter 335 - A Growing List of Problems
I didn't need anyone to teach me how to operate a magic doll. Once I saw it, I understood.
Since they are a type of magical artifact, the key is always sensing and manipulating magic. For me, this is a fundamental skill, honed through constant practice.
"Give it to me."
I took the control cable from the president's hand while still carrying the iron rod on my left shoulder. I had a clear image in my mind and was ready to put it into practice.
I filled the magic doll with magic through the wired cable. The tricky part is not using too little or too much magic.
Too little, and the output is insufficient; too much, and it's wasted. I had to pour in the right amount of magic, precisely and continuously, without any waste. It's a highly advanced technique to do this flawlessly.
It's similar to Physical Enhancement Magic but harder to apply to other objects. The students' magic control was amateurish, with noticeable inconsistencies and inefficiencies.
They probably thought they were doing a decent job, but from my perspective, it was barely functional and not impressive at all. The problem was with their skills, not the equipment. I'd show them what real skill looks like.
I fully mastered the magic doll through the control cable. Now, I understood why they were called second-generation relics. These dolls were incredibly inefficient with magic flow. Unlike my usual equipment, which smoothly channels magic, these required a strong and controlled magic input. Newer models would likely be much easier to control. Indeed, it would be challenging for inexperienced students to handle these.
I glanced sideways to see the president smiling faintly. She might have mistaken my careful adjustment for struggling. Since the surface showed no magic leakage, it was understandable that she couldn't sense the dense, circulating magic inside. Most people only see the surface, and the advanced technique of filling an object with the right amount of magic requires a high level of magical perception.
Let me show you something more challenging than the basic movements. That way, even the dull ones will understand.
I started moving the doll. Unlike the slow and awkward movements of the students, mine was smooth and natural, with no hesitation. I walked it with natural leg movements, shifting the center of gravity and even swinging the arms. This 'natural' movement is difficult to achieve, and those familiar with doll control would appreciate it. The smooth walking caused a stir in the room.
But that's not all. I transitioned from walking to jogging and then to a full sprint. The students, who could barely make their dolls walk, would never manage to make them run.
I ran the doll around the two-meter-square platform three times, leaning into the curves just like a human. I even skillfully avoided the cables that could have been a hindrance.
Impressed? Incredible, isn't it?
"No way, such movements... with a second-generation doll..."
Exactly. The president's muttered reaction and the growing buzz in the room were proof of the impact.
But there's more. Running isn't enough. Watch carefully!
I stopped the doll at the edge of the platform, then made it jump lightly and start a somersault. It landed on its hands, did a backflip, followed by a one-and-a-half-twist forward flip, and finished with a forward flip!
It landed on the adjacent platform, which was a bit of a bonus.
"That's about it."
I was quite satisfied with my first attempt. With practice, I could do even more acrobatic movements.
The room fell silent again, but this time it was different from the initial skepticism. The students were speechless, having witnessed something unbelievable.
But we can't stand around in awe forever.
I turned to face the students.
"If you follow my guidance, I'll make you win. But I'll kick out anyone who isn't serious."
The students, tense and looking at me, must be feeling a mix of emotions. The daughters of nobles and wealthy merchants have high pride, but those who stayed must want to participate in club activities.
A certain number of participants is needed for the competitions. If too many leave, it would be problematic. I'll maintain a strict, top-down approach as an advisor. I won't adopt a student-centric or friendly teaching style.
I tapped the iron rod on my shoulder and demanded a response. A few scattered, weak voices replied.
Sigh, what a bunch of wimps. First impressions are crucial; let's start with a bang.
"Respond clearly and loudly. Remember your position as students."
While demonstrating a continuous backflip on the stage, I drew their attention. Showing them my doll control skills might be more effective than using a threatening aura.
"Can we achieve what you just did with Evilbanshee-sensei's guidance?"
The president's question was full of hope. The other students, listening quietly, seemed to share her sentiment. They were more motivated than I expected.
However, achieving my level of skill in a short time is impossible. It might not even be possible with long-term effort. But if I say that, their motivation might wane.
As an advisor, I need to strike a balance between being too strict and too lenient. Unlike the Kikyo Society, where I can push the trainees to their limits, this will be more challenging.
"Expecting you to match my level is unrealistic. But I'll make you better than you are now."
"We understand it won't be easy, but you've shown us that even old dolls can be used effectively."
The president's positive response was echoed by the other students.
It seems they were discouraged by the old equipment but are now motivated, realizing that the right approach can make a difference.
I'll support their enthusiasm. A student who immediately gives up, thinking it's impossible, is far worse. The key is how long they can maintain their determination.
Strike while the iron is hot. Let's start building a solid foundation while they're motivated.
"Alright, here's your first task. Master this within three days... Respond!"
"Y-Yes!"
These slackers might improve with some training. Let's start with the basics of magic sensing and manipulation. They need to understand their current abilities before moving the dolls. Training with inefficient dolls will be challenging but rewarding. Once they can handle this, we'll consider the first phase a success.
Of course, I don't expect perfection. As long as they improve to a decent level, it will be a good start. I set a goal and a deadline to motivate them.
"Sensei, can I ask a question?"
I welcome proactive questions. I granted permission.
"How do we know if we're filling the doll with magic correctly?"
Indeed, with their limited skills, they wouldn't be able to judge their own performance. They wouldn't know if they were doing it right or wrong. Given their current level, I'll need to take a more hands-on approach.
"I'll guide each of you individually at first."
I'll give them personal lessons. They should appreciate it.
Thus, my afternoon as the advisor of the Magic Doll Club passed, and I ended the training when the students reached their limits. However, there's still a problem. With second-generation relics, no matter how hard the students try, it will be difficult. Even achieving a skill level lower than mine would be a daunting challenge. To realistically restore the club's glory, we need to address the equipment.
"President, after you're done, come to my office. It's in the faculty building. Look for the nameplate."
"I'll be there soon."
Not asking about the purpose is a good attitude.
After leaving the club room, I returned to my office, where the president soon arrived. I invited her to sit.
"What do you need?"
"I have a question. Why are you using such old dolls?"
This prestigious academy, with its substantial donations, shouldn't have budget constraints. Clubs should have more funding than regular schools.
"Didn't you know the situation, Evilbanshee-sensei?"
"What situation? Explain it clearly."
I didn't know anything, and her surprised reaction didn't change that. I insisted on an explanation, and the mystery was quickly solved. As usual, it was a complicated issue.
After dismissing the president, I sat in my office at twilight, lost in thought.
"Hmm, what to do..."
When the Magic Doll Club was thriving, it received a generous budget. That's natural for a successful club.
However, a former member misappropriated the club's funds. They used the budget for personal reasons, which naturally led to a major scandal. The problem wasn't just the missing funds.
At the time, the club planned to buy the latest generation of dolls, but the entire budget was stolen, forcing them to use the previous generation. This led to poor performance in competitions, further tarnishing the club's reputation.
One might wonder why they didn't buy new dolls with personal funds. Many wealthy students could afford it, but each school must approve the purchase of magic dolls, and using personal funds for competitions is not allowed.
At Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy, the Student Council controls the budget allocation and club approvals. They denied the Magic Doll Club's budget requests and equipment purchases due to past issues. This restriction continues, with no budget increases or personal purchases allowed.
While it's understandable to stay within the allocated budget for in-school activities, the situation is more complicated. The Magic Doll Club, once a powerhouse, was disliked by many, especially by high-ranking students. This bias has led to ongoing restrictions on the club.
The club's decline in competitions, due to the lack of new equipment, has further reduced their budget, pushing them back to using second-generation relics.
A reasonable approach would be to save up over several years to buy expensive equipment, but if that's not possible, the Student Council's restrictions might not be just paranoia.
However, this is a problem. Without new dolls, it's impossible to restore the club's glory. The club's issues are more complex than they seem.
"The Headmistress kept this from me. She must expect me to handle everything."
Winning with second-generation relics is unrealistic. At the very least, we need better equipment.
To achieve a revival, we need the Student Council's approval. The students' families can afford it, but getting the approval is the hard part. This issue has persisted, making the club's decline inevitable.
But today is only the first day. I'll think of a solution in the coming days.
After changing from my gym clothes into something more presentable, I left the dormitory to explore the town. I had a late start due to the conversation with the matron, but I still planned to patrol the area and have dinner.
I was concerned about my sister and Valeria, but I'd hear from them if there were any issues. They probably had a peaceful first day. I decided to talk to them tomorrow.
Exiting the academy, which sits high on a hill, I found that the nearby area had a mix of upscale and more dubious establishments. The upscale shops were common, but a bit further away, there was a more seedy section, possibly due to supply and demand or a balance of light and darkness.
My destination was the latter.
What kind of trouble will welcome me tonight? I hope it's a good one. I won't be easily surprised. Bring it on!
The path to restoring the club's glory is long and challenging.
Next, I'll patrol and explore the town. Leaving the academy, I'll face new challenges. The story will continue to unfold!
Next chapter: 'A Regular's Haunt.'