Chapter 348 - Wholesome Club Activities!
Today is a bit of an exciting day.
I'll clear my mind of the troublesome matters of the past few days and focus on being the advisor for the Magic Doll Club.
"Good morning, Evilbanshee-sensei. The members who can participate are all here."
"Good morning. Then let's get going."
In front of the Main Building, a mid-sized bus was waiting, and it seems only the club president wasn’t on the bus, waiting for my arrival.
I arrived right on time, but it seems everyone had gathered long before.
Today is the day of the practice match organized by the club president. As a matter of courtesy, we’re heading to the other school. Changing environments is also good practice, so this is a nice change of pace.
However, this match was forced upon the other school due to the pressure of a prestigious academy for nobles. For them, it’s nothing but a hassle and a bother. I feel sorry for them, but we have our own reasons. Since it’s a rare opportunity, we’ll make the best of it.
"By the way, sensei... Are you wearing that outfit today as well?"
"Do you have a problem with it?"
"No, it's just that I thought the other party might be surprised..."
She seems to dislike my purple tracksuit, sandals, and gold-rimmed sunglasses. I didn't even bring iron bars or bats, thinking it might look bad to carry weapons.
"Why would we bother with appearances? It’s a practice match, but it’s still a battle. The fight starts before the first spear is raised. Don't let them underestimate you."
"Is that how it works?"
"Just watch how the other school reacts to me."
Using appearance, gestures, and voice to intimidate the opponent and gain a psychological edge is also a valid tactic. Sometimes it can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Moreover, acting honorably is something only the strong can afford to do. It’s just a show of bravado. The Magic Doll Club of Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy is undeniably weak due to the tools we use. Before we start preaching, we need the determination to do whatever it takes to win.
We know we’re going to lose, but we shouldn’t neglect the effort to win. If we want to learn from today’s match, we should do everything in our power to win. That’s how we can make it a meaningful practice match.
Even the smallest details in my outfit embody this spirit. Minor adjustments can make a big difference. I’ll teach you all that.
"It’s a shame Sigurdnaught-san and Harriet-san can’t participate. It’s a pity today."
"Consider them our secret weapons. Come on, let’s go."
I patted the disappointed president on the back and helped her onto the bus.
My sister and her bodyguard Harriet won’t join us on this practice match to other schools. They won’t take the risk for a mere practice match when my sister could be a target in important matches.
We can’t officially bring Valeria and the others, and it would look suspicious to give them special treatment by letting them ride in an armored car. We can’t expose the club members to unnecessary danger, so I told them they had other business today.
I got on the bus and responded to everyone’s enthusiastic greetings before instructing the old driver to start. We arrived at our destination after about an hour.
Multiple guides were waiting on the nearby road, and after parking, we were led to our destination. This special treatment is probably because we’re from Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy. They’re probably worried about offending the nobles.
They even offered to help with the heavy magic dolls, but I politely declined. No matter how noble they are, it’s inappropriate for students to have other school staff carry their belongings.
Moreover, entrusting our battle tools to the opposing side is unacceptable even in a friendly club activity. The members understand this from our training.
The elderly teacher guiding us is so formal and nervous, even though this is just a club practice match. The president, on the other hand, conducts herself with the grace of a true lady, treating even the common teachers with respect and a smile.
Normally, I, the advisor, would handle communication with the other school’s staff, but they didn’t approach me in my gold-rimmed sunglasses and tracksuit. They only shook hands with me at the beginning with a strained smile. The president, sensing the tension, struck up a conversation with them.
I didn’t mind the silence, as I didn’t feel like making small talk. I let the president handle it.
"Hmm, this school seems pretty good too."
Standing at the back of the line, I scanned the surroundings through my sunglasses. Entering a different school creates a unique tension, yet it’s also an exciting change from the routine.
The unfamiliar buildings, uniforms, and people, even the atmosphere, feel different.
This is one of the better schools for commoners. It’s co-ed, so there are boys as well, which is a fresh change.
However, the students from Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy, in their neat gray uniforms and with their ladylike aura, are attracting a lot of attention. Especially the boys can’t help but look. Our students, refined and beautiful, are quite a sight for those unaccustomed to such elegance. The group of unfamiliar ladies is bound to draw attention.
Not only are the students looking, but I’m also getting curious and suspicious glances. I don’t really mind, but I decided to tease them a bit while they’re still hyped up. I stuck my hands in my pockets and gave them a look that said, ‘Mind your own business.’ The students quickly turned away, looking embarrassed.
Being a Demon Instructor might serve as a good deterrent.
"This is the practice arena for the Magic Doll Club. We will escort you back when you leave."
"Thank you. Everyone, our hosts are waiting. Let’s go in."
We were led to a dedicated practice arena for the Magic Doll Club, where we were free to enter.
The president led the way, opening the door, and everyone followed.
Inside, the arena was much larger than our clubroom at Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy. There were two large stages, each lined with magic dolls. The number of members seemed quite large, and the sight of so many dolls was impressive. Our clubroom’s stage size and number can be adjusted with magic tools, so in that aspect, we have the upper hand. This is a reflection of the school’s immense wealth.
"Are those the new models?"
The most eye-catching were the neatly arranged magic dolls. They looked like the latest models, with a glossy, pearl-like sheen. They wore orange vests with numbers, likely to differentiate them during battles. We have red and green vests, which we use depending on the opponent. Today, since we’re the visiting team, we’ll probably wear green.
The latest models are not just a different color from our two-generations-old faded white ones; they’re made of entirely different materials. I’m excited to see how they perform.
However, seeing these new models highlights the inadequacy of our own. It’s a shame our members have to use antiques. This is where I need to step up. I must do something about it.
"Good day. We are the Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy Magic Doll Club."
Upon entering the arena, the president, representing the group, greeted the others with a clear voice.
Her posture and demeanor were elegant and dignified, befitting a lady. She’s a perfect lady, suitable for any occasion.
"Thank you for coming from so far. I’m from Glams Academy—"
Since I, the advisor, let the president handle the greeting, the other side also responded to her. Introductions began.
The club at this school has both male and female members, but today only the girls are present. They probably took the initiative to have the boys take the day off.
While the presidents exchanged formal greetings, I observed the facilities and students from the back, arms crossed and sunglasses still on.
Just my presence is likely putting pressure on them and causing instinctive fear. I must seem like an unwelcome intruder in this peaceful club activity.
The advisor from Glams Academy is quite wary of me, acting as if I might be a security threat. Perhaps they think I’m an intruder.
It can’t be helped. It’s unusual to ignore someone, so I should at least greet the advisor. Walking towards the young advisor, who looks about my age, I drew attention away from the presidents.
Wait a minute. I just realized something.
The psychological pressure on the other side is already working well. My strategy to gain a mental edge is already paying off. But on second thought, this might not be good.
While it’s natural to try our best to win, this setup feels more like a reception.
Considering the high status of the students from a prestigious women’s school and a potentially dangerous advisor, the other side might hold back or even lose on purpose. It’s just a practice match, after all, and upsetting us could be a problem.
A reception wouldn’t help. We need them to go all out and crush us for this practice match to be meaningful.
What should we do... Hmm, let’s start with a friendly approach. I’ll make it clear that there’s no need to hold back.
If they take it the right way, that’s great. If not, maybe a bit of provocation will do the trick. I’ll gauge their reaction and decide from there.
Let’s start with being friendly.
"Hello, I’m Yukareed Evilbanshee, the advisor. Nice to meet you."
I took off my sunglasses and extended my right hand.
It’s a very friendly greeting, and I even added a smile. The other side, initially tense, seemed to relax a bit because of my effort. Let’s keep this up.
"Evilbanshee-sensei, is it? I apologize, but I’m not familiar with your name. I’ve heard you have excellent skills. I’m looking forward to today’s match."
We shook hands, and although he said he was looking forward to it, his expression was still tense. Moreover, he didn’t introduce himself, which is quite rude. They might be nervous because we’re a group of ladies. I’ll probably forget his name by tomorrow anyway, so it doesn’t matter.
He’s probably wondering who I am, having heard my name, Evilbanshee, without any recognition. Club advisors are usually experienced, and Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy has a distinguished record in the Magic Doll Club. It’s natural to expect a seasoned advisor for a prestigious and wealthy school.
However, Evilbanshee is completely unknown, and it’s understandable that he’s curious. As an advisor to a strong club, he’s likely concerned about my background.
Let’s put him at ease with a light-hearted and honest response.
Let’s make him feel comfortable! I decided to cut to the chase and talk about past Magic Doll battles.
"No, I’m just a beginner. I only started using magic dolls recently. I hope you can give my students a good workout. Please don’t hold back."
"What? You mean, a beginner? I noticed that your dolls are also two generations old."
"That’s right. We haven’t been able to replace them yet. They’re probably not a match for your dolls, but there’s a reason for it. As I said, please don’t hold back and give us a good workout."
I don’t understand why, but despite my friendly and gentle approach, the other advisor is looking extremely uncomfortable, with a frown on his face.
Hmm, maybe I’ve hit a nerve. I have no idea why.
"...Is that so? Our school is one of the top contenders for the autumn tournament. We accepted this match at the request of your club president, Hermira Carrington, who said you have an excellent advisor. You mentioned you’re a beginner, but is this a change from what was said?"
What’s this guy’s problem? He’s acting as if we tricked him into giving up his time. He seems to be accusing us of lying about our strength.
This is more than just a snide comment; it’s a direct challenge. I was thinking of provoking them, but I didn’t expect to be provoked first.
I can understand his feelings. If a weak club lied and wasted the time of a strong one, it would be annoying. But to speak this way to a prestigious school is beyond arrogant. He must be clueless.
"Hmm, offended, are you? Then let’s see what your top-tier team can do. I’d like to see such a gap that we never want to challenge you again. Let’s keep the small talk to a minimum, shall we?"
"I won’t hold back. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."
He’s confident. But that’s fine. If he goes all out, it’s exactly what we need.
The presidents had finished their greetings, and everyone was now looking at us. I put my sunglasses back on, walked back to the entrance, and addressed the president.
"What do you know about that advisor? He seemed like a bit of a jerk."
"That’s Nathaniel Parker, who was the top player in the tournament five years ago. He’s an excellent instructor and has led Glams Academy to many achievements. I didn’t realize you didn’t know him. I haven’t heard any bad things about him, though. Perhaps you have a personal issue with him?"
He’s famous, huh? Now that she mentions it, he did seem to expect me to know him. As an outsider, I wouldn’t know, but usually, people introduce themselves. Even if he’s excellent, he’s a bit smug.
"No, no personal issues. It’s the first time I’ve met him."
"But, sensei, why are you unknown despite your abilities?"
"Of course. I’ve never participated in any Magic Doll tournaments. Focus on preparing. They seem quite serious."
The other advisor is rallying the students, telling them to go all out and crush us.
"Never participated..."
Is that so surprising? The students are looking at me in shock. I understand their surprise, but I’m the best at controlling magic dolls, better than anyone here.
"Hey, don’t just stand there. They’re coming at us with everything they’ve got. If you lose, it’s not the end of the world, but I won’t accept losing the spirit!"
"Y-Yes! Everyone, start preparing!"
The stage is set. Even in a losing battle, if they show me their determination, I’ll be satisfied.
The other side has top-tier skills and the latest models.
Our equipment is far inferior, and our basic control skills are still lacking. I want to see how far they can push themselves in these conditions. Show me the results of your hard work.