Chapter 433 - Unnecessary Worries
The practice match proposed by the Headmistress was quickly scheduled, decided unanimously by the club members.
Constant practice within the club was bound to grow stale, and a change from daily routine seemed welcome—especially for the beginners.
This first practice match under the new rules would surely offer many lessons. Even as their Advisor, there were things I could only understand by actually doing.
This expedition was also an official event hosted by the Academy.
Transportation, even the arrangement of escorts, was handled entirely by the Academy. Thanks to that, our Club President, who usually had to manage administrative tasks, could focus entirely on training.
Even I, as Advisor, found myself thinking about countless things every day.
I had intended to hold back, considering the long road ahead—but then reconsidered. When striving for excellence under unfavorable conditions, holding back wasn't an option for me either.
What I was currently trying was demonstrating magic doll operation myself, showing the members a proper example.
To the inexperienced members, my little sister’s skill level was an easily graspable ideal. So fundamentally, I still intended to use her as the main model.
But exposing them to an even higher level would surely serve as valuable inspiration. And when it came to demonstrating such advanced techniques, it was better coming from me—their Advisor, a figure worthy of respect—rather than a student like Harriet.
I mainly practiced the same forms as the members, only briefly showing them during breaks.
It wouldn’t mean anything if they just vaguely watched my magic doll operation. What mattered was understanding why it was different. I wouldn’t rely on the “learn by watching” approach. I’d offer a few brief explanations.
By raising their awareness, even routine practice that might otherwise become stale would transform into something meaningful.
"Though I’ve said it hundreds of times, the key lies in magical perception and magical control. Mastering these is how you’ll draw closer to Sigurdnaught or me. Perceive your magic carefully. My magic doll should have absolutely no waste. No excess magic—only the precise amount needed, supplied efficiently. With minimal force, operate the doll effectively, instantly, with perfect accuracy, exactly as intended."
I deliberately colored the magic flowing through the doll like an aura, making the flow visible and easier to understand.
"Every one of these elements is embedded in the forms you practice daily. If you train seriously, your magical skill will improve, even if only gradually. I guarantee it. Even the smallest finger movement demands full attention. Swift, beautiful, precise."
Complete magical domination over the magic doll. Never slackening, not even for the tiniest motion—handling every detail with care. Beauty naturally emerged from that.
There was no sloppiness anywhere. With enough practice, it would become as natural as breathing.
"If anyone has questions, I’ll take them now. Yes, Vice-President Mildree?"
"Um… I don’t think I’m slacking in practice, but is there anything else I can do to improve faster? Is increasing practice time the only way?"
Where did that impatience come from? Was it due to the skill gap within the club? Or comparisons with other schools?
I reined in my overflowing magic, paused briefly, then answered.
"...You can only focus on efficient, concentrated practice. These forms contain more than enough elements to strengthen your fundamentals. If you seek more, then yes—increasing practice time is the only way. But still… Sigurdnaught, what do you do outside club practice?"
I turned to my little sister, the model student. I expected exactly the answer I wanted.
"I practice magical perception and control at all times, regardless of club hours, as the Advisor has instructed."
"All times?"
"Yes, Vice-President. I constantly perceive the ambient magic around me. At the same time, I maintain a weak Physical Enhancement Magic continuously, which also helps me grow accustomed to magic manipulation."
The members stared, stunned. Even if they were familiar with magic, such a habit was far beyond the norms of well-bred young ladies.
This was training fit for a martial faction. To us, full members of the Kikyo Society, it was simply expected—just like Anastasia Union’s members.
In fact, for any mage of sufficient skill, constant magical perception and continuous Physical Enhancement Magic were standard. Those who couldn’t manage it were rated no better than third-rate. Though, admittedly, third-rate and below made up most of the world.
Of course, such magical usage was unnecessary for ordinary students. And given how demanding Magic Doll Club practice already was, they likely had no surplus magic to spare.
Still, if they truly wished to rise higher, constant magical perception and Physical Enhancement Magic were not just effective—they were perhaps the only way.
"Could it be… the Advisor also does the same as Sigurdnaught-san?"
"I keep it active even while sleeping. But you lot don’t have the magic capacity for that to begin with. You lack the technique to manage even weak magic like that. Still, doing it within reasonable limits outside club hours wouldn’t hurt."
The members stared intently at my sister and me, desperately trying to sense our magic, to detect the Physical Enhancement.
"Um… I can’t sense any Physical Enhancement Magic from you, Advisor."
Mildree spoke, puzzled.
"That’s because you’re only sensing the surface. I’m also making it hard to detect. I’ll make it slightly easier—try sensing deeper."
I loosened my tightly contained internal magic flow just a little, weakening the magical output so it wouldn’t be overwhelming.
The circulating magic, smooth as a clear stream, was beautiful even to my own eyes. Master Physical Enhancement Magic allowed immense strength with minimal consumption. At my level, natural magic recovery exceeded expenditure—meaning spells of this scale could be sustained indefinitely, except when using extremely powerful combat magic.
Truly, magic as natural as breathing. This was an ultra-refined magical skill, impossible for students—or even so-called top-tier mages—to imitate.
"I can sense the flow now, Advisor… but is that really Physical Enhancement Magic?"
"When you eliminate wasted force, this is the result. If you use clumsy magical control, it ends up like this."
I stopped the smooth, stream-like flow and switched to a brute-force method.
Even restrained to a moderate level, the magic radiated terrifying power. This alone was strong enough to make it unmistakably clear: their Advisor operated on a level far beyond normal.
I unleashed an overwhelmingly potent magical presence for several seconds, then clearly demonstrated circulating the magic again—maintaining the same scale, but suppressing all wasteful output and consumption.
Even if they couldn’t replicate it, they should at least grasp the essence of high-quality magical application.
"Magnificent."
I nodded at Harriet’s praise and returned my magic to its usual state.
Quiet magical usage like this remained completely undetectable to ordinary perception—even when it was immensely powerful.
The more you thought about it, the more terrifying it became. It was like standing right beside someone constantly charging a massive spell.
If I ever intended harm, I could be ready to slaughter in an instant—yet no one would notice. I’d just keep living among them, calm and unassuming. That was the true horror of magic.
"Mildree, understand? Using magic in real combat—unlike mere play—is like this. Even magic far weaker than mine is already more than sufficient for club activities. But if you wish to climb higher, remembering this won’t hurt."
The members were speechless. Vice-President Mildree, still dazed, could only nod slowly.
I knew it was difficult. They didn’t need to force it. This kind of magic required both immense reserves and exceptional control—something impossible without a high baseline. The only way to learn was to start imitating in short bursts.
Besides, outside our club, I doubted any student at other schools did this. In student competitions, such power was excessive. Yet mastering it was the fastest path to growth.
Hmm. It was wrong of me to assume it was impossible. If anything, I now wanted them to learn it. Even imitation, done properly, should be within reach.
"Still… Hermira and Edith might already manage something close, given their current level. Everyone else, if you have energy after club, try it. It’s mentally taxing, but you should always keep magical perception in mind."
The members nodded solemnly.
At the reinvigorated president’s command, we resumed practice.
After several days of intense training, the day of our expedition to Solonton finally arrived.
Packed into a single large bus, the members traveled for half a day.
Even now, no one acted like rowdy children. Everyone was silently practicing Physical Enhancement Magic—impressive, really.
A vehicle carrying escorts led the way, ensuring the safety of these daughters of influential families.
Even though it was nearby, this was a cross-border expedition. Even on well-traveled roads, encounters with monster occurred at low probability.
Monster weren’t the main concern. Human-made incidents were possible too—getting caught in trouble, or worse, being targeted.
Whether or not to suspect the Headmistress’s friend who invited us—well, that was one thing. But the practice match was reportedly requested by the opposing Magic Doll Club’s Advisor. Given the Magic Doll Federation’s possible involvement, and their potential misuse of sister-school ties, we couldn’t ignore the possibility.
Doubting the Academy’s provided escorts would likely be overcautious. But in my club, we must always be aware that anything could happen.
Whether it’s monster, suddenly appearing undead, mercenary attacks, traps set by the Medek-Legisamo Empire, or even inexplicable misfortunes—we must ensure absolute safety.
"This is Shinogami. Heidi, how’s your end?"
Sitting alone at the front of the bus, I whispered into my earring-shaped communicator.
"This is Heidi. No abnormalities so far. The road’s clear, peaceful. Not even a weak monster in sight."
"Understood. Seems safe enough."
Heidi and another Intelligence Bureau member were paired up, moving ahead of the escort vehicles, securing safety through wide-range magical perception. The Anastasia Union escorts knew this and would coordinate if needed.
So far, all was peaceful. This was the Belriza territory, after all—the road leading to the capital, Beltoria. The road was well-maintained, and there were no signs of trouble.
Looking out the bus window, I saw lush forests stretching into the distance. Occasionally, small villages appeared, and the serene pastoral scenery seemed set to continue for a while. No sense of monster threat at all—utterly peaceful.
If anything were to happen, it would surely be man-made.
As someone beloved by the goddess of trouble, there was no way I’d complete this journey peacefully. The calm before the storm only heightened my excitement.
And for the students caught up in it? It would surely be a valuable experience.
Hehehe. Enjoy it while you can!
"Advisor, may I speak for a moment?"
Club President Hermira approached carefully through the moving bus.
I adjusted my spread skirt and patted the seat beside me, making it easier for her to sit.
Today’s outfit—chosen for going out—was modest, but awkward to sit in. I shifted slightly and tapped the empty seat beside me in response.
Hermira sat quietly, lost in thought, saying nothing.
"If you’re feeling unwell, I have medicine."
"...No. Advisor… what do you think of this expedition?"
Hermira spoke slowly, choosing her words. Her eyes mixed unease and responsibility, and the weight of her role as president was visible on her shoulders.
"What about it?"
"Well… isn’t it a little strange? Magic Doll battles have slightly different rules per country, so practice matches aren’t considered very effective. I understand friendly matches are good, but holding one now, right before the autumn tournament? I agreed at the time, but… looking back, it feels off."
A sharp girl. She didn’t know the specifics, but she was already connecting it to the unstable situation swirling within Belriza.
Still, even if someone was plotting something, worrying wouldn’t help these kids.
"The other side said they wanted to confirm the new rules and exchange opinions. I don’t find it strange. We won’t face foreign schools in official matches anyway, so revealing our techniques isn’t a problem. Even with different rules, they seem like a suitable opponent for a practice match."
I concealed my own concerns and voiced only the official stance.
"Yes, you’re right, Advisor… but I can’t help feeling uneasy."
Hermira lowered her head, her semi-long hair falling over her face like a curtain.
Resisting the rebellious urge to do the opposite, I reached out, gently lifting the strands with my fingers and tucking them behind her ear.
Facing her directly, I said firmly:
"You’re worried about politics, aren’t you? Don’t be. If it comes to that, I’ll handle it. I’ll deflect anything that comes our way. You’re safe."
She’d feel responsible if something happened—as club president. A smart, kind girl, and not bad-looking either. With polishing, she’d shine even brighter. For such a good kid, I’d give a little extra.
I removed my ever-present sunglasses.
"See my left eye? Do you recognize it?"
At a glance, it was hard to notice. But my left eye had a faint red mixed into its black, with thorn-like patterns woven into the iris.
The pattern was hard to see beneath the dark red hue, but once noticed, it might seem unsettling to some. Then again, others might find it cool or beautiful—it depended on the person.
"Oh… the color… I never noticed before."
"Had some things happen during break. This? It’s a Magic Eye. Know what that is?"
"I’ve read about them in books, but this is my first time seeing one."
"It’s a secret what exactly it does, but it’s a rather powerful Magic Eye. If any criminals attack, one look from this and they’re finished. We’ve got escorts too. And honestly? You kids don’t need to worry about political troubles—the Headmistress will handle that. So there’s nothing to fear."
I almost ruffled her pretty hair playfully, but stopped myself—just gave her head one light pat. Finally, Hermira smiled.
"With Evilbanshee-sensei here, I feel like nothing could go wrong."
"Exactly. This is a club activity. Just focus on the club and the practice. Now, isn’t it about time we reach the rest stop?"
"Yes. I’ll go check if anyone’s feeling unwell."
I gave her backside a light smack as she stood and sent her off.
Let the adults handle the trouble. Or rather—if someone has set a trap, good.
I’d play along to pass the time.
I’d deflect every single move, crush their schemes completely, and make sure they’d never dare oppose me again.
Ah, that’s right.
I didn’t come here for some boring trip where we just play a match and go home.
Honestly, I’m an irredeemable fool—even for an Advisor.
But that’s exactly why I’m strong.
The chapter ended up longer than expected, filled with club practice scenes and my little chat with Club President Hermira.
Sorry for not advancing the plot, despite writing in the previous afterword that I wanted to move things along quickly.
Next chapter, “Guardian of the Maidens,” will carry a faint scent of violence.
After that, we’ll finally dive into the Magic Doll battles!