Chapter 449 - The Return of the powerhouse, Hints of a Rapid Advance
In the tournament, only one magical artifact can be brought into the match, and these are either activated directly by the contestants from the watchtowers or remotely equipped to the magic dolls. This time, Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy used the type equipped to the magic dolls, and it's generally assumed that most schools would use this type.
The small output magical artifacts specified by the rules are not very effective when used from the distant watchtowers in the vast training ground. Therefore, equipping the artifacts directly to the dolls is more practical.
The magical artifact Hermira activated had a simple effect: it made the targeted magic doll glow in gold. But it also had another effect, which soon became apparent.
Heroic music blared from the flagship machine at a deafening volume.
It glowed brightly and made a huge racket. That was the artifact.
Its purpose was to announce the presence of the flagship machine to the enemy, practically taunting them with its location.
Normally, it would make no sense to draw attention to the flagship machine, which results in immediate defeat if destroyed. Thus, it would typically be considered a decoy.
Still, such a conspicuous magic doll couldn't be ignored.
Under normal circumstances, it would be impossible to know which doll is the flagship machine. But the presence of this overly conspicuous doll forced everyone to take notice.
The glaring light and deafening noise caused more stress than expected.
Moreover, it created unnecessary noise and stress in the minds of the opponents, making them doubt whether it was a decoy or not.
In essence, it was a psychological offensive magical artifact.
Despite the flashy start, Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy continued to move.
The glowing magic doll led the charge toward the center of the vast training ground, advancing boldly and confidently.
The audience was taken aback by the unprecedented move and the sheer audacity of Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy, breaking out into a mix of boos and cheers.
The reaction from the other schools was as expected.
"First, they’re shocked, then they’re angered by being underestimated. They’ll either follow their pre-planned tactics or hesitate, trying to match the moves of other schools," Hermira observed.
The bold and flashy maneuvers could disrupt the opponents' strategies.
Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy's daring actions disregarded the opponents' plans and tricks, essentially daring them to attack.
Logically, it made no sense to challenge three schools at once and expect to win.
Was this flashy move a trap?
It only caused further confusion.
Combined with the rumors of Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy defeating strong opponents, the other schools were left paralyzed.
Everything was going according to plan, perhaps too smoothly.
Since the start signal, only our school had been active.
While the other schools were frozen, the blue-bibbed group of magic dolls had already reached the center of the training ground and continued to advance.
"They’re taking their sweet time," Hermira noted.
Are the other schools fools?
If they don’t take action, they’ll lose without a fight.
From the pre-match movements of their magic dolls, it was clear that their skills were inferior to ours. Yet, in this state, their chances of winning were even lower.
Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy increased its speed, charging toward the western watchtower at a pace double that of their initial run.
The speed was impressive, closing the distance quickly, and the crowd's cheers grew louder.
The team at the western watchtower became increasingly disorganized, finally starting to move, albeit belatedly.
Their hesitation would cost them.
Inadequate in skill and riddled with confusion, they were no match.
With their brightly glowing flagship machine leading the charge, Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy overwhelmed the magic dolls at the western watchtower.
They surged forward, surrounding and wreaking havoc on the enemy, executing a well-coordinated attack.
Each commander followed their orders, avoiding reckless solo actions and focusing on attacking the flanks and rear while the front lines drew the enemy's attention.
The disoriented and vulnerable enemy suffered more than expected, and a single charge netted significant results.
Though luck might have played a part, the enemy’s flagship machine remained unharmed.
Still, it was no concern. The other schools were still inactive, and the western watchtower was in disarray, showing no signs of recovery.
Anticipating this, the flagship machine, now a true decoy, drew attention while our team quickly decimated the enemy magic dolls.
Soon, they achieved the decisive blow, destroying the enemy’s flagship machine.
The yellow light magic signaling the western watchtower's defeat sent the crowd into another roar.
"Boring. Well, what can you expect in the first round?"
True to their title as champions, they approached the match with supreme confidence.
Not a single magic doll had been lost. It was a crushing victory.
The impressive assault left the remaining schools in awe, and they finally began to move.
But it was too late.
Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy was already advancing toward the southern watchtower, reorganizing their ranks.
The remaining opponents were the teams at the southern and northern watchtowers.
Given the distance and speed, the two schools wouldn't have enough time to unite and challenge us. They faced a grim future of being picked off one by one.
The enemy's remaining move was easy to predict.
They would focus on destroying the brightly glowing magic doll, believed to be the flagship machine. It was their only chance, regardless of whether it was genuine or not.
I could understand their reasoning. After witnessing our moves, the remaining schools would realize they had no chance of winning a fair fight. Their only option was to take a gamble.
Ironically, this played right into our hands.
Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy’s magic dolls were arranged with the glowing doll in the center, flanked by others in a wide formation.
The flanking dolls moved forward, forming a semi-circular shape, advancing boldly on the open plain.
Naturally, the enemy aimed to break through the center.
The magic dolls from the southern watchtower formed a V-shape and charged at us, belatedly but with determination.
It was a straightforward and exciting clash that energized the crowd.
The enemy's charge toward the glowing doll was met by a solid defense from our central units, perfectly deflecting the attacks.
The difference in the magic dolls' power density was evident, making it easy to repel the attacks. The skill disparity was clear.
The enemy's command units, hesitating at the rear, were swiftly surrounded and attacked by Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy’s dolls.
A short, powerful thrust from a spear easily knocked the enemy down, and another of our dolls quickly took its place.
The relentless and coordinated attack rapidly destroyed the enemy's flagship machine.
The green light magic signaling the southern watchtower's defeat coincided with Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy’s immediate reorganization and continued advance.
The northern watchtower team was finally reaching the center of the field, giving us ample time to prepare.
Another frontal clash was about to begin.
In a head-on battle, the underdogs stood no chance against our superior might.
Shortly, the pink light magic signaled the northern team's defeat, followed by a massive blue light magic celebrating our victory.
"That's more like it."
The crowd’s enthusiasm confirmed it was a spectacular win.
I stood and listened to the closing announcements, ignoring the many advisors from other schools who seemed eager to speak to me.
I walked to the waiting area near the parking lot, where the team was already gathered.
"Teacher, we did it!"
"We won, we actually won!"
The girls beamed with joy, though it was just their first victory.
Still, it was a real tournament win, and their happiness was understandable.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, it would be fitting for a champion to remain composed.
But perhaps it was better to let them enjoy the moment. After all, it was a student competition.
Regardless, I decided to offer some praise.
"Well done. You seemed a bit tense and a little stiff, but a win is a win."
It had been an easy victory, almost like a children’s play for Harriet and the others who were escorting Anastasia Union’s sister.
For the team, including Harriet, Hermira, Mildree, Chelsea, and Edith, it was a good warm-up.
If they performed at their usual level, the next match would be even more impressive. However, as the advisor, I needed to keep them focused.
I clapped my hands to gather their attention.
"Hermira, how much time do you think we have before the next match?"
"About four to five hours, depending on how quickly the other matches progress. But since our match ended early, the others might follow, so it could be around four hours."
The open plain without obstacles or terrain advantages meant that matches wouldn’t drag on, likely concluding in less than the maximum forty-five minutes.
"Mildree, what do you think?"
"I agree with Hermira. Even if the matches speed up, they won’t cut the time in half."
Looks like we have about four hours. Still, a long wait, even if the matches progress quickly.
"So, we have quite a bit of downtime. Let’s keep moving to stay sharp."
"You mean practice? Now?"
"Teacher, shouldn’t we watch other matches for reference?"
"Why waste time on mediocre matches? It’s more beneficial to use the time to improve our performance. Otherwise, we might get stiff again. Now, go on."
Practicing would keep them in top form, mentally and physically. Manipulating the magic dolls also required a close connection between the body and magic.
"But where should we go?"
"Go for a run. This venue is perfect for it."
"Run around the tournament field?"
"Exactly. Hurry up and change into your practice gear."
I managed to shift them into practice mode with a stern look.
I set up partitions in the tent and urged them to hurry.
Once they reluctantly changed into their gray track suits, I gave them their orders.
"The field is roughly nine hundred meters on each side. Run three laps, using physical enhancement magic, and return within thirty minutes. Stay in formation. Got it?"
"Teacher, won’t we attract a lot of attention?"
Of course, with hundreds of school representatives and thousands of spectators, the venue was bustling.
"That’s the point. Practicing in a crowded area will help you stay calm during the actual matches. Plus, it’s a chance to show your strength. Scare the watchers while you’re at it."
"Understood. Everyone, let’s start with a thorough warm-up as usual."
The team leader understood my plan.
Intensive, high-quality training would intimidate the onlookers and serve as a show of force.
Running around the venue to gather attention, followed by practicing with the magic dolls, would demonstrate our strength and unsettle the competition.
It was a multifaceted strategy.
Exhausting ourselves before the match would also reinforce our champion status.
With only one more match today and a long break, there was no downside.
The team, now unbothered by the surrounding gazes, started their warm-up with loud, determined voices.