Chapter 452 - Capricious Advisor Declares an Easy Victory Boring
As soon as the match began, the first to move was Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy. Seeing this, the teams from the other three schools quickly followed suit.
There was no air of cautious observation; every team was proactive and energetic.
Of course, any team that makes it to the third round is bound to be like this.
"Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy is moving north along the river. Isn't that dangerous?"
The river’s current is strong even from a distance. If one of the dolls fell in, it would be out of the match.
Moreover, moving along the river is such an obvious route. If your enemy figures out your path in the forest, it would naturally put you at a disadvantage.
"I believe they have a plan," said the candidate for Senior Advisor, sitting beside me. Indeed, Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy had started moving north along a route near the river from the southern tower. Soon, their dolls disappeared into the forest, making them harder to see.
This would make it difficult for the operators and the spectators on the tower to keep track. However, the river route offered a slight advantage in visibility and control.
The other three schools had different strategies: the northern team entered the eastern forest, while the eastern and western teams moved north.
"The teams in the east and west seem to be moving to attack the northern team, regardless of Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy in the south?"
"That’s the direction they’re taking, but they might also be waiting for the southern team in ambush. Our members are probably considering that possibility."
Once the teams entered the forest, it became nearly impossible for the spectators to see them directly. However, we could still track their movements through the magical images projected towards the audience. This advanced magical imaging technology was something I hadn’t seen before in Exembra. It could be useful in the arena, so I’d like to get one if I can.
"Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy has turned around. I wonder what the northern team is planning."
On the overall map, all the dolls from each school were shown in different colors. The cluster of green dots representing Saint Emeralda was gradually moving away from the river towards the east. The initial move along the river was likely a decoy to mislead the enemy.
While our school's strategy seemed sound, the movement of the northern tower's team caught my attention. The pink dots representing their dolls were stationary near the edge of a large pond or lake.
"They don’t seem to be hiding. Ah, the image is up."
The view of the pink-clad dolls appeared. Now we could see what they were doing.
"Are they trying to open the sluice gate?"
"It seems so. Ah, that’s a clever move, possible only from the northern tower."
Well done. It’s not just about brute force; using the environment to your advantage is just as valid.
Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy is likely the strongest, and unbeatable by any team. If so, they don’t need to fight head-on.
It took some time to open the sluice gate, and water gushed out, turning the already strong river into a torrent. The bridges over the river in the north, center, and south were sturdy and held up, so there was no issue with continuing the match once the water calmed.
"What a brilliant read. Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy has already moved to a safer position, away from the flood. They’re moving quickly even in the dense forest."
"Speed is one of our strengths. At this rate, we can outflank the eastern tower’s team."
It’s unclear if Hermira and the others anticipated the flood, but it worked out well in the end. However, it was also partly due to good luck. If the weather had been bad or the bridges unusable for a long time, we might have lost.
The worst-case scenario would have been if the western tower’s team crossed the bridge early, leaving only the northern team on the west side. The northern team could have timed the opening of the sluice gate to trap us. If we had ended up on the eastern side with two other schools, we could have defeated them but faced the unscathed northern team, leading to a draw based on the number of remaining dolls.
With fifty dolls each for the other two schools and forty-seven for us, we would have lost even if we were unscathed.
But it’s just a hypothetical. Since the bridges are usable, there’s no problem in this match.
"Evilbanshee-sensei, you say speed is our strength, but isn’t it a bit too fast? We’re almost catching up to the eastern team."
I couldn’t really answer that. Soon, the battle began.
Despite the difficulty of seeing the dolls in the forest, the eastern tower’s team must have had some idea of Saint Emeralda’s movements.
The surprise attack from behind didn’t work; instead, it turned into a straightforward battle.
Once it comes to this, it’s nearly impossible for the eastern tower’s team to beat the superior Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy. The morale and momentum of the attackers are different.
The eastern tower’s team had no standout moments and was quickly defeated. A blue light shot into the sky, signaling their defeat. This would make the northern and western teams more cautious.
"The next development is easy to predict."
"Do you think the northern and western teams will join forces?"
"Probably. If they clash and weaken each other, we can easily pick them off."
This is a crucial match for advancing to the final. Losing here means the end. We must use any means necessary to win, and the strong Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy will likely be a prime target.
"It seems likely that the two schools will wait on the other side of the bridge. While I feel sorry for you, Evilbanshee-sensei, this looks like an interesting match."
"No, I think it’s interesting too."
Oh well, bring it on.
As the candidate for Senior Advisor predicted, the northern and western teams will wait on the other side of the bridge to ambush the crossing Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy.
After crossing, Saint Emeralda will face the muddy ground and fight with the river at their back. The two schools will have a more favorable position.
If we hesitate due to the disadvantage, the other two schools won’t mind. If the time runs out, the two schools with fifty dolls each will advance to an overtime round, while we with our forty-seven dolls will be eliminated.
After considering various possibilities, Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy must cross the bridge despite the disadvantage, and they are doing just that.
"Their rapid advance is well-deserved. Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy shows no hesitation."
"We train them that way. The tougher the fight, the more they rise to the challenge."
"Very insightful."
It’s important to avoid unfavorable situations, but that’s a matter of mindset and spirit.
Without hesitation and with speed, the green-clad dolls crossed the bridge in formation. There was no sign of fear among them, and the audience was very excited.
Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy has become the star of this tournament, and as their advisor, I’m proud.
Show them your full strength. There’s no need to hold back. The number and terrain disadvantages are no match for our skill.
One of the dolls, crossing the bridge, began using a water-based magical tool.
"Water, really? Why? Evilbanshee-sensei, isn’t that making things worse?"
The purple-clad dolls were using a tool to spread water, worsening the muddy ground and spreading it further.
"It’s not necessarily bad for us."
As Saint Emeralda advanced, the two schools were ready to attack. Taking the initiative isn’t a bad decision, but our team is prepared.
They will meet the attack, seemingly forced back, but will lead the enemy into the deeper mud. Using the water tool, they’ll make the battlefield even worse, trapping the enemy.
Operating dolls in such tough conditions reveals true skill.
Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy’s members excel in adverse conditions. We’ve trained for this.
The two schools’ dolls, caught in the unfamiliar mud, struggled to attack or defend. The water tool created an even worse environment.
As the chaotic battle turned into a mud fight, Saint Emeralda began their counterattack. With so many enemy dolls immobilized, the number disadvantage didn’t matter.
The enemy dolls were left in the mud while Saint Emeralda moved to a more favorable position. They soon had the two schools backed against the river.
"It’s like a magic trick. It looks like they seamlessly swapped positions."
"It’s only going to get worse from here."
Panicked, the enemy dolls began to fall into the mud one by one.
Saint Emeralda ruthlessly defeated the immobilized enemies, breaking them down even if they were still standing.
The battle was decided. There was no chance of a comeback.
"The movement to protect the flagship machine..."
"It’s understandable, but it’s like they’re asking to be targeted."
The enemy flagship machines were now surrounded but couldn’t move. Defending them was impossible.
The two schools, which had initially cornered us, were now in the same desperate situation. They could have done better.
Soon, the defeat and victory signals were launched.
"Well done, Evilbanshee-sensei. I look forward to the final."
While it started well, it ended up being a rather dull match. The skill gap was too large to make it interesting.
Our team put in a good effort, but honestly, I’m disappointed by the weakness of the opponents. It’s rather boring.
I imagine Hermira and the others feel the same way. Winning is great, but it would be nice to have a bit more of a challenge.
"I hope the next match is more exciting."
"The final match will start immediately after the break. Would you like to watch it together?"
"Of course."
Today’s Beltoria preliminaries are almost over, and the four schools that advanced to the final have already secured their spots.
I sense a boring match ahead. Despite our team’s determination to win, it might feel like overkill.
We’re facing Nathaniel Parker’s Glams Academy, a rival. We’ve made preparations, but nothing ever goes as planned, especially with Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy, a school blessed by the goddess of trouble.
This is just a regional prelim, but the next match is the final. I hope it’s an interesting one, regardless of the circumstances.