Surviving at the Magic Academy

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After my meeting with Tiena, I was on my way to the city. I glanced at Unit 0 squirming on the turtle’s head. It was busy manipulating its dozens of tentacles to sculpt a doll that looked just like itself.

This was the task at hand: creating a doll in one’s likeness. Unit 0 was struggling to grasp the concept and was still floundering about.

Of course, I had managed to breeze through it, but that was beside the point. I leaned back against the soft grass. A fresh scent wafted from behind me—it was the turtle sprouting new leaves, naturally creating a shade above my head.

For this task, I presented the turtle right then and there. Professor On, as if she had expected it, passed me without hesitation. It felt like a sign that I had slightly surpassed her course. A sense of satisfaction swelled in my chest.

At that moment, someone tapped my shoulder lightly. I turned my head slightly and saw Mira smiling at me, leaning a bit. She opened her mouth lightly.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what kind of spectacle unfolds with all these doll manipulators gathering together. I hope not everyone is like Ebron.”

Mira squinted as she mentioned my name. What did she mean by “like me”? It didn’t seem like she was going to elaborate. I scratched my cheek lightly and shook my head.

“As Tiena said, it might be better not to set your expectations too high.”

“Why’s that?”

Mira tilted her head, and I thought about the city we were heading to, particularly the doll shop Mauro owned located in the corner.

“It’s probably a matter of scale.”

The city was overflowing with organizations, groups banding together in pursuit of profit were everywhere. Such organizations popped up like weeds and just as quickly vanished.

In contrast, the On Doll Guild, as indicated by the shop’s location, had very little influence and members. All they had in common was a long history and their shared field of doll manipulation. That was also why I had joined them.

So, it was wise to keep expectations low, as Tiena said. Mira, noticing my expression, grinned mischievously.

“But I can see a lot of anticipation on Ebron’s face, despite your claims. You should try hiding it a little.”

“Hmm, was I?”

I gently touched my face and could feel a slight smile creeping onto it. Just as she said, I seemed quite interested in this gathering.

But it was unavoidable. This was my first real chance to meet fellow doll manipulators.

Of course, throughout my studies, I had met many doll manipulators, some of whom were currently in class with me. However, they all regarded each other as competition, making it hard to find opportunities to talk.

This was already the fourth lecture. Yet I hadn’t even properly introduced myself to any of them. I had been too busy managing Professor Ilian’s tower and was always shooed out as soon as class ended.

So, aside from Mauro, this would mark my first proper interaction with other doll manipulators, let alone gathering together like this.

I had heard a few stories about such gatherings from the other students. They often held meetings based on the organizations they belonged to. Each organization had its own distinct style of conducting those gatherings.

So, what would the doll manipulators’ gathering be like? With such curiosity, I headed towards the city, and eventually met Mauro.

“I see. In that case, I’ll need to quickly satisfy your curiosity.”

Mauro nodded. I cleared my throat softly and looked around unnecessarily. We were in a room filled with dolls. These dolls bore the marks of incredible craftsmanship.

I momentarily admired the dolls, then glanced at Mira sitting next to me. She smiled at me with a twinkle in her eye, and her gaze held a hint of mischief.

Mira had told Mauro that I was bursting with anticipation. I sighed at the sight of them both chuckling at my expense. If this continued, they would just keep teasing me.

“Enough with the teasing, accept this instead. Tiena asked me to deliver it.”

With that, I pulled out an envelope from my pocket. Mauro took it, broke the fluttering small seal, and slowly took out a few pieces of paper to begin reading.

“Hmm, I see.”

Mauro lightly nodded his head. He put the papers back in the envelope and stroked his beard thoughtfully. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought. Then his gaze sharpened once more.

“Originally, I thought we’d take our time discussing your curiosity, but it seems we might need to move a bit quicker.”

Mauro broke into a hearty laugh and started to rise from his seat, smiling down at me with a playful glint in his eyes.

“I think I should spread this news quickly to others. How unfortunate. Normally, a protagonist like you should appear only at the end.”

“Protagonist? Surely, that’s too much.”

I chuckled sourly and shook my head. I stood up alongside him, pondering what was contained within that envelope. It seemed like important news. Sensing my inquisitiveness, Mauro lightly tapped my shoulder.

“You’ll find out what it is when you go along with me. Now, let’s head out.”

With that, Mauro began to prepare to leave. He retrieved a staff from somewhere, glanced back at us, lightly tapped the ground a few times, and then began to walk leisurely.

It seemed it meant for us to follow. Mira and I trailed behind him. He walked at an easy pace, flowing with the crowds as we headed towards the city center.

Was the gathering really to be held in the city? I thought that such a place would be ideal for mages to gather. Other organizations normally held their meetings in the city too. It seemed we were following suit.

But contrary to my expectations, Mauro directed us toward the dock—the way out of the city. He glanced back at us, then lifted into the air. I nodded at this sight.

It seemed we would indeed be having the gathering outside the city. Upon reflection, it was a flawed notion to think that the meeting place was confined to the city alone. Plus, considering it was a gathering of doll manipulators, the city would likely be far too cramped.

We trailed after Mauro, who led us to a small hill outside town. When we reached the midsection, Mauro turned around and smiled at us.

“This is it.”

I blinked slowly at him and surveyed the area. It was just a few scattered rocks—there seemed to be no distinct entrance to be found.

“Here… really?”

“Yes, indeed. You brought your card, right?”

Mauro pulled out a card marked ‘On.’ Recognizing his question, I nodded. I had prepared it, knowing he’d asked me to bring one. I fidgeted with the one I had tucked away.

“Good, now let me go first.”

Mauro took his card and stepped amidst the pile of rocks. He gently laid the card down on the ground. The letters on the card began to glow with magic as they seeped into the earth.

After some time elapsed, Mauro picked the card up again. The ground where he had set it down crumbled slightly, revealing a path—a small passage just big enough for one person to squeeze through.

Mauro smoothly slipped into the hole. With him, the entrance seemed to vanish entirely. Had I not seen him enter, I wouldn’t have even known it was there.

“I didn’t expect it to be like this.”

Mira murmured quietly. Just as she said, I didn’t think a gathering would be held in a place like this. As I stared blankly at where Mauro had vanished, the earth tremored slightly, and the path opened once more.

“Come on in! Everyone’s waiting for you.”

Mauro poked his head out of the burrow and signaled me to follow. I sighed again and stepped into the cave. A musty earth scent filled my nose.

“Maaaan,” the turtle exclaimed, pulling its head out. It preferred the safety of my pocket, clearly disliking the environment.

“Watch your steps, you two. The ground can be a bit uneven here sometimes,” Mauro warned, feeling around with his staff. He slowly moved forward, and we cautiously followed, mirroring his pace.

Mauro seemed perfectly at ease in this cave, his posture bending slightly due to the low ceiling as he strode onward. We trudged deeper in under his guidance.

As we delved deeper, the cave grew increasingly dark and damp. It felt like the air wasn’t circulating properly, and the mustiness intensified, making breathing a bit uncomfortable.

I stole a glance at Mira beside me. Her lips were slightly pouted. I decided to conjure some magic for her. I drew a Magical Circle that spread out, imbued with magic.

Gradually, the surrounding air began to clear up. It was an environmental optimization spell, one that Professor Ilian had gifted me as a welcome present. It turned out to be one of my most-used spells.

“Oh, thank you! You’re the only one who could do this,” Mira smiled as she leaned against me. I carefully supported her, nodding subtly. It was becoming a challenge for me to endure too.

Mauro approached us. “That’s a good spell. Now that I think about it, everyone used to have expressions like yours the first time they came here. It’s been ages since I’ve had new arrivals to show around.”

He laughed heartily, as if oblivious to any discomfort in this environment.

“Would you like me to cast some magic on you too, Mauro?”

When I asked, Mauro shook his head. “Nah, we’re almost there.” He started walking once again. Following his lead, the cave gradually widened, and now we could stand tall.

The ground felt more stable beneath us now. Though it remained a cave, at least it was no longer uncomfortably cramped.

At the end of this extended cave, we entered a gigantic chamber. There were no further paths beyond this point. This had to be the center of the cave.

I cautiously observed my surroundings. In this chamber, which lacked much light, a dense darkness permeated. I sensed several bursts of magic flickering throughout that obscured dark. Probably mages who had arrived here earlier.

“What’s with the gloom? Show your faces, everyone.”

Mauro stated, which made his magical aura rise. The magic he released illuminated the chamber’s ceiling, dispersing the darkness that had enveloped the area.

Within that light, a few mages came into view. They were dressed in shabby robes. Standing against the walls beside them were dolls, pulsating with magic. Mauro waved lightly at them.

“You all got here early. Daegon, I didn’t think you’d come today. Amelia, same goes for you. Looks like everyone’s been waiting for our new arrival!”

Mauro approached them, engaging in conversation without hesitation. I followed suit, greeting them with a bright smile.

“Nice to meet you.”

They stiffened momentarily, nodding slightly. It felt like they were wary of me. I took a step closer, and they flinched, taking a step back.

They met my gaze but quickly diverted their eyes. What was their deal? I couldn’t discern why they reacted that way.

“Let’s save the introductions for later. For now, I’ll introduce this fellow here.”

Mauro effortlessly wedged himself between us, and the mages nodded in acknowledgment. Then we leisurely moved away from them, venturing deeper into the chamber.

“It’s probably because of the girl beside you.”

Mauro whispered to me with a chuckle. Was he referring to Mira? I glanced at her. Due to the magic wrapped inside her, only an ordinary magical aura flowed outward.

So it wasn’t because of her magical aura. Then what was it? I figured it out quickly as I watched Mira’s light movements.

A strong scent of roses wafted to my nostrils. It emanated from Mira. It was a fragrance I had grown all too accustomed to. Yet, it was laced with an enchantment spell.

Mira directed her gaze at them and took a step closer. The scent thickened, and the mages within it fled hastily.

“These folks are fun. Their reactions are quite refreshing. They exude such pure scents!”

Mira chuckled lightly, examining the doll manipulators. The mages watched her warily before scampering back to their corners, huddling together.

Mauro joined in the laughter. He approached me, giving my shoulder a gentle tap as he nodded.

“Among us, dolls inherently signify doll manipulators. In such a scenario, when the girl’s scent wafts about, it causes a bit of confusion, leading them to scatter.”

“Oh, really? I didn’t mean to cause any misunderstandings.”

Mira covered her mouth with a giggle. Mauro mirrored her amusement. I was caught in the middle but couldn’t laugh. So they had been avoiding me because they thought I was alluring them.

“Well, they’re probably a bit clueless since they solely handle dolls. The misunderstanding should clear up soon enough, so don’t worry.”

Mauro said, and I couldn’t help but smile wryly. First impressions were crucial in every meeting. To think I had blown it like this. Per Mauro’s words, I absolutely needed to clarify this misunderstanding.

“Alright, follow me.”

Mauro led us toward the center of the chamber. There was a long stone table—seemingly shabby and on the verge of crumbling. I squinted slightly at the sight.

“This is where our meeting will be held. It’s a bit worn down, but we endure.”

Mauro said while rubbing his chin, chuckling. “It’s been tough finding a suitable place in the city. If we’d had no options left, maybe our guild would have never held a meeting at all.”

Somehow, I felt that made sense. I frowned as I took in the condition of the table, my earlier anticipation dwindling.

Observing the guild’s location, I should’ve picked up on the clues. The lowest level of the city, tucked in a corner, reflected their circumstances—being in the cheapest part of town.

I had sensed they were a somewhat poorer organization. I had done my research prior. Yet, I hadn’t imagined they’d have to settle for a gathering in a cave. That was beyond my expectations.

“This place can be described as the essence of our guild, a hideout, if you will. The university probably doesn’t know it exists.”

He winked as if not doing so quite fit his serious demeanor, and it lightened my heart a little. Well, what could I do? I was already in, and I was starting to worry about something else.

“Though calling it a hideout is a bit….”

I trailed off, gliding my fingers gently over the table. I hesitated to voice the criticisms I thought might follow. Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Mauro nodded knowingly.

“It could use some work.”

He stroked his beard again, his gaze wandering toward the mages cowering in the corners. Flicking his eyes back at them, he softly shook his head.

“It seems to lack supervision. They can only handle the dolls, but have no idea how to tidy up. I’ve tried decorating here and there a few times, but it fell apart quickly, leaving a mess behind as time went on.”

I sighed at Mauro’s words. Slowly, I took in my surroundings. This vast chamber flowed with peculiar magic. Rooted deep in the source of this magic were wooden roots.

Through the light Mauro summoned, I could see the roots intertwined around the walls and ceiling, collectively forming a peculiar circuit, a magical formation.

Perhaps it could be called concealment magic. It seemed that it was for this very magic that I’d been oblivious to this place’s existence. It was such a complex spell that even witnessing it left me utterly perplexed.

Mauro said, glancing at the wooden roots, following my gaze. He didn’t appear just to be your average mage capable of casting such magic. My curiosity about his past deepened a little.

Of course, there was something more crucial at hand. I felt a tickling in my chest, and alongside it, my own magic began to shift.

The surroundings were in sheer disorder. I couldn’t just sit back and watch this shabby mess; even if my stay was brief, shouldn’t there at least be some semblance of livability?

“Can I tidy this up a bit?”

“Tidying, you say? Well, I don’t mind.”

Mauro nodded absentmindedly. I slightly inclined my head, dispersing my magic. With it, the dolls that had been resting within my spatial pocket began to stir awake.

A few of the dolls start to spread out, first solidifying the ground beneath them, then inscribing a circuit upon it.

Using that established ground, they began erecting several pillars, reaching up to the ceiling and serving as the centerpiece for a magic circle. As I infused magic into the circuit, the musty scent and dampness around us gradually evaporated.

This was the environmental optimization magic spell, which I had effectively been utilizing throughout our journey here—one I had grown to rely on during my time, thanks to the lessons in my new magic book gifted by Professor Ilian.

Taking a deep breath, the fresh air filled my lungs, washing away the heaviness that had been stifling me.

Should I layer more magic here? No, that wouldn’t do. I clicked my tongue lightly. The magic from this cave had set a limit to the power I could access. Unless I interfered with its magical composition, I couldn’t generate further magical energy.

It was such a pity. That I would only be able to purify the air felt very limiting. Soon, the dolls that had tidied up the surrounding area gathered around me.

With them, I then proceeded to demolish the large stone table at the center. It crumbled to dust within moments.

Collecting that dust, I performed a spell. It was the “Perfect Table” spell. In an instant, a table began to reconstitute rapidly, returning it to its previous state, or even to its primordial form.

The finished table emanated a soft glow, exuding a sense of weighty presence. Once the dolls confirmed that they had placed several chairs around the table, I pulled them back close to me.

With this, I nodded in approval. Now, it looked a bit more like a place where people should gather. Although I was still somewhat dissatisfied, it was certainly enough for a brief stopover.

“Whoa, that’s impressive!”

Mauro clapped lightly. The other mages who had been staring at me from the corners also expressed their admiration. I gave a slight bow to them all. It was a little like a task to clean up. I wanted to score a few points with them.

Why hadn’t they tidied up this simple place? I wanted to voice that question, but I held my tongue. They might have had their reasons—though they surely didn’t seem significant.

“Now, wait here. Everyone should be arriving soon.”

Mauro said, taking a seat on one of the chairs I had prepared. He leaned his staff against the table and smiled at me.

“Ah, this chair is quite comfy! What magic is woven into this?”

I explained briefly about the magic that constituted the chair. He seemed thrilled as he sketched out the spell on a piece of paper.

As he had indicated, soon afterward, people began entering one by one through the cave entrance. My dolls, standing by the entrance, smoothly ushered the newcomers to the table, just as the mages in the corner did.

Before we knew it, nearly two hours had passed since our arrival, and quite a few people had gathered. I looked around; there were about thirty people, all gathered around the table, whispering to one another.

“Is this a decent number?”

I whispered towards Mauro, who told me that they were just a bit over half. If this was half, then that meant there would be about fifty in total. As a gathering of fifty doll manipulators, it was surely a sight I had never witnessed before.

“Ahem, now, while a few may still be on their way, shall we go ahead and start?”

Mauro rose from his seat and announced. His magical resonance rippled through the table, conveying itself to all. The murmurs settled, and everyone’s focus shifted toward Mauro.

“What number gathering is it today? The five-hundredth? Six-hundredth? It’s been six hundred years since I assumed the guild leader position. Thinking back to when I first took charge of this guild….”

While Mauro began recounting his tales, he spoke for a considerable time. By then, the number of people entering had increased by three.

The others seemed entirely uninterested in Mauro’s speech, engaged in their own conversations. It was clear that they were accustomed to this dynamic. Even Mira leaned against me, stifling yawns.

After chatting for a prolonged period, Mauro lightly tapped my shoulder. When I looked up, he was gazing down at me. He waved his hand in a casual gesture, signaling me to stand.

“Alright, let’s wrap up the discussion on the gathering here. We should also introduce our new member who just joined the guild. I believe this was mentioned in the last gathering. Ebron, be sure to look after him!”

I could feel all eyes on me as they directed their focus. Cautiously, I rose from my seat. I looked at the mages and slowly inclined my head towards them. I sensed a certain familiar magical energy wafting in my direction like connecting threads.

The magic flowed ever so gently through my body as they scrutinized me. I surrendered to the current, feeling the examination was careful and imbued with friendliness. Soon, that magical energy returned to its owners.

“Greetings, my name is Ebron, and I’m honored to have joined the doll guild. I’m still quite new, having just ascended to the second floor, so I’d be incredibly grateful for all your assistance.”

With that, I raised my gaze once more. The members clapped lightly, acknowledging my introduction. I politely bowed my head toward them, grinning brightly.

Now I understood why this cave had never been cleaned—why it looked so shabby. They found the new environment I’d tidied up terribly awkward, constantly observing with can’t-help-but-squirm expressions.

Just like that, they reflected the very essence of doll manipulators—displaying traits as expected. Each of them had dolls beside them, as if they were stamped with the mark of Professor On—an array of uniquely exquisite dolls.

As I watched those dolls, I couldn’t help but admire them, noticing the beautiful and powerful magical energies flowing within. Just like Mauro, they were heading toward realms I couldn’t yet fathom.

The care they appeared to afford their dolls was evident, but they didn’t seem to give themselves a second glance. They looked like they had just attempted to dress like beggars.

Thus, the state of the cave must have had no bearing on them. It likely didn’t strike their eye as they were consumed by their dolls. Truly, they were the epitome of doll manipulators. So I maintained a cheerful smile as I took my seat.

“We’ll discuss more after the gathering ends; there’s no rush. Let’s return to the subject of today’s meeting. Originally, I had no plans for today, but our new member Ebron has brought a letter with him.”

Mauro remarked, pulling an envelope out from his robe. He gingerly placed it on the table, pulling out a few folded papers from inside. It was the very letter I had handed him before coming here.

“It’s a letter from the director.”

He infused the words with magic to sprinkle the letters onto the table, which floated into the air for everyone to read. All eyes riveted on the script, including my own.

“Well, the letter contained numerous heartfelt blessings. However, the most critical detail is that in two years, a convention shall be held, so prepare yourselves.”

As he spoke, the previously sleepy expressions of the doll manipulators hardened. I could feel the magic flowing among them intensify, rippling with anticipation. Amid this shift, I met Mauro’s gaze.

“You might not know this, but it’s the day when twelve guilds from each city come together. The professors and director will be there too; you can consider it our guild’s grand festival.”

I recalled bits about the convention. Just as doll manipulators held meetings in their city, all doll manipulators from surrounding cities would gather on that date, occurring approximately every twenty years.

“Is that so? I had no idea.”

I nodded, indicating that I indeed hadn’t been aware of this particular detail. I had no clue that Professor On and Tiena would also be present.

Before Mauro could delve deeper into his explanation of the convention, suddenly the magic at the cave entrance stirred vigorously, along with someone’s voice.

“Ugh, are you still holding your meetings in this filthy place? Let’s act a little more civilized, shall we?”

I couldn’t help but nod at that statement. I never thought I’d hear someone voice what I wanted to say. Arriving through the entrance was a line of people.

They were all dressed impeccably, contrasting starkly with the shabby robes worn by the doll manipulators. Mauro stretched his arms in welcoming fashion, grinning at them.

“Ah! I didn’t think you all would come! Come, sit!”

“Sit? Where in this filthy cave is there space to sit?… What?”

The owner of that last voice, the rotund-faced young man in front, blinked. He subtly scanned the surroundings, observing the table where we sat.

“Oh, look at that! You’ve spruced things up a bit. I just came to see the new face, you know.”

He moved toward the table, puffing up his chest while giving his belly a pat. After surveying the surroundings, his gaze met mine.

“Whoa, beautiful! Absolutely stunning! You must be the master here. How about we start a little business together—60 for me, 40 for you? What do you think?”

At that proposition, I blinked. Business? This was the first time I’d heard such a thing, especially from a doll manipulator. Looking right at him, I started noting a strangely nostalgic feeling.

“Oh, Ebron, you’re making the same face as when you momentarily pictured points.”

Mira commented with a smirk. I glanced at her, surprised she could pick up on that. She nodded knowingly.

Turning back to the young man, I caught the glimmer of greed in his eyes.

It hit me that I used to have such eyes. Perhaps some reflection on my past choices was warranted.

 

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