Surviving at the Magic Academy

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I quickly scanned the young man standing in front of me. The first thing that caught my eye was his plump figure. Even his baggy robe couldn’t hide his shape, making him stand out quite a bit.

And honestly, it was to be expected. Typical mages always had the best physiques. So, it was rare to see someone looking like him, almost like he was intentionally maintaining that build.

The clothes wrapping around him gleamed in the light, shining with a golden hue, much like his hair. There was no doubt they were made from luxurious material.

His various ornaments also looked expensive. The numerous rings on his fingers sparkled, vibrant with intense magical energy. It was clear something magical was embedded in them.

Of course, those magical energies couldn’t surpass the overwhelming aura radiating directly from the young man himself. The power he exuded was quite notable even among those present.

I still couldn’t grasp who this young man was. However, I did pick up a few things—he was undoubtedly a powerful mage, and unlike the other doll manipulators here, he seemed quite wealthy.

He moved the hand that had just patted my shoulder in front of me, flashing a refreshing smile. His face radiated an undeniably cheerful vibe.

“So, what do you think? Got any thoughts? I’m offering a pretty sweet deal here. The others start at seven to three, but I see something promising in you, so I’m bumping up the odds!”

“Could you tell me what business this is about first? It’s all a bit sudden.”

I forced a sheepish smile as I spoke. The young man blinked, then nodded lightly.

“Ah, you’re a newcomer, so I forgot you might not know. It’s been a while since I’ve had a newbie around. I just assumed you’d understand everything!”

His bright blue eyes flickered to Mira, who exchanged a light smile with him. He then approached Mira, examining her from top to bottom.

“Hmm, indeed. Quite beautiful. It seems just adding Professor On’s elixir doesn’t achieve this level of change.”

“Hehe, thank you! You seem quite interesting yourself.” Mira replied to the young man, who rolled his eyes slightly at her comment. He raised his thumb and glanced at me again, placing his hand back on my shoulder with a big smile.

“With looks like this, you could become the ace of our place immediately. If you hang around Canyon City, you’ve probably heard of the Dream Theater, haven’t you? Where dreams come to life!”

Dream Theater… I blinked at the name. I hadn’t heard of it at all. Shaking my head slightly, the young man made a clicking sound with his tongue.

“Oh… you must be new to the university. Let me sum it up for you. We provide dolls to our clients, who then experience a day like no other, something akin to a dream. So, what do you think? Interested?”

His words made me smirk slightly. I couldn’t quite grasp the essence of the name alone, but now, hearing the explanation, it was clear it referred to some kind of entertainment venue.

Realizing she understood too, Mira chuckled lightly and leaned closer to me. Supporting her gently, I shook my head and then bowed slightly towards the young man.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can send Mira there. She’s rather attached to me.”

“No, let me think…”

As the young man tried to push back with more persuasion, Mauro quietly placed his hand over the young man’s hand on my shoulder. The young man froze and jolted at the encounter with Mauro.

“Alright, let’s end this discussion here. Since you’re already here, enjoy today’s gathering with us. We’ll continue the discussion later since everyone is waiting for you to sit down.”

Mauro smiled gently at the young man and patted his hand, smoothly guiding him to the empty seat in front of them.

The young man glanced around, noticing that all the doll manipulators sitting at the table were watching him intently, just as Mauro had said. He grumbled lightly as he sat down, following Mauro’s lead.

“Geez, I wanted to rush out of here, but since Mauro insisted, I guess I’ll stick around for a bit.”

The young man puffed as he gestured towards the crowd that entered with him. They quickly settled into their spots, roughly ten of them.

The young man crossed his arms and laid his legs across the table. He looked ready to jet off at any moment, but his determination to respect Mauro was evident as he remained in his seat.

As the vacant spots at the table filled up, Mauro stroked his goatee with satisfaction, smiling widely.

“Wow, looks like everyone showed up today. Only about ten seats were left empty. Guess I won’t have a hard time passing along news later.”

He nodded as he spoke, approaching the young man to gently tap his shoulder. The young man clicked his tongue lightly at Mauro’s approach and adjusted himself in his chair.

Mauro, still amused, handed the young man the letter he’d previously read out loud to everyone. As he infused the letter with magic, the shimmering words leaped out and settled before the newly seated members.

After checking the contents, the young man chuckled slightly. Once he retracted his magic, the text folded back into the letter, which he handed back to Mauro.

“Looks like I need to prepare a few dolls.”

The young man said with a smirk. Mauro gave his shoulder a light pat before sweeping his gaze around the table.

“Is there anyone curious about the general assembly? Ah, Ebron, I’ll make sure to explain it in detail to you later.”

Mauro directed his attention towards me. I nodded in agreement. He waited a moment, but no one else spoke. They must all be well-informed about the assembly.

“Then that’s all I have to announce. Now we can properly kick off the gathering. Last time, we had too few to get into a real discussion. So everyone can freely share their thoughts, starting with whoever arrived first.”

As Mauro finished, the doll manipulators at the table began to shift slightly. At that moment, Mira gently tapped my chest with her finger. Looking down, I saw her beaming with satisfaction.

“That person seems really interesting. They have a vibe that’s very different from the rest.”

She pointed at the young man, who was yawning dramatically. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her assessment.

She was right. Running an entertainment venue with dolls was something I couldn’t imagine from the doll manipulators I’ve known. The older ones were always incredibly protective of their dolls.

“How touching! Ebron, to think you care for me this much. I thought you’d forgotten about me with how infatuated you are with the professor these days.”

“Mira, you’re my doll too. And you’re misunderstanding. Just because I’m focused on the professor doesn’t mean I’m infatuated!”

I shook my head, and Mira sighed softly as she leaned her head against mine. The faint scent of roses brushed against my nose. She opened her mouth as if to speak again.

“Well, if you insist. Anyway, what usually happens at these gatherings? This is my first time in a human meeting, so I have no clue.”

“Typically, it’s a way to trade what everyone has. Um, wait a sec.”

Explaining to her, I glanced around. Now that it seemed the frenzy had settled down, the vibe shifted to a calmer one. That’s usually how gatherings went—an exchange of information and items.

This one likely wouldn’t stray too far from that structure. Just as I predicted, someone stood up from their seat. It was a woman with curly hair and thick glasses.

In a flash, Mauro returned to his spot and glanced at her before leaning toward me. He began to whisper.

“You saw her earlier, that’s Amelia. Probably went up to the fourth floor now. She was the last newbie who joined our association before you. Back then, she was such a lively girl, but now she’s really….”

Mauro shook his head lightly. I could guess what was coming next. It would probably be something along the lines of “she’s become a true doll manipulator.” I glanced at her haggard face and shabby clothes.

The woman, referred to as Amelia, pulled a small book from her robes. It looked quite tattered, obviously well-read. She began to mumble, clutching the book in her hands.

“I-I’m looking to trade this… I received it from Tiena before. It’s part two of Doll Manipulation Basics written by Professor On, complete with the official seal of the professor… “

My eyes lit up. Here I was attending Professor On’s class and still only going over the basics. Yet this was something advanced—what kind of insights could it contain?

I quickly checked my score. I had to get that book, no matter the cost. But my hopes were dashed almost immediately.

“Oh no, there’s no way we’d even be able to join in on that competition.”

Mira uttered. Just like her, I couldn’t possibly participate in this auction. I grimaced as the competition loomed over me.

It seemed quite valuable to others too, as several people began offering prices to Amelia. They didn’t wave scores like I had; instead, they produced various materials to offer her.

“I-I’ll go with this one!”

After a moment of contemplation, Amelia selected one person and handed over the book. She pocketed the materials before her.

The items she received exuded powerful magic, enough that I gave up in an instant upon seeing them. Just one of those could fetch tens of thousands of points!

Amelia inspected her haul and nodded in satisfaction. Leaning against her doll standing nearby, it wrapped its arms around her softly.

“Hehe, I’m done now. Hehe…”

Amelia mumbled as she nestled into her doll’s embrace. Just as Mauro had said, it was a delightful sight for a doll manipulator.

Following her, the person next to her stood up lightly. A young man with a somewhat twitchy expression, also sporting thick glasses like Amelia.

“You saw that guy too earlier, right? Dae-gon, he’s on the seventh floor. He’s been around our association just after me, so if you ever need help, just ask.”

The man named Dae-gon scratched his unkempt hair and placed his doll on the table. It was shaped like a long cylindrical object, though the purpose was unclear.

He lightly infused magic into it, slicing it in half as the inner workings were revealed. The intricacies of the circuits made my head spin.

It was a complicated configuration I couldn’t fully grasp. He gently directed his magic into the wiring quickly as though activating it, revealing some of the flow.

He pointed at a section of the circuits and spoke. “Here, I want to enhance the efficiency a bit more. Anyone offering advice, I’ll give this: the core of the lantern. Perfect for the core of a doll.”

He produced a small stone-like object and placed it on the table. It pulsated with bizarre magical energy. Just from looking, it was clearly something of great worth. Mauro waved his hand lightly.

“Isn’t that circuit too traditional? That triangular resonance method will overly maintain the symmetry of the magic within the wires.”

Dae-gon nodded at that. It appeared he sought Mauro’s guidance. But why was he so publicly displaying the wiring? He could have approached him personally.

But soon, I learned the reason. Dae-gon faced Mauro and spoke.

“I need this to adjust the frequency to resonate with my magic in a two-dimensional space.”

“But with just that, you’ll barely be able to spy. To actually interact with that dimension, you’ll need to throw balance out of the window and create focus…”

Thus, Mauro and Dae-gon started a heated debate while others joined in the discussion. Most were like me, quietly listening to their exchange.

During that time, I discerned something. Yes, their discussion about doll structures publicly was a way to help find answers, aimed at teaching us, the younger ones. It was fueled by a desire to guide their juniors.

“Wow, this is quite nice!”

In the end, the lantern core found its way into Mauro’s hands. The doll’s wiring seemed to adapt significantly from Mauro’s advice. It certainly looked transformed compared to before. Dae-gon nodded in satisfaction as well.

He settled back down, and soon another person rose. Mauro introduced him as well. One by one, the turns began to pass.

Eventually, it came to my turn, but I didn’t have anything to present. So, I let my turn slide.

I gazed at their impressive mix of powerful magical dynamics. They were all mages at level four and above. Thus, what I offered would mean nothing to them.

That in itself was astounding. Most of those in this tight-knit group were likely in advanced studies at the university. Compared to other organizations, often made up of lower-ranking mages.

That was precisely why I wanted to join this association. It was easily accessible yet significantly powerful. Though I didn’t expect it to be this rundown venue.

But was it really impoverished…? I fiddled with the expensive materials exchanging hands before me with a puzzled expression. I glanced at Mauro, who had been engrossed in explaining things to someone else, then caught sight of me and blinked.

“Hmm, are you sure these folks are really poor? I mean, just selling one of those could net several thousand points!”

I pointed toward the materials passing around. Mauro chuckled wryly, scratching his head.

“Well, they are indeed short on scores. Most can’t even afford their dues. As you can see, when they do get points, they tend to pour them all into their dolls.”

His words made me study the doll manipulators closely. They all were adorning their dolls with the exchanged items, donning expressions of joy.

“The stuff being exchanged is probably all things they hoarded to use on their dolls. They wouldn’t even consider selling it. They’d rather create one more doll than trade away something they can sell for points.”

That stance clearly showed through their exceptional craftsmanship. Mauro laughed with that thought.

“That’s the reason this gathering continues. When it comes down to it, trading goods is much more convenient, right? Since they’re all doll manipulators, their judgments on item value are quite similar.”

I nodded to that. It was typical of doll manipulators. Backing Mauro’s assertions, I slowly began observing them closely. I could glean how this association and gathering worked together by the end.

This unusual young man had been introduced unfavorably and briefly as someone who was on the sixth floor. He was the next highest ranked after Dae-gon.

This group also mixed right into the trading flow. They were doll manipulators as well; that much was true.

The exchange did not merely transpire in a single rotation. Those still needing things spoke up again, which repeatedly extended the trading further until the exchanges finally reached a conclusion.

I managed to acquire nothing during all of that. Still, I felt pretty satisfied regardless. Just by observing them and listening to their discussions, I learned so much.

As things quieted down, Mauro rose from his chair. Scanning the room, he stroked his goatee and broke into hearty laughter.

“Looks like everyone is satisfied. Alright then, let’s wrap up the main gathering. Now you can all just freely chat amongst yourselves. If anyone’s curious about this friend here, take your time to come over and chat.”

As Mauro spoke, he laid a gentle hand on my shoulder. The crowd’s attention shifted toward me as he did. I lightly bowed my head toward them.

People began mingling and chatting. The first to approach me was that earlier young man again, comfortably patting his ample belly as he approached with a cheerful grin.

He eyed Mira again, this time with a look imbued with magic. Mira swayed softly, leaning into me, releasing a mist that gently lilting from her form. The young man nodded in approval.

“See, I knew it felt odd the more I looked at you! My eyes aren’t mistaken. You’re hiding something truly valuable in there. I reckon you wouldn’t even be able to put a score on it. Am I right?”

He winked at me, surveying those around him. They seemed utterly less interested in Mira now. How had he figured out her potential concealed magic?

He patted slightly around his eyes and grinned wide. His blue eyes seemed to glow with excitement.

“I’ve got a fine eye for spotting moneymakers. Sorry though, to find such a doll talking about just a measly six to four.”

He rummaged through his belongings, pulling out a small card. Styled similarly to Professor On’s, the name Koit shimmered with magic across its surface. He presented it to me, beaming.

“I’m Koit. Come to my establishment later. I’ll make sure you’re welcomed with open arms. We can talk business when we have more time.”

The business card slipped into my palm, and just like that, he turned, skipping away with a bounce in his step, followed closely by his entourage.

I was left speechless, not even getting a word in edgewise. Staring blankly at his retreating back, I saw others drawing closer now, those who had been hesitant earlier.

“Uh, excuse me. Are you Ebron? I-I’m your senior.”

The first to approach was a woman. Thick glasses, curly hair—I quickly scanned her face and pieced together the clues. Yes, she resembled Amelia. She was a werewolf doll, of course.

“Yes, Amelia-senpai. I appreciate your guidance in advance.”

“S-Senpai? Hehe, that’s the first I’ve heard!”

Amelia blushed slightly, burying her face in her doll. Then she peeked out at me, her face vague with curiosity. I quietly smiled and nodded.

Each one of them stood a potential lifeline for my future connections. They would become crucial links, so I needed to do my utmost to satisfy them.

Conversations ensued as I introduced myself to these newcomers. I lost track of how much time passed. Finally, when the crowd thinned out, I sank into a chair, feeling a bit exhausted and smirking.

These folks seemed more eager about my dolls than me. I glanced slowly at Mira, who was still gently moving about. Many were gazing at her with sparkles in their eyes, clearly impressed by her beauty that defied her rank.

The turtle was no different, clutching Professor On’s Wonder No. 1; its presence alone made waves. Apparently, it had become a figure of fame among them, as I’d heard requests to bring one during class before.

Mauro approached me after finishing his conversations. Spotting my worn-out demeanor, he chuckled heartily.

“Did it get a bit complicated? You’re managing well, nonetheless. A newbie hasn’t come in about seventy years!”

I nodded in agreement. Like he said, dealing with these unpredictable doll manipulators proved a tad exhausting. However, I reaped plenty of rewards from this experience.

They shared valuable insights on my dolls, their structures, the efficiency of magical hearts, and the intricacies of enchanting them. They offered me knowledge freely.

And somewhere along the line, unexpectedly, I even received a few gifts. I gazed dreamily at Mira.

“Oh, I really like this!”

Mira stood by the table, delicately sorting through the pile of items. I sensed strong magic emanating from them.

Those were gifts she managed to extract from them under the guise of a welcome present. Magical materials and doll-related items—they had almost entrancedly retrieved objects for her, an impressive feat!

Noticing my interest, Mira flashed me a bright smile and gestured toward those still chatting distantly.

It appeared that the remaining folks I hadn’t approached were being a tad evasive, likely because of Mira. It was a signal for me to engage with them first.

“I’ll rest a bit and go over shortly.”

“Hehe, keep your spirits up just a little longer!”

Each one began to feel like figures to assess with points attached. I looked on in anticipation, almost salivating at the thought of joining their crowd. Mauro chuckled at our interaction again.

“How was it participating in this gathering? I bet it’s a bit different from what you expected?”

I nodded faintly, having observed that feeling throughout the entire affair. This was an observation that hit me when talking to them.

“They don’t seem very mage-like, do they?”

Another inherent kind of bonding or trust seemed to flow among them. Their words and actions conveyed that, reminiscent of avid swordsmen. Mauro nodded with a joyful grin.

“Exactly, considering many just fiddle around with dolls. It’s likely because they’ve all been influenced by Professor On and the missus’s teachings. Remember your first lesson? The one about Love? Perhaps that’s the reason every one of them is obsessed with their dolls, even if they have no score to speak of.”

I placed a hand on my chest, feeling the connection to my dolls. Did they all recognize this kind of bond? That would clarify the nature of their conduct.

Once one realized that connection, it would lead them to be drawn toward their dolls naturally. So it made sense they had that urge to nurture the younger generation. Surely, none of the doll manipulators would have ill intentions.

But then what was Koit—a figure of interest? I peered at the business card still perched in my palm. The name Koit pulsed with a consistent magical rhythm as I gawked at it.

As Mauro looked at the card, he chuckled softly, stroking his beard as he replied.

“That kid is my adopted son. I raised him outside the university.”

Think there’s a resemblance? Mauro winked at me. I blinked, absorbing that information.

 

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