Surviving at the Magic Academy

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“Ah, finally. How long have I been waiting for this day? At last, my words can reach others. I hope everyone can empathize with my happiness.”

[A drawing of monsters happily clasping their arms and laughing]

[A drawing of various treasures lying on the ground, emanating magical energy]

“What do you think? They look happy, don’t they?”

└Tooth Necklace: “They really do look happy!”

└Hatchet: “Massacre… Is that a massacre?”

└Tooth Necklace: “Oh no, you can’t say that. It’s brainwashing! Like Professor Ilian said, they look happy, right? They must truly be happy in there.”

└Hatchet: “Hey, that’s a massacre! A massacre!”

└Tooth Necklace: “That’s a bummer. I’m in another room! I have no intention of going!”

└Ebron: “If you just let me know, I can move the room for you. And if there’s a troublesome treasure, I plan to send it to that room. So please, don’t cause too much trouble.”

└Tooth Necklace: “Oh dear.”

└Hatchet: “Massacre! M-massacre? I, massacre!”

└Tooth Necklace: “Shh! That’s our little secret. You can’t say it here!”

“Oh my, it’s really beautiful. I’m truly amazed.”

Mira’s voice reached my ears. I weakly nodded and gazed at the doll in front of me. It had been a week since Professor On’s Doll Manipulation class ended.

In that time, the process of integrating what I learned into my doll-making was incredibly rewarding. My knowledge of doll manipulation was, honestly, resting on a flimsy skeleton.

Doll manipulation is independent, personal, and closed off. There are far too few practicing it, and thus not many teaching it. Professor Ilian just provided a few tips, but it was up to me to develop the dolls.

I gathered as many books on doll manipulation as possible and based on that, created various theories myself. Yet there was always an undeniable clumsiness lurking within. I couldn’t fill the gaps because I couldn’t identify my shortcomings.

But now, I could understand a little more. Just from three hours of lectures. Before the next class, I decided to visit Mauro. And I thought it necessary to convey my gratitude.

“So, how do you feel looking at this doll? Is it lovely? Are you just longing to hug it?”

“I’m not sure.”

That’s what I murmured. This was the result of a week’s worth of trial and error.

On the workbench lay a woman with closed eyes. Her shimmering purple hair reflected light as if crafted from gems, and her ivory-like skin shimmered, tempting anyone to reach out and touch it.

In fact, her hair was genuinely made from real gems. Her skin was indeed like ivory. This was the result of trying to replicate those bizarre dolls I saw in Professor On’s tower as closely as possible. I had poured quite a bit of score into it.

This doll was a collection of the information I knew. It could be said to be a compilation of the most beautiful parts taken from countless women.

When I infused it with magic, it slowly opened its eyes on the workbench. The violet irises sparkled like gems. Naturally, since I had embedded real gems.

We locked eyes silently. It blinked at me. Watching that, I shook my head.

I marveled at this appearance. I could acknowledge it was beautiful. Despite having created it, I felt a slight attraction.

But that was all there was to it. During the creation process, I realized I could never love this.

This beauty was merely a shell. Just a collection of external elements. My attraction to it wasn’t love. It was lust.

In fact, what love actually was remained a mystery to me. Professor On had said to create a doll to love. I thought of him and his doll, Tiena, and their affection. Is that what love is?

Ultimately, this doll was also a failure. I discreetly signaled to it. It then gently made its way to a corner of the workshop where the dolls were lined up and quietly sat down. Then it naturally closed its eyes.

Still, since I had poured quite a bit of score into it, I felt the need to give it a shadow. It had an appearance that students would likely appreciate. If they saw it, they might even want to borrow it after scoring it.

“Hmm, so you could just submit me, I wouldn’t mind? Even if Ebron loves me.”

Mira let out a soft chuckle. I glanced at her. She was leisurely sipping tea with a table before her. She seemed quite relaxed.

She looked straight at me and sent me a mischievous smile. Her face was filled with joy. It made sense; she had taken to teasing me lately.

I forced a sheepish smile. Well, if I were to present the perfect doll without hesitation, I would’ve handed her over. But this time’s assignment couldn’t be her.

That mist heart contained her essence. Even if I claimed to love her, it would be her I loved, not the doll that embodied her.

I wondered if that thing had come up with something. I looked over at the workshop’s corner. There, a giant boulder sat. On top of it was Unit 0.

It was carefully chiseling away at the stone with a look of absolute conviction. Since returning, it had been fixated solely on that boulder, investing hours just to chip away an inch.

I was curious, so I asked what it was making a few times, but it merely smiled. It seemed it wouldn’t reveal what it was until it was complete, probably a month from now.

As I stared blankly, a Mirror Bug flew up. It hovered before me, shivering. It was a time alarm. Checking the clock, it was time to move.

It had already been a month since the fight instigated by Tooth Necklace in the first lecture. Today was the day the next treasure would hold the class. The students must have nearly gathered in the lecture hall.

“It’s time, shall we go together?”

I reached out my hand towards Mira. She put down her teacup and stood up. Gently guiding her, we exited the workshop.

The treasure conducting this class was a tier 3 friendly entity, the Ring of Heaven.

In truth, most of the treasures I gathered for the bulletin board were uncertain entities. Some were hostile entities, and friendly entities were the least numerous.

That made sense since the criteria rested with me.

A treasure is wild, impatient, and self-centered. To them, I was merely an ant. How many would respond if an ant spoke?

In that sense, friendly entities were more like rare species among treasures. Just like Mira, who was next to me. I looked at Mira, who held my arm. She smiled gently, receiving my gaze.

Mira couldn’t originally be classified as a friendly entity either. After all, she tried to devour me back then. After becoming trapped by the key, she requested cooperation. In that sense, the term uncertain entity was more fitting.

Now I was somewhat certain, so I classified her as a friendly entity. A friendly entity is one that initiates conversation first. Right, the ones who speak to ants. There was a reason they were called a rare breed.

They showed a willingness to communicate with us and did so. That strength made them formidable. All rated at tier 3. Maintaining a distinct ego in a warehouse for a long time indicates strength.

Of course, there were others that approached. But the majority of them turned out to be traps. Just the other day in the warehouse, something had approached me first. It was a treasure called the Cursed Blade.

It sent its intention to me first. But it was merely a trap for hunting. We were caught off guard and ambushed, barely managing to escape. The slight sting on my side from when it grazed me still throbbed.

These ones who passed the benchmark of safety—those who I deemed safe to encounter, were the friendly entities. Despite having pierced quite a number of warehouse rooms, I had only encountered three such treasures.

The Ring of Heaven was the most powerful among them. Perhaps it might have been the strongest treasure I summoned to the bulletin board. Thus, I was quite cautious. However, it was incredibly docile. Sometimes I could even visit that warehouse and talk to it.

I recalled when I first met it. In warehouse number 8. Wasn’t it called the Room of the Believers? Its unique name drew me in.

Inside was a snowy field where snow fell abundantly. The snow falling from the sky showed no signs of stopping. At the heart of that sky was a ring. Its massive size could be seen from anywhere inside that room.

As we entered the warehouse, several monsters quickly approached us. I tried to handle them, but they opened their mouths and spat forth their magic. It swayed in the air, forming several images.

Images of holding hands, and of bowing their heads, and so forth. It was a signal, saying to meet. Thus, cautiously following it, what I encountered was the Ring of Heaven.

It invited us to the center of that land. The only area where snow didn’t fall, blocked by that ring. Inside it was akin to a cozy garden. There was plenty to eat, and its magic was abundant.

There were many monsters within. They rolled about on the ground, laughing joyfully. And beside them, the treasures also existed. They lay sleeping, emitting satisfactory magical energy.

In that peculiar sight, the ring sent us a signal. Perhaps because we got closer, I could feel its intention more clearly.

-“Wouldn’t you like to be happy? I can bring you happiness, just like them.”

That intention seeped into my heart. I nearly nodded at its soft tone. Had Mira not been next to me, pouring mist, I might have truly done so.

I quickly shook my head and retreated. Was it trying to eat us? filled with wariness, yet it didn’t pursue us. It merely continued to radiate its intention.

-“If so, if you ever find yourself needing happiness, please seek me out. I’ll be waiting for you.”

It never treated us coercively. It merely offered us its pure invitation. I was half enthralled merely due to the difference in power. I sent the Mirror Bug to it, and so it joined our bulletin board.

Afterward, I would often meet it and chat. It said that it protected the sleeping treasures. Seeing them trapped in the warehouse and having to continuously fight made me feel sorry, it said it made them happy.

Yes, the Ring of Heaven, who would conduct the second lecture, was thus a being full of goodwill for others. That’s why I identified it as a friendly entity.

However, being friendly didn’t mean safe. I glanced at the students gathering in the lecture hall. They were looking up at the sky. The shining ring was hanging from the ceiling. It exhaled words.

-“Just like the previous Tooth Necklace, I won’t instigate fights. What I desire is simple. I want you to confess your sins. Deep within your hearts. Things you might not even fully recognize yourself. And those memories you wish to hide. Just bring them up and whisper them to me.”

The light emanating from the ring was incredibly peculiar. It was reminiscent of sunlight, starry light, and also deeply dark abysses. There was a reason why the students were so drawn to it.

-“Where does happiness come from? It comes from unhappiness. The stronger that unhappiness, the more it’s recognized, the greater the present happiness becomes. If your memories are sincere, and if happiness is needed within that unhappiness, I will grant you strength. The power to become happy. The power to create happiness.”

As those words reached the students, their eyes began to shine slightly. Their desires contained within shone clearly, reflecting the ring’s light. The Ring of Heaven then quietly hovered around the classroom ceiling.

Among the students, I noticed Hao’s eyes sparkling. Dressed in a skirt and fully made up. It was an appearance that didn’t match their burly frame. The others around also seemed to shy away upon seeing that.

I could vividly picture Tooth Necklace clacking its teeth happily. This scene was visible to it too, I’m sure. I let out a small sigh. I never imagined they would take those words to heart and come in drag.

-“What I’m giving you is a part of my body. With this, you will be able to make others happy. The one you have granted happiness will generously offer you everything. It’s a world where you make each other happy.”

Happiness—it made my mouth slightly pucker at that word. Those who fell under that power indeed seemed extremely happy. No matter what happened to them. It was akin to a sort of powerful brainwashing.

-“That power may not yet be sufficient for humans. But it should be possible for monsters. If you each grant happiness to others little by little, you’ll find yourself even happier within their help.”

The magical energy of the students shimmered lightly. They all seemed to realize its usefulness. It was a very alluring power, to the point that people would crave it.

-“A word of caution. If you attempt to take on too many at once, you may also become fused with their happiness. So don’t use your power on too many targets at once. You need to make them happy perfectly one by one.”

The Ring of Heaven trembled softly. Then, it began to slowly vanish, leaving behind just one final line.

-“This concludes the tale. Now, everyone, whisper your innermost feelings to me. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

I approached the murmuring students and clapped my hands to capture their attention. Seeing their gazes turn towards me, I smiled lightly.

“For this lecture, I’ve set up several soundproof rooms on the first floor. No one, including myself, will know what is said inside. So feel free to speak openly. Now, shall we all stand up?”

The dolls near them began to gently nudge the students. Following the guidance of those dolls, they naturally headed out of the lecture hall.

I too followed behind them with Mira. Upon reaching the first floor, we stood before five firmly closed doors. Beyond them were several mirrors adorned like the lecture hall. I had no idea what conversations would unfold inside.

Of course, I could find out if I wanted to. But that would compromise the trust with the Ring of Heaven. It had greeted me amicably first; there was no need for me to provoke it unnecessarily. Trust is something exchanged, after all.

“Alright, inside these rooms, the Ring of Heaven will be waiting. There’s no particular order. Anyone who wishes to go first can head in whenever they like. For the next 24 hours, feel free to enter as many times as you want!”

As soon as I finished speaking, someone quickly opened the door and stepped inside. I saw a fluttering skirt. It was Hao. He disappeared beyond that door in his drag attire.

The door closed shut. No one else moved at first, as if to check Hao’s outcome.

It wasn’t long before Hao emerged. He held onto the doorknob, tears streaming down his face. Sniffling, he walked out and smiled brightly at us.

“The Ring of Heaven said, ‘I know your sins, so just dream of happiness.’ Under that guidance, my life has become even more blessed. Ah, what a truly kind being!”

The makeup melting from his tears made for quite an unappealing sight. He looked extremely moved. Had he gone in there and been brainwashed or something?

But the Ring of Heaven inside there was merely an illusion. There was no way it could project that power this far. And the Ring had even promised not to do such a thing.

I discreetly activated the Mirror Bug. It began to absorb Hao’s score.

-Physical Score: 37 points, results of consistent training are visible. Let’s keep it up!

-Mental Score: 92 points, did something good happen? Your score has exceeded its maximum!

-Soul Score: 33 points, in a very normal state. Just like usual.

Overall: Your mental score grew tremendously in such a short time. Did you achieve some sort of enlightenment? Let’s keep moving forward like this!

There was nothing wrong. In fact, his mental score had risen after entering there. It seemed he realized something while talking with the Ring of Heaven.

He went back into that room again. It looked like he wanted to speak with the Ring of Heaven again. As he vanished, the first floor began to buzz with the chatter of students.

They looked somewhat anxious. Unsurprisingly. Hao had exited looking half-mad. To reassure them, I decided to reveal some of Hao’s scores.

Hearing that entering there actually raised scores, the students quickly lined up. One by one, they began to enter that room.

They thus spilled their sins and listened to the Ring of Heaven’s words. Time flew by. I watched over them with Mira.

Some came out crying. Some with slight frowns and sighs, while others burst out of the room with visibly displeased faces.

In those varied reactions, the cycle of two hundred continued rapidly. Hao visited that room seven times within the 24 hours.

-“I’ve heard the sins of many. I began to reflect on them, wishing for their happiness. However, there were many who didn’t fully realize their own sins. It’s a pity. I can’t grant happiness to those who aren’t unhappy.”

The Ring of Heaven exhaled those words in the lecture hall. He began selecting people in that manner. The selected individuals bowed their heads at the Ring of Heaven. The chosen totaled 40.

From that day forth, a small fragment of a ring began to hover above Hao’s head.

 

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