Chapter 552: One Fifth of Dark Demon (Part)
The distinction between large and small clubs was still very apparent.
Small clubs generally only aimed to survive, whereas large clubs needed to maintain strong competitiveness in every grade level.
Therefore, they would pay attention to and recruit young magi while they were still first-year students.
However, formal recruitment would only happen when they reached second year.
During this long period, the originally intended students could easily be lured away by other clubs.
Thus, large clubs would usually make their move again after the start of the semester and before the recruitment drive.
If the target had visibly outstanding talent and was destined for greatness, they would naturally use some methods that catered to their preferences.
For instance, the Sports Club had clearly been watching Diana for a long time.
They used a rare and ultimate candy from the candy world to corrupt Diana’s will!
Only those who were extreme candy enthusiasts could truly appreciate the true deliciousness of that candy.
However, the final result completely defied their expectations.
Diana, who should have had a zero resistance to sweets, rejected their offer once again with her iron will.
Although the Sports Club eventually gave Diana the limited edition ultimate candy, they lost—thoroughly!
But the Sports Club never gave up.
Since direct advancement was fruitless, they decided to take a roundabout approach.
In fact, it didn’t require much research to know that as long as Dark Demon was recruited into the club, breaking through Diana’s defenses would become extremely easy.
So, they launched an assault on Dark today at noon!
…
As for the Literature Club and the Astrology Club, they genuinely came for Dark himself.
After all, Dark was the top student of the second year, and he had just publicly refused their invitation to join the Nobility History Research Club, which they believed he would definitely join.
When would be a better time if not now?
Especially for the Astrology Club, this was a double-edged opportunity.
The strongest divination talent among the first years was undoubtedly Eudora, who possessed the Eye of the Stars.
However, in reality, Rose Florette, a female student who had always been like an appendage to Dark and Diana, also had divination talent that wasn’t much inferior to Eudora’s.
Moreover, Rose’s divination talent was also inclined towards astrology.
This was undoubtedly a huge surprise for the Astrology Club!
If they could capture both these exceptionally talented girls, overtaking the Literature Club and even fighting the Sports Club wouldn’t be impossible.
And to break through Rose’s barriers, they would need to target Dark Demon.
Thus, the Astrology Club was especially eager for Dark Demon, whom Eudora referred to as the “sun”!
…
Regardless of how sincere these people were, Dark would never, and could never, agree.
After all, the Magical Animal Club carried the future of the golems.
As a parent, one must make sacrifices for their children.
Joining a large club and advancing on the shoulders of giants would indeed be easier.
But it would lack the sense of achievement that comes from creating a club from scratch.
Therefore, when faced with the attacks from these large clubs, Dark firmly and without any hesitation said, “That’s enough; this is where my club recruitment takes place.”
After the attackers fell silent, he added, “Of course, if you want to transfer to my Magical Animal Club, you can come back here at exactly twelve o’clock.”
The recruitment leaders of the Literature Club, Astrology Club, Sports Club, and others couldn’t help but exchange glances.
Finally, Winnie Scarlet from the Literature Club spoke, “If they don’t want to, don’t force them. We’re not bandits.”
“Yeah, you’re right, hahaha,” the muscle-bound man from the Sports Club scratched his head, looking憨厚and smiling thickly, decisively sliding down the stairs.
Only the cold-faced senior from the Astrology Club persisted, “Are you really not considering it? Our Astrology Club will open all its resources to you!”
“Alright, alright, everyone, let’s go,” his girlfriend next to him smiled apologetically at Dark and forcibly pulled him away.
Finally, the small stall regained its tranquility.
Dark extended a finger to rub the little tail of the munching grub, sighing, “Large clubs aren’t easy either.”
“We’re not easy either,” the Demon Fox Beast looked at him with disdain.
No matter what, his appearance always seemed to be throwing seductive glances.
The sword-wielding guard lion beast whispered, “Their auras are all very powerful.”
“Of course,” Dark leaned back in his chair, looking up at the sky with squinted eyes.
The world was moving forward, whether in terms of time or people.
…
At exactly noon.
The barrier at the entrance of the venue was finally removed, and more students than expected poured in.
Students always enjoyed the spectacle, even if they weren’t there for club recruitment. They wanted to see what new clubs might have formed.
Furthermore, even if they weren’t interested in the clubs, they could still come to see the people!
At the front of the crowd, Diana held onto Rose’s arm, stuffing snacks into her mouth while looking around.
Rose asked, “Nana, did you see the recruitment spot for the Magical Animal Club?”
Diana excitedly replied, “Don’t worry, we’ll find it. Let’s look around first.”
They hadn’t come straight to set up a stall with Dark because they wanted to experience the atmosphere on-site and perhaps get recruited themselves.
Running straight to the Magical Animal Club’s recruitment spot now would be putting the cart before the horse.
However, the recruitment atmosphere did feel somewhat like a festival, with some clubs performing live to attract students.
Large clubs picked the best, while smaller clubs were picked.
This had always been the case.
…
As the first wave of people was absorbed by the venue, the second wave followed closely behind.
The first wave mostly consisted of second-year students who were more eager.
The second wave was mainly made up of first-year students who came to watch the spectacle.
Wherever Anna and Angie went, the crowd naturally parted.
These two little princesses had already established their own factions among the first-year students of the Noble Academy within the first week of school. Now, they were in a head-to-head rivalry, much like two young leopards.
The “Demon” among the first-year students of the Noble Academy also gained support, forming a third faction.
The current situation for first-year students was far more complex than it was during Dark’s time.
Within the Noble Academy alone, there was a trend of “three-way division of power.”
The two little princesses looked across, with the smallest faction being led by Joie.
But since Joie had backing from Demon and Aurora as a classmate, they weren’t without resistance.
One wonders what their parents would think if they saw their daughters not focusing on studies but instead forming cliques.
On the other side…
Victoria and Phoenix met in a corner.
The two magical golems rarely shook off their “friends” and entered the venue hand in hand.
…
Dark remained patiently waiting in a corner of the venue.
Though no one was in front of him now, he wasn’t worried.
Over time, the crowd would naturally thin out, and potentially promising candidates would likely have been screened out.
Dark’s recruitment targets weren’t second-year students; he actually wanted to recruit two third-year students to fill the gaps.
If he could find someone with potential like Angie from last year, it would be incredibly fortunate.
However, such a probability was very low, so he was now observing the newly created clubs nearby.
Although this year only he had started a new club among the second-year students, surprisingly, many third-year students had also started new clubs!
Perhaps because they didn’t understand the club rules in their second year, they became familiar with them and developed their own ideas by third year.
There were quite a few people like this.
Students at Saint Maryann Academy were inherently independent.
A five-member club with a few second-year members as regular members and a third-year student as the core could become very common.
For example, next to Dark, there was a third-year senior sitting alone at a table, nervously watching the incoming second-year students.
Like Dark, she had drawn a poster, but it was just one. The wooden sign only listed the club name, which was very simple.
Dark glanced at her uniform and knew she was a third-year student from the Fool’s Academy.
And the club she had created by herself was called the “Stuffed Doll Club!”
This was undoubtedly a club centered around personal interests.
This third-year senior from the Fool’s Academy must have wanted to form a club and find like-minded individuals.
However, rationally speaking, this was indeed difficult.
Dark’s fingers gradually touched the stem of the munching grub.
It wasn’t that there were no other students at Saint Maryann Academy who liked stuffed dolls.
But joining a club solely for this interest and thus giving up the resources of a legitimate club was too high a price.
Most people would choose to give up after weighing the pros and cons.
Moreover, her personal charm was limited, so she probably wouldn’t be able to recruit anyone.
…
Thinking about this, Dark’s eyes narrowed slightly, examining her more closely.
Third-year students were typically fourteen years old.
Fourteen-year-old girls in this world were relatively mature, but the face of this senior from the Fool’s Academy seemed younger.
Not only that, she wore twin-tails, dressed in flamboyant clothing that appeared to be handmade, and placed a stuffed bear with cotton sticking out on the table.
She had dressed herself as a stuffed doll!
Dark observed her brown hair and green-blue eyes, and couldn’t help but pay attention.
“She likes stuffed dolls, I like stuffed cats. We’re all dolls. Could this be a coincidence of fate?”
Seeing that the third-year senior seemed to notice something, Dark immediately withdrew his gaze and focused on the whiskers of Meow.
“Meow!”
Meow bit down on his finger!
…
“Pfft!”
Brannie Krichens happened to see this scene and couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh.
Of course, she couldn’t ignore this second-year student who was being fought over by so many large clubs.
In fact, at Saint Maryann Academy, there were few people who couldn’t name him.
However, she was discovering for the first time that this junior was such an interesting person.
Using magical golems to decorate the facade was not something everyone could think of.
Besides, his idea was quite interesting.
Just like Dark was observing her, she was also observing him.
“Magical Animal Club,” if one ignored its historical significance, was undoubtedly a niche club comparable to her “Stuffed Doll Club.”
After all, the theoretical research on magical animals couldn’t significantly advance the development of mana technology.
And there weren’t many magical animals inside Saint Maryann Academy either, making it impossible to conduct in-depth research.
“Perhaps it’s due to the same interest as mine?”
Branny thought to herself, her gaze involuntarily falling on Meow.
No wonder this junior’s golem was so cute; he must have a heart that loves small animals.
…
“Woof!”
The sudden voice made Branny return to her senses.
It had been half an hour since the recruitment began at twelve o’clock, and even the last group, the “Magical Animal Club,” had visited several times, but no one had stopped at her stall.
As a result, she completely focused her attention on the neighboring stall, almost forgetting that she was recruiting new members.
When she quickly turned back, she suddenly found that the little bear plushie on the table had disappeared!
She looked up again and saw that someone was holding the little bear plushie.
Seeing the petite girl whose face was hidden behind the plushie, Branny’s heart leaped with joy, and she hurriedly asked, “Do you like plushies?”
“Yes.” It was the answer she had always dreamed of!
Branny suddenly felt that she might break through the “zero” barrier faster than her neighbor!
So she immediately seized the opportunity and asked, “Would you like to learn how to make plushies?”
The moment Branny asked, she noticed the girl opposite her body stiffen slightly.
She couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed.
There were girls who loved plushies everywhere, but those who liked making them were few and far between.
This was just how the world was.
Most people were just takers.
But after a moment’s hesitation, the girl opened her mouth and said, “I’m not really against it, but my handicraft skills are terrible; I can’t even knit small clothes.”
A girl who had practiced sewing!
Branny became excited again.
She felt that the first member of her club was right in front of her!
So she immediately said, “It doesn’t matter, I can teach you! As long as you join my…”
But before she could finish, the girl reluctantly put the little bear plushie back on the table and said, “No, I already have a club.”
As she spoke, the girl turned her head towards the neighboring stall.
Branny stared at the girl’s beautiful face and suddenly realized something, her tone stuttering.
“Haha, I lost.”
It turned out that this child was a customer from the neighboring stall.
…
“Dianna, take it easy.”
The girl with long light golden hair ran over from the other side and grabbed the silver-haired girl’s hand.
Branny?Christian was somewhat stunned, noticing that these two girls did not pay any attention to her stall.
In a moment, they had already walked towards the neighboring stall.
…
Dark, who had waited for half an hour without any results, rushed to give Dianna a sour-sweet apple as if he had seen a ray of hope.
“Kari?” Kari, the grub, blinked, looking puzzled.
Dianna caught it and took a bite: “Crunch!”
Poor Kari was so scared that he tightly closed his eyes.
Dianna didn’t actually bite down; instead, she asked cheerfully, “How was it? Did you recruit any new members?”
Dark interlaced his fingers and said helplessly, “No.”
This time, the club recruitment was mainly aimed at second-year students.
However, among the second-year students, except for the students from the Fool’s Academy being too low-key, Dark was quite familiar with the students from the other three academies.
The fact that he didn’t directly pick members from the second-year students already indicated something.
In summary:
He couldn’t get the people he wanted.
And the people he could get didn’t want to join.
…
Like Emma and Sarah, such talents were definitely what he wanted, but unfortunately, Emma had already been reserved by the Literature Club, and Sarah had decided to join the Archaeology Club.
Originally, Tudor could have been a compromise, but Tudor became his replacement and became the class president of the second-year Noble Academy.
Even Eudora went to the Astrology Club!
“It’s really hard!”
Dark brought out the two stools he had used to summon the imp beast, letting Dianna and Rose sit down, and briefly asked about their plans.
Dianna immediately started talking about all the club scenes she had seen along the way, while Rose listened quietly, occasionally adding a comment.
When Dianna finished speaking and her mouth was dry, Dark handed her a Huhu brand apple juice and casually gave her a “club application form.”
Dianna drank the apple juice in one gulp and looked at the “club application form” and asked, “Do I need to fill out a form?”
Dark nodded seriously, “Yes, we need to fill it out!”
Procedures are justice.
“What about mine?” Rose stretched out her hand to him.
“Here it is!” The imp beast flew down from the sky, grabbing an application form in its claws.
Rose took the application form and picked up a pen, filling it out quickly.
Dianna followed suit.
…
Before long, Dark had two completed application forms in his hands.
“Three-fifths.”
He sighed and signed his name on the application forms, preparing to submit them to the Students’ Union for registration afterwards.
Next, he still needed two more pieces of the puzzle.
But at this point, rushing wouldn’t help.
After carefully putting away the two application forms, he turned to Rose and asked, “Are you going to participate in the Dueling Club recruitment in the afternoon?”
“Mm-hm,” Rose nodded, “I’ll work hard too.”
Then she added, “Uncle and Aunt will come to watch me compete at the Dueling Hall next Saturday morning.”
Dark blinked and asked concernedly, “Are you confident?”
Rose couldn’t help but smile, “I think I can manage.”
Her tutor was a senior who graduated from Saint Maryann Academy!
…
Of course, Dark knew this too. He immediately nodded and said, “That makes me feel better.”
“You just wait here for good news!” Dianna puffed out her chest.
The new member assessment for the Dueling Club wasn’t difficult; as long as one showed the strength expected of a second-year student, they could generally pass.
Dianna would accompany Rose to the Battle Hall to watch the matches.
As for Dark… he would continue waiting here for his fate (dry waiting).
“Well, let’s…”
Rose patted her skirt, getting ready to stand up and visit the Battle Hall, but the person who just appeared in her field of vision made her sit down subconsciously.
Since she officially joined the Magical Animal Club, she naturally regarded herself as a member.
Naturally, she didn’t want anyone who didn’t like the club to join.
And the person who appeared in her field of vision was clearly walking towards her, which made her reluctant to move.
“Em…” Dianna followed her gaze and pursed her lips.
The person walking towards them was none other than Wit Gold and Robert Broheim.
…
Wit Gold, as the true Hero’s Child, performed fairly well in various aspects at the end of the first year.
Therefore, once he entered the venue, large club leaders immediately came forward to recruit him.
However, Wit and Robert had already decided to join the “Marine Biology Research Department” in the first year, so when faced with the numerous invitations from various clubs, he politely declined them.
The reason for putting “declined” in quotation marks was because he did not completely refuse but replied with “let me think about it” to all of them.
After crossing a period of calm, one’s psychological age often grows significantly.
After Wit returned to school on a magic train, he suddenly recalled many experiences from his first year at the academy.
What seemed reasonable at the time now looked terribly immature upon reflection!
And within the immature parts, some were so extreme that they could negatively impact his future.
In short, he began to regret his commitment to join the “Marine Biology Research Department.”
…
Decisions made in the heat of the moment.
Now, they seemed more like impulsive decisions.
Although the seniors in the “Marine Biology Research Department” had indeed provided significant help in relieving his psychological stress at the time.
Upon further reflection, that was the extent of the help.
“Marine Biology Research Department” was ultimately just a place for mutual support.
It didn’t bring him any substantial improvement.
If he wanted to use the resources of the club to develop himself and catch up with Dark, he absolutely couldn’t waste his energy on the “Marine Biology Research Department.”
Now, he had the guidance of his mother, the Blood Princess, in terms of knowledge—though they couldn’t see each other frequently, it still helped.
What he still lacked was material support.
Joining a suitable large club was a good method to solve material problems.
Of course, this meant breaking his promise and leaving the “Marine Biology Research Department.”
This left him uncertain.
“Robert, you only accompanied me back then and never formally said you wanted to join the Marine Biology Research Department. So why don’t you choose a good club? I think the Sports Club would suit you well,” Wit said.
Robert pondered, “It’s said that eighty percent of the members of the Sports Club are seniors from the Knight Academy, which does seem suitable for us.”
Wit quickly corrected him, “It’s suitable for you!”
He didn’t want to sweat it out with a bunch of muscle-bound guys every day.
“Alright, then it suits me,” Robert said, “But if I join the Sports Club, what about you? Will you still stay in that Marine Biology Sect?”
Wit shook his head and smiled bitterly, “I don’t know.”
At that moment, he saw the wooden signboard that Dark had set up!
This made him stop in his tracks and read it aloud, “Magical Animal Club, Robert!”
He suddenly grabbed Robert’s arm and asked urgently, “Did I misread it?”
“What did you misread?” Robert looked up blankly and also saw the sign.
But his gaze fell more on the demon fox beast behind the sign.
“How beautiful the golem is…”
“It’s the Magical Animal Club, Robert!”
“Okay, I got it, you’re hurting me!”
“The Magical Animal Club is my father’s club!”
Wit muttered to himself, and when he started walking again, his pace quickened.
Soon after, he brought Robert in front of Dark Demon.
Looking at Dark in the stall, Wit suspiciously glanced inside, then discovered Dianna and Rose.
But they were almost inseparable from Dark, so it wasn’t strange if they were really here.
The problem was, why was Dark sitting at the recruitment spot for the “Magical Animal Club”?
Wit’s brain momentarily short-circuited, and he froze on the spot.
Robert, who had arrived a step later, curiously asked
“Dark, did you create the club yourself?”
“Yeah,” Dark looked up and smiled. “What’s wrong, Robert? Didn’t you join the Sports Club?”
Robert scratched his head, laughing awkwardly. “Why do you mention the Sports Club too? It makes me sound like I only have muscles and no brain! I’m at least a Magus!”
Dark laughed heartily and changed the topic. “So, what clubs did you join? Wit should be quite popular, right?”
Robert shrugged exaggeratedly. “Exactly this one! Because it’s so popular, I’m still considering!”
Dark nodded and asked, “Then, what about you? Are you waiting for Wit to choose a club before applying for the same one? That might not suit you.”
Robert glanced at Diana and Rose, gesturing towards them. “But they joined the same club as you, didn’t they?”
Dark tapped the table, a confident smile on his face. “But this is the perfect club for them.”
Diana and Rose both smiled when they heard that.
Obviously, they believed in this as well when they refused invitations from the Sports Club and the Astrology Club.
This was a testament to their trust in Dark Demon’s ability to lead!
…
Robert opened his mouth, wanting to refute but finding himself agreeing inwardly.
He couldn’t help but look at the nearby Wit Gold.
Wit’s short-circuited brain finally reconnected, exclaiming in surprise, “Wait, Dark, is this your club? But the Magical Animal Club isn’t…”
“Bang bang bang!” The Demon Fox Beast suddenly knocked hard on the signboard’s “Restart” word.
Wit instinctively turned his head, staring at the “Restart” word for a while before muttering, “How could I not think of it? How could I not think of it?”
“Cough!” Dark coughed to draw attention. “Wit, if you haven’t decided which club to join yet, I personally recommend the Sports Club…”
“Skip it!” Wit immediately said. “Compared to those clubs, I’d rather join the Magical Animal Club. So, what are the requirements for joining?”
This shouldn’t have happened, but it has come to this.
Dark sighed inwardly.
Even if he had a hole in his head, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to recruit a Hero’s Child.
But since Wit specifically asked, let him give up completely.
Thus, he grinned. “There are conditions, but they aren’t difficult.”
Wit was somewhat excited. “What conditions?”
Dark spoke in a gentle tone. “Since it’s the Magical Animal Club, members must first have love for animals.”
Wit’s eyes lit up. “I definitely meet this requirement. When I was little, I even raised a stray dog.”
Dark closed and then opened his eyes, asking, “So, now?”
Wit was puzzled. “What now?”
Dark continued, “What about the stray dog you raised? What’s its current status?”
Wit hesitated.
Even Robert couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity, “What happened?”
After much hesitation, Wit finally laughed bitterly. “I don’t know. When I found the stray dog, I was very young. Now, I only have vague memories of feeding it. As for where it went later, I have no idea.”
“Hmm.”
Dark listened carefully, nodding. “The second requirement is responsibility. Our club studies magical animals, not lifeless objects. If a magical animal escapes, we will spend two to three months to catch it!”
Wit reflected on himself and felt he was responsible, saying, “That’s definitely not a problem.”
Dark smiled, resorting to his last card. “The third requirement is maternal love.”
Wit: “(′???.)？？”
…
When Wit Gold and Robert Broheim left with confused expressions, Dark finally breathed a sigh of relief.
But behind him, Rose couldn’t help but ask, “Are the conditions you mentioned real?”
Dark chuckled. “What do you think?”
Rose sat upright but couldn’t see his thoughts, shaking her head. “I don’t know.”
Instead, Diana nudged her and pointed at the “Primordial Dragon Egg.” “Of course it’s true! We need to incubate it!”
“To… incubate?” Rose was even more confused. “But isn’t that Dark’s Golem?”
Seeing her conflicted expression, Dark finally smiled. “Although it’s complicated, Diana is right. We need to incubate it.”
…
Incubating wasn’t the real reason.
Dark made maternal love one of the conditions because he wanted the Magical Animal Club to become the headquarters for the Golems.
As club members, caring for the Golems would naturally become part of daily life.
Even if stated openly, it would require patience in caring for newborn magical animals.
“Maternal love” was just a general term.
It would be the same if he used “paternal love” instead.
Saying “maternal love” was just to discourage Wit Gold.
Overall, it seemed to be working well.
…
Dark checked the time. “It’s almost time. You can take a look around, but it’s best to go to the Battle Hall to prepare early.”
Rose had already planned to do that, nodding and standing up. “We’ll leave then.”
She and Diana waved at Dark, then temporarily left.
“One last piece of the puzzle!”
Once the two were out of sight, Dark casually glanced next door.
Confirming that no one else had applied, he smiled contentedly.
Britney Christian saw his smile and felt annoyed. “Why is he like this?”
Her emotions were very sensitive, but she wasn’t good at expressing them.
So she stuffed her accumulated feelings into a doll to keep her mind pure.
Dark singled her out because he didn’t notice her just by chance.
From the moment he sat down, he sensed the fluctuation of mental power from Britney Christian!
Though faint, it was indeed there.
Since successfully using mental power to assist Deoxys’ evolution, his perception of mental power had improved significantly.
Britney Christian might not even realize she possessed unique mental powers.
But if nothing unexpected happens, her potential will likely blossom into a “Fool’s Academy” student during her third or fourth year!
Such a promising and adorable senior who loves dolls deserved to be seized upon.
Dark admitted he was somewhat materialistic, but so what?
…
Just then, his beloved daughter and the Phoenix girl suddenly appeared from the crowd.
Actually, Dark had long sensed the Golem approaching, but he showed a delighted expression, making the Vampire Noble feel favored!
Being the embodiment of Bliss, it wasn’t strange for the Vampire Noble to cling to him like glue.
With no intimate contact for nearly a week, she naturally missed him.
If not for the many people around, she might have jumped onto Dark.
Dark had Victoria and Phoenix sit on two benches, smiling. “How are you? Any favorite clubs?”
“Yes!” Victoria immediately exclaimed.
Dark asked, “Which one?”
Victoria happily replied, “Of course, the Magical Animal Club.”
Dark reached out, lightly touching her nose. “You’re always joking.”
“It’s not joking,” Victoria quickly retorted. “Next year, I’ll also join your club!”
“Alright, next year,” Dark said, turning to Phoenix. “Do you have any favorite clubs? There’s a medium-sized club called the ‘Lancer Legend Club,’ which specializes in researching lancers’ history and techniques. It might suit your taste?”
Phoenix remained cold, speaking sparingly, “The Magical Animal Club.”
“Alright, the Magical Animal Club,” Dark indulgently said. “If you could join this year, I wouldn’t have to worry.”
Phoenix pondered. “Is it because the club needs five members?”
Dark was surprised. “Yes, two more. Do you have any seniors or seniors-in-training to recommend?”
Phoenix slowly shook his head.
Victoria also quickly shook her head.
It seemed they couldn’t rely on them.
Dark tapped his forehead, changing the subject.
First, the location of the Clubroom—though they couldn’t officially join, the Academy hadn’t prohibited first-year students from entering the Clubroom.
Second, the video call session on Saturday night.
However, since Eve and Irina were still at the Academy, the video call wouldn’t work.
Considering first-year students could enter Traveler’s Street only on the fourth Friday afternoon after enrollment, Dark proactively asked if they needed anything “purchased.”
Why “purchased” instead of “gifted”?
Because the Academy doesn’t encourage students to “gift” credits to each other.
Every credit should be earned individually, even loans requiring interest.
Victoria immediately started talking animatedly once she understood “purchased.”
But apart from agreeing to purchase a book for her, Dark dismissed all other requests.
Phoenix’s request was to purchase a gun!
…
While chatting, Dark noticed Anna and Angie wandering a few meters away. Jon and Joie also appeared but ran off without looking back.
He rubbed his chin, asking Victoria, “Am I that scary?”
“Not scary,” Victoria said happily.
Almost two o’clock, Victoria and Phoenix left one after another, and the crowd began to thin.
It wasn’t that students were tired of clubs; it was that the Dueling Club’s recruitment was about to start!
Second-year students rushed from place to place, and with the main recruitment efforts gone, the entire venue instantly quieted down.
Originally, loud noises weren’t noticeable, but now even talking loudly stood out.
But this was good for Dark.
His recruitment range didn’t include second-years, so it became clearer.
…
Third-year
, and senior students who either did not join any club from the beginning or left for various reasons in the middle.
In short, this group of people became the main force for recruitment after the initial rush of new members had subsided.
When someone came out of curiosity to the recruitment booth of the “Magical Animal Club,” Dark would inquire about their name, grade, academy, final grades, and why they left their previous club…
Due to the overly formal nature, many senior students could not bear being questioned by a second-year student and simply stood up and left.
Dark thought to himself that it was no wonder they left midway…
Of course, there were also those with good conditions who sat down to inquire, but after learning that the Magical Animal Club did not plan to expand within their current year, they gradually all left.
Dark’s advantage over his neighbor, Broni, lay in the fact that he was a celebrity.
This made people feel that the club he founded was more secure and had greater potential.
Joining such a club was a gamble that it would steadily rise.
At that time, the students who joined from the start would become the “elders” and receive a large amount of resources.
However, when this celebrity personally said that the club would not expand, this idea was cut off.
Nevertheless, club recruitment is a mutual choice, and one cannot say who is better or worse.
…
Around three o’clock in the afternoon.
The recruitment booth of the “Magical Animal Club” finally welcomed a decent person.
When she sat down at the table, Dark was still in a daze until the other party introduced herself, and Dark suddenly remembered where he had seen her!
This third-year girl with black hair and straight bangs was precisely the senior he had met on the Mana train during the end-of-term departure — Katrina Isaiah.
Katrina was a student at Mana Academy. She wore her waist-length black hair with bangs cut exceptionally straight, just covering the area above her eyebrows, very low-key and refined, and delicate.
Her impression was very similar to that of Senior Vini Scarlet.
When Dark and the others left school and went home, there was an empty seat in the compartment, and they welcomed this senior.
Dark still remembered that the book she was reading at the time was XX Anthology.
And her place of residence was in the City of Knowledge, Synes!
The City of Knowledge, Synes, was a “Sage’s Homeland” that produced sages.
Whether ancient sages or winter sages were born in Synes.
And the daughter of the ancient sage, Sarah Swati, and the descendant of the winter sage, Vini Scarlet, both lived in Synes.
“How, don’t you remember me?”
Katrina pushed back a strand of black hair hanging over her shoulder and then revealed a gentle smile.
“Why would I forget, Senior Isaiah?” Dark put away his memories and spoke.
He finally remembered.
When Katrina Isaiah got off the Mana train, she had agreed to contact them upon returning to school.
But three months later, Dark had long forgotten her.
Now it seems that Diana and Rose never mentioned her, so they must have completely forgotten.
Fortunately, Dark’s memory was still pretty good.
He hadn’t completely forgotten her name.
When reminded by her, he recalled smoothly, avoiding an awkward situation.
Meeting a familiar person naturally felt more relaxed than meeting a stranger.
—Even if this familiarity was only due to sharing a ride on the Mana train.
Dark carefully examined Katrina Isaiah and asked, “Senior, are you here to catch up or to choose a club?”
“Both catching up and choosing a club,” Katrina replied calmly.
Dark then curiously asked, “Senior didn’t join the Literature Club?”
Katrina shook her head and said, “The Literature Club isn’t open to just anyone. And as a Mana Academy student of my caliber, even if I joined, I’d be on the periphery, which wouldn’t make much sense.”
Dark was somewhat surprised: “How could that be? Senior’s grades aren’t bad, are they?”
When it came to grades, Katrina smiled shyly: “Do I look like someone with great grades?”
Dark shook his head and said, “No. Not very good, extremely good.”
Katrina covered her mouth and laughed: “But my final grades for the second year were only ranked thirteenth in Mana Academy.”
“Is that so?” Dark said, “I thought someone who likes reading as much as Senior wouldn’t have poor grades.”
“Middle of the pack,” Katrina said.
She clearly didn’t care much about exam rankings and probably didn’t prepare at all for the finals.
And there’s indeed a difference between studying before exams and not.
Dark twirled his pen and asked, “Even if you didn’t join the Literature Club, Senior didn’t join any other clubs in your second year, right?”
Katrina said, “Of course not. In my second year, I joined a small club called ‘Reading Club.’ Our ‘Reading Club’ was like a miniature version of the ‘Literature Club.’
Although it lacked the底蕴 of the Literature Club, it was well-organized, complete in structure. It’s a good place if you just want to read books. Unfortunately, the club president suddenly decided not to be complacent anymore.”
Dark: “Ah?”
Katrina shrugged and said, “He joined the Literature Club.”
Dark: “Alright!”
Katrina smiled softly: “Though he initially wanted to hand over the club to someone else, no one wanted to take it over, so they just disbanded it.
You see, we all just wanted a quiet place to read, not to take on the responsibility of managing a club.”
Dark smiled: “If you answer like that, it will deduct points from my impression of you.”
Katrina said, “That just means your club isn’t suitable for me.”
But Dark changed the subject: “If you just want a place to read, there’s no club more suitable than ours. Moreover, our clubroom location is unique, offering unparalleled visual enjoyment.”
“Unparalleled visual enjoyment?” Katrina blinked, quickly turned her head towards the direction of the Spiral Bell Tower, and exclaimed in surprise, “Does that mean your clubroom is on top of the Spiral Bell Tower?”
“No, it’s our clubroom.” Dark pushed a “Club Application Form” towards Katrina.
Katrina pressed the application form and asked in confusion, “Is this all it takes? I heard joining your club wasn’t easy.”
“We already got to know each other on the Mana train, didn’t we?”
Dark smiled slightly, “If you can accept our clubroom on the tenth floor of the Spiral Bell Tower and don’t have allergies to flowers, then fill out this application. The Magical Animal Club is absolutely the best fit for you.”
The recruitment condition for the Magical Animal Club four: Zen-like!
…
Dark proactively told those coming to apply that the club had no intention of expanding, in order to weed out those with overly strong materialistic tendencies.
Club recruitment has always been a mutual choice.
Those people thought they were filtering out the Magical Animal Club, but in reality, the Magical Animal Club was filtering them out.
Someone like Katrina Isaiah, who is both excellent and zen-like, does not exist among the current second-year students.
On Katrina, Dark vaguely saw the shadow of Claire Kate.
“First and second-year Aunt Claire should be like this, right?”
…
The clouds in the sky grew thicker, presenting a state where it seemed like it would rain soon but never did.
The recruitment activities for the club continued vigorously.
After Dark Diemon caught the fourth piece of the puzzle, he glanced more frequently at his neighbor’s stall.
After Katrina Isaiah filled out the “Club Application Form,” she moved a stool behind the dragon egg and took out a book from her small bag to read seriously.
From the moment she opened the book, the surrounding environment had minimal impact on her.
Dark occasionally looked up at the sky, hoping it would rain soon and wash away the neighboring senior’s stall.
During this period, inevitably, someone would inquire at Broni Krichens’s recruitment booth.
But after Broni truthfully explained the nature of the “Puppet Doll Club,” almost everyone lost interest.
Even if one or two people were interested in making puppet dolls, they ultimately chose to give up.
Their passion for puppet dolls was not enough to make them abandon other club resources entirely.
In fact, Broni’s club lacked many things.
It’s unclear which professor gave her a recommendation.
Dark patiently waited until around four o’clock in the afternoon, when the number of people at the venue had dwindled to an extreme level, and he finally took action!
After all, in a little while, once the Dueling Club’s recruitment assessment ended, the flow of second-year students would surge back into the venue.
So now was the best time to act!
Dark walked over to his neighbor’s booth and sat down: “Good afternoon, Senior.”
Broni Krichens was not in a good mood—anyone would feel bad waiting all afternoon without finding a single new member.
But she still politely said, “Good afternoon, Diemon Junior. Is there anything I need help with?”
Dark pondered: “What is your surname, Senior?”
Broni said, “Broni Krichens, third year, Fool’s Academy.”
“Then it’s Senior Krichens,” Dark looked at the tattered teddy bear on the table and said, “Senior seems to have a deep affection for puppet dolls?”
Broni’s expression showed some disappointment, but she still said, “When I was young, my mother always made different kinds of doll for me. Probably from then on, I fell in love with these little darlings. Sadly, doll-making is just a child’s pastime, and perhaps it’s time I grow up.”
Dark frowned slightly and said, “Interest knows no age. Enjoying cute things is a human nature, Senior Diemon shouldn’t think too much.”
Broni’s eyes regained their luster, and she asked, “Junior Diemon, do you also like puppet dolls?”
Dark nodded and said, “Of course I do. But what I like might not be the doll itself, but another value it carries.”
Broni asked in puzzlement, “How so?”
Dark said, “For example, I like the Sky White Dragon doll. But what attracts me is the Sky White Dragon, not the doll.”
Broni couldn’t help frowning and pondered deeply.
But after a while, she suddenly said, “But the Sky White Dragon doll is still a doll!”
Dark laughed, “Indeed it is.”
Get up.
The junior student in front of her seemed to master the highest level of communication skills, always able to defuse awkwardness silently.
Although they had only just met, she felt as if they were having a very pleasant conversation.
To be honest, Branny felt a little scared of this junior student.
So when they talked for half an hour, the junior suddenly handed her a “club application form,” she knew that he must have planned this all along!
However, Dark did not hide this fact. Holding the application form, he said, “Senior Cristhens, I believe you’ve seen it. My club is short one member to reach five. If you can help me, not only will you have a place to stay without any constraints, but you’ll also gain a kindred spirit.”
“A kindred spirit, do you mean yourself?” Branny smiled.
Dark blinked, “I’m talking about Diana, the one who wants to take your teddy bear.”
“She?” Branny recalled, “But like you said, she might like bears rather than dolls.”
Dark said, “That doesn’t conflict.”
Branny replied, “I know, she might like dolls too. But your Magical Animal Club doesn’t have much appeal to me. Even if my club fails, I probably won’t consider joining yours.”
“What a pity.”
Dark waved his hand, and Meow Meow obediently climbed onto his lap, closing its eyes in contentment.
Branny couldn’t help but focus on Meow Meow again.
Dark slowly continued, “How about it? Don’t you want to be a doll of Meow Meow? Besides Meow Meow, I have more cute little things here.”
…
[On this day, Branny?Cristhens yielded to her base desires, signed a treaty that relinquished her power, and sold herself to a Demon God.]
…
“Got the fifth piece!”
Dark carefully put away the four “club application forms,” rolled up the poster, and had the Lion Beast carry the sign, then left the venue with great pride.
He first needed to dissolve the “Doll Club” with Branny?Cristhens before he could register her under the “Magical Animal Club.”
During this period, the Students’ Union had specially added staff to handle related matters, so they quickly completed the process.
Branny?Christian still needed to inform her club’s advisor professor.
Therefore, Dark made arrangements to meet at the castle gate at eight o’clock in the evening to head to Traveler’s Street for the first gathering of the “Magical Animal Club” since its inception.
The reason for the eight o’clock meeting was naturally because Rose was still participating in the Dueling Club’s recruitment match.
After packing up his things, Dark hurried to Combat Hall No. 1.
The spectators at Combat Hall No. 1 were more numerous than in previous years.
The atmosphere in the hall was filled with intense combat tension.
Dark found Diana and Rose watching the match outside Field No. 2 and joined them.
Diana noticed him first, her eyes lighting up as she nudged Rose’s arm.
Rose was observing the match while mana-enriching her cards. Suddenly nudged by Diana, she dropped the mana card she was holding.
She quickly reached down, her fingertips glowing with mana, and the mana card was enveloped by mana, pulled back into her hand.
This effortless control of mana left Dark, who approached, in awe.
Rose’s talent in fine mana manipulation exceeded his expectations!
…
“Dark, have you gathered everyone?”
Diana moved over to make room for Dark.
Dark sat down and replied, “We have. You’ve met the two new members.”
Diana blinked and guessed, “One is the doll senior from the recruitment point next door, and the other… let me think.”
Everyone knows Dark’s intentions!
Dark was speechless, but the other person, Diana probably wouldn’t guess.
After all, they had only briefly met with Catalysta?Isaiah three months ago, and Diana likely had forgotten her entirely.
Indeed…
Diana listed off a dozen names but didn’t mention Catalysta.
Finally, she couldn’t continue, so she suddenly took out a limited-edition candy wrapped in beautiful paper and placed it in Dark’s palm.
Dark looked up and said, “Hmm?”
Diana laughed naively, “A candy for your information…”
Dark was amused instantly.
He no longer teased her and said, “Do you remember the Mana Academy senior we met on the Mana Train three months ago? That’s her.”
Diana racked her brain for a moment, finally recalling, and quickly acted enlightened, “Oh, her!”
At this moment, the referee’s voice echoed through the entire venue via the amplifier: “36, prepare to come out.”
“36 is Rose!” Diana cheered.
Rose nodded, “It’s my turn.”
She focused intently and confidently walked toward the dueling arena.
Dark watched her straight back, feeling she had transformed completely.
He couldn’t help but ask, “How is Rose’s record?”
Diana excitedly replied, “Of course, all victories! You don’t know how amazing Rose is! I doubt I could even stand against her!”
…
Rose?Florette’s reputation had already been established in the previous duels.
Her appearance caused quite a stir among the audience.
Her opponent, a male student from the Second Year Noble Academy, visibly showed signs of nervousness.
Despite the boy’s improvement during the break, compared to Rose, he was clearly at a different level.
No one could have imagined that the timid little girl who usually followed Dark could be so formidable!
From the start, this duel was completely one-sided.
Continuous healing light from the sky transformed Rose’s initial mana golem into an unshakable fortress, standing firm against the boy’s attacks.
After summoning her second flying mana golem, Rose directly pointed at the mana guidance ball across the field!
Her remote mana control surpassed the boy’s close-range control.
Before he could gather his mana, Rose forcefully pulled the mana guidance ball near the center line.
With almost equal distances between them and the mana guidance ball, the boy’s control was utterly dominated by Rose.
Losing control of the mana guidance ball meant losing everything.
There was no suspense; Rose cleanly secured another victory.
And anyone could see that she hadn’t even shown her true strength.
…
Walking down the competitor platform with rosy cheeks, Rose still held a hint of shyness.
She slightly lowered her head and quickly returned to the bench.
Diana immediately applauded.
Rose grabbed her hand and complained, “You too.”
“Clap clap.” Dark also clapped twice.
Rose blushed, “How annoying (ノω<。)ノ))."
...
In the first recruitment match of the Dueling Club, Second-Year Rose?Florette from the Noble Academy undoubtedly became the brightest new star.
But the shining duelists weren't just her.
Sarah?Swati's staunch supporter—Heidi?Euphemia.
The owner of the Starry Eye—Eudora?Wain.
Even the chubby Pistons...
Outstanding performances came from students in all four houses, including the Fool's Academy.
The Second-Year young magi had made significant progress!
...
As the average level rose, those lagging behind stood out more prominently.
Robert?Broheim seemed to have spent the entire three-month break focusing solely on improving his physical abilities, completely forgetting that his core essence was a pioneering magus.
Without using the mana golem card left by the vampire Vlad, he was thoroughly beaten in every match.
Undoubtedly, he would be among the twenty percent被淘汰的。
...
As night fell, the rain that had been building up in the clouds poured down suddenly.
The entire castle was washed by the sudden downpour.
But the heavy rain came and went quickly, stopping completely after just five or six minutes.
Inside Combat Hall No. 1, the results of the Dueling Club's recruitment match were finally announced.
The recruitment rate was eighty percent, and most diligent students passed.
Rose?Florette passed the test without a doubt.
However, the top spot went to a Third-Year senior.
But Dark wasn't concerned about this.
He congratulated Rose on passing the test with Diana, glanced at Robert being comforted by Wit, and wondered which club they would ultimately choose, then left the venue unconsciously.
Rose had received the emblem representing the Dueling Club.
From now on, she was a proud Duelist!
She stuck the emblem on her chest, recalling Diana's first time receiving the emblem, and blushed as she asked Dark, "Does it look good?"
"Of course it does!" Dark answered as always.
...
Elsewhere, Professor Metia appeared outside the venue, showing approval towards Eudora.
Tudor hugged Pistons tightly but failed to move him.
Sarah congratulated Heidi.
Emma consoled the successful Lucy and the unsuccessful Susan.
Lucy and Susan faced each other in the final round of the dueling test; Lucy won!
...
Dark and the others left the worries and joys of the young magi behind, walking lightly towards the castle gate to meet the new club members.
Catalysta and Branny were both Third-Year students, one from the Mana Academy and the other from the Fool's Academy, and they attended classes together.
But they were clearly not familiar with each other.
At this moment, they sat on opposite sides, one reading a book and the other sewing a doll, both deeply engrossed.
They hadn't considered their future path, but a strong current was pushing them forward.
...
[Combined into one chapter, over 16,000 words]
[175/233]
[Added 1,500+ monthly tickets, rounded up to 2,000, adding 2,000 to the base of 14,000! Finally finished! Time to sleep.]
[The last day of the month, it's time to reclaim the top spot on the monthly leaderboard! Everyone, please cast your monthly votes!]
[Six months until the twelfth consecutive monthly championship, please be aware!]
[Last day, recycling the nearly expired knives _(:з”∠)_]
