Chapter 37: Daisy von Shukros
Daisy von Shukros. She was quite the unique character in many ways. The lady of the Shukros family, power brokers of the East, she stood as the complete antithesis to Reina von Wolfgang from the West. A mage-class character focused on crafting. While Reina was your typical perennial runner-up among regular students, Daisy had claimed top spot in the magic department from her very first year—a member of the student council at the heart of Salenium's power structure.
Unlike Reina, who was proficient in all elemental magic and battle spells, Daisy von Shukros could use nothing but her unique magic, Jewel Transmutation. She had compensated for that with genius-level magic tool crafting to gain admission. And compared to Reina's expressive emotions, Shukros was so cold and stoic it was as if she had no feelings at all—like a doll would suit her better. But even she was just a girl at heart. The faint smiles she occasionally showed in affinity-building events were enough to shake the hearts of many players.
Not that I unlocked her route often, but after clearing it two or three times, I realized something. She had a complex about not being able to handle any magic besides Jewel Transmutation. Even in her original Shukros route, she created a magic tool to compensate for that weakness.
"...This is a magic tool developed to allow even those who can't use magic to wield it conveniently."
Shukros stood at the podium, showing off her creation to the students. A piece of jewelry—like a ring or necklace—into which a gem engraved with a specific spell was inserted. Inject a bit of mana, and you could cast the spell.
I listened closely to Shukros's presentation, thinking to myself.
'Even the content of her presentation is exactly like the original.'
To summarize briefly: By engraving specific spells into gems, even those with low mana could use high-tier magic. And it saved far more mana than the widely used magic tools currently available.
"...That concludes my presentation. Thank you."
As she stepped down, thunderous applause poured in. With her usual impassive expression, she walked off the podium, glanced briefly at me, and returned to her seat.
Her presentation brought back old memories.
There was once a huge controversy in the Salenium Saga's major walkthrough community.
In short, it was a debate on "Is the magic tool Shukros makes in the story actually efficient?" As expected from lore enthusiasts, it burned hot for days with heated discussions. One guy even posted proof of passing out from 36 straight hours of debating without food or sleep, getting carted off in an ambulance.
Why the hell would you prove that?
Anyway... Debates on its merits, its flaws, items to compensate, long emails to the devs begging for in-game implementation... All sorts of chaos unfolded.
"And now, let's hear from student Adrian. What tool has he brought, I wonder!"
And the one who sparked the question, added fuel to the fire, sent sane users to the ER, and turned the peaceful community into a dumpster fire of trolls and mayhem...
Was me. ImRottenVetSoIRuleTheWorld.
Truly a fun experience.
"Student Adrian?"
My turn. I stood, straightened my tie, and ascended the podium.
* * *
As I reached the podium, all eyes focused on me. Not friendly gazes. More like ones laced with other intentions.
Well, it couldn't be helped yet.
I scanned the room and spoke.
"Adrian here. Straight to the point."
Before projecting the hologram, I shifted my gaze to Shukros.
In a flat tone, I continued.
"You craft jewelry magic tools by engraving spell formulas into gems, allowing the wearer to activate spells by channeling a bit of mana... Did I understand correctly, Shukros?"
"Yes."
"I see."
I nodded, and the Shukros lady stared back with her blank face.
She's probably wondering what my angle is.
In presentation battles like this, there were key steps. First, affirm with a question: 'I heard your presentation loud and clear.'
"However, this product has three major flaws."
Then counter: 'But it kinda sucked.'
"Student Adrian, could you explain in more detail? What flaws?"
The professor asked sharply, and students' murmuring gazes turned to me.
What flaws? Piece of cake.
"First, cost per unit. If you can't use Jewel Transmutation, procuring gems will be expensive. Even on the market, it'll sell for far more than existing magic tools."
Cost issue.
"...!"
I saw Shukros grit her teeth. Like a slap to the head.
She thinks it's easy since she can make gems. Not everyone can.
I pressed on.
"Second, manpower. Even with quality gems, how do you find master mages to engrave them perfectly? Are you, Daisy von Shukros, going to spend dozens of hours engraving each one yourself?"
Shukros's face flushed redder. Even mana-affine materials aside, engraving spell formulas directly was another level. High difficulty, and failure meant wasting pricey gems.
"...Fair point."
"Nobles can buy it easy, but us commoners can dream on."
Murmurs rose here and there. Many students nodded at my words.
Riding the momentum, I continued.
"Finally, third: Lack of spell variety. One gem, one spell. What if you encounter a monster of the same attribute as the engraved spell?"
Everyone held their breath, hanging on my words.
Now.
"Your trusted magic tool won't even work, and you'll die on the spot."
Students grimaced, imagining it.
And now, the clincher.
"Thus, I present an improvement—and my own idea."
'Yours sucked, but mine rocks.'
I pressed the podium button. A hologram appeared alongside a book.
"A book...?"
"More like a notebook?"
I snapped my fingers. The notebook flipped open with a rustle.
The professor eyed it sharply.
"Student Adrian, is what's written in that notebook a magic circle?"
I nodded, scanning the students.
"Same principle as Shukros. But instead of manifesting stored spells via gems, I use paper. Accessible regardless of status or wealth—for easy, convenient use by all. Let's name this invention..."
I spoke clearly for all to hear.
"The Scrollbook."
Murmurs filled the classroom. They never imagined I'd bring something like this.
Who'd expect a former noble to spout equality?
"To summarize Scrollbook functions: 'Spell use regardless of aptitude or element.' Each page has mana-infused paper with a magic circle. Tear it, and the spell activates."
In the hologram, the Scrollbook pages tore, summoning Fire Arrow in midair before it dispersed.
"Gems hold one spell each. But the Scrollbook stores all spells—offense, support, any element—on paper, in one book. No user mana required. Even low-mana or mana-less folk can use it easily."
Another wave of murmurs. I glanced at Shukros.
Look at that face—beet red.
Shukros raised a hand, face crimson.
"Presenter, then the 'manpower issue' I raised remains unsolved. How do you procure master mages to engrave paper?"
I gave her a what can ya do look.
"This presentation's theme is just blueprints for feasible magic tools. Actual production changes things, but Salenium's research team handles that. And you still miss the point."
Somewhere, Melwood was sobbing—ignore that.
I enunciated clearly to all.
"Even those unsuited to elements, or who can't use magic at all, can cast spells simply by tearing paper."
Shukros shut her mouth.
"Any more questions?"
None. The professor stared at the Scrollbook, eyes misty.
As I recalled, this professor had unsuited aptitude for all elements, unable to cast magic. That's why she majored in Elemental Mana Linkage—to study mana flow in body, magic, elements, seeking ways for the unsuited to cast.
No wonder she's hooked. "Mana-less can use magic!" would flip anyone's switch.
Did this world have Scrollbooks? Yes, but deep in the late game. Not true spellcasting—gag item for unsuited characters. Plus, paper from elf trees that self-infuse mana? Hard to mass-produce.
So, this was a scam in a way. Not for societal progress, but to crush Shukros. And to show everyone: Adrian's changed.
I drove it home.
"I believe that one day—even if not my Scrollbook—those unsuited to magic or elements will wield it freely. That's all."
I bowed lightly.
Clap clap clap...
Clap clap clap clap...
Tremendous cheers and applause as I returned to my seat. Gazes on me had completely shifted from the start.
"Th-that was... sob, an amaaazing... hic, presen... tation. Sob, claaass ends here for today... You may go... hic..."
The professor spoke through sniffles.
And with that, midterms ended.
* * *
Behind the lecture hall. I looked at Shukros standing before me, head bowed.
"The bet..."
"It's... al... ready... de... cided..."
Already crying?
Shoulders shaking, she looked up and wailed like a child.
"Ughhh... Waaahhh..."
That was her trait. Seemed aloof, but crack the shell and she just bawled.
Crying her heart out, but the world of competition was cruel.
"Then, state your wish."
"U-understood. My defeat... You're truly innocent. Got it. A-any... command..."
"I'll double it to five wishes. That's my wish."
"...Huh? Wha? Yes?"
In a cold voice, I continued.
"Feeling cheated? Loser yields quietly. Deals require equals."
Shukros nodded through tears. No protests about unfairness.
Noble pride, huh.
Plenty to demand: Magic tools for me, student council intel, bridge to the president.
But first...
"First wish now. Grant it, four left?"
"Speak... it. But this humiliation... I'll never forget...!"
"Take my place in the sports festival cavalry match."
"Such an outrageous command... Huh?"
"Didn't hear? Compete in my stead for the cavalry event at the sports festival."
No one's ever called a sub outrageous before.
What was she even thinking?