“Make the apprentices feel like learning!”
At the proposal from Duke TikTok, the folks at the Lenart Dojo all grimaced.
Who could blame them? These were the illustrious Lion Duke’s Bloodline, famous throughout the Empire.
They were known as the strongest martial group on the continent, representing the ’might’ of the Empire. People from all corners flocked here, thinking they’d at least catch a whiff of the Lenart name, while the dojo’s job was to sift through them and pick out only the finest as apprentices.
If they offered to accept someone as an apprentice, those hopefuls shouldn’t be taking it for granted but rather showing their skills to see if they even qualify!
It’s needless to say that Gerhardt leading the conservatives and Rene leading the reformists both found the Lord’s suggestion quite displeasing.
And it wasn’t like the youths could miss such a tense atmosphere. With their soon-to-be masters and senior candidates glaring at them with intimidating faces, they couldn’t help but fidget and glance around awkwardly.
Just then, Rene stepped forward.
“Everyone, do you want to be a disciple of the dojo? If so, do not hesitate! Our dojo’s doors are wide open!”
With a tall, military cap adorned with a broad brim and a striking red uniform decorated with golden buttons, Rene’s presence resembled that of a marching band. His spirited moves and loud voice immediately drew all eyes upon him.
“Boring repetitive training! Hierarchical nonsense! Endless mental and tenacity theories! None of that exists in my dojo! Various Magical Automatons will engage with you one-on-one to assist in your training, and you’ll gain bizarre battle experiences you wouldn’t normally encounter! Wouldn’t you like to experience the thrill of clearing systematic challenges step by step?”
“Oh, oh!”
Seeing the sparkle in the youths’ eyes, a smile crept across Rene’s face.
‘So you want me to recruit disciples through promotions? The lord certainly offered a fine strategy.’
From the start, Rene transformed the dojo into something resembling a theme park and wasn’t shy about enjoying others’ genuine reactions while putting on a registration desk facade.
Being asked to appeal to the candidates about which approach was better only made him relish the challenge even more.
Most importantly, Rene knew that this moment, which seemed like a mere preview, was essentially the finals.
‘As that old man said, in just a week, proper training is impossible. Even if we show them a bit, the boost to their strength would be minimal. In other words, the natural talent those candidates possess will matter far more.’
To draw in as many candidates as possible, highlighting even just a few stellar ones among them was the surefire way to win this battle, Rene was sure of it.
Grinning widely at the youths while simultaneously giving his subordinates a ferocious glare.
‘How long are you going to stand there stiffly? Now that the old farts have been kicked out, they’re trying to act like grumpy old men themselves?’
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. The fearsome determination in Rene’s gaze sent shivers down his subordinates’ spines like they were in an actual competition.
“Y-yeah! If you join us, an exciting and hopeful dojo life awaits!”
“If you have any questions, feel free to ask! We’re all disciples of Lenart, so no need to worry about strict hierarchies!”
“Our dojo holds various events to ignite the apprentices’ motivation! Those who clear the beginner’s course will receive specialized equipment! Don’t you want to get your hands on your own unique weapon?”
With the reformists’ enthusiastic courting, the youths began to waver one by one.
After all, if they were going to learn, it made sense to want to do so among kind and friendly masters and seniors.
“Hey, shouldn’t we do something?”
“You want us to act like fools in front of those kids?”
“Ugh. No, I mean, a master begging an apprentice? Do those guys have any dignity?”
Watching the candidates slowly shift to the reformists’ side, the conservatives were growing restless.
If this went on, they would lose without even getting a real chance to fight back, but they couldn’t just call out to the others with their pride and dignity on the line.
Just then.
“─That’s ridiculous.”
With his silver hair fluttering and muscles rippling, the old veteran Gerhardt stepped forward.
Thud!
Simply stomping on the ground sent a heavy shockwave through the area, silencing the commotion.
After confirming all eyes were on him, Gerhardt turned to the lord.
“Count, may I ask you something?”
With an enigmatic smile, the Count replied.
“What is it?”
“That over there. Can I use it?”
Pointing toward the giant statue standing in the center of the plaza, the expression of confusion on the Count’s face reflected his intent as he readily granted permission.
“Go ahead. I won’t complain about the results.”
“I appreciate your grand generosity.”
Striding confidently, Gerhardt approached the statue.
And.
“Oh-AH!!”
─Boom!!
As Gerhardt’s striking punch hit its mark, a thunderous roar erupted from the statue.
The stone soldier’s head, arms, and legs shattered into pieces, showering fragments all around.
This was a feat accomplished by a mere human, made of flesh and blood.
The awe-inspiring blow left many speechless, jaws dropped in disbelief.
Gerhardt casually retracted his fist and turned his intense gaze toward the Tin Knight.
The Tin Knight’s fiery blue eyes flickered with excitement.
Gerhardt shifted eyes away from the Tin Knight, surveyed the crowd, and declared.
“This is martial prowess.”
It was a brief yet powerful statement.
“What dreams do you hold that led you to seek out Lenart? What are you hoping to achieve by gaining strength? If all you want to do is strut around like a big shot in a small town, you might as well head over to those youngsters. I don’t need any of that.”
With a deep breath, Gerhardt exhaled.
“─But!!”
And then, he released it all at once.
His booming voice echoed across the plaza.
“If you have a larger dream! Even if it means bleeding and breaking bones, to make my name known throughout this continent! If there’s a man with such aspirations! Come to me! I will guide you!”
And that was it.
Having said all he wanted, Gerhardt plopped down on the ground, sitting cross-legged with his arms crossed.
Seeing his energetic demeanor, the largest young man among the candidates stepped forward and spoke resolutely.
“I also want to make my name known across the continent. Is that possible?”
“Hmph. We’ll see about that. If you wish to learn, sit down there.”
“Yes!”
The young man immediately plopped down to face Gerhardt.
Watching that, several fired-up candidates eagerly sat around him.
“Hahaha! Excellent, excellent! This won’t be a trivial outcome.”
While many glanced around nervously or fell into thought, only the Count laughed heartily, seeming genuinely entertained.
***
“Wow. That’s amazing.”
Adelheid marveled at the shattered statue, barely recognizable in its original form.
[The ‘Tin Knight’ evaluates that it’s quite a decent level!]
“What do you mean, decent? That’s incredible strength, right?”
When Adel blinked in surprise, the Tin Knight gazed at her intently.
Unbeknownst to her, just days ago, the Tin Knight had showcased a similar performance while carrying Adel, who had passed out.
[The ‘Tin Knight’ asks if that old man looks strong!]
“Huh? Y-yeah?”
Still unclear about the question’s implication, Adel gave her honest opinion.
In response to her words, the Tin Knight nodded.
[The ‘Tin Knight’ declares he will accept the disciple’s challenge!]
[The ‘Tin Knight’ vows to show his master’s dignity!]
“Uh? Huh? What?”
[The ‘Tin Knight’ requests to pass a message to that jovial Count over there!]
“Message? What do you want to say?”
The Tin Knight explained his ‘plan’, and the more Adel listened, the more her expression stiffened.
“No, you can’t be serious?”
[The ‘Tin Knight’ insists that the hidden route usually has better rewards!]
[The ‘Tin Knight’ urges to hurry before it’s too late!]
“N-no. As if that’s possible, ahh!”
Pushed from behind by the Tin Knight, Adel looked back a few times, as if to ask if this was really necessary, but the Tin Knight just kept giving her a thumbs up, encouraging her to go for it.
After exhaling a gigantic sigh as if the world had crumbled, Adel timidly approached the Count.
“Oh, do you need something from me, young lady?”
“Well, um, I feel quite sorry saying this, but…”
“Ha-ha, you have nothing to be sorry about. Just speak freely. In fact, I’m finding this situation rather delightful.”
With the Count’s friendly smile, Adel closed her eyes tightly and spoke, forcing the words out.
“Um, Count, you hold the rights to decide who runs the Lenart Dojo here in TikTok, right?”
“That is correct. The Duke Lenart entrusted me with the authority, so no one can dispute that.”
“So then… I could, potentially, be a candidate as I am of Lenart’s bloodline… or not?”
Realizing her reasoning seemed ludicrous even to her, her voice trailed off meekly at the end.
Flushing like a tomato, Adel kept her head low, unable to face the likely dumbfounded stare the Count must be giving her.
“It’s not impossible. I find it amusing.”
“Huh?”
Hearing that reply from above, Adel couldn’t believe her ears.
Regardless, the Count raised his voice matter-of-factly and declared.
“Everyone, listen up! In this contest to decide the representative of the Lenart Dojo, TikTok branch, a third challenger has requested to enter now! I believe this young lion deserves a chance, and I’d like to hear your opinions! Gerhardt von Lenart, Rene von Lenart, will you accept this challenge?”
A buzz of whispers erupted around them.
Of course, most of the commentary was negative.
“This is absurd, what qualification do you have to intrude?” “This is unacceptable.”
With denial, antagonism, suspicion, and ridicule in the air, as Adel panicked and didn’t know what to do.
“─It’s not a bad thing. Besides, we owe that side a favor, if we can repay it in one go, why not?” Gerhardt declared, surprising everyone again, glaring down at the Tin Knight behind Adel.
His aged eyes burned with competitive spirit.
“Oh, this old man is something else.”
Though Rene sighed, seemingly bored, he nodded in agreement, knowing that any refusal would just enhance their negative image.
“Alright. I’ll accept as well. But what happens in that case? A three-way battle won’t fit into the original rules?”
The Count replied as if to say it was a piece of cake.
“We can have each team face off in a 1:1:1 five times and whoever scores the most points wins!”
“And in case of a tie?”
“The representatives of each team will battle it out in the final showdown.”
“Sounds good.”
With new rules established, the crowd grew increasingly animated.
Enticed by the free spirit and easily understandable rewards, people flocked toward Rene, while those clinging to ambition and honor chose to sit before Gerhardt.
And the ones heading toward Adel were… zero.
This wasn’t surprising at all.
Compared to the vibrant and charming two groups, Adel lacked strong charisma, backing, or even legitimacy.
“Ugh! I knew this was a long shot. Knight.”
Adel whined in frustration.
Having no interest in representing the dojo, it was entirely the Tin Knight’s insistence that had put her in this awkward position.
But the Tin Knight stood firm.
[The ‘Tin Knight’ claims that if they can’t clear the seven steps using standard methods within the time limit, they can become the overseeing party!]
[The ‘Tin Knight’ insists that while earning the title of ‘recognized by the five dojos’ is good, the title of ‘one who conquered a single dojo’ is even better!]
“That may be true, but if I can’t win—”
“Hey, hey.”
“What?”
Hearing a voice from beside her, Adel turned.
There stood several young men.
“Could we, um, be accepted as disciples?”
“U-uh, me too!”
“I’d like to request it too!”
“Oh.”
Adel was taken aback.
While she was happy to have candidates, she simply couldn’t fathom why they’d come to her.
Worried that this might stem from a serious misunderstanding and fearing they might suffer because of this choice, she cautiously inquired.
“Um, well, I have no issues accepting you, but why here…?”
At Adel’s question, the young men looked flustered as they responded.
“Ah, um, we saw that knight’s fight in front of the dojo the other day! He was incredibly strong, so we thought it’d be great to learn underneath him!”
“Ah, I see.”
Adel nodded, finally grasping the situation.
She considered.
‘Yeah, when you think about it, this could be an opportunity. That knight excels at teaching! Maybe, just maybe, if I can secure the representative position here, it would benefit me immensely when I return to my territory!’
Of course, she wouldn’t just remain idle here but appoint someone else in the capacity. Still, having some title, even if merely nominal, made a huge difference.
Adel gripped the hand of the young man in front firmly.
“Alright! Let’s all work hard together!”
“Yes, definitely, y-yes!”
The young man blushed deeply and stammered, affirming her words.
Conversely, the faces of the other young men nearby contorted with jealousy.
‘N-no! It’s too close! Too close!!’
‘Damn it. I should’ve been the one to step up!’
‘What’s with the latest equipment or whatever, what’s with the supreme martial arts? A cute girl is directly teaching! What more could you ask for!!’
Indeed.
While Adel believed she lacked a weapon to present in this contest, she possessed an absolutely potent weapon.
If they were a bunch of spirited youths, she’d undoubtedly be able to leverage that weapon to her advantage.
Several lingering candidates glancing at her direction, hesitating to commit their paths.
‘Should I go over there?’
‘After all, winning this contest won’t benefit me at all. Maybe it’s wiser just to enjoy the process of the competition?’
The Tin Knight nodded approvingly.
Everything was going according to his plan (which had been formulated in less than 10 minutes).
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
