Beside me are eight pieces of lumber and tools enough for six people. What we’re about to make is the most basic of wands, having only a magic jewel affixed at its end with no special ornaments.
I distributed the lumbers and the knives to the girls, one for each, and then I started the explanations as I worked on mine.
“The creation of magic wands can be divided into four stages. Drafting, Refining, Coating, and Installing. The first is drafting, so please begin by shaving your branches using your knives to create the body of your wand.” [Ryouma]
The knife in my hand moved from one end of the branch to another, shaving it layer by layer, slowly molding the branch into the rough draft of a wand’s body. The girls followed suit, and began shaving theirs as well. This part’s fairly easy, so even if they’re not used to it, they should finish in 20 minutes or so.
“Next comes refining. This part also uses knives or files to shave the branch, but this time, we’ll be pouring magic power as we shave the branch. Please shave the branch according to the flow of magic power.” [Ryouma]
This part’s a bit more difficult. If the branch is poorly shaved, the fibrovascular tube could be damaged, so it’s imperative that the craftsman ascertain where the fibrovascular tube is by pouring magic power into the branch as he shaves it. But what’s more is that a craftsman must shave the branch as much as he can. This stage is a crucial factor in deciding the quality of the wand.
As I explained that to the girls, I focused my Magic Perception, and worked on mine while I kept a watchful eye on the girls.
“…” [Riera]
“…” [Michelle]
Riera-san and Michelle quietly shaved their branches. They’re not bad for beginners, but they seem to be having difficulties feeling the flow of magic power, causing them to stop from time to time to check the position of the fibrovascular tube.
“Is it here?” [Elia]
“Ah! I did it again…” [Miyabi]
Elia and Miyabi-san are having a hard time shaving, but they’re doing a decent job of feeling the flow of magic power. They’re shaving too much though… I’ll give them some advice to help them out.
And finally, there’s one person who’s having a better time than everyone else. It’s Kanan-san.
“…” [Kanan]
She works quietly just like Riera-san and Michelle-san, but her hands move fast. Moreover, she’s barely damaged the fibrovascular tube. That’s a rare sight amongst beginners.
“Kanan-san, you’re doing a really good job. Please keep it up.” [Ryouma]
“Really?” [Kanan]
“Yes. I thought you’d have a harder time since it’s your first time, but you’re actually doing pretty well. By any chance, is Magic Perception your specialty?” [Ryouma]
“It is. I can only repair magic tools and use Enchantment Magic, so I naturally became good at it… Wait, you’re making a second one?” [Kanan]
Kanan-san said that out when she saw what was in my hands. Just as she mentioned, I’ve began working on a second branch. This stage is actually easy so long as one is good at Magic Perception. Moreover, I’m sharpening the knife with my ki, so I’m able to shave the branch really fast.
I’m already used to it, so if it wasn’t for me having to teach them, I could refine a branch up to the Refining Stage in five minutes. Of course, the quality is also good. If I use Qi Gong I can go even faster, and get better results. I don’t have to put a lot of strength when the knife cuts well, so I don’t end up shaving more than I should either.
Kanan was a bit surprised by my skill in wand making, but after that, she continued to work quietly along with the rest of the girls. By the time it was almost noon, the girls finally completed the Refining Stage. At that moment, Sebasu-san dropped by.
“Excuse me.” [Sebasu]
“Thank you for your efforts, Sebasu-san. You came at a good time; we were just about to take a break.” [Ryouma]
“Thank you for your efforts as well, Ryouma-sama. I came to deliver the ladies their lunch.” [Sebasu]
Sebasu-san took out a parcel that looked like a bentou, and began preparing the girls’ meal.
Meanwhile, I opened the window, and blew away the shavings with wind magic. At that, air entered from the outside, replacing the dusty air, and gathering the fallen woodchips. I gathered those and hid them away. As for Elia and the others, they cleaned up the workshop, and wiped the place clean with a cloth.
Apparently, Sebasu-san had also prepared my portion as he lined up enough bentou for six people.
“I’ll be taking my leave now.” [Sebasu]
Sebasu-san said he had to go back immediately. It seems there’re still plenty of students who want to learn from Sebasu-san.
“The students here are all passionate, so there’s value in teaching them. I’ll have my lunch later, so please don’t mind me.” [Sebasu]
“Thank you very much. Please take care.” [Ryouma]
s
I sent off Sebasu-san, then I sat before my workbench where I’d left my bentou, and began eating.
“Let’s eat.” [Ryouma]