Trickcal: Chibi Go story · Apostle stories
Ashur's Story
I go to Ashur's Bakery for some baked goods, only to get scolded by Ashur. She says her shop isn't a bakery, but a magic school. This wasn't a bakery?!
6 scenes, 388 lines
1. Bakery = Ma-gic★School!
52 linesBakery = Ma-gic★School!
Ashur's Bakery
Sigh...
Yooo, Ashur! Are you in?
Oh, hello, Master.
I see Ashur sighing deeply as I enter, but she jumps to her feet to greet me.
Yes, that's right. Heh... That's how you treat the Master.
How can I help you?
Ah, I came because I wanted some baked g—
I keep telling you, this isn't a bakery!
Baking tools and cooking utensils are strewn about all about.
...Sure looks like a bakery...
It's not!!
Taunt Ashur.
Hehehe... What's with all these baked goods, then?
Grrr...
Look at these croissants. The thin, yet resilient texture!
The beautiful half-moon shape, as if crafted by a master!
...Urgh.
Not only that, but just look at this magnificently crunchy exterior hugging this chewy interior!
If a place with such exquisite baked goods isn't a bakery, then what the heck could it be?!
You're wrong! This is a magic school!!
Bombard Ashur with cold, hard facts.
It's not a bakery...?
It's not! It's really not!
What are those, then, Ashur?
I point to the mountain of baked goods out on display.
Those are snacks!
Oho? But each basket of baked goods is labeled with prices...
Grrr...
Let's see... This excellent croissant over here is—Wait, why is it so cheap?!
That's because it's a magic school, not a bakery! I have no intention of making money selling baked goods!
Oh please... I think it's time you give in...
Never!
I mean, sprites are all born with the ability to use magic... Why is a magic school even needed?
Ashur looks at me with an extreme look of disdain.
What, huh? What?
Sigh... I'll explain it simply so that even you'll be able to understand, Master.
Master, what are humans capable of doing when they're born?
Umm... Breathing, eating, and—
No, no, not such obvious things! I mean technical skills.
Umm... I'm not sure if I was able to, but apparently, they should be able to swim, maybe...?
Exactly!
Ashur's eyes twinkle as she continues.
For example, even though everyone knows how to swim, it comes down to whether or not you know how to do it well.
I... suppose so...
I am like a swimming master. As a swimming master, I have an obligation to lead those who are unable to swim well.
Ah...
That's why I started this bake—magic school, I mean.
Whoa... Ashur... You're amazing...
Suddenly, it's as if I see Ashur in a whole different light. I can't believe she's this profound...! So unsprite-like...!
Keep up the good work! I wish all the best for you and this bake—magic school!
2. Make A Wish
72 linesMake A Wish
Ashur's Bakery
And if you do it like this... ta-da!
Ohh...! Is there a device in the hat?
I examine the hat that Ashur used to pull out a rabbit to check for signs of sleight of hand or trickery.
This is magic that utilizes a subspace. Now that I think of it, didn't you say that your world uses skills called tricks, Master?
Mhmm, that's correct. Wow... This subspace magic is neat. It never ceases to amaze.
I wanted to be able to use magic when I was young...
Speaking of which, do you have anything you wish for, Ashur?
Wish?
I suddenly became curious after witnessing another show of wondrous magical skills at Ashur's Bakery—Magic School, I mean.
Ah, could it be that you wish for the magic school to be successful?
Ashur stares at me.
...You're making me feel self-conscious.
It's just that... I'm seeing you in a different light, Master. Asking other sprites about their wishes and all...
Huh? What did I do...?
Hmm... My wish...
An increase in magic school enrollment?
I wish for there to be a greater number of individuals who don't know magic.
...Or that.
Wouldn't you normally wish for the opposite?!
Well... I'm not exactly sure, but... wouldn't it make more sense for that to be the other way around?
What do you mean?
Wouldn't more folks knowing about magic... create more interest in magic... and you get more students...?
Ashur sighs and explains...
It seems that you're mixing up those who don't know about the "existence" of magic with those who know "how to use" magic, Master.
Er?
What I meant is that there needs to be more individuals who do not know how to use magic.
Knowing about the existence of magic is a given. However, if more individuals do not know how to use magic, the magic school will naturally thrive.
Are you still confused?
No, not at all. Wow... I guess you're not the magic school headmistress for nothing, Ashur. That was pretty incredible just now.
...Hmm. Not sure if you're actually complimenting me or not, but I'll take it.
Anyway, what would you do if you're unable to use magic, but someone next to you uses some?
I would find that amazing!
I'd probably be really surprised!!
That response is so you, Master.
Er?
The normal response would be to say something like, "I want to be able to use it too!" and try to figure out where to learn it, right?
Ah! I forgot that this isn't Earth. Everyone knows how to use magic here.
That's right. Everybody knows how to use magic except you.
I want to be able to use it too!
Magic! I want to be able to use magic too!
I see... So that's how you've been feeling, Master...
Y-Yeah... You got me.
However, that's probably how most would feel.
Everyone else can use magic and you're the only one that can't?!
I would reeeeeaaaally wanna use magic then!
What if just then, bam! A magic school appears next to you?
Then I'd have to enroll myself there right away!
Exactly.
Ashur gives a thumbs-up as she confidently continues.
Also, do you know what the best part about running a magic school is?
What?
The reactions of students as they use magic for the first time!
You really enjoyed it when I had that flower bloom for you, right, Master?
Mhmm, I did! I was really amazed at that! Geez... The flower bloomed in no time at all!
Now, what if I taught you how to do that magic yourself?
Oh, geez, you'd be the best, Ashur! You'd be the GOAT!!
And if I taught you how to make trees grow?!
That'd be fantastic! I wouldn't have to worry about the environment! Yay, magic!
Ahhhhh! That's what I'm talking about. That reaction... It's like a refreshing sight on a monotonous day!
Aw, Ashur... you really like the affirmations, don't you?
You can just see how much the students love it when they first get to use magic. Even that is enough to make you feel good.
Also, they really love to eat the baked goods that I make after class...
Yeah... they really love... the baked goods... the baked... goods... *Sob!*
Ashur suddenly covers her mouth and starts to cry.
A-Ashur?
*Sob, sob...* Everyone... everyone... All they ever wanted were the baked goods...! WAAAAAAAH!
U-Ummm... Uh, Ashur? Let's calm down. No more crying. Okay, what do I do...? Ah! That's right!
You know how Erpin especially loves the baked goods here... So, I guess you could say that your baked goods have some sort of magical power in them, right? So, Ashur, please stop cry—
What the heck is that?! That makes me even sadder! WAAAAAAAAH!!
S-Sorry! I take that ba—Ack! Stop throwing baked goods at me!
3. Doki Doki Bakery★
67 linesDoki Doki Bakery★
Ashur's Bakery
Ashuuur! Are ya hoooome?!
I barge in with a bang and startle Ashur, who had been looking at something.
What, you're not open for business? What were you up to?
Business was booming today, so I was closing the till—NOT!
I toooold you that this isn't a bakery!
Angry, Ashur flips over the trays.
Why are you here?!
Oh right! Please teach me how to make baked goods! I wanna try making some!
This. Is. A MAGIC SCHOOL!
This time, Ashur throws the receipts. Hmm. All those receipts tell me the baked goods must be "selling like hotcakes." Heh.
A school is a place where they teach things, right?
True...
Then teach me how to bake! A school shouldn't turn students away!
...I feel like I'm getting guilt-tripped here, but okay. After all, a school does not turn a cold shoulder to those who seek knowledge!
Alright, the fee for today's one-day cooking workshop will be...
Ashur jots down an amount on a piece of paper and shows it to me.
Flip a tray.
That's too expensive!
Why did you flip the trays?! You better clean up the mess you made.
...Yes ma'am.
I grumble silently to myself as I organize the trays one by one, including the ones Ashur had thrown as well.
Make a counterproposal.
Uh, shouldn't you actually pay ME for the work I'll be doing? Minimum wages, at least!
I mean, you'll be selling the baked goods I make during class, too!
I need to make rent! Take it or leave it!
But still... that's too... Uh, f-forget it.
Ashur glares at me fiercely, and I end up emptying out my wallet and registering for the one-day workshop.
Alright then, shall we head to the kitchen?
Ashur seems to have a spring in her step now that her pockets are lined with my money.
*Sob...* My money. However, I'm gonna learn how to bake and then eat baked goods for free from now on! It's a long-term investment!
Ashur's Bakery, Kitchen
Now, Master. Look over here.
This is bread flour, and this is all-purpose flour. And over here, is the frying mix.
This is starch! And over here is the baking powder!
I have a question, Ashur!
Yes, please.
...These are all white in color. How do I differentiate them?
I meet Ashur's condescending gaze with a determined look of my own.
...It's all written on the packaging. You should ask Ner to teach you how to read again.
Harsh...
Enough with the nonsense. I'll continue.
Ashur continues with her intensive lesson. She didn't hold back with her stern remarks at all... *Sniff* I just wanna curl up into a ball...
Hey, panini head! Don't just stand there like a big muffin, knead that dough!
Absolutely brutal. Ashur is merciless when she's teaching a lesson.
You're really strict in the classroom, aren't you, Ashur...?
Ahem. Of course, this is where I work.
What are you doing?! That's so much butter! The elves will be so excited! They'll come running for the oil over the baked goods!
E-Enough! Enough of your biting remarks!
Despite Ashur's relentless criticisms, I manage to place the finished dough into the oven. Moments later, a welcome timer saves me from Ashur's tirade.
The timer went off! My bread must be done! I'd better pull it out and see!
Ah, your first creation... Let's have a looksie...
Ashur picks it up and chucks it.
Ack! What the heck?! Why are you throwing it away?! My first creation!
I can't sell that. In fact, it's inedible. You can't even tell what it is!
You could even use it as a hammer! You dumb baguette-for-brains!
Whaaaat? That's super out of line! You didn't even try it!
I don't even need to! The smell itself was all wrong! You think this is an elven power plant or something?
Just then, the kitchen door opens and Erpin walks in.
Helloooo, guys! Oh, a new product?
Huh? Umm... well, yes, but... Hey, wait!!
Erpin rushes in at the speed of light, picks my bread up, takes a bite, and yowls.
YEEEEOOOOW! My teeth! Is this made out of clay?! Blech, ptooey, blech!
It's not, okay...?!
4. Komm, Sweet Nightmare
70 linesKomm, Sweet Nightmare
Ashur's Bakery
Aashhhurrrr... I'm heere... Oh?
Zzz... This isn't a bakery... The enrollment form is over there... Zzz...
Hmm. Ashur is sleeping very soundly... I guess I'll sit next to her and read a baking book.
After I pull up a chair, sit next to Ashur, and begin reading.
Huh? Where's this sweet smell coming from...?
Hey Ashur.
Master? What's that?
Ahh, this is what we call a hoddeok.
With my chin held high, and a confident look on my face, it is the I, the Master, who has said this.
Hoddeok...?
Ashur stares in awe. She is mesmerized by the round, flat, and crispy golden appearance.
It's really good. Wanna a taste? You don't have anything like this here, do you?
Ashur is so overwhelmed by the first hoddeok she has ever tried.
This... This sweetness! And the chewy texture of the dough... W-What in the world is this?!
Ahh, the nutty flavor from the nuts complements the jam, which together, makes the filling! And makes it even more delicious...!
You, who used to make a hammer out of baked goods. And now this, Master?!
Ahem. Yes, I did. This is a baked good from my world.
And, so long as you have sugar and flour, anyone can make it!
How... amazing. This baked good is to die for!
Character comes from flour; thoughtfulness comes from sweet sugar.
This checks all those boxes! Incredible! What an amazing baked good!
Hehe, what makes this bread even more amazing is that, unlike other baked goods, anyone with a frying pan can make it!
Now, you're no longer needed here in Sprite Kingdom!
What... did you say?!
Just at that moment, Erpin suddenly appears.
You're right! This hoddeok is more delicious!
I don't need Ashur's baked goods anymore. I like this baked good much better!
With a delighted smile, both of Erpin's hands are full of hoddeok.
Hehehe, Master! In the name of the Queen, let this recipe be known throughout the kingdom!
Now, there's no need for Ashur's Bakery!
No... Noooo!
Oh, yes!
As I, the Master, and Erpin approach Ashur, she looks at us with an evil smile. She then raises the plate that's in her hand.
Ahh... Nooo... *Sob*... Nooo...
Huh? You're awake, Ashur... ARGH!
Seeing that Ashur is awake, I walk closer to her, but she suddenly starts hitting me.
*Huff... Huff* So this is how you're gonna be, huh? After everything I've done for you!!
How dare you! How dare you betray me?! There will be NO hoddeok!
S-Somebody help me!
Owww! Stop it! Stop hitting me with that plate!
I hate you, Master! What the heck! You're awful, Master!
Ashur! Ow, that hurts!
I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry!
How... How could you do this to me!
All this time, I've given you so many baked goods for free! How could you do this to me!
Ack, I'm so sorry! I don't know what I did, but it's all my fault!
Of course it is! It's all your fault, Master!
Ow! Oww! Hold on, Ashur! Listen to me for a minute!!
After calming Ashur down, I get her to tell me what happened.
Me? I did that? With Erpin?
*Sniffle* Yes. Her Majesty and you... said all that to me!
Ashur... You... You really do like running the bakery, don't you?
Whaat?!
ACK! Put that book down and let's talk about this!
I mean, am I wrong?! Why else would you be having that sort of dream?!
A... dream?
What going on? Are you still not fully awake?
And why would Erpin and I say such things to you?
You grumble softly, saying you would never get free baked goods again if you did that.
A dream... Oh, I see. It was just a dream...
Yes, that's right. To be beaten up for a dream... Ouch, that hurts.
Looking pensive for a moment, Ashur raises her head, staring right at me.
But why are you here, Master?
Ah, do you know happen to know what dalgona is? It's from my world... Ack! Why, why, why are you hitting me?!
Get out! Right now!
After getting beaten up with the book I am holding, I get kicked out of the bakery. It's so unfair!!
5. Find the Ultimate Cake-★
54 linesFind the Ultimate Cake-★
Ashur's Bakery
Huh? Ashur? Is something bothering you?
Ah, Master. Are you here to buy some baked goods?
I am. Is something the matter?
Oh that... Sigh. Actually, there is something bugging me.
Ashur shares what was on her mind.
Whaat? The ultimate cake?
Yes. What is the ultimate cake to you, Master?
Me? Well... I've never really thought about it.
Of course...
But I don't think it's something that you need to think so much about, is it?
Say what? Do you think this that easy?!
I see Ashur is about to lose it, so I keep talking.
I just that... I think any good-tasting cake can be the ultimate cake... Who's asking the question?
Who's asking...? Why, it's Her Majesty... who asked... Oh!
Was it Erpin? Then it should be pretty obvious, right?
Um... Well...
I bet Erpin asked that question because she just wanted to eat a really tasty cake...
Oh... Maybe...!
Don't be so worried.
So, stop wasting your time worrying about things that are not important, and just make me some baked goods...
No!
Ack! You gave me a fright!
You may be right, Master! But still!
Giving up would make things easier.
Maybe just giving up is the best thing to do. Just let it go. Who cares about the ultimate cake, anyway?
It will all end up in Erpin's stomach anyway.
Is... Is that right...?
After deliberating for a moment, Ashur raised her head, her expression solemn.
But... But still!
Of course, I'm the Magic School headmistress! I don't care ONE bit about no stinking baked goods! Not! One! Bit!
But as the Magic School headmistress, I take pride in knowing everything! And my conscience is shouting from the rooftops that I must bake the ultimate cake!
Uhh... Um, okay...
Well then. You'll have to excuse me.
Going somewhere?
Yes. Her Majesty said it helps to go out for a walk and get some fresh air once in a while.
And, even a broken clock is right twice a day; I don't think listening to her advice will hurt.
Well, that's true, but...
Suddenly, I remember seeing Mayo and Erpin heading off somewhere.
If that's the case... Be sure to hang this baked good on the front door, as security.
Huh? This baked good...?
Yes. It'll help.
Alright. I'll be going on that walk now.
Oh wait. Are you going out of the village? I'll come with you. I just happen to have some business at the Phantom Marsh.
Sounds good. Let's go together, then.
Sprite Village
On our way to the Phantom Marsh, Ashur and I discuss the ultimate cake in more detail.
When we reach the edge of the village, we suddenly hear a high-pitched scream.
What's this?! A baked good that's topped with pineapples and covered in sweet potato mousse?!
And the worst part? Its base is tomato bread! This needs to be sent to the Weekend Farm right away!!
And then I saw it. The murderous glint in Ashur's eyes...
6. No Need to Tell Me. I Already Know.
73 linesNo Need to Tell Me. I Already Know.
Ashur's Bakery
Achoooo! Argh, this dust!
Ashur is throwing a book. My job is to pick up the books she's thrown and put them on the pile of books she has already read.
And that pile has long since surpassed Ashur's height.
The ultimate cake... I'll find you, no matter what.
But... Achoo! You still haven't found it even after reading this many books. Maybe the ultimate cake simply doesn't exist.
I have pride as the Magic School headmistress! I'll find it, one way or another!!
Uhh... Okay.
Enough chatting. Hand me that ancient magic book. It's over there.
Pick up the book that's underneath.
What's this? The Great Elias Bake...
That's a banned book. Please quietly put it down.
Oh...?
It's a recipe book supposedly written by a sprite from days gone by... but it's a big mess.
The recipe is all over the place, and the baking time is all messed up too.
It's basically a children's story. With recipes like that, anyone could end up baking a hammer just like you did, Master.
I didn't throw it away, as initially planned, to keep it as a reference for a failed recipe from the past. What a waste of ink and paper.
That's so mean... Don't you think you're being a bit too harsh on my first baked good that I made...?
I quietly put the book back where it belonged. I don't know why Ashur's tongue becomes so sharp whenever baking is involved. *Sniffle*
Fine, I'll go find it myself rather than have you do it.
Then, what should I do?
Just have a seat and eat some baked goods.
Thank you! I can't wait to try them!
I happily munch on the baked goods while Ashur continues to go through the books, muttering to herself.
Whipped cream... Meringue... Chocolate... and Sachertortes...
Mmm nom nom nom. Munch munch munch. (Ashur, you're scaring me with all your muttering)
If you want to consider balance, it'd have to be a pound cake that has equal parts of every ingredient...
There's no way some cake from an evil Earthling will become the ultimate cake.
*Gulp*... Hey... I'm an Earthling too, you know... And why are you accusing me of being evil when I'm just sitting here, not nothing?!
I can't trust a cake from an evil Earthling who is after my bakery... I mean, my Magic School!
I told you, that was just your dream... C'mon, gimme a break.
Hmm... There really are three main things that make up a cake: The cream, the sponge, and a sweet flavor...
Ignoring me now, are you...?
Recommend a buttercream cake.
Then how about a traditional buttercream cake?
Hmm... A buttercream cake sounds good, too.
I know, right?
But it's a bit far from being the ultimate cake.
Why?!?
Because buttercream cake is a cake that people either really love it or really hate it.
Some sprites might feel it's too rich when they eat it straight from the fridge. It takes a lot of work to bring out the true flavor of the cake, so it's far from being the ultimate cake.
Oh... This is hard.
Recommend a strawberry fresh cream cake.
How about a strawberry fresh cream cake?
Everyone loves strawberries! And whipped cream!
But what? What else is there to consider?
Since the strawberries make this dessert, if they are not in season, it would veer too much from the intended flavor.
Ah.
The ultimate cake should always taste the same, every single time!
In that sense, a strawberry fresh cream cake can't become the ultimate cake either!
You really are unrelentingly resolute about this.
Just exactly what are your criteria for the ultimate cake, Ashur?
It has to taste good straight from the fridge. And at room temperature.
The flavor must be consistent, regardless of season. And it must be a cake that satisfies the palate of every sprite!
Just hearing about it gives me a headache. I'll just keep eating my baked goods and cheer you on!
For a long time, I am eating my baked goods and reading... When suddenly I hear Ashur shouting, causing me to look up.
I did it!!! The ultimate cake! It's finally finished!
Wow, really? Let me see it!
Take a look at this! This perfectly round shape! And the chocolate, neatly coated and glossy!
Huh...?
It's delicious straight out of the fridge and at room temperature. Even when it's eaten frozen, the taste is very distinctive!
The perfect harmony of the crispy sheet cake that crumbles as you bite it, and the sweet, chewy marshmallow in between!
Uh... Come again...? Isn't... No way. Could this be...?
Ohoho! In an ancient spellbook, this pie is said to symbolize love and affection. The name of this pie is...!
No, no... You don't need to tell me, I think I already know...
What Ashur is holding so confidently in her hands is... That's right. It's a pie that needs no introduction, one shared with those you love...
I changed the cream to marshmallow, to be original. Whaddya think?
I took a bite. It tastes like Earth, the place I dearly miss.
It's soo goood...
Are you crying, Master? I knew it! This truly is the ultimate cake!