Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

“Indigo, use Sunlight Convergence!”

On a lush green field, a small, indigo serpent raised its head as sunlight converged around it, emitting a faint multicolored glow. The gemstone on its forehead shone brightly.

“Tiger, charge and interrupt it,” called out a calm, dark-skinned boy from across the field. He commanded a crouching young tiger to pounce.

Compared to the tiger’s powerful build, the serpent was slender and nimble. A single paw strike could likely send the serpent flying, rendering it unable to attack again.

“Indigo, sidestep and coil!” Hestia quickly instructed.

As the two creatures collided, the serpent dodged the tiger’s swipe and twisted its body, wrapping around the tiger’s forelimbs and torso. Heat radiated from the serpent, forcing the tiger to thrash and roll in discomfort. Its limbs flailed, trying to dislodge the serpent.

Unfortunately, the gem on the serpent’s forehead glowed with intense heat, sealing the tiger’s defeat.

“Hestia wins,” the instructor announced as the two creatures untangled themselves.

“This marks your 19th match,” the smiling female instructor said. “Hestia has 11 wins, while Orcas has 8. It’s not a huge difference.”

“The decisive moment lies in that critical instant,” Orcas analyzed. “If the tiger bites the serpent’s neck, it’s a guaranteed win. But if the serpent wraps itself around the tiger, it almost always loses.”

“Exactly. Another key factor is that Indigo Serpent has ranged attack abilities. Windclaw Tiger struggles at a distance, forcing it into close combat to stand a chance.”

“If Orcas trains the tiger in some ranged techniques, its strategy could become much more versatile. Alternatively, you could focus on speed enhancement, giving the tiger more opportunities to close the distance.”

“As for you, Hestia, I don’t have much to suggest. You’ve already pushed Indigo Serpent to its limits, which is impressive.” She paused to commend her.

“Indigo Serpent is primarily a defensive creature, excellent against other magical snakes. Its traits allow it to neutralize many venoms and dehydrate opponents quickly. With it around, other snakes tend to steer clear. It’s why indigenous people often domesticate them to ward off snakes.”

“Alright, that’s it for today’s practical training. Class dismissed.”

“Thank you, teacher,” the students chorused, scattering cheerfully with their animal companions to explore other areas.

It was the second week since the semester began at Swallow Garden Academy. The novelty of the academy still captivated the students, and the curriculum was light to help them acclimate.

“Hestia, want to walk back to the dorm together?”

A girl with deep purple hair tied into twin braids approached, cradling a gray-blue kitten in her arms.

“Meow~” The kitten stirred, opening its eyes groggily.

This was a Graymoon Cat, Blood Eye Sequence 2, still relatively weak. The teacher mentioned that with proper care, it could evolve into a rare and formidable creature in the future.

“Not today, Mel. I have some errands,” Hestia replied apologetically. Mel, the girl, was also a student from the Skylark Tower.

“Ah, not together?” Mel seemed a little disappointed, lifting her kitten to hide her face.

Seeing this, Hestia shook her head gently. “Tomorrow. I’ll have more time then.”

“Promise you’ll come to my dorm tomorrow! I’ve prepared lots of treats,” Mel insisted.

“Alright, I’ll be there,” Hestia agreed, nodding. Meanwhile, the small Indigo Serpent at her feet slithered up her leg, tickling her.

“You’re getting cheeky too,” she said, bending down to pick it up by its neck and cradling it. The serpent’s forehead gemstone sparkled beautifully.

Flicking its tongue, the serpent seemed eager to nestle against her but struggled to find a good spot. Wrapping around her neck would earn it a reprimand, so it settled with half its body coiled on her arm and the other half draped over her shoulder, swaying curiously.

Thanks to the Indigo Serpent, most classmates were hesitant to approach Hestia, whose fair skin, serene demeanor, and striking looks made her stand out. However, this was likely to change as people got to know her better.

“See you later, Mel,” Hestia said, waving.

“Alright! Gray and I are off to the Gem Pavilion to find a suitable advancement gem,” Mel replied, waving back.

Though a bit shy, Mel was undeniably from a wealthy family. She rarely checked price tags and often treated Hestia to meals.

“Let me cover it—it’s this month’s ‘friendship fee,’ after all,” she’d say cheerfully, unfazed by onlookers’ glances.

After parting with her new friend, Hestia headed down a secluded path, through layers of forest, to a hidden cliff. Below lay a fog-shrouded abyss. Familiar with the route, she jumped without hesitation.

Cold air rushed past, lifting her hair and skirt, the chill clearing her mind. As she fell, she silently recited the Featherfall Formula.

Soft white light enveloped her, slowing her descent until she landed gently.

The Featherfall Formula was a prerequisite for flight spells. Mastery of this technique was essential for learning advanced flight, a skill most students didn’t grasp until their second or third year.

Walking through the fog-filled canyon, she soon arrived at a frozen lake. Beneath the ice, white bubbles rose and solidified, while the surface bloomed with icy flowers.

Hestia crossed the lake, its cold surface crunching beneath her steps. At the center, she approached a small icy mountain.

As she drew near, the icy mound revealed a stunningly beautiful figure. The woman wore a layered gown adorned with icy blossoms. The intricate dress looked perfectly natural on her, as though it was an extension of her being.

The woman opened her eyes, and it felt as though an icy breeze swept past, coalescing before Hestia.

“You’ve arrived,” the ethereal figure said softly, her voice the most enchanting Hestia had ever heard—like a mythical songstress’s, stirring the soul.

“Yes, teacher,” Hestia responded. She didn’t know her ghostly instructor’s true name; the woman refused to share it.

“Knowing too much will only distract you,” the teacher had once explained.

Were it not for her spectral nature, Hestia might have thought this woman was a legendary songstress. The allure in her voice was so profound that even a single syllable seemed to carry one into a dream.

“Let’s begin today’s lesson,” the spectral woman said, extending a pale, delicate hand from her snowy sleeve.

Her icy-blue-tinged wrist touched Hestia’s hand, its coldness soothing but not harmful. The ice beneath them cracked, and Hestia plunged into the lake below.

Chilled water enveloped her, and her surroundings lit up with radiant colors before transforming into a vivid new world.

A cerulean sky stretched above, warm sea breezes brushed past, and seagulls circled overhead. Below, islands dotted the sea, bustling with life. On one, people danced in the town square amid the lively calls of vendors.

“This is a world from long ago,” the ghostly woman’s voice echoed. “I won’t bother explaining where it is, but soon you’ll witness the most famous songstress of that era.”

Hestia, observing her surroundings, saw a woman with water-blue hair emerge from the crowd. Veiled in gauzy fabric and cradling a seven-stringed harp, her presence alone drew cheers from the crowd.

As the songstress sang, her voice merged seamlessly with the waves. Hestia sensed something deeper: this was more than music to soothe or inspire—it was the very song of the tides themselves.