Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

Finally, the song ended, and the camera once again exited the carriage, slowly pulling away.

This glowing train continued its journey under the sea, its body covered in steel, sturdy and cold, with the passengers inside dim and indifferent.

Yet at the camera's final shot, a multitude of fish swam through the view, vibrant and varied in their colors and forms, so agile and free.

Are the fish trapped within the window's frame, or are humans trapped in their self-imposed cages, a hidden sigh echoed in the darkness.

...

After the broadcast ended, the light and shadows gradually faded, and Blanchi's eyes were already brimming with tears.

"Ugh, so touching."

"Thank you."

Shortly after appreciating Shui Yanqing's new song, the others arrived one after another, and everyone sat together to enjoy freshly baked cookies and snacks before gathering for a game of chess.

"If it weren't raining, I'd want to take a walk outside." Audrey glanced at the weather outside.

"The big white goose likes water," a young girl teased.

"Even if I'm a big white goose, you're a little black goose," Audrey couldn't help but try to pinch Tilan's cheek, but the girl easily dodged.

After some playful banter, the two returned to the coffee table, where the game was nearing its end, with Shui Yanqing and Ores as the final contenders.

"I invest 54 resources to summon the 'Cloud Mist Water Dragon' and have the water dragon use 'Rainfall' to cover the field." Shui Yanqing pinched the card between her fingers and inserted it into the card slot beside her, and a mighty Cloud Mist Water Dragon emerged on the board.

"I'll also act, using the 'Sacred Tree Oath' from my hand to summon the 'Guardian Golden Dragon' from the Elves' allies, and use Lightning Breath against your 'Cloud Mist Water Dragon.'" Ores' eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Because the Electric attribute attack of Lightning Breath deals double damage to Water attributes, you can't win now, hmph." Ores said happily.

"Not necessarily," Shui Yanqing replied calmly.

"Using the 'Heavenly Dragon Gate' Ritual Card, any fish, serpent, or dragon species can roll the dice, and if it's greater than 3, it can evolve into a higher-level dragon species."

"But if the score is less than 3, it will lose half its health," Ores added, looking on.

"That's right, there's not much health left now, which means if it fails, it will definitely die, but since it's already a dire situation, it doesn't matter anymore." Shui Yanqing pressed the dice thrower.

Then a glinting gold die was thrown, spinning rapidly within the transparent sphere, before settling at the center.

"The result is 4."

Immediately, the board's 'Cloud Mist Water Dragon' radiated light, transforming into the majestic 'Ancient White Dragon,' and due to its inherent Electric and Water Dual attributes, it no longer takes double damage from Lightning Breath, gaining the upper hand against the 'Guardian Golden Dragon.'

"So frustrating," Ores watched as her 'Guardian Golden Dragon' on the board suffered serious injuries and was about to be defeated, feeling unwilling.

Soon after, with the Golden Dragon's death, Ores had no other formidable creatures to oppose the 'Ancient White Dragon,' and the situation gradually declared a defeat. This small duel ended in Shui Yanqing's favor.

On the other side, Prin, who had been listening to music and reading magazines, saw them get up and took off her headphones. "Have you finished the game?"

"Yes, it's over." Audrey walked over and looked at the magazine she was flipping through, a military magazine about new weapons.

"Prin really likes these things, huh."

"Military equipment is always kind of cool." Prin tossed aside the magazine, stretching her body.

"Let's go eat, we still have to meet with Teacher Yarnasha tonight for some pre-competition guidance."

"Can't wait, huh, Prin." Audrey recalled the previous confrontations with Prin, where she mostly ended up on the losing side, uncertain about how things would be this time.

"Let's go." With someone taking the lead, Ores also wanted to leave the awkward chess scene of her defeat. She stood up, her gaze scanning the classroom, found Tilan standing by the window watching the scenery, and grabbed her hand, wanting to leave quickly.

Ores is still so childish, the girl thought, following her, feeling amused.

The group left the small gathering place at the mansion, first heading to the school's dining hall for a meal, then arriving at the dedicated battle training ground on campus. Yarnasha was already waiting for them.

After a crisp clap of hands, she approached the group, holding her light scepter adorned with pomegranate gems.

"The competition will take place in three days. Although it won't be publicly displayed for your public image, the team led by whoever wins first place will get a chance to propose an idea to the Central Council."

"Unlike a regular proposal, one made through this opportunity is likely to be approved unless the Central Council provides a clear and widely accepted reason for rejection."

"In short, the Central Council intends to pacify the surging public sentiment by granting you young songstresses the chance to offer a suggestion. As long as it's not too outrageous, they'll agree to it, demonstrating they're listening to the public and working to address difficulties and conflicts," Yarnasha bluntly voiced some councilors' intents.

"The stench of politics..." several songstresses muttered among themselves.

"I know you might be dissatisfied with this situation, but that's reality. You can either adapt to its rules or overturn everything and create one you prefer."

"If I were as powerful as a Color-level Songstress like Emuralin, I'd surely choose the latter, but unfortunately, in the Federation, there's not even a Sunlit Level Songstress." She waved, seemingly mocking the Federation as well as some self-ridicule.