Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

Floating specks of light gathered in the air, forming a temporary transparent barrier. The Shadow Claw Owl scratched at it, producing a ripping sound as fragments scattered.

Taking advantage of this opening, the Light Cotton Bird soared higher and higher until it broke out of the forest, greeted by the vast, sunlit sky.

Bathed in sunlight, the bird radiated a unique glow. It circled in the air once, then dove downward like a bomber.

The light emanating from its body grew increasingly intense, solidifying into a dazzling brilliance. Finally, it struck the Shadow Claw Owl within the forest. A bright explosion of energy ensued, leaving the owl disoriented. Its internal magic dispersed, rendering it powerless and defenseless.

“Light Cotton Bird win.”

“That makes another entrant into the top eight.”

After the battle ended, Bessimo cradled the Shadow Claw Owl, gently soothing it, while Hestia held her Light Cotton Bird and approached.

As Hestia drew closer, Bessimo appeared uneasy, as if bracing for mockery or smug comments from her classmate.

“Hi, I’m Hestia. Can we be friends?” Hestia extended her hand, her voice slightly nervous.

Such behavior was almost unthinkable for her in the past. However, Hestia had resolved to change in high school. Whether the outcome was good or bad, she wanted to try things she had never dared to consider before.

She had never initiated a friendship before, always passively accepting them. This approach allowed her to maintain a psychological advantage, avoiding rejection and hurt. Yet, she sometimes envied those who laughed freely in the sunlight.

“Me?” Bessimo was taken aback and asked again for confirmation.

“Yes. During the sparring earlier, I noticed how skilled and, um, kind you are. I thought maybe we could get to know each other…” Hestia stammered slightly, searching for a justification for her actions that didn’t seem too awkward or off-putting.

Initiators often risk more. If rejected, the pain might not only be personal but could also invite ridicule from others. Hestia was aware of this, yet she wanted to step out of her long-standing patterns and embrace new possibilities in life.

Seeing Hestia’s clumsy explanation, Bessimo covered her mouth and chuckled softly. Then, she extended her hand and shook Hestia’s.

“Sure. I’m Bessimo. Let’s get to know each other.”

“Thank you.” After the handshake, Hestia smiled shyly. Mimicking her friend Mel, she lifted the Light Cotton Bird in her arms slightly to hide her face.

Fortunately, after this initial breakthrough, the subsequent conversation flowed smoothly. The two of them sat beneath a tree, watching the ongoing matches in the clearing. They discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the participants, occasionally analyzing their own battle to identify shortcomings.

And so, time passed until the semifinals.

In her match, Hestia managed a hard-fought victory with her three companions but exhausted much of their magic. This left her at a disadvantage in the semifinals, and she ultimately lost.

“Fourth place.” After the match, Hestia felt a twinge of disappointment but also a sense of relief. She watched the remaining competitors advance through the forest, their figures illuminated by sunlight, as if surrounded by a golden glow.

It seemed that not being first wasn’t such a big deal after all. In the sunset, she stroked her three companions beside her, resting her head against the warm fur of her Electric Wool Sheep while gazing at the distant scenery.

Around 5 p.m., the competition concluded. The champion wasn’t the initially favored Doug or the class president Agnes but a short, chubby boy. He was accompanied by a gentle bear, a pale yellow parrot in his arms, and a curly-tailed dog at his feet.

“Congratulations to Mu Yuan, who, with Whitecoat Bear, Tiger-Eyed Parrot, and Swiftwind Dog, has won this competition!” the teacher announced enthusiastically, and cheers echoed through the forest.

Hestia and the other seven finalists then gathered on a small wooden platform among the trees. In the sunset, they posed for a group photo with their companions, each holding their newly awarded T4-grade pet food.

…

“All of the rewards ended up being devoured by these little guys,” Mel said, leaning on her knees and watching Hestia feed the playful creatures around her. Hestia wasn’t alone; the group included her Electric Wool Sheep, Wind Sea Snail, and even Mel’s Shellback Turtle, along with Bessimo’s Redback Dog, Shadow Claw Owl, and Golden Lynx.

In no time, the nine creatures had finished the reward. They sat beneath the twilight sky, basking in the glow of the evening.

Hestia and Bessimo sat side by side, sharing stories. Hestia gradually learned that Bessimo had grown up in the Northern District and had long dreamed of attending Swallow Garden Academy.

“Although the Northern District has good schools, getting into Swallow Garden was still a challenge. I was so nervous during the secondary test,” Bessimo said, brushing windblown strands of hair from her face.

“You’re the girl who chose the Indigo Serpent during selection, right? I remember seeing you in the crowd back then. People speculated that the chosen animals reflected personalities. I misjudged you at the time,” she added with a laugh.

“It’s fine. We didn’t know each other back then,” Hestia replied, waving her fingers lightly in the wind to show she didn’t mind.

“Hestia, you’re such a nice person,” Bessimo said, hugging her knees and glancing sideways at her.

Then, as if recalling something, Bessimo took a whistle from her pocket, stood up, and blew it. The sound was long and varied in pitch.

Soon, a small black dot appeared in the sky, growing larger as it approached. A gray-and-red-feathered hawk landed on Bessimo’s wrist, shifting its weight and calling out.

“This is Crimson Iron Hawk, my companion,” Bessimo explained as she stroked the hawk’s back.

“My companions are probably still napping at the dorm or taking care of ducks,” Hestia said with mild frustration, realizing she couldn’t introduce them to a new friend today.

“A serpent looking after ducks—that’s amusing,” Bessimo said with a laugh, her shoulders shaking slightly.

She extended her hand and invited Hestia.

“I live near the Violet Mansion. Want to visit tomorrow?”

Hestia was about to agree when she noticed Mel pouting nearby, seemingly upset about being left out.

“Sure, but can I bring someone else along?” Hestia placed her hands gently on Mel’s shoulders, and the girl immediately brightened upon hearing this.

“Of course! I should have invited both of you earlier,” Bessimo replied with a nod.

“Then it’s settled.”

In the sunset and wind, the three of them clasped hands. As the evening deepened, stars began to twinkle in the sky.