Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

“Follow the ones in front, don’t fall behind!”

Hestia walked ahead, wearing a sun hat, occasionally glancing back at the three ducklings trailing behind her. They chirped noisily, waddling on the cobblestone path in a loose line. Following them, the Indigo Serpent slithered with its head raised, ensuring none of the little ones lagged.

A girl, three ducks, and a serpent made their way down the morning road, descending a hillside to reach a clear pond. The water was dotted with green lotus leaves, though it wasn’t flowering season, leaving only the foliage floating on the surface.

At the pond’s edge, Hestia removed her sandals, stepping onto submerged stones with her bare feet. She gently guided the three ducklings into the water.

The cool water, uneven stones, and peculiar sensations beneath her feet brought a smile to her face. She trailed her fingers in the water, enjoying its soft resistance.

The ducklings swam joyfully, occasionally snapping at tiny fish or insects. After splashing in the water for a while, Hestia sat on a stone by the pond, with the Indigo Serpent coiled beside her, basking in the sunlight.

Supporting her head with her hand, she watched the playful ducklings, memories of her childhood surfacing. She remembered a family trip where she had refused to enter the water, instead watching her sister play while her father stayed by her side, talking to her.

“Don’t you want to go play in the water, Hestia?”

“I’m scared. I can’t swim,” she had whispered timidly.

“It’s okay. The water isn’t deep, and your dad can easily hold you up.” The bearded man had encouraged her gently.

But she hadn’t ventured in that day, only sitting by and envying her sister’s courage. Reflecting on it now, she felt a tinge of regret, wondering if being braver back then would’ve made a difference.

Time doesn’t flow backward, though, and all she could do now was reminisce.

The ducklings, tired from swimming, returned to the shore, shaking off water from their feathers. They chirped and gathered around Hestia.

“Alright, I get it—you’re hungry, aren’t you?” Hestia took out a small pouch of pellet feed, poured it into her hand, and spread it on the ground. The ducklings pecked at the food, a ticklish sensation brushing against her palm.

The ducklings were still small and didn’t eat much. Once fed, they settled down quietly. The Indigo Serpent coiled around the ducklings protectively, and all four began a peaceful midday nap.

Taking advantage of the calm, Hestia lay under a tree, reflecting on her time at Swallow Garden Academy.

In the past month, she had learned much about nurturing spells, even finishing the semester’s textbooks ahead of schedule. It wasn’t due to over-diligence but rather the lighter first-term curriculum and her naturally fast learning pace.

In her practice of the Transcendent Sequence, she absorbed a wealth of knowledge from the academy’s library, filling gaps in her understanding of fundamental formulas. She could now cast basic spells such as manipulating water, creating flashes of light, and feather-light descents.

These universal formulas, though not as effective as abilities specialized to each pathway, were versatile and compensated for her shortcomings, helping her catch up to her peers.

Previously, her ordinary middle school in Arpeggio City had limited her access to such advanced knowledge. Teachers there couldn’t provide the breadth of instruction she now enjoyed, but at Swallow Garden, those deficiencies were gradually erased.

Aside from mastering basic formulas, Hestia had also learned special spells such as “Summoning Arts,” “Rapid Freeze,” and “Frost Shield.” The latter could imbue others with cold resistance and limited freezing capabilities.

Of course, the effectiveness of such spells varied greatly among individuals. A novice might use “Rapid Freeze” to chill water or create simple ice spikes, while a master could sculpt intricate ice flowers or even freeze an enemy’s blood, creating internal blockages.

This vast disparity explains why some transcendent individuals of the same sequence could defeat multiple peers effortlessly, while others were relegated to supportive roles, acting as mere magic batteries.

Technology and tools amplify abilities, and when combined with talent and superior equipment, combat effectiveness grows exponentially. This is why, even in an age where starships dominate warfare, individual transcendent training remains vital. A Sequence 8 transcendent equipped with high-tier mechs can surpass the capabilities of an entire Sequence 9 unit, standing tall on the shoulders of collective knowledge and innovation.

The autumn sunlight wasn’t harsh, and Hestia, having organized her recent studies, took out a small journal to jot down her thoughts.

“October 22, Clear

Took three ducklings to the pond. Made a new friend. Feeling a bit homesick.”

Closing the diary, she stood up and looked at the bright blue sky. Stretching out her arms, the wind swept through her sleeves, making her white dress flutter.

The leisurely moments were coming to an end. Soon, it would be time to face new challenges. Life at Edess Academy wouldn’t be as relaxed as Swallow Garden.

That evening, a large gray airship descended into a northern valley. The hatch opened, and six maids in black and white uniforms disembarked, followed by a silver-haired girl who jumped lightly to the ground.

Hestia held her skirt against the gusts of wind, her hair and dress billowing wildly. Smiling gently at Annelie, who had come to greet her, she picked up her suitcase and climbed the airship’s lowered steps.

Ascending step by step, the ground grew farther away. At the top, she paused at the hatch to gaze at the glittering world below.

“What’s wrong, Tilan?” Annelie asked curiously.

“Nothing. It just feels like I’ve experienced a beautiful chapter of life,” Hestia said, adjusting her hat as she entered the brightly lit interior.

Seated by a window, a meticulously prepared dinner was soon served: tender pink seared meat, crispy vegetable strips, and refreshing fruit juice. Such T3-grade meals were served freely, and though she found them luxurious, they no longer filled her with unease.

The uncertainties that once lingered in her heart had begun to dissipate.

There was no point in agonizing over the inescapable. Instead, Hestia resolved to embrace her circumstances, whether out of gratitude for Edess Academy’s support or for her future.

There was no room for the timid, shrinking girl she had once been. Avoidance led nowhere.