Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

A song drifted from somewhere far away, faint and indistinct. If one didn’t listen carefully, it seemed it might dissolve into the dust.

Where am I? Hestia opened her eyes and found herself lying in a tall tower. It was the kind of tower she had only seen in ancient films—structures from an era far older than the Fourth Epoch, from the cradle of humanity on Earth.

She groped her way to her feet, standing on a wooden platform. The coarse wood fibers were dry in the breeze, with little dust clinging to them.

Surveying her surroundings, she realized the tower was built of white stone, devoid of any technological traces. It was part of a castle, which stood amidst a pale green sea of flowers and grass. In the distance, golden waves of wheat swayed under the sky, bending to the wind’s path, like something out of a fairy tale.

Hestia began to walk slowly, noticing that her body bore no wounds or pain. Even her clothes were intact.

Tentatively, she touched her face, as if to confirm her reality. Only after a while did she manage to calm herself.

I guess I’ll look around. There doesn’t seem to be anything else to do.

The ethereal song from earlier grew clearer, as if it were calling out to her. She listened intently, trying to trace its direction.

Hestia leaned against the wooden staircase, descending from the tower. The spiral stairwell was illuminated by staggered windows. Sunlight and wind streamed through, stirring white curtains that fluttered dreamily, like a scene from a vision.

As she descended the long, winding staircase, the soft curtains occasionally brushed against her cheeks. Their texture was vivid and gentle.

Step by step, she went downward, unsure how far she had traveled, until she reached the tower’s ground floor and stepped into the castle’s wide corridors.

The weathered walls reflected dazzling white light under the sun, forcing Hestia to shield her eyes as she slowly adjusted to the brightness.

So this is life under the sun… It was so different from the dark, oppressive underground she had known.

She walked along the castle walls, her fingers brushing against the warm white stone. Each massive stone block bore chisel-like marks, as though someone had carved them out of a mountain with an axe.

Unlike the precision of industrial processing, these stones were uneven yet solid, with edges and surfaces that fit together imperfectly but sturdily.

Following the direction of the song, Hestia passed through the castle walls, walking several hundred meters before entering a grand hall.

The hall’s main door was unlocked—a towering entrance seemingly built for giants, made of ancient redwood. Some of its lacquer had peeled away, and the door was thicker than Hestia’s waist.

Fortunately, a narrow gap allowed her to squeeze through.

Inside, the hall was vast and empty. The ceiling soared dozens of meters high, with light streaming in through small windows. Dust motes floated in the air, illuminated by slanted beams of light. At the far end of the hall, a solitary throne stood atop a staircase.

The throne, carved from white stone, bore floral and vine motifs along its edges. Its inner lines were precise, evoking a sense of both the ruler’s tenderness and authority in ages past.

As Hestia walked through the silent hall, her footsteps echoed faintly.

Crossing the length of the hall, she finally reached a small side door at its rear. She pushed it open, the creak of wood breaking the silence. Stepping through, she was greeted by a gust of wind.

The wind stirred her clothing, whistling past her and carrying with it the crisp freshness of sunlight. It stripped away the scorching heat of summer, leaving only a pleasant warmth.

The distant song grew even clearer now.

Leaning against the white stone walls, Hestia continued downward along the stairs. She passed through a corridor filled with blooming flowers and made her way toward another building not far away.

Climbing its steps, she entered a secluded section of the castle. The walls of the passage were adorned with intricate murals, some depicting faintly discernible figures. On the opposite side, a row of pillars stretched out.

The pillars were gilded, their surfaces carved with elaborate and beautiful patterns. Petals crafted from white crystals adorned the golden flowers, creating a dreamlike, luxurious sight.

Walking through the corridors that encircled the palace, Hestia once again pushed open a door adorned with golden flowers. Inside, she passed through a parlor decorated with the same gold and crystal embellishments, heading toward a staircase carpeted in red.

The staircase spiraled upward, and as she ascended, the song grew increasingly clear. At last, Hestia stood before a door that resembled the entrance to a princess’s private chamber.

The door wasn’t fully shut—it was ajar.

Gently pushing it open, Hestia finally saw the figure singing by the window.

She had long hair that shimmered like gold, a flawless face that shone brighter than the sun, and pale blue eyes as vast as the sky. Seated on the windowsill, her delicate form was draped in a gown of white chiffon and golden threads. The fabric outlined her legs, and the hem of the dress fell gracefully like a fan, adorned with dangling, diamond-shaped golden crystals that sparkled in the light.

When Hestia entered, the woman ceased her singing. Her gaze shifted from the sea of flowers and grass outside the window to the young girl now standing inside the room.

“Was it you calling me?” Hestia asked, looking at the woman before her.

“Yes, and no,” the golden-haired woman replied. Her voice was distant yet gentle, her pale blue eyes studying Hestia as if trying to discern her essence.

“I was calling for someone, though I didn’t know who it would be.”

“Now that you’ve opened the door, it seems that person is you.” A note of relief colored her voice, as if a long-held wish had been fulfilled.

“Why were you calling me?” Hestia lowered her head, a lingering thought crossing her mind: Shouldn’t I already be dead?

“I don’t know either.” The woman stepped down from the windowsill and gently took Hestia’s hand, guiding her to her side.

“Look at the view outside.”

The serene chamber was furnished with a large, plush red bed, an ornate vanity mirror, and elegant gowns with layered skirts. Yet none of these captivated the golden-haired woman as much as the small window that opened onto the fields of flowers and grass beyond.

Under the boundless blue sky, flowers of white, pale blue, orange-red, and soft yellow bloomed in wild profusion. Tender green blades of grass swayed gently in the breeze, while sunlight bathed the earth, making the blossoms and meadows appear even more vibrant and enchanting.

“Do you like this kind of view?”

“Yes,” Hestia replied, nodding. The unease and anxiety that had weighed on her began to dissipate, leaving her with a growing sense of calm.

The two of them sat by the windowsill, gazing at the floral fields from daybreak until the setting sun painted the earth in hues of amber and gold.

“This is so wonderful. Thank you for staying with me to enjoy this view,” the golden-haired woman finally spoke again.

As she finished, she gently embraced Hestia. A faint floral scent from her enveloped Hestia, as if she had been transported to the flower-filled meadows outside.

Releasing her embrace, the woman’s figure began to blur, dissolving like grains of light and sand drifting toward the world outside the window.

“Are you leaving?” Hestia asked, feeling a sudden pang of sadness as she watched the golden-haired woman fade away.

“Yes. Don’t be sad,” the woman said softly. “I’ve been gone for a long time. But meeting you within this lingering light has been a comfort and a joy.”

Her voice lingered in the air, but the world before Hestia began to blur, like amber growing cloudy. A deep drowsiness overtook her, and she drifted into a heavy sleep.

…

When she woke again, Hestia found herself in space. Through a large transparent metal window beside her, she could see a breathtakingly beautiful planet below.

Though the planet appeared immense within her field of vision, it seemed small compared to the boundless, dark expanse of the universe. Clouds swirled across its surface, and she could faintly make out countless shuttles traveling back and forth between the planet and a space station.

The transparent crystal of the metal displayed the current time:

[6th Epoch, Year 862, December 3rd | Rose Federation – Lunar Gate Starfield – A1-2031 (White Moon) | 3:25:16 AM]

Is this a scene from over four centuries ago? Whose dream have I entered to witness such vivid and distant memories?

Hestia surveyed her surroundings. The room was divided into two levels: the upper level housed a bed and study area, while the lower level was a lounge. One side of the room was lined with walls, and the other featured transparent metal, offering a direct view of space.

Gently pressing the buttons beside the door, Hestia experimented for a while before finally opening it and stepping outside.

Unlike the deserted palace and flower fields she had seen before, this corridor was alive with activity. People occasionally passed by—some dressed in professional uniforms, others in military attire—moving with urgency. Overhead, a broadcast echoed recent news.

[The Star Serpent Constellation region continues to reject peace negotiations. The Northern Star Fleet has suffered heavy losses. The Third Fleet, Ninth Fleet, and Twelfth Fleet have been disbanded, with remaining personnel integrated into the Eighth Fleet to retreat toward the Federation’s Southern Star Sector.]

[The newly developed Sigh Dragon-class battleship has undergone its maiden test in the Calcite Star Region. If it passes inspection, it will serve as the Federation’s next primary warship.]

[The Fourth and Sixth Fleets from the Western Star Sector will arrive in 678 stellar hours. These fleets include 7,893 Odysseus-class battleships, 35,729 Paradise-class carriers, 89,214 Bloodbird-class cruisers, and approximately 420,000 destroyers of the Windscreen, Heng Ge, and Star Chaser classes.]

[The rebels continue to hold the Central Twin Tree, Verdant Moon, and Orchid Embrace star regions. We must eliminate them within 26 months, or the Federation’s unity will face irreversible damage.]

[Negotiations with the Sigma Council have concluded. In 241 stellar hours, we will sign a non-aggression pact with them. Though their path as successors to the Mechanical Council differs greatly from ours, they remain trustworthy. This agreement represents the last legacy of the Fifth Epoch carried into the present.]

Listening to these monumental historical events, Hestia walked through the corridors and halls. Yet no one seemed to notice her—she was invisible, as though she were made of air.

This must be some kind of dream, Hestia thought as she continued along the passageways. She passed through the station’s structures and occasionally glimpsed people riding hoverboards, moving swiftly through the space station.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from an exit. Moments later, dozens of soldiers clad in dark blue exoskeletal armor burst into view. Using the propulsion units on their backs, they moved rapidly through the station, firing their branded rifles. Blue, spindle-shaped energy bolts streaked through the air, shattering staff members into fragments.

A mist of blood filled the air as the sounds of gunfire erupted everywhere. In response to the attack, the station’s guards arrived swiftly. They wore special silver light armor, with deep purple ring-shaped visors, and butterfly-like wings on their backs. These almost fairy-like warriors wielded crimson, recirculating light blades, flashing through the station and swiftly cutting down the invading enemies one by one.

The chaos subsided quickly. Then, a general led a full complement of golden heavy-armored troops to secure a specific room. After some time, under layers of light shields and barriers, a woman with blue hair emerged.

Her cobalt-blue hair shimmered with golden streaks, like scattered starlight. Her delicate yet resolute features carried a soft strength. A silver-blue emblem adorned her forehead—a hollow design with radiant lines extending outward, resembling a constellation. The sight was breathtaking.

She listened quietly as the general reported by her side, then paused, stepping onto an elevated walkway within the station. From there, she gazed at the beautiful planet outside.

“You may leave. I wish to stay here for a while,” she said.

“Your Highness, this…” The general hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. However, upon seeing the resolve in the woman’s expression, he knew he couldn’t change her mind and slowly withdrew.

Watching the blue-haired woman, Hestia floated closer. As she had anticipated, no one could see her.

Suddenly, the woman turned her head, looking in Hestia’s direction.

“You’ve arrived,” she said.

Before Hestia could respond, the woman continued speaking.

“I am not as powerful as Isanisha. I cannot see your form, only vaguely sense your presence.”

“Of course, this is but a lingering shadow of time. In actual history, I was unaware of your existence.”

“You must live in a time far, far in the future. I wonder if the Rose Federation still exists in your era.”

“But if it inevitably disappoints, then end it all.”

“Truthfully, I’ve already walked the wrong path, and you will witness the tragedy that is about to unfold.”

The woman fell silent, taking a deep breath as if steeling herself for a decision. She gestured to the nearby general, who approached promptly.

“Your Highness?” the general inquired.

“Begin. Hand me the activation device.”

“But… such a burden should fall upon us instead,” the general said, closing his eyes as soldiers moved to block the blue-haired woman.

“I said, let me handle this!” Her voice echoed throughout the space station, penetrating every layer of its structure, resonating directly in the hearts of all present. The soldiers instinctively froze in place.

The blue-haired woman took the box from the general, opened it, and inserted the key she had held tightly in her palm. With a surge of unique magic, she activated it.

[Key verified. Access granted.]

[Aijeka particle fluctuations detected. Verified.]

[Biometric identification verified.]

…

One by one, all 27 levels of authentication were cleared. The second layer of the box unfolded, revealing a perfect sixteen-sided polyhedron that began to float and expand in the air.

[Identity confirmed. Connecting to Revelation.]

Beyond the planet, a majestic triple ring structure slowly emerged, its divine and overwhelming presence inducing an indescribable sense of fear in all who beheld it.

“Activate the Stellar Annihilation Protocol!”

[Initiating. Aijeka Sea interference in progress.]

[As per the Eternal Covenant of Loransia, the Aijeka Sea will recede post-interference and redirect gravitons…]

[Graviton infusion charging. Commencing star-core targeting.]

The cold mechanical voice reverberated through the hall as every eye fixated on the ever-brightening triple rings in space.

[Star-core locked. Focusing and rupturing in progress…]

Even though sound could not travel through space, the seismic shifts of continental plates and tidal surges on the planet below conveyed a solemn and tragic inevitability.

After over ten minutes of intense disruption, the planet’s star-core finally fractured, signaling its destruction. Magma erupted across its surface, the planet’s dark-red core ejecting fragments into space. Massive pieces of debris, now unbound by gravity, began drifting outward, some colliding with the space station and causing violent tremors and structural damage.

Amid the quaking and disintegrating station, the blue-haired woman stood motionless, her tears flowing as she gazed at the annihilated planet. She remained there, unmoving, until the planet shattered entirely. Only then did she withdraw her hand from the activation device.

[In December of the 862nd year of the Sixth Epoch, to eliminate the conservative faction entrenched within the Lunar Gate system before enemy reinforcements arrived, the Federation employed the Stellar Annihilation Revelation for the first time in its civil war. This act utterly devastated the conservative faction, stabilizing the collapsing battlefront and securing critical time for fleet regrouping. However, it also resulted in the deaths of approximately 1.6 billion innocent Federation civilians, leaving an indelible mark on history.]

[Several years later, the civil war concluded, and ‘Blue Cobalt Tear’ Amularine ended her life in the Federation’s Supreme Court. Yet, a new political faction emerged within the Federation. Using the Blue Cobalt Tear as its symbol, this faction spent decades purging corruption from the Federation’s ranks. Despite its harsh methods, it garnered widespread support among the people and maintained unprecedented integrity within the upper echelons of government for nearly a century.]

Events from an era long past unfolded vividly before Hestia’s eyes.