Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

The phantom crystal beasts on the battlefield brought immense challenges to the students undergoing the second-round examination. Most participants couldn’t even clear the first stage, ultimately earning scores ranging from 1 to 8 based on their performance before being eliminated.

However, not everyone struggled—there were always a few prodigies who stood out.

“Congratulations, Ocanna, for clearing the first stage.”

In the arena, the short-haired young man who habitually volunteered to go first stood confidently, accompanied by a young indigo wolf by his side.

“No wonder he handled that phantom crystal beast so easily—he’s already advanced to Sequence 3,” murmured one student in the audience.

“It’s clear: strength matters. While the theme is ‘bond,’ only by being strong yourself can you truly support your companion.”

“Guess I still need to refine my understanding of ‘bond’ (strength),” one student mused.

“Exactly! No offense, but if you lack any strength and just keep shouting slogans, you’re no better than a fool.”

“Haha, then let me show you the bond (strength) between me and my companion later!”

Ignoring the chatter below, the challenge on the stage moved on to the second phase.

“Three opponents this time? That’s going to be tricky.”

Ocanna crouched slightly, hands relaxed by his sides, eyes fixed on the three phantom crystal beasts before him. Without warning, he dashed forward.

Striking first, he knocked the swift wolf aside and immediately engaged the tiger in a fierce melee. Meanwhile, the young wolf joined the fray.

Amidst the flying dust and chaotic clashes, the swift wolf disintegrated into fragments, and the tiger was severely damaged. However, the skyborne eagle remained unscathed, diving down intermittently for precision attacks.

In the end, both Ocanna and his wolf were overwhelmed by exhaustion and defeated by the phantom eagle. They lay on the grassy battlefield, covered in crystalline sand.

“Ocanna’s final score: 17 points.”

“Wow, that’s the highest score so far, isn’t it?”

“Looks like it is.”

Amid the murmurs of admiration, two young women arrived at the scene from the back of the queue.

“The tests have already started. Looks intense,” observed Hestia, listening intently alongside Miana and quickly grasping the situation.

“It’s time to join,” they said, heading to the platform to receive their sequence numbers.

Soon, Miana’s turn arrived.

“Watch me shine, Hestia!” the lively, short-haired girl waved enthusiastically before stepping into the arena with her giant crab companion.

The crab now gleamed with a richer blue hue than before, its shell appearing coated with a crystalline glaze, giving it an air of grandeur.

Once in the field, its strength left the audience astounded.

“Is that really a Sequence 2 creature? It doesn’t seem like it.”

“Could it have advanced in such a short time?”

“That must be it! It looks just like the Sequence 3 Tide Sequence Blue Crystal Crab from the StarNet database, except its pincers are even bigger.”

In the arena, Miana and her phantom crystal beast engaged in a tactical dance, searching for an opening. Spotting one, she shouted, “Now’s your chance!”

“Use your crushing pincers!”

The massive crab seized the crystal beast by its neck, clamping down fiercely and severing its head, which shattered into countless fragments.

“Miana has passed the first stage.”

“Yay!” the girl leapt in celebration, leaving the onlookers dumbfounded.

“She’s one of the few who relied entirely on her companion to overcome the crystal beast.”

“Maybe that’s the key to success. We should try something similar.”

Inspired, the students began poring over information, brainstorming ways to better communicate with their companions and guide them in mastering complex advancement formulas and imprinting stable extraordinary cores.

In subsequent stages, Miana and her crab companion managed to defeat one more crystal beast before being overwhelmed by the remaining two, resulting in their elimination.

“Miana’s final score: 15 points.”

“That’s higher than Paula’s! She’s definitely in the top 10 now.”

“Yeah, we’ve got to step up too.”

As the chatter continued, it was finally Hestia’s turn. Unlike other students struggling with strategy, her main concern was deciding whether to let her serpent handle the challenge alone or step in herself. If she intervened, how much power should she reveal? After all, with her talent, she could instantly disintegrate the crystal beasts, making the test trivial and unentertaining.

Concealing her true abilities was a necessary skill for survival. Keeping some cards hidden was always wise. This would be a good opportunity to see how far she could go without relying on her innate talents.

_________________________

[Indigo Serpent]

Pathway: Primordial Sequence 3 – Sunstone Serpent (Exceptional Dark Silver Grade)

Status: Healthy (Maturing, Adapting)

Traits:

Antivenom Serum (Exceptional): Provides immunity to various toxins, with heightened resistance to snake venom.

Sunlight Serpent (Exceptional): Abilities are enhanced under sunlight.

Abilities:

Radiant Scales (Exceptional): Emits dazzling light from scales, burning eyes and intimidating adversaries.

Solar Gem (Rare): The gemstone on its forehead efficiently absorbs sunlight and magic, boosting its capabilities.

Skills: [Constrict Lv.3], [Intimidate Lv.4], [Sunbathe Lv.4], [Heat Ray Lv.3]

__________________________

“Challenge start!”

A phantom crystal tiger leapt onto the battlefield, baring its fangs as it charged at Hestia and her serpent.

The difference between spectating and participating became immediately apparent. The tiger seemed to grow larger in an instant, closing the distance in just 2–3 seconds. Before Hestia could even issue a command, the battle commenced.

Fortunately, her bond with the serpent had fostered deep mutual understanding. A blinding flash erupted from the serpent, rendering the crystal beast—and its unseen controller—momentarily disoriented.

“Now, Heat Ray!” Hestia’s voice rang out amidst the dazzling light.

An orange-red beam pierced the battlefield, striking the tiger with surgical precision. When the light subsided, the spectators saw the crystal beast lying in fragments, bisected cleanly by the ray.

That should suffice, she thought.

“Congratulations, Hestia, for clearing the first stage.”

When asked if she wished to proceed, Hestia confirmed. Three crystal cores emerged from the ground, transforming into three phantom beasts.

As the second wave of dazzling light filled the arena, the students shielded their eyes, learning from earlier experiences. When they opened them, they saw the serpent had already brought down the airborne eagle. However, its remaining magic reserves were running low. Firing another Heat Ray would require several minutes of recovery.

Within the arena, the remaining Phantom Crystal Tiger charged at the small snake, while the Swift Wolf pounced toward Hestia.

If she were to use her crystal-freezing ability at this moment, she could easily crush them. However, Hestia shook her head—there was no need to expose such a skill unnecessarily—and opted for an attack method unique to the Decay Sequence.

She closed her eyes momentarily, focusing, then opened them to reveal azure pupils shimmering with a radiant blue light. Fixing her gaze on the approaching Swift Wolf, a sudden mental shockwave caused the Phantom Beast to freeze in place, its body stiffening before it collapsed onto the ground, sliding forward.

Sidestepping the wolf as it rolled across the floor, Hestia followed up. While the beast struggled on the ground, she placed her hands gently on its body, a faint glow spreading from her palms.

Moments later, the Swift Wolf calmed down, ceasing its resistance and disintegrating into crystal fragments that scattered across the ground.

“That’s the Decay Sequence, isn’t it? Quite rare,” someone murmured from the audience.

“Such a method seems gentle, but at times, it’s somewhat unnerving,” another added.

“It’s a final mercy. I’ve always thought Decay Sequence doctors performing surgeries felt like hosting a banquet—something strangely uncanny.”

“Still, it’s impressive.”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, the Indigo Serpent clashed fiercely with the Phantom Crystal Tiger. Despite its crystalline armor-like scales, the serpent’s body was riddled with cracks under the tiger’s ferocious bites. Covered in a thick layer of crystal dust, its movements grew sluggish.

Hestia observed the distant battle, raising her hand. Her glowing eyes pulsed once more, and the Phantom Crystal Tiger suddenly stiffened, its actions faltering.

Unfortunately, the distance prevented her from intervening quickly. She silently instructed the snake to break free from the tiger’s jaws and slither toward her.

After a few moments, the tiger shook its head, regaining its senses. It turned and prepared for a second, more ferocious charge.

Now ready, Hestia cradled the Indigo Snake, brushing off the layers of crystal dust clinging to its scales. Gradually, the jewel on the snake’s forehead began to recharge, drawing countless motes of magical light from the atmosphere. The gem’s radiant brilliance intensified.

Finally, another orange-yellow beam of light shot forth, piercing the charging tiger. The beast’s body tore apart, leaving it half-split. Though not completely severed, the damage was enough to end its life.

With all three Phantom Crystal Beasts reduced to fragments, the staff announced the successful completion of the second trial.

“Congratulations, Hestia! Would you like to attempt the third trial?”

“Let’s see,” she replied, tilting her head. The Indigo Snake was already exhausted, making it almost impossible to face the third trial.

The arena environment shifted once more. A larger crystal core emerged, activated by five converging beams of blue light.

Soon, the silhouette of a five-meter-tall creature materialized—a massive serpent taking form. Its imposing figure loomed, its head held high and its thick, broad body sprawled across the ground. A blue-violet tongue flickered as its vertical pupils exuded a menacing presence. In comparison, the Indigo Serpent at Hestia’s side seemed minuscule, its coiled body no thicker than the giant serpent’s neck.

Primordial Sequence 4: Phantom Crystal Giant Serpent (Standard Golden Class)

Upon seeing the massive snake, Hestia shook her head. It was an unwinnable battle—not worth the effort to attempt.

“I forfeit.”

“Hestia’s final score: 22 points,” announced the staff. She earned an extra two points for being the first to reach the third trial.

“That’s the highest score so far!”

“Impressive, truly impressive.”

“But honestly, this giant snake doesn’t seem like something the average person can defeat. It’s probably designed for extraordinary geniuses.”

As the students buzzed with discussion, Hestia exited the battlefield, carrying the Indigo Serpent in her arms.

“Hestia, you were amazing!” Miana, holding her blue-shelled crab, ran up excitedly.

Guided by the staff, the two filled out their forms, signaling the end of the trial. Their companions, however, were now at a parting moment.

“Even though it’s only been a day, I feel a bit reluctant to say goodbye,” Miana said, patting the cold shell of the crab.

“If we get into the academy, we’ll meet them again,” Hestia reassured her.

“That’s right! If you’re admitted, your trial companions will be rewarded to you,” said a girl in a black and red uniform who approached. She was the student council president they had seen earlier in the Star Dome, accompanied by two white-clad council members.

Hestia and Miana stood and greeted the senior student.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Vetrina, this year’s student council president at Swallow Garden Academy and the top student of the third year,” she said, extending her hand.

“I’m Miana.”

“I’m Hestia.”

Under Vetrina’s guidance, the three entered the quiet Star Dome. The suspended light spheres had been removed, leaving the deep-blue floor resembling a starlit night, now tinged with golden hues from the setting sun.

“Let’s sit over there,” Vetrina suggested, pointing to a bench at the hall’s far end, close to the angelic mural.

Leaving her council members behind, the three girls sat down, and Vetrina spoke first.

“Hestia, your performance was outstanding.”

“Not really—I just got lucky this time,” Hestia quickly replied, waving her hands modestly.

“Hehe, feeling a little shy?” Vetrina teased, her demeanor both composed and approachable.

“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Let’s get to the point. Would you be interested in joining the student council after enrollment?”

“That’s something I’d have to decide after being admitted,” Hestia replied cautiously. She had only just completed the trial and hadn’t even received an acceptance letter—it felt premature to consider such matters.

“With your results, there’s no way you won’t be admitted!” Miana encouraged her.

“Thank you.”

“Such a prudent personality,” Vetrina remarked with a smile. “That’s fine; let’s wait until you get your letter. Still, I find you very likable, Hestia. I’ve watched most of your trial.”

The direct praise left Hestia flustered. Unsure how to respond, she refrained from boasting, as it would seem too arrogant.

“Well, it wasn’t anything special,” she murmured, averting her gaze.

“Still so modest,” Vetrina chuckled before recalling something. “Since you’ve come such a long way for the trial, let me give you a little memento.”

They chatted for a while longer before Vetrina handed them each a large box as a gift.

“It’s getting late. You probably need to rest or head back, so I won’t keep you any longer,” Vetrina said, escorting them to the entrance of the Star Dome.

“See you next time. Byebye~” she waved gracefully, her figure standing tall as she bid them farewell.

“Byebye~”