Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

November in the mountain-surrounded Northern 1st District was not as cold as one might imagine.

Hestia sat in her dormitory, looking at the slightly overcast sky outside. The potted plants on the windowsill swayed in the wind, their tiny leaves appearing even more delicate against the gray-white backdrop.

This was her first time experiencing winter on the surface. She attentively felt the transition from autumn to winter—a change she had never noticed before, as she had grown up underground, where seasonal temperature shifts were minimal. Her only trips to the surface were during snowfall when her parents took her out to play and run around.

Wrapping her arms around her knees to fend off a slight chill, Hestia got up, retrieved a thin blanket from her bedroom, and draped it over her legs before reclining back in her chair to read a book.

Compared to her studies at Edess Academy, which focused on complex economics and financial theories, learning about the habits of birds and the nurturing of magical creatures at Swallow Garden Academy had become a kind of leisure and relaxation.

The book she was reading featured clear and vivid illustrations. The colorful birds and their companion creatures were fascinating, and she often wondered how the authors managed to observe and compile such detailed records.

As she read with interest, she stroked the large spider nestled in her lap. It seemed much calmer lately, perhaps sensing the onset of winter.

The sun gradually rose higher, its slanted rays sliding from one corner of the balcony to the center, growing brighter. Soon, the chirping of ducks could be heard—it seemed her three little ducks were awake.

Putting down her book, Hestia decided to take a walk. She stretched lazily, walked to the balcony, and took the three ducks out of their pen. Then, she extended her arm so that the indigo serpent could slither onto her wrist.

Equipped with a fishing rod and tackle, she opened the door and headed toward Fragrant Leaf Lake.

One of her assigned tasks was nearly complete. She had already caught 16 different species of fish and needed only a few special ones to finish.

On the dewy roadside grass, each step brought a refreshing coolness.

Along the way, Hestia passed several upperclassmen. Some led massive bears, others rode fiery red horses, and still others flew overhead on birds, each showcasing their unique abilities.

Most first-years, like her, walked. The animals they carried were usually still growing, not yet strong enough to support their owners.

“Heading to the lake to fish, Hestia?” A familiar voice made her stop.

Agnes, her class monitor, had appeared. Beside her stood a brown-and-gray goat with clean, slightly fluffy fur—clearly well-groomed.

“Baa~” The goat bleated at Hestia before standing quietly next to Agnes.

This was a Sequence 3 Palm Goat, named for its hair’s resemblance to palm tree fibers. Its fur was softer and more durable than actual palm fibers, resistant even to high temperatures. In the distant past, its wool was used to make lightweight yet resilient armor.

“Yes, I’m headed to Leaf Fragance Lake to fish and take these little ones for a swim.” Hestia gestured to the three ducks following behind her.

The trio of ducks, bold as ever, waddled over to the goat without hesitation, chattering noisily as they circled it.

“Your ducks have grown so much. Mine, which I’ve been keeping in a treetop pond, barely follow me anymore,” Agnes said, shaking her head.

While Call Ducks were known to be tame, they were still animals and didn’t always understand human intentions. Hestia’s ability to easily bring hers along was rare.

“Want to walk together? I was just taking my goat out for a stroll.”

The two walked toward the lake, chatting about their class and recent events.

“In our first year, we mainly work with ordinary animals, like raising ducks,” Agnes explained. “In the second year, we start learning to nurture magical creatures.”

“I did a lot of research before coming to Swallow Garden, and I was born in Northern 1st District, so I know the area well.”

“What about the third year? What do we learn then?”

“In the third year, students start focusing on their specialties,” Agnes said, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

“For instance, you could become a ‘Pet Trainer,’ specializing in raising magical pets. Creatures like Amber Parrots, Light Cotton Birds, and Emerald-necked Crows bred at Swallow Garden are famous in the Verdant Veil and among the Federation’s top specialists.”

“Or you could train as a ‘Pet Doctor.’ They’re in high demand—more than regular doctors.”

“You could also pursue a more academic route as a zoologist or explorer. The Federation provides grants for contributions to these fields, though you’d need a university degree to truly get started.”

“The most renowned path is to become a ‘Breeder.’ Unlike pet trainers, breeders must cultivate at least one type of magical creature to Sequence 5. Even at Swallow Garden, less than half of graduates earn breeder certification. Most have to spend years gaining experience post-graduation.”

Agnes smiled. “Official descriptions can sound dull, but Swallow Garden students are often called ‘Bird Tamers,’ renowned for commanding countless birds. Sadly, our prestige has waned over the past century.”

By the time they reached the lake, Hestia let her ducks swim and try catching fish. She sat by the shore, fishing and continuing her conversation with Agnes. Meanwhile, the nearby chatter of two senior students caught their attention.

“It’s been a while since we had a match, Terry,” said a tall, thin boy in a black coat over a white shirt.

“You’re itching for a fight, aren’t you?” laughed his chubby opponent, dressed similarly.

“Less talk. Let’s duel.”

“Fine, but I’m waiting for my pelican to arrive.”

Moments later, the chubby boy’s giant pelican—a white-feathered, gray-tipped magical variant—landed nearby.

“Now that’s here, where’s yours?”

The tall boy blew a whistle, summoning five black-and-white Crested Cuckoos that swooped down and hovered behind him.

Unlike regular duels, breeders often relied on multiple magical creatures as their strength lay in numbers, just as high-ranking transcendents relied on weapons and equipment to augment their power.

Before even graduating from high school, this boy had already formed bonds with five Blade Sequence 4 magical creatures. In Swallow Garden Academy, his performance was nothing short of exceptional, which explained his earlier confidence.

“And you? Don’t tell me that in the past year, you’ve only managed to raise this pelican,” teased the slender boy, addressing the plump boy who still hadn’t summoned more creatures.

“Heh, you’ll see soon enough.” The plump boy didn’t seem bothered, replying as both the crested cuckoos and the pelican took to the skies above the lake. After some preparation, the battle began.

Compared to the larger pelican, the five crested cuckoos were exceedingly agile. Their “flight” skill was likely rated above Lv.5. Initially, they didn’t all charge at once. Instead, two launched probing attacks while the other three circled and watched for an opening.

Two black-and-white streaks skimmed over the lake’s surface, intersecting like scissors as they attacked the pelican. A faint glow appeared at the edges of their wings, sharp and menacing.

When it came to precision cutting, the Blade Sequence excelled. This sequence had an extremely high efficiency in converting magic into attacks. A Blade Sequence 4 creature, operating at full strength, could even force a Sequence 5 opponent to avoid direct confrontation. However, the sequence wasn’t without flaws. Despite its efficiency, its methods were singular and could easily falter without support.

The crested cuckoos’ intersecting attacks left the pelican ruffled and bleeding slightly. Though the pelican remained steady in flight, it had clearly suffered.

Unimpressed, the slender boy shook his head slightly and gestured for another round of attacks. The two crested cuckoos turned mid-air and dove again, becoming two grey streaks descending rapidly.

While the slender boy remained calm, the plump boy focused intently. Watching the diving cuckoos approach, he suddenly shouted, “Open your mouth!”

The pelican opened its enormous beak wide, releasing an invisible soundwave. Even from a distance, Hestia and Agnes felt a heavy pressure on their chests, making it hard to breathe. For the two crested cuckoos in close proximity, the effect was even more intense. Their flight patterns became erratic, missing the pelican and plunging into the lake.

Seizing the moment, the pelican dived into the water. Using its wings and legs, it pursued the submerged cuckoos, quickly swallowing one whole, leaving the other barely hanging on.

Unlike the water-adapted pelican, the crested cuckoos, accustomed to forests and mountains, were ill-suited for aquatic combat. Once their feathers were soaked, their speed and agility diminished significantly. Despite their struggles, the pelican soon swallowed the second cuckoo as well.

Its massive pouch bulged and wobbled as the two crested cuckoos struggled within. After a while, under the plump boy’s command, the pelican released its captives.

“Hmph.” The slender boy snorted coldly as the two released cuckoos fluttered weakly back to him. He signaled their retreat and sent out the remaining three crested cuckoos.

Learning from earlier mistakes, the trio adopted a more cautious approach. They continued their intersecting attacks on the pelican but avoided certain areas, ensuring they wouldn’t fall into the water.

Even if one crested cuckoo was stunned by the pelican’s soundwave, the others quickly came to its aid, landing heavy slashes on the pelican’s head to prevent it from swallowing their companion. They then counterattacked.

After several exchanges, the pelican began to falter. Though it was tough, facing three agile opponents at once proved too challenging.

“I have no other choice,” the plump boy muttered as he observed the battle from the lake’s edge. He issued a new command.

In the next clash, the pelican opened its mouth again. Just as the three crested cuckoos anticipated another soundwave and prepared to evade, fiery red shapes flew out instead, attacking the cuckoos at close range.

These were Flame Stinger Sparrows, Nature Sequence 3 creatures. Their red and grey-black feathers shimmered, and though each was no larger than a thumb, they moved with incredible speed and had sharp, black beaks.

Caught off guard, the three crested cuckoos faltered as their feathers caught fire from the sparrows’ high-temperature flames. The pelican took advantage, pulling one into the water and swallowing it.

“Retreat!” the slender boy commanded urgently. The remaining two cuckoos flew close to the water’s surface, scattering droplets that extinguished the smoldering flames on their bodies. They then ascended once more, leaving the slower Flame Stinger Sparrows behind.

After regaining altitude, the two black-and-white cuckoos rested briefly before diving again. Without the element of surprise, the sparrows were swiftly struck down by the cuckoos’ sharp wings, falling like pebbles. Some were injured, leaving streaks of blood in their wake.

The cuckoos had clearly held back, as their full strength could have killed the sparrows outright. However, with their small allies gone, the pelican was left to fight alone. Though resilient, it couldn’t withstand repeated high-speed slashes and eventually retreated to the water, leaving the airborne cuckoos with no viable targets.

Blades of wind sliced into the water, raising small splashes before dissipating harmlessly against the pelican’s thick skin.

“So it ends like this again.” The slender boy shook his head, disappointed. He had expected the plump boy to have raised new magical creatures or developed new tactics.

“This match is a draw,” they concluded, ending their impromptu battle and parting ways.

The duel had drawn crowds, and as the two left, murmurs of discussion broke out.

“They’re fourth-years, Zhehao (slender boy) and Ambert (plump boy). They’ve been rivals for years.”

“Zhehao’s impressive, already raising five black-and-white crested cuckoos.”

“Apparently, he sifted through over 500 eggs to find suitable ones. Most of the cuckoos only reached Sequence 2. A few advanced to Sequence 3, and from those, he nurtured five into Sequence 4. If even one reaches Sequence 5 before graduation, he’ll earn his breeder certification.”

“Five out of forty—an excellent success rate. No wonder so many teachers favor him.”

“Breeders live for moments like this. Behind every magical companion lies the elimination of countless others. If every creature they raised advanced, they’d be legends.”

“Ready to become the strongest ‘Bird Tamer’ and conquer the skies like the Son of Wind Swallow?”

“Ready!” a group of first-year students shouted enthusiastically before running off, their laughter echoing in the distance.

The cheerful scene brought smiles to Hestia and Agnes, who sat by the lake. Though they weren’t as wild or dramatic, they too felt a rising sense of hope and anticipation.

“What kind of extraordinary partners will we raise in the future?” they wondered.

In humanity’s intricate world, modern societies often left people feeling isolated. After the Fifth Epoch’s downfall, many found solace in the loyalty and simplicity of animal companions. These creatures not only became invaluable partners in work but also offered emotional support, helping lonely individuals move forward.

For these reasons, breeders, once overlooked, saw rapid growth in the Sixth Epoch. With countless experts and resources poured into this field, a once-neglected path became a flourishing profession. The breeders’ faith in the “Tree of Life Cult” also spread across the Federation.

Though the Twilight Era had ended, its factions persisted. Even now, debates raged over humanity’s true path forward.

The Sigma Assembly, heirs of the “Mechanical Council,” focused on AI, machines, and synthetic beings.

The Wandering Fleet, descendants of the “Deep Sea Alliance,” roamed the galaxy, venturing into the unknown without a homeland.

The Cloud Seekers, inheritors of the “Tracing Cloud,” remained hidden among nations, serving as record-keepers.

The Holy White Melody, followers of the “Primal Heart,” formed a unified, spiritually connected polity.

The Rose Federation, embodying the “Tree of Life Cult,” boasted the widest reach, most species, and endless possibilities.

Earth’s children had left their cradle, choosing divergent paths in their journey to the stars.