Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

"Ah, speaking of favorite singers, like those impressive songstresses, does Tilan have any favorites?"

"As for songstresses, I've listened to quite a few songs by 'Flame Sugar' Prin Coco, and for other Star Domains, I've learned a bit about 'White Swan' Audrey. Actually, I even have some personal photos of Audrey. That Mr. Feng Jianxue sent me several invitations after we parted, but I politely declined them all."

"Although Prin Coco is only at the Starshine Level, she is currently the only songstress in our Four-leaf Crystal Domain. The previous ones either retired or are no longer with us." Ruby recalled briefly. She remembered that several songstresses had emerged from the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, but now she realized that they were all celebrities from decades or even a century ago.

"Songstresses are often the most well-known in their own Star Domains. If they can become famous outside their Star Domain, then it's all about real strength. There are many songstresses across different Star Domains, and it's hard for people from other places to meet you in person. So, it's difficult for them to be influenced by your aura and charm. They can only be reached through video broadcasts, which often have less than one-tenth the effect of a live performance." Ruby shook her head slightly, sharing what she knew.

"A songstress at the Starshine Stage doesn't have such powerful appeal. I guess it's the songstresses at the Moon Class that can make videos seem to have a touch of special influence. Generally speaking, to expand their influence to other Star Domains, one has to be above the Moon Class."

"If only the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain could produce a songstress of the Moon Class. With increased fame, not only would it boost our economic sector through more promotions and possibly expand the tourism industry, but it might also attract the attention of the Federal Central Council, leading to more funding for environmental issues." Ruby took a sip of her drink, leaning on the table as she complained and made a wish.

The other three at the table, Efnie seemed to be lost in thought and hardly absorbed the conversation. Tilan remained quiet as if she had nothing to do with songstresses. Meanwhile, Deloris thought for a moment and looked at Tilan.

"Ruby, have you ever tested whether you have the Talent of a songstress?" Deloris asked.

"Of course, I've been tested." She suddenly perked up, raising her head with stars twinkling in her eyes.

"Every idol or star dreams of having such Talent, not just me. Many actors and singers I know get tested from time to time to see if luck has come their way."

"Isn't that Talent innate? Why test for it frequently?" Deloris asked curiously.

"No, Talent for a songstress is very special. Some people may awaken it when they're very young, while others might not awaken it until they're adults or even many years later. So, everyone harbors a sliver of hope."

"I see."

Their conversation gradually shifted back to the topic of Talent. Ruby mentioned her own Talent could also charm others, though it was weak.

"Probably those above Sequence 2 can easily resist it, so it's not very useful. It just makes one look nicer with some special effects in the eyes, that's all."

"What about Efnie's Talent? I remember Efnie has an impressive Talent," Ruby suddenly said, jolting Efnie back to reality from her thoughts.

"My Talent... well, it's just okay," she replied, not wanting to elaborate, looking away.

Seeing the normally proud Goldfish Princess deflecting, Deloris steered the conversation elsewhere to ease the situation.

"What plans do you have for the vacation? Why don't you come to my house for a few days at the beach?"

"Sure, I've been wanting to go. It's not often you find a coast with such a beautiful environment and crystal-clear water like in Jade Skirt," Ruby was the first to agree.

"What about Tilan and Efnie?"

"I have other things to do, so I probably won't be able to make it," Tilan shook her head. She had to deal with some stuff at Yuanting Academy and also planned to visit her uncle's house, as they had sent her an invite.

"I need some time to reflect, so I guess I won't be going," Efnie shook her head in turn. She had been feeling anxious and sensitive lately and preferred to avoid crowded places.

"All right, then." Deloris noted Efnie's preoccupation and didn't insist, but she was a little disappointed that Tilan couldn't come along. She probably wouldn't see her until next semester.

On the other side of the activity room, Kinsenke casually leaned back on the sofa with his legs crossed, watching the video on the projection screen while munching on snacks and feeling a tad bored. He couldn't understand why Tilan had suddenly become so respected; even his jokes fell flat and made the atmosphere feel strained.

It must've been Yalian, that kid starting trouble. Just thinking about it, he glanced at the Elf across from him discussing some secret technique with a companion, his expression sour.

Although he didn't like Yalian, he had to admit that the guy's parents were somewhat famous botanists in the Federal academic circle. To bully him recklessly might reflect poorly, so he let it go.

Then his gaze shifted, and inadvertently, he saw Valke in a corner immersed in his studies, an idea sparking in his eyes.

He had heard of Valke's past and knew that the guy had been working hard to make up for previous educational gaps, but he hadn't expected that in such a noisy environment, Valke could still concentrate on his book. Experience new stories on empire

Speaking of which, Valke was from the North Ninth District, a place he had never been... Suddenly, Kinsenke had an idea, so he dropped his snacks and walked over, patting Valke's broad shoulders.

"Hey, big guy, still hitting the books."

"Hello." Valke put down the study materials in front of him and looked up at the approaching young master.

"Vacation's coming up, do you plan to go back home?" Kinsenke asked.

"Yes." Valke answered honestly, no need to lie about that.

"I'm thinking of heading over to take a look. How about playing around there? Of course, I'll cover all travel expenses and donate something to help out your hometown. What do you think?"

"Thank you, that's fine."

"Then it's settled. Oh, by the way, I'm curious, why did you join the club? I remember you didn't know Tilan before, and you don't seem to be interested in the Twilight Era."

"Tilan is very strong, I respect her, and I learn from her, that's why I joined." Valke still responded honestly.

"Very strong? Well, advancing to Sequence 4 in the first year is indeed rare, but aren't you as well?" Kinsenke didn't understand.

Valke shook his head before speaking, "It's different; she is very skilled and can spot my weaknesses. I can't beat her."

"You can't beat her?" Kinsenke looked at Valke's muscles, which were as solid as iron, and his tall stature, then at the distant figure of the delicate, softly spoken, black-haired girl. He just couldn't believe it.

"Probably got fooled by Yalian again. That guy's quick-witted, and you're easily tricked. Sigh." He patted Valke's shoulder, lamenting somewhat regretfully.

"Alright, let's drop this topic. Since we're all in the club together, we should help each other, right? You see, I just so happen to have money, and it just so happens you need some, so I feel it's my duty to help a friend."

"Thank you, Kinsenke." Valke expressed his gratitude. Life at the orphanage could probably get a lot better, and Pastor Boise would likely be happy.

"Haha, it's nothing. I just want to have some fun over there. By the way, I heard the law enforcement is pretty bad where you're from, with lots of fighting and brawling, is that true?"

"The law enforcement is indeed poor in the peripheral areas, but because it's sparsely populated, there aren't many fights. It's just that place Cesio, because of the previous mining craze, has a lot of unemployed people, so it seems more severe." Valke explained earnestly.

"No problem, I'm interested in that. Life always needs a bit of fun, doesn't it."

South First District is the capital of Jade Skirt, where law enforcement is always abundant. Even if special incidents break out, they are typically gunfights, with no blood-pumping action. This made Kinsenke feel quite bored.

As for Valke, the martial arts he practiced were honed from a young age in constant brawls. In the impoverished North Ninth District, guns were rarely used, and due to poverty, if one was caught using a gun illegally, they couldn't afford a lawyer to bail them out, so they had to rely on fists and cold weapons. This way, even if caught, the punishment wouldn't be too harsh, and they'd be back on the streets after some time.

The club room remained lively as ever. In the heat of midsummer, everyone was planning their vacations, looking forward to what the future may bring.