Miss Witch Doesn't Want to Become a Songstress-Chapter 251

At the dining table, the band members, who had been chatting and laughing, fell silent as they watched the projected images. A sense of inadequacy, self-doubt, and worry quickly sprouted among them, and the confidence they had built up that morning rapidly dissipated.

"Sorry, I clicked the wrong thing," the student who had been playing the video apologized, quickly standing up and leaving the dining area as the atmosphere turned awkward.

Lunch continued, but the mood had noticeably soured. After all, the person in the video was a long-established star, a recognized Starlight-Grade Songstress in the Federation, not someone ordinary people could easily compare to.

"Do you like today’s lunch, Ge Yin?" Thilan asked the girl sitting quietly beside her, who was eating in silence.

"Not bad."

She truly wasn’t one to flatter, but Thilan could sense that Ge Yin wasn’t lying. She genuinely didn’t dislike the meal, her emotions as calm as still water.

"That’s good. Let’s order some dessert for an afternoon snack later," Thilan said, feeling a bit like she was taking care of a small animal as she looked after the girl.

"Mm."

After the brief and quiet exchange between the two, the others’ emotions gradually stabilized, as if they had found a sense of reassurance. The earlier worries no longer seemed like such a big deal.

“Is this the power of a Songstress?”

Evony blinked, her gaze shifting to the black-haired girl sitting by the window.

Just a few words exchanged with her companions seemed to have a magical effect, calming everyone down.

Evony had only recently learned of Thilan’s identity as a Songstress, and today’s interactions made her realize just how extraordinary and awe-inspiring this ability to subtly influence emotions was.

No wonder, in the annals of history, renowned Songstresses were always surrounded by powerful factions and numerous followers.

After lunch, the group returned to the music room to begin their afternoon rehearsal, which was even closer to simulating a real stage performance.

Pale illusionary mist gradually filled the room, and the high-quality speakers placed around began to simulate the environment of a live performance. There were the sounds of footsteps, conversations, shouts, and the rustling of movement. Under the influence of the illusionary mist, the surroundings transformed into a vivid scene of a packed venue, with countless faces, eager eyes, waving flags, and swirling lights. It felt like being in a dream, a mix of nervousness and excitement sending shivers down their spines.

Is this what a real live performance feels like? Dazzling and electrifying.

The heavy atmosphere made the air feel dense, and the band’s performance became slightly unsteady, with beads of sweat forming on their foreheads.

At this critical moment, a clear and solitary violin melody rang out, calming the band members’ nerves like a cool, refreshing drink soothing their hearts.

Thilan’s fingers pressed against the strings, then gently plucked them. Her voice, swaying with the rhythm, began to sing again. The subtle changes in her breathing and tone were fully captured by the microphone, her unique voice enchanting, like the burst of orange soda on a hot summer day.

Once they got into the groove, the band members gradually tuned out the roaring cheers and vivid surroundings, immersing themselves in the world of music. They focused on playing their song, singing of the unique blend of youthful naivety, longing, anticipation, passion, and a hint of uncertainty, like a piece of candy that leaves an endless aftertaste.

As the performance ended, the venue erupted in enthusiastic cheers that didn’t stop for a long time. Only when the lights gradually dimmed and the scene faded did they return to the music room.

Looking around at the walls, the furnishings, and the now-silent speakers, everyone felt as if they had just woken up from a dream.

"That environment was almost indistinguishable from reality. I really believed I was performing on stage just now."

"True, I almost cried from the emotion," someone pretended to wipe away tears.

"Whew, it was exhausting, but so exhilarating. It felt like everything was poured out."

"I wonder what it’ll be like on the actual day of the performance, but it doesn’t seem as terrifying or worrisome anymore."

"Just do our best, that’s all that matters."

As the members shared their thoughts, Thilan put down her violin and walked over to Ge Yin, who was adjusting the settings.

"Was that the highest level of realism we can achieve?"

"No. If we increase the realism further, the improvement would only be around 3%-5%, but it would require five times the space and equipment," Ge Yin explained calmly and clearly.

"I see. Let’s stick with this level for now," Thilan mused.

"Have you made any progress on finding the musicians I asked you to look for?"

"Yes," Ge Yin nodded.

"Oh? Who is it?"

Thilan was curious. She had given Ge Yin access to the student records to search for potential members.

"Me," Ge Yin turned to face her.

"You?" Thilan blinked, surprised, almost thinking she had misheard.

"Do you play any instruments?"

"Yes," Ge Yin’s voice remained steady.

"Which ones?"

"Guitar, bass, violin, piano, flute, reed pipe, trumpet," she listed off a string of instruments, making one wonder why this girl, so engrossed in the internet, was proficient in so many.

"Why did you learn so many?"

"Because my mom thought I didn’t talk enough," she explained, citing family reasons.

"And you mastered all of them?"

"Yes."

"Do you like music?"

"Not bad," was all she said, her emotions still as calm as ever.

"I see," Thilan lightly pressed her fingers together, thinking about how to explain things to Ge Yin.

"Can you bring your instruments to the music room tomorrow? I can help you carry them."

"Mm," Ge Yin nodded.

For now, this would do. Thilan wanted to see Ge Yin’s skill level. It was truly surprising; she hadn’t expected this quiet and unique girl to be proficient in so many instruments. And based on her previous behavior, Ge Yin wouldn’t lie about such things.

Next, they’d need to assess her musical abilities. As for her transcendent sequence, there was no need to worry. This girl was just a step away from Sequence 5, a self-taught genius who far surpassed ordinary people. Her years immersed in the Aijeka Network had likely given her an incredibly broad perspective and access to information.

After the afternoon rehearsal, Evony announced the end of the session, and the members left the music room one by one.

With the band members taking shape, the selection of combat members was also nearly complete.

Back at the student council, Thilan received the list submitted by Colt. It contained about 20 names, all Sequence 5 students, each of whom would be considered a genius and a focus of attention at any other school.

"Bennett, third year, Blade Sequence 5: Swift Flash Walker."

"Sui Qin, third year, Nature Sequence 5: Dream of the Tree Spirit."

"Toklay, third year, Nature Sequence 5: Fragrance of Red Poison."

"Casey, third year, Decay Sequence 5: Nightmare’s Awakening."

"Yanhou, third year, Primordial Sequence 5: Turbulent Brawler."

"Stacia, third year, Blood Eye Sequence 5: Crimson Claw."

With the fourth-year seniors having graduated, these previously reserved talents, no longer overshadowed by their upperclassmen, began to shine. Each hoped to make a name for themselves in the upcoming competition, whether for the glory and ranking of the academy or for their own futures. This was the perfect stage and opportunity.

I'm focusing on Dorothy translation right now so translation for this series will be postponed until I have more free time.