Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

A week later, the aftermath of the incident at the old site of Jielou City was gradually dealt with.

The elderly from the old site were placed in nursing homes in the southern region by the Federation, where the environment was beautifully quiet; they no longer had to struggle in the cold and barren Northern Second District. The site of the incident was disinfected and treated before being buried and sealed, and thereafter, personnel within the camp also gradually withdrew.

The large black steel truck rumbled across the wilderness, resembling less a cargo vehicle and more an armored vehicle from a war, strikingly conspicuous.

Inside the cabin, the sound of a group of people laughing and chatting was incessant, among them a black-haired girl in a black dress cradling a pink guitar, gently plucking its strings, a continuous flow of notes leaping out from time to time.

"Yes, that's the rhythm, Tilan is really great~ You've learned so well," Ruby clapped her hands to the side, her eyes blinking, and then she continued guiding the girl in how to play.

This pink-and-purple guitar was naturally Ruby's, and she occasionally showed off her skills playing it during performances.

"Do you know, Tilan, when one stands on stage, with countless glow sticks waving, countless eyes converging, that scene, it's as if every cell is filled with electricity, having endless energy and impetus to release, and as the music approaches the climax, the shaking body, the flowing sweat, the aching arms, the heat in the throat, and the roar that follows the music, sweeping across the entire field like a tsunami, it feels just like 'ascending to heaven,'" Ruby said eagerly, her eyes filled with envy and longing.

"That feeling must be really! Really amazing!" Ruby loudly proclaimed her wish, arguing that it would be a shame if the Twilight Orchestra didn't form a band given its name.

"Well, let's see, I could be the lead singer and also play bass, while Tilan could choose something as well, let's leave the drumming to Valke. With his big build, he'd surely have a powerful presence. As for tuning and playing the piano, we should be able to scout someone from the club, and once we're set up, we'll make a few songs and soon become super invincible stars across all the Star Domains of the Federation!"

"Okay, enough, Ruby." Deloris came over, covered Ruby's eyes from behind with one hand, and with the other arm, she embraced her waist, allowing her fervent emotions to cool down gradually.

"Tilan is so adorable, having her on stage feels like she's surrounded by a pack of wolves, let's slow down a bit."

"But... mmm..." Although Ruby wanted to argue, she slowly closed her mouth and sat down, conceding to Deloris's smile.

After all, Deloris was her generous sponsor and a good friend, so it was best not to upset her.

Afterward, Deloris sat down again next to Tilan, watching her seriously and meticulously adjust the guitar, practicing and playing slowly. The wind occasionally poured into the vehicle from the window, brushing through her and Deloris's hair, the happy laughter of people around, the mottled shadows of sunlight inside the truck, all of these formed a nostalgic scene.

If only it could continue like this, Deloris thought, then her thoughts slowly faded.

After completing their journey in Jielou City, the group headed toward another gathering point in the Northern Second District, 'Withered Tree Garden,' one of the few places in the district with relatively good public safety. On their way, they rarely encountered wandering individuals and bandits. As they drew closer to their destination, the horizon slowly revealed a vista filled with withering thickets.

The wind-dried trees, gnarled and twisted, lay scattered upon the earth, these weathered trunks were similar in color to the yellow soil, hard and brittle to the touch, and a gentle knock produced a 'thud thud' sound.

Large swathes of dried-up roots and trunks spread over fifty square kilometers of land, forming a sea of withered trees, and these collapsed trees, twisted and piled together, reached a height of six or seven meters. The black steel truck moved through them, like navigating a shadowy jungle of light and darkness. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

The scenery here was unique but exceptionally quiet, devoid of any living creatures, not even a mouse. The dry environment, the poisonous rainy season, had driven plants and animals away from this land, and if it weren't for the advanced technology of today, even humans would find it difficult to live in such a place.

The vehicle slowly entered the center of the Withered Tree Forest, finally coming to a stop at the interception of a group dressed in dark brown, the tree artisans.

"Hello, we have been entrusted by the Planetary Environmental Management Committee to come here for sample collection and inspection," a blonde girl in white jumped down from the vehicle and came forward to explain to the group. Although she left for a while, Efnie had returned to the team after convincing her family.

In the face of the credentials and identity Efnie presented, the leading tree artisan nodded slightly, their expressions hidden behind a dark veil.

"Follow me," he said, and led everyone toward the deeper part of the forest.

After passing through streets where withered trees had collapsed, the group finally began to see inhabited areas, with buildings similar in color to the ground, their shapes resembling plump seeds standing erect from the soil.

Along the way, they saw numerous tree artificers dressed in deep brown, withered leaf attire. They seemed to adhere to some ancient code, maintaining an ascetic and simple lifestyle, and rarely spoke loudly.

Reaching deep into the residential area, a giant building resembling an onion came into view. Its walls were made of countless withered trees that curved towards the center and then formed a dome.

Upon entering, they saw sunlight streaming through the nearly ten-story-high dome, illuminating the spacious interior. At the far end of their field of vision, a throne constructed from withered wood appeared, with an elderly man in white standing in front of it, his back to everyone, seemingly in deep meditation.

When he heard footsteps, he turned around, revealing a long gray beard, "Greetings, friends from afar."

"I am Augustasy Samedeculutus, a name probably difficult to pronounce, but you may also call me August."

"Hello, Mr. August," everyone nodded and then repeated their purpose for visiting.

"I have heard of you, whether it's the matter in Lebyon or the recent events at the old site of Jielou City." He waved his hand, signaling the tree artificers standing by to bring over tables and chairs. These furnishings were made of withered wood, their surfaces sanded smooth and utterly practical.

"Thank you for your contributions to the security environment in the Northern Second District. Regarding the sampling inspection, we will assist you with that. If you wish to visit and understand the situation within Withered Tree Garden, just say so. There is nothing here that needs to be concealed; everything can be laid out in the Sunshine." As he said this, Tilan felt a faint pride rising in the hearts of those around her.

"However, there is also a matter I would like to ask for your help with." After finishing his initial polite remarks, he mentioned the important part.

"Although we continue to persist here, the situation cannot be said to be very good, hence the need for some help."

"What kind of help are you referring to?" Tilan stepped forward, looking up at the tall old man.

"It is regarding plant breeding and future market channel issues." He sighed softly, seemingly troubled by such matters for a long time.

"You are from Edith Academy, aren't you? That place should have the most advanced instruments and research facilities in the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain. We have always struggled to improve our crops, to adapt to the peculiar environment here."

"There are also issues with sales. Although we produce some crops, due to transportation difficulties and market non-recognition, it has been very hard to make a profit."

"These issues are not simple, they are not something that a few students like us can solve." Deloris walked slowly forward, pulling on Tilan's sleeve, signaling her not to agree too hastily.

"Yes, I realize these issues might be somewhat presumptuous, but we can sign a reasonable agreement, offering sufficient compensation for your work," he said slowly, stroking his long beard.

"I understand. However, with my personality, I would like to more carefully observe your situation here before making a decision. Is that alright?" Tilan looked at the elderly man in front of her, feeling in her perception that the old man had not lied, but she still felt it was too casual to agree without witnessing it for herself.

"Not a problem. For the next week, we can take you on a detailed tour of our lives here; our cultivation, our sustenance. I believe after seeing everything, you will understand our difficulties and wishes." Several tree artificers bowed respectfully and then led them out through a side door.

Despite no longer being as glorious as in the past, these tree artificers still maintained a noble quality in spirit and action.

This was also the first time since entering the Northern Second District that the travelers faced a relatively simple and relaxed environment.