The Queen of Scrolls never admits defeat

[The rewards for the graduation survival game and graduation exams have been distributed. All fifth-grade witches, please return to the Academy Castle via the portal before Independence Day to attend the graduation banquet.]

The fifth-grade witches in the outer area, who had just escaped another round of survival games, hadn't even had time to catch their breath when their {student cards} started vibrating simultaneously.

Sylvia leaned against the tree trunk, glanced down at the notice, and forced a weary smile: "Finally... it's over."

The bushes rustled nearby, and Tessa emerged, covered in dust and with a few withered leaves still clinging to her hair, but sporting her signature bright smile: "Hey! I finished all the exams! I even beat Warcraft on the last practice question!"

"You still have the strength to speak..." Dorella's voice came from the other side. She staggered closer, her robes stained with mud.

Evelyn was the last to appear. She walked slowly as always, but the weariness in her eyes was undeniable.

For the past two weeks, she has been struggling to cope with the endless survival game traps while also squeezing in time to complete her graduation exams. She has been so busy that she has barely slept.

“Let’s go,” Sylvia straightened up, “back to the academy.”

At the other end of the portal is a lounge next to the library, specially prepared for graduates.

Pushing open the door, you'll find a soft sofa and a large bed where all the little witches in the class are resting.

The four little witches went in without saying a word. They simply found a bed and lay down on it without saying a word.

“I declare,” Tessa’s voice muffled in the pillow, “that I’m going to sleep forever.”

"I second that," Dorella said softly.

Evelyn had already closed her eyes.

Sylvia lay on the bed closest to the window, gazing at the ceiling, and suddenly chuckled softly, "Time flies!"

When she woke up again, it was already Independence Day morning.

Tessa was sitting on the edge of the bed, swinging her legs listlessly.

Dorella leaned back on the opposite sofa, flipping through a book she'd pulled out from somewhere.

Evelyn was still asleep, breathing evenly.

"You're awake?" Dorella looked at her and said, "Perfect timing, we were just thinking about what to wear to the dinner party."

“Wear the school uniform,” Sylvia sat up and rubbed her eyes. “It was written in the notice.”

“I know, but I want to wear a nice shirt underneath!” Dorella gestured. “Mom said in her last letter that the graduation party is one of the most important occasions in a witch’s life, so I should dress up nicely!”

Tessa stroked her chin: "I want to change my headband! What style should I choose?"

Evelyn, who had woken up at some point, slowly replied, "You... you're only starting to think about this now... isn't it a bit late..."

"Not too late, not too late!" Tessa opened the card shop. "Come on, come on, let's take a look together!"

*
As evening fell, the auditorium doors opened, and soft light streamed out from inside.

The fifth-grade witches, dressed in their brand-new school robes, walked in in twos and threes.

Their steps were much more steady than five years ago, and their eyes held less naivety and more determination.

Sylvia and her three companions walked into the hall side by side.

In the main seat, the four deans, who looked exactly alike, sat there.

Even after five years, this scene still feels a bit strange to the younger generation of girls.

But Sylvia's gaze lingered on them for only a moment before being drawn to the dazzling array of food on the long table.

For two whole years, they lived a nomadic life in the outlying areas, tormented by various survival games and exams every day.

In order to prepare for what they would need after graduation, they were reluctant to spend gem coins to buy ingredients. Most of the time, they could only find food by gathering local materials in the mountains and forests.

At this moment, the tempting dishes, desserts, and drinks laid out before me are an absolute luxury.

"Gurgle~"

Someone's stomach growled first. Immediately afterwards, a chorus of swallowing sounds filled the air.

The deans on the stage had anticipated this scene, and simply smiled as they looked at them: "Let's begin."

This was a true feast.

At first, no one spoke; there was only the clinking of knives and forks and the occasional satisfied sigh.

It seems that the deficit of two whole years will be made up for in this one meal.

When everyone's stomachs were full and their expressions became satisfied and languid, the highlight of the banquet, the "hat-giving ceremony," finally arrived.

Moran stepped to the front of the stage and, like every previous dean, slowly recounted the origins of the ritual, as well as the story of the Life Weaving Technique and the Witch's Hat of the Dead.

The hall was extremely quiet. The little witches listened with their breath held, some with slightly reddened eyes.

When the last little witch put on her hat, the five years had finally come to an end.

Just then, Moran's lips curled up slightly.

Anyone familiar with her would immediately recognize that the curve of her hair was a sure sign of trouble.

Goodbye, children.

As soon as the words were spoken, the space in front of all the little witches distorted simultaneously, and a black hole-like teleportation channel suddenly opened!
Before they could react, their respective guardian deans appeared behind them, reached out, and gave them a forceful push.

"what--!!"

Screams rose and fell.

Sylvia felt a force coming from behind, and she fell uncontrollably into the darkness, tumbling and spinning, just like when she enrolled five years ago!
This time, however, no one will be thrown around in a daze.

Witch Town, on Spring View Island.

The adult witches gathered in twos and threes, holding wine glasses, and smiling as they watched the black holes in the sky twisting and taking shape.

"I'm coming!"

"First one! Wow, such a smooth landing? No fun, no fun..."

"The second one has also secured his position...tsk."

"These kids reacted really quickly, without showing any signs of being flustered."

"Ever since that mysterious headmistress who wishes to remain anonymous took office, the little witches' adaptability has improved year by year, and our fun has decreased year by year..."

"Absolutely! Back when we were spit out, it was so much fun!"

“These kids nowadays, sigh, so boring.”

A group of adult witches shook their heads and sighed, their tone filled with undisguised laughter and pride.

After landing steadily, Sylvia glanced back at the seniors who were still chattering away and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Sylvia!" Tessa's voice came from nearby. "Come quick! There's a campfire market over there!"

Sylvia walked over quickly, and soon Evelyn and Dorella also joined her there.

They moved through the crowd, stopping to look at every stall, playing until dawn.

Spring View Island gradually quieted down, and Sylvia gazed in the direction of the lakeside cottage.

Dorella fiddled with her newly switched-to-paid {Academy Card}: "My mom messaged me. They're having dim sum in the backyard! They want us to go back and check on them when we have time."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Tessa was eager to go home.

Although the little witch will have to live on her own after she grows up, and her mother's house is not necessarily her own home, it doesn't stop her from being eager to see her mother and talk to her about her plans after graduation.

After all, she hadn't seen her mother for five years. (End of Chapter)