NOVPUBEarly October, more than a month had passed since they started their university studies.
"Regarding the learning of the Songstress's abilities, the three of you have actually outpaced the expected progress,"
In the spacious classroom, only four special students were being instructed by the teacher, an elf who sat in front of the piano, her hand gliding over the keys producing melodious notes as she conversed with the four new Songstress students before her. 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝒃.𝙘𝒐𝒎
"In the past, the rate of discovering and educating a Songstress would be similar to Blanchi's progress, but you three are quite precocious," she said, teasing the trio.
Upon hearing such an assessment, Blanchi felt her long-standing anxiety diminish significantly. The other three students had varied reactions; Ores nodded with an air of pride as if it were expected, Shui Yanqing smiled a knowing smile without revealing her thoughts, and Tilan tilted her head slightly, curious about what the past standards were.
"Generally speaking, Songstresses are discovered after their awakening, usually between the ages of 18 to 25. There are those who awaken at an older age, but they are rare."
"Awakening doesn't mean that a Songstress will immediately grasp all related abilities. In fact, this age range is precisely when they are undergoing Transcendent Sequence training and various kinds of knowledge acquisition, as well as entering a critical phase of socializing."
"With all sorts of trivial matters and arrangements to attend to, Songstresses wouldn't have ample time to train their Talent Abilities. Thus, it's only after several years of university that they gradually master all the basic abilities and become adept at using their Talents."
"But the three of you, one could say that you had fully mastered all the basic abilities of a Songstress even before starting university, and your use of the Talents is also very proficient."
"So, how should we arrange our studies now?"
"As for the advanced abilities and techniques related to Songstresses, it will be quite difficult for me to teach you, since I am not a true Songstress and do not possess such Talents. It requires instruction from some senior Songstresses," said the elf teacher.
"But as you are aware, Songstresses are involved in numerous matters on a routine basis, and those senior Songstresses cannot stay at the school to teach constantly. They can only make time out of their busy schedules to guide you all."
"During this time, you can examine records of past teachings, which even include precious materials left by Princess Isenisha. Of course, even with an immersive experience, it's not the same as having someone demonstrate and convey it in person. You will need to integrate with reality to become gradually proficient."
"As for the spare time after reviewing the materials, you can use it to perfect other aspects of your studies, such as cultural courses, Transcendent Sequence training, political subjects, and so on."
"Songstress is just an external description. Your true identity and role involve far more than just singing."
"Additionally, regarding the formation of a Star Cluster, you can start attempting it now."
Ores and Shui Yanqing seemed to have anticipated the teacher's words, having understood the schedule and circumstances of their university life early on. Only Blanchi and Tilan found this quite novel at the moment.
"Teacher, may I ask about the Star Cluster?" Tilan took the initiative to ask.
"You should have heard about it, as the rumors say. A Star Cluster is an organization entirely centered around an individual Songstress, different from the common clubs formed around certain goals or interests."
"As Songstresses, people will inevitably gather around you: followers, admirers, devotees, and the like. Even if you do not care for it, they will slowly form an organization. Rather than allowing such an organization to become uncontrollable and chaotic, it's better to keep it in your own hands."
"The school provides a platform for Songstresses to exercise such organizational skills and hopes you can start in a relatively safe environment. That's the reason for establishing your own Star Cluster."
"As for what to do after forming a Star Cluster, the focus in the early stage should be on improvement and opposition."
"Any organization that hasn't gone through the trials of real battle is just loose sand; the more intense the conflict, the more driven and united the organization becomes."
"Learning is ultimately theoretical, the battles in reality are far more complex and diverse than what books can convey. During this process, you will spontaneously and gradually master the application of your Songstress abilities in various aspects."
"Later on, in this conflict and training, your individual ways of conducting yourselves will also gradually stand out. Time acts as an amplifier; Songstresses who once seemed similar will show increasingly pronounced personality traits."
"Well, that's all I have to introduce for now. You can check the more detailed rules and contents in the school's internal system." Having finished, the elf beauty winked playfully and ended today's class with a bit of mischief.
After the teacher left, the classroom was left with only the four new Songstress students. Shui Yanqing leisurely took out her signature glass teapot, pouring out some refreshing tea. Through the glass, one could clearly see a small orange fish swimming among the large tea leaves, emitting a faint chill that made the tea taste even cooler and refreshing.
Ores glanced at it briefly before flipping open a box of pastries. On opening, each compartment of the nine-grid box contained a uniquely shaped sweet treat.
"Tilan, do you want to come over for a bite?" She always enjoyed sharing her things with this girl.
"Thank you."
Witnessing this scene, Tilan felt somewhat amused. Since the beginning of school, Ores and Shui Yanqing had been competing covertly, yet neither would admit it overtly. Even when going to lunch, everyone would sit together as if admitting it first meant losing face.
