Chapter 10: The First Step to Becoming a Secret Arts Practitioner

“Xiao Yao has arrived. Is this the child you spoke of?”

Within the office, the gentle voice of a kind old woman resounded.

“Indeed. I apologize for the slight delay.”

Lu Xingyao uttered, a hint of embarrassment coloring her tone.

Peering inside, Bai Yu observed an office starkly different from the typical leader’s space she had envisioned; this room exuded a distinct Western medieval ambiance.

Every piece, from the sturdy furniture to the framed paintings adorning the walls, conveyed a profound sense of historical gravitas.

Within the room, Bai Yu spotted two individuals she was intimately familiar with—or rather, she was familiar with them, while they likely held no recognition of her.

Both women were recognized beauties within the school. One, a captivating blend of Chinese and German heritage, was universally acknowledged as the campus belle. Yet, she maintained an exceptionally aloof demeanor, rarely engaging in conversation with others and completely disregarding the male students.

Whispers even circulated that the campus belle’s affections lay with girls, explaining her complete disinterest in men.

The other was the student council president, a figure about whom Bai Yu knew little, largely because she held no interest in organizations like the student council.

Upon seeing Lu Xingyao, neither woman’s expression shifted; both merely fixed their gazes directly upon Bai Yu.

Under the weight of their twin, burning gazes, Bai Yu felt a distinct unease, instinctively shrinking back and subtly concealing herself behind Lu Xingyao.

‘No, how did I become so timid? This is utterly mortifying.’

After a moment of contemplation, Bai Yu steeled herself and stepped forward.

“It’s quite alright. This child is indeed remarkably beautiful.”

The kind old principal offered Bai Yu a warm smile, radiating a benevolent and approachable aura.

“This is the newcomer you brought? Lu Xingyao, are you jesting? She’s so diminutive.”

The student council president, observing Bai Yu’s stature, remained skeptical, wondering if Lu Xingyao had perhaps ‘kidnapped’ a child.

“Xie Zhiyao, I advise you to speak with more gravity. This child is an adult!”

“An adult? Is that truly the case?”

Xie Zhiyao wore an expression of utter disbelief, questioning whether an adult could genuinely possess such a youthful appearance.

Bai Yu felt a flush of embarrassment. While her birthdate indeed indicated an older age, her current appearance undeniably made her age difficult to ascertain.

“Hmph, you old woman, just hold your tongue and go stew in your envy.”

“Who are you calling an old woman? Lu Xingyao, do not presume that recruiting a newcomer for the school grants you license to act with impunity!”

Xie Zhiyao’s brow furrowed, a clear indication that her relationship with Lu Xingyao was far from amicable.

Bai Yu glanced at the young woman beside her. The aloof campus belle, true to form, regarded Bai Yu with eyes devoid of discernible emotion.

“My name is Cecilia. Hello.”

The young woman extended her hand to Bai Yu. After a fleeting moment of surprise, Bai Yu reciprocated, their hands clasping together.

“I am Bai Yu.”

Bai Yu felt a surge of nervousness. The beautiful girl, with whom she had never exchanged a single word, had actually taken the initiative to greet her.

“Bai Yu?”

Cecilia’s expression subtly shifted, as if a sudden realization had dawned upon her.

“Is something amiss?”

Bai Yu inquired faintly, her voice imbued with a gentle softness.

“Nothing at all. It’s merely that your name bears a striking resemblance to someone I once knew.”

“Is that so? What a remarkable coincidence.”

A wave of embarrassment washed over Bai Yu. She had never imagined Cecilia would actually recognize her, having always assumed that, as a ‘little transparent,’ her existence was largely unnoticed.

Especially considering she was merely a transfer student.

“Alright, you two may step out for a moment. I wish to speak with Xiao Yao and this young one.”

The principal’s voice, neither rushed nor slow, carried an inexplicable, compelling charisma.

Cecilia and Xie Zhiyao both nodded. Before her departure, Xie Zhiyao cast a pointed glare at Lu Xingyao.

Bai Yu remained rooted to her spot. As Cecilia swept past her, she subtly slipped a small object into Bai Yu’s hand, unseen by anyone else present.

“Hm?”

Bai Yu instantly felt a pang of confusion, yet she refrained from speaking aloud, instead quietly tucking the item into her pocket.

‘It was Cecilia. What did she slip me?’

Bai Yu mused internally, but dared not retrieve it. She could only discern its shape by touch, feeling what seemed to be a small badge.

Once the two had departed, the principal invited Bai Yu and Lu Xingyao to take a seat.

“Xiao Yao has apprised me of your situation, Bai Yu. You transformed from male to your current self, correct? Rest assured, no one else is aware of this matter save for myself and Xiao Yao. After all, registering as a Secret Arts practitioner necessitates identity verification, otherwise she would not have disclosed it to me. I apologize on her behalf.”

“It’s quite alright, truly. I place my trust in you.”

Bai Yu hastily waved her hand. After all, Lu Xingyao had been instrumental in every step of her journey since becoming a witch, and she harbored no resentment towards her.

“That is excellent, excellent indeed. I’ve been told your transformation was precipitated by a book. Might I have a look at it?”

“Certainly.”

Bai Yu retrieved the book and extended it to the principal.

[This old woman is stronger than she appears; you must be cautious.]

The voice in her mind resonated, and it struck Bai Yu that even an entity of its caliber held such a high regard for the principal. Clearly, this principal was far from ordinary.

The principal accepted the book, donned her spectacles, and meticulously perused its contents. After a brief but thorough examination, she returned the volume to Bai Yu.

“There appears to be no danger of curses or similar perils. I surmise it’s likely that the Secret Arts documented within this book, combined with a particular substance, fortuitously triggered a spiritual awakening ritual, thus enabling your awakening without the aid of others.”

‘A witch’s spiritual core? This child is not simple.’

The principal’s mind incessantly revisited a memory: she had once encountered an individual possessing a witch’s spiritual core, and the sheer terror of that aura had haunted her ever since, making her reluctant to recall it.

“So, that is the truth of it. Does this mean I am now considered a Secret Arts practitioner?”

A thrill of excitement coursed through Bai Yu; she was finally poised to step through the enigmatic gates of the unknown.

[This old woman speaks with some insight, yet her words are not entirely precise. Consider it merely an opportunity to broaden your understanding.]

The Woman’s voice in her mind continued its sharp commentary, yet Bai Yu chose to disregard its presence.

“Indeed. Provided you sign this confidentiality agreement, refraining from using Secret Arts or revealing arcane knowledge to ordinary individuals, you shall otherwise be free to act as you wish. Furthermore, you must select your first general-purpose Secret Art.”

“Is that the case? Then I shall sign.”

Bai Yu did not refuse. After all, securing a legal and compliant identity was paramount for her current existence; she harbored a deep fear of being branded a heretic and purged by some clandestine organization.

The very name ‘witch,’ after all, carried a rather formidable and ominous ring, hardly conjuring images of a righteous figure.

“By the way, Moweila, are there any hidden pitfalls or curses embedded within this agreement?”

While she was inclined to trust the old woman, navigating a world teeming with mysterious entities necessitated an abundance of caution.

After all, the searing agony she had endured upon her transformation into a witch just two days prior remained vividly etched in her memory.

A lack of vigilance could easily lead to her demise, leaving her none the wiser as to its cause.

[No such elements have been detected. It appears to be merely a standard contract.]

“That is reassuring.”

Bai Yu affixed her signature, and after inputting a few pieces of information, her registration as a Secret Arts practitioner was officially complete.

‘It was much simpler than I anticipated.’

“Congratulations. You are now officially a First-Tier Secret Arts practitioner.”

“Next, you may select a general-purpose Secret Art that aligns with your abilities.”

The principal produced a comprehensive list, presenting it to Bai Yu for her selection.

However, the moment she took hold of the list, her thoughts were immediately overwhelmed by the bewildering array of diverse Secret Arts.

Not only were the categories and forms outrageously numerous, but some Secret Arts lacked Chinese names entirely, appearing solely as English abbreviations—some even further abbreviated.

‘How was she supposed to choose from all this?’