Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

This immense pattern resembled gears, yet its center was interlaced with various components, riveted together, with different data symbols embossed within the gears, presenting an overall image of orderly, aesthetic organization.

"Are you surprised?" High Priest asked as Tilan stood beneath the wall gazing up.

"This is a legacy of the Mechanical Council, or to be precise, a legacy of the humans from the era of splendor."

"The era of splendor was when the Mechanical Council overcame other factions, marking humanity's first venture into the Milky Way. By that time, most humans had largely completed their mechanization, and ultimately ascended into the Aijieka Sea to become higher-dimensional beings."

"Although the Crown later shattered due to the Tidal Disaster of the Aijieka Sea, leading to the fall of civilization, many of their creations were left behind."

"By the way, I forgot to tell you, the 'Sun of Divine Wings' are their descendants. Under the enlightenment of the 'Sun of Divine Wings,' human civilization sprouted anew, and then came the distant First Era."

"The history of ancient times is extensive; today's lesson is probably too much to cover in one sitting. Come with me now; there are still many waiting for you."

"Yes."

Following the High Priest through multiple checkpoints, Tilan descended deep below this planet's surface.

Although underground, this place was anything but oppressive, with an open view revealing a gigantic human-shaped weapon in slumber some hundreds of meters tall—its eyes alone were larger than Tilan.

"What are these?" She could sense that these gigantic human-shaped weapons were not inanimate objects.

"These are 'God Mimicking Machines,' the strongest individual weaponry within the Federation, or you can refer to them as 'Titans,'" explained the Priestess beside her.

As the elevator continued to descend, they arrived at the level of the Titans' chest, and Tilan could feel the immense energy emanating from it, akin to standing beneath the direct rays of the Sun, bringing an intensely scorching sensation.

A pale blue light shielded the heat source, and the Priestess behind her inquired of Tilan.

"Are you alright? This area can be slightly uncomfortable as even in a dormant state, the core of these Titans emits a tremendous amount of Magic Power. They are mechanical life forms of Sequence Nine, albeit not entirely complete."

Sequence Nine...

Even as the elevator proceeded downward, Tilan couldn't help but glance back at the slumbering mechanical giants, entranced by the overwhelming impression of physical and magical might.

Finally, arriving at the planetary core, the group came to a halt.

They were in a spherical world underground, with an immense golden tree supporting the spherical metallic shell, surrounded by rows and rows of desks and chairs. It was here that the Central Council, well-known and watched over by the Federation's citizens, held its meetings.

"We've arrived."

High Priest, along with four accompanying Priests, led Tilan towards the tree. It wasn't a time for a council meeting, so only seven or eight council members were present.

"Welcome back, High Priest Xion." One of the council members casually greeted, then his gaze shifted to the dark-haired girl behind him.

"This must be Miss Tilan."

"Correct, she is the newly awakened Songstress." High Priest Xion nodded, his gaze sweeping over the council members in the hall.

"If you wish to observe, please step back."

"Of course." The members were quite familiar with the procedure, retreating to sit in the back rows around the table.

Seeing this, High Priest Xion nodded slightly, then approached the tree, placing his hands upon it, eyes closed in concentration.

Soon, the crown of the tree glowed with a faint golden warmth, followed by golden leaves, like light itself, fluttering down, flickering before vanishing into the air.

Not long after, the grand doors of the council opened, and Priests wearing white robes with the Golden Flame Badge walked in. They took positions according to a specific layout, which, viewed from above, resembled the pattern of a Rose.

Clearly, these were those who followed Isenisha's legacy, swearing to safeguard the Federation's integrity, and who dedicated their lives to fulfilling the vow of the 'Golden Flame Flower.'

The ripples from the great tree continued to spread, touching the Priests and causing a faint golden glow to rise before grand symbols began to manifest under their feet.

The hall's pattern became brighter and clearer, as a divine radiance enveloped the spherical space, purging all impure Magic Power.

Finally, the High Priest slowly opened his eyes, extending his hand to Tilan, motioning for her to come forward.

"Place your hand on the trunk, then follow me as I recite the vow."

"Yes."

Tilan walked towards the sacred golden tree, stepping upon the dais. Along the way, one Priest draped a white robe edged with golden flowers over her, another handed her a small star-shaped wand, a third enveloped her in a sheer golden veil, and a fourth presented her with a bundle of tied golden Roses.

When she reached the foot of the sacred golden tree, she knelt on one knee, clutching the flowers in one hand and placing the other upon the trunk.

"Under the sacred tree, with the gaze of our ancestors upon me, and witnessed by countless people, I vow," High Priest began.

"Under the sacred tree, with the gaze of our ancestors upon me, and witnessed by countless people, I vow," Tilan echoed softly.

"I will use my abilities to make this nation, this civilization, this Milky Way, even more beautiful, peaceful, and prosperous," he continued, and then it was Tilan's turn to repeat.

"I will use my abilities to make this nation, this civilization, this Milky Way, even more beautiful, peaceful, and prosperous."