The Cornflower Witch

Book 3: Chapter 31: Black Kite Puppet

By the time Sylutia finished her studies in the Hall of Suspended Threads, a sliver of white had already appeared on the horizon.

Stepping out of the Inheritance Room, Sylutia was still thinking about the words Focalin had entrusted to her not long ago, as well as the business card she held in her hand. Seeing the string of titles listed on it, Sylutia realized that the two professors she met today were likely prominent figures within Rorik College.

Grateful for the selfless instruction from these two teachers, Sylutia carefully put away the two business cards and the badge, then walked out.

There weren't many people left in the main hall at this point. After a whole night of activities, even Transcendents were feeling a bit drowsy. Many had returned to rest or sleep, but those two enthusiastic senior students were still sitting in the hall waiting. Of course, they weren't just idly waiting; they were chatting and exchanging information.

"Hedra is out," one of them said upon seeing her, informing their companion. The two then stood up.

"I've kept you two seniors waiting," Sylutia said, slowly realizing that the two were likely the professors' students, specifically here to find her.

"It's nothing. How did your learning go, Hedra?"

"This one is a bit more difficult. I heard there's quite a bit of additional content to fill in later to construct a complete, perfect system," Sylutia relayed based on Focalin's explanation.

The girl beside her nodded repeatedly, seeming to understand deeply.

Because the Sensory Link Technique was used to assist in manipulating puppets and golems and was difficult to demonstrate alone, the two didn't ask for a demonstration now. Instead, they inquired about Sylutia's current situation."How many years have you been studying, Hedra, and how old are you now?"

"I only arrived in the Asra district last year. My current age... is probably 17," she recalled the setting for Hedra's identity.

"You only arrived last year? Wait, you said you're 17, and you only came last year. That means you've only studied in the Asra district for half a year?" Their mouths hung open.

"Um, that's correct," Sylutia carefully thought back, feeling this statement shouldn't have any flaws or issues.

"Then how long had you studied before coming to the Asra district?" The two couldn't help but ask again.

"I had studied some things related to Transcendent secret history before. However, regarding the Mage profession, it was only half a year before coming to the Mage Alliance. At that time, a reclusive Mage taught me the basics. He was from the Bionics School, so the first spell I learned was from that school," Sylutia answered honestly.

After listening, the two looked left and right at her, as if trying to discover what was different about this girl. Could this be a true genius? Among their peers, they were considered elites, but they never imagined there would be an even more remarkable junior.

Finally, they gave up thinking, only able to sigh with the sentiment that the world is vast and full of wonders.

"In that case, your learning speed must be extremely fast. Calculating it this way, you could start preparing to take the entrance exams for higher academies this year."

"The time is half a year from now. At that time, various major academies will release their annual exam standards and projects. Keep an eye on our college then and come directly to take the exam."

"I'll pay attention," Sylutia nodded. Although she might not necessarily come, she would indeed look at the admissions announcements and various exam contents of the different academies.

Afterwards, the three chatted a bit more. Seeing the sun was now out, Sylutia, as a visitor, was approaching the time to leave the school.

"Well then, we won't keep you any longer. Come visit again next time, Hedra," the two waved, watching the girl board the carriage once more.

"Goodbye," Sylutia sat inside the carriage, waving back at them.

Afterwards, the mechanical puppet's carriage slowly rose and then entered the sky, departing.

On the road.

Sylutia looked at the gift box on the table inside the carriage, feeling a bit curious.

This box wasn't small, roughly half her height. The black-blue paper box was wrapped with a silver-white ribbon tied into a bow, and a note was clipped on top, reading "To Miss Hedra~"

Taking the note off, Sylutia untied the ribbon and opened the box lid. A beautiful humanoid doll appeared. It had silver-white hair, an exquisite black formal gown, and movable arms and legs. It currently lay sleeping in the box, with a small booklet tucked beneath it.

【Black Kite Puppet】(Third Tier · Rare): A masterpiece from the Iris Workshop, a fine product from the same batch. Can be manipulated through various methods; see instructions for details. Can be used for combat, daily life, and companionship play. 【Serial Number: 0036】

With a curious gaze, Sylutia carefully picked up the doll, placed it in her arms, and examined it closely. She had to admit, this doll was made exquisitely. The silver hair was smooth, the face and arms were made of flexible material, and the small, delicate clothes were made of very good fabric, not even ordinary cloth.

After thoroughly checking the doll over, Sylutia then picked up the instruction manual inside the gift box and discovered a small, delicate short sword hidden beneath it, for the doll to use.

This sword was also forged from special metal, huh? It seemed to be Blue Iron? That is, metal of the same grade as Glittergold.

Opening the instruction manual, Sylutia read it carefully, gradually understanding this doll's manipulation methods and precautions.

First, it could be manipulated using Magical Threads. This would be like commanding those scarecrows, relying entirely on the manipulator's skill and Mental Power. Second, like other mechanical puppets, it could also be self-driven by placing a memory gem, completing many simple tasks. But if used for combat, it was best to use thread manipulation, as this could directly provide power.

After reading the instructions and various precautions, Sylutia picked up the doll again, carefully bringing her brow close to it to sense the special gem placed within. Slowly, her spirit established a connection with the internal gem. Then, she placed the doll on the table. As she connected threads to the doll's back, the doll slowly sat up and began to move simply.

Because the manipulator was Sylutia, she unconsciously used her own movement habits to command it. The result was that the doll in front of her seemed like a smaller version of Sylutia, with movements and demeanor very close to her own.

Afterwards, she tried to have the doll pick up that silver-blue cross-hilted longsword. As the gem in the hilt lit up, a faint fluorescent glow covered the blade, and this small doll gained a bit of imposing aura.

Let me see, what exactly can you do? Sylutia flipped to the back page of the manual again.

【Black Kite Puppet】(Third Tier · Rare)

Abilities: Levitation Flight Lv3, Cold Edge Blade Lv3, Frost Crystal Body Lv2, Iris Phantom Lv2

'Levitation Flight' and 'Cold Edge Blade' were easy to understand—one for flight, the other for enhancing the blade's lethality. 'Frost Crystal Body' utilized the doll's material property of hardening at low temperatures to enhance defense. The last one, 'Iris Phantom,' was a specialty of the 'Iris Workshop.' Most dolls produced by this workshop carried this ability, capable of creating simple illusions for display or confusing opponents.

Overall, this doll's actual combat power was roughly equivalent to that of an ordinary Second Tier creature. After all, it wasn't a real Third Tier being; it required continuous external power input, and its body strength was limited, not comparable to those wild Monsters or beastmen with 'Second Tier · Beast Fang.'

Yet, despite the aforementioned shortcomings, with the addition of its beautiful appearance and exquisite structural design, this type of doll remained widely popular. It was a luxurious gift exchanged among the middle and upper echelons of the Mage Alliance for their children.

The combat power it possessed was only considered for self-defense. Probably no one really intended to use this kind of doll for serious combat, right? Probably?