SHK CH 493 *GTP edited version* (Patreon)

(AN: So like I said this is the chapter after I asked GTP to edit it. I would like to have your opinion on wether you like this version more or my own edited version more;)

This world was beautiful.

It resembled a place straight out of a grim fairy tale, combining elements of fantasy and steampunk, with a style reminiscent of the Victorian era. The city, though beautiful, seemed to lack a cohesive plan, resulting in a feeling of chaos and disjointed rules.

No thoughts seemed to have been given to the city's future expansion. The roads appeared unplanned, and the buildings lacked any uniformity among them. It almost felt like each structure was an imposition of someone's presence rather than part of a harmonious cityscape.

Salem was enormous, rivaling the size of Lustburg's capital, capable of accommodating millions of people with ease.

“So, how does it feel to be the first man to enter this place?” Ambrosia asked, prompting Sol to take a deep breath.

While not the Astral realm, the concentration of Mana here was nearly equal. For someone who had felt constrained by the scarcity of mana in the mortal world, it was like a whale being set free from an aquarium back into the ocean.

It was liberating, both exhilarating and overwhelming.

“Both fulfilling and empty,” Sol replied, his eyes critically scanning the city's infrastructure, a gesture that elicited a chuckle from Ambrosia.

“The city is too vast. Many facilities that would be essential in a normal city become useless here. Yet, in terms of numbers, we are barely a few digits,” she said, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “This city is both a dream and a nightmare for us. It constantly reminds us of our insignificance and our struggle to grow. As a result, we compensate by creating progressively larger infrastructure.”

Watching the city pained her heart.

The witches were the result of Ambrosia's selfish desire not to be alone. She had cursed thousands of young women throughout the years, seeking to create her own family and grow stronger. Many had died due to reaching their power's limit or engaging in battles.

“Your city is beautiful,” Sol said, surprising Ambrosia with his grin. “You may wear a gloomy expression, but I don't believe the witches resent you. They willingly bit the poisoned apple, fully aware of the consequences.”

He gestured with his hands, “Moreover, I've resolved the issue of energy absorption, and I'll work on the matter of procreation. Soon, becoming a witch will have no disadvantages, right?”

Expanding his arms, he continued, “Imagine this place bustling with women of all ages, studying magic and deciding whether to become witches out of pride and joy, rather than despair. It will be a sight to behold!”

Ambrosia was bemused, but soon a smile appeared, replacing the earlier gloom.

“We haven't even formed an alliance yet, and you're already making plans for my city.”

“Heh. I believe knowledge should be shared. Even beyond magic, witches are perhaps the greatest scientists in this world.”

Sol had a grand vision, picturing a new generation of children from Lustburg, boys and girls, coming to Salem as students. They would grow, learn, and become true scientists, armed with knowledge and discipline.

This dream could either be glorious or catastrophic. He needed to be cautious.

Flying with Ambrosia, they approached the city's center. Along the way, Ambrosia explained the organization of the witches, ensuring that everything functioned smoothly despite the witches' individuality and independence.

Salem had four major organizations:

1. The Hunters or Executioners, tasked with eliminating witches who deviated from their destined path, directly under Kali's control.

2. The Judges, responsible for adjudicating criminal and civil cases and deciding whether a witch's sin warranted being put on the hunting list. This department was overseen by Persephone.

3. The Finance Department, with complete control over the council's funds and their allocation to needy witches' projects. Promising but impoverished witches received these funds, which would be withdrawn if they failed to deliver results. Freya led this department.

4. The Council of Wise Women, also known as the Council of Walpurgisnacht, convened regularly to establish regulations and handle everyday witch affairs. This department was technically under the control of Medea.

Ambrosia revealed that she ensured full control over each essential position.

“In fact, the council was more of Persephone’s idea. She said that if the witches did not have the feeling of being able to control their destinies, this would only breed resentment.”

This was how the Council of Wise Women came into being.

To ensure fairness, all council members had to hide their features during official duties and refrain from revealing their identities during their terms. Only the five great witches knew their identities.

Any witch specializing in prediction, analysis, or administration could be chosen by Ambrosia to join the council for a term of fifty years. Although there were no limits to the number of times a witch could be selected, no witch could hold the position for more than two consecutive terms. Afterward, she had to wait one hundred and fifty years before being eligible for the role again.

“While not all witches get to experience holding the reins of power, enough do, which helps all the witches accept our rules more readily.”

Moreover, Ambrosia and the other four never acted as if they were above everyone else, despite their immense power.

“In the past, Medea was extremely respected and held absolute power in the council. But nowadays…”

After the incidents with Jupiter and Medea's subsequent thousand-year seclusion, her influence had diminished.

“Anyways, now we are here.”

They landed, and Adam observed a procession of women dressed in black emerging from the tallest tower.

“Why does everyone have a statue?”

In the center of Salem, towering above all other structures, proudly stood the Cathedral of Wisdom. In front of it, a large plaza housed a sculpture of a beautiful woman wearing a witch hat that concealed her features, with a large snake coiled around her. In her right hand, she held a large book.

Clearly, this was a depiction of Ambrosia, and the living Ambrosia coughed slightly, attempting to hide her embarrassment.

“I didn't commission this,” she said in defense.

Sol laughed, then shifted his focus back to the group of ten witches standing before him.

They seemed like a dark Inquisition cult, but their small stature made the situation particularly amusing.

Eventually, one of the witches stepped forward, clasping her hands together, “Welcome to our city. We are honored to receive the Dragon Emperor.”

‘Dragon Emperor rather than Prince of Lustburg, huh.’

Sol grinned. This was going to be fun.