The original work is a short light novel by Shiraishi Jounari. In 2019, it was adapted into a manga with characters by Azuru, and an anime adaptation is scheduled to begin airing in October 2020. The main character, Elaina, is inspired by a book called "Nike's Adventures" and dreams of becoming a witch and traveling. After becoming a witch, Elaina visits various places and people during her journey, and each story is generally self-contained in one episode. Additionally, "Lilielle and the Land of Prayer," published by GA Bunko, is a sequel that continues the worldview of this work. In this article, we would like to introduce the witches in this work in as easy-to-understand a way as possible.
Witches are the highest rank among those who can use magic.
While the ability to use magic is largely determined by genetics, it is somewhat determined at birth. Those who can use magic are classified as witches, apprentice witches, and mages, from top to bottom. It is generally said that women tend to be more skilled in magic. Female mages can become apprentice witches by passing a promotion exam. Apprentice witches apprentice under a real witch and, if recognized, are given a witch's brooch and a witch's name, becoming witches. While some men are skilled in magic, regulations prohibit them from becoming witches or apprentice witches.
The promotion exam is extremely difficult
The promotion exam to become an apprentice witch from a mage is extremely difficult, with only one successful candidate per attempt. Elaina, who passed the exam on the first try at age fourteen, is considered quite an accomplished individual. Most people who become witches take the exam multiple times before finally achieving their dream. While Elaina certainly struggles, perhaps it's only natural for a human being to be unhappy with Elaina, who appears to have passed with ease from the outside...
Magic School for Aspiring Witches
While there was no Royal Magic School in Robetta, where Elaina lived, there is one in Royal Celesteria. Here, students can study the magic required to become a witch, and Elaina's mentor, Fran, also teaches there. The rules seem surprisingly relaxed, like not firing Fran after she took a year off without permission (lol).
A World Where Witches and Commoners Coexist
While witches are generally portrayed as fearsome and despised, in this work they are portrayed as noble beings who help people with their special powers. Treatment varies slightly depending on the country, but in this world, magic is not considered heresy, so witches are not surprised. There are also witch discounts and people are often given preferential treatment, and those who work hard to become witches can receive certain benefits. However, being a witch does not necessarily mean that they receive all kinds of preferential treatment. Witches try to fly as low as possible to avoid fatigue. However, if everyone flies too low, traffic jams can occur, potentially resulting in accidents and civilians being involved. To prevent this, Celesteria places obstacles between buildings to prevent people from flying too low. Instead, the buildings are all the same height, making it easier for witches to fly. Both witches and civilians live together in mutual respect.
A Simple Explanation of the Witches in This Series
What did you think? In the past, there were persecutions such as "witch hunts," and witches were often viewed as heretics and hated, but that's not the case in "Witch's Journey." Witches are the pinnacle that wizards should strive for. The main character, Elaina, aspires to become a witch in order to achieve the noble goal of traveling around the world. It will be interesting to see how witches other than Elaina and Flan will appear in the future!
