Book / Novel
Description
In a world where the once-exclusive art of magic has been made available to the general populace, its proliferation has not only advanced civilization but also sparked an explosion of magical crime. The kingdom of Las Rilte, overwhelmed by offenses ranging from mental manipulation to life-draining murders, establishes a Magical Crime Investigation Bureau to combat these threats. Among its dedicated investigators is Rogue Macabesta, a sharp and pragmatic officer known for his willingness to get his hands dirty. Through the scheming of his superior, Veradonna, Rogue is reassigned to the notorious Sixth Precinct—a secretive unit that operates in the shadows. The Sixth Precinct's mandate is extreme: it harnesses the power of the very witches who once nearly destroyed the kingdom to pursue and bring down other magical criminals.

These witches are the most dangerous beings in the world, each possessing cataclysmic destructive potential. To suppress their abilities, they are bound by special collars that limit their magic and keep them under constant surveillance. Rogue is paired with Miseria, the "Puppeteer" or "Doll Demon," a witch of doll-like beauty who openly declares that her only desire is amusement. Miseria delights in toying with Rogue, testing his limits with a mix of charm, provocation, and unsettling insight. Despite his distrust, Rogue must rely on her expertise to solve cases that stump ordinary means.

The first major plotline revolves around the Lifetaker, a serial killer who drains the life force from young men, leaving behind mummified corpses. With the official investigation stalled, Rogue and Miseria form an uneasy alliance, navigating a web of psychological warfare, violent confrontations, and twisted loyalties. Their volatile partnership becomes the core of the story, reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs in its dynamic between a determined investigator and a dangerous, brilliant captive. The first volume builds to a climax that redefines the meaning of the titular collars, delivering a sharp, thematic payoff.

In subsequent volumes, the narrative expands beyond the first case. Volume 2 picks up after a shocking turn: Miseria apparently lost her life in the battle against the Lifetaker, but Rogue discovers she is alive and now free, no longer bound by a collar. A new terrorist investigation draws him into a conflict where clues point back to Miseria’s hidden actions, forcing Rogue to grapple with his own complicity and the blurred line between justice and corruption. Volume 3 continues exploring the aftermath, introducing new magical threats and deepening the relationships among the witches of the Precinct, each with their own dangerous agendas and haunted pasts.

The setting blends modern technology—cars, firearms, forensic methods—with a magic system that is both a convenience and a weapon, creating a distinctive urban fantasy atmosphere. The Sixth Precinct itself is a world within a world, a prison and a headquarters where multiple witches—each with unique powers and personalities—are held and occasionally deployed. The narrative is driven by clever dialogue, layered mysteries, and a constant tension between cooperation and manipulation. Central themes include the nature of justice when fighting fire with fire, the meaning of trust between captor and captive, and the question of whether true freedom is ever possible for those branded as monsters.
Information
Witches Can't Be Collared
魔女に首輪は付けられない
Type: Book / Novel
Date: 02/09/2024
Categories
Settings
FantasyMystery
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Comment(s)
Staff
  • Story
    Yūri Yumemi
  • Translation
    Andrew Cunningham
  • Editing
    Leilah Labossiere
  • Illustration
    Wata
  • Design
    Andy Swist