Otaku Witch

"Thank you for your patronage, we look forward to your next visit."

Across the Santukawa river, Ibuki Yuuki and Aoandon supported each other ashore, while the broad-hearted Miss Ferryman cheerfully spoke to them.

"No, if possible, I don't want there to be a next time."

Miss Oiran and Miss Demon shook their heads repeatedly.

There absolutely can't be a next time.

This trip to the Underworld Yellow Springs was a special privilege guided by an esteemed figure, if they come again, it might truly be a case of True Death.

Besides, the experience of crossing the river really wasn't that great.

They turned to look at the weakened Kamo Tadayuki lying on the ground, crawling like a caterpillar, feeling apprehensive.

The river water of Santukawa was truly poisonous, even though they hadn't been submerged like the Great Onmyoji, the water only reached their calves, but the feeling was still unpleasant.

The chilling poison of the river gnaws at the bones and infiltrates, seemingly disregarding differences in strength, causing true harm.

Even with their decent power and strong Soul Bodies, after the boat journey, their legs trembled, calves numb, and only with mutual support could they stand stably.

They really weren't keen on experiencing this feeling many times over.

However, satisfaction often comes from comparison, and just seeing Kamo Tadayuki curled like a bug on the ground gave them, especially Ibuki Yuuki, a feeling of delight.

Furthermore, even though this Great Onmyoji was very miserable, no one present would have any sympathy for her.

As everyone gathered, they set off again, Miss White Impermanence coldly tugging the chains, dragging the incapacitated Soul Body of Kamo Tadayuki along the ground.

Although Miss Ferryman had previously promised the next stop was Yama's Palace, what appeared before them was an enormous city instead.

As they reached the city gates, Dorothy looked up at the gate and noticed the plaque inscribed with the words "City of Unjust Deaths".

"Originally, the underworld contained no city; the Souls of the Witch would directly enter Yama's Palace, receive Yama's judgment, determining if they should reincarnate or be sent to Hell for punishment.

However, as it turned out, many witches had actually died unjustly; their lifespan was still ample, far from needing reincarnation."

"So, with the increase of such unjust deaths, this large city appeared."

"Here, the souls can live almost as they did when they were alive until their lifespans are spent."

The Good Sister continued to explain.

Upon hearing this, Dorothy nodded.

Even if witches couldn't extend their lives as a Great Witch, they still have a lifespan of a thousand years, but ultimately, few witches die of natural causes; most perish on the battlefield or during duels.

Outside in the Great Underworld, there are similar cities for the dead, but external witches can resurrect; those eligible for resurrection quickly leave the city, and those unable to resurrect opt for reincarnation early.

Only those who aren't ready to die or who are close to gathering enough resources for resurrection choose to stay and wait for the opportunity.

Japan has always been somewhat closed off, unlike the warfare-loving external witches eager to rush onto the battlefield upon graduation; for such a place to have such a large City of Unjust Deaths seems peculiar.

Nonetheless, recalling encountering numerous "Rebellious Officials and Traitors" plotting rebellion upon arriving in Japan for a few days, Dorothy suddenly found it reasonable.

Indeed, if the world weren't difficult to live in and people were struggling to survive, who would bother to orchestrate a rebellion?

Moreover, a few rebellious officials might just be ambitious, but if a bunch of people are planning to rebel, then there's certainly a significant problem.

Japan's situation is truly long-standing resentment.

The group walked into the city unchallenged by gatekeepers.

Entering the gate, Dorothy's first impression was just how darn crowded it was.

Even from the outside, she'd sensed it was a huge city, but on stepping inside, it felt cramped, with the streets packed with people.

Such a spectacle reminded Dorothy of her past life's memories of holiday visits to famous shopping streets; the scene in the City of Unjust Deaths now had that feeling.

After crossing the city gate, a broad road stretched before them, evidently the main avenue leading to the city's center.

Alongside the avenue were various shops, their entrances adorned with decorations like red lanterns, looking quite beautiful.

Shop owners enthusiastically invited passersby inside, and amidst the civilians were families and playful children weaving through the crowds.

Ah, what a prosperous and flourishing scene.

If this were the mortal realm, then indeed, this would be far more bustling than Heian-kyo, the most vibrant city in Japan.