The Warden of The Witches

Inquisition Bureau

Aiden leaned on his cane, standing at the intersection, gazing towards the somewhat aged colossal structure not far away.

Neatly arranged narrow windows adorned the gray walls, and the spire, reminiscent of a clock tower, was painted in a dark red hue. At first glance, the architectural style didn't differ much from urban public buildings like the city hall, just a bit darker in color.

However, the imposing walls, and the sentry posts surrounding the building, also an officers in trench coats with rifles standing at the entrance emphasized the strict atmosphere, warning against the approach of unrelated individuals.

The reason was spelled out on the sign to the left of the main gate: Inquisition Bureau.

Aiden walked through the gate, and the guards recognized him, immediately greeting him, "Captain, it's been a while. How about a drink tonight?"

"No, i still have work to do. Is the old man in the office today?" Aiden replied calmly.

"He should be, haven't seen him go out yet."

Aiden walked straight into the gate, skipping the usual registration procedures.

This was Aiden's workplace, or rather, the former owner of this body's workplace. The previous Aiden held the position of a senior investigator here, essentially a superior judge.

In this world, the Inquisition bureau was an armed organization associated with both the military and the police, somewhat comparable to the special armed police in Aiden's previous life.

Unlike the religious persecution activities of hunting innocent women as witches and burning them at the stake in Aiden's previous world, in this world where black magic, magical creatures, and even evil gods existed, Inquisition bureau was a very serious matter.

The Inquisition bureau is tasked with investigating, suppressing, and apprehending criminal activities involving black magic and other supernatural forces beyond human capabilities. They cautiously combat a variety of supernatural powers, maintaining the order essential for human survival.

Given the nature of the job, serving here often doesn't guarantee a long life, especially for frontliner, who face a significantly higher mortality rate than other organizations.

In order to survive in this world, Aiden managed to secure a transfer to work in the prison. However, he couldn't completely sever ties with his previous unit.

Firstly, the nature of the Inquisition bureau meant that the majority of prisoners in the core area of the Rose Prison would pass through here. Secondly, to obtain approval for the transfer, he still acted as auxiliary personnel, additionally assisting the Inquisition with the task of guarding Mephilia.

After resolving the incident involving the Melusine, Aiden found another connection to his former unit. After Inheriting abilities that was strictly controlled by the Inquisition from Evangeline, he was obliged to regularly report his whereabouts to them.

While he could have used his past connections to handle these routine procedures through letters, this time he had a reason that required a face-to-face discussion.

After exchanging greetings with some former colleagues along the way, Aiden reached the door of the director's office and knocked.

"Come in," a deep voice emanated from inside.

Aiden pushed the door open, greeted the office's occupant with a bright smile, "I've come to see you, Director. How have you been lately?"

Behind the desk sat an elderly man with gray-white hair, a face with sharp edges that exuded authority without anger. The unnatural murky gray color of the man's left eye and a horrifying scar running from his forehead through the eyelid to the cheek were overshadowed by the muscles seemingly about to burst out of his uniform.

Harold, the director of the Inquisition bureau in Silver City, was Aiden's former boss and, one could say, the professional mentor of the previous Aiden.

For Aiden, summarizing the elderly man before him in a single sentence would be: a visibly tough guy... no, a tough old man.

The exaggerated muscles and the role dedicated to eradicating heresy always made Aiden think of those old paladins who could swing a several dozen-kilogram warhammer with a howling wind or martial arts monks who could shout "Great Dragon's Wrath" while smashing demons with a palm.

The grizzled director glanced indifferently at the enthusiastic young man who greeted him, his expression calm. With a clear and round tone, he uttered a single word, "Leave."

"Don't be so harsh on your former subordinates,"

Aiden replied nonchalantly, and sitting down on the sofa without feeling awkward. He had a reasonable understanding of Harold's tough exterior but soft heart.

"You've already climbed the ranks and made a fortune. Why bother getting close to me now?" Harold retorted somewhat irritated.

After leaving the Inquisition, Aiden and Harold no longer had a hierarchical relationship. Especially after Aiden became the warden in Rose Prison, the distinction became even more apparent.

The Rose Prison and the Inquisition were not part of the same system. Looking solely at the public service rank, the warden of Rose Prison and the director of the Inquisition bureau in Silver City were essentially equals.

"At least climbing the ranks shows my dedication," Aiden smiled.

"What's the problem today? Spit it out quickly," Harold impatiently waved his hand.

Aiden didn't waste words, simply handed over the prepared application letter.

Harold opened the envelope, glanced at the contents, and casually tossed the paper aside. "Using control abilities to collaborate with mounted police against the gangs? If you're so free, why not come back to your old job?"

"I have my reasons for doing this, it's written in the document..."

Aiden began explaining, but Harold impatiently cut him off. "Do whatever you want, I don't want to deal with it. Just don't create problems for me."

"Thank you, Director," Aiden smiled, understanding that this meant approval.

To execute the plan, he needed to inform the Inquisition beforehand to avoid unnecessary trouble later.

"After you left, fewer and fewer people applied to join. At this rate, sooner or later, I might have to get my old bones back on the front line..." Harold complained while taking out a cigar and placing it in his mouth.

In Harold's eyes, Aiden, once a rising star greatly expected by him, seemed to have lost his nerve after being injured in an assassination attempt. A quick move to transfer to the prison for "retirement" appeared to Harold as an act of cowardice.

"You're still in your prime—" Aiden began.

"Enough with the smooth talk, disappear. I can't stand seeing your face," Harold glared at him.

"Then I'll take my leave," Aiden tipped his hat.

As he was about to leave, Harold suddenly added, "By the way, if you have the chance, go visit Rebecca. She's currently on medical leave."

"Rebecca... What happened to her?" Aiden was taken aback.