Shasta

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Shasta (夏斯塔)
Alias(es)	Nightmare Witch Shasta 27
Species/Race	Witch
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Witch Forest; later allied with and protected by Romain's faction 251 252
Occupation/Role	Leader and field operative of the Witch Forest; protector of fellow witches 246 301
Status	Active 433
First Appearance	Chapter 10 10

Background / History

Shasta entered Sigg Town aboard merchant Morey's ship while searching for an awakened witch. After three fruitless days, she rejected Morey's caution and conducted her own covert investigation, using smoke and dream magic to question sleeping townspeople. The search led her to Gevra, a young witch hiding deep in the mountains. Her distrust of nobles and the Church stemmed in part from a witch being publicly burned in Grand Duke Armor-Splitting's territory six years earlier. 11 23

She found Gevra living in a makeshift mountain shelter and tried to bring her to the Witch Forest, where she believed other witches could help control Gevra's misfortune power. Shasta remained patient with Gevra's terror and self-loathing, but became prepared to take her away by force when persuasion failed. Their escape was interrupted by Romain Armor-Splitting and a magical-beast wolf pack. 19 21 23 25

After Gevra chose to remain in Sigg Town, Shasta accepted the decision only after Romain promised Gevra protection through a Noble's Contract. She warned Romain that she would hold him accountable if Gevra were mistreated, then departed with the Monster Beast Witch to locate and train another newly awakened witch for the Witch Forest's Godslaying Operation. 27 29

During the northern campaign, Shasta intervened against the Papacy's Demon Hunter Knights and nearly killed the Dawn Knight Keton. In the same conflict, she later stated that she broke Keton's spine, while Frost Witch Valia's tribe was annihilated. 54 434

The Witch Forest subsequently lost more than ninety percent of its combat strength in its attack on the Holy City and was forced into flight. As its leader, Shasta directed the surviving witches away from bounty hunters and mercenaries, arranged medical support for the critically injured Valia, and searched for missing members such as Margaret. 246 251

Two years after her first encounter with Romain, Shasta brought displaced Witch Forest survivors to Origin City. She disclosed the Forest's former alliance with Alster, the Prophet's destiny-related powers, and the witches' desperate need for a stable refuge. When Romain offered protection in exchange for loyalty, Shasta agreed to consult her sisters. 251 252

Appearance

Shasta is a striking, fair-skinned witch with black hair, bright red lips, and a cool, dignified bearing. She is frequently seen in a black robe and maintains a serious, distant expression that reinforces her intimidating presence. 10 285 302 416

• Fair chin and vivid red lips visible beneath her hood 10
• Clear, cold face and refined features 285 416
• Bright eyes described as ruby-like 251 416
• Usually wears a black robe and keeps herself notably clean even while fleeing 10 252

Personality

Shasta is resolute, protective, and intensely loyal to witches as a whole. She was raised in the Witch Forest under the instruction that sisters should be protected from meaningless sacrifice; this principle drives her actions toward Gevra, Margaret, Valia, and the Forest's other survivors. 21 29 301

Her determination can become reckless. In Sigg Town, she disregarded Morey's concerns about exposure and searched alone despite the danger of drawing the Church's attention. However, she is not needlessly cruel: when confronting Gevra, she restrained her anger and adjusted her approach because forcing the frightened child too harshly could trigger her unstable power. 11 21

As the Witch Forest's circumstances deteriorate, Shasta becomes more pragmatic. She recognizes that witches need powerful rulers without allowing themselves to become expendable tools, a warning imparted by her mentor. Her eventual loyalty to Romain is rooted in securing survival and shelter for her sisters rather than abandoning her responsibility to them. 216 252 363

Shasta is knowledgeable but has difficulty reading people and navigating Romain's manner of communication. She is neither skilled at flattery nor naturally suited to administrative planning, preferring direct protection, combat, and the practical care of witches. 357 395

Abilities & Skills

Nightmare Magic

As the Nightmare Witch, Shasta manipulates black smoke and can intrude upon dreams to obtain information.

• Can put ordinary people to sleep and question them within their dreams 11
• Uses smoke to conceal herself while entering homes and moving through Sigg Town 11
• Can create a dense smoke wall to obstruct pursuit 11
• Her smoke-based mobility and concealment make her difficult for archers to target 25

Close-Quarters Combat

Shasta is a capable combat witch who combines spellcasting with dual short swords.

• Carries and fights with two short swords 23
• Killed a magical mountain deer by cutting its throat after drawing the creature away from Gevra 23
• Channels thick black smoke through her blades during combat 23
• Was assessed as physically no weaker than a third-tier War Knight 25
• Nearly killed the Dawn Knight Keton during the northern conflict; she later stated that she severed his spine 54 434
• Must still avoid direct battlefield engagements with War Knights when possible 178

Leadership and Witch Forest Knowledge

Shasta serves as a decisive leader among displaced witches and possesses extensive knowledge inherited from the Witch Forest and its Prophet.

• Directs the witches' movements while they are pursued by bounty hunters and mercenaries 246
• Organizes aid for injured allies, including returning Valia to the northern lands for treatment 246
• Understands the Witch Forest's history, its former alliance with Alster, and the Prophet's ability to perceive hidden trajectories of destiny 251
• Advises Romain about magical dangers, including rumors surrounding excessive magical knowledge and Nether Dreams 415 416

Equipment

• Two short swords — Her primary close-combat weapons; she can shroud them in black smoke. 23
• Black robe — Used to conceal her identity while traveling through human settlements. 10

Relationships

• Gevra — Former apprentice and younger witch whom Shasta sought to rescue from the mountains. Although Gevra chose to remain with Romain, Shasta continues to regard her as a little sister and respects that she is safer there. 21 27 254
• Romain Armor-Splitting — Initially confronted him over Gevra and distrusted him as a noble. Later negotiated refuge for the Witch Forest, pledged her life to his cause, and became one of his close protectors; their relationship also becomes intimate. 24 252 302 363
• Morey (Moray) — Merchant who transported Shasta to Sigg Town and later aided the fleeing witches. Their cooperation is marked by frequent arguments over secrecy and risk. 10 11 132
• Margaret — Fellow seated witch whom Shasta protects closely due to the dangers of her blood magic and unstable mental state. 300 301 325
• Leona / Lord Thunder — Shasta's mentor, the Thunder Witch, whose final guidance emphasized protecting witches from exploitation and meaningless sacrifice. 216 355
• Valia — Frost Witch and fellow seated witch. Shasta accompanied her during the northern conflict and arranged for her return to the Frostfolk after Valia was critically injured. 216 246
• Shalulu / Monster Beast Witch — Ally who assists Shasta with aerial travel, reconnaissance, and the search for awakened witches. 29 246
• Tashina — Offered Shasta and the Witch Forest renewed court-witch status under the Black Iron Royal Family, but Shasta refused because she had already committed her life elsewhere. 363

Notable Quotes

“Shasta, the Nightmare Witch Shasta!” 27

“If the Church truly worships a god, then we will kill that so-called god...” 29

“Until the end of our lives.” 252