If Bocchi from Bocchi the Rock! somehow wandered into a fantasy world and ended up with Frieren’s level of magical talent, you’d pretty much get Monica Everett, the star of Secrets of the Silent Witch. On paper, she’s a legendary mage, one of the Seven Great Sages, and strong enough to wipe out dragons with a flick of her wrist. In reality? She’s a nervous wreck who would rather melt into the background than talk to another human being.
The series began in 2021 as a light novel by Matsuri Isora with art by Nanna Fujimi, followed by a manga adaptation and an English release through Yen Press. By 2025, Studio Gokumi had turned it into an anime—a quieter, more heartfelt take on the magic school genre, focused on connection over spectacle.
The Silent Witch’s Legend
Monica Everett, the Silent Witch, uses her magic without any need to chant spells.
In the world of Secrets of the Silent Witch, magic is a lot like coding: you have to run complex calculations and incantations in your head to make it work. Most mages need to chant out loud to perform a spell, a process that is both intricate and mentally taxing. But then there’s Monica Everett, a true prodigy and one of the Seven Great Sages of Ridill. Her magical prowess is so immense that she can bypass the need for chanting, casting spells silently and instantly. This feat has earned her the legendary moniker, the Silent Witch.
And her legend isn't just talk. The stories about her are awe-inspiring, like the time she single-handedly took down the formidable Black Dragon of Worgan with one spell, followed by a second spell to shoot down the twenty lesser dragons trailing it. She didn't stop there, using her magic to gently lower all the dragon bodies to the ground without a single scratch, showing not just immense power but incredible control.
This combination of unparalleled skill and a reclusive nature—she’s rarely seen, often cloaked, and never speaks a word—makes her the perfect candidate for a top-secret mission. The king needs a discreet bodyguard for his second son, Prince Felix, who is attending Serendia Academy. Who better than the Silent Witch? Her instant, silent magic means nobody will ever know she’s there, and since her face is a mystery to almost everyone, she can blend in as a student without arousing suspicion. For this task, she enrolls under the alias Monica Norton.
Monica: The Anxiety Mage
Despite “aura farming” whenever she’s in her Silent Witch mode, her real personality is that of an anxious squirrel. She's so introverted that she once chose to live alone in the mountains just to avoid people.
There’s just one tiny snag in the plan. The reason Monica is so silent, so reclusive, and so mysterious isn't because she's a cold, calculating prodigy. It's because she's painfully, debilitatingly shy. The thought of going back to school and interacting with people—especially a prince—is a challenge far more daunting than slaying a dragon.
And that's what makes this story different. Unlike the typical overpowered-protagonist setup, Monica’s magic isn’t the real challenge here. Her battles aren’t against world-ending threats but against her own fear of opening up to people. The anime captures this beautifully with her awkward pauses, her fumbling words, and her tiny, gradual victories that all feel grounded and relatable. Like Bocchi, Monica spends half her energy trying not to collapse under the weight of social pressure, and like Frieren, she carries immense magical ability with an almost casual ease. It’s that mix that makes her so compelling.
The Budding Love Triangle
Monica, Prince Felix and Cyril—the series’ main trio.
One of the most unexpectedly fun parts of Secrets of the Silent Witch is the way it sneaks in a romantic subplot. Monica’s assignment to guard Prince Felix sounds serious, but the reality plays out more like a comedy of nerves. Felix, for one, isn’t exactly the picture-perfect prince he pretends to be. There are little slips in his carefully rehearsed charm—moments where you can tell he’s carrying more than he lets on. And the way he looks at Monica, and at the legend of the Silent Witch, has a weight to it that suggests he’s hiding something bigger.
Prince Felix and Monica, as seen in the anime.
Cyril and Monica practice dancing.
On the flip side, there’s Cyril Ashley, the responsible, endlessly kind student council vice president. Monica clearly admires him, but every time she tries to get close, her anxiety short-circuits the moment in the most Bocchi-like ways. Between Felix’s mysterious intensity and Cyril’s gentle steadiness, you get a slow-burn triangle that never feels over-the-top. Instead, it’s filled with those small, awkward, almost funny interactions where Monica is too shy (and too oblivious) to realize just how much attention she’s drawing.
A Different Kind of Fantasy Story
Monica finds herself surrounded by new friends at Serendia Academy—a sharp contrast to her time at Minerva Academy, where she’d hardly connected with anyone at all.
What makes Secrets of the Silent Witch stand out is how grounded it feels compared to other fantasy school stories. There aren’t epic duels around every corner or constant, world-shaking plot twists. Instead, it plays out like a slice-of-life drama where the magic is secondary to the characters. The story takes its time, letting relationships breathe and moments linger.
Monica doesn’t instantly gain friends or admirers because of her hidden power—if anything, people are drawn to her because of her kindness and awkward humanity. The cast isn’t revolutionary, but they feel real enough to matter. Each encounter nudges Monica a little further along her path, teaching her how to live in a world that terrifies her.
Monica Everett looks so badass as the Silent Witch, which is a complete contrast to her usual self.
Studio Gokumi’s adaptation leans into the series’ warmth. The animation isn’t flashy, but it’s clean and expressive, perfect for balancing tense magical battles with quieter, character-driven moments. The music is another highlight: the opening theme “Feel” sets an optimistic tone, while the ending theme “mild days” by Hitsujibungaku wraps each episode in calm, reflective vibes. It’s not the kind of anime that leaves you on a cliffhanger every week—it’s more of a comfort watch, the type you put on when you want to relax.
Why It’s the Most Relatable Magic Anime Yet
What makes Secrets of the Silent Witch stand out isn’t just its clever twist on the overpowered protagonist or its mix of cozy school-life and fantasy adventure. It’s the way the story quietly nails something universal: the struggle of putting yourself out there. Monica might have the magical talent to take down a dragon in a single spell, but her biggest challenges are the ones most of us know all too well—finding the courage to speak up, trying to connect with people, and learning not to shrink away when all eyes are suddenly on you.
That’s why Monica resonates so much. She isn’t a flawless genius or an untouchable hero—she’s awkward, hesitant, and still figuring herself out. Watching her stumble and slowly grow makes her victories, no matter how small, feel huge. And in a way, that’s what makes Secrets of the Silent Witch one of the most relatable magic anime in recent memory: it reminds us that the hardest battles aren’t always fought with fireballs and spells, but with the simple act of being yourself.
Secrets of the Silent Witch | Official Trailer | Crunchyroll
『サイレント・ウィッチ 沈黙の魔女の隠しごと』ノンクレジットオープニング｜羊文学『Feel』｜2025年7月4日より毎週金曜24時00分～好評放送・配信中‼
She Killed 100 Dragons In One Shot Without Uttering a Spell | Secrets of the Silent Witch
What do you think?
Will Monica be able to survive school life without her cover being blown?
Can she ever overcome her crippling shyness?
How long can she keep her identity as the Silent Witch hidden?
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About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.