When Hel opened her eyes again, she found herself in the Witch's Courtyard.
This time, the Witch Council had noticeably more members than before. Besides the four familiar faces—Fate, Lust, Stars, and Magic—there were two newcomers:
One was a regal woman dressed in luxurious court attire, the other a silver-haired woman in a black robe, exuding a commanding presence.
As Hel entered, the previously lively room fell silent. All eyes turned to her.
The stately woman nodded first and introduced herself:
"I am the Transformation Witch, codename Fool."
After speaking, she quietly observed Hel, saying no more.
Just as Hel was about to introduce herself, the silver-haired woman spoke boldly:
"So, you're the Death Witch? That little brat from the war… didn't happen to end up dead because of you, did he?"
Though the silver-haired witch looked cold and aloof, her tone was surprisingly casual, almost as if she were about to put her feet on the table.
"I am the Death Witch. And you are?"
"I am the Disaster Witch, codename Tower."
Disaster casually pulled out her destiny card and tossed it onto the table.
"To be honest, I really don't understand, Destiny. Why would you draw such a shameful image on my card? What's this, a ruined tower? Do you not know what I've done for three thousand years? Destiny, you old fool, this is so tasteless."
Fate's smiling face stiffened at Disaster's verbal attack, but she quickly regained her composure. As Disaster's longtime friend, Fate knew her temperament and recognized that this was just her way of stirring trouble. After all, Fate herself had pushed Disaster into isolation twenty years ago.
Disaster, in turn, knew Fate was like an old turtle—no matter how much she provoked her, Fate wouldn't react. So after some sarcastic remarks, Disaster turned her attention back to Hel.
"Little one, have you ever thought about how you might ascend to godhood?"
"Uh… not really."
"Is that so?"
Disaster studied Hel with interest, observing her several times before speaking in a measured tone:
"I've met three Death Witches in my life. The first, in my youth, embraced death itself. She founded the Order of the Dead—the predecessor to the Supreme Church—and used the church's influence to spread the belief of death among the beastmen. Unfortunately, her followers both revered and feared her, and she ultimately fell to their betrayal.
"The second Death Witch's path was simpler: kill. Everything alive had to die, from the beastman kingdoms to human empires. To increase her killing efficiency, she even unleashed a continent-spanning undead calamity. In the end, she was hunted down by multiple forces across the continent. The recent Yomi Witch followed her path, and she was the closest to success."
"Unleashing an undead calamity?"
Hel felt a chill as Disaster spoke. She glanced at the other witches:
Fate continued to wear a fake smile, seemingly indifferent.
Magic looked tense, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.
Stars watched Hel with concern, fearing Disaster's influence.
Lust was focused on her nails, simply enjoying the spectacle.
Hel turned back to Disaster.
"So, all this isn't just some history lesson, is it?"
"You're impatient, little one. Very well, I'll be direct. Your path to godhood is as unacceptable to mortals as mine was. Once you tread this path, you will face relentless persecution, including from those self-righteous witches here.
"Join my organization. I created a haven for witches like us—those rejected by the world. Once you join, we will help you survive your ascent to godhood."
"And your organization is?"
"The Doomsday Legion."
Hel inwardly shivered; the name alone implied catastrophe.
"Sorry, I'm not interested."
"Are you sure? Humans and other witches alike will never tolerate a Death Witch capable of unleashing another undead calamity. You think their previous kindness meant acceptance? You're naive. They merely knew your fate was death, and out of pity, they escorted you along your final path."
"You mean, the bringer of death will meet her own death?"
"You know about that?"
"A witch named Imshi once told me."
"Imshi? Are you sure that's not a fake name?" Disaster asked, puzzled. In her long life, she had never heard of this name. Yet Hel noticed a flicker of surprise in Fate's eyes—apparently she knew something.
"Since you know, you should also know that fate is inevitable. No matter how you struggle, death is unavoidable."
Disaster paused briefly but didn't give up on recruiting Hel.
Hel, facing such a tenacious and formidable figure, decided to crush Disaster's attempt to sway her.
"And who told you death is the ultimate end?"
"Wha—?!"
Disaster blinked, showing a rare, clear-eyed foolishness.
"I am the Death Witch. Why resist death? To accept death, embrace death, and become death itself—that is what I must do."