After hearing Magic's explanation, Hel finally understood why, when she had created Morrigan's body before, even though she had met all the basic requirements—physical strength, elemental power, and talent—she still failed to create a Saint-tier vessel.
The problem, as it turned out, lay in the Imaginal World. Of course, the strength of the soul also played a role — the soul she had created back then had not yet reached the Seventh Tier.
Still, one thing puzzled Hel: Why was Lust so confident when she said she could find me?
Could it be that ascending to Saint Tier somehow made her visible?
Hel didn't keep the question to herself and asked directly:
"I understand now how difficult it is to become a Saint, but what I don't understand is — why is the Witch of Lust so sure she'll be able to find me?"
"Though not with absolute certainty, she's probably at least ninety percent confident."
Magic tapped the table again, and the image on the magic screen changed. It now showed a girl suspended high in the air, with a radiant, sacred mural unfurling behind her.
A grand, solemn cathedral appeared; angels hovered over its roof, blowing their trumpets, while rows of armored knights stood guard at its gates.
Holy light cascaded from above, bathing the girl in radiance — and Hel recognized her at once.
It was Irina, the slightly reckless but fundamentally good-hearted knight girl she had met before.
"This was the scene during the most recent breakthrough of a Saint-tier being. She was advancing inside the Central Cathedral of Knight City, and the phenomenon she triggered covered nearly half of the city."
"That vision — it's related to her Imaginal World, right?"
"Exactly. The final step to ascend into Saint Tier is to let one's Imaginal World descend into our main world — and for the main world itself to permit its existence.
"This process lasts for seven full days."
"I see."
Hel took a deep breath. Now she understood why Lust was so confident — she had been waiting for this very moment.
But… that didn't mean there wasn't a way around it.
"Does the Imaginal World always manifest in the open sky?"
"Yes. No matter whether you're underground or in the air, the manifestation always unfolds in the open sky.
Moreover, it must take place in the main world. It can't be done in a pocket dimension or a secret realm created by ancient transcendents."
"Alright."
After hearing this, Hel gave up all thoughts of evasion.
But Magic wasn't finished — what she said next was the true reason Lust could find her so easily.
"Also, the vision manifested by an Imaginal World is partly influenced by the user's personality, and partly by their elemental affinity. The stronger the affinity, the greater the phenomenon — and its nature reflects the element itself.
"For example, the vision of a death-attribute mage will never appear as a lush, living forest.
That's why the Witch of Lust is so certain she can find where you are."
"I see…"
Hel nodded slowly, but rather than panic, a new thought began forming in her mind.
Since the Imaginal World was linked to one's elemental affinity, why not ascend using her other two elements first?
Whether it was her elemental attribute or her life attribute, neither would raise suspicion.
She could even attempt to advance all three attributes together.
If she pulled that off, the vision she produced would be completely unlike any previous Death Witch — unique and untraceable.
Having thought it through, Hel felt her heart lighten.
After chatting a bit more with Magic and the others, she exited the Witches' Courtyard.
This meeting had merely been a temporary gathering following the War Witch's fall, with little new intelligence to exchange.
Hel did, however, hear that the Holy Judgement Church had already withdrawn its forces surrounding the Wind Kingdom — apparently realizing that the so-called Faith Witch had been nothing more than a ruse.
She also learned of Vivian's latest situation.
After entering the Land of Honesty, Vivian and her companions were taken under the protection of the Holy Knight Order.
Though several large-scale assassination attempts had occurred along the way, they all came through safely in the end.
Just recently, the Archbishop of the Knight Empire's Central Church himself had arrived on the battlefield to personally ensure Vivian's safety.
The appearance of a peak Saint-tier powerhouse had essentially sealed the matter — Hel no longer needed to worry about Vivian's safety.
From now on, Vivian would receive the Church's full support and training… and would likely soon be appointed as the Holy Maiden of the Knight Empire's diocese.
A plump, soft "white thigh" (a powerful backer) — one that Hel herself had personally helped secure.
"At least I can take it easy for a while," Hel murmured.
She rolled lazily across the bed, stretching her arms forward like a cat. Then she hopped off, walked to the window, and pulled open the curtains. Warm sunlight streamed in through the glass.
Though the meeting at the Witches' Courtyard hadn't felt long, several hours had passed — and since she'd arrived late, the sun was already rising.
Turning back, Hel saw Niv lying on the bed, who happened to be watching her too.
"Good morning, Master. Would you like a good morning bite service?"
"No need."
"Then perhaps a gentle catgirl to cuddle?"
"Also no."
Hel sighed helplessly, reaching out to ruffle Niv's soft hair. The girl closed her eyes contentedly, and only then did Hel ask:
"How are the War Witches doing?"
"All good~ Does Master want to go personally train your little puppies?"
"Ugh, that's not what I meant… forget it. It's hard to explain — I'll just log in and see for myself."
"Alright~ The two little ones have already been trained and are ready for your affection anytime, Master."
"Be honest—did Lily feed you more of her indecent nonsense again? How many times have I told you, stop picking up her bad habits?"
After scolding Niv with mild exasperation, Hel lay back on the bed and connected her consciousness to Morrigan.
Niv, meanwhile, smiled gently at her master's resting face. She sat quietly at the bedside, carefully lifting Hel's head into her lap, whispering softly:
"But Master… aren't you actually enjoying it?"