"Wait, what did you just say? The Beast Witch?"
Hel didn't pay much attention to Witt's mention of divinity. She knew full well that ascending to godhood wasn't something that could be achieved so easily.
Leaving aside everything else — there was still an entire rank, the demigods, that stood between seventh-tier beings and true deities.
Hel also suspected that the arrogant Witch of Desire and that sly old Witch of Fate both existed somewhere within that level.
Yet even if they had reached demigod status, Hel had never once heard of their names. That meant one of two things — either they lived in an era far too ancient, or the demigods had some sort of pact among themselves.
A kind of "non-interference" clause — much like how holy-rank beings were forbidden from meddling in mortal wars.
In any case, it wasn't something Hel needed to worry about. The ones truly troubled by this would be the powers of this world — the ones most desperate to maintain balance.
What really caught Hel's attention was the Beast Witch.
Now that she had already gathered the essences of Fish, Insect, and Bird, all she lacked was Beast to attempt a synthesis. Of course she'd be interested.
"Yes, the Beast Witch," Witt confirmed, a little surprised by Hel's line of questioning. Fortunately, he'd already gathered information on her.
"This plague was spread by rats. When the beastmen invaded, the rats multiplied uncontrollably, carrying the plague created by the Witch of Disease across the entire continent."
"I know that part," Hel interrupted. "What I want is everything you have on the Beast Witch herself."
"There isn't much," Witt admitted, sliding a folder across the table.
"What's certain is that she's neither part of the Supreme Church nor a beastman. About seventy years ago, the church hunted her down, and she likely fled into beastman territory for refuge.
"But given the church's exclusivity, a Beast Witch — someone of the life element — would never have been accepted by them."
Hel frowned slightly. "And yet she still participated in this ritual, working alongside the Witch of Disease."
"I'm afraid not even the Church understands that part," Witt said helplessly. "Logically speaking, if she wanted shelter, joining the Magic Academy would've been far safer than heading into beastman lands."
"The Magic Academy?"
Hel blinked. The name sounded oddly familiar.
"You might not know this, young master," Witt explained. "It's an organization based in the Kingdom of Wind — composed entirely of witches. It's the only public witch organization within the three great human empires.
"The one who leads it is known as the Witch of Magic — said to be the nemesis of all mages. She's so powerful that even the Holy Judgement Church had to compromise with her."
Ah, her. Hel suddenly understood.
No wonder the name rang a bell — that witch had once invited her to join.
"I see. That explains it."
Hel carefully read through the intel sheet, then placed it back on the table.
"Oh, right — if you can, keep an eye out for any information on the Witch of Healing and the Witch of Restoration."
"The Witches of Healing and Restoration?" Witt frowned in thought.
"I'm not sure about the latter," he said slowly, "but as for the Witch of Healing… I've heard a few things."
"Go on."
"It's more of a legend — a story that circulates within our academy.
"They say that about three hundred years ago, during the age when the Witch of the Underworld ravaged the land, another witch appeared in the Scholarly Nation — the Witch of Healing.
"But unlike the Witch of the Underworld, she didn't cause much chaos. She only appeared once in the capital of the scholars, then vanished completely.
"Some claim she began a terrifying ritual there, but before it could be completed, the seven deans of the Great Academies joined forces to seal her away.
"Others say she was slain on the spot by the Holy Judgement Knights.
"No one really knows the truth — only a few within the highest circles of the academy might."
"I see." Hel nodded, then instructed, "It's fine — investigate what you can. There's no rush."
After giving her orders, she said her farewells to Witt and returned her consciousness to her body.
"The Beast Witch, huh? Maybe Nikki knows something about her."
Thinking that, Hel reopened the Necro-Space.
The moment she entered, she heard a weak, trembling plea:
"W-wait, not that one… I have a tail already…"
"Really? But you're a witch, remember? We can't risk you being recognized — this is a necessary sacrifice."
"But… that thing's too big! It'll kill me!"
"Relax. Breathe. I'll be gentle."
A blood-curdling scream followed — one that sounded disturbingly like a pig being slaughtered.
Hel froze mid-step.
What in the hell happened while I was gone?
Her eyes darted to Niv, who was currently pinning a trembling Nikki to the ground, holding something… very familiar.
"Uh… Niv," Hel asked carefully, "what exactly is that in your hand?"
"Ah! Master, you're back! Perfect timing — help me hold her down!"
Hel: "…"
Listen to yourself. Do you even hear the things coming out of your mouth?
"I meant," she said through gritted teeth, "what is that thing you're holding?"
"Oh, this?" Niv held up the fluffy, fur-covered tail proudly. "It's something I confiscated from Miss Lily's room. It's a little toy from the Magic Empire — just a recreational tool, really.
"But Master once mentioned that the Church uses magic arrays to scan underground water veins. If we let her run around freely, she might be discovered.
"So! I engraved a storage rune onto it, turning it into a concealment tool instead."
"…Wait, what did you just say?"
Hel stared at the fluffy tail, realization dawning.
No wonder it looked familiar — the Witch of Stars had pulled out something just like it once.
Though that had been a basic model. The one Niv made… was the deluxe edition.
Good grief. Were all perverts this creative? Their thought processes were identical!
Still…
Hel suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. If Niv had made this beforehand, then — why?
Did she somehow know Hel would capture Nikki? Or did she have… other intentions?
The thought made Hel's rear tighten instinctively as she eyed Niv warily.
But Niv, noticing Hel's suspicion, immediately began babbling nonsense in panic:
"M-Master! Don't misunderstand! This wasn't made for you — Miss Lily asked me to make it!"