"The essence of all elements is, in fact, the same.
According to my calculations, when an element is broken down further, it separates into two distinct forms of energy.
One provides power to the element itself—I call this Primal Energy.
The other influences the element's properties—I call that Interference Force.
So, the so-called difference between elemental attributes is merely the difference in interference force.
If we can freely adjust this interference force, then we can freely change an element's attribute at will."
To help the newly-joined Hel follow along, the Magic Witch summarized her theory as simply as she could.
But Fate clearly held a different view.
"You can't prove the existence of Primal Energy," Fate countered calmly.
"Meanwhile, the theory that elements originate from elemental fusion has been proven tens of thousands of years ago.
Earth, water, fire, and wind all stem from elemental properties; those properties, in turn, arise from reality attributes.
Different elements are merely byproducts of higher-level elemental decomposition.
They are not, as you claim, pre-existing energies merely distorted by external interference.
Think of it like the gods.
The Four Elemental Gods were born when the Elemental Goddess divided her own divine authority,
and the Elemental Goddess herself was created by the Lord of Reality.
After all, every single thing in this world was created by the Eight Supreme Gods.
So rather than trying to divide elements into smaller units,
we should instead focus on how to combine elements into higher forms."
Hel frowned slightly. Something about Fate's argument felt off—like she was deliberately steering the conversation away from microscopic elemental research.
So Hel, drawing on her scientific knowledge from her previous life, decided to probe further.
"If Primal Energy's existence were proven," she asked slowly,
"then wouldn't that suggest this world is merely influenced by divine power—and not actually created by the gods themselves?"
"That's impossible," Fate replied at once.
"Countless historical records confirm the truth of the Supreme Gods' creation of the world.
The divine work of creation—the Eight Days of Genesis—is not something we can deny with mere speculation.
Even if you did prove the existence of Primal Energy, it wouldn't change anything."
She shook her head.
Though Fate hid it well, Hel still caught a faint flicker in her expression—something off.
It was subtle, but unmistakable—a deep reverence for the gods.
That was strange.
They were witches, weren't they?
The very ones who stole power from the gods?
Shouldn't they oppose the divine and the churches, not defend them?
Something was definitely fishy.
Hel decided to push a little further.
"Actually," she began innocently,
"I happened to come across an Enchantment Array capable of breaking down mana into elemental energy—and then converting it into battle aura.
If mana itself can be divided, then couldn't we, theoretically, use that same principle to design a magic array that disassembles elements?"
The moment she said that, Magic's eyes lit up.
In an instant, she was standing right in front of Hel, gripping her small hands excitedly.
"What grade is the array? How's it structured? Could you—perhaps—let me see it?"
"W–Wait, teacher, calm down!"
The flustered Star Witch hurriedly latched onto Magic's arm, trying to pull her back.
But compared to the tall, mature Magician, Star was just too small—
no matter how hard she tugged, she couldn't move her an inch.
Fortunately, Magic soon realized how inappropriate her behavior was.
She quietly released Hel's hands, offered a polite bow, and gracefully retreated to her seat.
Then, with visible restraint, she asked,
"Miss Death Witch, may I ask the level of this array? How exactly does it function?
Would you… perhaps consider parting with it? I would be willing to offer a trade."
"Uh… I think it's a high-tier array, maybe top-grade," Hel replied modestly.
"It just splits and recombines energy, that's all…"
The instant those words left her lips, Magic lunged forward again, gripping Hel's hand with even more passion than before.
"Please—sell it to me! I'll pay any price!
Even if you want my most precious student in exchange—well, we could discuss it."
"Teacher! Are you seriously selling me off again?!"
Star puffed up in outrage, grabbing Magic's shoulders and shaking her vigorously.
Magic only chuckled awkwardly and tried to soothe her.
"Just kidding, just kidding—don't mind the details.
But my offer still stands, Miss Death Witch.
Whatever the cost, I'll meet it."
Hel looked into Magic's earnest, burning eyes, thought for a moment, then nodded.
From her storage ring, she pulled out a red copper plate, engraved with a Elemental Conversion Array—a practice piece she'd made while studying enchantments earlier.
It didn't have any theft-prevention or self-destruction wards, making it perfect for research.
And besides—Hel herself was curious to see whether Primal Energy really existed.
Of course, to conceal her identity, all her copper plates had been processed with transferred keywords, erasing any trace of connection to the Goblin Ruins.
To most people, that was more than enough to stay hidden.
Unfortunately for her, one of the people here wasn't human.
"Judging by its color," Fate remarked smoothly, her eyes narrowing as she examined the copper plate in Magic's hands,
"this piece looks like Goblin craftsmanship, doesn't it?
How fortunate, Miss Death—you must have discovered a Goblin Ruin.
If I'm not mistaken, that array should be the lost Elemental Conversion Array."
"Goblin Ruins?" Lust's ears immediately perked up.
"As far as I know," she said, leaning forward with interest,
"most Goblin ruins are in Knight Empire territory, with a few scattered in the northern Federal Empire.
But none have ever been found in the Magic Empire.
So, little Death… you wouldn't happen to be from the Knight Empire, would you?"
Her tone turned teasing, predatory.
"Considering how curious you were last time about the Underworld Witch's escape,
I'd guess you live not too far from the Free Nations, right?
So tell me—are you from Honesty, Honor, or perhaps… the Nation of Sacrifice, Selefis?"
By now Lust was leaning halfway across the table, her entire posture radiating playful aggression.
Her gaze bored into Hel's eyes like a predator cornering its prey.
Her expression seemed to say: Come on, stop hiding. Tell big sister where you're really from, and I'll make sure you enjoy it.
But to her disappointment, Hel's expression never changed—
her face remained perfectly calm, emotionless, doll-like.
The two locked eyes for a long, silent moment.
Then Hel slowly parted her lips.
"The Nation of Sacrifice—Selefis."
"…What?"
"I live in its royal capital—Sele."
In the next instant, Hel's expression turned cold as ice.
A killing aura erupted from her like a storm, suffocating and absolute.
Her crimson lips curved into a wicked smile as she met Lust's gaze—
a look one might give a bug beneath their boot.
"So tell me, Miss Lust…"
Her voice was soft, yet each word dripped with menace.
"Would you like to test my blade—
see whether it's sharp enough?"