"Kristen, why would you approve Mobius' proposal to establish a Philosophy Department? You should know that Rhine Lab cannot accommodate another director."
"Calm down, Muelsyse. Are you still afraid of her?"
"…"
"Mobius' performance in recent years has earned my trust. Besides, with her contributions to Rhine Lab, she is more than qualified to become the head of a division."
"But what if she becomes a threat to Rhine Lab?"
"Muelsyse, have you forgotten the fundamental purpose of Rhine Lab, even as the director of Ecological Studies?"
"…"
"Rhine Lab was founded so that scientists could freely pursue truth in whatever manner they liked."
"…"
"I have never used my authority as General Superintendent to restrict you, nor do I monitor your work. As long as you share your research data, that is enough."
"And so? Rhine Lab is already chaotic because its superintendent doesn't bother managing it. And now you want to make it even worse? This place is the joint effort of you and Saria!"
"Yes… it is our life's work. But Saria is gone."
"Kristen, you're not someone who wavers easily."
"Even so, I can still feel regret. We used to be inseparable… I suppose that technological development might require some philosophical guidance."
"So that's why you let Mobius establish a Philosophy Department? You're insane. What makes you think that woman—who developed cloning technology and tramples on ethics—could offer proper guidance?"
"Muelsyse… we have no evidence that Mobius is Ursus' Eternal Duke."
"But we also have no evidence she isn't."
"Let's stop this pointless argument. I'm very aware of that, which is why she is only a department head, equal in rank to all of you."
"…"
"She has also presented several intriguing 'problems.' If anything, her understanding of terran nature surpasses all of ours."
"…But she's a madwoman."
"So what? Rhine Lab has never had a shortage of madmen."
"…"
"And beyond Rhine Lab, this land is filled with even more."
———
At the rim of Siesta's volcano, on a temporary stage.
Mobius stood on the platform, brimming with confidence. Beside her sat a massive glass enclosure.
Inside was Pompeii.
At the moment, Pompeii lay comfortably atop a slab of obsidian, purchased at a high price from the Cape Group by Rhine Lab.
There was no choice. The land had already been bought by Cape Group's real estate subsidiary, Boundless Earth. Any unauthorized mining would result in enormous compensation fees.
Rhine Lab had no intention of testing Cape Group's limits.
As long-time partners in multiple fields, Rhine Lab naturally would not embarrass Cape Group.
Cape returned the courtesy and did not take advantage of the situation to raise prices further.
Given how crucial obsidian was to Pompeii, and how seriously Rhine Lab treated the creature, cooperation was in everyone's interest.
This was the Philosophy Department's very first public event since its establishment.
Cape did not earn quite as much as originally planned, but still walked away with a substantial profit.
Mobius secured a large amount of research funding.
And both sides looked toward a bright future.
Onstage, Mobius spread her arms wide, voice full of enthusiasm.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present the first research activity of Rhine Lab's Philosophy Department. Its codename is Terran and Nature."
She spoke with theatrical passion.
"As you all know, Rhine Lab has always dedicated its scientific expertise to providing the people of Terra with more convenient, more comfortable lives."
"And nature… is intimately connected to terranity."
Mobius ran her fingers along the thick glass enclosure.
Sensing the threat behind the gesture, Pompeii snapped awake from its drowsiness and immediately began to perform.
As the molten glow rippled across Pompeii's back, Siesta's volcano rumbled in response.
The tremor lasted only a moment before settling.
"See? This is nature's charm. Interlinked. Mesmerizing."
Mobius spoke with deep emotion.
"We at Rhine Lab seek not only to reshape nature, but also to respect it."
Below the stage, reporters frantically scribbled down every word.
This was the first public demonstration by the Philosophy Department created by Rhine Lab, the titan of Columbian science.
It was bound to generate immense attention.
The visitors stood in awe, marveling at the rare and majestic Originium creature, Pompeii.
Mobius adjusted her monocle, a faint smile forming.
When the environment cannot be altered, this is what happens.
"…"
I thought Saria would come.
Ifrit' blood samples won't stay fresh for long.
———
"Silence, let me go."
"No! Why did you draw Ifrit' blood again? What were you planning?"
"The previous samples were no longer fresh, Silence… and I spoke to Ifrit. She agreed."
"That's because she trusts you. And now you're betraying that trust!"
"…Silence, Mobius isn't as unhinged as you think. She may not care deeply for Ifrit, but she does care in her own way."
"And what then? You expect me to trust a so-called 'immortal' who knew everything and still allowed the Ifrit Project to activate?"
"Immortals are still people. Even they have softer sides."
"But how could any of us understand what exists inside a being like that? Do you actually think you understand her?"
In Rhodes Island's hallway, a white-haired Vouivre was held tightly by a brown-haired Liberi.
"…Silence, I don't want to fight you."
"Saria! Will you really harm that child just to help Mobius' experiment?"
"…Ptilopsis. Can you help me?"
Not wanting to hurt Silence, Saria turned to the silver-haired, yellow-eyed Liberi who was covering Ifrit's eyes.
"I apologize, esteemed Director Saria. Operator Ptilopsis cannot execute two tasks at once."
Joyce firmly kept her hands over Ifrit's eyes, holding back the struggling child.
"Ptilopsis, what are you doing? I can hear Silence and Saria arguing! Let me go!"
But Ptilopsis remained unmoved. She had no intention of stepping into that conflict.
"Ptilopsis, please take Ifrit to her room. Ifrit, behave!"
"Yes, Director!"
"No!"
Ptilopsis quickly led the unwilling Ifrit away from the rising tension.
Saria looked at Silence with deep regret.
"I'm sorry, Silence… but I must honor my promise."
"Saria, if you dare—"
Bang!