The day after the meeting, I made my way to the research institute beneath the royal capital.
I was there to consult with the director regarding the resurrection of that person.
As I approached the main entrance, the director appeared immediately to greet me.
"Why, if it isn't the Demon King! Thank you so much for coming all this way!"
The director offered her greeting in a polite, albeit overly dramatic, tone.
She was as exaggerated as ever.
Despite her claim of coming "all this way," it was only a short distance from the castle. Even if it had been a truly long journey, I possessed the power of Teleportation, so it wouldn't have been much of an ordeal anyway.
I kept my greeting brief and headed into the facility.
As we walked, I noticed the director acting suspiciously. She had been restless for some time now, incessantly looking around as if trying to confirm something.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I had heard that Gwen-san would be accompanying you, but..."
I understood immediately. It seemed the director had been looking forward to seeing Gwen. Although I had assigned her as Gwen's exclusive supervisor for the past year, she seemed to have grown quite fond of her.
I relayed the conversation I'd had with Gwen before coming here.
"I tried to persuade her, but she refused. Apparently, she isn't fond of the research institute."
"Oh dear, how unfortunate. A shame, but one can't force these things, I suppose."
Strictly speaking, it wasn't the institute she disliked, but the director herself. I chose not to point that out.
That said, Gwen's cooperation is essential for the resurrection of that person. I had hoped they would deepen their bond before the day of the ritual. Since I didn't trust my own ability to act as a mediator, perhaps I should ask Luciana to handle it.
While adding that to my mental to-do list, I changed the subject.
"By the way, how is the subject in question?"
"There are no abnormalities. It's surprisingly stable."
"I see."
I had already informed the director of my business via Telepathy. I had also explained the policies and plans decided during the meeting. She didn't seem to have any objections; she seemed satisfied as long as she was allowed to conduct her research freely. Her attitude was consistent, if nothing else.
"My goodness, what an honor to be involved in the Resurrection of the Dead! I'm practically trembling with excitement!"
"...I'm glad to hear it."
Watching the director frolic so joyfully, I felt a slight pang of unease. In a way, she seemed to be looking forward to that person's return even more than I was. Her enthusiasm was almost overwhelming.
As we walked through the facility, I caught sight of the director's other selves, existing simultaneously throughout the institute. Without exception, every one of them was elated. Perhaps her other research was going well, but more likely, they were all rejoicing at the news that the resurrection was finally moving forward.
On a whim, I turned to the director.
"Do you feel no fear or hesitation about committing such a taboo?"
"It would be a lie to say I have none at all," she replied. "However, in my case, my intellectual curiosity and spirit of inquiry always prevail. Deep down, I simply don't care what becomes of the world as a result."
"You are the very model of a researcher."
"You flatter me."
Eventually, we arrived at our destination. We moved forward, undoing several barriers and locks as we went. Once the door was open, I performed a final check, just in case.
"An ego hasn't manifested, has it?"
"Yes, I check constantly, but no sense of self has been observed. There has been no interference from any outside source."
The director gave the exact answer I expected. The security equipment here is perfect. The director herself constantly monitors every inch of the facility. Infiltration would be a monumental task for any being. Even someone as elusive as Gwen couldn't perform any evil deeds here without being caught.
Furthermore, with countless versions of the director constantly brainstorming and iterating on improvements every day, the facility has undoubtedly become the world's greatest fortress. Currently, there are no dangerous individuals to worry about, so I doubt any problems will arise.
I directed my gaze toward the center of the room.
A glass vessel sat there. Inside, a white, mist-like mass was floating.
It was the soul of Balk, one of the Four Heavenly Kings from the previous Demon King’s Army.