The day after the meeting, I went to the underground laboratory beneath the Royal Capital.
I was there to discuss the matter of that person's resurrection with the Director.
When I headed from the main entrance, the Director immediately appeared to greet me.
"Well, well, Demon Lord! Thank you for coming all this way!"
The Director greeted me in an obsequious tone.
As ever, she was overly dramatic.
"All this way" was a bit of an understatement—it was only a short distance from the castle.
Even if it had truly been far, my teleportation made it no great effort.
I barely returned the greeting before heading inside.
On the way, I noticed the Director seemed unsettled.
She had been restless since my arrival.
She kept trying to verify something.
"What is it?"
"I heard that Gwen would be accompanying you..."
Hearing that, I understood.
The Director had apparently wanted to see Gwen.
For the past year, I had assigned her as a dedicated supervisor, and the Director seemed quite fond of her.
I relayed to the Director our exchange before I came here.
"I tried to persuade her, but she refused. She seems to dislike laboratories."
"Oh dear, that can't be helped, then. Regretfully, we cannot force the issue."
Strictly speaking, it isn't the laboratory itself but the director that makes me uneasy, though I won't state that outright.
Even so, her assistance is essential for that person's resurrection.
I'd like her to deepen her rapport with the director before the day comes.
Since I'm not confident in mediating effectively, perhaps I should ask Luciana or someone like her.
Adding tasks to my mental list, I change the subject.
"By the way, how is that item?"
"No abnormalities at all. It's surprisingly stable."
"I see."
I had already conveyed the request to the director via a mental message beforehand.
The policies and plans decided at the meeting were explained as well.
She seemed to have no particular objections.
As long as she could conduct research freely, she was content.
In any case, her attitude had been consistent.
"My, it's an honor to be involved in the resurrection of the dead! I'm getting excited!"
"...I'm glad to hear that."
I feel a faint sense of unease at the director's gleeful excitement.
In a sense, perhaps she is even more eager for that person's revival than I am.
Her enthusiasm is almost enough to make one think so.
As we walk through the facility, I spot another director existing simultaneously.
Every single one of them is, without exception, in a state of exhilaration.
Other research may be progressing well, but they are probably delighted to hear that the revival of that person is imminent.
Curious, I ask the director:
"Do you feel no fear or hesitation about committing a taboo?"
"None at all would be a lie. However, in my case, intellectual curiosity and the drive to explore win out. At the heart of it lies a feeling that I don't care what happens to the world."
"A model researcher, indeed."
"You flatter me."
Soon, we arrive at the target room.
We proceed by undoing multiple barriers and locks.
Once the door is open, I confirm for safety:
"No self-awareness has emerged, correct?"
"No. Constant monitoring shows no signs of self-awareness. There is no outside interference either."
The director gives the expected answer.
The security here is flawless.
The director himself constantly oversees the entire facility.
Infiltration would be difficult for any being.
Even someone as formidable as Gwen could not commit mischief without detection.
Furthermore, with countless directors proposing improvements day after day, it has undeniably become the world's greatest fortress.
Given the current situation, there are no dangerous individuals to worry about, and problems are unlikely to arise.
I shift my gaze to the center of the room.
There, a glass container is installed.
Inside, a mass like white mist was floating.
That was the soul of Balk, the former Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King's Army.