In reality, the Director greatly admired Saria, which was also why they became friends.
It was just that Saria would uphold her principles, while the Director... was not so firm.
However, despite the Director's enthusiastic invitation, Goki merely shook his head gently.
"Don't even think about it — and I'll give you a piece of advice, Director, never research gods. The best way is to never touch them."
Regardless of whether a person's intention to research gods is benevolent or malicious, whether it's to steal their power or protect others from them, as long as they research, they will never come to a good end.
This was the conclusion Researcher Goki, a Hunter who had slaughtered his way through all of Yharnam, reached.
No matter what kind of person Madam Director was, from the moment she came into contact with the Great Ones, she was slowly but surely sliding into an uncontrollable abyss.
Moreover, just like Great Master Willem—Madam Director was no innocent.
"Don't claim you haven't harmed anyone, Madam Director. You are still a wicked person—the victims of your research are not just Ifrit alone. Besides Parvis, who deserved to die, how many Researchers did you send to their deaths in those ruins? How many died? How many went mad? Even if it's indirect responsibility, this still can't be washed away."
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The scholars of Yharnam ultimately failed. Those who sought to research the Great Ones ultimately met a terrible end.
And the victors... were the Hunters, these uncultured brutes who only knew how to fight, kill, wield weapons, and make big bangs.
"Madam Director, I have collected your experimental data, and I have destroyed all the experimental samples—I will only give you one simple piece of advice: when dealing with the power of the Great Ones, it's best not to delve too deeply."
With a hint of pure white moonlight in his eyes, Researcher Goki felt the power of the Universe around him, the power that Muelsyse / Muir Sais still couldn't dispel from her Originium Arts, and he was extremely vigilant.
Just as Astesia said, Rhine Lab was immersed in the cosmic starry sky. If Madam Director hadn't gone completely mad... then there must be another problem.
"Even... you don't realize you've been affected, do you? Saria, can you still retract your Originium Arts?"
"Hmm—no, I can't. That's strange."
Saria was escorting Silence, Ptilopsis, and the still-anesthetized Ifrit back to Researcher Goki's side. Hearing his words, she tried to release her control over calcium.
But no matter how hard she tried, the hard enamel covering her hands would not dissipate.
"Madam Director... my suggestion is to stop the research immediately. Perhaps I can help you find the problem—no one understands the Great Ones better than I do."
Researcher Goki spread his arms, smiling as he looked at Madam Director. Madam Director wasn't just making a mistake; she was wrong from the start.
"Within the Domain of the Great Ones, knowledge is original sin. Every research endeavor only brings them closer to the world. Only the most ruthless hunt is the way to deal with them..."
This was why Great Master Willem ultimately stopped his research, and now, Researcher Goki hoped Madam Director would do the same.
"Well, there's nothing more to say then. What a pity, Mr. Goki. Your proposal is interesting, but I don't intend to sit idly by like that. Humans should find their own way out... None of you have seen my Originium Arts, have you?"
Hearing this answer, Madam Director showed no surprise, maintaining her smile. The Aura that had just receded instantly surged again.
Saria and Researcher Goki's expressions grew serious. They stood on either side, shielding Ptilopsis and Silence behind them.
"...Are you really not going to reconsider? If you join Rhine Lab now, you'll get a Caprini beauty under forty years old as a bonus—and an original, never-been-in-a-relationship model? Doesn't that tempt you?"
Suddenly, Madam Director's Aura around her abruptly dropped to zero. This female scholar, who had never considered romance and prided herself on being single, bent at the waist, puffed out her chest, and with a stiff expression, made what she thought was a cute gesture with both hands towards Researcher Goki.
Indeed, it was silly and adorable, completely unbefitting her intelligence.
"No, no, no, let's not. Really, that style doesn't suit you."
Researcher Goki waved his hands repeatedly—I want to pursue your teacher, I really didn't plan to flirt with you, and you're already forty? Terra's ages really can't be judged by looks!
"We won't consider it. If you want to fight, then fight! We are ready!"
However, Madam Director's words instantly ignited the Battle Intent of Saria and Silence.
The former directly wrapped her slender red Dragon tail around Researcher Goki's arm, while the latter peered out from behind Researcher Goki, her two feathers on her forehead rapidly fluttering as she glared angrily at Madam Director.
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