Theus's eyes lit up, then dimmed again.
Monica was right. Banshees were indeed the race best suited for scientific research.
With the purification ability he granted them, they feared no Pollution, and the consequences of this world's Cognitive Interference posed no threat to them at all.
With the Symbiotic Pact and their naturally powerful bodies, they could conduct dangerous experiments, and any injuries could be rapidly healed through the pact.
But...
"Monica, your idea is very good, but it isn't the real solution to the problem." Theus looked toward the distant Type II Engine. He fed it fuel at regular intervals, and it was still rumbling away.
"If my territory consisted only of Castel, and my subjects only of the people on this island, then it probably wouldn't be a problem."
"But what if—just what if—we one day possessed an entire nation, or even established a regime encompassing an entire civilization?"
"At that point, if only Banshees could conduct scientific research, things would no longer be so wonderful."
"If Banshees were powerful, you would form academic factions and monopolize knowledge. In the end, you would part ways with humanity—even if you shared similar ideals."
"If you were weak, you would be controlled and forced to study science—perhaps brainwashed with lofty ideals, perhaps coerced by force. In essence, it would still be another form of slavery."
"Either outcome would hinder the development of civilization and bring suffering to everyone."
Monica's emerald-green eyes widened.
She looked at her six arms.
"Is it because we aren't human?"
"No. It is because knowledge has been monopolized."
Theus raised his head and looked into the distance, as though recalling something, as though mourning.
"Whether the monopoly is active or passive, it stops knowledge from circulating."
"Exchange, communication, sharing—those do not cause knowledge to leak away.