Norla was a monster designed by humans.
Not one born naturally, but a monster artificially created through experiments.
In other words, to magi, the essence of [Arno No. 1] did not truly qualify as a monster. It was merely a familiar that had gone out of control.
It was a [product], one that had malfunctioned and could no longer be used by magi, causing a disaster that had to be eliminated.
Therefore—
Since it was a product, since it was a familiar, since it was an experimental subject that had once lain on an operating table—
There remained the possibility of continuing to modify it.
This was what Lao Vinci—or rather, the Lawrence part within Lao Vinci—feared.
"No, don't."
She backed away—only when her back hit the door and she could retreat no farther did Lao Vinci look at Avicebron, and at Arno No. 1 lying there, her face pale and tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.
"You should be a researcher, shouldn't you? Although you are a special Servant formed by integrating records from multiple Saint Graphs, you should still count as one kind of researcher."
"This is an excellent research opportunity, and also an opportunity to save this child, is it not?"
Avicebron's voice remained calm from beginning to end.
So calm that it reached an incomprehensible, terrifying degree.
"No, anything but this..."
Clutching her head, Lao Vinci slid down the door, her entire body visibly trembling.
This was the first time Lao Vinci had ever shown such a reaction.
She had not reacted this way when comforting Fujimaru Ritsuka. She had not reacted this way when the submarine was attacked by Sigurd. She had not reacted this way upon learning that the only way to save her own world was to destroy someone else's—
But