"Every human being is a valuable asset."
The High Priest paused before giving that answer. It was neither an affirmation nor a denial, but the meaning was perfectly clear.
She saw the light reflecting behind those enormous round glasses. When a pure human with no racial traits appeared in the temple, it seemed to trigger some kind of chemical reaction. Hoshino could even see tears streaming down its face.
That wasn't right.
Why didn't Rhodes Island's Doctor provoke such a huge reaction...
After a moment's thought, Hoshino understood. The Doctor always wore a hood. Without speaking, even their gender was impossible to identify, let alone their race.
There had to be something hidden behind this.
"Can I access the information?"
"Theoretically, no. But humans may be granted authorization. Demi-humans may not."
The High Priest answered as though it had breathed a sigh of relief. It had been afraid that she would not be interested and would refuse to do it this "small favor."
Namely, destroying the Destruction Terminal.
Having received confirmation, it began its explanation.
"I hereby grant you the right to know. Please state your full name. This authorization will grant lieutenant-grade officer access. You possess only the right to know, with no authority to disclose or alter the information."
"Bianca Durandal Ataegina."
Hoshino gave Durandal's full name. This network left behind from ancient times was already badly damaged and had no ability to search an online index. It was merely putting on a show. It looked formal on the surface, but that was all.
After a long series of complicated authorizations, signatures, and fingerprint samples, the tedious process finally came to an end.
The High Priest did not clear its throat. Instead, wearing a blank expression, it read the document in a flat, emotionless voice.
"This unit is