He paused for a moment, his gaze becoming deeper:
"But this judgment overlooks a crucial issue—we have built everything we have now on the foundation of their exploration."
Uther’s projection nodded slightly, a look of comfort in his eyes.
This is exactly what he hoped to see, deep thinking not confused by surface phenomena.
"Lance the Alchemist was not an ordinary man who perished because of his research." Ron continued, his voice carrying a certain reverence:
"He is the creator of the Autophagic Slime Monster, the true pioneer of modern Bloodline Studies. Without his groundbreaking work, we wouldn’t have today’s deep understanding of Bloodline Modulation."
The expression of Gould in the mirror began to change, the scrutiny gradually transforming into interest.
"The situation with Great Witch Selena is similar."
Ron’s tone became more solemn:
"Her achievements in biology and mutation studies remain unmatched to this day.
The peculiar life forms she created continue to thrive in certain secret dimensions."
"More importantly." His eyes showed admiration:
"Even after the failed experiment, she remained clear-headed and later created more stable cases of bloodline fusion."
The atmosphere in the room began to change subtly.
Those historical runes flowed anew, but their pace was more leisurely than before, seemingly providing an annotation to Ron’s words.
"As for Alexander the Alchemist." Ron’s voice became gentle:
"His spirit of self-sacrifice is worthy of admiration.
His contributions in the field of ’Blood and Flesh Rune’ and ’Living Body Transformation’ have saved countless later generations.
Many fundamental theories of modern Medical Witchcraft originated from his groundbreaking work."
Gould in the mirror lightly stroked his chin.
Ron noticed that the record officer’s eyes were filled with not just satisfaction, but also a certain... delight?
"So, what is your conclusion?"
Gould asked, his voice carrying a playful tone.
"My conclusion is..."
Ron took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts:
"True wise men should not judge their predecessors with such simple standards of success and failure. They should extract the essence of achievements and gain warnings from the lessons."
His gaze wandered between the two elders:
Speaking here, Ron’s tone became more firm:
"Inherit their wisdom, avoid their tragedies; this is what later generations should do.
Rather than standing on a moral high ground, making simplistic judgments of success and failure about those who paid great costs for human knowledge progress."
Gould in the mirror emitted a light laugh:
"A cunning little fellow, trying to please both sides, aren’t you?
Neither offending the dead nor compromising your judgment ability."
Ron did not deny it, simply nodding silently.
"But..."
Gould’s tone became more joyful:
"It’s precisely this ’cunning’ that makes me decide to support you.
True wise men should indeed learn to make balanced judgments in complex situations, rather than indulge in emotional evaluations of right and wrong."
"By the way."
Gould’s fingers appeared to project several figures:
"As the record officer, I have an obligation to convey future generations’ evaluations of them truthfully.
I’ll relay your words, not missing a word."
This sentence shook Ron’s heart.
He suddenly realized that Gould might not have selected the three cases randomly.
"Senior Gould, you wouldn’t be planning..."
"Smart!" Gould nodded with satisfaction:
"Indeed, I plan to summon the historical projections of Selena, Lance, and Alexander to assist with Eve’s treatment.
Their accomplishments in Bloodline Studies and life modification are exactly what we need right now."
Gould’s expression became more solemn:
"That’s also why I wanted to understand your views of them first.
After all, even historical projections retain the basic characteristics of their original owners.
If you harbor biases or preconceived notions against them, they might detect it."
"But it seems," with a look of satisfaction in his eyes:
"Your understanding of them is sufficiently objective and deep."
The room fell into a brief silence, but this silence was completely different from the previous tension.
The flow of historical runes became more vibrant, as if excited for the imminent historical reenactment.
"However." Gould shifted his tone:
"I need to remind you, these three are very powerful beings, and even in projection form, they retain a considerable degree of autonomy."
His tone became full of warning:
"Especially Selena, her obsession with bloodline modification might manifest even in projection form.
If she proposes some... unconventional suggestions during treatment, you need to have sufficient judgment to weigh the pros and cons."
Uther’s projection slightly trembled, evidently aware of this risk as well:
"Indeed, we need to maintain control of the whole process while receiving their assistance."
"This is also why I insist on you taking on the responsibility of Recorder."
Gould looked at Ron:
"You need to closely observe the words and actions of each historical projection, documenting their recommendations and methods."
"I understand, Senior." Ron nodded solemnly:
"I’ll maintain an objective recording attitude, independently assessing all suggestions for risks."
"Very well." Gould’s projection began to fade:
"According to the plan just informed by Uther, the treatment should commence once your Radiation Field reaches activation level, fully satisfying Moon Level advancement conditions, and meanwhile I need time to prepare the ritual implements."
As the specific time was agreed upon by both sides, Gould’s projection fully dissipated, and the time mirror returned to tranquility.
Only Ron and Uther were left in the room.
"How do you feel?" Uther asked, concern in his silver eyes.
"Nervous, but also excited." Ron answered truthfully:
"Having the opportunity to engage with the thoughts and wisdom of those legendary figures, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance."
"Indeed." Uther nodded in agreement:
"But you also need to be prepared. Historical projections retain the original owner’s knowledge and some personality, but may also bear... the limitations of their era."
The old professor’s projection looked exceptionally transparent under the reflection of the Starlight Crystal:
"They come from a more chaotic and brutal era, and might show different attitudes towards certain methods that are unacceptable today."
Ron nodded in acknowledgment, suddenly feeling a sense of déjà vu.
Speaking of which, the task of pulling out long-deceased people to help, he recalled seeing this happen in a manga he once read.
It seemed to be called... Edo Tensei?