Chapter 495 - 204: Type-Zero’s Debut

"Hm?"

Wei’en looked at Benoy, who had taken a step forward. ’How impolite. His very first question is a direct challenge to my research project.’

But before he could respond, Teresa, who was in the middle, turned her head and glared at Benoy. "Senior, your question is beyond the scope of this research project proposal!"

"Deputy Director Teresa, this is the Feng Enliso Research Center, and this is Research Institute No. 66! I believe we should follow the Research Center’s regulations, don’t you think?"

Benoy didn’t look flustered in the slightest. His handsome face still wore that same faint smile. "Before the research project begins, the Director should clarify the project’s origin and the heights it can achieve upon completion. Only then can we devote one hundred percent of our passion to the subsequent research work. But..."

"If it’s merely a meaningless project, or if the Director himself is unclear on its direction, then I don’t believe it’s a good choice. Wouldn’t you agree, Director Wei’en?"

’What do I think?’

’I think you’re spouting nonsense!’

Wei’en pursed his lips inwardly, but his tone was calm as he asked, "Researcher Benoy, if I don’t answer your question, what will you do? Will you withdraw from my research institute?"

The other researchers, who had been waiting for a show, were all taken aback. They stared at Wei’en with varied expressions, not expecting the young director to counter with such a forceful question.

’No way?’

’Is he really going to fire a researcher on the very first day? And not just any researcher, but the institute’s number-two ranked, Second-level Researcher...’

’Now that would be exciting!’

Teresa, who had been anxious, calmed down, though her gaze remained fixed on Benoy with a hint of killing intent.

If Wei ’en Mage hadn’t spoken up, she would have "greeted" Benoy with her fists.

Benoy was also stunned for a moment. "Of course not, Director. It’s just that it would be difficult for me to devote myself wholeheartedly to the research..."

"Are you sure you couldn’t devote yourself to the research project?"

"W-well, no, that’s not it, I just..."

The smile on Benoy’s face completely froze. He clearly hadn’t expected Wei’en to react this way.

He was baffled. He had merely raised an objection and wanted to express his personal opinion, yet Wei’en, the head of the institute, had responded like this?

In truth, he hadn’t raised this question to target Wei’en specifically.

It was just a lead-in. His real goal was to use this opportunity to propose his own ideas and specific plans, striving to replace Teresa as the person in charge of this institute at Feng Enliso...

However, this Wei ’en Mage was just like those Mutated Mages—his thoughts were impossible to grasp!

"Just what?" Wei’en asked coldly.

"I just feel that even if you succeed with a project like this, it’s unlikely to achieve anything great!" Seeing Wei’en press him again, Benoy gritted his teeth and said, "You should be aware that within Specter, there are many Wizards from the undead summoning lineage. They’ve studied undead modification for countless years and have a wealth of experience."

"Take the Boras Legend, for example. He is a Legendary Mage proficient in undead modification techniques. Every single one of his Undead Creatures, whether in terms of power or Extraordinary traits, far surpasses others..."

"Therefore, I don’t believe that an undead creature modified with integrated mechanical technology could be stronger in power or Extraordinary traits than a purely modified undead creature!"

Hearing this, the other researchers also showed thoughtful expressions. Clearly, they somewhat agreed with Benoy’s point.

"Researcher Benoy, do you have any idea what you’re saying!?" Teresa clenched her fists. She and the eight skulls behind her head stared at Benoy as she gritted her teeth. "This project has already passed the Wizard School’s review and even gained the approval of Special-level Researchers, including the Boras Legend. Even Dean Josue..."

"Teresa," Wei’en said, looking at the agitated, short-haired Witch and cutting her off. "Let me handle this."

"My apologies, Director. I failed to handle the situation."

"It has nothing to do with you."

Wei’en shook his head slightly. His gaze shifted, and after observing the expressions of the others, he looked at Benoy on the screen and said, "First, I do not accept Researcher Benoy’s argument. Whether it’s the Wizards in the school who specialize in the undead system, or the Wizards of the past who made a name for themselves through undead modification, I don’t believe their research results are necessarily correct."

Huh?

Benoy’s mouth fell slightly agape. ’Does this young director even know what he’s saying?’

The other Wizards, aside from Teresa, also stared at Wei’en in astonishment. ’He’s directly doubting the legends?’

’Doesn’t he realize the impact his words will have on him and this institute if they get out?’

’After all, over eighty percent of the Wizards within Specter choose the Undead Magic system!’

"Second," Wei’en’s tone grew heavier, "if purely modified Undead Creatures were truly that powerful, then the mechanical modification system wouldn’t exist in this world. To be more precise, other Wizard Schools would find it difficult to survive."

"This..."

This time, even Teresa’s expression changed. ’Is he negating the school’s mainstream magic system?’

"Finally, let’s return to the project itself, which is what Researcher Benoy, and the rest of you, are concerned about—why I chose this project!"

"In fact, if it weren’t for this project, I wouldn’t have chosen to join the Feng Enliso Research Center at all. To me, research on those Magic Runes is far too simple!"

At this, Wei’en paused. He looked at the shocked faces on the screen, lifted his chin, and let out a laugh. "As for the goal of this research project—it is to create Undead Creatures, modified with a fusion of mechanical and undead technologies, that will surpass all other Undead Creatures of the same level!"