Class S: Beyond the Classroom

Chapter 364: A Dreaded Gambit

At an undisclosed location.

3rd person POV

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.

A Celestial Angel of Apocalypse is working on something in his personal laboratory. 

Chemicals, scientific instruments, and some advanced technologies were all over the place.  

He was working on something. 

Dr. Goethe was testing an odd scarlet substance on multiple test tubes. 

The test tubes themselves are sealed in a glass box that he can see through it.

He looks through his monitor as he spoke. 

Goethe: Heh! It seems that the composition is as expected. Of course, the modification phase is next however that will take a month or two to finish. Fyodor needs results as soon as possible...but he's a patient man. Two months wouldn't hurt too much. 

???: Still working on that, doctor?? 

A voice was heard behind the doctor as he turns his head as Makishima arrives. 

Goethe: What are you doing here? 

Makishima: Why wouldn't I be? After all, that was the weapon we stole a while back. 

Goethe: I'm well aware. You should leave now Makishima-san. I'm very busy. 

Makishima: How rude. I'm gracing you with my presence, but I suppose it's understandable. Science is like art to you. You want nothing but perfection. But in this world, there's no such thing as perfection. 

Goethe: I genuinely don't have time for debates. I must work. To ensure that Fyodor will achieve ultimate peace for this world. Isn't that what you want as well?

Makishima: Of course I do. You know, other than the novels I read. I am quite fascinated by the world of science. It seems so simple and yet so complex at the same time. 

Goethe: If you're here to speak in riddles for me. It's not the right time.

Makishima: Tell me, Dr. Goethe. How much do you value human life? 

Goethe: Hmm?

Just then, Goethe was now intrigued by the question. 

Makishima: Do you believe that humans are pure beings? 

Goethe: If you're asking such things. Go talk to Fyodor.

Makishima: But I simply don't have anyone to talk to. I could speak with Schneizel-san, but he's pretty busy playing chess with Toltsoy-san. Beyond Birthday is busy with his own work and I most certainly think that Ouma-kun wouldn't be bothered to listen to my...philosophical ideas per say. 

Goethe: I understand. You're bored, aren't you? You don't necessarily have anyone who you could have a straightforward conversation with. 

Makishima: You're correct. That's why I look to you. Since you are a doctor. You have the rationality of an intellect. Which I do find invigorating. 

Goethe: What was it you asked earlier? You mentioned something about if I value human life. Well, to be honest. Human life is fragile. 

Makishima: How so?

Goethe: For me at least. It stems from the fact that humans cannot attain free will. 

Makishima: Interesting answer. 

Goethe: If you're interested to know why that is my answer is plain simple. Because there is no such thing as free will, at least in this current era. The governments of the world are nothing manipulative fools who are controlling this so-called free will of the people. Without free will, anyone above them can shape what they want you to think.