Chapter 1034: Chess Players and Taking a Stand

"Me? Together?"

Regarding Xia Duo's invitation, Niya initially appeared very happy, her eyes filled with joy, but soon, as if she had thought of something, she hesitated, and in the end, she refused.

Niya's refusal surprised Xia Duo somewhat, and his first reaction to this was, "What's wrong? Are you worried that the banquet doesn't allow family members to be brought along?"

"No, it's not that." Niya shook her head hurriedly. "Didn't you say that after Master Bailun returns, the overall situation in Seventon will be settled? There's no need to make a special trip now, and Teacher still wants me to stay in Nan Jing!"

"Really?"

Xia Duo gazed into Niya's eyes, as if wanting to discern something. In fact, just as he finished saying that Niya was worried about not being allowed to bring family to the banquet, he had already realized something.

Now, hearing Niya's flimsy excuse, Xia Duo couldn't help but curve his lips, then said, "If you don't want to go to the banquet, then don't go, but when conducting experiments on Magic Web Background Fluctuation, pay attention to the limits."

"Ah? You knew?" Niya's face flushed slightly, and she began to avoid her husband's gaze.

Just yesterday, Xia Duo had given her some data regarding the Communication Array and the Elven Mythallar. This data had provided her with much inspiration, but what she cared about even more was that Xia Duo's research into communication Magic was so profound.

Niya did not wish to fall too far behind Xia Duo; at least within the Domain she had already chosen, she wanted to catch up with Xia Duo's progress as quickly as possible.

Knowing that Master Bailun had already returned, her urge to head to Seventon was no longer as strong as it had been before.

……

As her husband who shared a bed with her every day, Xia Duo naturally was not without feeling regarding Niya's thoughts; not only did he have a feeling, but he was also willing to respect such thoughts.

Following this, the two did not discuss this topic further. After patrolling the Territory, they happened to pass through the Mythallar ruins on their way back to the Tower of Time.

Afterward, the two went about their own business. As dusk approached and the setting sun was about to fall, Xia Duo stepped onto the Teleportation Array heading to the Arcane Union.

……

"Lord Xia Duo, I am Tom, a Deacon of the Arcane Union. Councilor Bulundesi has ordered me to receive you here. The banquet has not yet begun; you may go to the Xiu Xi Shi next to the Light Hall to rest for a moment. I have already contacted the Councilor, and he will arrive shortly."

Just as Xia Duo walked out of the Teleportation Room, a young Spellcaster came up to greet him, briefly introduced his identity, and then prepared to lead the way for him.

He knew of the Light Hall; this was the banquet location that the Arcane Union had informed him of via Sending earlier, but he was not certain if this receptionist was genuine.

However, if anyone really dared to play tricks at the Arcane Union Headquarters, then Xia Duo would have to admire them.

From the Teleportation Room to the Light Hall, passing through the Magic Item Trade District, the Library, and finally the dining and accommodation area, Xia Duo had not been to the Arcane Union for a long time. Although his memories of the past were still very clear, he also felt quite a sense of novelty.

The Light Hall was in the dining and accommodation area. Tom led Xia Duo to a Xiu Xi Shi, stood at the door, and said to Xia Duo, "Lord Xia Duo, I will be right outside. If you have any instructions, you can call me at any time."

"Mm."

Xia Duo nodded slightly. Although he believed it unlikely that anyone would cause trouble at the Arcane Union Headquarters, he still briefly checked the Xiu Xi Shi, and only after confirming there were no problems did he walk inside.

After the door closed, he checked it carefully again. Not only were there no traps, but there was also no eavesdropping or surveillance Magic; it was quite clean.

A moment later, Bulundesi visited the Xiu Xi Shi. Only then did Xia Duo fully trust the Deacon named Tom outside.

After both sides sat down and exchanged a few pleasantries, Bulundesi quickly got to the point: "Lord Xia Duo, do you know why a welcome banquet is held whenever a new Level 5 Member appears?"

"I do not know. Councilor Bulundesi, please enlighten me." Xia Duo had some guesses in his heart, but he still wanted to hear what Bulundesi had to say first.

"A Spellcaster who can become a Level 5 Member of the Arcane Union, whether they are a Senior Arcanist or anyone else, must possess immense influence in Netheril.

"The welcome banquet, besides expressing a welcome to the newcomer, has one point that is particularly important, and that is to allow this emerging big figure an opportunity to state their own views and ideas."

Bulundesi spoke quite tactfully, but Xia Duo understood as soon as he heard it.

Level 5 Members of the Arcane Union have immense influence and can sway the final direction of many issues. This already makes it impossible for them to remain silent; they must reveal their political intentions so that others can be prepared.

Or to put it more bluntly, it is to make the newcomer pick a side.

Of course, the "newcomer" here can actually be understood as a player in the great chess game of Netheril and even the Main Plane, rather than a chess piece.

Since one is qualified to play chess, remaining hidden in the shadows would be suspected of setting traps for others.

Xia Duo could even guess that if he refused this welcome banquet, he might face invisible resistance from the entire Netheril magic community.

At the same time, he also understood why Bulundesi had specifically arranged for someone to receive him. Perhaps it was because of the initial responsibility for the Level 5 Certification, but the greater reason was likely wanting to win over a new "player" for Jilan Tower.

Although before becoming a Senior Arcanist, Xia Duo had always been considered part of the Giles Tower faction, belonging to the same Seven Towers Council as Jilan Tower, who says one cannot change their allegiance?

Especially for a Senior Arcanist, who inherently has more room for choice than an ordinary Spellcaster.

Of course, if one changes repeatedly, it is easy to lose credibility.

Or one could also set up their own faction, or even "be in the Cao camp but have one's heart in the Han."

But regardless of which one, anyone qualified to be a player must state an attitude, even if it is a feigned one, so that at least other "players" can distinguish friend from foe.

In fact, if it were Xia Duo himself setting the rules of the game, he would not want silent players either; or rather, the core of politics is to take a stand.

After pondering for a moment, Xia Duo told Bulundesi: "I hold a tolerant and open attitude toward Magic, and I am happy to see the emergence of more Spellcasters. My interests are closely tied to the Seven Towers, and I hope to obtain more opportunities for cooperation."

What Xia Duo said was standard and proper, but it also expressed a very clear attitude. However, after listening, Bulundesi could not help but feel a bit disappointed.

Before coming, he had long known that it was Lord Xia Duo who had brought Master Bailun back; he was not worried about the relationship between Lord Xia Duo and the Seven Towers.

What he truly hoped to hear was a positive statement regarding Jilan Tower, but clearly, the young Senior Arcanist would not easily reveal such an attitude.

However, Bulundesi did not show any disappointment on his face; instead, he said quite happily: "Lord Xia Duo, the Seven Towers Council very much welcomes your joining!"

"I also feel very honored to be able to walk alongside all you Great Arcanists!"