Chapter 2199

Elitism states that—society should be governed by an "Elite," or to put it another way, it should be ruled by an "Elite"!

Let's start with the rationale: in a nutshell, it is to let more professional people obtain higher decision-making power.

This is unobjectionable, but elitism blurs the concept of professional fields; if a professional in one field switches to another, are they still professional? Should they still possess higher decision-making power?

Secondly, regarding the determination of professionalism, or rather the determination of "Elite" status, having outsiders evaluate insiders clearly does not conform to most people's understanding.

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Then there is only the affirmation from more professional people, or in other words, the determination of Elite status comes from within the Elite group itself.

So the question arises: will such an Elite group composed of a minority exclude those with professional standards from joining them because of their own interest inclinations?

Or, will the minority Elite group unconditionally welcome those with professional standards to join them?

The answer is obvious.

But as long as those few Elites who have already obtained decision-making positions exclude professionals who have not obtained their certification, is that not the greatest mockery of elitism?

Those professionals who cannot obtain decision-making positions are not failing to do so because of their professionalism, but merely because of the obstruction of a few vested power-holders; can this be called elitism?

Specifically in reality, here in Netheril, because there is still a large amount of land available for expansion outside, there are not many restrictions on Pioneers.

But because Magic is directly related to their own ruling status, from top to bottom, almost all Spellcasters unanimously choose to set up heavy obstacles for those about to enter this field.

Besides excluding professionals for the sake of interests, wouldn't they also certify non-professionals for the sake of interests (to avoid losses to themselves or their own camp's decision-making power)?

Then, this so-called "Elite" doesn't even have professional ability, which actually approaches the essence of "elitism"—

It is not advocating for more professional people to make decisions, but providing theoretical support for a few vested power-holders to continue to hold power.

But in reality, the internal workings of elitism are riddled with problems; only the facade it presents might be its only rationality.

Xia Duo never denies the existence of Elites, but he firmly opposes elitism; this world should not have a minority group that naturally possesses decision-making power, but rather progressive representatives capable of making professional decisions in their own professional fields that are beneficial to the interests of the masses.

These two seem similar, but in reality, there is a fundamental difference.

The power of progressive representatives comes from the masses, relying on their own professional Knowledge to make decisions; while the power of the Elite comes from the power system constructed by elitism, and they do not rely on their own professional Knowledge when making decisions (those so-called Elites do not necessarily have professional Knowledge).

The purpose of the former's decision-making is to serve the people, while the purpose of the latter's decision-making is for their own interests or to maintain their rule.

Therefore, elitism has another most obvious external manifestation, which is the self-righteousness of the ruling class.

The previous sacrifice of Master Eriwen (he didn't actually die; he was rescued by the Princess) might be sigh-inducing, but if one examines its essence, it is nothing more than a form of elitist self-righteousness.

And now, Badijiaer, or rather the Seven Towers, is also playing this game, thinking that with Mythallar technology, they can dominate the Northland; they not only think this, but they have actually done it.

Completely disregarding the rare peaceful situation in the Northland, they insist on provoking a new round of arms race.

From this moment on, Xia Duo has completely seen through the essence of the Seven Towers; the fundamental difference in their positions dictates that he and the Seven Towers can only use each other, but can never become true fellow travelers.

……

After the banquet, Xia Duo did not leave Evereska immediately, but came to a community garden square near the banquet venue, as the Calimshan Observer Hudson said he had the latest intelligence from the south to share with him.

When he arrived, he saw Hudson rise from a bench on the other side of the square, floating toward him on a breeze, stopping to salute:

"Lord Xia Duo, I am here by the order of the Grand Vizier to provide you with some southern intelligence."

"Hmm, please express my gratitude to His Excellency Fahede." After returning the salute, Xia Duo immediately asked about the intelligence, "Does His Excellency Fahede have any instructions?"

"First is the latest war situation regarding Kaitemier and Zhamu Dasi. Although that war was initiated by Kaitemier, they were not prepared for war and were almost completely no match for Zhamu Dasi on the battlefield, even having to rely on their local Mythallar for defense at one point."

"And then what?"

"Later, the Crown King of Kaitemier sought aid from our country, and the great Syl Pasha agreed. But considering our country's actual situation, the Grand Vizier only sent a team of Warriors with frontline combat experience as Consultants to Kaitemier, not actually participating in the war."

"Hmm, and then?" Xia Duo asked again.

Calimshan is beset by troubles both internally and externally, and having finally extricated itself from the quagmire of war, it is naturally impossible to step into it again easily. Sending a Consultant team was likely because Kaitemier offered an irresistible high price; otherwise, they wouldn't have risked restarting the war with Zhamu Dasi to do such a thing.

"Afterward, under the guidance of the Calimshan Advisory Group, Kaitemier stabilized the war situation and can now gradually launch counterattacks."

Speaking of this, Hudson paused, glanced at Xia Duo, and explained: "A large part of this is also because Zhamu Dasi's offensive has been greatly weakened due to the loss of a Mind Artifact not long ago."

"Anything else?"

"There is no more for now regarding the war between Kaitemier and Zhamu Dasi, but it is expected that this war will last for a long time, until the Crown King of Kaitemier dies or forgets the pain of losing his son."

"Besides these?"

"Besides these, there is another piece of intelligence regarding Zhamu Dasi: that aggressive evil country, after signing a ceasefire agreement with our country, has turned the spearhead of war toward the south again."

"Life is endless, aggression is ceaseless?"

"Lord Xia Duo, your expression is truly too vivid; the people of Zhamu Dasi can only stop when they are completely dead!"

Even in front of Xia Duo, Hudson expressed his disgust for Zhamu Dasi without any concealment; of course, on this point, Xia Duo actually felt quite the same.

Regardless of whether there were previous conflicts, Xia Duo would not have any good feelings for a country that writes aggression and expansion into its marrow.

"Does His Excellency Fahede have any other instructions?"

"The Grand Vizier also said that because of Zhamu Dasi's conspiracy last time, Lord Xia Duo left disappointed; this time, everyone in Kalim is fully prepared and welcomes Lord Xia Duo to visit again at any time."

After finishing, Hudson also took out a formal invitation and handed it to Xia Duo.

Xia Duo did not refuse Fahede's warm invitation, but he did not state a specific time, because he was not planning to go to the south again in the short term.

However, upon learning that Zhamu Dasi was already fighting everywhere, he was moved to continue the travel plan he had not completed before—the idea of heading to the east.

Of course, there was no need to show this in front of Hudson.