Chapter 839: Possibility of God War, Respect

"Your Highness, if we continue to contend over the Green Field Plane, war will inevitably be triggered. Why can't we take a small step back? Once we are stronger, everything we lose now can be fully reclaimed in the future!"

This was Haruisi's true thought; he deeply understood the war potential of the Elves, if not for the fact that those long-lived beings cherished their lives too much, and the difference in the concept of time between the two sides.

If it were humans, it would be impossible to let Netheril develop to its current state right at their doorstep.

Furthermore, once a war breaks out, one must face an even more severe problem, and that is the Elven Main God!

Although unwilling to admit it, Haruisi was very clear about one thing: the Elven Main God had the ability and determination to actively intervene in the disputes of the Mortal Plane.

And when it involves a god, one has to be even more cautious. In the past, the Elven Main God perhaps chose not to strike directly at Netheril out of respect or fear for the Lord of Radiance.

But once a large-scale war breaks out, who can guarantee that the other side will not strike?

At the very least, the Lord of Radiance had not shown any intention of wanting to actively intervene in the mortal world.

To let mortals fight against a god—what a difficult decision that is!

However, although Haruisi was somewhat pessimistic about the present of Netheril, he was very optimistic about the future. As a Great Arcanist, he deeply understood that Magic is what allows mortals to obtain extraordinary power.

It is impossible to use mortals to fight against a god right now, simply because the development of Magic has not yet reached that point. Once it does, it may not be impossible for mortals to slay a god.

Of course, whether those mortals could still be called "mortals" at that time would be another matter entirely.

In short, Haruisi strongly disapproved of going to war with Cormanthor now, as it would greatly affect the normal development trajectory of Netheril.

Facing Haruisi's firm opposition, Xiya was about to retort when Hadelaien of the Jannick Tower suddenly spoke, his tone very sharp:

"What is lost now can be reclaimed in the future? Then how do you know that before gaining enough power to reclaim everything, we won't lose it all?"

"And by retreating step by step like this, how can you guarantee that Cormanthor will be satisfied and won't press forward step by step?"

"History has already told us that what retreat brings is not respect and a timely stop, but rather intensifying greed. Is such a result really what you want?"

Hadelaien's words made Haruisi somewhat silent; he knew he could not answer these questions. At this moment, Badijiaer, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke:

"Well said! Rather than being forced into a dead end where we are unable to resist, it is better to kill them while we still can. I don't believe that the Elves are all afraid of death! Once they die to a certain extent, they will inevitably have to compromise! And while we maintain our interests, we also win our dignity!"

Between dying proudly and with dignity, and living shamefully and humbly, Badijiaer would undoubtedly choose the former. He found it hard to imagine what it would be like on the day he lost his pride!

And his words also stirred up everyone's desire for dignity. A Great Arcanist is undoubtedly incomparably noble in Netheril, but in the eyes of the Elves, even if they possess power similar to a high-level Mage, they are still seen as barbarians who manipulate Magic.

Surface-level respect might just be to set off the noble, elegant, and civilized posture of the Elves, but once it involves interests, the surface disguise is torn to shreds instantly, without a hint of hesitation.

What is true respect? Between nations and between races, there is only one true respect: power, and a series of victorious battles forged in blood and fire!

As for the kind of respect that stems from personal morality, the Great Arcanists do not deny it, but between nations, civilizations, and races, it appears much more fragile and much more insignificant.

"You—"

Haruisi's expression changed several times, but in the end, he did not say any more words of opposition. In fact, deep down, he also longed for such a magnificent battle, or even a war, fought for dignity.

It is just that Netheril must also have an opponent, a conservative, a Guardian who can pull the gradually fanatical will of the crowd back to rationality at any time.

However, as the meeting reached this point, Haruisi also knew it was nearing its end. The seven Great Arcanists of the Seven Towers—Xiya, Badijiaer, and Hadelaien—were undoubtedly in support of this plane conflict, and even war.

As for Lander, his personality had always been calm, and he almost put all his thoughts into the field of Magic, rarely holding opposing opinions on the decisions of the group.

Huo En seemed to often sing a different tune from Badijiaer, but that was mostly out of personal grudges, the cause being that Huo En had hooked up with two of Badijiaer's Apprentices.

However, when it came to the public affairs of the Seven Towers, and even Netheril, these two people who seemed to be at odds could often come together.

By now, although Huo En had not yet stated his position, Haruisi, who knew Huo En's personality well, knew that if Huo En wanted to oppose, he would have jumped out to accuse Badijiaer long ago. Since he hadn't, this was already a tacit attitude.

Out of the seven, four supported it, one was neutral, and the last two, besides himself, were Pastroluo of the Nasif Tower.

Thinking of this, Haruisi glanced at Pastroluo, who was deep in thought, and already had the answer in his heart.

Then, just as Haruisi expected, after provoking Badijiaer, Huo En finally agreed with Badijiaer's point of view and clearly expressed his willingness to participate in the war against Cormanthor in the Green Pearl Plane.

And Pastroluo, although he did not express a willingness to participate directly, represented the Nasif Tower in stating that they were willing to provide material support specifically for countering the Cormanthor Elves.

As for Haruisi, since the resolution had been reached, he also stated that he would provide a batch of supplies, with the quantity referenced to the Nasif Tower and the Morien Tower.

Of course, whether it was providing personnel or supplies, it would ultimately need to be paid for by the Gustav Tower. Everyone was very clear about this point; after all, the Green Field Plane belonged to his family alone, not something to be split among everyone.

If it were to be split among everyone, this meeting might have been a different scene!

Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, Xiya finally made a summary, "Since that is the case, this matter is decided. Finally, I have one more thing I need to inform everyone about!"

"What is it?" Badijiaer immediately asked with concern.

Xiya looked at Badijiaer, knowing that the other party was eager to return her favor, but this matter really could not do without the other party's help.

"The Statue Sanctification is nearing completion!"

As soon as Xiya finished speaking, the secret chamber suddenly fell into an eerie silence. After a long while, a burst of rapid breathing was heard; it was Lander, who had rarely spoken before:

"Your Highness, are you saying that your Faith Statue is about to complete its Sanctification?"

"Yes." Xiya nodded.

"Then, then—"

Lander did not finish the rest of his words, but everyone else knew what he wanted to say—

Is the Ascension Ritual about to reach its end?