Chapter 317

She pointed to various areas on the map:

"In this case, they have no time to pay attention to our expansion actions.

And by the time they realize the threat, we have already gained enough strength through conquest to deal with any challenge."

This detailed intelligence analysis shocked many wizards.

Obviously, Cassandra's conquest plan was far more thoughtful than it appeared on the surface.

But Luo En noticed that the source and reliability of this "intelligence" had not been verified.

As a cautious researcher, he remained skeptical of any information that could not be verified.

"And."

Cassandra continued to add:

"Our conquest strategy also includes an important component, which is division and wooing.

"For civilizations of comparable strength, we can choose cooperation instead of conquest.

Through technology exchange, resource sharing, and even joint conquest of weaker targets, to establish an interest alliance."

A cunning look appeared in her eyes:

"After enough civilizations join our system, the voices of opposition will naturally become fewer and fewer.

After all, no one wants to be everyone's enemy."

At this time, a voice that surprised Luo En appeared below the stage.

A dignified middle-aged man sitting in the front row stood up slowly.

Luo En recognized him, that was Associate Professor Chester.

One of the most senior theoretical researchers of the Crystal Spire, and also the person who conducted his first paper review at the time.

"Grand Wizard Cassandra."

Chester's voice was a bit slow, but exceptionally clear:

"Your argument is indeed very persuasive, and the strategic planning also shows admirable depth.

But I have a more fundamental question I would like to ask."

He paused, looking directly at Cassandra:

"Among all the conquest targets you showed, I did not see any civilization stronger than us.

So may I ask, when we become a threat in the eyes of other more powerful civilizations, how do we ensure that we will not become the next target of conquest?"

This question hit the core loophole of the conquest theory like a heavy hammer.

The hall fell into a deathly silence, and everyone was waiting for Cassandra's answer.

Facing this challenge, Cassandra's expression became exceptionally serious.

She was silent for a full minute, seemingly carefully organizing her answer.

"Associate Professor Chester, your question touches on the ultimate paradox of contradiction philosophy."

Her voice became deep and philosophical:

"Indeed, in a universe where the weak are prey to the strong, today's conqueror may become tomorrow's conquered.

This is an eternal cycle, and no civilization can guarantee that it will always stand at the top of the food chain."

She paused, and then her tone suddenly became firm:

"But Associate Professor Chester, this paradox also applies to our current conservative strategy.

If we continue to stand still, then becoming the conquered is not 'possible', but 'inevitable'."

She displayed the comparison chart of civilization development speed again:

"When the growth speed of other civilizations' strength is ten times or a hundred times ours, the longer the time, the more dangerous our relative position will be.

At least through conquest, we have the opportunity to quickly narrow this gap, or even achieve transcendence."

Associate Professor Chester nodded, but then asked again:

"Then where does Grand Wizard Cassandra think the end of this conquest race is?

When all civilizations adopt a conquest strategy, what will this universe become?"

The depth of this question shocked everyone.

Facing this philosophical challenge, a glimmer of appreciation appeared in Cassandra's eyes:

"Associate Professor Chester, your question shows the macro vision that a true scholar should have.

The answer to this question may require us to spend tens of millions of years to find."

Her voice became more philosophical:

"But I believe that when the war race reaches a certain level, a new balance point will inevitably appear.

Perhaps it is through higher-level civilization agreements, perhaps it is a new development model achieved through technological breakthroughs, or perhaps it is through some way we cannot imagine now."

She paused, and then said frankly:

"I cannot guarantee what the end of the road of conquest is, but what I can guarantee is that if we do not take this road... we may never have the chance to know the true answer."

This frank uncertainty was more persuasive than any gorgeous promise.

It acknowledged the risks of the conquest strategy, but at the same time emphasized the greater danger of the status quo.

Long applause erupted in the hall, but Luo En noticed the complexity of this applause.

Some clapped enthusiastically and sincerely, some clapped reluctantly and hesitantly, and others just followed the crowd mechanically.

This differentiation was exactly what Cassandra wanted to see.

She didn't need everyone to immediately become a fanatical supporter, she just needed enough people to feel "maybe we can try it" and that was enough.

Associate Professor Chester sat down slowly, clearly thinking deeply about this answer.

Just as the applause was gradually subsiding, Cassandra suddenly changed the subject:

"While opening this great era, I also want to specially commend an outstanding young wizard."

Her gaze passed through the crowd, like a precision-guided arrow, locking directly onto Luo En, who was standing in the observation station's ranks.

"Luo En Ralph, please come to the front."

This sudden naming made the entire hall quiet down instantly, so quiet that even breathing could be heard clearly.

Everyone's eyes turned to Luo En, and whispers surged like a tide, mixed with various complex emotions.

Luo En felt the focus of thousands of eyes.

The feeling of being scrutinized by countless eyes at the same time reminded him of the pressure of being stared at by chaotic spirits in the abyss a few days ago.

But his expression remained that signature calmness, as if this attention was just a part of his daily life.

"Sure enough, she has been watching me."

He analyzed this situation calmly in his heart, activating "Hermit's Insight" to perceive the energy fluctuations around him:

"From the moment I entered the Central Land, every move I made was under her surveillance.

This public commendation is both a reward and a declaration.

Telling everyone that I have been 'chosen' by her."

Along with Cassandra's gaze, he sensed observers in some hidden corners of the hall.

Those existences hiding in the shadows exuded energy fluctuations similar to Cassandra's, clearly her direct subordinates.

This comprehensive monitoring system made him realize that the influence of the Conquest Faction had penetrated into every corner of the School Alliance.

Luo En stood up slowly and walked toward the podium with steady steps.

The wizards around gave way one after another, their eyes filled with complex emotions:

Many elderly wizards had curious light flickering in their eyes, trying to find something special about Luo En;

More people were watching this young man who was about to receive great honor with awe, as if looking at a sacrificial offering about to step onto the altar.

When Luo En walked to the podium, he noticed a satisfied smile blooming on Cassandra's face.

But that kind of smile reminded him of the expressions of predators when they locked onto prey, with fatal danger hidden under a gentle appearance.

"Fellow colleagues, let me introduce this true genius to you."

Cassandra began to narrate Luo En's various "achievements" in detail.

Her voice echoed in the hall, carrying a certain hypnotic rhythm:

"Wizard Luo En Ralph, successfully promoted to a Primordial Wizard through the True Path.

Everyone here knows that this promotion method is known as the ultimate challenge of 'ten deaths and no life'.

And he not only succeeded, but also showed shocking comprehensive abilities within just one year."

Low discussions erupted in the hall, and many people nodded involuntarily in agreement.

"In terms of academics, he is proficient in multiple fields such as potionology, bloodline modulation, alchemy, and enchantment, and has reached a professional level in each field."

Cassandra displayed a detailed achievement list, which seemed to update automatically, showing Luo En's latest research progress in real-time:

"He improved the formulas of more than a dozen traditional potions, innovated multiple bloodline modulation technologies, and even independently designed a forward-looking 'mobile simulation combat device'.

This kind of all-around ability is extremely rare even among treasure-level geniuses."

Exclamations erupted below, and many professional researchers showed shock.

Luo En could feel complex emotions from all directions:

Admiration, jealousy, fear, expectation, surrounding him like an invisible web of emotions. "What is even more impressive is his actual combat ability."

Cassandra's tone became more appreciative.

At the same time, she touched a display crystal on the podium, playing a clip of Luo En's test at the abyss observation station:

"In the actual combat test at the abyss observation station, he defeated a high-level abyss creature like a chaotic spirit with his own strength.

You know, chaotic spirits usually require a complete Silver Ring level exploration team to deal with, but he was able to defeat it alone."

In the picture, the scene where Luo En released the sonic shock was perfectly recorded.

Those strange babblings echoed in the hall's sound system, and even after being greatly weakened, they still made many people present feel uncomfortable.

Some exploration team members looked at each other, they knew the horror of chaotic spirits well.

"This ability to attach equal importance to theory and practice, this talent that combines academics and combat, even reminds me of myself when I was young."

Cassandra's words caused a huge sensation.

Her youth was a legend among legends, a learning benchmark for countless junior wizards.

Being able to receive such an evaluation was almost equivalent to being identified as a leader of the next generation.

Hearing this, Luo En's sense of vigilance reached its peak.

He realized that Cassandra was shaping him into a landmark figure of the Conquest Faction through this public praise.

Once he accepted this identity setting, it would be difficult for him to maintain a neutral stance.

"In the upcoming multi-world conquest plan, such an all-around talent has immeasurable value."

Cassandra began to announce more specific appointments, her voice carrying an irresistible majesty:

"Therefore, I have decided to appoint Luo En Ralph as the temporary second-in-command of the Crystal Spire's 'Nova Project'."

A gasp erupted in the hall, the weight of this appointment far exceeding everyone's imagination.

The "Nova Project" was a special project established by Cassandra to cultivate the next generation of leaders, and obtaining this position meant directly entering the core decision-making layer of the School Alliance.

"The chief position will be temporarily vacant, waiting for more outstanding performance to prove qualification."

Cassandra's gaze gathered on him, as if implying that this position was not out of reach:

"The entire Nova Project will be in fifty-year terms, and at the end of the first term, the most outstanding member will be recommended as a candidate for the Tower Master of the Sky City's auxiliary tower."

Auxiliary Tower Master, second only to Cassandra herself and several ancient Grand Wizards.

Flames of desire ignited in the eyes of many young wizards, and at the same time, they cast more targeted gazes at Luo En.

Luo En quickly calculated the deeper meaning of this arrangement in his heart.

Fifty years is a lifetime for ordinary humans, but for wizards, it is just a development stage.

Cassandra was clearly preparing for a long-term power layout, and he was chosen as a key pawn in this layout.

The witch took out an exquisite box emitting strange light from her arms:

"As a job gift, I want to give you a special item."

She carefully opened the box, inside lay a badge made of "Time Crystals".

The design of this badge was extremely exquisite, based on a hexagram structure, with time crystals of different colors embedded in each sharp corner.

The entire badge produced a wonderful refraction effect under the light, as if allowing the viewer to see the flow trajectory of time.

"This is the holy relic 'Eye of Time' from the 'Lord Civilization'."

Cassandra's tone carried obvious cherishing, but Luo En heard the threat in it:

"The wearer will gain a significant enhancement in time perception ability, and can even predict future dangers and opportunities to a certain extent.

For a young man about to face a complex situation, this holy relic will be the best amulet."

She personally pinned the badge on Luo En's chest:

"From today on, you will enjoy the same knowledge access rights as an associate professor and can access most of the confidential information of the School Alliance."

Cassandra finally announced, her voice carrying obvious temptation.

Luo En stood on the podium, a deep sense of unease spreading in his heart.

Like an insect entangled in a spider web, every struggle made the shackles tighter.

"This kind of super-standard treatment is essentially a shackle made of gold."

He analyzed his situation calmly in his heart, while maintaining surface calmness:

"She gave me such great courtesy, naturally she also expects corresponding returns.

And making such a high-profile commendation at this critical moment is declaring to everyone that I am already an important member of her camp."

Even more cunningly, the timing and method Cassandra chose made it almost impossible for him to refuse.

In such a public occasion, witnessed by thousands of wizards, any refusal would be interpreted as an open provocation to the Conquest Faction.

And with Cassandra's current influence, the consequences of such a provocation would be catastrophic.

"From today on, every move I make will be interpreted as a policy signal of the Conquest Faction."

A sense of helplessness surged deep in his heart, but reason told him he must accept reality:

"Wanting to remain neutral is no longer possible, I must re-plan my development strategy."

But on the surface, Luo En still maintained that signature calmness and composure.

He performed a standard wizard salute to Cassandra and said in a steady voice:

"Thank you for the Tower Master's trust and cultivation, I will try my best not to live up to this expectation."

This sentence was airtight, expressing gratitude without explicitly stating support for the conquest policy.

But everyone present understood that this public appointment had already made his stance clear.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era."

Cassandra made a final summary to the whole audience, her voice full of inspiration:

"I believe that with everyone's joint efforts, our civilization will usher in unprecedented glory.

And Luo En's joining is the symbol of this glory."

The witch turned to Luo En, a warning sign that only he could perceive appearing in her eyes:

"I hope you can exert your due role in the new position and contribute to our common cause."

"I will." He responded briefly, without the slightest emotional fluctuation in his voice.

Warm applause erupted below, mixed with various complex emotions.

Sincere admiration, the bitterness of jealousy, the trembling of fear...

Every emotion reminded him that he was already standing at the center of the storm.

Some ancient statues opened their eyes quietly, observing all this silently.

Those were the "Memory Statues" in the Hall of Falling Stars, they were recording this historic moment.

Along with the expressions and reactions of everyone present, they would become eternal witnesses.

At this moment, the curtain of the new era was officially opened.

And everyone would become a participant in this huge change.

... Whether they were willing or not.

After the ceremony, the wizards began to disperse one after another, but many stopped to express congratulations when passing by Luo En.

Some of these congratulations were sincere, some were false, and more were tentative.

Everyone wanted to get some hints about the future policy direction from him.

Luo En showed sophistication beyond his age when dealing with these social occasions, neither appearing arrogant nor overly enthusiastic.

He understood that in this complex political environment, every subtle statement could be interpreted infinitely.

When the last batch of attendees left the hall, Cassandra walked slowly toward Luo En, who was still standing near the podium.

"Luo En, do you have time tonight?"

Her tone became more personalized, and the light in her purple eyes became much softer:

"I want to invite you to have dinner at my residence, Yi Fu and Mentor Youteer will also attend, it counts as a small family gathering."

This sudden closeness made the alarm bells in Luo En's heart ring loudly.

He knew very well that private dinners were often more dangerous than public meetings.

"It would be an honor."

Luo En responded politely, clearly having no power to refuse.

Cassandra nodded with satisfaction:

"Our dinner time is eight o'clock, and I will send someone to pick you up then.

Tonight's menu includes some treasures I brought back from other worlds, I believe you will be interested."

She didn't wait for Luo En's response and turned to leave.

(End of chapter)