https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-302-Lanchi-s-Daily-Routine-as-Principal/12584418/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-304-Lanchi-s-Ambitions-Were-Clearly-Lacking/12584420/
Chapter 303: Cardinal Lanchi's Insights
Chapter 303: Cardinal Lanchi's Insights
"In one of my adventures in the Shadow World, my mission was to act as the leader of the Demon Tribe and aid them through a crisis. Through my interactions with the demons, I gained a deep understanding of their culture and traits."
As a principal, Lanchi always felt responsible for guiding his students, no matter the circumstance.
This had always been his professional attitude.
If Miss Duke Croslis had come to him as a noble of the Imperial Capital for an intelligence exchange and cooperative negotiation, he might not have said so much.
But she had chosen to come to him as a student seeking guidance.
And so, Lanchi would give her a simple answer.
"Is that so?"
It was a casual yet surprisingly logical reason.
The only problem was this absurd Shadow World... What kind of fantastical history could have led to such a scenario?
Unfortunately, just like a puzzle laid out before them, Lanchi could provide the answer, but he couldn't force everyone to believe his subjective deductions.
"I understand," said Croslis, continuing with her questions. "I would also like to hear Mr. Logan's insights into the current situation of the Protoss Empire."
She was certain that the man before her possessed unique wisdom, talent, and charm, but that wasn't enough to earn her support.
She, too, was taking a gamble, wanting to become someone who could influence the situation. Insight, foresight, and ambition were all necessary.
The answer to this very difficult and broad question would reveal a person's perspective and ability to see the bigger picture, and it would also determine how much she was willing to wager on Logan McCarthy.
However, Lanchi remained unfazed by Croslis' inquiry.
"The apparent enemies are the Kingdom of Ethertelan and the northern nations. Those who openly oppose you are often not the most dangerous. If it comes to a fight, the unified power of the resurrected church is more than a match for them."
He leaned back relaxed, his fingers interlaced, and his office chair creaked as he reclined.
His understanding of the current situation in the Northern Continent had mostly come after arriving in the Protoss Empire, and it was largely based on his knowledge of the continent a year later, when the war had already broken out.
"The key lies in the ambiguous attitude of the northern theocracy. They have turned a blind eye to the unrest in the South as if it has nothing to do with them. They appear neutral, but in reality, they are more dangerous than the northern nations and the Kingdom of Ethertelan combined. They are the true giants, biding their time to reap the benefits."
"Further north, the realm belonging to the ancient spirits and the several nations that split from the original demon realm are also extremely powerful. However, they are too distant from the Protoss Empire geographically, and natural disasters and terrain isolate them, so they don't pose an immediate threat."
"If the threats to the Empire's northern regions were created by humans, then we can be certain that someone is trying to instigate a war on the Northern Continent. The real danger lies in these unseen hands, in the forces manipulating the situation, wanting the humans and other beings to weaken each other until they can step in and take control."
Upon hearing this, Croslis nodded, as she, too, was well aware of this possibility, or perhaps she had deduced it from the intelligence she already possessed, which aligned with Lanchi's perspective.
"But isn't this just an assumption? More like a hypothetical enemy?" Croslis asked.
They had returned to the crux of the matter.
How could they prove this existence and convince others?
"The lifespan of humans is too short, and there are limitations to predicting the future based solely on history," Lanchi replied. "If we don't broaden our horizons, we may very well face terrors beyond our comprehension. We don't necessarily have to prove their existence; we just need to discern right from wrong."
"Let me offer my personal opinion," Lanchi continued. "If the Protoss Empire truly intends to conquer the Northern Continent, their initial strategy is fundamentally flawed."
"The northern nations and the theocracy have never been on good terms. The very existence of the theocracy is enigmatic, and they should have been framed from the start. By bypassing the northern nations and launching a surprise attack on the theocracy, the Protoss Empire could have drawn them into the conflict. It would have been a strategic move, providing both offense and defense, with the northern nations serving as a buffer."
"It's evident now that someone intends to deplete the strength of the Protoss Empire and use it as a catalyst for greater turmoil."
He analyzed the situation with utmost seriousness.
"Wait, stop," Croslis interrupted, raising her hand. "Let's not discuss this any further."
"..."
Even Siduo, sitting on the sofa beside them, straightened up and turned to look at Lanchi.
No, she didn't ask for your advice on how the Protoss Empire should properly conquer the Northern Continent! Your perspective is a bit extreme!
But Croslis couldn't help finding his insights intriguing, and she smiled with evident interest.
Lanchi's perspective was quite different from what she had imagined.
Though extreme, he was arguing that the war held no benefits for the Protoss Empire.
He saw through the situation clearly, but his way of thinking was unconventional.
"So, does Principal Logan believe that there's a possibility for the Protoss Empire to unify the Northern Continent?" Croslis asked, wanting to understand Lanchi's final conclusion before ending the topic.
"No such possibility exists," Lanchi replied, closing his eyes and shaking his head.
"Why?" Croslis probed, curious about the contradiction between his previous certainty and his current denial.
"Because I'm a pacifist," he opened his eyes, and they shone like a serene lake, reflecting his innate compassion and concern for all living beings—the gaze of a saint. "I won't let such a thing happen."
Without saying a word, he conveyed to Croslis that what he desired was world peace.
Despite this, Croslis felt that his definition of peace might be a bit sinister and abnormal.
"..."
She fell into deep thought, hesitating for a long time.
In her opinion, the answer lay in the unknown variables of the Far North. If the empire engaged in a protracted conflict with the north and a long-lived hero emerged—one who had lived for tens of thousands of years, ancient enough for history to forget their name—any situation could be turned on its head.
Such beings existed in the Northern Continent.
Just like the ancient bloodline race in the Southern Continent.
There were no signs or proofs of their existence, but they were there.
However, for the current Northern Continent, these long-lived beings served as massive random factors, threatening those who sought to manipulate the situation from behind the scenes. Thus, they would prefer to control things from the shadows, forcing these unknown variables to reveal themselves before stepping into the light.
But as things stood, this young man before her, Logan McCarthy,
His very existence,
Was no less unpredictable than those ancient heroes lurking in the shadows.
(End of Chapter)
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