Chapter 325: The Center of Attention

Chapter 325: The Center of Attention

She pointed at various regions on the map:

"In this scenario, they would be too preoccupied to notice our expansion.

By the time they realize the threat, we'll have already gained sufficient strength through conquests to face any challenge."

This detailed intelligence analysis stunned many mages.

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

However, Luo En noticed that the sources and reliability of these "intelligence" reports hadn't been verified.

As a cautious researcher, he maintained a skeptical attitude toward any unproven information.

"Furthermore", Cassandra continued, "our conquest strategy has another crucial component—division and alliance-building.

For civilizations of comparable strength, we can choose cooperation over conquest. By exchanging technologies, sharing resources, and even jointly conquering weaker objectives, we can establish mutually beneficial alliances."

A sly gleam flashed in her eyes.

"As more civilizations join our system, opposition will naturally dwindle. After all, who would willingly become everyone's enemy?"

At this moment, a voice interrupted from the audience—unexpected to Luo En.

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

Luo En recognized him immediately: Associate Professor Chester, one of Crystal Spire's most senior theoretical researchers and the very person who had evaluated his first thesis.

"Archmage Cassandra", Chester spoke slowly but clearly, "your argument is indeed persuasive, and your strategic planning demonstrates admirable depth. However, I'd like to ask a more fundamental question."

He paused, locking eyes with Cassandra.

"In all the conquest objectives you've demonstrated, I haven't seen a single civilization stronger than our own. So I must ask—when we ourselves become threats in the eyes of even stronger civilizations, how can we ensure we won't become the next conquest objective?"

This question struck like a hammer at the core vulnerability of the conquest theory.

The hall fell into absolute silence as everyone awaited Cassandra's response.

Faced with this challenge, Cassandra's expression became unusually serious. She remained silent for a full minute, seemingly carefully constructing her answer.

"Associate Professor Chester, your question touches upon the ultimate paradox of dialectical philosophy", she said, her voice growing deeper and more philosophical.

"In a universe governed by survival of the fittest, today's conqueror might inevitably become tomorrow's victim. This is an eternal cycle—no civilization can guarantee eternal dominance at the pinnacle of the food chain."

She paused before her tone suddenly turned resolute.

"But Associate Professor Chester, this paradox equally applies to our current conservative strategy. If we remain stagnant, becoming a victim won't be just a possibility—it will become inevitable."

She re-displayed the chart showing civilizations' development rates.

"When other civilizations are growing ten or even a hundred times faster than us, the longer we wait, the more precarious our relative position becomes. At least through conquest, we have the opportunity to rapidly close this gap—or even surpass them."

Associate Professor Chester nodded but immediately followed up:

"Then Archmage Cassandra, where do you see this conquest competition ultimately leading? What will this universe become when all civilizations adopt conquest strategies?"

This profound question sent ripples of shock through the audience.

Facing this philosophical challenge, Cassandra's eyes flickered with a trace of admiration.

"Associate Professor Chester, your question demonstrates the macroscopic vision a true academic should possess. The answer to this may require millions of years of exploration."

Her voice grew even more philosophical:

"But I believe when warfare reaches a certain threshold, new balances will inevitably emerge. Perhaps through higher-level civilization protocols, perhaps through technological breakthroughs enabling new development models, or perhaps through methods we can't even imagine today."

She paused, then spoke with candor:

"I cannot guarantee what awaits at the end of this conquest path. But I can guarantee one thing—without taking this path, we may never have the chance to discover that ultimate truth."

This honest admission of uncertainty proved more persuasive than any grandiose promise. It acknowledged the risks of conquest while emphasizing the greater dangers of stagnation.

Prolonged applause erupted across the hall, though Luo En noticed its complexity.

Some clapped fervently and sincerely; others hesitated, their applause perfunctory; while a few simply followed the crowd mechanically.

This division was exactly what Cassandra wanted.

She didn't need immediate fanatical supporters—only enough people thinking "perhaps it's worth trying" to push her agenda forward.

Associate Professor Chester slowly sat down, clearly lost in deep reflection over this answer.

As the applause gradually faded, Cassandra suddenly shifted her tone:

"Amidst this great era's dawn, I would also like to specially recognize an outstanding young mage."

Her gaze pierced through the crowd like a precision-guided arrow, locking onto Luo En within the Observatory Team.

"Luo En Lalf, please step forward."

This sudden spotlight silenced the entire hall, the stillness so profound that even breathing sounds were audible.

All eyes turned toward Luo En, whispers surging like ocean tides laced with complex emotions.

Luo En felt the weight of thousands of gazes. This sensation of collective scrutiny reminded him of the oppressive feeling from being stared down by chaotic wraiths in the Abyss days ago.

Yet his expression remained characteristically calm, as if such mass attention were merely part of daily life.

"Indeed, she's been watching me all along", he analyzed the situation coolly in his mind while activating Hermit's Insight to perceive surrounding energy fluctuations.

"From the moment I stepped into the Central Lands, every single move of mine has been under her surveillance. This public recognition serves both as a reward and a declaration—to announce to all that I have been 'chosen' by her."

As Cassandra's gaze swept over him, he detected observers hidden in the hall's shadows. These concealed presences radiated energy fluctuations identical to Cassandra's, clearly her direct subordinates.

This omnipresent monitoring system made him keenly aware—Conquerors' influence had penetrated every corner of the School Alliance.

Luo En rose steadily, walking toward the podium with measured steps.

The gathered mages parted automatically, their eyes brimming with complex emotions.

Many senior mages gleamed with curiosity, searching for any extraordinary traits;

more gazed reverently at this youth about to receive great honor, like watching a sacrificial offering stepping onto the altar.

As Luo En approached the podium, he noticed the satisfied smile blooming across Cassandra's face.

But that smile reminded him of predators locking eyes with prey—the gentle exterior masking lethal danger.

"Esteemed colleagues, allow me to introduce this true prodigy."

Cassandra began detailing Luo En's "achievements", her voice echoing through the hall with hypnotic rhythm:

"Luo En Lalf, who successfully ascended as a Primordial Mage through the True Path. As you all know, this ascension method is dubbed the 'Ten Deaths, No Life' ultimate challenge. Yet he not only succeeded but within a year demonstrated shocking comprehensive capabilities."

A low murmur rippled through the hall as many nodded involuntarily.

"In academia, he has mastered alchemy, bloodline formulation, enchantment, and multiple other fields, each reaching professional-level expertise."

Cassandra displayed a detailed achievement list—an automatically updating document showing Luo En's latest research progress in real time:

"He has improved over a dozen traditional potion formulas, innovated multiple breakthroughs in bloodline formulation techniques, and even independently designed the forward-looking 'Mobile Simulation Combat Device.' This all-around capability is exceedingly rare even among treasure-grade geniuses."

Gasps erupted from the audience, shock flashing in the eyes of many professional researchers.

Luo En could feel the complex emotions radiating from all directions—admiration, jealousy, fear, and expectation—like an invisible web of sentiment ensnaring him.

"Even more impressive is his practical combat capability", Cassandra remarked, her tone growing more approving.

She lightly tapped the podium, activating a display crystal that began showing footage of Luo En's trials at the Abyss Observatory.

During his actual combat at the Abyss Observatory, he single-handedly defeated multiple chaotic wraiths—formidable Abyssal Creatures. Bear in mind that confronting such entities typically demands a fully coordinated Silver-Ring Rank exploration squad; yet he triumphed over them alone.

The footage perfectly captured Luo En releasing his Sound Wave Oscillation. The eerie Whisperings reverberated through the hall's audio system, still unsettling many in attendance despite significant dampening.

Several exploration team members exchanged uneasy glances—knowing firsthand the terror of chaotic wraiths.

"This rare combination of theoretical mastery and battlefield prowess reminds me of my younger self."

Cassandra’s words sparked a thunderous reaction. Her youth had been legendary, a golden standard for countless aspiring mages. Being compared to her at that stage equated to being recognized as the next generation's leader.

Luo En’s vigilance spiked. He realized Cassandra was publicly molding him into a symbolic figurehead for the Conquerors. Accepting this role would make maintaining neutrality nearly impossible.

"In the upcoming Multiversal Conquest Plan, such a prodigy holds immeasurable value", Cassandra declared, her voice carrying unmistakable authority. "Therefore, I hereby appoint Luo En Lalf as the interim deputy director of Crystal Spire’s New Star Program."

Gasps erupted across the hall—the weight of this appointment far exceeding expectations.

The New Star Program was Cassandra’s special initiative to cultivate future leaders. This position placed him directly within the School Alliance’s core decision-making circle.

"The chief director role will remain vacant, awaiting someone to prove their worth through even greater achievements", Cassandra continued, her gaze locking onto him. "The entire New Star Program operates on fifty-year cycles. At the end of the first cycle, the most Outstanding member will be nominated as the candidate for Deputy Tower Lord of the Sky City."

Deputy Tower Lord—second only to Cassandra herself and the ancient Archmages.

Young mages’ eyes burned with ambition, their gazes growing sharper toward Luo En.

Luo En quickly calculated the deeper implications. Fifty years was a lifetime for ordinary humans but merely a developmental phase for mages. Cassandra was clearly orchestrating long-term power structures, positioning him as a key piece.

The Witch retrieved an intricately crafted box radiating unusual light. "As an inauguration gift, I present you this unique artifact."

Opening it carefully, she revealed a badge fashioned from Time Crystals. The design was exquisite—a hexagram foundation with each of its six points adorned by differently hued Time Crystals. The artifact refracted light in mesmerizing patterns, almost revealing visible flows of time itself.

"This is the 'Eye of Eternity'—a sacred relic from the Lord Civilization", Cassandra said, her tone reverent though Luo En detected underlying menace. "Its wearer gains enhanced Time Perception Ability, even glimpsing future dangers and opportunities. For a young man facing complex challenges, this relic will be your finest talisman."

She personally fastened the badge to his chest. "From today, you’ll enjoy associate professor-level access privileges, allowing entry into most classified School Alliance archives."

Her final announcement carried an unmistakable allure.

Standing at the podium, Luo En felt deep unease creeping in—a sensation of being an insect ensnared in a spider’s web, where each struggle tightened the bonds.

"This excessive generosity essence is a golden cage forged from expectation", he analyzed coldly while maintaining outward calm. "The greater the gift, the higher the return expected. This public recognition brands me as her faction’s key member."

Cassandra’s timing was masterfully ruthless. Refusing here—before thousands of witnesses—would be seen as open defiance against the Conquerors. With her current influence, such rebellion would be catastrophic.

"Every action of mine will now be interpreted as a policy signal from the Conquerors", he acknowledged grimly. "I must recalibrate my strategies."

Outwardly, he remained the epitome of composure. Bowing formally, he said steadily, "I am deeply grateful for Tower Lord’s trust. I shall strive not to betray this expectation."

The phrase balanced gratitude without explicit political alignment. Yet everyone understood—the public appointment had already cemented his stance.

"Today marks the dawn of a new era", Cassandra proclaimed, her voice resounding with inspiration. "I believe our civilization will achieve unprecedented brilliance through collective efforts. Luo En’s inclusion symbolizes this glorious transformation."

Her gaze shifted to him, a subtle warning flickering in her purple eyes. "I expect you to fulfill your role, contributing your strength to our shared cause."

"I will", he replied curtly, his voice devoid of inflection.

Thunderous applause erupted, tinged with complex emotions—sincere admiration, bitter jealousy, fearful tremors. Each sentiment reminded him: he now stood at the storm’s epicenter.

Ancient statues silently opened their eyes—memory stone effigies from the Celestial Hall, recording this historic moment. Every expression, every reaction, would become eternal testimony.

The era’s curtain had risen. All present would play their part in this grand transformation—willingly or otherwise.

As the Ritual concluded, mages dispersed. Many paused to congratulate Luo En—some genuine, others probing. He navigated these interactions with uncanny maturity, neither aloof nor overly eager. He understood: in this political arena, every micro-expression could be magnified.

When the last attendees departed, Cassandra approached.

"Luo En, are you free tonight?" Her tone softened, the cold authority replaced by unexpected warmth. "Join me for dinner with Eve and Uther Mentor—it’s a small family gathering."

Alarm bells rang internally. He recognized private dinners often held more danger than public meetings.

"It would be an honor", he replied politely, knowing refusal wasn’t an option.

Nodding, she added, "Transport will arrive at eight. Tonight’s menu includes treasures I’ve brought from other realms—I think you’ll find them... interesting."

With that, she departed, leaving him standing in the dimming hall.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end