Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 686 - 324: The Paradox of Conquest

She indicated different regions on the map:

"Under these circumstances, they won't have the chance to focus on our expansion efforts.

And once they become aware of the danger, we will already possess sufficient power from our conquests to confront whatever comes our way."

Numerous Wizards were stunned by this thorough breakdown of intelligence.

Evidently, Cassandra's scheme for conquest held much deeper considerations than what showed on the outside.

However, Ron observed that the origins and trustworthiness of this "intelligence" remained unverified.

Being a prudent investigator, he harbored doubts toward all data lacking solid proof.

"Furthermore."

Cassandra went on to elaborate:

"Our approach to conquest also features a key element—divide and conquer."

"With civilizations matching our power level, opting for partnership instead of domination is possible.

Through trading knowledge, pooling assets, and collaborating on subduing inferior foes, we can forge bonds based on mutual benefit."

A sly sparkle appeared in her gaze:

"Once sufficient civilizations integrate into our framework, dissenting opinions will fade away on their own.

In the end, nobody desires to stand against the collective."

The intricate nature of this geopolitical approach unveiled yet another dimension of the conquest blueprint for the attending Wizards.

Far from mere armed growth, it encompassed a full-spectrum plan that included diplomacy, espionage, finances, and beyond.

Yet Ron sharply detected the hidden perils lurking inside.

This "divide and conquer" method basically pulls the whole Multiverse into a conflict of never-before-seen magnitude.

If this chain of events begins, it might spiral into a reaction beyond anyone's control.

Right then, a surprising sound arose from the crowd.

A senior figure in the front row rose gradually, his actions deliberate and commanding.

Ron identified him as Associate Professor William, among the most experienced theory experts in the Crystal Tower.

"Great Wizard Cassandra."

Though William's tone carried the weight of years, it rang out with remarkable clarity:

"Your points are truly compelling, and the strategy displays impressive thoroughness.

Yet I must pose a question at the heart of it all."

He hesitated briefly, fixing his eyes on Cassandra:

"Among every target for conquest you've shown, none surpass our own civilization in might.

Thus, I wonder, once our conquests make us a perceived menace to others, how do we make sure we're not the ones targeted next for subjugation?"

Like a forceful strike, this query hit the fundamental weakness in the conquest doctrine.

A profound hush descended over the audience, everyone eager for Cassandra's reply.

Confronted by this test, Cassandra's face grew remarkably grave.

She stayed quiet for an entire minute, apparently structuring her comeback with care.

"Professor William, your inquiry delves into the supreme contradiction within conquest philosophy."

Her tone shifted to a profound, reflective timbre:

"Yes, in a cosmos governed by the law of the strongest, the victor of today could fall as the vanquished tomorrow.

Such is the endless loop; no society can promise eternal dominance in the hierarchy."

After a brief stop, she declared with firm resolve:

"However, Professor William, this contradiction weighs just as heavily on our existing passive approach.

Should we linger in place, falling to conquest isn't merely likely—it's inevitable."

She displayed once more a chart comparing the pace of civilization advancement:

"As other societies' power expansions outpace ours by factors of ten or a hundred, every delay heightens the peril of our standing.

Conquest at least offers a shot at rapidly bridging that divide, and even leaping ahead."

Professor William inclined his head but pressed on without delay:

"In that case, Great Wizard, what do you think marks the conclusion of this conquest competition?

If every civilization embraces conquest tactics, what fate awaits this universe?"

The profound nature of this probe left all in the room reeling.

It challenged both the long-term viability of conquest and its effects on the cosmic structure.

Meeting this intellectual hurdle, a trace of respect flickered in Cassandra's eyes:

"Professor William, your query reflects the wide-ranging insight every genuine academic ought to possess.

Uncovering the response could demand millennia of our time."

Her words took on an even deeper contemplative edge:

"Nevertheless, I hold that as the conquest contest hits a critical stage, fresh equilibria will surely emerge.

Maybe via pacts among advanced societies, or innovations in tech sparking novel growth paths, or methods beyond our current foresight."

After a short interval, she admitted candidly:

"I can't assure what awaits at the terminus of conquest's road, but I can assure this—without embarking on it, we'll remain ignorant of the outcome.

And crucially, we may lose any chance to discover it at all."

Such candid ambiguity proved more persuasive than sweeping assurances.

It recognized the hazards in the conquest path while underscoring the amplified threats of inaction.

Extended clapping echoed through the chamber, though Ron perceived the nuances in the ovation.

Certain individuals applauded with genuine passion, others with forced reservation, and a few merely went along with the masses.

This split was precisely the reaction Cassandra aimed to provoke.