Chapter 685: Chapter 685 - 323: If It Had Been Earlier (3)

"Young colleague, I completely understand your anger. In fact, I was troubled by the exact same concerns when I first embarked on the path of conquest." Her voice became gentle yet persuasive: "But let me ask you a question - when a group of bandits is about to slaughter your family, do you choose to adhere to the principle of 'non-violence' and watch them die, or do you take up arms to protect them?" The young Wizard was taken aback, clearly not anticipating such a question in return.

"Protecting family and conquering innocent civilizations are two different things!" he insisted. Cassandra nodded in agreement: "But what if those 'innocent civilizations' hold the technology that can save your dying family, yet refuse to share it?" She presented a more specific scenario: "Suppose your Master is dying painfully from Abyssal erosion, and a civilization possesses the cure. They are willing to trade this method for half of our magic knowledge - do you think that's fair?" The young Wizard's expression began to waver.