Wisdom Distance

"But we really were harmed by the wizards. They're genuinely attacking us. Surely you can't just turn a blind eye to this, can you?" a young mage said.

Many people nodded, especially the younger mages.

Suye said slowly, "When I was... traveling the world, I heard a remark from a top-level sage named Jobes. He said, 'I like associating with intelligent people because I don't have to worry about their self-esteem.' At first, I didn't understand those words, but as I continued to grow, I finally understood what they meant."

"Do you know how people criticized that sage at the time? Some said he had no respect for others, that everyone should have self-esteem and everyone deserved respect. Whenever I think of those words, I can only shake my head helplessly."

"That saying doesn't mean we shouldn't respect others. It means that truly intelligent people understand 'what they want to do' whenever they act, instead of placing secondary concerns like face, dignity, and emotions above everything else. Anyone who puts those things first can't even distinguish between priorities, so naturally they can't become intelligent. Another meaning is that once we communicate with people who can't distinguish between what matters and what doesn't, we have to consider other factors to make the exchange smoother, forcing ourselves to pay a greater communication cost. Most of the communication costs in this world obstruct human progress. Of course, on the other hand, another kind of intelligent person knows how to communicate effectively and reduce communication costs. That means taking advantage of other people's emotional, dignitary, and vain weaknesses, taking control of the situation, and benefiting from it."

"I believe that top-level sage had completely grasped the concept of Wisdom Distance."

Everyone looked at Light curiously.

Suye continued, "No matter what happens in the outside