Conspiracy

That was precisely why Osvid was certain Chalanona would take the bait.

Sure enough, after struggling for a while, Chalanona finally compromised.

"What do you want me to do?"

Why had Chalanona abandoned her family and children to betray the elves? Was it not all for the sake of her research? She was deeply fascinated by life alchemy. The thrill of trampling upon the domain of the gods made her feel as great as those ancient creator gods.

Unfortunately, among the conservative, rigid elves, not only was life alchemy considered heresy—even life modification was forbidden. This made Chalanona feel deeply constrained and oppressed. Mages were like that. They always believed their calling was the pursuit of truth, and truth should not be bound.

It could also be said that all mages suffered from eighth-grader syndrome. What they pursued looked evil in the eyes of most ordinary people, but that was only because ordinary people were stupid. The methods they used were rejected by the world, but that was the world's fault. In the eyes of mages, pursuing truth was right—the only right thing. As for methods, those were mere details. Did the greatness of truth not require a few tiny sacrifices?

"Stand with me and change this city!" Osvid said with satisfaction.

"You really want to start a civil war? I know you're dissatisfied with the council, but you know the others won't allow you to touch it! When that happens, this city will be the one to suffer! You need to think this through."

Although Chalanona wanted the book before her more than anyone else, she also understood perfectly well that if she truly agreed to Osvid's request, the old balance of power would be shattered. Osvid would then have the strength to purge everything he disliked. In the