"This sort of thing can't be predicted."
Xiao Xiao was clearly pessimistic about the relationship between Sacred Will and the Blood Kin Society. "Ultimately, how long the conflict lasts depends on the relationship between Alpha Academy and Jiuyou Academy."
"When do you think the relationship between the two academies will truly stabilize, then?" Zheng Qing persistently pressed on.
Xiao Xiao's answer was watertight. "Stability is a dynamic balance."
Zheng Qing cast Xiao Xiao a sidelong glance, then decided to approach the matter from another angle, from the standpoint of his own academy. "Then do you think the conflict between the two academies will, as before, be diverted by external contradictions? Such as demons, the development of the New World, or breakthroughs in new magical theories... In other words, do you really think the minor squabbles between two societies can resolve the conflict between the two academies?"
That final rhetorical question was very sharp, because it pointed out a flaw in Xiao Xiao's earlier analysis.
No matter what, the struggle between First University's two academies would profoundly affect the shifts in power and distribution of forces throughout the Wizarding World for decades, perhaps even centuries or millennia to come. If such an important change were determined merely by the outcome of a contest between two student societies, it was rather hard to justify.
Xiao Xiao snapped his fingers, greatly appreciating Zheng Qing's perceptiveness.
"Of course not!" He hooked his right thumb back and pointed it at his own nose, sounding surprised. "Did I ever say that just now?"
Zheng Qing frowned and thought it over carefully, only to suddenly realize that Xiao Xiao had indeed never spoken in definite terms.
"You people, don't take a rumor and run with it, wildly extending my speculation." As Xiao Xiao spoke, his gaze lingered