Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots

Chapter 1281: Chapter 513: Resentment Gold, Native Gods (Part 4)

”By then, the ’Steel Soul’ will still be the ’Steel Soul’, but His concern will no longer be the interests of Stoker Star, but rather the prosperity of the entire Wizard Civilization.”

”This is the true ’conquest’—not destroying the other culture, but making it serve me.”

Vinard fell silent for a long time.

When he spoke again, there was both admiration and a hint of something akin to awe in his voice:

”Your line of thinking... is very dangerous, but also extraordinarily ingenious.”

”If this method is successfully implemented, its efficiency would far surpass traditional military conquest and would almost eliminate long-term civilizational resistance.”

His mechanical arm traced a slow arc in the air:

”But have you considered the risks? Concept pollution is a double-edged sword; while we transform them, we might also be transformed by them.”

This question touched on the core difficulty of the plan, but Ron was obviously well-prepared:

”That’s why we need a ’concept firewall’—a complete cognitive protection system to ensure our operators aren’t reverse-infected by target concepts.”

”Moreover, this risk itself can also be utilized.”

His voice carried a philosophical reasoning akin to the King of Absurdity:

”If we can create some ’bait concepts’—thought viruses that seem valuable but are in fact traps—we can ensure that the conceptual gods trying to reverse-infect us will instead fall into our trap.”

”Using their desire to attack us, we complete their ultimate transformation.”

Vinard’s entire mechanical body became still, with only the core Energy Crystal pulsating slowly.

After a long while, he emitted an electronic sound akin to a sigh:

”Now I understand why the King of Absurdity chose you.”

”This way of thinking... is not merely wisdom or cunning, but a profound Insight into the essence of reality.”

His voice became more solemn:

”You have surpassed the scope of ’assistant’, and even surpassed the definition of ’collaborator’. ”

”Ralph, I now formally invite you to become the co-leader of the Stoker Star project.”

The weight of this invitation seemed to make the air in the room grow heavy.

Ron knew well what being a co-leader meant—not only participating in decision-making but also bearing the responsibility for the entire project’s success or failure.

More importantly, it meant that Vinard saw him as a truly equal partner.

But Ron’s response was once again unexpected:

”I am honored, Professor Weinard. But before accepting this invitation, I want to confirm a detail.”

”Speak.”

”You just mentioned the two-way risk of concept pollution, which reminded me of another question—”

A hint of deep thought flashed in Ron’s eyes:

”If our plan truly succeeds in transforming the conceptual gods of Stoker Star to serve the Wizard Civilization, then what exactly is the relationship between these ’new gods’ and us? Is it that of tool and user, or...”

He paused, his voice becoming meaningful:

”Symbiote and symbiote?”

This question struck Vinard like a bolt of lightning.

Because it touched on the core paradox of the entire conquest theory:

When you successfully transform your opponent, is the opponent still the original opponent?

When you establish a deep conceptual connection with the conquered, is the conqueror still the original conqueror?

And in the end, who conquered whom?

Vinard was silent for an even longer time.

When he spoke again, there was a rare uncertainty in his voice:

”Perhaps... this is precisely why I need you.”

”Not because you can provide answers, but because you can ask the right questions.”

The night deepened, but the conversation between the two wise men was just beginning to delve into the most central philosophical contemplation.