If there were words to describe the expressions on the faces of the archmages at this moment, there was no more appropriate word than "dumbfounded".
On the other hand, Jenn wore a mocking smile and stared at the archmages without saying a word. It wasn't until a few moments later that the archmages came back to their senses. Archmage Nicholas asked.
"Excuse me … What do you mean?
Sir Overlord? "
But this time, Jenn didn't answer Archmage Nicholas' question immediately. Instead, he shrugged and asked an unexpected question.
"What do you think of the current Magic Empire compared to the original group of mages?"
"This … Of course it's incomparable."
Upon hearing Jenn's question, the archmages present couldn't help but look a little sullen because this question was simply a slap in the face to them.
Although the current Magic Empire was still considered unique on the Klein Continent, that was only in terms of the current level of civilization. If it were placed in the period of creation or the First Great War, it would simply be no different from the weaklings.
It could be said that the Magic Empire was simply the best irrefutable evidence that it was getting worse with each generation.
Of course, the archmages were also aware of this, which was why they were desperately digging up ancient magic relics to pursue those lost skills and spells.
But this kind of thing could only be done and not said. Even if they were to talk about it, they could only say that it was to restore the glory of the ancient archmages. For Jenn to say it so bluntly was almost considered a provocation.
"Haha."
In the face of Archmage Nicholas's answer, Jenn chuckled.
"To be honest, I really can't understand … Why are the current mages worse than before?"
"Because our Magic Empire has suffered countless hardships, Sir Overlord …"
Although he was displeased with Jenn's question, Nicholas still answered patiently.
"I think you may also know about our history …"
"Of course I know about your history."
Jenn rudely interrupted Archmage Nicholas.
"But to be honest, in my opinion, this isn't a reason or an excuse. Back then, your ancestors used their own bodies as an exchange to obtain magic power from the Demons, but it was only magic power.
Magic circles, the transmission of magic power, the creation of magic tools, didn't your ancestors come up with all of this on their own?
Isn't that right?
If your ancestors obtained a complete set of magical knowledge from the Demons, then what are you hesitating about now?
Can't you just learn from your ancestors and make a deal with the Demons again?
Why didn't you do that?
Hmm?
Isn't it because even the Demons don't have the complete set of magical knowledge that humans have? "
"This …"
In the face of Jenn's question, Nicholas's expression turned ugly, but he couldn't refute it. Because just as Jenn said, if their ancestors obtained a complete set of systems from the Demons, then they naturally didn't have to go through so much trouble to restore it. But the problem was that this knowledge was figured out by their ancestors themselves and not the product of the Demons.
Besides, they weren't willing to trust the Demons too much, let alone hand over the lifeblood of mages to the Demons.
"So what?"
Chris didn't have a good impression of Jenn, and at this moment, he was even more furious after hearing his sarcasm.
"What does this have to do with what is happening to us now?!"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Hearing Archmage Cris's roar, Jenn shook his head.
"Look, look at you. Your ancestors were able to rely on their bare hands to create a set of magic theories in a situation where they didn't know anything.
But what about you?
Apart from digging in the ruins all day, what else do you do?
What have you done for this world? "
As he spoke, Jenn spread his hands apart.
"You didn't do anything … You have a better foundation and more knowledge than your ancestors, and the magic power of this era hasn't declined compared to the past. But you're only indulging in the leftovers left by your ancestors. Don't you feel ashamed?
But it seems that you aren't ashamed, so … It's obviously useless to talk about it. That's why 'they' decided to use this method to wake you up. "
"They?"
Before the Archmage could get angry at Jenn's contemptuous words, he immediately grasped the core of what Jenn described.
"Sir Overlord, the 'they' you are talking about is …"
"Since you are mages, you must learn to think for yourself."
As he spoke, Jenn stretched out his hand and pointed to his head.
"Think about it. Whoever can do this must be the one who did it."
Upon hearing Jenn's answer, the mages turned pale. They were not fools, nor were they fools. There were only a few existences that could reduce the magic power of this world at will, and as long as they read the ancient books, they would know … The most ancient existence.
"You mean …"
"In the beginning, they placed their hopes on the gods, hoping that they could better lead this world on their behalf.
But unfortunately, that group of stupid idiots disappointed them. Later, the resistance of your ancestors allowed them to see a whole new direction, so they began to pay attention to the existence of your ancestors and hoped to see the future from the confrontation between the gods and mages.
But unfortunately, the Nine Saints are a bunch of stupid pigs, and you aren't that smart either. They are busy expanding their power and collecting believers.
And you are busy playing with mud in the ruins, indifferent to what is going on in this world.
Thousands of years have passed, and the lives of the people in this world have hardly changed from thousands of years ago … To be honest, if it was in my understanding, then I would definitely think that these idiots should be exterminated.
But here … "
At this point, Jenn paused for a moment, which was rare.
"I can only say that the obstacles above might be a little too great. Some people are like mules, and when they are led, they will retreat. To deal with these people, we can only make them feel difficult, so that they will learn from their painful mistakes and start to learn to reform and change."
As he spoke, Jenn looked at the mages in front of him again.
"Now, I think you should understand why it has become like this."
"…"
As Jenn's voice disappeared, the surroundings fell into dead silence.
At this moment, the expressions on the faces of the mages were also interesting. They had thought of many reasons, but they didn't expect it to be this one.
Just because of this?
Just because of this, they had to pay such a price?
But the reason that he gave them made them speechless. For the future of the entire continent … Speaking of which, why should the entire continent be decided by them?
Nonsense, because this continent was created by them, including humans and all living beings. They naturally had the power to decide the life and death of this continent.
"In my opinion, the current system of the Magic Empire is flawed."
Although the faces of the archmages were ugly, Zayen was even more impolite.
"Look at you, and then look at your apprentices. What are those talented mage apprentices doing?
After they are taken in by the mages, they first have to learn basic knowledge. Okay, that's still acceptable, but what about after that?
Then, they begin to learn ancient magic words, and then devote themselves to the hopeless work of excavating ancient books.
And the entire Magic Empire is like this. Archaeology, excavation, and then reproduction of the excavated things to ensure … But these things that you are bringing out as if they are treasures are the leftovers of your ancestors, aren't they?
I really don't know if your ancestors will crawl out of their graves and beat you to death if they find out what you are doing now. "
"Cut the crap!"
Archmage Cris had a bad temper to begin with. At this moment, after hearing what Jenn said, he naturally couldn't bear it anymore and stood up with a roar.
"If you have the guts, let's have a real fight. Although our Magic Empire is unbearable, we are not to be insulted at will!"
"I agree. If we don't have to fight, it's useless to say anything.
Sometimes, you won't know your own stupidity and vulnerability until you are beaten. "
To the surprise of the mages, in the face of Archmage Cris's provocation, Jenn actually nodded and agreed with him. This immediately surprised the mages. But at the next moment, Jenn changed the topic.
"However, I don't want to start a full-scale war. In fact … I came to the Magic Empire this time mainly to propose a competition agreement to all of you."
"Competition agreement?"
Hearing this, everyone was stunned.