Caroline spoke up as the framework and general outline of the Panic Realm were being described.
Even if these frameworks only touch on surface truths, and many details are merely Caroline’s speculations, the answers Angel sought most intensely have been found.
For instance, when Caroline first met Earl Mi, she thought the Liberators had handed Earl Mi’s control to Angel. Back then, Angel was unclear about it, but now he finally understands the reason.
The Liberators are naturally able to control awakened demon people, and some Liberators can even control demons.
Thus, upon seeing the obedient Earl Mi beside Angel, Caroline was puzzled and thus made this assumption.
Moreover, the information of "Liberators controlling awakened demon people" can explain the mural Kaier had seen.
The mural depicting a Butterfly-Winged Man from the Panic Realm living harmoniously with awakened demon people may not truly be "harmony." It is highly possible that the Butterfly-Winged Man is a twice-awakened Liberator who controlled the awakened demon people, which allowed him to easily ride on it, giving an appearance of tranquility and harmony.
Of course, it might also be that the Liberator handed the control over this awakened demon person to the Butterfly-Winged Man.
The specifics remain unknown for now, but it’s not important.
Beyond this, whether the Panic Realm is impoverished, internal conflicts within the Frost Moon Alliance, and the forces behind them, etc., these issues have also been addressed.
However, the principle of "the more knowledge, the more confusion" is quite applicable here.
After listening to so much information, Angel now harbors many doubts.
Questions like: What exactly is the standpoint of the Liberators?
The stance of the Liberators dictates the overall tone of the Panic Realm and determines the wizards’ attitudes towards it.
Most importantly, it will also influence how Angel handles certain issues concerning Earl Mi in the future.
Angel voiced his doubts, and Caroline, after pondering for a moment, shrugged and said, "What is the stance of the Liberators? I cannot provide a clear answer."
"It’s like the Wizards’ Realm where everyone actually has their own thoughts and standpoints," Caroline pointed at the Wise Sovereign: "Just like in addressing the current issue, the Wise Sovereign has his own stance, as he is concerned with the glory of Naraku City’s re-emergence."
Caroline then pointed to herself: "I also have my own stance, as I am concerned with the Hero of Naraku’s triumphant return."
"Our stances differ, but in accomplishing our goals, we might find common ground."
"Moreover, ideas can change, and standpoints too can shift." Caroline looked at Angel, smiling: "If you won my heart, perhaps I’d abandon the title of ’Flower of the Abyss,’ and instead of waiting for Naraku, I’d wait for you."
Being teased, Angel remained stoic, maintaining a friendly polite smile, though his taut skin indicated his inner tension.
Seeing Angel’s serious demeanor and the tension in his skin, Caroline laughed even louder.
Yet, after the laughter, Caroline earnestly replied: "Thus, regarding the issue of stance, it cannot be viewed unilaterally; of course, it is also impossible to truly view it comprehensively. Stances change, and who can say that one’s stance is absolutely without error?"
As the conversation reached this point, Caroline added a caveat.
Caroline suddenly shifted the topic: "However, I can confirm that when they attack wizard cities, they definitely follow the World Will of the Panic Realm."
"Because only the World Will would be more hostile to the intrusion of outsiders, especially those invaders who plunder resources. From the World Will’s perspective in the Panic Realm, wizards from the Origin World are the greatest invaders."
"Otherwise, the Liberators have no reason to take action against wizard cities."
Angel: "Liberators probably also need resources, right? Could it be they believe the arrival of wizards would encroach on their resources?"
Caroline: "Perhaps there is such a consideration. However, I do not believe the Liberators possess such a broad long-term perspective."
Among wizards, various forces exist—organizations, families, guilds, and even city-states, nations, so coordinating the wizards’ Will is relatively easier.
Moreover, wizards themselves usually have a "scholar-like" aspect. When contemplating issues, some approach it from a personal angle, others from an organizational one, and still others from a perspective of long-term development.
In such a cultural context, wizards understand the significance of long-term strategies.
For the Liberators, even if their strength has grown, it is difficult for them to gain a cultural core that gives them a perspective as broad as wizards’.
Unless Liberators can unite, forming a large, well-divided group similar to a witcher organization, and then analyze, argue, and clarify through debate.
Otherwise, they are unlikely to comprehend the wizards’ layout in the Panic Realm.
For example, wizards have no colonial mindset towards the Panic Realm; their presented attitude is quite gentle.
Moreover, wizards actually maintain quite good relations with the indigenous people in the Panic Realm.
This isn’t difficult to understand, as even though wizards covet the Panic Realm’s resources, these resources naturally have clear boundaries with the indigenous people.
The indigenous people are mostly ordinary, and what they care about as resources are not extraordinary resources but rather the most basic resources that ensure their survival.
Extraordinary materials might even be poisonous to ordinary people.
Thus, ordinary indigenous people don’t perceive extraordinary resources being coveted or looted too deeply.
What benefits do wizards bring to the indigenous people?
Food and safety.
These are the survival resources that indigenous people care about most. Once life and safety are guaranteed, and food is supplied continuously, it will maintain a stable population growth, fostering society’s other dynamics.
Most importantly, wizards are unlike demon people; demon people pose a risk of awakening at any time, but wizards do not experience such transformations.
Therefore, from an ordinary indigenous perspective, wizards bring many benefits and almost no drawbacks. Or rather, they cannot see hidden distant future risks.
Even if they do see them, they probably won’t worry much.
Ordinary people’s lifespans are just fleeting centuries, and who cares about potential disasters a century later?
Even if the Panic Realm has longevity tribes, they are few. Additionally, most longevity tribes have flesh that demons find tastier and are easier targets for awakened demon people, hence the dwindling numbers and bleak outlook concerning their future, not possessing more insight than ordinary people.
Thus, current benefits are what indigenous people in the Panic Realm focus on most, and the material benefits wizards genuinely bring naturally enhance their relationship with them.