Grian instinctively feared Violet, and this was not without reason.
Indeed, it was this very reason that made him willingly submissive to Violet, rather than behaving like a roadside insect, flaunting its insignificant claws.
Indeed, an insect. It was clear, whether in Violet's eyes or in Grian's own consciousness, how ridiculous this conflict was.
It was like an insect trying to stop a human's carriage.
But if one is unwilling to be an insect, what other option is there?
From beginning to end, Violet had shown Grian enough leniency, so much so that, upon reflection, he thought it was overly generous.
Despite being a demonic entity, she made him feel as if she was a kind, magnanimous person.
Even Grian found it unbelievable, wanting to scream out loud; what on earth had happened to this world?
Bear in mind, this world was never one of fairness.
If it was indeed fair, then there would be no need for Violet to uphold the balance. If it were truly fair, why would the concept of fairness even exist?
It's like the wind in the valley; if there was no rock to obstruct it, the invisible wind would make no sound.
The same logic applies to the world.
There are only two types of people in this world. The first type is the mages, capable of using and mastering magic. They view themselves as Children of Gods, holding power from a high position.
The other type is common people. Among the ordinary people, it's possible for some to use magic, but these people usually have very short lives.
Without the guidance of a teacher, relying only on their own exploration, they could easily cause the magic within them to spiral out of control and collapse.
Every year, on this continent, hundreds of civilian mages tragically die on the streets, like exploded watermelons.
Grian and his subordinates erroneously thought that Violet belonged to the second category.
If she were the former, how could she appear here like a mercenary, and in such a posture?
The 'Children of Gods' could not possibly appear here. That was why Grian's men dared to act. In their eyes, Violet was just a poor bug.
Sooner or later, she too would inexplicably die on the streets in the same fashion.
The common people lacked knowledge of magic, which was why they saw Violet as a weak, insignificant being.
For the 'real' mages, what they cared about more was power and order.
To maintain their bloodline and existence, they established a terrifying rule based on violence, with magic as their faith.
They tirelessly propagated the idea that people's deeds in this world were meaningless because all souls would ultimately face the judge of the Highest Law God.
Even a sinful soul, which had committed good deeds, would ultimately cause a tragedy to occur. A kind soul, no matter how evil its deeds, would be seen as virtuous.
That's why civilian mages would meet their death but members of the Mage Council would not.
They cover up the truth with lies and even elevate their own worth by disparaging others who possessed magical talent.
It's the mages' most shameless rationalization of their own behavior.
Their blatant shamelessness, naturally invited public discontent. But, what could anyone do?
Even if people harbored many grievances, they could only choose to remain silent in the face of absolute violence.
The mages represented a force disrupting the balance of the world.
Mages harnessed elements hidden within the air, which other people could not perceive, releasing destructive power.
They could summon a squall to drench parched crops, but had enough power to ignite nameless flames and destroy the most powerful armies.
On the battlefield, failing to kill a mage meant your own army would suffer unbearable losses.
When daily slaughter becomes regular routine for the mages, those at the high ranks develop psychological disorders, turning them into lethal, misunderstood viruses.
The noble mages of the Mage Council wouldn't care less about those below them, as their lives could be ended with a flick of a finger.
It is for this reason, all is ruled by power within that Mage Council, comprised purely of mages.
All kingdoms in the continent had unspecific relations with the Mage Council, with some even strike politically fueled marriage alliances.
When the mages' power combines with rulers' authority, every illogical thing suddenly becomes justifiable.
The world was not originally about survival of the fittest. When the Supreme God created everything, a delicate balance was already intended.
However, that balance was fragile and easily broken, therefore it became necessary for entities like Battlefield Valkyrie Violet to exist.
To return everything back to its state before the war, with crimson blood and slaughter.
For the gods, time is infinite.
The gods did not explain why it needed to maintain balance or why they created magic.
People were curious and prayed, but never received any responses. The Supreme God was like an indifferent mage.
Creation needs no excuse, destruction needs no reason.
Therefore, the system built by the Mage Council could prosper.
Mages control power; as long as one has power, they can have authority. It's what history has taught the world.
But common people wouldn't dare to touch this terrifying existence, only the aristocrats had such privilege.
For aristocrats, only by continuously supplying their wealth, can they sustain a mage's daily consumption, and only after the entities with power are satiated.
Could these nobles gain what they desire -- the friendship of a mage.
If one cannot stand on equal ground with power, what other means could one obtain a place in this cruel world?
Grian knew, his men knew as well since they struggled daily to survive and improve their status.
If one cannot coexist with power, they either have to become its master or servant.
Either choice was better than being like an ant on the sidewalk, easily crushed by passersby.
Imagine it, who would want to, while enjoying food and drink in a contented, comfortable life, be annihilated by a suddenly descending magic spell and not even leaving ashes?