The seven cabinet members felt a surge of emotion after hearing these words.

  Soon, that surge transformed into agreement, with some even nodding slightly.

  They understood Elo’s intent clearly:

  Because he is imperfect, because he is not omnipotent, human civilization holds value in the eyes of the Emperor.

  Because it has value, the Emperor needs human civilization.

  At the same time, human civilization needs the Emperor even more.

  Since both sides need each other, this relationship is long-lasting and sustainable.

  Of course, Even if the Emperor were to become a god, it does not necessarily mean he would no longer need humanity.

  Perhaps such a god would resemble the Christian God—

  To Him, all life in the world holds value and meaning, and humanity has a special place in His eyes.

  This value and meaning would not stem from what the world, life, or humanity could offer Him, but rather—from Agape.

  However, a god may not necessarily be such an existence.

  For a being of that nature, humanity, life, and even the world itself might hold no value at all.

  In that case, the future of human civilization would be shrouded in profound uncertainty.

  The worst possible outcome is that when the god descends, the apocalypse follows.

  The answer to this question can be only one of three: value, no value, or something else.

  Until the answer is revealed, everything remains unknown.

  From a religious perspective, some cabinet members firmly believe in Agape, seeing it as a noble virtue and one of the essential values of human civilization.

  However, from a pragmatic standpoint and in consideration of the long-term interests of human civilization, the persuasive power of Agape is far from sufficient.

  If a misjudgment occurs, the consequences will be irreversible, and the price will be borne by the entirety of human civilization.

  However, at present, human civilization can circumvent this issue, and that is—

  acknowledging that the Emperor is human, not an omnipotent, flawless god.

  This understanding strengthens the relationship between the Emperor and humanity, as it is built on mutual necessity.

  Human civilization holds particular significance to the Emperor because he is the supreme leader.

  Power entails responsibility, and it is precisely this responsibility that grants humanity a special status before the Emperor.

  And behind this "special" status lies immense benefits, just as humanity holds a privileged position before God in Christianity, enjoying superiority over other forms of life.

  First, humanity was granted the power to govern and manage the natural world by God.

  As a result, humans became the dominant force on Earth rather than merely surviving passively like other animals.

  This authority enables humanity to shape the environment, establish rules, and dictate the future of the natural world.

  Second, this status also brings undeniable cultural and spiritual benefits.

  As a result, humanity possesses the privilege of exploring truth and, in the process, further consolidates its central position.

  Third, as the focal point of the Emperor’s attention, human civilization enjoys priority in resource allocation and policy support.

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  This preferential treatment ensures that humanity receives strong protection in the face of external threats, preventing it from becoming a mere bystander in history.

  Most importantly, this special status grants humanity control over its own destiny.

  Not only can humans adapt to complex future environments, but they can also actively shape the future to ensure the continuation and prosperity of civilization.

  This staggering privilege allows humanity to maintain its dominant position in the world’s order, possessing advantages that other forms of life can hardly attain.

  The seven cabinet members present were well aware:

  If given a choice, the Human Federation should reject the inclusion of any new member states, species, or civilizations.

  This choice is akin to how human civilization would never accept the emergence of a second "race with a special status in the eyes of God" on Earth.

  It concerns the competition for control over Earth and the struggle for limited survival resources.

  Similarly, admitting other civilizations into the Human Federation could weaken its own privileges.

  They understood that maintaining humanity’s exclusive status was the best strategy to safeguard the civilization’s long-term interests.

  Of course, all of this is based on the premise "if given a choice."

  Unfortunately, the final decision does not rest in humanity’s hands—it lies solely with the Emperor.

  Elo’s gaze fell upon Vian as he slowly spoke.

  "Of course, I know that making the system public is detrimental to my authority and status. But the question is—do I even care?

  If given a choice, I wouldn’t have become their Emperor in the first place, let alone consider ruling them forever.

  If an ambitious figure were to rise within our ranks, or if a faction opposing me were to emerge, I would fully support them—I would hope for their success.

  If they succeed in seizing power, it would mean that I lose my authority.

  And when that happens, the responsibilities that human civilization has imposed upon me will vanish along with it.

  If things reach that point, we can bid farewell to human civilization and embark on an entirely new journey."

  The seven cabinet members were startled by his words. Though they struggled to maintain their composure, the unease in their eyes betrayed them.

  Vian looked at Elo, her brother’s frankness and resolve filling her heart with concern.

  Elo, however, paid no attention to the cabinet members and continued speaking to Vian.

  "As for whether we would end up like the last Tsar, executed by firing squad after losing power?"

  At this, he shook his head lightly and replied in an even, indifferent tone.

  "Vian, you need to understand this:

  The power, wealth, glory, and status bestowed upon us by others—these things are all illusions.

  If they can grant them to us, then it also means—

  One day, they will take it all away.

  So what is true power, true wealth, true glory, and true status?

  Think about it—why do they revere me as Emperor?

  At the end of the day, isn’t it simply because of ability and potential?"

  His tone gradually grew heavier, as if each word was hammering into the hearts of those present.

  "So, what we truly rely on is not power, not the people, not the military.

  What we truly rely on is—Transcendent Abilities.

  When we become strong enough, power, wealth, glory, and status will naturally gravitate toward us.

  Even if we do not want these things, they will still be forced upon us—just like my current situation."

  Elo's voice was low, yet it echoed through the room with an undeniable force.

  "So, making the system public will undermine my authority? To me, that is nothing but a joke.

  As long as we bring them immense benefits, our authority will never be shaken.

  Under such circumstances, no ambitious figures or opposition can take root within the Federation,

  because they would be standing against everyone.

  Even their wives, their parents, their children, their brothers and sisters—none of them would support them."

  Vian was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.

  When she came back to her senses, she inwardly berated herself for being foolish—how could she have overlooked the essence of the issue?

  Their mother's expression was complex. Although she did not wish for Elo to speak these words so bluntly, she still felt proud that he could perceive these truths with such clarity.

  Elo's gaze swept across the seven cabinet members, making them feel as though they were sitting on pins and needles.

  His eyes were like sharp blades, silently questioning them:

  Is this not the truth?

  At this moment, the cabinet members finally understood why, after his private conversation with the Emperor, the Prime Minister had looked so utterly exhausted—because he had failed to earn the Emperor's trust.

  The only reason Elo was still willing to remain Emperor was simply that he had no other choice.

  Elo spoke again, his tone slightly softened, attempting to ease the tension in the room:

  "These are facts. There is no need to deny them, nor any need to hide them.

  I don’t mind if someone wants to overthrow me. If they can gain the support of the majority, then that would mean it’s time for me to step down.

  There are plenty of ways to make me leave—for example, a national referendum.

  If more than 50% vote in favor, I’m sure the system would allow me to abdicate.

  I don’t care about losing power or status, because on this journey of life, I have already obtained what I truly wanted."

  Elo's gaze swept across the room. Though he was reluctant to say harsh words, he knew some truths had to be laid bare.

  "But if any of you believe that someone can take my system away, then go ahead and try.

  Let me remind you—throughout countless years, you are far from the first to have such a thought.

  If the system were truly that easy to seize, then the one standing before you right now would not be me.

  No matter what reason you take up arms for, an enemy is still an enemy, war is still war, and I will show no mercy."