Chapter 117: Clash of Ninja
One of the things Arthur could have done, but knows it would be an action lacing with consequences, is place everyone in the country under his illusion. However, doing that carries significant dangers, especially for a leader like him.
One of the primary risks is the loss of loyalty. If any of the populace breaks the illusion and discovers that others were also in it, the resulting betrayal could lead to a complete collapse.
Loyalty is foundational in ascendancy; once severed, it is difficult to rebuild. Citizens might revolt against Arthur, perceiving him as a tyrant manipulating them for his own benefit.
Moreover, an illusion would create a society where the citizens no longer make decisions based on what they desire. This can result in a populace that is psychologically dependent on the illusion, becoming unable to cope with things when it re-emerges.
The potential for psychological trauma is immense, as individuals may struggle with their sense of identity and purpose if the illusion doesn't correlate with their original will.
Assuming the citizens come to rely on the illusion for comfort or satisfaction, it can lead to widespread apathy and inertia in addressing real problems.
Instead of engaging with the difficulties in their drudgery and working to better their circumstances, the citizens may withdraw into the illusion and neglect their actual responsibilities and relationships—thus leading to the country's imminent downfall.
Illusions themselves may breed resentment, especially among those who break it and see what is happening.
If certain individuals or groups within society grow aware of the truth and actively oppose the illusion, it can lead to deep societal divisions, creating factions and potentially violent uprisings against Arthur's regime.
An illusion can also mask critical issues within society, making it more difficult for him to understand and address legitimate problems such as resource shortages, criminal activity, or social unrest.
Without clear visibility into these issues, he risks making uninformed decisions that could exacerbate situations rather than resolve them.