The influence of the five great empires over the academy was immense, thanks to all the resources, money, and positions they had poured into it. But humanity would always be humanity—driven by personal ambition and selfish goals.
If there were major problems at the academy, or even just things that seemed ineffective, they would immediately withdraw their support.
Of course, it had to be a truly serious problem for them to act so boldly. They wouldn't give excuses like, "This doesn't work," or "I don't like it. I don't want to invest in commoners." Such a stance would inevitably stir rebellion within their own empire, and even hostility from others.
Because, at its core, turning away from the academy meant turning away from humanity's mission to defend itself—especially now, when all empires needed to cooperate against threats from another world.
If ever a "reasonable" excuse surfaced, and their citizens supported it, this academy would surely be pushed to the brink of collapse.
