BXBX NOVEL Chapter 162: Chapter162-Who Decides
Geoffrey, ever perceptive, noticed something was amiss with Principal Sophia and asked in a hushed tone.
Percival glanced over, curious.
Principal Sophia's eyebrows furrowed slightly, her golden hair shimmering in the sunlight, casting a radiant glow.
Yet, her doll-like face showed an unusual expression.
"There's something wrong in the domain!"
What?!
The two men's faces turned serious immediately.
How could there be a problem in the domain? It was Principal Sophia's domain, which had never had any issues for years.
Why now?
"May I ask, Principal, what seems to be the problem?"
Knowing the seriousness of the issue, Percival lowered his voice and asked carefully.
Principal Sophia closed her eyes again, tuning in to feel more deeply.
If her domain were likened to a program, she sensed there were some unfamiliar additions to the code.
"I haven't pinpointed it yet; I hope it's just my imagination."
"Keep a closer watch on what's happening inside."
Percival and the others nodded involuntarily upon hearing Principal Sophia's words.
Principal Sophia was not one to be overly suspicious.
If she felt something was off, there surely was something amiss!
This assessment was crucial not only for Star Cluster Academy but also for many wealthy families.
Should any issue truly arise this time, the academy's reputation would be utterly destroyed.
Everyone was paying attention to the situation among the three fortress strongholds, yet Principal Sophia distinctly felt her connection with the domain fading.
She vividly sensed something slowly vanishing from her mind, and her feeling of control over everything was diminishing.
No, this was not right! This sensation was completely incorrect.
It was not at all what one should feel when in control of a domain.
What was happening?
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes again, and carefully searched for that hint of irregularity.
It was too strange, indeed very strange; she had never experienced anything like this in all her years.
The senior members also seemed to notice something unusual about Principal Sophia, casting inquisitive looks her way.
But in the next second, Principal Sophia returned to her usual demeanor.
Indifferently, she observed everything in the silver mirror, as if all her previous concerns had been merely illusions.
Moreover, within the three fortress strongholds, everyone was on high alert, watching those around them.
They all knew that their mission was to survive 15 days and withstand a beast tide! Simply surviving 15 days would normally be a piece of cake for them.
The real challenge was the upcoming beast tide!
Ordinarily, just one or two beasts were scary enough, but this was an entire tide! This filled them with dread.
Who knew what kind of creatures the beast tide would bring? What if higher-tier monsters appeared? How would they handle that?
"Ladies and gentlemen," a voice rang out.
At that moment, someone stepped onto a raised platform amid the crowd.
Looking down at those below, he slightly lifted his chin, his face bearing a trace of pride.
"Since we need to survive for 15 days and it involves teamwork, I believe it's crucial that we elect a leader."
"This will facilitate our activities going forward, providing us with direction and unity, rather than being a disorganized mass, each fighting on their own."
"Do you agree with what I'm saying?"
After his speech, he paused, allowing time for the crowd to react.
Some nodded in agreement, while others looked at him with disdain.
A few remained expressionless, seemingly indifferent to the matter.
Everyone understood that his stepping forward was merely an attempt to assume a position of leadership.
After all, it had been mentioned during the mission briefing that performance could earn extra points!
What exactly these extra points entailed was unknown to everyone.
But undoubtedly, being a leader would ensure a more remarkable performance.
The teachers and senior members outside would certainly pay more attention to a leader than to these ordinary followers.
This was a selection process, and also an opportunity for them.
Everyone knew that Star Cluster Academy had long-standing collaborations with the military.
Graduates who excelled could bypass examinations and directly enter the military forces!
For ordinary people, this was like soaring to the heavens, and even wealthy youths were eager to partake for the prestige.
The military always sought well-rounded individuals, and exceptional talent in leadership could potentially earn someone a higher regard.
As the man received nods of approval from the crowd, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly before he continued.
"Though I am but a humble member of House Sterling from Merak, if you will have me, I am willing to lead us to shared glory!"
There was a hiss in the air.
Hearing this man's introduction, some in the crowd gasped, while others' eyes filled with even more disdain.
House Sterling of Merak?
Setting aside what exactly House Sterling was, the mere fact of being from Merak was distinct enough.
It is well-known that the Alliance's principal star is one of the seven great stars: Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar, and Alkaid.
Dubhe is by default ranked first among them! The other six stars are ranked in sequence.
Star Cluster Academy is located on Dubhe, with the other six stars forming a protective circle around the principal star.
In the Northernmost Realm of Alkaid, resources are scarce and the secret realms particularly treacherous.
Were it not for General Coldmoon's year-round vigilance, the dark god might have already invaded.
Mizar, as the Southernmost Realm, shares a certain similarity with Alkaid.
General Divinedragon has been its protector for many years, ensuring Mizar's peace.
read-on-MVLeMpYr
"If there are no objections, then I shall temporarily..."
Before he could finish, a scornful laugh erupted from the crowd.
"The one at the top of the leaderboard hasn't spoken yet, who do you think you are?"
A mocking remark from within the crowd drew everyone's eyes to John.
Everyone's gaze upon John was filled with wariness.
Indeed, the fearsome killer had yet to speak!
Some had not witnessed it themselves, but word had spread about this man who had slain over thirty people with a single skill! And in the end, he had faced a platinum-tier boss alone, at god-tier no less! Soloing the boss, he had conveniently eliminated many competitors.
Even Isabella and Amelia, ranked second and third, had some connection to him, and had even driven others away for his sake in the end.
Seeing all eyes on him, the man on the stage's face turned crimson with a mix of embarrassment and resentment.
John slightly lowered his eyes, his mind racing.
Since this was a team battle, leaders must be elected for each of the three fortresses!
Perhaps the so-called scores were based on which fortress had the most survivors, or who killed more monsters, he mused.
He didn't care much about how many were left in the end, but...
He glanced at the man on the stage.
John, naturally averse to hassle, wouldn't mind following a capable leader.
But this man... with his foolish appearance and clearly not the sharpest, and boasting about coming from Merak with such arrogance, clearly did not regard others highly.
Such a person would definitely not make a good leader.
"John, you agree, right?" someone asked with a smirk from within the crowd.
Following the voice, John looked around, and everyone bowed their heads, unwilling to meet his gaze.
The speaker cleverly disappeared into the crowd.
John's lips curled slightly into a smile as he slowly ascended the platform.
Upon the stage, Archibald Sterling's heart clenched with nervousness, and he instinctively stepped back, creating distance between himself and John.
Realizing how his actions might look, he blushed and forced himself to stand his ground.
"What... what do you intend to do?" he stammered.
John smiled lightly, his fingers caressing his staff.
Under the sunlight, the gem on the staff reflected a dazzling light, catching everyone's eyes.
"Coincidentally," he said slowly, "I was thinking I'd like to be the leader too."