Even though both Annara and Atlas had already voted him the leader, Emery still asked for their opinion.
Atlas only shook his head without saying anything. It seemed the half-machine acolyte had no personal preference, and would just follow Emery’s lead. On the other hand, the red hair smiled and said, “Let me read it first.”
As everyone started to read the one-page agreement, Roran continued his words.
”I assure you all it was just a mere formality. I know we had our differences and conflict last time, but this time it isn’t an elimination test to fight between us. The point come from killing creatures and such alike. This-” Roran pointed at the agreement in his hand. “-will just be an assurance that will refrain us from fighting amongst each other.”
Hearing that, some people started to nod in agreement with Roran’s idea. But of course, when different types and characters of people gather together, there would always be one person who had a different thought than the masses.
It was Anas of the Kaleos who first spoke his mind out.
”Roran, I agree with the contract, but I have one question I need you to answer.”
Seeing the receptive gesture from Roran, Anas continued, “Would you care to explain why both leaders came from the Harlight? This, despite the fact Sigurd is the highest-ranking privileged acolyte among us?”
There was a moment of silence, before Anas’ voice was heard again.
”Don’t tell me it’s because Harlight is a bigger faction than Kaleos?”
The reply came fast, as if Roran had already expected such a question. With cordial smile on his face, he began to calmly answer, “No, Anas. Of course not. Let me explain”
”First, our friend Julian here is not really a member of Harlight faction, he was chosen as the leader because of his proven capacity. As for myself as a leader, well… we can agree the majority of people that came to this meeting actually came for the Harlight.”
Still smiling, Roran looked at Anas. “If I may say so myself, I only stepped up to fulfill their wish… or would you rather we have a vote right now?”
Noticing the rising tension, Emery recalled during the last gathering for the Magus Game it was also Anas and the Kaleos who first walked out of the gathering, because they were not willing to cooperate nor trust the Harlight. From the looks of it, it seemed the same thing would happen today.
Suddenly, Emery heard a chuckle coming from the red hair standing beside him. Noticing the look, Annara sneered and commented, “Yes, the soul contract is fine, nothing dodgy. But the leadership position is honestly kind of unnecessary. That man named Roran is definitely up to something.”
After saying those words, Annara continued to chuckle, even more, the half-blood apparently had sent her little friends to eavesdrop on the whispers and murmurs of the people in the venue and their words made her even more amused.
”That Kaleos guy, Anas is it? The reason he’s still not out of here is actually because of your girlfriend. She insisted she would leave the group if he did not accept the agreement and cooperate with the Harlight.” With another chuckle she added, “To be honest, that girlfriend of yours is so funny.”
The fact was, Harlight already had three groups under their wing for the mid-test: two groups consisting basically of their own people and one led by Julian. This left only the two remaining groups, who were still indecisive: Anas Kaleos’ group and the two brothers Orion and Orycon’s group.
A contemplating look could be seen on Anas’ face. After a while, he finally opened his mouth.
”I accept Julian is a good commander, but who are you trying to fool by saying that he’s not part of Harlight? Half of his team are literally members of your faction! So no, I will only accept this agreement if you choose another person as co-leader.”
At this moment, Annara suddenly spoke to Emery. “You have to be grateful I’m in your group, Emery. Trust me, as we are one team, it means my benefit is also your benefit. Just trust me and follow my lead.”
The red-haired girl stepped forward and surprised the masses, as she casually walked up to the podium before stopping right next to Roran. Under everyone’s attention, she smiled and started to speak.
”Our group completely agrees with what the gentleman from Kaleos said. We need two leaders from different factions to show trust and goodwill. If not, we are not signing this.”
Right away, Anas and the Kaleos people followed with a cheer. “Yes! Thank you, Nicely said!”
Anas was certainly happy hearing Annara’s words, not because of the reason that was given, but because Annara said it was their group decision, which meant Emery agreed with the idea. Naturally, such a statement quickly made Klea turn silent.
Klea turned her head around to look for Emery and quickly dashed towards him. Meanwhile, Julian, who was also surprised, quickly walked up the podium and turned to the people in the venue.
”I assure you all that my relationship with Harlight will not hinder any decision and command I made in the upcoming test.”
Julian appeared to be trying hard to convince the masses, as he occasionally threw glances towards Emery asking for his support and, importantly, explanation.
At the same time, Klea has arrived in front of him
”What’s going on, Emery? What is that bitch trying to do? She’s going to ruin everything that has been prepared”
To be honest, Emery himself wasn’t sure what Annara was planning, so he didn’t know what to say either. However, because of her words earlier, he was willing to give her time to show her plan.
Fortunately, Emery did not need to wait long, as Annara finally revealed her intention.
”I agree we should have voted. Let’s vote for another leader, Let the majority speak!”
Those words swiftly made everyone on the scene turn rowdy, especially after they heard the subsequent words Annara spoke.
”I give my vote to someone known for his high integrity, excellent reputation, a distinguished honor bestowed upon by the Magus Alliance and arguably the strongest acolyte in this venue: my team leader, Emery Ambrose!”
After shouting his name loud and clear, Annara winked her eyes at Emery from the podium she was standing.
Emery was caught off guard. He never thought of himself as leader material, after all. However, he saw Klea’s previously annoyed expression immediately changed.
”That bitch is a genius! That’s right! Why couldn’t it be you?” Klea said to Emery with a zeal. Excited, the Egyptian turned around and loudly said. “Yes! I also vote for him!”
Annara’s idea was quickly supported by many, which both Emery and Roran didn’t expect.