After laying out the basis of my strategy, there was an air of unease permeating everywhere.
Those who listened attentively knew I was correct, and that my solution was the most optimal—or so I would have liked to believe. Still, it appeared they simply didn't have the will to follow it.
"Let's check out the survey results then."
Hearing my offer, the Rankers and other representatives nodded and I collated my Automatons, using a Light Projection Spell to display each angle of their survey in panels.
As a result, twelve panels were instantly displayed before everyone, displaying various angles of the Academy, and also different areas.
Since the Automatons had captured the surroundings from the sky, their range of vision covered a wide range.
It also helped that they had night vision installed, allowing better visibility for everyone. This technology was common in many magical fields, so what I had my Automatons do wasn't overly impressive.
What amazed everyone was the fact that I thought to resort to such a thing in the first place. Plus, making so many Automatons without being Specialized in it was quite difficult.
The only reason I could do it was because of my Multiple Cores, my experience in the field, the training I had undergone, and also Spellcraft.
Of course, I couldn't make overly complicated structures, and my Automatons weren't very durable. Still, these kinds of constructs had their uses.
Once everyone was done viewing the survey, they seemed to finally realize how grave the situation was.
Even I was astounded by the scenes I didn't get the privilege of seeing earlier.
The Shadow Demons had ransacked nine major areas on Campus.
Other than the dormitories, they invaded the several libraries our Academy had, the Research structures which held experimental information and technology, and Restricted Zones that only authorized personnel could venture into.
Not even all the staff could enter.
There were also areas like a Mini-Museum which contained some artifacts... and then the Oasis.
The areas that were most concentrated with enemies were two of the Restricted Zones, and the General Library—as expected.
Other sites also had their share of numbers, but the initial few had staggering amounts.
What worried me the most was their quantity. They were more than even I expected.
'Does that mean a high-level Demon is the one controlling these things? If that's the case, then...'
I removed the possibility of a Demon Lord being present, so I settled for a General as the worst possibility.
If I gave it my all, then I could probably stand a chance. Probably...
I knew what my role would be in the plan. Coordinating our forces to deal with the Demons was a good idea, but it was still pretty evident that most students were weak.
While I would be assisting in many ways—same as the more reliable personnel surrounding me, it would still be hard to win.
Which was why we needed the Lecturers back. I couldn't dispute that fact.
To get to them, I would need to spot their building using Spellcraft. Alone!
'A large portion of their forces will be stationed there. Plus... the leader might be there as well... maybe...'
In a way, perhaps concentrating our forces in that single location would be best, but what if I was wrong in my prediction?
It could be a feint, and by the time we realized it, the enemy would have achieved their goal.
There was simply no time and less information to work with. We had to act on what we had.
"I believe you're all convinced now. This is the only path we can take."
No one could argue anymore.
If we went against this, we would lose a whole lot more. The idea of Demons succeeding and launching an invasion on the human world frightened the students.
If hundreds of thousands of Demons of this caliber—no, even stronger—stormed humanity in waves, would we survive?
I was certain they played the scenes in their mind—how they and their families would suffer if they simply waited things out and allowed a leak.
Besides, once the enemy was done with their objective, it was clear they would bare their fangs at us to eliminate the future of humanity—and kill as many as they could.
It would be a loss on both fronts.
"Understood. We'll go with Jared Leonard's plan." Fabian Lestrome conceded.
As the leader of the Rankers, his word carried weight, and so no one complained.
"That's perfect. Then there's one final thing to consider."
Depending on how this played out, I could have to take drastic steps myself.
"Who will be the leader? Someone has to be in charge of this whole operation."
The group eyed me—at least most of them did. That was because it was common sense to leave the leadership role to Fabian.
'Unfortunately, I don't trust your flustered mind, prince.'
"What are you implying? Naturally, I—"
"I believe Jared should do it." Kuzon finally spoke up, raising his hand.
The attention of our meeting members shifted to the golden-haired boy. Fabian seemed discontent that Kuzon interrupted him, but didn't say anything.
"Even if you say that, it doesn't mean anything. He's simply—" Someone among the Rankers tried to interrupt.
"Simply what? A First Year? Not a Ranker? I believe those Titles mean nothing as things stand now." Kuzon gave a casual smile.
"Jared saved four Dorms by himself, he took action faster than everyone present, and even prepared a plan that works. Not only did he obtain information on the Shadows, but he is also strong enough to kill over a hundred of them with a single Spell."
That last part seemed exaggerated to everyone seated who heard and they shot him a glare of disbelief, however—
"T-that's true!"
"We all saw it!"
"Jared was incredible!"
"He blew them all away in a single swoop!"
"He gathered us all together!"
The crowd that had slowly formed and were eavesdropping on our deliberations now began recounting their experiences with me.
I watched Aloe Vida nod as she smiled in her corner. As agreed, she didn't speak of my actions in her resurrection, but she silently agreed with the people that raised their voices under my banner.
Thankfully, they were able to serve as witnesses of my capabilities.
'This makes things easier. It's a good thing I acted quickly.'
