Despite the obvious stance of the crowd, it seemed Fabian refused to budge on his stance.
"While I do not mean this as an act of disrespect, you haven't done half as much of what Jared contributed." Kuzon's bold words forced a frown on the face of the prince.
"Still... protocols still matter as long as the regulations are concerned. The Rankers are the highest authority after the Lecturers and Academic body. As the leader, I—"
"Why don't we vote, then? This is a matter that concerns life or death. In that case, school rules don't count for much, do they?" I smiled at the fuming prince.
This wasn't just about sports festivals or ceremonies. This was an actual battle. There was no way I would leave things to an incompetent brat.
"Fine... let's vote," Fabian said.
He must have been confident in the fact that he had more people on his side.
There were 9 Rankers, and all of them would most certainly side with him. However, I wondered how true that was.
'Still, let's not take our chances...'
"Okay, then. We should let everyone in the building vote. After all, they'll be risking their lives, no?" I intentionally raised my voice and increased the effectiveness of my sound amplification Spell.
No one could claim they didn't hear my words.
Fabian, as well as the Rankers who he was counting on for their support, bulged their eyes at my seemingly ridiculous statement.
"What are you saying? Aren't we the representatives? It's only right we—"
"Jared is right. These students have their respective lives. Whoever will take charge of this raid will be responsible for the lives of everyone. They have the right to choose who they want to go with." Kuzon stated.
"I agree." Roy Lesyrio added.
Though he had been ignored for some time, it didn't change the fact that the numbers of Middle-Class students were the highest in the Academy.
As the one who stood at the top of the food chain among them, his words had weight among the majority of students gathered.
The boy turned his head and smiled at me, a glimmer of gratitude displaying in his eyes.
"Jared saved me and my friends while I was unable to do much... or anything, really."
He wasn't the one with the Light barrier, but I saw how much he assisted before I came to the aid of all the Middle-Class boys.
My impression of him wasn't bad.
"This isn't the time to pull ranks. What matters is who can get the job done."
Fabian was crumbling under the pressure.
I understood why he wanted to take the lead. It had more to do with politics than his current identity as a student.
If—no, when—we survived, this incident would definitely reach the ears of the Royal Capital. In which case, Fabian wanted this whole incident to end with him as the savior. If that happened, it would solidify his position as an heir.
No one wanted a weak ruler, after all. I assumed that was why he even took the mantle of First Seat among the Rankers.
'... Even though I'm sure Ciara should be able to win against him.'
Still, this wasn't the time to dabble in meaningless politics. What mattered most was our lives.
It may have been short-sighted for me to think that way, but everything else came after we survived.
"Prince Fabian... I have a question. If you answer honestly, I will have no qualms in leaving the leadership role to you."
The boy seemed slightly relieved that I was letting go of what he desired. But, it was clear he was nervous about what my inquisition would be.
"If the lives of these students are in your hands... do you guarantee that none of them will die? If any of them should fall, if this plan should fail, if the Demons end up with the victory... will you claim full responsibility for those things?"
My question carried a lot of weight. Though I was the one who asked, all focus shifted to the one who would answer.
Even the Rankers were now looking at Fabian, expecting his response.
"Please bear in mind that you will act in your capacity as a leader. That means you'll make the strategies and we'll follow your instructions."
'I don't plan on you thinking you can use me to make a foolproof strategy and then reap all the rewards on your own.' I smiled.
With pressure on Fabian, his trembling became more pronounced, and his hands began to quiver.
Sweat formed on his forehead, and the pent-up stress he was hiding slowly surfaced. I could tell that he was agonizing over his thoughts, but... if he knew what was best for him and the students, then...
"F—fine... I understand. You can take the lead, then. But, does that mean you'll be able to do the same?" Fabian asked me with tired eyes.
So far, I had exuded nothing but confidence. Right now, I challenged him to take responsibility for the life and death of the students. It was too big a burden for anyone to bear.
However...
... Would I also be able to take responsibility?
"Yes. I can promise everyone this..."
So far, I expected casualties since no one was under my watch and things were out of my control. But now that we've gotten to this juncture and things had reached a threshold that I could control... I was confident!
"... No one will die as long as they follow me!"
It wasn't blind arrogance or childish confidence.
I had seen the data; I had calculated the outcomes... I could foresee the results!
As long as I was in charge, I could ensure that no one under my charge would die.
"Too many have been killed already. While I know it's possible to raise the dead, we should also know that these things are not guaranteed.
Out of all the students, only the Middle-Class boys suffered casualties.
Still, that was a huge blow. Perhaps they could all be saved, but what about everyone else? I wouldn't be able to cast resurrection spells or barriers around the students who would die in this mission.
That meant I had to ensure that no one would meet their end.
"I promise you this! As long as I am here... as long as I formulate these strategies... you will all live!"
