"This was a great speech, Wilson. You're in a pretty good spot now," I said over the loud rumbling of cheers, a smile on my face that didn't quite reach my eyes.
"Haha, you overpraise me, Aiden. You've got my full support for your speech—I'm sure you'll impress everyone too!" he kindly replied, but once again, his words pressured me into making a grand speech.
Those mind games are getting boring, Wilson. You're such an open book to me. Still, I can't be arrogant—much less careless. With a speech like Wilson's, I can't win merely with wordplay. My rhetoric knowledge is far inferior to his, and my vocabulary comes short in comparison. My charisma? It's decent, but it won't match Wilson's if I speak as I normally would.
My thoughts screeched in my brain as I polished my master plan to fend off Wilson's clever counterfeit portrait of a noble, honest, kind-hearted, charismatic, level-headed leader.
As the crowd finally calmed down and the tension of my approaching fate closed in, I snapped out of my daze and understood what had to be done.
Reveling in the somber aspect that lingered not so far in that dreary corner of my mind, I took hold of it and used it to steady myself. It was unhealthy—it felt unfamiliar, inhuman—but at least this facade gave me protection, unwavering confidence, and a charisma that surpassed anyone present.
Once utter silence had returned, Wilson and Kal both gave me a smile, though each carried a different meaning.
I understood both and walked confidently to the center of the estrade, already picturing Wilson's face of horror once my speech was done.
"Hhngh… heh," I let out a faint, psychotic chuckle—fortunately, no one heard.
Mirroring Clark's imposing stance, I spoke in a voice cold and dark yet not disrespectful, though my tone came out eerily similar to Kal's.
"Well, well, well… This surely was an impressive speech, Wilson! Quite hard to beat something like that. Well, not that I ever considered doing so. Something as empty as this isn't even worth my time to beat."
The audience skipped a beat at my sudden intensity, my offensive words and tone making many gasps.
Ignoring Wilson's surely sharp stare on my back, I pressed on, my voice turning even more vicious.
"You see, everyone, I've noticed something quite funny in each of my friends' speeches here—aside from Kal's—and that is the fact that they all tried to sell nothing but promises. They are trying to convince you they are the best candidates for leadership, yet in truth, none of them has even proposed an action plan. All in all, it's just empty words coming out of their mouths. As reassuring and beautiful as they may sound, are you all really going to place your trust in a leader who has provided absolutely no plans or ideas about what to do in our situation?"
I paused for a moment, analyzing each of their faces at heaven-defying speed, then continued.
"I can see it in your eyes—the confusion and mild understanding some of you are starting to have. But I also notice the obvious questions forming in many of your minds."
"Oh, but aren't you just doing the same?"
"In truth, you're just criticizing your peers because you lack confidence and have no proper speech prepared!"
"In the end, you're just the same!"
"And you'd all be utterly wrong." my voice came out artic and scolding.
I turned to Wilson with an exaggerated smile. "First and foremost—thanks for those words, Wilson—" Then I turned back to the crowd, my grin vanishing, "—I do have plans and many ideas that I'll convey in this speech. Not all of them, of course—because I have hundreds.
"Second of all, I haven't prepared this speech at all, since I wholeheartedly agree with Clark on the idea that the heart is the most important weapon in humanity's arsenal."
"Yes, that also means Wilson blatantly lied when he claimed to know I hadn't finished my speech. Don't bother wondering why—he was just scared because Clark's speech was so amazing."
"Third of all, let me prove to you that I am not like any of these leader candidates by providing what they all failed to convey: a project for growth and prosperity."
By now, my voice was no longer cold—instead, it was filled with fervor and authority.
"Firstly, in my faction, it won't matter who joins, even if it's another leader candidate who wishes to help me. However, if that person messes up too badly, then he or she shall be stripped of privilege and punished according to the severity of their crimes or misdeeds."
"We also have to establish a proper hierarchy in the elected leader's faction to guide the thousands of you present here. It should be obvious that not only the ten leader candidates here will be working hard to build a stable economy and a functional societal order, but that each of you will contribute as well through a system we are already accustomed to."
"But before delving into the boring economic aspect of this winning faction, let me propose an idea I'm sure many will like. I suggest that even after the main leader is elected, each of the nine other candidates will either take on important positions within the main leader's faction—if they decide to join—or be forced to assist the main leader through the meager influence and power they will still possess if they prefer to remain independent."
"I'm making this suggestion because God did not specify the usefulness of each of the losing candidates. Not only that, but it seems far too unreasonable to let the chosen leader bear all the burden alone—especially given his potential lack of experience. No one should be a hindrance to the main leader. Thus, the nine losing candidates, being the nine other most qualified persons here according to god, will play a somewhat secondary major role and help the main leader."
After realizing I'd been speaking non-stop for two minutes, I caught my breath and let my words sink in.
"Hence, we return to my main point: creating a proper hierarchy system, as well as determining the location of the main bastion of the winning leader—our most crucial task. Once settled, there shall be a meeting between each elected high-ranking official of this faction to discuss the next course of action."
"This would include the introduction of jobs, the economy, civilian management, building, politics, medical care, new policing, the Well of Ascension preparations, rules, and the ranking system between members based on their contribution, work, and role."
"We can't—won't—have just martial artists within the faction. I'm sure half of you aren't pleased with the idea of spending ten hours a day lifting weights and punching a training dummy. For that half, you will only need to take on normal jobs while undergoing minimal required training. We still need everyone to be healthy and strong, after all."
"And of course, even those who choose to become official martial artists will be able to pursue other occupations if they wish. This will also increase their potential wage once a proper economy is established. Because no, we won't have a fully functional economy within just a few weeks."
"Back to another major point, we should also try to conduct various experiments on this new world's functions, organisms, and our new 'ascended bodies' once that day comes and once we're properly settled into a stable area. Those who majored in complex and specific subjects and excelled at them are more than welcome to work in specific jobs related to those subjects. We won't have someone who never studied medicine become a doctor, after all.''
Pausing, I turned to my bewildered competitors, my smile fading into a disappointed frown.
"This, dear leader candidates, is how you make a speech." My voice turned scolding—almost mocking. "Thinking back to each of your discourses, I believe everyone should now realize that all you did was fight bitterly for a mere title, blinded by your greed for power, without thinking about what was truly important."
"But I am not blinded by riches or titles. I haven't forgotten what truly matters in our world—even as magic brings something new to my once boring life. This is about the survival of humanity. Which is why Clark's speech is the only one worth some respect, in my opinion."
Pausing again, I scanned the silent crowd before delivering my final blow.
"Our world may have changed into something akin to a game, but remember that it is our real lives that are at stake now; don't ever forget that. Human lives are not to be trifled with.''
"Now, there is still much to be said—know that I haven't even said ten percent of all my ideas, but my speech is getting long, and I must put an end to it before I give any more useful ideas to my competitors.''
"I do believe in every single one of you to make the right choice. So I hope you won't consider Wilson as your first choice—because I'd choose even a crippled goat to lead us over him."
"Now, choose wisely, everyone. Let's strive for a new life in this changed world."
I bowed slightly to the swarm of students, and when my chin was back high and proud, a wave of cacophonous ovation rang out, bustling in the air. The howling crowd felt like a thunderstorm of astringent acclamation washing over me, like a hundred-meter-tall tsunami sweeping through my mind and ears.
If the distinct accolade Wilson had received was earth-shattering, then mine was heaven-shattering! It stayed for a while like that, so long that I eventually stopped counting how many seconds passed.
''Aiden, what the hell was that?'' Wilson muttered aloud, trying to raise his voice above the deafening uproar that filled the atmosphere.
Letting the seconds pass, as well as the praise stop, I replied once I was confident that the crowd would hear.
''You're wondering what it was, huh?'' I said mockingly, staring at Wilson in haughty scorn.
The spectator fell silent right as they realized Wilson and I were talking.
''What?'' He blurted out, no longer caring for appearance. It seemed like he hadn't realized everyone could hear us now.
Taking the chance to strike another lethal and unexpected blow, I said, ''It was honesty, Wilson. Something your discourse particularly lacked. Trust is most important between people, and you threw that away like mere pebbles and used empty, pretty words instead.''
On top of that, I leaned in closer to him and sent the finishing blow with a low voice so that only he would hear me, ''You were never meant to be the leader, Wilson. You aren't qualified for that.''
''What—What the fuck are you talking about, Aiden?'' Wilson stammered angrily; his face was as red as ripe tomatoes.
Clumsy way of handling emotions in public. Exactly what I wanted.
''Hey, calm down, Wilson,'' I replied aloud, my voice calm as I faked being slightly shaken and surprised by his outburst of rage. ''Why are you attacking me out of nowhere for no reason? I just answered your question about my honesty like you asked me.'' I added this lie at the end of my reply, copying his method of crowd control and manipulation.
This technique will be mine now.
''You crazy bastard! What do you mean no reason, you asshole of a liar! You just said—'' Wilson fumed mad as he yelled at the top of his lungs, but I interjected before he could continue. ''I just said that they would have to choose wisely their leader while implying that you weren't qualified by giving several subtle examples. Oh, or is it about the fact that I said that I would choose a goat over you? Surely you can't be that mad over just this? We're battling for the survival of humanity; what I did was true leadership, not you flaunting your wordplay.''
Wilson lost it and couldn't keep his mind clear because of his anger.
Yes, Wilson, I knew this would be your biggest weakness. Emotions.
''No, no—no, what? I'm not fucking talking—'' I cut him off again, 'Yes, yes, I get it. It's quite the blow to be exposed in front of a crowd, but man, grow up. You aren't without flaws; this is now obvious to everyone, but you do have your qualifications. I never said the contrary. Although, now I wouldn't quite say you have many qualifications remaining. My speech was never meant to strike you down, Wilson. However, you just so happened to be on the list of the many negative things I had to mention for fairness reasons. Sorry, pal.''
Wilson wanted to argue, to say anything, to throw insults at me, but I didn't let him.
''Also, let me remind you that you are being disrespectful to me for no reason again. This is a very unreasonable situation, Wilson. Please think back about your actions and calm down a bit.'' My tone was harsh and ice-cold, and my fierce gaze forced Wilson into temporary submission.
As I turned to the crowd for a brief moment, I saw how they were all astonished. The sight of Wilson one-sidedly cursing at me for no apparent reason—as I made them believe so—startled everyone.
''There's seriously something wrong with you, Wilson.'' Kal intervened as the silence grew more awkward. ''I heard your conversation earlier and didn't want to interrupt out of respect, but man, how much of a jerk can you be? Aiden already apologized to you when the crowd was still applauding, but now you're still fuming because you've been exposed and you can't accept the fact that everyone now knows that you're a fraud?''
"Wha…what? No, that's not what I thought at all!'' He snapped, and then after five unnerving seconds of awkwardness, he added, ''And what do you mean by a fraud?''
Ignoring Wilson, I spoke up again, ''It's all good, Kal. I don't blame Wilson; I don't feel hurt by his words; he's just reacting like any normal person his age would.'' Those final words were intentionally said more calmly, emphasizing the fact that Wilson was reacting like a normal person and not the way the number one leader candidate chosen by God was expected to.
''I think he just misunderstood my intentions. Am I right, Wilson?'' I added, my voice raw and bleak.
''Hm, huh, I...'' He sputtered.
''Am I right, Wilson?'' I quietly reiterated, my tone so cold that it froze Wilson whole.
''Am I right, Wilson?'' Again, I pressed him, wearing a mad smile on my face that made him quiver in maddening fear.
Wilson, realizing that his popularity would degrade if he didn't answer like I wanted him to, finally complied with my request.
''Ye—yes, you're right! I just misunderstood like an idiot, haha. You're right—haha.''
''I'm happy to hear that, Wilson,'' I affirmed, my voice bitter.
This is my win, Wilson.
Having forced Wilson into public submission, to the point where he even admitted defeat, meant that I was almost assured of winning the vote counting.
Seizing control of the restless crowd that didn't know what to do now that our speeches were over, I gave my people orders.
''Now that everything is settled, I will ask everyone here to organize into small groups. Each group will take care of specific parts to organize the most efficient, fastest vote-counting ceremony. Please proceed right away so no time is wasted. Thank you all in advance.'' I enforced, but I kept my voice balanced and kind despite my stern authority.
Initially afraid that nobody would react, my rising heartbeat calmed down once the students took action. No resilience could be seen or heard as they went to work, finding leaders and organizing into parties as I had instructed.
I'd done it. I had taken control back from Wilson.
Some of the other leader candidates stepped down and helped the students. They made fast progress as everyone was soon informed that instead of using papers and pens to write the votes for each leader, we could simply use one of the system's abilities. Although not designed for that aspect, the chat box could be used for writing. While checking my system window I could see new group chats being created for each leader candidate as, one by one, each student would be tasked to line up in a specific row according to their choice of leader and then add a number to the group chat so they could keep count of the votes until the last one.
On my side, I didn't join my colleagues. Instead, I walked a few meters behind Kal. He had subtly indicated for me to follow him with a side-eye as he made his way to the left edge of the stage, jumping off the one-and-a-half-meter-high ledge.
Not wanting to take off as boldly as a dove, I instead sat on the edge of the marble stage, gripping its edge firmly. With a steady breath, I let myself drop down, controlling my fall rather than leaping like Kal had.
Settling at an empty area with no prying eyes and ears, we made ourselves comfortable as we sat down on one of the few remaining wood benches. Looking around, it still hurt me to see my once high school area being nothing but a wasteland.
Well, aside from the otherworldly marble stage standing in the middle of it all, of course.
That's when I noticed that I felt fatigued, my sight was blurry, and my breathing felt less and less efficient.
''Damn, Aiden, you were so fucking cool back there!'' Kal finally said, breaking the tense silence.
''Haha, I know right? Thank you for your intervention, by the way. I hadn't foreseen that nor considered it a possibility, but it sure helped me in breaking Wilson.'' I replied tiredly, my breath stuck in my throat. Kal hadn't noticed.
''It's no biggie, really. That guy's a moron anyway, so I would have beaten him up one day or another. Still, I'm surprised that your manipulative skills have improved this much; weren't you shaken earlier? What happened for you to snap into the other—'' Noticing I was out of breath and near fainting, Kal came to my aid.
''I'm sorry, Aiden. I'm such an idiot, gosh. Here, calm down. Breathe in and out slowly and picture things that make you happy, like riding a roller coaster!" He steeled me upward, adjusting me in the best position to inhale.
Although obvious, I did as he instructed. I imagined myself with my friends, Arthur, Benjamin, and Kal, having fun at an amusement park. Breathing more steadily, I relaxed at the thought of fiddling around, the four of us enjoying our lives to the fullest.
''Aghh, I—I'm fine. Thanks...'' I said feebly.
Waving his arms away, I stood up.
''I'm fine, really,'' I added after realizing Kal's concerned frown.
''Doesn't seem like you've fully recovered yet, but I'll ignore that prideful act of yours once more. However, if I see you fainting again, like earlier, I'm taking you to the hospital.''
''Ahh—and where exactly will you find a hospital in this darned dumping?'' I said in between two heavy breaths.
''Well... hmm, I'll find one!''
We both laughed as I eased down onto the cold floor, colors flashing back into my sight.
"It's going to be a pain to explain those things to Benji and Art, you know?'' My eyes locked with Kal as I waited for him to answer. ''Well, if they even have questions, then yes, slightly. But I'll be the one to take care of this problem if it ever arises.''
''Ah, I can't thank you enough!'' I said, my voice laced with satire.
''Aye, aye, what would you be without me, old Aiden.''
''Nothing more than a pack of bones and flesh, truly.''
And then we fell back into a loud fit of laughter.
But as much as I would have appreciated to revel in this peaceful comfort, I couldn't. After ten minutes, we saw two familiar figures approaching us, waving at us from far away.
''Look who's coming; I guess it's about time we reunite with the peasants, haha!''
Shaking my head in fake disbelief, laughing half-heartedly, my answer couldn't have been more appropriate. "You're damn right.''