In the end, the multitude chose me as their representative.


    Some people, like Fabian, didn’t even bother voting, so it was assumed that they forfeited their choice.


    I was honestly grateful to Kuzon, who used his skillful tongue in my favor. Even though I would have still ended up the victor, one way or the other, it was nice how well things had worked out.


    Of the Rankers, several didn’t side with Fabian. They probably read the room and decided to go with the flow. That or that fact that they cared about their lives and would ultimately choose the more capable one of their options.


    Surprisingly, even Ciara went for me. I saw her eyes darting at Jerry, who was an enthusiastic supporter of my cause, and not long after her eyes trailed in his direction, she raised her hands too.


    There was definitely something fishy with the girl.


    Once the results were finalized, I gathered everyone to the hallway—which wasrge enough for us to stand—and then addressed the masses.


    “We will all be risking our lives, but I don’t n on sacrificing more than those who have already been killed!”


    To boost their morale, I encouraged the students with the assurance of Resurrection Magic being used on their fallen friends.


    They bought into that and must have also had the thought of being revived if they died as well. I let them think what they wanted, since doing so gave them more courage.


    The first order of business was to strengthen our forces.


    While we were rtively arge number, it wasn’t a secret that most students in the room were mediocre—at least, whenpared to the Shadow Demons.


    In order to even things out, they needed to be well equipped with knowledge, tools, and aid.


    I was going to lend them Automatons to serve as decoys, scouts, and also suicide bombers—in case things went awry.


    Also, by giving a detailed exnation of the weaknesses of Shadow Demons, the students were able to realize the ineffectiveness of wasting their Mana on regr spells. Simply by conducting pure Mana on a weapon or by emitting it, they had a much better chance of causing damage.


    Forbat, the Martial Artists were the best choice since they had better experiences in fighting, and could enhance their weapons better than most.


    I made sure to divide the students into groups that ensured more Martial Artists were present in weaker squads.


    After the grouping waspleted—based on the location of relevance—I decided to appoint leaders.


    For some groups, I ensured some individuals acted solo.


    Group one consisted solely of Ciara.


    Group two had only Kuzon.


    Group three had Fabian and three other Rankers—as well as a few skilled students.


    The remaining five rankers were spread among five other groups—making five.


    Thest group had Edward, Ana, and Aloe as the only members.


    I ensured the first, second, third, andst groups had the biggest load to carry.


    The surviving staff were also spread across four of the five other groups, while the squad without a Staff, Ranker, or anyone of particrly high quality, was given the minimum workload.


    Plus, they had more members of the Elite Ten among them and also had the majority of members.


    I was able to properly divide roles based on difficulty and importance, so no one could giveints


    Still, even with this, we would be hard pressed for victory, which was why…


    ZRRRRIIIIIIIIIHHHHH


    A drilling sound cut through the floor of the Middle-ss dormitory.


    Once again, this generated a lot of uproars. Students were frightened that our haven had been breached, and it would only take a small spark to ignite the unrest hidden in their hearts.


    “Do not be rmed! This is also part of the n!”


    Once I said this, drawing their attention to my confident demeanor, the unrest slowly fizzled out.


    “Whew!”


    The drilling sound persisted, but only for a few more seconds before whatever was underneath the tiled tform reared its head.


    The drilling object took the form of a Mole-like Automaton, having drills for hands, and a sturdy body for weight.


    Once it popped to the surface, several other Automatons appeared, having tube-like bodies that would be able to contain quite a lot of stuff.


    The students had surprised faces as five of these Automatons made their way to my location and I simply smiled.


    “T—these are yours as well…?” Fabian managed to blurt out, and I nodded.


    “Yes. I had these Automatons drill their way through the ground since flying through the air would be too risky.”


    Not only were they unable to fly, the load each carried would make it difficult to remain undetected even with a cloaking Spell.


    Plus, I couldn’t simply take the risk. They had precious cargo, after all.


    That was why I made sure they went underground, even if it would take a rtively long time to arrive at the appointed destination.


    “W-what are they for…?” Another question came forth.


    The students must have already guessed, but these Automatons weren’t built forbat. The Mole-like one was adapted to drilling, while the others were simply load-bearers—nothing more.


    “It’s simple, really. I had them transport some things for me.”


    I had been undertaking several experiments in my time at Ainrk—no, even before then. As a result, so many fruits of mybor were currently stocked in my room.


    Due to the severity of the situation, it was clear that they would be needed, so I had them transported.


    Now wasn’t the time to be selfish.


    ‘If these will improve our chances, even by a little, then I have to distribute them properly.’


    Among the items brought were Mana Potions, Health Potions, and Strengthening Concoctions. But those weren’t all.


    I had tools—magic items—among my stockpile.


    Using these, I was certain that even those who were weaklings could temporarily be the slightest bit useful in our endeavor.


    I gave Edward an enchanted de that I prepared for him.


    Ana got a ne that boosted her Magic abilities as well as bracelets that increased conductivity.


    I distributed the appropriate potions to everyone present, and also have Magic Tools to those who would be deadweights otherwise.


    Most of them—if not all—were prototypes in their experimental stages, and I had already recorded my observations on them, so they wouldn’t be missed.


    As for the special items I gave to Ana and Edward, they were originally intended as gifts, so I felt no loss.


    The Rankers—Kuzon as well—already possessed their respective equipment, so I didn’t bother with them.


    My goal was to ensure that even the weak could stand a chance against our adversary.


    And once that was done… our little army waspleted.


    Looking at the students who had chosen to stand up for themselves and the Academy, I couldn’t feel prouder.


    These were the future—the ones we had sacrificed everything for!


    They had already taken our positions outside the dormitory building, every squad armed with their resources and respective automatons.


    All that was left was themand.


    A smile leaked out of my face as I raised my voice tomence the start of our operation. Things would get extremely difficult from now on—especially for me—but… this was the best shot we had!


    “BEGIN!!!”