Only I Am A Reader

The atmosphere in the hall took a turn for the worse after the departure of Cheon Hwa-Bi. However, letting emotions take control in a matter of such importance wasn't an option.

"Alright, one less vote to go by. Let's just get to the point before someone else chooses to slip by, kay?"

Cheon Jeong had a passive-aggressive smile on her face as she skipped back to the topic. Though her speech and expression made it look like she didn't care about the loss of a pillar, Leo and the others that truly knew her could see that she was just holding back herself.

"Good. While nothing formal was left behind, the Leader had left behind a few recommendations. If no one has any personal suggestions, then we can directly proceed into screening the recommended members."

Making a choice on the matter of a new Society Leader was always a tough pickle as the requirements were simply too specific, making it hard to find in just any talent. Strength was an important factor still, but it wasn't a primary one. Rather than hoping that the seat would become empty, having the Leader die before directly appointing a successor was quite the scary nightmare.

"No one?"

Greed wasn't even a point to consider. All of the members participating in the meeting had no such thought of pushing themselves or their friends as candidates. As powerful as that position was, the responsibilities born by whoever took it were too heavy unless it was the right person. Nothing but silence could be heard within the hall.

"Well then, let me state the identities of the members recommended by the Leader. Cheon Yeon, step forward."

'Here we go.'

So far, the situation had rolled out in the same sequence that Leo was familiar with. The abrupt departure and the deep silence were all just introductions to Yeon's moment to shine!

"I don't know if I'm allowed to say that as her teacher, but I believe Yeon possesses both the talents and strength to take the throne. In fact, if he didn't have to valiantly give up his life so we could go back safe, the Leader planned to announce her as his successor and prepare her to take his place."

If there was anyone that could be trusted, then it had to be the Four Pillars. Strength wasn't the only factor in choosing them either as the Heavenly Demon had to personally approve of them. Even if the Inescapable Arrow had just slipped away a few moments ago, that didn't reduce an ounce of the members' trust in the rest of the pillars.

If the Blade Spirit was saying so, then it had to be true! Otherwise, the other two would have corrected her.

Instead of pouring their attention on the speaker, everyone turned to look at Yeon. In a group with Transcendents as the minimum, her strength wasn't that outstanding, but everyone could see the scarlet pulse hidden within her pupils, she definitely wasn't normal!

Whether it was talent or other prerequisites, it all seemed to check out. Everyone in the room had the chance to interact with the departed Heavenly Demon, and they could feel some of his aura around Yeon. All things considered, it looked like the Society was lucky enough to have a ready-made replacement.

"Most of you seem like they have already made their choice, but I'm not done yet. The Leader had mentioned an additional name… Cheon Baekho, come forward as well."

​ 'Huh?'

Leo was stunned for a second before his body instinctively moved to stand next to Yeon. just what was happening just now?

'Isn't this butterfly effect too exaggerated?'

As much as he admitted that he made himself shine far more than Baekho would have behaved, Leo could never have expected to get recommended as a Heavenly Demon Candidate. After all, while he might be subjectively similar to Yeon in strength and talent, none of the abilities that helped him reach that height could allow him to awaken the true Scarlet Sky Technique!

"Why…"

Although no one doubted Cheon Jeong's words, they couldn't help but exclaim in confusion. Just looking at Yeon made them feel that she was the right person for this, so why did the Society Leader choose to recommend another candidate?

"I can see it in your eyes, but I'm just as confused as you are. The Leader did abruptly suggest Baekho here as another choice that we can pick. He believed that he had what it takes to make it work."

Was that perhaps referring to his abilities as a reader? Was the Heavenly Demon aware of his semi-omniscience? Leo had no idea of confirming his thoughts, but it was likely another gut feeling that hit the nail right in the head… Was this chance something that he could make use of?

"That being said, whichever one you choose, the other candidate is to receive a promotion should they fall into standard. The Leader believed that these two would be the ones to guide our Society further."

Things made a little more sense with the Blade Spirit's last addition, but Leo still wasn't sure how to deal with the situation. He had never given taking over Yeon's position a thought as it seemed too far-fetched, but here he was… He had the chance to take over the whole Heavenly Strength Society!

Although it was obvious to see that no one recognized as a viable candidate, even he didn't see himself as one, Yeon's gaze held many words. Leo could tell that if he nodded, Yeon was actually ready to give up her chance and exclude herself from the vote for him. It was just that…

'Did the Heavenly Demon really have to leave a surprise like that right before tapping out?'

Would that even be worth it?

Unlike how things had been so far, the choice was his for once. However, Leo almost didn't want to have the choice in something like this. Sometimes, the chance to do something or make a difference was nothing but a tool of mental torture.

"I…"

Regardless, Leo still had to take a stand.