Chapter 697

After a long silence, Colt finally looked at me with a serious expression.

"James, you've grown up. You have the ability to do what you want. It's up to you to decide whether or not to take over from Gilbert as the leader of Elite Alliance!"

With that, Colt suddenly disappeared again, just like he used to live in my subconscious.

Sabrina looked at me earnestly. "James, you're not just protecting Elite Alliance, Forbidden Island, and world peace. You're also protecting your future wife and your future family!"

Looking into Sabrina's deep, watery eyes, I finally made up my mind.

"Alright, I'll be the leader of Elite Alliance!" My voice wasn't loud or forceful, but it carried weight.

Gilbert placed his hand on my shoulder, a relieved smile on his face.

"I knew you were a responsible person. I'm not wrong to entrust Sabrina to you! Now that we have the parchment and the bronze sword, we need to head back to Elite Alliance headquarters right away."

"I'll call a board meeting with all the major families and recommend you as the leader of Elite Alliance. Then, we'll figure out how to deal with the New World Alliance's Homecoming Operation!"

We all understood the seriousness of the situation, so our steps back to Maple Grove felt much lighter.

When we arrived at Maple Grove, Cecil, Jack, Uri, Noah, and others came to greet us.

Gilbert gave an order to Jack. "Tell the Elite Alliance warriors and the Awakening Legion that we need to return to headquarters immediately!"

"Yes, sir!" Jack went straight to prepare the air fleet for takeoff.

Ronnie led the Awakening Legion to leave Forbidden Island first.

I turned to Noah. "Noah, things are urgent. I have to go back to Elite Alliance headquarters with them. Take care of yourselves!"

Noah gave me an understanding smile. "I wanted to lead the Wildman Tribe warriors to join you at Elite Alliance and fight alongside you, but Forbidden Island still needs us to guard it. However, I can send some people to help you fight shoulder to shoulder!"

Noah pointed at Uri and Dane. "They are the best warriors of the Wildman Tribe. I believe they'll be a great help!"

Uri stepped forward, his eyes sharp as a blade. "Noah, the Wildman Tribe has never been afraid of death. If the New World Alliance dares to come, I'll be the first to cut down their vanguard!"

Dane nodded firmly beside him, determination written on his dark face. "I'll follow James' orders. No way I'm letting those scumbags step foot into Elite Alliance headquarters!"

I patted their shoulders, feeling a warmth in my heart. From meeting on Forbidden Island to fighting side by side now, these comrades have become a strength I can rely on with my back.

"Thanks, both of you."

Gilbert glanced at the sky, his brow furrowing slightly. "We can't wait any longer. The air fleet is ready."

Without another word, everyone followed Gilbert and boarded the main ship.

As the cabin door closed, I looked back at Forbidden Island—the maple leaves on the mountains were burning red like fire. The figures of Noah, Zach, Oliver, and Maria at the dock grew smaller and smaller until they were swallowed by the clouds.

Sabrina came to my side and said softly, "Don't worry. With them guarding Forbidden Island, it'll be fine."

I looked at the clouds speeding past outside the window and nodded.

But I gripped the Control Spirit Crystal tighter in my fingers. How exactly will the New World Alliance's Homecoming Operation unfold? Can I stop it?

If I can't stop it, what will the consequences be?

Can I activate the Control Spirit Crystal?

Can I use it to slow down the New World Alliance's actions?

The flight was shorter than I expected. Soon, our fleet landed at the Elite Alliance headquarters airport.

As the cabin door slowly opened, a breeze mixed with the scent of metal and greenery hit my face.

The Elite Alliance headquarters airport was nestled among rolling green hills. The massive white buildings were built into the mountains, looking like a giant beast lying in wait, full of authority and solemnity.

The tarmac was already crowded with people. Representatives from the major families, dressed in formal attire, stood waiting with serious expressions. Clearly, Gilbert's message had already spread.

Gilbert was the first to step off the ramp. His gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke in a deep voice, "Everyone, the situation is urgent. The board meeting will start immediately."

He stepped aside to make way.

"James doesn't need an introduction from me. He stopped Bodhi and his son's coup attempt and is a benefactor to Elite Alliance. His abilities are obvious to all, beyond doubt. I've decided that he will take over as the leader of Elite Alliance and lead us through the crisis with the New World Alliance."

Even though my abilities were already known to everyone, murmurs still rippled through the crowd. Some looked at me with doubt, while others had curious expressions.

I get it! I'm a Level 5 Awakener, boosted by the power of Ancient Echoes. Divine Punishment and Earth Curse both fell to me. But that doesn't mean I have leadership skills!

These board members of Elite Alliance are all representatives of major families. Why would they willingly follow a young guy like me?

Sabrina stepped forward, her voice clear and bright. "Just a few days ago, James achieved great things. He not only helped us crush the Harrison family's rebellion but also single-handedly drove back Bourbon and Gwyneth from the New World Alliance, securing the parchment with the activation incantation and the bronze sword. He has the ability and the responsibility. He's someone we can trust!"

At that moment, an old man with white hair and a white beard stepped out from the crowd. Sabrina whispered to me that he was Alfonso Carr, the head of the Carr family, a highly respected figure in the alliance.

"Chief Leader Harvey, the position of leader is tied to the survival of the alliance. How can such a decision be made so hastily?" His tone carried dissatisfaction. "James is young and has no management experience. How can he lead the major families?"

Uri suddenly spoke up, his sharp gaze fixed on Alfonso. "When Chief Leader Harvey took over, wasn't he just thirty? Ability has nothing to do with age. It's about whether you have the determination to protect the alliance!"

I raised a hand to calm Uri down and looked straight at Alfonso. "I understand your concerns. But now isn't the time to argue about experience. The New World Alliance's Homecoming Operation is ready to strike. If we start fighting among ourselves, we're just giving the enemy an opening."

I pulled out the bronze sword from my chest. Its blade glinted coldly in the sunlight. "This sword is the Ritual Tool the New World Alliance desperately wants. It can destroy the Control Spirit Crystal. Today, I swear on it—if I can't protect the alliance and the world, I'll accept any punishment under alliance rules."

Gilbert spoke up at the right moment. "James has both ability and responsibility. Many young leaders in Elite Alliance already support him. At the board meeting, I'll explain in detail why I recommend him as the new leader. Everyone can vote on the spot."

Alfonso opened his mouth but didn't argue further. He just let out a cold huff and stepped back.

Gilbert addressed the crowd. "The board meeting will start in one hour at the Central Building. Representatives of each family, follow me. James, go get ready."

I nodded and watched as Gilbert led the group toward the Central Building. Then I turned to Uri and Dane. "You two head to the rest area for now. I'll send someone if I need you."

After they left, Sabrina took my hand, her eyes full of encouragement. "Don't be nervous. I believe you can convince them."

"I'm not nervous," I said, looking at the towering Central Building in the distance. "I'm just thinking about what Grandpa meant by 'growing up.' Maybe it's not just about having strength, but also learning to carry the expectations of all these people."

Sabrina smiled, the sunlight falling on her face, soft and warm like a spring pond. "Then let's carry it together."