Chapter 364

Chapter 364: Everyone Has a Share

The Speaker? What’s that?

This question lingered in everyone’s mind, though the answer seemed obvious—since there was a Hope Council, there must be someone who helps everyone weigh the pros and cons and ultimately make decisions.

That must be the Speaker, then.

Ah, so it’s the Speaker! No wonder he can confer honors on the council members; that makes sense now.

But how could such a high-ranking figure remain unknown to everyone present until now? What was going on?

The brief speech by the man named Arthur plunged the auditorium into a profound silence. He seemed to relish the moment, turning to extend his hand toward the host, who stood there utterly dumbfounded, having lost all semblance of professionalism.

In the host’s dazed gaze, he quickly grasped what Lin Qingliu wanted.

He handed over his microphone, which Arthur took with practiced ease, tapping it lightly in front of him.

The dull thuds of “thump, thump” reverberated through the auditorium. After confirming the equipment was working, Arthur raised the microphone to his lips:

“I know everyone must have many questions right now, so let me say a few words—”

The display screen in front of “Starfall,” seated in the second row, was flooded with Text Messages that continued to pour in. These were direct orders from the council members in the front row.

Some were concerned that turning to face the cameras might reveal expressions damaging to their reputations, while others seemed incapable of turning at all, resorting to issuing commands through messages instead.

Surprisingly, the content of those orders was strikingly uniform—

Fire a perfectly timed energy cannon and reduce that irritating blonde to dust!

With “Holy Shield” standing guard, they had no fear for their safety, so the best moment to eliminate the threat was now.

“Starfall” didn’t hesitate. As the de facto operator of the spire’s energy cannon, she understood the true nature of her so-called “ability” all too well.

She lacked the autonomy of the Blood Puppet or the Shadow Master’s keen instinct for self-preservation. From the beginning, she had been acutely aware of her circumstances, yet powerless to change them.

So be it.

The auditorium and the spire were less than a kilometer apart. In less than a second, Arthur on stage was locked onto by the targeting systems of two energy cannons.

As for Sharma, she remained frozen at the back of the stage like a statue, her Life and Death seemingly no longer a concern for the nine remaining council members.

Once the target was locked, “Starfall” issued the attack command without hesitation. But the anticipated explosion and flames never materialized. Arthur continued his impassioned speech uninterrupted.

What was happening?

Soon, the spire’s internal system responded:

【Warning: Shipboard weapons are prohibited from attacking authorized personnel】(×3)

The crimson warning flashed three times in succession, leaving everyone connected to the internal network, including “Starfall” and the council members, utterly stunned—

No way… does he really have authorization?!

“Starfall,” though completely unprepared for this outcome, felt a genuine wave of relief wash over her.

She had been observing the blonde man’s actions since the city wall defense battle, even considering firing an energy cannon to assist him in turning the tide.

Who could have guessed he held such a position?

As a member of the first team, “Starfall” knew the names of every council member by heart, and she was certain none of them were named Arthur. Moreover, the Hope Council prided itself on equality; there had never been a Speaker, only council members.

With that thought, “Starfall” concluded she had done all she could. Whatever happened next was no longer her concern.

She exhaled deeply and leaned back in her chair, only to notice that "Infinite Scroll" beside her still wore that unperturbed expression, as if the entire world could crumble before her without eliciting any change in her demeanor.

"Sometimes I really think you’re an emotionless robot,"

"Starfall" blurted out her thoughts. Logically, it wasn’t the right time for such remarks, but having just navigated through a tough internal decision, she felt momentarily indifferent to everything.

"Hmm, you’re half right,"

"Infinite Scroll" responded in the same nonchalant tone.

"Starfall" merely raised an eyebrow, sensing that if the other could jest, she wasn’t entirely devoid of emotions, and she let the matter drop.

More than casual chats with colleagues, she was preoccupied with the current state of the Speaker, who was speaking with fervor.

At that moment, Arthur had just concluded his self-introduction and smiled as he explained to the assembly:

"Due to certain circumstances, I left Hope City for an extended period and ventured alone into the depths of the outside world.

"Fortunately, I returned in time; otherwise, I feared I might find nothing but ruins upon my return."

He approached Sharma once more, and the spotlight above illuminated them both:

"Thus, I have just presented this medal to Councilor Sharma.

"As a superpowered individual, I bear an undeniable duty to save humanity and to explore the transformations of the outside world. Simultaneously, as the Speaker of the Hope Council, I have undoubtedly been remiss in my responsibilities.

"But now I see that during my decades-long absence, the other council members have governed Hope City admirably, fully meeting my expectations."

As he spoke, he extended his hand not holding the microphone, the terminal on his thumb catching the light like a heavy stone pressing on the chests of all the council members below.

At that moment, his identity was indisputable. The council members could deny or evade, but in their hearts, they already knew the truth.

Arthur, speaking from above, seemed to enter an excited state, reaching out to the council members while passionately calling their names:

"Matthew, long time no see, you’ve certainly aged.

"Kande, your expression is just as it was years ago.

"Ms. Haines, you truly know how to maintain your youth…"

As Arthur addressed each council member, the cameras around the room turned towards them. They could only force smiles and meet the gaze of this man they did not recognize, despite each knowing well that there had never been a man named Arthur in the Hope Council.

"Oh, it seems the remaining few have changed, but no matter; we have plenty of time to get acquainted."

Arthur mentioned the names of the longevity faction council members and shared a few friendly exchanges with them. Yet, he still appeared puzzled when facing the new faces.

His gaze shifted between a few older individuals and some younger ones. Eventually, as if comprehending something, he voiced his earlier thoughts.

The brief introductions and speeches drew to a close, and Arthur handed the microphone back to the now background host, taking the tray of medals from another staff member:

"Don’t worry, everyone will receive one. Today, the Speaker is personally bestowing these medals upon you all."