Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 146: Student Council Interview

World Emperor Wu Xiao was a revered figure among most humans on Earth. He was the first human to become a Transcendent, conquering several regions in the Nirad Realm for the humans.

He was also the only human acknowledged by the World Spirit—a spiritual manifestation of the world’s abstract will.

He was also the driving force behind the creation of Nirad Hunter Guilds, which were responsible for suppressing Nirad Gates.

His legend lasted for decades until he mysteriously disappeared after leaving a locked Inheritance Ruin behind.

Several clans or leaders of nations had tried to forcefully open the ruins, but were unsuccessful.

Eventually, they all came to a conclusion that the ruin could only open voluntarily.

Because of this, his mysteriousness was heightened, and he became a figure revered by all humans, almost like a god.

"I want to be like him."

Liam muttered under his breath as he rolled the spaghetti around his fork absentmindedly.

"Like who?" Kiera leaned in, staring at his lost expression.

"World Emperor Wu Xiao, of course. However, I know I can never be like him. He’s just so... perfect."

He replied, a bright but complex look in his brown eyes.

Kiera didn’t sense anything wrong, nodding. "Yh, it’ll be very great being married to such a great man. I wonder who his wife was."

Opposite them, Kim clicked her tongue. "Instead of speculating someone else’s wife, you should hurry and finish your lunch."

Kiera frowned faintly and glared at her. "What? Can’t I just be curious?"

"H-hehe, my bad." Kim shrank back slightly, appearing timid.

Liam caught that and glanced at Kiera.

’When did she become so snappy with her friend? I should tell her to stop later.’

Keeping that in mind, he quietly enjoyed his lunch. Just as they finished eating, he received a message on his phone, telling him to come to the Student Council Office.

"I’m being called to the Student Council Office. You both should return to the class first."

Kiera was surprised. "Eh? Is it about that position you’re applying for?"

Liam nodded, his expression calm but expectant. "It should be. Anyway, I’m heading over there now. We’ll meet up later."

Kiera pouted, then kissed Liam on the cheeks. Kim’s eyes flashed with jealousy, unnoticed by the cute couple.

"Alright, Kim. Let’s return to the class."

"Right behind you, Kiera."

Seeing the two girls go, Liam straightened his blue suit and headed towards the Student Council Office.

He arrived there quickly, took a calming breath, then knocked.

"Come in."

A soft voice answered him, and he pushed the door open. Even though he had been here before, he was still amazed by how impressively furnished it was.

It was like every gadget had a defined purpose.

"Have your seat." Secretary Reas said to him, motioning towards the cushion.

To his surprise, there were also two fellow first-year students already seated on the cushion. One was Iruca from the new Class-A, and the other was Ava from the new Class-D.

"Good afternoon," Liam greeted them politely, exchanging a soft handshake with each of them.

’Looks like they’re the representatives of the other classes. But where is Class-B and Class-C?’

At that moment, the door was knocked again, making Secretary Reas say a perfunctory, "Come in."

Just as Liam expected, two first-year students entered the office. However, just as the last person was about to close the door, someone also entered.

"Sorry I’m late. I had to check up on some clubs on my way over here."

Vice President Eren said to his senior who was seated behind the desk. President Anthony raised his head slightly, then nodded.

"Juniors, have your seat and introduce yourselves."

Starting from the right end, the girl with silver-white hair stood up. "I am Iruca Sanders from Class 1-A."

As she sat down, the person next to her stood. "Good afternoon, I am Ava Wesley from Class 1-D."

Liam stood up immediately after, introducing himself smoothly. "Liam Hart from Class 1-E."

He earned a nod from Secretary Reas, then took his seat. Next to him, a short girl with a playful smile rose.

"Afternoon, President~ I’m Adela Lincoln from Class 1-B."

Liam glanced at her expression again, feeling cautious. The girl felt dangerous in ways he couldn’t explicitly state. It was like a blade wrapped in fine silk.

’She’s definitely a Legacy Awakened. The grace with which she carries herself screams nobility.’

Although he hadn’t heard of her surname, he was sure she had an imposing family background.

Next to the lilac-haired girl, a bespectacled boy rose to his feet. Liam recognized him as one of the most intellectual students present in Class-D.

"Elon Witcher. Class 1-D." He said professionally, then took his seat calmly.

Surveying the students from behind the blindfold, President Anthony spoke calmly.

"You’re all here for the Student Council recruitment. I believe you’ve been briefed by the Vice President already, so we’ll start immediately."

Placing his elbows on the table, he locked his fingers and leaned forward.

"I’ll be asking you four questions, and you have to answer honestly. Your answers determine whether you pass or not."

The atmosphere in the room immediately became tense, and even Adela’s smile dropped slightly.

"First. Is it better to be feared or respected as a leader?"

He asked smoothly, letting silence reign as each student pondered the question.

Elon spoke first. "A leader is meant to be respected. However, there are times when the fear-factor is needed."

President Anthony nodded slightly, not saying a word. He directed his gaze towards the others, awaiting their response.

Liam answered next. "A leader should be respected and not feared. If a leader is feared, the sense of unity with his subordinates is broken."

The President also nodded to his answer, not commenting.

Ava looked up. "It depends on the context. When a group has violent tendencies, a leader should be feared. And when a group is simple and normal, a leader should be respected. It goes both ways."

"My view is a bit different from hers," Iruca started, "A leader should be respected even in both circumstances, because respect brings about smooth co-operation."

Her words made Secretary Reas nod, but just like the President, she didn’t say anything.

Finally, Adela Lincoln smiled and answered. "Does it matter? A leader is a leader, and his or her duty is to lead—regardless of the means."

The other four blinked, rendered speechless by her answer. That was... an unconventional answer.