Lilah noticed Barth fiddling with a simple-looking pen, his brow creased in concentration.

She recognized the pen; it was a present she had given him years earlier, and he still used it.

This realization evoked a swirl of emotions in her, and just then, Barth looked up at her, his eyes reflecting a hint of vulnerability.

"We should follow the three elders' advice," Barth said, managing a weak smile, his shoulders sagging as though the weight of the situation was bearing down on him.

Lilah felt a surge of empathy.

“If that's settled. " Devonte paused, and then added, "Let's proceed with our decision."

“How is that fair? The Fearless League is about to choose its new leader, and we deserve to have a voice in that decision, right?"

Bartley said with a frosty smile, his eyes locked on Devonte.

“What do you propose then?" Kyler asked, his face set in a stern expression.

"Given that the Fearless League values strength, why not have the two contenders demonstrate their prowess in a public duel? The winner takes leadership. Surely, you would agree to that, right?" Bartley scanned the room provocatively.

Lilah sat silently, appearing uninvolved in the conversation.

"I'm against this," Barth said abruptly, his eyes intense. “It doesn't matter whether it's Lilah or myself..."

“You don't have a say in this," Bartley cut him off sharply, his voice decisive.

The other deputy leaders agreed; they had pinned their hopes on Barth and weren't prepared to watch him give up a leadership role that seemed so attainable.

Barth's face grew somber, as though he felt overwhelmed by the situation.

He looked toward Lilah, his expression one of desperation, and said, "What do you think, Lilah?"

"I'm okay with either option," Lilah answered casually.

She felt no intimidation, even from Barth, who was widely regarded as far stronger than her.

Despite the odds not being in her favor, she remained unfazed.

"Lilah, please reconsider," Barth pleaded urgently. "You've been studying for only a few years, whereas I've trained with our masters since I was a child. This puts me in a difficult spot..."

His eyes flickered, indicating his hesitance to overpower her.

It was obvious he considered himself the better candidate.

The deputy leaders shared satisfied glances, their eyes revealing their approval.

They had witnessed Barth's strength increase over the years.