Chapter 155: Chapter 19: Growing Stronger
Translator: 549690339 °
“Yes.”
Dalton replied enthusiastically.
Just one day had passed, and he sorely missed his four good brothers. It was much too painful to act alone; real happiness came from sticking together.
Link expressed his intention, and the three of them immediately sped off in the direction of three o’clock.
Elise suggested that she could fly ahead first, but Link vetoed this proposal. She was a local apprentice in the North District, her presence could stir sensitivity.
Her sudden appearance in front of Buck and the others might provoke an overreaction.
Soon enough, the three of them caught up with Buck’s party up ahead.
“Big brother!”
Buck, Ezio, and Linn, seeing that the “pursuers” behind them were Link and Dalton, immediately ceased their vigilance.
The two of them gleefully approached, calling out loudly in greeting.
“Come with me.”
Link didn’ t beat around the bush and began issuing orders in the style of a big brother.
He hadn’t wanted to do this.
But pleasant rhetoric often didn’t resonate with his courteous brothers; Taking on the role of a leader, on the other hand, was highly effective. “No problem, we listen to big brother.”
Buck Watt pounded his chest in affirmation, declaring resolutely, “Whatever big brother wants us to do, we’ll do! No second thoughts!”
While speaking, Buck even shot suggestive glances at Isko Alex.
The message was clearly for Isko Alex, who had constantly tried to persuade them to follow Lanny Taylor’s command:
My big brother’s here, you dare to keep babbling?
“Hello, big brother!”
Lynn Hewitt didn’t have Buck’s roughness, he greeted Link calmly, then stated,
I couldn’t ask for more than to work with big brother.”
“Hmm.”
Link nodded. Without giving a single glance to Lanny Taylor and the rest, he changed course and walked off, “Then let’s go together.”
Elise, Buck, Linn, and Dalton immediately followed.
“Wait.”
Lanny Taylor suddenly spoke up, trying to halt Link and the others.
But Link completely ignored her and kept marching forward.
She had no choice but to quicken her pace, positioning herself in front of Link.
“I have a few words to say, just hear me out.”
“Fine.”
This time, Link didn’t snub Lanny Taylor. He raised his right hand, signalling his companions to stop.
“We of the Southern District are already outnumbered. If we don’t stick together, we have little chance against the North District.”
Lanny Taylor spoke softly, explaining her perception, “What’s more, this isn’t just a competition between the two districts. It’s also a bet between two wizards. You must understand the importance of this.”
Link listened quietly to Lanny Taylor’s words, his expression unchanged, and counter asked, “A snake without a head doesn’t run, a team without a leader is even worse. If we form a team, who will everyone follow? You, or me?” With that, Link glanced back casually at Isko and the two other “New Blood Mutual Aid Association” members, chuckling, “Or one of them?” Isko Alex’s face immediately changed. He shot back before Lanny Taylor could open her mouth, “Of course, we will listen to Taylor. She has the highest qualifications, best results. Who else should we listen to if not her? You, Link Grande, who has been pointed out by the academy twice for not being good enough?”
His words were rather unpleasant.
Because he was stating the truth.
The four brothers immediately kicked up a fuss.
“You’re talking absolute rubbish!”
“If you can’t talk properly, shut your filthy mouth!”
“You believe I won’t beat you up?”
Who do you think you are to bring up my big brother?”
“Don’t drag us into your ass-kissing business.”
“Ew! You’re a contemptible piece of shit, kneeling at the sight of a girl!” Link allowed the four brothers to hurl abuse at Isko, while also mocking Lanny Taylor. y
Since they had chosen to follow Link as their leader, they naturally had to do what followers were supposed to do.
For instance, when it was inconvenient for the leader to say certain things, they would speak on his behalf.
Their demeanor needed to be aggressive, their words crude, their actions violent.
The four brothers clearly understood this well.
It was just a pity that there were only four of them present; if Digee Finley had been there, it would have been even more heated.
“Grande, would you allow me to address you in such a manner?”
Lanny Taylor’s eyes, like calm autumn waters, were fixed on Link’s, “Could you ask your partners to be quiet for a minute and let me speak?”
“You speak.”
Link nodded, not bothering to stop them.
The four brothers were very accommodating and immediately ceased their rants at Isko.
This action implicitly emphasized that Link was a real leader, not a counterfeit one.
A flash of surprise shone in Lanny Taylor’s eyes.
She knew a lot about the four brothers who held the sixth to tenth place in the grade and knew that their public behavior greatly contrasted with their true nature.
She had always thought that the four brothers were aligning with Link, not because they genuinely were interested in following him, but rather because they wanted to use him as a protective shield.
Surprisingly, the four brothers were genuinely willing to follow Link and acknowledge him as their leader.
How could he, with his abhorrently petty nature, win over people in such a way?
Lanny Taylor was puzzled.
But now was not the time to investigate these matters.
She steadied herself and said sincerely, “lean follow your lead, as long as you can demonstrate the competent qualities of a leader. I can also ensure that Isko and the others will listen to you.”
Lanny Taylor timely adjusted her strategy. She insisted on forming a team with Link Grande but gave up on the idea of vying for leadership.
If you can’t beat them, join them?