"Hold on a second, Mia. Before we leave let's make sure everything is settled here", said Finn. Since he was still standing in the ring next to Lenox, Finn thought this was a good time to establish everything clearly. He would be leaving the Village soon, so he wanted to make sure he would leave everything in good hands.
"This fight was supposed to decide who would become leader. Things happened differently, so, I propose that Lenox should take the post. Since this has been very informal, I understand if there is any disagreement with this decision.", said Finn.
Everyone nodded in agreement. However, a man called Joseph still had a couple of comments to voice. Joseph was a man that had come from a destroyed Village around 20 years ago. Although he wasn't originally from the Village, he was recognized as an important figure and was also very respected for his hard work and cooperation with Regis, the previous Village Leader.
"I agree with Lenox becoming leader. Although the process was informal, I think it's a good decision as long as you are supportive of it, Finn. However, I think that a structure should be established in our Village for selecting the future Village leaders." said Joseph.
Joseph continued elaborating, "honestly, it could be anything as long as the majority agrees. It can be a duel, a vote between our families, or perhaps a successor can be chosen by the leader himself."
After hearing this, Finn and the rest of the people were quite pleased. Finn's father, Regis was a great leader. Many liked him and he was always able to improve the overall mood of everyone in the Village, however, Regis never took much time to establish rules that would be followed even after he was gone.
Finn answered, "Yes! Joseph, I think that's a great idea. In fact, let's resolve it right now since everyone is here. Everyone, please share your opinions!"
"The most logical and civil way is to do things by voting", said Aldren. "Although today's fight did go smoothly, I don't believe it will create a good environment in the Village. After all, we're all allies here."
After hearing Aldren speak, many people started voicing similar opinions, all in support with what Aldren had just said.
There was a lot of support for establishing a voting system, which pleased Finn. Finn liked fighting, but he didn't think that duels were a good indication for choosing a leader. "A leader should have wisdom", thought Finn. Finn had read many books that talked about Earth before the calamity happened. This was why he was pleased to see people supporting the voting system, a system that would propose and establish civility and order in the Village, just as he had read in his books.
Regardless of Finn's support of the voting system, he also knew that this world was different from the world he once read about. Although it seemed barbaric, raw strength would soon become an important factor in their society, like in three years when they would have to fight the beasts.
But before Finn could come up with a solution to his problem, Lenox voiced his own opinions.
"Family, believe or not, strength is how the world works now. Let's not run away from this, let's embrace it. We need to promote strength, wisdom is long gone in this world". Although it was not for the same reasons as Lenox, Finn also believed that a simple voting system wouldn't be enough.
"It takes more than muscles to lead, you know? It's about wisdom, I think that's why we all liked Regis, not cause he looked strong.", said Mia's mother. "yeah, I think I agree with her".
"Please. We need strength moving forward, I'm telling you!", said Lenox. But unfortunately for him, everyone disagreed annoyingly.
Finn, seeing Lenox get in an uncomfortable and sticky situation decided to step in, even though he was enjoying watching Lenox dig his own grave. "I think we need to arrive at a compromise. A system where we can have a representation of strength and wisdom. I think those two virtues will be necessary in the future."
Finn was about to continue speaking and propose his plan, but he was suddenly interrupted by Aldren. "Finn, I think I've thought of something good."
"We have the Village leader. That position has always been in charge of maintaining order and civility within the Village. Personally, I think that position does not need strength and is best decided through a vote. That way we can choose the person we think has the most wisdom to make the important decisions. However, we still need strength in our Village. Why? Because we don't know when this mythical force that protects us, will decide to stop protecting us." Although Aldren did know when the animals would attack, he didn't wish to scare anyone since he thought it would bring chaos and panic to the Village.
"So how will we establish power?", Aldren continued speaking, "I propose we make a new position, The Village Champion. This position refers to the strongest warrior in our Village. The Village Champion is in charge of protecting the Village in an event where it needs protection and teaching people how to become stronger. What do you guys think?
"I'm glad I didn't voice my opinion. Damn, he's clever." thought Finn with a smile on his face. Similarly to how Finn felt, the Villager's hearing Aldren's speech strongly agreed with him.
For the first time, Goran spoke up, "I agree Aldren, that's a great idea." Although Goran didn't say much, everyone valued his words. His brief opinion actually influenced many people to agree.
Afterwards, several people voiced their opinions and everyone ended up agreeing, including Lenox.
"Alright, so who's going to be the Village Champion?", asked Joseph. "Will we have another duel?"
Following Joseph's questions, everyone had a disoriented look on their faces as they looked at one person. Everyone was looking at Lenox, and they all thought the same thing. Seeing what was happening, Finn voiced everyone's feelings. "Lenox...why don't you become Village Champion? Clearly you admire strength and power. Plus, if I'm to be honest you don't seem like the wise and civil type.", Finn said with the most innocent face he could muster.
Lenox, surprisingly, took it quite well and answered immediately. "I'll be the Village Champion, it's an honor. But if I'm the Champion, who's gonna be the leader?" Lenox viewed this as a position of even greater honor, which is why he had no problem with the change. It declared that he was the strongest. At least, that's how he thought of it in order to quell the humiliation of having lost to Finn moments ago.
"I thought you'd ask", said Finn with a smug face. "I propose we make Joseph the Village leader."