Before Mataiola left, he handed the position of group leader to Deputy Leader Neumannd Scarlett.
He was a centenarian who had previously been mainly responsible for managing the island's internal affairs. After Mataiola left, there was no one on the island with greater prestige than him.
Yet he himself possessed little leadership charisma. He could handle matters in perfect order according to Mataiola's wishes, without the slightest error. If asked to charge into battle, he would be the first to rush forward. But when he became the one at the helm, he no longer knew where to steer the ship.
All he could do for now was continue every rule that had been in place under Mataiola.
On the surface, nothing seemed to have changed. But when Mataiola was there, the people on the island had been steady in their hearts. No matter what problems they faced, most believed that, under their leader's guidance, they could resolve them.
But Neumannd found it difficult to inspire that same solid sense of reliance in everyone. He knew it, and he could not change it. Still, he would do what a group leader needed to do. When the crisis came, he chose to guard the true entrance to the rift and never leave it for even a step.
After Scarlson brought Chen Chuan here, Neumannd welcomed them. But when Scarlson suggested that Chen Chuan cross over and take a look, he firmly rejected it.
"No. A rule was established during the Great Alliance era: other than the group leader, no one may pass through the rift behind me."
Scarlson said, "Your Excellency, this is to save us from this crisis. If we do not let Advisor Chen cross over, our strength alone may not be enough to stop the crisis from spreading."
Neumannd