Choice two
It hurts to move, but I can't bother with that now. The victims come first.
Luckily, after a few moments it becomes obvious that, while shaken up, the abductees are no worse for wear. I, on the other hand, realize what happened to me. My soul was just yanked on, and now the Dragon's flame has grown quiet. Which is more reason to fade into the background. Defeating Gilgamesh even at my full power would be, at best, difficult. Left with only modern magecraft and typical human strength, not to mention weaponless, honestly I'm pretty sure I'd be screwed. Still, at least Avalon is with me, so, small miracles.
Rin, as usual, decided to take charge of the general assessment of the situation. I've been drifting in and out while Rin has been talking, but from what I can tell the end point of her speech is that we have no way out and that, despite the solid white blandness of the current room, the rest of our prison is built like a manor or mansion, with ornate fancy rooms of all sorts.
Near where we found Shirou I think I remember a library. When I get time, I should check it out, and exchange information with the others. In the mean time, however....
"We need a group leader", I announce.
Rin frowns at my interruption, whilst a clamoring starts among the others. Gilgamesh, as hero kings are prone to do, responds immediately.
"We already have one, although I will forgive your unfocused eyes for not recognizing my greatness, a mongrel like yourself is certainly blinded by fear from the thought of being trapped", he says.
Archer looks towards the gold-clad hero and shrugs. "Even if you were actually the best for the job, King of Heroes, you haven't fostered trust among us, force won't work in here", he says, his statement punctuated by smirking at the red-eyed man.
Gilgamesh pauses for a moment, likely remembering the mysterious collapse that had afflicted him.
"Then what, Mongrels, do you suggest?" he asks.
"It's simple, we need a leader everyone can trust. With Shirou out of it, I suggest Archer", I reply.
The group looks at me, puzzled.
"It's simple, we need someone who can use the information we collect in short order, plus Archer lacks an egoistical streak and ulterior motives as far as I can see", I explain.
The group looks around, clearly considering my point. For a moment I think Sion or Dust will object to the idea, but they just exchange a look I can't explain and then nod.
Shinji looks like he's scheming and Shirou seems to still be light headed. Rin is rather happy with the idea, as expected I suppose. The rest comply, whether honestly supportive or simply because they don't have a better suggestion.
Gilgamesh, of course, is unhappy but doesn't object. He's got an ego, but seeing that most of the people present support my suggestion causes him to relent. Which seems entirely wrong, on every level.
Without a clear clue how to resolve our imprisonment, I'm stuck wondering how to proceed.
1) Start investigating the area solo
2) Go find the dormitory
3) Punch Gilgamesh in the face
