In the grand hall, the crystal chandeliers illuminated the entire space as bright as daylight, with beams of light cascading through the ornate domed ceiling, creating intricate light patterns on the carpet.
The backdrop on the stage was dominated by the Royal Army Flagâs black and gold colors, with the eleven gilded letters of "Demon Suppression Abyss Battle Recognition and Award Ceremony" standing out prominently.
The seats below the stage were fully occupied, the solemn black military uniforms mingling with the silvery shine of shoulder rank insignias formed a sea of solemnity.
The officers, dressed in crisp uniforms, the fabric stiff and the collars embroidered with subtle insignias corresponding to their battle groups, their black sword scabbards reflecting a matte finish, tassels hanging motionless.
Everyone was seated in order according to their units; they were leaders stationed on the first level of the Demon Suppression Abyss, with some knowing each other, but many more unfamiliar with those around them.
Qin Tian sat at the front row on the left side, the black uniform fitting his form, with the insignia of the Chijin Battlegroup embroidered on his sleeve, the golden star of a Colonelâs rank on his shoulder shining brightly in the light. Although not the highest rank among the commanders, his seating drew many eyes.
The clock on the wall had just ticked past three in the afternoon when Dongfang Yue, dressed in a black marshalâs uniform, walked steadily onto the stage, each step resonating with everyoneâs heartstrings, making the already silent hall even more solemn.
His gaze swept across those below the stage, as if making eye contact with every warrior, his voice resonating throughout, no unnecessary pleasantries, carrying a penetrating power:
"The battle for the Demon Suppression Abyss this time lasted for several months, with every battle group bravely fighting the enemy, using flesh and blood to build barriers, eventually successfully sealing seven spatial passages, keeping the demons at bay."
The image on the background screen suddenly switched, displaying a series of numbersâthe rolling list of fallen warriorsâ names, the number of Demon Sources destroyed, the total number of demons killed...
Each number was heavy and burning, causing many in the audience to straighten their spines, with some brushing sleeves of their uniforms, eyes reflecting remembrance and determination.
"The victory in war is never due to the efforts of one individual, but the result of countless warriorsâ charges and defenses." Dongfang Yueâs tone softened slightly, yet was more solemn,
"But we must not forget those heroes who stepped up in critical moments, resolving crises single-handedly; we must honor those merit-earning individuals who brought pivotal turns to battles with courage and wisdom."
He gestured with a raised hand, two soldiers dressed in black ceremonial uniforms carried a tray covered with red silk onto the stage, various medals laid neatly atop the trayâthere was the âIron Blood Medalâ symbolizing courage and tenacity, its silver medal engraved with a crossed sword and shield, the edges exuding a cold metallic luster;
There was the âDeep Blue Medalâ recognizing strategy, with the blue crystal inlayâs patterns precision like star trails, reflecting a profound halo in the light;
In addition, there were the Bauhinia Medal, the Benevolence Medal, among others.
And in the center, was the âEmpire Glory Medalâ established for those with distinguished contributionsâa rare red-gold crafted medal with a center embedded with an orange-red fire gemstone the size of a pigeonâs egg, surrounded by twelve gilt feather patterns, with diamond fragments adorning the feather tips, even in soft lighting, it radiated dazzling brilliance, casting a golden hue onto the trayâs red silk, visibly marking it as the Empireâs highest honor.
"The theme of todayâs ceremony has only one focusâ"
Dongfang Yueâs voice suddenly rose, gaze intense, his hand touching his chestâs uniform insignia, as if about to bestow the honor: "To honor the heroes! To bestow glory upon those warriors who fought bloodily in the Demon Suppression Abyss, defending the Empireâs peace!"
As his speech concluded, a thunderous applause erupted throughout the audience, the hems of black uniforms swaying gently with movements, forming into a rousing rhythm.
Dongfang Yueâs gaze fell on the achievement record book in his hand, fingertips grazing the paper surface, each name he called bearing immense weight: "First War Zone, Baihu Battle group leader, Zhao Lie!"
To the left of the audience, a burly Lieutenant Colonel stood up abruptly, the black uniform accentuating his broad shoulders and back. As he stepped onto the stage, the sound of military boots on carpet resonated clearly, his face carrying a fortitude honed on battlefields.
"In the siege battle at the periphery of the Rotting Swamp, Zhao Lie led the Baihu Battle group in holding the ground for three days, facing a demon charge ten times their number, personally killed seven Tier Six demon commanders, and even with severe injuries, persisted in command until reinforcements arrived."
Dongfang Yueâs voice was solemn, raising his hand to pick the âIron Blood Medalâ from the tray, fingertips feeling the cold of the silver medal, "Such valor warrants the awarding of the âIron Blood Medalâ to honor his determination!"
Zhao Lie straightened his back, saluting, as the medal was pinned on the left chest of the uniform, the silver sword and shield pattern reflecting with the golden star of his rank, drawing uniform applause from the audience, in tribute to the fearless.
Once Zhao Lie took his seat, Dongfang Yue continued, "Third War Zone, Xuan niao Battle Group leader, Lin Zhou!"
A slender-faced officer stood up, his steps steady as he walked to the stage, differing from Zhao Lieâs intensity with the calm demeanor unique to the wise.
"During operations in the Demon Realm mist zone, you uncovered the demonsâ deceptive âeast-west attackâ plot, counter-analysed the demon cave distribution, formulated an ambush strategy, annihilating demon caves with minimal casualties, and subsequently incited a demon internal conflict, ultimately successfully dismantling a Demon Source." Dongfang Yue picked up the âDeep Blue Medal,â the blue crystal emanating a glow under the light, "Such intelligence warrants the awarding of the âDeep Blue Medalâ to signify his capability!"