Chapter 148: Ex 148. Azure Colonel
The air inside the ceremonial hall held a solemn weight, one woven from discipline, reverence, and the kind of silence only soldiers knew how to maintain. When Vanguard Rebecca stepped forward, her boots echoed crisply against the polished floor. The room quieted further, like a breath held in collective anticipation, as she began to speak.
"The skirmish that took place recently was one we never expected to occur," Rebecca said, her voice commanding yet calm, the cadence of a veteran who had led through chaos and come out the other side with her spine straighter. "But as soldiers of the Federation, we are trained to expect the unexpected... and neutralize the unstoppable."
’She’s really good at this,’ Leon thought, arms crossed, slouched slightly in his seat beside Elizabeth.
"We battle at the frontlines," Rebecca continued, "so those we wish to protect may live without fear. And those who have fallen... may never be forgotten."
There was a pause, not for drama,.but for remembrance. Heads bowed, as there was no cough or shuffle just silence.
"But today," she said, "is not a day of mourning. Today is a day of celebration. Some of our own will be rewarded for their bravery, strength, and intelligence, and will serve as living examples for the rest of us to emulate."
Then came the names.
"Combatant Boniface," Rebecca called.
A young man with hard eyes and a sharper posture strode forward. There was no music or dramatic lights. Just a firm handshake, a nod of acknowledgment, and the pinning of a new badge,.marking his promotion to Elite Guard. One after the other, soldiers followed, the same procedure. Just honor given quietly, the Federation’s way.
And yet, the soldiers stood taller when they returned to their seats. Faces held a gleam that wasn’t just from polished medals, it was pride. Not from the rank. Not from the credits. But from recognition. For soldiers raised from childhood under the Federation’s watchful eye, being seen and approved by it was sacred. A purpose fulfilled.
’My stars, this is so boring,’ Leon thought, leaning forward with a hand over his cheek. His white hair shifted slightly as he stared at the stage, unimpressed. ’I thought there’d be, I don’t know... fireworks? At least a song?’ His gaze flicked sideways. ’Now I’m glad they didn’t do this for me when I was promoted to Combatant. What a waste of time that would’ve been.’
Elizabeth caught his expression and smirked. "You don’t look happy for someone about to be promoted."