Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1675 - 536: Conferment of Honors (Part 3)

Upon witnessing this spectacle, the entire crowd stood rigidly at attention, heralding the imminent launch of the celebration.

Amid the intense stares from the audience, Long Bai stepped down the staircase and climbed onto the platform.

Click!

Myriad camera flashes ignited simultaneously.

The camera lenses locked onto Long Bai, initiating the live stream of the grand event.

Long Bai swept an indifferent gaze across the throng and declared with gravity.

"Citizens of the Federation, I'm delighted you've gathered to join and view this celebration. I now proclaim the festivities officially underway!"

Whoosh, whoosh!

Fireworks rocketed skyward in a barrage.

Rumble, rumble!

Vast explosions of fireworks boomed, resounding across Starlight City.

Clap, clap!

Thunderous applause erupted from the masses.

Long Bai lifted his hand then, gesturing for silence, and the cheers slowly died down.

"The Federation has endured for millennia in this world. We've weathered endless hardships, losing countless brave souls. At last, guided by the Dragon String Council President, we advanced into the boundless Star Sea. In bygone eras, though united as humanity, the Federation paid dearly to fend off alien foes, barely securing our cosmic foothold. Today, the Federation stands supreme, immensely mighty, ready to confront human betrayers and alien hordes single-handedly, fearing no adversary. Our Federation's glory shall light up the entire galaxy!"

Long Bai delivered his rousing address with fervor.

"Long live the Federation!"

...

Long Bai's words stirred everyone on site and viewers afar to profound emotion, igniting fervent cries.

Su Ming observed Long Bai's oration, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"Next, we move to the awards presentation!"

Long Bai announced gravely to the assembly.

His declaration sparked ecstatic looks among the officers, as the long-awaited awards ceremony commenced.

Vice Chairman Long Chen, accompanied by the other three vice chairmen and Minister Ferisian, promptly ascended the stage.

Minister Ferisian advanced, drew forth a roster, and announced with a grin.

"I'll read the names now; those summoned, please come forward."

"First up, Major Zhao Shen! His feats in the Danube Star Sea clash shone brilliantly, as he valiantly slew Lieutenant Colonel Adobai of the Dark Star Empire’s Thirteenth Legion. For this, he receives the Silver Star Badge."

Minister Ferisian bellowed with zeal.

Starlight Square's holographic projectors sprang to life, projecting a massive image behind the platform and flanking screens.

Heroic battle footage played on the virtual displays as Minister Ferisian highlighted each recipient's deeds.

A soldier soon arrived bearing a tray of gleaming medals.

Vice Chairman Long Chen selected the badges himself and pinned them on Zhao Shen.

Clap, clap!

Deafening cheers filled the venue, while off-site crowds roared in excitement.

"Major Zhao Shen!"

...

Thrilled beyond measure, Zhao Shen saluted the audience before taking position on stage for the group photo.

This event not only honors the officers' valor but flaunts the Federation's might to the universe!

"Second, Lieutenant Colonel Zhou Ying...."

Minister Ferisian pressed on with the roll call.

Rhein and his comrades watched eagerly, their anticipation building, as they whispered urgently.

"Boss, when do we go up?"

"Relax, your turns are guaranteed. I've put you all forward."

Su Ming reassured Rhein and the rest with a smile.

Suddenly, Minister Ferisian voiced another name.

"Colonel Zhang Yi!"

"That's me!"

Zhang Yi bounded onto the stage, buzzing with excitement.

Mia then realized Rhein and crew held lofty ranks, prompting her astonished query to Su Ming.

"Rhein, how'd they climb ranks so fast?"

"All thanks to your stellar teaching, of course."

Su Ming replied to Mia with a light laugh.

"Cough, cough."

Mia's face froze at Su Ming's remark, embarrassment flushing her cheeks.

She'd only instructed first graders before plunging into the Abyss of Descent, never resurfacing.

Minister Ferisian now quickened the awarding rhythm, driving the on-site fervor to a fever pitch.

Ankaga, Rhein, Su Yuan, Mia, and others soon heard their names and mounted the stage.

Excitement surged higher.

Minister Ferisian then boomed.

"Commander Soraya!"

Under myriad eyes, Commander Soraya strode confidently to the podium.

"Commander Soraya's defense of the Abyss of Descent yielded monumental victories! Leading her forces, she crushed invaders from the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country, earning the exclusive Abyss Badge."

Minister Ferisian proclaimed with passion.

A soldier presented a tray next, and Long Bai himself affixed the dark honor badge to Commander Soraya.

Clap, clap!

The audience erupted in cheers and acclaim.

"Commander Soraya!"

"Thank you!"

Commander Soraya saluted everyone and stepped aside.

"Commander Akled!"

Minister Ferisian called out next with vigor.

Commander Akled marched onto the platform amid the crowd's focus.

"Commander Akled's guardianship of the Bright Star Sea proved extraordinary, meriting the prestigious Bright Badge."

Minister Ferisian announced spiritedly.

Long Bai fastened the badge on Akled, adding,

"Outstanding work."

Akled's eyes welled with tears as he saluted Long Bai, bowed to the masses, and retreated to the rear.

Minister Ferisian drew a steadying breath before declaring,

"Now, welcome General Sigurd!"

"The main event kicks off."

The spectators buzzed with thrill as General Sigurd ascended, chattering animatedly.