Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1678 536: Conferment of Honors (Part 6)

Ferisian addressed the entire assembly.

The moment he finished speaking, the atmosphere exploded with fervor.

"Wow, two new generals for real!"

"That's awesome!"

...

Mo Xiu, Xinlad, and the rest displayed faces brimming with thrill.

"Ahem, settle down, everyone. I'll oversee the election for this general spot, and we'll kick off the first selection right now!"

Ferisian declared to the gathering.

His words prompted instant silence from the crowd.

Suddenly, Long Bai approached Ferisian, leaving him momentarily taken aback as he retreated a step.

Long Bai faced the audience and declared.

"Listen up, I have an announcement. Following deliberations within, the Federation Government Council nominates Su Ming for general promotion. Any objections?"

The revelation left everyone dumbfounded, struggling to react.

Right then, Ferion was the first to voice his support.

"No objection!"

"No objection!"

Commander Alekde, Commander Soraya, General Gabres, and more chimed in with their positions.

"No objection!"

Next, Long Chen, Farren, and Alicia—the three City Lords—added their voices.

"No objection!"

Seeing this, the entire venue echoed with agreements.

"Excellent, then I declare General Su Ming officially elevated to general."

Long Bai sealed the decision without delay.

Ferisian grinned and spoke at that point.

"Congrats to Su Ming on his promotion to general. Now, we'll move to selecting the second general. All candidates, step forward!"

Admiral Aifulin, Admiral Mia, Admiral Xinlad, Admiral Qian Lin, Admiral Mo Xiu, and others ascended the stage.

Meanwhile, officers below buzzed with chatter.

"Who do you bet on winning?"

"I'm backing Admiral Xinlad big time."

"Mo Xiu's the top dog, no doubt!"

...

"If you want my take, Su Ming's the real powerhouse. He skipped the contest entirely—council nomination screams fixed outcome."

"Coming from the Thirteenth Legion, he's a trusted fighter under President Dragon White; the ties are crystal clear."

"That's what makes it unfair!"

"Can't call it that. Sure, it was set, but he's got the chops."

"Not denying his skills, just puzzled why no open fight. Crushing it that way would've been epic!"

"Straight-up deciding it is even more epic."

...

As murmurs filled the air nonstop, Mia and the candidates stood in perfect formation on stage.

Ferisian called out.

"Quiet, all! The general election starts soon—time for the rules!"

"Got it!"

Everyone shifted attention to Ferisian.

He lifted his hand with a flourish, and portraits of Mia and the others popped up on the massive virtual screen, each showing "0" votes underneath. Then he explained.

"Simple rules: 12,000 total votes. Highest tally takes it—clear?"

Xinlad frowned faintly at Ferisian's explanation, sensing something off.

Candidates could all vie in theory, but real differences existed. Past elections hinged more on merits and power displays.

Still, Xinlad stayed composed; the vote itself was fine!

He'd built solid backing lately, plus Lord Long Ying's support, giving him strong odds.

"Understood!"

Responses rang out across the crowd.

"Voting begins!"

People started casting votes immediately.

Xinlad and Mo Xiu's counts skyrocketed right away, while others got mere trickles—dozens at best, topping a hundred for some. Mia lingered at zero.

Su Ming, observing, tossed his vote to Mia.

Her total ticked to 1, a tiny boost that made it look less dismal.

Focus now locked on Xinlad and Mo Xiu.

Their scores both topped 3,000, neck and neck.

Xinlad kept a steady face, but inside his pulse pounded—this dream was within grasp again.

Abruptly, Mo Xiu's votes surged by hundreds, then thousands.

"Check Mo Xiu's votes exploding!"

"That speed? Impossible!"

...

Xinlad's heart skipped; he glanced over. Alicia, district chiefs, and Star Lords had voted for Mo Xiu.

Mo Xiu's total blasted past 6,000, still climbing.

"It's over—Mo Xiu's the winner!"

"Told you Mo Xiu had it locked!"

...

Excitement buzzed through the crowd.

Votes finalized soon after, Mo Xiu claiming triumph with a massive 7,121.

Xinlad hung his head silently.

Minister Ferisian beamed and proclaimed.

"Voting ends! Admiral Mo Xiu wins and rises to general. Applause for him!"

Clap! Clap!

Thunderous clapping erupted.

"All generals, come onstage."

Ferisian pressed on.

Su Ming, General Gabres, and others returned to the platform.

The seven generals stood in a crisp line.

Yun Rou and Vice City Lord Okens then approached with a tray bearing the Grand General Uniform.

From below, Xinlad fixed his gaze on the uniform, fists tight with bitterness.

Long Bai advanced smoothly, draping the Grand General Uniform over Su Ming and Mo Xiu personally, then addressed the assembly.

"I declare General Su Ming and General Mo Xiu as the Federation's eighth and ninth generals. They pledge to fulfill duties and shield the Federation unto death!"

Clap! Clap!

Applause thundered once more.

Long Bai gestured for quiet and went on.

"Generals embody the Federation's ultimate fighting force; we invest boundless resources in them. The Star Destroyer·Thunder Extreme now goes to General Su Ming!"

"Thank you, Mr. President!"

Su Ming saluted sharply.

This assignment drew little surprise—the Thunder Extreme fit the new general. Mo Xiu already commanded the Wind Dome, so no need.

Long Bai clapped next.

Yun Rou and assistants wheeled in cold storage boxes.

"What's that?"

"Beats me."

...

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"I grant every general a V-type Genetic Potion (modified version)."

Long Bai stated gravely.

"Thank you, President!"

Gabres and others' eyes gleamed at the news. The V-type Genetic Potion was ready, set to skyrocket their power.

Attendees and generals murmured with envy.

"Whoa, V-type Genetic Potion!"

"How many extra years does that add?"

"Tons, for sure!"

"Haven't even tried the IV-type."

...

Long Bai kept announcing.

"Beyond the V-type Genetic Potion, we'll boost generals further. Five new VI Generation Standard Mechas (non-elemental) go to General Gabres, General Sigurd, General Angulat, General Helagar, and Admiral Hayes!"

The leaders below erupted in stunned uproar.

"Heavens, VI Generation Mechas fully rolled out!"

...