510 Promotion ceremony.
One week later, the Ash corp promotion ceremony arrived and it was taking place at the General’s palace.
Blake’s assigned carriage made its way past the gate and into the compound of the palace before stopping in front of the palace where a red carpet was located.
‘How many years hasn’t it been since I last came here?’ Blake thought as his eyes moved around the magnificent palace and finally landed on the statue of Emperor Cinder with his flaming scepter of power.
Although both the Square and the general’s palace were located in the Central region, there was no need for Blake to visit the palace especially since he could just call Prince Bryon if he needed anything.
“Please follow.” A palace staff said to Blake.
As one of the most important people on the occasion, Blake was personally escorted into the building and into the hall where the promotion ceremony was taking place.
“Your seat is the 5th on the second row of the center column.” The palace staff said to Blake.
“Thank you.” Blake thanked the palace staff before walking into the hall that was filled with ash corps of different ranks.
Blake made his way to his designated seat where he found 4 other Captains. 1 out of the 4 was a special op, and just like him, they were all dressed in their all-black uniforms with two flaming crossed swords crest on the left side of their cloak.
.....
They were the 4 ash corps Captains that were to be promoted alongside Blake.
[Seems the demigod realm is the requirement for becoming a Major.] The system said after scanning the captains.
The ranks of Ash cops were dependent on their strength and achievements. The only time their years of service were put into consideration was in a case where there was a limited promotion spot and those listed for the position were in the same realm and had equal achievements.
This method of promotion was to prevent a situation where a Demigod will be taking orders from a Hero.
‘Seems I am the odd one out.’ Seeing that he was the youngest in the group by far, Blake felt proud of himself.
After 20 mins of waiting, the doors to the hall were shut; soon after Prince Bryon walked out, marking the start of the ceremony.
“Greetings everyone.” Bryon said as he stepped unto the podium and began his speech.
“It is an honor and privilege to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the promotion of some of our best soldiers to higher ranks. Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the mission, the Ash corps, and the Empire at large.”
“I can say with absolute certainty that the soldiers we are promoting today are among the best of the best. They have proven themselves to be courageous, disciplined, and capable, and their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to our Army.”
“Today, we recognize and honor these soldiers for their outstanding achievements and their continued commitment to excellence. The promotion ceremony is a special occasion, one that is steeped in tradition, and it serves as a reminder of the great responsibility that comes with a higher rank.”
“It is a reminder that leadership is not just about titles, but rather it is about serving those under your command and the Empire with honor, integrity, and selflessness.”
“To the soldiers being promoted today, I say this: you have earned your place among the ranks of our Army’s leaders. You have proven yourselves to be capable, competent, and dedicated members of the corps, and your promotion is a reflection of your outstanding achievements.”
“Your new rank comes with great responsibility, but I have no doubt that you are up to the task. You are now entrusted with the lives of the men and women under your command, and I challenge you to continue to lead by example, to mentor and develop the next generation of soldiers, and to remain steadfast in your commitment to the Ash corps and the Synder empire.” A resounding round of applause echoed all around the room as Prince Bryon ended his speech.
‘That was beautiful.’ Blake thought as he clapped.
Once he was done with his speech, Bryon invited Blake and the 4 captains to the podium to present their medals to them.
Seeing Blake on the podium caused a lot of people to look at each other in shock, but none of them dared make a sound.
Doing so meant that they disagreed with the will of the Emperor and thought he was incompetent; the punishment for the offense was death on the spot.
The promotion ceremony continued without a problem, and soon it was Blake’s turn.
With a proud smile on his face, Prince Bryon stood in front of Blake as the event narrator read out the promotion order.
“The Emperor of the Synder Empire, acting upon the recommendation of the Councilor Prince Bryon, has placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity, and abilities of Captain Blake. In view of these special qualities and his demonstrated potential to serve in the higher grade, Captain Blake is promoted to the permanent grade of Major of the Ash corps.”
Once the narrator was done, an ash corp unbuttoned Blake’s black cloak, while another handed Prince Bryon 2 insignias.
The first insignia was for his excellent investigative achievements, and the second was for his outstanding contributions to the Ash corps.
“Congratulations!” Prince Bryon said with a proud smile as he pinned the medals on Blake’s vest before being handed a new cloak.
The new black cloak represented Blake’s new rank, and it had the insignia of the Synder empire on both halves of the cloak.
Once Bryon buttoned the cloak on Blake he saluted which Blake immediately reciprocated.
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I am planning on making a proper cover page for MSTS; currently learning photoshop cause Author-san is too poor for that ??
An Instagram page will soon be up for announcements and memes concerning MSTS and other future works. So anticipate!