The following day, as the sun gradually rose over the horizon, casting its warm rays over the Murky Mountains, the fully-constructed camp started to buzz with commotion.
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the Magi slowly gathered in front of the headquarters. A grand pavilion had been erected before this building, its banners flapping gently in the morning breeze.
In front of this pavilion, a raised platform had been set up where all the Rank 2 Magi from the various stronghold cities had already gathered. These Mana Liquefaction Magi stood proudly on the platform, their auras intimidating and worthy of admiration.
Today was the day that the allied forces of the Southern Federation would begin their assault on the orcs.
The time for payback had come!
However, before that, the higher-ups had decided that there was something that they still needed to do - a formal award ceremony.
This was done to ensure that the Magi who had performed valiantly in the prior battles were rewarded. Furthermore, this would also motivate and encourage the other Magi to strive harder.
When most of the Magi had already arrived at this location, a hush gradually fell over the crowd, indicating that the ceremony would begin any moment now.
Although they were quiet, the eagerness and determination couldn't be hidden on their faces.
Seeing that most of the Magi had already gathered, Magus Marcella glanced at the other Rank 2 Magi and received their nod of agreement. Then, she stepped forward and stood at the front of the raised platform.
She took a deep breath and loudly stated for all to hear, "Magi, comrades, and champions of our cause.
"Today, we have gathered here not only to celebrate victory, but to honor those among us who have exemplified the principles of courage, skills, and selflessness in battle."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Magus Marcella paused, glancing at the emotional Magi in front of her, before continuing, "In the battle to protect our border strongholds, you all have demonstrated unwavering resolve and prowess.
"It is with great honor and gratitude that I stand before you, on behalf of my colleagues, to bestow upon you the recognition that you so rightly deserve."
"OHHH!!" The Magi erupted in cheers, raising their fists at the skies and showing their excitement.
Such a feeling was contagious, and everyone who stood amidst the crowd couldn't help but get goosebumps all over their skins.
Adam was the same. Although he was standing with his arms crossed and displaying a stoic expression, his heart was pounding wildly.
Magus Marcella sure has a way with words. He smirked.
He glanced to his side and saw that Edward was jumping in joy, whereas Lisa was clenching her fists and cheering on. Seeing them, he couldn't help but chuckle.
Back on the platform, Magus Marcella continued, "Each of these medals, these artifacts, represents a moment of bravery, a triumph of the allied forces, and a testament to your strength."
A Rank 1 Magus brought out a large wooden plate that was filled with gold medals neatly placed in rows. A few more Magi brought chests that were filled with artifacts. When the Magi saw this, they were even more enthusiastic.
"To those we honor today," Magus Marcella began, "I say, your bravery inspires us to strive for better, and your dedication to protecting our lands fills us with pride. May you continue to shine brightly and guide us to victory."
The next moment, her back straightened and her face turned solemn. She placed her right hand over her chest and proudly proclaimed, "May mana be with us all! Long live the Federation!"
"Long live the Federation!"
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})"Long live the Federation!"
"Long live the Federation!"
The Magi placed their right hands over their chests and continued to chant with great fervor. The atmosphere was electrifying, cheers and applause ringing louder with each passing moment.
Following that, the distinguished Magi were called up to the platform, one by one. Naturally, they were awarded by the Rank 2 Magi that they served under.
From the City of Stardale, four Magi were chosen to be rewarded. They were Magus Elton from the Roy Family, and Adam and his team from Clover Academy.
The former was personally awarded by Magus Marcella. Whereas the trio was awarded by their direct superior, Magus Esmond.
"Hehe, I'm proud of you three," Esmond grinned as he pinned the gold medals to their cloaks. "Good job!"
"Thank you, Boss!" The trio laughed in joy. They then received Rank 1 armors as well as a thousand contribution points each.
They turned around and glanced at the crowd who were loudly cheering for them, especially all the Magi from Stardale. Seeing the crowd shower them with praise, the trio couldn't help but feel greatly accomplished.
Meanwhile, Valerian, who was sitting on Adam's shoulder, was drooling from the mouth as he reached out for the gold medal pinned to the youth's chest.
"Hmph!" Adam swatted away the little guy's furry paw.
'Brother!' The young dragon's eyes turned tearful. 'I helped in the war too… Where is my gold? I mean, medal.'
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})Seeing the little guy on the verge of crying, Adam's heart ached. Even though he knew that Valerian was just acting. But in the end, he sighed and removed the gold medal, handing it to him.
"Fine, don't cry."
"Myu~" Valerian first fondly licked the youth's cheek before grabbing the gold medal and starting to bite on it.
Somewhere in the crowd, a group of Magi, who looked to be in their mid-twenties, were glancing at Adam in shock.
"Hey, isn't that the kid…" A female Magus with silver hair and cyan eyes muttered in disbelief.
"Yeah, that's one of the kids we escorted to Moon City," A burly Magus with a buzz cut replied with a bitter smile. "I can't believe this kid has already reached our level."
Meanwhile, the third Magus, a handsome young man with blond hair and blue eyes, deeply looked at Adam with envy. His fists involuntarily clenched, but not a word escaped his lips.
After a long time, his eyes narrowed and he muttered, "Let's go meet him."
Upon receiving their rewards, Adam and the couple descended the platform and were making their way toward their respective tents. Now that the ceremony was about to be over, it was time for the Magi to be dispatched.
But all of a sudden, a group of Magi—two men and a woman—
stood right in front of them, blocking their way.
"I believe your name was Adam?" The Magus with blond hair and blue eyes, who was standing in the middle, spoke with a warm smile. "It has been so long since we last met. Anyway, I'm here to congratulate you on your achievement."
Initially, Adam frowned, thinking that someone was looking for trouble with them by blocking their way.
But the next moment, when his gaze fell on the blond Magus, memories from five years ago resurfaced. Adam was greatly surprised to see this person here.
"Magus Alex!"
