Chapter 179: 179: Medal of Honor
"The benefits of reclaiming territory go beyond the tangible. They extend to the intangible, to the hope that burns within each of us. Our shared achievements remind us that as a community, we can overcome any obstacle, face any challenge, and build a brighter future together."
"Let us carry this hope in our hearts and work tirelessly to shape the city we aspire to be. The path forward is not without its difficulties, but together, as a united city, we have the strength to overcome anything that stands in our way!" Caleb's voice resounded which made everyone's blood boil.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
A resounding clap sounds one after another as everyone who heard Caleb's speech was utterly impressed by Caleb's vision of the future. In the speech, they saw the hopes of the young man and his love for the city. Even the ones in the seat of honor began to stand up one by one while clapping with bright smiles on their face as if to signify their approval of his speech.
Roger, on the other hand, had a wide toothy grin when he saw the figures in the seat of honor stand up. Who are the people in the seat of honors? Every one of them could affect the kingdom. They were important and influential enough that every one of their moves could have a significant impact on every foundational aspect of the City. From Economy, Politics, etc...
On the other hand, the citizens of the city could only feel excitement at the prospect of the new territory. What they didn't Caleb was already laughing on his mind as he watched his intent take its desired effect. He successfully riled them up! Of course, the most important thing to move people is passion, confidence, and the mention of benefits!
'Didn't expect I'm this good at spouting bullshit.' Caleb was full of smiles. However, when his gaze landed on the crowd. He almost stumbles as he just sees Jin, Luna, and Dunn looking at him with a teasing smile on their face!
On the other hand, Kidd and Kazuto have a smile on their face. They couldn't help but wonder how Caleb managed to come up with such beautifully crafted words in just two days. Well, if Caleb wasn't lying to them that he hadn't written one word yet when they asked him.
As Caleb finished his speech, he retreated from the podium and went to the edge of the back of the stage where the others were standing. All of them look at him similarly with a bemused expression, as if saying, 'You did a good job!'
Caleb could only shake his head as he saw Kidd opting for a fist bump. However, Caleb proceeded to ignore them. They're on the damn stage! Everyone would see them. Such a formal event, it might not be appropriate to do that. So Caleb gave Kidd a look saying, 'Later!'
"You've written an excellent speech. I didn't expect you to be eloquent as well." David, on the other hand, walked past Caleb and whispered in passing.
'Yeah, but not as eloquent as you.' Caleb thought sarcastically while he forced out a smile on his face. "Thanks."
David smiles with satisfaction apparent on his face. Although Caleb chose the shadow path that he advised not to. He was confident that Caleb wouldn't be able to progress anymore once he hit the Tier 6 realm since the subsequent recipe was 'Missing'. And so far, Caleb's performance had been good and he couldn't find fault with him. Coupled with the speech, David felt that Caleb carries the will of the City within him. An excellent young man who had the city in his heart.
"Well, you've heard the young man." David stood on the podium where Caleb had said his piece earlier and scanned the sea of people with his signature smile. "Before we start, I want to thank our personages in the Seat of Honor for taking their time to attend the awarding ceremony. Give them a round of applause."
The crowd immediately did what David said. No, they are just waiting for him to say so. After all, everyone knew just how powerful the people in the seat of honor were.
"First of all, as you already know. I am the captain of the Scout Regime and a 5th Seat Officer. I am the one that made the plan to reclaim the Wall of Rose and initiated such endeavor while the others were the ones responsible for its execution."
The audience started clapping as they learned that the man in front of them was the master planner of the great operation.
'Tsk... A planner? Roger is the one who planned the whole operation. It was just your idea, but you didn't do anything at all.' Caleb snickered as he saw David trying to make sure that most of the credit would go to him. If he was just strong enough, he would have already slapped the bastard hard. Alas, he's too weak to fight a 5th Tier Destiny for now. The latter would just slap him to death in the event they really fought each other.
Caleb knew his limits. He knew the right time to advance or to retreat and now wasn't the damn time yet. 'I wonder when would I able to slap this fucking two-faced bastard?'
Suddenly, David, who was in the middle of his speech, felt a cold chill on his neck.' What's that? Is someone cursing me behind my back?'
Although he thought so, he still maintained a smile on his face. Albeit stiff. "Second, just as what young Johan said. The reclamation of the Wall of rose offers a lot of benefits to our city. It would become instrumental for humanity and will help us with our fight against the Apokalips."
"Third, our city would need to recruit another batch of recruits again so the young generation is welcome to sign up to our regiment next month... That's all. I don't want to prolong my speech because it might bore you out. Now, let's start the awarding!"