Chapter 180: 180: Prime Great Leader Badge of Honor
David retreated from the stage to make way for the announcer's arrival at the podium. The announcer was a heavily makeup woman. She has curly brown hair that falls to her curvy waist. She raised the mic in her hand and put up a smile on her face:
"Now, the awarding will commence. I will call the participants. As I call your name, please go forward to the stage to grace the people below with your presence."
Just like that, the announce began to announce the names of the awardees with her soft, charming voice. The first to be called was Gojo, who just nonchalantly swaggered on the stage. He receives 50,000 contribution points as per agreement. Then he retreated from the stage with his hands behind his back.
The awarding continued. Since there are only three teams left from the previous twelve teams last year. The awarding entered its final phase in no time due to fewer numbers. Rekka, Clifford, Andre, Luna, Kidd, and Kazuto were also called one by one, receiving 50,000 contribution points without exception.
They had happy smiles on their faces since 50,000 points was really a huge number. They had already experienced first-hand how difficult it was to accumulate and earn contribution points. After all, in a year, they only earned 1500 in total! By comparison, they only did one mission and it rewards them a whopping 50,000!
"Then, the last awardee was also the one who made the speech at the opening of this event. Johan! As the team leader of three teams that managed to find the Golden Rock and lead three teams in operation. He would get the same contribution points Captain Roger would receive... Want to know how much?" The announcer said with a sly smile on her face.
'Get it with it already!' Caleb cursed while clenching his fist.
The crowd began to give their wild guess. From 60,000, 80,000, and some even deranged ones opted for 2 million.
"Well, there are some in the crowd that had guessed it. Yes, it is 100,000 contribution points! Let me give you guys a piece of information. The golden rock, the main variable that directly determines the success of operation is an artifact that had been missing for years. The only clue was it was in the Capital City of the Wall of Rose. If Johan, the team leader, and his group didn't manage to find or procure it. The operation would be a failure. They could try to seal the breach in the wall with objects or maybe a normal boulder but it won't be as sturdy as the golden rock."
On the edge of the stage, the scouts looked at Johan enviously. It was almost fucking double the total contribution points they received! Damn it!
"*Sigh* The team leader was lucky this time. If I knew that being a team leader would get you such a huge amount I would have already volunteered to become one."
"Are you stupid? Don't be delusional. The reason why Johan became Team Leader was only because Captain Roger trusted Johan's capability. Not to mention, he was also the strongest among us."
Gojo, on the side, scoffed as he heard them proclaim Johan the strongest. "Don't talk early about who was the strongest. Although he defeated me in the sparring. It doesn't say anything or mean anything because it is not a real battle. I didn't even use my Legacy Abilities in that spar because it would be beneath me."
Hearing Gojo, the two scouts didn't dare to refute or even opt to comment for fear of offending the genius in front of them.
Just then, amidst the murmurs and discussions weaving through the crowd, the announcer continued, her voice resonating across the hall with a touch of reverent excitement.
"Now, let's proceed with a special acknowledgment, a privilege of honor, an accolade bestowed upon a young leader for his exceptional valor and strategic excellence. Johan, would you please step forward?"
Caleb, taken aback by the unexpected mention of his name, cautiously ascended the steps to the stage, his heart pounding with a mixture of surprise and anticipation. He couldn't fathom what could be coming his way.
"Congratulations, Johan!" the announcer exclaimed, holding up a magnificent badge emblazoned with ornate symbols, the Prime Great Leader Badge of Honor, glinting in the stage lights. "This badge symbolizes not just recognition but an esteemed status within our city. It grants access to various exclusive locations, meetings, and events of paramount importance. As a prime leader, you'll have the privilege to partake in decision-making processes for the city's betterment, to contribute ideas and initiatives for the future."
Caleb, wide-eyed and overwhelmed, accepted the badge, feeling complicated emotions and honor in equal measure. He knew this was more than just a decoration; it was an embodiment of trust and an acknowledgment of his potential. However, he had already planned to change camps in the future. So, this shitty medal means nothing. Still, he chose to recognize it as an achievement.
"The significance of this badge lies not only in its rarity but in what it represents. It's a mark of leadership, dedication, and wisdom. With this badge, Johan, you're entrusted with a duty to lead and guide, to inspire and shape the city's destiny."
As the announcer concluded her explanation, the audience erupted into a round of applause, acknowledging not only Caleb's achievement but the significance of the honor bestowed upon him. The scouts, who had been whispering amongst themselves earlier, looked at Caleb with a mix of respect and admiration, realizing that their damn team leader was climbing at such heights!
Caleb, while still experiencing a mix of emotions, felt a surge of determination rising within him. He understood the significance of the honor bestowed upon him meant that the upper echelons had taken a liking toward him. This is great! If that's true, no one would obstruct him with his shadow path for a window of time. It would give him time to grow!
The announcer, after a brief pause, spoke to the audience once more, underlining the value of such recognition in the city's governance. She emphasized the importance of leadership, unity, and the role each individual could play in shaping the city's future.