The courtyard was quiet, save for the soft hum of the wind weaving through the tall pines surrounding Jade City. The sun was beginning its descent, painting the sky with streaks of gold and crimson. Alaric stood atop the central platform, his arms folded, eyes scanning the exhausted but proud faces of the 28-man squad.
Every scar, bruise, and scraped uniform told a story of relentless training, of battles fought not just against beasts but against their own limits. Today's tournament had tested them all, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, and, most importantly, their potential.
Alaric inhaled deeply and let the air settle, his gaze lingering on the seven strongest who still stood before him — Yue Rong, Liang Chen, Audrey, Griffin, Liang Hao, Gao Wei, and Trent. They were battered, some bleeding lightly, others with tattered clothing and torn gloves, but each radiated the aura of someone who had walked through fire and come out unbroken.
He cleared his throat, and the courtyard fell silent.
"Today," he began, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made even the strongest of his men straighten instinctively, "I have watched every single one of you. I have seen your growth, your potential, and the strength that each of you can wield. You are no longer the soldiers who first joined this squad. You are warriors, capable of standing against threats far beyond what the army initially required of you."
He let the words settle before moving closer to the group. "But even warriors need structure. Leadership is not just about strength; it is about judgment, strategy, and the ability to inspire others."
His eyes locked on Yue Rong. "You have shown unmatched precision, adaptability, and the capacity to command your power with both intelligence and instinct. You understand the battlefield, the flow of combat, and the lives depending on you. Therefore…" He paused, letting the anticipation hang in the air. "…Yue Rong, you are appointed as Vice-Leader of this squad."
A ripple of murmurs spread across the group. Yue Rong's lips curled into a small, confident smile. She straightened her posture, nodding once respectfully. "I will not disappoint you, Commander Alaric," she said, her voice steady and commanding.
Alaric's gaze then shifted to Liang Chen. The younger man's hands were scorched from his duel, his clothes singed in several places, yet his grin remained, a mixture of defiance and pride. "Liang Chen," Alaric continued, "your resilience, courage, and ability to motivate others in the heat of battle have not gone unnoticed. You possess the same judgment and leadership qualities as Yue Rong. Therefore, you too are appointed as Vice-Leader."
Liang Chen let out a low chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck as the corners of his lips lifted. "I'll make sure the squad keeps up with me," he said, half-teasing, half-serious.
Alaric allowed himself a faint smile before turning his attention to the rest of the squad. "The rest of you have proven yourselves in ways that surpass even my expectations. Every strike, every maneuver, every choice you made today contributed not only to your own growth but to the cohesion of this team. That is what I value most — your ability to function as one unit, while still allowing individuals to excel."
The squad listened intently, some nodding, others wiping sweat from their brows, all aware that today marked a turning point.
Alaric walked down from the platform, his boots clinking against the stone floor. He moved between his men, his gaze sweeping each face, measuring their resolve. "Leadership is not about who is strongest," he said softly, yet firmly. "It is about who can ensure the strength of the squad as a whole. Yue Rong and Liang Chen will help guide you, train you, and maintain the unity that will define this squad's success. You will follow their direction without question, but always remember — your own growth is just as important."
He stopped in front of the remaining five of the top seven, his eyes landing briefly on Audrey, Griffin, Liang Hao, Gao Wei, and Trent. "You are the pillars of this team. Continue to hone your skills, support your vice-leaders, and set examples for the rest. Every mission, every battle, will demand everything you have and more."
Then, turning back to the entire squad, he raised his voice slightly. "We have faced countless challenges already, but the real trials lie ahead. Your next missions will push you further than you have ever gone. The stronghold we will confront is not merely a bandit camp — it is a test of everything we are, everything we have trained for, and everything we must become. If we are united, we will not fail."
He took a step back, his aura flaring faintly, enough to make the leaves rustle and the stones underfoot vibrate lightly. "This is your moment. Stand tall, prepare yourselves, and remember why you fight — for your comrades, for your growth, and for the strength you will never stop pursuing."
Yue Rong and Liang Chen stepped forward, one to each side of him, subtly radiating authority without overshadowing him. The squad straightened, a mixture of awe and pride lighting their expressions. Today, the bonds of trust had deepened. Today, they understood the hierarchy — not as a chain of command but as a shield that would protect them all.
Alaric inhaled deeply, feeling the pulse of their combined potential. "Rest now. Tomorrow, we train harder. Tomorrow, we prepare for the trials that will test us not just as individuals, but as a squad that cannot fail. Under my command, and with Yue Rong and Liang Chen by my side, we will forge a path no enemy can withstand."
The squad saluted in unison. The air thrummed with energy and resolve, the courtyard alive with the collective pulse of their power. And as the sun dipped fully beneath the horizon, Alaric allowed himself a faint smile — this was only the beginning.