The capital was alive again.
Carriages rumbled through the golden-paved streets, soldiers marched in orderly formations, and the city square buzzed with chatter about the recent destruction of the Jin Clan—a tale that spread faster than wildfire.
In the midst of that ever-churning life stood the Royal Army Barracks, a fortress of discipline and power. Its high marble walls gleamed beneath the midday sun, banners of crimson and black fluttering proudly in the wind.
Inside the grand hall of merit, the Second Squad stood in formation—twenty-eight members lined up, their armor gleaming, their posture proud yet restrained. The scent of polished steel and incense filled the air, mingling with the low hum of mana-infused lights that lined the walls.
At the front stood Alaric and Alex, side by side.
One carried a calm authority, a predator's stillness behind his eyes.
The other radiated cold confidence, his aura unmistakably that of a Sage who had stood on the brink of death and triumphed.
Their presence alone filled the hall with a weight that none dared to ignore.
Then, from the far end, the heavy wooden doors swung open.
A familiar voice boomed across the room—deep, steady, and commanding.
"Second Squad!"
The soldiers immediately straightened as Colonel Zhang strode in—the same officer who had presided over their recruitment ceremony months ago. His uniform was immaculate, his silver epaulettes glinting beneath the mana lamps, and a rare smile tugged at the corners of his scarred face as he approached.
"Well, well," he said, his tone half-gruff, half-admiring. "When I first saw you lot, I expected decent recruits… but I never imagined you'd bring down an entire noble clan."
A faint murmur rippled through the squad. The Colonel stopped before Alex and Alaric, eyes flicking between them with visible pride—and maybe a touch of unease.
He reached into his coat and pulled out a polished insignia shaped like a phoenix wrapped in a crescent blade. The silver gleamed faintly, pulsing with magical runes.
"Alex Vardar," the Colonel announced, voice echoing through the hall. "For exceptional valor, unmatched magical prowess, and the annihilation of a hostile force far beyond your rank—you are hereby awarded one thousand merit points and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Imperial Army."
The hall erupted in murmurs and sharp gasps. Even among the veterans, such a reward was nearly unheard of.
Alex stepped forward, his movements precise, his expression cool but respectful. He saluted with a closed fist to his chest as Colonel Zhang fastened the insignia to his uniform.
"You've earned it," Zhang said quietly, meeting his gaze. "Mid-Third Stage Sage Realm and a spatial mage… you're no longer just a soldier, son. You're a weapon of the Empire."
Alex only gave a faint smile. "Then I'll be a sharp one, sir."
Zhang chuckled, stepping back before turning toward Alaric. "And as for you, Alaric Vardar… the command recognized your tactical leadership and battlefield composure. You've been awarded three hundred additional merit points."
Alaric inclined his head slightly. "Much appreciated, Colonel."
"Don't thank me," Zhang said, his tone lightening. "Thank your own damn hard work."
He then moved down the line, addressing the rest of the squad.
"Yue Rong, Liang Chen, Audrey, Griffin, Liang Hao, Gao Wei, and Trent—you seven have each been granted one hundred points for your combat excellence and coordination during the mission. The Empire values soldiers who know how to fight—and live—to tell the tale."
Each of the seven nodded firmly, pride glinting in their eyes.
"As for the rest," Zhang continued, glancing at the remaining members, "you've each earned thirty points in recognition of your courage and contribution. Remember this—strength earns glory, but unity wins wars. Don't ever forget it."
The squad roared in unison, their voices shaking the hall. "Yes, sir!"
The Colonel smiled faintly and clasped his hands behind his back. "Rest up, soldiers. You've written your names into the Empire's record today. But remember—glory is fleeting. The next battle will test whether this was luck or legacy."
With that, he turned sharply on his heel and left the hall, his cloak fluttering behind him.
As silence settled, the squad finally relaxed. Excited murmurs broke out, some exchanging proud grins, others simply breathing out the tension of the moment.
Alex turned to Alaric, the faintest hint of amusement tugging at his lips. "Lieutenant Alex Vardar… sounds strange, doesn't it?"
Alaric smirked. "Enjoy it while it lasts. Titles come and go. Power doesn't."
Alex's eyes gleamed in quiet agreement. "Then let's make sure ours never fades."
They exchanged a silent nod—brothers bound not by blood alone, but by war, fire, and purpose.
Outside, the banners of the Empire rippled in the wind as the sun climbed higher over the capital.
The Vardar brothers had risen another step—and in the shadows beyond those golden walls, unseen eyes had already taken notice.