At 10:00 AM on July 20th, common era 830, Yu Lian, dressed in a pure white military dress uniform, was the third to walk onto the stage, following Feifei and Wien.

It was clear that this was the awarding and commissioning ceremony at the Central Defense University. Everyone understood this process, and of course, there would be no mistakes.

Of course, usually at this time, the nominal Commander-in-Chief of the three armed forces, the President, would attend this event. However, President Nockham, who had been timid his entire life but finally stood firm at the end, still had to pay a price for his passion.

In short, the Presidential Palace was currently in chaos, and President Nockham and Vice President Murson were too busy to attend, so the Defense Committee Chairman had to represent them.

Evidently, Nishita Chairman greatly enjoyed this occasion.

He saluted and received his graduation certificate from the smiling Defense Committee Chairman Keith Nishita, along with the ornate, vintage revolver in a box, which was the legendary “tiger amulet.”

Although he had already received the Silver Crown Sword Medal and was confirmed to receive a Navy Purple Ribbon Silver Star Medal for his almost perfect rescue operation, grades were grades. Even with various bonus points and an A-grade thesis, his final graduation score was still below Feifei and Horatio Wien.

Nevertheless, he finally squeezed into the legendary “Tiger Amulet Group.” Even if he wasn't a spiritual energy user, and even without these merits, in the eyes of the public, his military career would skyrocket and become unstoppable.

Furthermore, and more importantly, he was indeed a spiritual energy user, and his combat achievements were truly impressive.

Thus, the scene unfolded: Principal Maxell then appeared, and with a strange smile, pinned a silver oak leaf insignia onto the collar of Yu Lian, who was the third to go on stage. This was the mark of a Captain, one rank higher than Feifei and Wien, who had gone on stage before him.

Yu Lian was also the only Captain among the thousands of students graduating today.

According to regulations, students graduating from a regular four-year Commonwealth military academy would automatically receive the rank of Second Lieutenant, but the top twenty students in overall performance would directly start as Lieutenants.

Furthermore, even if this group did nothing, they should receive their first promotion within half a year.

The so-called “elite group” whose promotions were like riding a direct orbital elevator was clearly evident from this.

Even so, Yu Lian skipped even this half-year formality. In this foolish, idealistic universe where everyone so worships extraordinary power, spiritual energy users simply have it that easy.

“You’re already a Second Ring! Normally, you should have received the rank of Major… but after all, some procedures need to be followed, I hope you understand. Don't worry, in half a year at most, this silver oak leaf will be replaced with an anchor!” Nishita enthusiastically patted Yu Lian's shoulder, looking like “Young man, I really think highly of you.” Even when he talked to Wien just now, he only shook his hand.

Yu Lian was satisfied. The only thing he wasn't satisfied with was that the Chairman's smile was too brilliant, so brilliant that Yu Lian wanted to shiver. He barely managed to resist pulling out the tiger amulet and shooting the Chairman's dog head on the spot.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already approved the treatment for spiritual energy users. Captain, you’ll get your first batch of subsidies this month! Haha, it’s much higher than my subsidy.” The Defense Committee Chairman winked again.

Yu Lian also showed a brilliant smile, deciding (for now) not to blow the Chairman's head off.

Then, to everyone's applause, the Chairman began his speech. This was also a routine procedure; in fact, at such a ceremony, if no important dignitary spoke, everyone would not know how to naturally conclude it.

“In any case, over the Past six months, we have endured too many sudden trials: the coveting of enemies, the suppression of powerful forces, and even some internal issues. However, we, and the students Present, have still forged a path forward. I believe Marshal Victori Li's teachings are deeply ingrained in your bones, etched into the inherent qualities of the Children of Blue Star, making us invincible.

“You are the most outstanding youth of the Commonwealth; your hearts are dedicated to your country and its people. After leaving the academy, you still represent a Commonwealth that has weathered storms and is full of ambition. Your mission is not only to defend your home and country but also to uphold justice. At least, in the recently concluded events, some of you have become heroes and have upheld your vows. As the highest military and political officer, I have full confidence in you. May the universe spirit bless you, bless the people you are about to defend, and bless the country you are determined to protect!”

Yu Lian, standing to Feifei's right, kept his eyes straight ahead, waiting for the Chairman's speech to end.

He now felt a surreal sense of time dislocation, and a little guilt. In his memory, this session's Tiger Amulet Group should have been completely monopolized by the future generals of the 830 Party. But because of him and Feifei, Chester Kent and Deng Zhengqing were squeezed out. Feifei even directly snatched Wien's top spot; she was the one who spoke as the student representative earlier.

Anyway, they were all within the top ten, and since they didn't miss out on the Lieutenant rank upon graduation, it shouldn't affect their future too much, right? You know, considering their overall scores, they could have potentially taken the top spot in any previous year.

This really wasn't because of their lack of ability, but because their opponents were simply too strong.

However, this was strange; if Feifei's grades were so good, why didn't she join the Tiger Amulet Group in her previous life?

At this moment, Defense Committee Chairman Keith Nishita concluded his speech amidst everyone's applause.

It wasn't a particularly remarkable speech; both the content and the slogans were formulaic, but the Chairman was indeed an excellent speaker. He spoke for half an hour without anyone growing impatient.

Of course, there were still some thought-provoking elements. For example, the Chairman repeatedly used “pillars of the nation” to describe the graduating students but used “heroes” specifically to describe the participants in the exercise. Furthermore, the Chairman specifically mentioned Yu Lian's name, which was even more thought-provoking.

Everyone began to applaud and cheer, no different from all the students leaving the academy. No one could truly predict the future, but that didn't stop them from making choices now.

At this point, the school administration wouldn't come out to annoy them by talking about military bearing and decorum anymore. The faculty members all showed aunt-like smiles, almost joining the cheering crowd. Regardless of whether their expressions were genuine, their attitude was at least genuine.

Even Colonel Franz (he had also just been promoted) had a slight curve to his lips. You know, this fierce uncle had only been the director of training for less than half a year and had already earned the nickname “Night Wanderer.” Ordinary students thought he was a heartless, iron-willed man.

After the graduation ceremony, students gathered in groups of three or five, preparing to find their own places to celebrate. They would have to fully move out within three days, vacating their dorms. The young people also vaguely knew that they would soon go their separate ways, and opportunities to meet in the future would become fewer and fewer, and their relationships would become less pure.

Given that, it was better to simply enjoy a period of the purest, final youth.

Yu Lian checked the time, just about to leave, when Rozes came up to him: “We’re having a party at the Lion’s Tower, will you come too? Uh, no, you absolutely must come!”

Before Yu Lian could speak, the other person laughed again: “After all, you’re the star of our graduating class. If you don’t come, even if everyone celebrates, there won’t be a central figure.”

Yu Lian looked at Wien, who was talking to someone else in the distance, and lowered his voice: “You guys are betraying my brother Wien so quickly?”

“Betrayal? What do you mean?” Rozes paused slightly, then burst into laughter. He shook his head, then, overflowing with the smile of a mature adult, said in a lecturing tone: “Alright, you’ve graduated, you’re adults now, it’s time to end your rival game! Okay, it’s decided then. It starts at six PM, you can bring a female companion, haha~~~ girls from outside the school are fine too. Of course, we’ll also invite Miss Li.”

The future chief steward of the 830 Party thus decisively arranged Yu Lian's evening.

Fortunately, there was still some time before six o'clock.

Thinking of this, Yu Lian gave Feifei a simple greeting, and after she reminded him to be mindful of the time, he quickly left.

He left the academy and, as previously arranged, went to a quiet little bar in Moon City.

Wang Jingyang had already arrived and was waiting for him in the innermost booth of the bar.

He was no longer wearing the general's uniform that truly didn't suit him; he was in very ordinary casual clothes, indistinguishable from any seasoned office worker going through a midlife crisis.

However, considering the several large beers on his table and the silly grin still on his face, he looked more like a seasoned unemployed loafer.

Yu Lian felt that this state might suit him better.

Alright, just two updates to play around with today.