"Because of 200 power stones i have release one more extra chapter with regular chapters" Back to the story
"The inauguration speech of Lady Bronya Rand is about to begin—please maintain silence and assist in keeping the order!" announced the Silvermane Guard's herald.
"Ah, look, it seems like it's starting," March 7th said excitedly, pointing at the stage and gently shaking Seele awake from her slumber.
The square was almost filled with countless Belobog residents, and Gu Tang's group managed to squeeze into a relatively close position near the stage.
Under the expectant gazes of many, the new Supreme Guardian—Bronya Rand—slowly walked onto the stage. Her expression was calm, her steps steady, her eyes firm, and her demeanor exuded a reassuring stability.
"Wow, Bronya looks so dignified," March 7th remarked in awe.
Seele nodded in agreement. "Indeed, she's got quite the presence."
"After overcoming adversity and making her choice, Bronya is no longer the girl we first met," Dan Heng commented, arms crossed.
Standing on the stage, Bronya looked down at the countless citizens below and took a deep breath. Despite having rehearsed every detail countless times in her mind, standing here still made her nervous. Then, she spotted familiar faces in the crowd: Gu Tang, Seele, Dan Heng, March 7th, Stelle, Oleg, Natasha, Serval, Pela...
And—
"Lady Bronya!" "Lady Bronya! We knew you could do it!" "We've always believed in you!" "Lady Bronya!" A group of vagabonds in dirty clothes shouted excitedly, their voices standing out in the quiet crowd.
"Ahem, please maintain silence and refrain from disrupting the speech," the nearby guards reminded them urgently.
"Huh? We can't cheer yet?" "You fools! Didn't the wise one already say?" "Sorry about that, Guard brothers."
These were the vagabonds who had rushed from the camp. They were clearly in a hurry, with some not even having the time to wipe the ore dust off their faces. But they all smiled proudly, looking at Bronya with admiration, for she had fulfilled her promise to them.
"Geez..." Bronya smiled, feeling the nervousness in her heart dissipate without her even realizing it.
Alright, let's begin.
"Citizens of Belobog, please listen—our gathering here today, to celebrate this moment, is because a great Guardian sacrificed herself to rid our city of a scourge that had plagued it for seven hundred years."
Her words were powerful.
"Cocolia Rand's sacrifice has turned a new page in our history. The blizzards beyond the walls will gradually subside, and the expansion of the rift will surely be halted by the Silvermane Guards' offensive."
The residents listened quietly as Bronya spoke.
"In the far north, I personally witnessed the struggle between the former Supreme Guardian and an indescribable force. In her final moments, she shared with me her greatest regret... the decade-long lockdown that had isolated the upper and lower districts."
The vagabonds clenched their fists in excitement, their bodies trembling, eyes glistening with tears.
"Therefore, her final wish was... for Belobog to be reunited once the influence of the Stellaron subsides. She hoped that the people of the upper and lower districts could greet the dawn together."
Natasha smiled, gently patting the heads of the children beside her.
"To everyone in the lower district—I cannot ask for your forgiveness, as personal experiences have already shown me that these past decades have left too many scars. But I seek your cooperation, for we all know that without your resilience and sweat, the revival of Belobog would be impossible... the survival of civilization would be impossible."
Oleg, a tough old man and soldier who had been strong all his life, wiped the corner of his eye. His wrinkled face twitched, making him look both older and as if he could finally let go of his youth.
"And I would also like to take this opportunity to thank a few guests of Belobog."
Now it was Gu Tang and his group's turn.
"Most of you are unaware of their existence... but it was their arrival that brought hope to this withering world... Please come forward," Bronya extended her hand towards Gu Tang and his companions.
They were taken aback.
But clearly, Bronya had anticipated this, and the guards immediately formed a path through the crowd to the stage.
"What are you standing around for? Go on, heroes," Seele smiled at them.
"Speaking as if it has nothing to do with you... you're coming too," Gu Tang grabbed her wrist and pulled her along.
Seele gasped, "Wait! I'm not mentally prepared..."
The group walked onto the stage.
"I didn't expect an award ceremony during an inauguration speech," Gu Tang said to Bronya, somewhat surprised.
"Given your contributions, it is indeed quite simple," Bronya replied with a smile.
Seele stood on the stage, nervously swallowing and looking very uneasy.
"So Seele can get nervous too," Stelle noted with a smile.
"Mind your own business," Seele retorted, her face slightly red.
Behind Bronya, a Silvermane Guard solemnly carried out a wooden box filled with finely crafted medals.
"The Heart of Preservation Medal, established by the first Supreme Guardian Alisa Rand, is used to honor the heroes who saved the world," Bronya explained, as she pinned a medal onto Seele's chest. "In retrospect, Lady Alisa must have always hoped for this day to come."
"Hmph... I'll accept it on behalf of the lower district," Seele said, though a smile tugged at her lips.
Then it was Stelle's, March 7th's, and Dan Heng's turn...
"Hehehe... Now I truly feel like I've saved the world," March 7th said happily, lightly tapping the cold metal medal on her chest.
Then, she noticed that Dan Heng seemed a bit absent-minded.
"What's up with you, Dan Heng?" she asked, puzzled.
"Hm? Oh, nothing, just thinking about something," Dan Heng replied nonchalantly.
Of course, a smart and serious guy like Dan Heng must be thinking about something important.
For example, how to assist March 7th after Seele and Stelle had their moments to shine?
Hmm... what a dilemma.
The only solace was that Bronya wasn't making any big moves.
Dan Heng glanced at Bronya, thinking.
Bronya approached Gu Tang and took out the last medal, placing it on his chest.
"Gu Tang, you are the savior of Belobog..." Bronya looked into Gu Tang's eyes with a gentle smile, "...and mine."
"Hmm... it feels pretty good to be a savior," Gu Tang smiled softly.
Bronya gazed at Gu Tang's smile with fascination.
Golden sunlight spilled from the horizon, outlining his silhouette.
Then, the beauty that burst forth was so breathtaking it made her heart stop, draining the color from everything around, as if even time would stand still for this moment.
Ah... how romantic it would be to step forward and kiss him now.
Bronya thought to herself.
Alas, it's just a thought. As a proper Supreme Guardian now, she couldn't do such a thing in public.
What a shame...
"Lady Bronya! What are you doing!?" A Silvermane Guard exclaimed in shock.
"?!" Bronya snapped back to reality.
She realized that she had already tightly embraced Gu Tang and given him a passionate kiss.
Everyone around, including Gu Tang, had expressions of shock, as if Cocolia had risen from the dead.
"Br... Bronya!? What's happening?" March 7th stammered, at a loss for words.
"...I must say, impressive," Stelle murmured to herself, furrowing her brow and holding her chin as she watched the bold move.
Bronya released Gu Tang, a string of saliva still connecting their lips.
Blushing, she covered her mouth and whispered, "Sorry, I couldn't resist..."
"Wha—Wha—Wha—What!?"
The crowd erupted in excited chatter.
Even the guards couldn't suppress it anymore.
Of course, the guards themselves were in shock, their minds not yet fully comprehending.
"...Why is everyone so surprised?" A vagabond looked around at the noisy crowd, clearly puzzled.
Another vagabond confidently said, "Hmph, it must be that these upper district people lack the knowledge we've gained from our experiences."
"Urgh!" Dan Heng collapsed straight to the ground.
His reaction was as if not just Cocolia, but even Akivili had been resurrected.
"Bronya... has also far exceeded my expectations..." Dan Heng murmured in pain, eyes shut tight.
Indeed, we must continue to blaze the trail.
To continue advancing on the path of support, that is what makes one a true Trailblazer.
Dan Heng once again felt determined.
Such a high degree of Trailblazing spirit surely wouldn't be objected to by Akivili.