Spratly Island, Tai Ping City.
After the great evacuation, the city's popularity had not recovered ideally. From a metropolis with a population of millions, it now only had returned to a population of over four hundred thousand. However, for the moment, it had become very lively, as today the Chancellor, Bai Zhongqi, was here to commend the outstanding mechanics from the Grey Hand Legion.
Because he was slender and his military uniform seemed a bit too large, Kentarou Yakushimaru was very nervous at this time. His Brazilian friend Lupica behind him pushed his shoulder, saying, "You, why are you shy at a time ?"
Kentarou was consistently tsundere, puckering his lips and saying, "I am not shy at all, this kind of thing is the most troublesome—it's just a formality. If it weren't for the fact that I can't be absent from this event because I've taken down the highest number of enemies in battle, I definitely wouldn't have come."
Lupica rolled his eyes and said, "Man, you really are full of yourself."
In the wide grassy square, Lupica immediately spotted the Iridium Star Chancellor Bai Zhongqi standing to the right of the award ceremony stage. He excitedly nudged Kentarou and said, "Hey, look, it's the Chancellor. It's my first time seeing him in person, he's just a bit more handsome than me."
The excellent mechanics of the Grey Hand Legion were lining up, preparing to enter the square. They were actually just a bunch of teenagers, and although there were some adults among them, they were also more of the otaku type. Most were teenagers around sixteen or seventeen years old, like Kentarou and Lupica.
Kentarou looked at Bai Zhongqi from afar, Bai Zhongqi was conversing with a few officials from the Star Alliance, appearing low-key, composed, and wise. He looked like an ordinary guy-next-door, and when he smiled, it was gentle. He had none of the posturing seen from typical politicians on television, no impenetrable aura of authority, nor any hypocritical attempts to appear people-friendly—he was just simple and ordinary, just like everyone else.
Lupica clicked his tongue and said, "I thought the man now ruling Earth would be some kind of Demon Lord-level presence. Looking at him now, he seems pretty ordinary."
Kentarou pointed out directly, "I find this man to be dangerous, whether Earth is better or worse in his hands, it's not certain yet. Remember, now all the weapons of war for the Star Alliance are under his Supreme Command's control, and there's even now a terrifying military force called the Silver Feather Army. Why hasn't anyone in the Star Alliance proposed electing a leader in the absence of a real name and legal head? Aside from the fact that the countries don't see eye to eye, it's largely because even if there were a so-called leader, they wouldn't be able to overturn all the decisions made by this man."
Lupica looked at Kentarou with some surprise, "I didn't expect you to think so deeply."
With his hands clasped behind his head, Lupica shrugged nonchalantly and said, "I think he's more reliable than those annoying Earth politicians, at least. Most importantly, when everyone was afraid and even wanted to flee Earth, he insisted on leading us all in battle."
Kentarou rebutted, "That's because he knew about Homeland Titan at that time."
"Haha, anyway, it seems to me, general polls show that there's no great objection to him effectively controlling the Star Alliance."
Kentarou nodded and said, "After all, everyone's life is undergoing earth-shattering changes, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. The Star Alliance brought food, peace, and eliminated many local security risks. The newly shaped governments under the Star Alliance are being monitored for corruption, and citizens' welfare has increased to unimaginable levels, no one would oppose him."
The two teenagers were discussing matters that didn't seem to fit their ages, but with their perspective, they could see only so much. Like most, they were looking forward to a brand-new era where they could have a way of life that was more exotic and valuable.
The commendation ceremony began shortly, representatives from the Grey Hand Legion, as well as social figures from various countries, sat in the open-air grass square on floating chairs, with a very simple ceremonial platform in the center, and a scenic lake view behind it. It was hard for many to imagine that this island, which looked like a vacation destination, was actually a huge universe warship.
Bai Zhongqi began with a speech.
"… When the Grey Hand Legion was first formed, it faced many doubts. People said, this is just a group of children who haven't fully grown up, how much can they contribute to the Star Alliance using their gaming skills? Others said that since it's called Grey Hand and uses remotely controlled war weaponry, they must be cannon fodder, surely. However, the truth is that, in the recently ended battle, the Grey Hand Legion, with its exquisite skills and extraordinary courage, bravely fought against the enemy's formidable firepower, helping our Universe Army ultimately defeat the foe.
Many of them are teenagers who might be worried about their final exam scores, troubled by campus love and interpersonal relationships, and enjoy watching hot-blooded anime and playing games that seem childish. But they also have great potential, and are enthusiastic and full of fighting spirit. Like the other warriors of the Universe Army, they went to the battlefield, fought against the enemy, and achieved illustrious records.
Therefore, on behalf of the Star Alliance, the Universe Army, and all citizens of the Star Alliance, I would like to express my respect and gratitude to the heroes of the Grey Hand Legion. At the same time, the Grey Hand Legion has shown everyone that within the Star Alliance, no matter where you come from, what you look like, your age, or gender, everyone has the right to choose a way to realize their value and contribute to our civilization. Only in this way can our civilization not only provide ample materials for everyone but become a universe civilization with love, development, and a future."
The teenagers sitting below were so excited that they couldn't contain themselves. Actually, most kids their age were just seeking affirmation from others—whether it be from parents, teachers, or peers—they needed recognition as much as they needed attention.
Bai Zhongqi gave them this respect and recognition, they clapped their hands vigorously and cheered, even though they looked a bit funny in military uniforms, the holographic screen behind Bai Zhongqi showed them controlling fighter crafts battling against enemies. These images gave people a more intuitive understanding that these young people were not simply playing a game; they were truly fighting with all their might.
Kentarou was so excited that he was slightly trembling, and Lupica's palms were almost clapping red.
"Fight for Earth, long live the Chancellor, long live the Star Alliance!" Someone shouted out a slogan, and then it spread, wave after wave, as everyone began to shout along.
Kentarou looked at Bai Zhongqi and thought, "This is probably indeed a cause worth serving."