I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield

Chapter 451: Chapter 379: Imperial Glory Medal, Royal Major General_2

Lin Zhou raised his hand to receive the medal, his fingertips gently brushing over the star-trail pattern as he bowed in thanks, the applause from the audience carrying a hint of admiration for his wisdom.

Next, several more officers took the stage in succession—a regiment commander who led a surprise attack on the Demon Source, tearing open the defensive line with valiant courage, received the ”Tiger Medal”; a company commander who calmly directed a breakout from a demon trap, leading his entire company to safety, received the ”Bauhinia Medal”; and a military doctor who, at the risk of demonic Qi infection, treated the wounded on the battlefield, received the ”Compassion Medal”.

The medals on the tray gradually decreased, the silver and blue crystal stone brilliance being carried away one by one. Finally, only the ”Empire Radiance Medal” remained at the center, the red-gold and orange ruby shining ever more brilliantly under the lights, like a small sun suspended in midair.

The atmosphere in the audience quietly shifted.

Many regiment commanders discreetly adjusted their posture, their previously tense backs relaxing somewhat. As their gazes brushed past the ”Empire Radiance Medal,” they felt a sense of relief—they understood their own achievements were commendable but fell short of ”outstanding merit.” Their earlier anticipation gradually settled into waiting for the awardee to be announced.

Yet a few still sat upright, their eyes fixed firmly on the center stage.

The Huxin Battle Group commander, sitting to Qin Tian’s right, unconsciously rubbed the lion-patterned embroidery on his dress uniform sleeves. Having led his team to capture two Demon Sources during the latter stages of the campaign, he considered his achievements truly outstanding.

Meanwhile, the Tianlang Battle Group commander raised an eyebrow slightly. He had once led his team to intercept the main forces of demons and fought against a Tier Seven demon in the final sealing battle, enabling the sealing team to successfully complete its mission, secretly pondering that he might be a contender.

Their breathing was lighter than before, eyes filled with anticipation, seemingly engaged in a distant standoff with the ”Empire Radiance Medal,” waiting for Dongfang Yue to call their names.

Qin Tian remained seated, his gaze resting on the ”Empire Radiance Medal,” his fingertips gently tapping his knee, feeling not an urgency but a calm before the dust settled.

Dongfang Yue closed the merit roster, his gaze sweeping over the crowd once more, his previously steady tone now layered with gravity: ”Next, we bestow the highest honor of this campaign—the ’Empire Radiance Medal’.”

These words dropped like a pebble into a tranquil lake, and the audience fell silent at once, everyone’s eyes converging on the red-gold medal, as if even their breath had paused.

Dongfang Yue’s gaze slowly swept across the room, finally settling on Qin Tian in the front row. The merit roster in his hand closed with a crisp sound, like a heavy hammer pounding on everyone’s heart.

He took a deep breath, his voice suddenly rising, carrying the power to penetrate the hall, resonating in every inch of space:

”Sixth Battle Zone, Chijin Battlegroup Commander, Qin Tian!”

Those brief six words sent silent ripples through the audience—some abruptly looked up, their eyes full of shock; some corners of mouths turned upward, unsurprised by the choice; while those regiment commanders who harbored high hopes just moments ago now wore stiff expressions, glancing around as if searching for this Commander Qin Tian.

Bang~

Qin Tian slowly stood up, the black dress uniform fitting his tall stature, the Chijin Battlegroup insignia on the sleeve reflecting a faint glow under the lights.

He stepped onto the stage, his military boots confidently treading on the dark carpet. Each step was steady and powerful, devoid of any panic, as if he had expected this moment while still revering the honor.

Dongfang Yue raised his hand, lifting the ”Empire Radiance Medal” from the tray—the red-gold-forged medal radiated dazzling light under the lighting, the pigeon-egg-sized blazing orange gemstone gleaming like a burning star, surrounded by twelve gilded wings, while tiny diamonds adorned the wing-ends, so it seemed even the air was tinged with gold.

Holding the medal, his gaze solemn, his voice filled with respect for the meritorious warrior: