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.
