257: Graduation

Time, like flowing water, quietly slipped away unnoticed, day after day, as the calendar pages were turned.

In the blink of an eye, several months had passed.

On what seemed like an ordinary day, all Students received a notification—to gather in the Academy’s main hall.

“It seems the day has come to leave this place…”

Li Yang looked at the notification on his smart-brain and couldn't help but sigh softly.

His gaze was distant, as if his thoughts had drifted back to the bits and pieces of his year at the Advanced Studies Branch.

“Indeed, calculating the time, including the assessments, it’s been exactly one year here.”

Hai An stood beside him, and although he spoke with a relaxed and indifferent tone, as if merely stating a simple fact, a closer look would reveal an unconcealed hint of excitement on his face.

For him, this year of advanced studies was a transformative growth, and now that he was about to graduate and embark on a new journey, his heart was naturally filled with anticipation.

“Envy, jealousy, and hate! Why wasn't my first assessment an excellent rating?”

Among the few people present, only Xi Er was still grumbling to himself.

He frowned slightly, his face full of annoyance.

He knew in his heart that if his first assessment had also received an excellent rating like Li Yang and the others, he would also be ending his advanced studies with them now, instead of having to stay behind.

“Hahaha, alright, Xi Er.”

Guttri laughed, patted Xi Er’s shoulder, and gently comforted him.

“It's just one year, it'll pass quickly.”

Guttri laughed heartily, completely ignoring Xi Er’s meaningful gaze… Inside the spacious and grand assembly hall, the lights shone brightly, illuminating the entire space with a brilliant and solemn glow.

All Students were seated neatly and orderly, their gazes uniformly directed towards Li Yang and the others.

Because everyone understood that the main protagonists of this gathering were Li Yang and the other Students who had performed exceptionally well during their advanced studies.

“comrades, in accordance with the relevant regulations of the Officer Cadre Advanced Studies Branch of the Xili Empire Supreme Military Academy, during this important period of advanced studies, comrades Li Yang, Hai An, Guttri, and Vivienne have demonstrated extraordinary strength and perseverance, performing exceptionally well, and have achieved an excellent rating in both critical assessments.”

On the stage, Number Zero’s voice was clear and resonant, echoing throughout the assembly hall.

“After careful deliberation by the Management Department of the Officer Cadre Advanced Studies Branch, the advanced studies of these four comrades have successfully concluded, and they will graduate smoothly!”

Upon hearing this, Li Yang and the others looked solemn and immediately stood up in unison.

Their steps were steady, their postures upright, as they slowly walked towards the stage.

Today, they had specifically donned crisp military uniforms, which shimmered faintly under the lights, with their insignias gleaming.

Li Yang had even solemnly pinned several medals he had earned from his past experiences to his chest; these medals were not only symbols of his personal honor but also testaments to his efforts and struggles along the way.

“Now, please welcome Minister Sha Li, Minister Sha, to personally present the graduation certificates and outstanding Student medals to these excellent Students.”

No sooner had Number Zero’s words fallen than, amidst the enthusiastic applause of the entire hall, Minister Sha stepped onto the stage with steady strides, leading several Imperial Soldiers, also in crisp military uniforms and looking valiant and spirited.

Their expressions were solemn as they walked steadily towards Li Yang and the others.

Minister Sha first approached Li Yang, a smile on his face, his eyes full of approval and satisfaction.

He took the carefully prepared graduation certificate and the shining outstanding Student medal from the hand of a Soldier beside him, and handed them to Li Yang with both hands, his actions solemn and full of ritual.

“Oh, you really surprise me, young man! You even have an outstanding Instructor medal, keeping it hidden all this time, eh?”

Minister Sha’s eyes were sharp, and he immediately noticed the gleaming medal on Li Yang’s chest, revealing a smile of surprise and appreciation, his tone full of unexpected delight.

“Hehe, I was fortunate enough to serve as an assessment Instructor for a few reserve officer Students before. During our time together and my guidance, everyone worked hard, and we ultimately achieved good results, which is why I received this honor.”

Li Yang smiled modestly, quickly took the graduation certificate and outstanding Student medal from Minister Sha with both hands, then smartly saluted with a standard military salute, a sunny smile on his face, as he explained.

After Minister Sha had finished presenting all the certificates and medals to Hai An, Guttri, and Vivienne, he walked calmly to the very center of the stage.

Minister Sha stood tall, his gaze calm yet powerful as he swept across every Student present. The entire assembly hall instantly fell silent, everyone attentively listening to his upcoming speech.

“Today, for our Officer Cadre Advanced Studies Branch, is a remarkably significant day. Our four excellent Students, through their own hard work, wisdom, and indomitable spirit, have officially and successfully completed their advanced studies. Their outstanding performance in their studies and assessments is undoubtedly a shining example for all our Students to learn from.”

Minister Sha Li’s voice was steady and powerful, echoing throughout the entire assembly hall.

“At the same time, I earnestly hope that all Students, after graduation, no matter what position you hold, will continue to uphold your loyalty to the Empire, contribute to the prosperity and flourishing of the Empire, and dedicate all your strength to our great Emperor! Our mission, like the stars, is brilliant and sacred, and the future of the Empire rests on each and every one of you!”

As his words fell, Minister Sha Li’s expression was impassioned, and he raised his right fist high, shouting with a voice full of passion and conviction.

“Long live the Xili Empire!”

This cry, embodying his boundless love and hope for the Empire, resonated long in the assembly hall.

“Long live!”

Seeing this, everyone present, as if their blood had been ignited, stood up in unison, raising their right hands high without hesitation, responding with equally impassioned shouts.

The sound was like rolling thunder, shaking the entire assembly hall, demonstrating the Students’ absolute loyalty and unwavering faith in the Empire.

This cheer carried their grand aspirations for the future and heralded their imminent embarkation on a new journey to strive for the Empire… In the spacious, bright, and orderly office of the Galactic Administrative Center Department, soft light streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, falling upon Coens’s desk.

Coens was fully absorbed in handling his complex official duties, his eyes quickly scanning the light screen, focused and earnest.

However, amidst his busy work, he seemed to be suddenly struck by a thought, stopping his actions, frowning slightly, and muttering to himself.

“Today seems to be the day Li Yang finishes his advanced studies, doesn’t it?”