The auditorium became silent as soon as footsteps could be heard climbing the stage in front of the audience.
After a few moments, floodlights shone at the single person in that massive wooden stage.
A middle-aged white-haired woman with her back straight stared at the audience. She said with a smile on her face, "Welcome to the graduation ceremony of the Terrene Protectorate University's 3627th Class." The voice sounded throughout the entire auditorium as she spoke at the microphone in front of her.
Applause resonated in the auditorium.
Leda Portia simply waved her hand, and everyone immediately stopped clapping.
One could see how much influence she had over those seating below her.
Leda cleared her throat and spoke, "Well, it was supposed to be principal up here to deliver a speech to open the ceremony, but they ended up pushing the responsibility towards me just at the last minute, so don't expect an elaborated and inspiring speech since I haven't got time to prepare one."
Some of the people in the crowd chuckled in response.
She tapped in her PIPS that created a projection in the table in front of her and continued, "Good Afternoon Honored Guests, officials, Protectors in the audience, and to everyone across the universe. My name is Leda Portia, the current Grand Protector of the Terrene Protectorate, and also a graduate of the Terrene Protectorate University's 2816th class."
"A graduation ceremony is always a special occasion. It is the culmination of years of hard work, the actualization of goals attained, and acknowledgment of success achieved. So, it is only fitting that this afternoon, we commemorate the road that they all traveled these last few years."
"It has been a journey that started with tentative steps, perhaps, but one that has taken us to remarkable heights. Despite the trials and tribulations along the way, you soldiered on and came out stronger. The experiences and magical moments will be without a doubt remembered in the years ahead of you, maybe for all your life."
"Let's begin where all stories begin, from the beginning. Nervous young students that barely knew the basics entered in the best Terrene Protectorate University here on Earth along with their proud parents that watched as their children walked those stairs to become independent adults."
"After today, these younglings will no longer be simple students. No. They will Protectors, officials of the Terrene Protectorate with the duty to protect the weak, enforce justice, and spread fairness throughout this universe."
"They were steadfast, brave, and determined to walk this difficult path. Day-by-day they worked hard and together to overcome their difficulties, to become someone great, to become someone that will inspire others."
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is nothing but a stepping stone for their future. The real trial begins now. It's time for you show your worth, to show what you have learned, to show what you have become and make us...no, make the universe proud of you."
"I, Leda Portia, am present here, on behalf of the Terrene Protectorate, to congratulate all of you for graduating. Congratulations, graduates of the 3627th class! May your life be long and fulfilling!"
With the end of her speech, thunderous applause sounded throughout the entire auditorium, and even the students at the backstage couldn't help but also give a round of applause.
It took about 2 minutes before the audience calmed down.
Leda Portia waited for the silence to continue, "With this, I end the graduation ceremony opening. Next up, the representative of the class will come up to give her speech. Please, give a round of applause for the 3627th class's first rank, Liese Böhm!"
Leda calmly walked away from the center of the stage and stopped right at the corner, relatively away from the center, giving space to the representative.
Soon enough, Liese emerged from behind the stage.
The lights shone on her figure, showing her beautiful face as she steadily walked towards the table at which Leda was.
At the moment, her aura ultimately underwent a change. She wasn't the same innocent and cute small girl that everyone knew. She had an aura of a leader of someone that was born to be above people.
Leda's eyes sparkled with admiration when she saw the young girl that appeared on the stage.
Even the audience was in awe of her presence.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen in the audience and across the universe." Liese started with a calm and mature voice, "My name is Liese Böhm, the 3627th class's representative. It's a pleasure to be at the presence of all of you at this important day for us, students, and soon to be Protectors."
"I would like to begin this speech by talking about the importance of Protectors. We are not young anymore. We are not as naive as we were when we entered university. After hardships, tribulations, and training, we become what we are today. The path we chose for ourselves is a hard one, we are going to put our lives on the line to protect our ideals, the Protectorate's ideals."
"Fairness, justice, and protection. We shall give these to those that greatly need, and wipe the evil and corruption from this universe." Liese stopped there and intentionally or unintentionally glanced at the Elders and Senior Protectors at the audience. It was only a fleeting glance, and Liese quickly continued, "Our path until today was trodden with our friends, our comrades to support and share our burdens throughout the way."
"Although we had competed against each other in grades and everything, we shall not be blinded by those superficial numbers that represent something temporary, and leave all this on the past, since from today forth we'll be all comrades in the battlefield, in the spaceship, in the station, everywhere."
"This is all but the beginning of our journey. Until today we all have only trained, did simulations, and went in some basic training on other planets. But the moment you choose which division you enter, you will be facing life-threatening situations. We are only getting started, we wouldn't die, not before leaving our mark on history. The future belongs to us, the young, and we are going to shape it as we see fit..." Liese continued her speech by talking about a few events that happened throughout their years, and after a few minutes, she ended her speech, "...We might never see each other again after today, but the moments we spent together will always be dear to me. It has been an honor to study with all of you. May we meet again. May the Terrene Protectorate never fall!"
At the end of her speech, Liese gave a sharp salute as her eyes glowed with unwavering determination.