Luke's Team had burst into Venice Palace and defeated all the guards and Hitler's rescue party.
The ruler of Italy was reduced to a prisoner of a minor Captain!
The silence of the square was soon replaced by a cheer, followed by a tsunami of applause.
Wave after wave of sound spread from one block to the next, centered at Venice Square and extending to all directions!
"Free Italy! Long live freedom!"
"Down with the dictator! Step down, Mussolini!"
"Hang him! Hang the demon!"
Such slogans continued to emerge amidst the earnest and solemn cheers as more people began to gather in Venice Square.
They all looked excited. They raised their arms in the air and shouted!
Mussolini's dictatorship led to the prevalence of Fascism.
Food was controlled, freedom of speech was prohibited, people took to the streets to demonstrate every day, and work strikes never ceased.
Therefore, in the eyes of these miserable people, Luke wasn't a hateful aggressor but a great hero who liberated this country from the dictator!
Well, it was very much in keeping with the Italian's admiration for valiance!
"It was a good decision. "
Luke was pleased to see the reputation on his character panel, refreshing like a waterfall.
Between proactive attack and passive completion of quests, he prefers the latter!
When the cheering crowd gradually dispersed, Colonel Phillips took Carter into Venice Palace.
The Howling Commandos put away the heavy machine guns in the hall, waiting for relief from friendly forces.
"It's been a long time, Luke!"
Colonel Philips' calm expression can no longer be maintained, and he held Luke's palm excitedly.
He looked as if he couldn't wait to have his picture taken and be in the Allied publications with such a legend!
"You didn't let me down! The President has a lot of praise for you. He is going to present you with a reward as soon as you return to New York!"
Colonel Philips leaned close to Luke's ear and whispered the news.
Carter's beautiful eyes flickered aside. She didn't think that the young man from Brooklyn, who she met at the Stark Industrial Expo, would one day become a war hero for the Allies.
There was nothing more wonderful than this.
Under the direction of the American military, Luke's name had spread all over the Allied forces, and his legendary deed is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
Compared with Captain America, who became a household name by selling bonds on stage and performing in a costume, Luke, who sneaked into the base camp behind enemy lines and made remarkable achievements, is more manageable for soldiers to recognize!
"I only made a small contribution to the Allies' victory in the war, just like every soldier on the front lines. "
Luke's modest response to Colonel Philips's compliment was more than appreciated.
A soldier who can remain calm in the face of applause and flowers is the right choice for a General.
...
...
The night arrived, slowly draping like a thin veil.
After a fierce battle, Venice Palace was cleaned by the Italians and transformed - if you ignore the bed chambers, ruined balcony, and the collapsed dungeons.
The punctured walls, which looked like a hive, had been repainted and decorated with even more beautiful carvings.
With its bloodstained patches, the marble floor had been cleaned and swept, shiny as a mirror.
The dislodged crystal chandelier, damaged oil paintings, and broken railings ... had all been repaired and replaced.
Soothing music flows through the air of Venice Palace.
The royalty, dignitaries, rich and powerful came in all their finery as if they were rushing to a ball.
The protagonist of this banquet was naturally Luke, in his crisp military uniform.
Everyone was curious to know what this war hero, who led a team alone, breached Rome, and liberated Italy, looked like.
They were not disappointed when they saw Luke, a tall man with a straight back.
He looked like a heroic figure from Greek mythology with his calm face and dark eyes, impressing everyone.
Although the Allied Captain was still very young, his momentum was no less than that of the nobles and dignitaries present, and no one dared to look down on him!
-- not ruling out the possibility that this is the effect of the 'Legendary Hero' achievement.
"Guess what the Allies are going to promote you to?"
The guests and the host enjoyed each other's company as if leaving the war behind. Luke entertained a group of royals and dignitaries before being pulled aside by Colonel Philips at his leisure.
"Colonel? Or Lieutenant Colonel?"
Luke is holding a glass of champagne with a light smile on his face.
'I'm too young. Even though I have a solid track record, I still lack qualifications.'
It should be noted that the most famous general in American history, Douglas MacArthur, was only promoted to Major General at the age of 45.
Luke knew in heart that neither the military nor the President would be able to promote him too high all at once.
First of all, it will lead to criticism and dissatisfaction.
Secondly, it was challenging to convince people. After all, he had no foundation right now.
Being a war hero was not enough to sway the various leaders of the military.
Not to mention that a false name like 'hero' can be made up and worthless!
"At first, you were going to be decorated as a Colonel, and a Colonel under the age of 20 is plenty enough, but..."
Colonel Philips' old face showed a happy smile.
"The Italians disagree! Especially in the royal family, if a mere Colonel conquered Rome, they would be disgraced!"
The Italian government would never accept it. A Colonel with less than 30 people dared to break into Rome, openly kidnapped Mussolini, scared 40 million people, and lived in Venice Palace to give orders like a King.
It was humiliating!
And it would make Italy a laughing stock!
"So?"
Luke was surprised and raised an eyebrow, but the result was beyond his expectation.
"Congratulations, Luke, on becoming the youngest general in US military history!"
Colonel Phillips replied.