"Keep your ears open, the time to reap the rewards has arrived."
Though rewards are distributed according to merit, Lin will undoubtedly receive the largest portion.
But there should be ample for everyone.
As anticipated, the voice of Legion Commander Ni Xiong resonated loudly.
"In this battle, we eliminated a total of 10,000 Abyssal Demon Dogs and 100 Abyss Dog Demons. The merit for vanquishing the enemy is 20,000 points."
"3,000 military merits for defending the city."
"No retreats or hesitations, military merit is 2,000."
"The total military merit is 25,000."
"Among our 1,052 professionals, excluding Lin and Mo Yun, each will receive 20 military merits."
"Mo Yun is awarded 500 military merits, and Lin receives 3,500 military merits."
This announcement met everyone's expectations.
Though 20 military merits might seem modest, they signify considerable effort.
To earn 20 military merits, one would need to defeat 20 Abyssal Demon Dogs.
For a team of five, this would mean eliminating 100, allowing each member to gain 20 military merits.
Merely a few minutes of defending the city has now granted them 20 military merits, a generous reward indeed.
No objections were raised regarding Mo Yun's 500 military merits. She single-handedly took down two Abyss Dog Demons, along with numerous Abyssal Demon Dogs.
Regarding Lin,
His contribution was met with universal admiration.
At least 80% of the Abyssal Demon Dogs fell by his hand. Besides the two Abyss Dog Demons slain by Mo Yun, the rest succumbed to Lin's powerful attacks.
Without his initial curse, the battle would not have proceeded so smoothly.
Alone, Lin amassed 3,500 military merits, a tally no one disputed.
Even Mo Yun accepted this without complaint.
Only Zhou Lesheng harbored resentment.
"To think, I have but 20 points, while he boasts 3,500."
"Why can't I secure even a fraction of his gains?"
"I am a Knight of Holy Light, bearer of a legendary profession. Why should I rank beneath him?"
Such thoughts, however, he dared not voice aloud, lest he wished to jeopardize his standing.
Within the army, orders are sacrosanct, and the commander's word is law.
No dissent is tolerated. As the sergeant badges illuminated, military merits flowed in, promoting many within their ranks. Some were on the cusp of advancement, requiring only a small boost in military merits to ascend.
Ning Yiyi, elated, advanced to a two-star private.
For Ning Yiyi, earning 20 military merits for her minimal effort was a cause for celebration.
Lin's sergeant badge, meanwhile, shone with exceptional brilliance.
Far brighter than the others, stars proliferated across his badge, six, seven, eight...
Upon reaching ten stars, the badge underwent a transformation.
From a white private badge, it morphed into the silver of a second lieutenant.
This badge signifies the initial officer rank. On the battlefield, privates, regardless of level, must address him as "sir."
Even those at level 50, or holding second-tier rankings, must defer to Lin as "sir" if their military rank falls short of his.
This is the rigor of military regulation, which dictates conduct on the battlefield.
With the badge now silver, adorned with no stars, Lin's journey from a ten-star private to a second lieutenant was complete.
Earning the rank of second lieutenant is no small feat, each additional star demanding 10,000 military merits.
A staggering 100-fold disparity underscores the challenge of ascending through the ranks. Mere eliminations of Abyssal Demon Dogs are insufficient for substantial progress.
True military distinction requires venturing deep into the Yuan battlefield or even the abyss, to hunt genuine Abyssal Demons.
Ning Yiyi, gazing at Lin's sergeant badge, exclaimed, "Wow, you've become a second lieutenant. Hello, sir!"
Her playful salute brought a smile to Lin's face.
Ning Yiyi gleefully remarked, "You must be the youngest second lieutenant ever."
At 18, Lin's achievements were unparalleled. Fresh from exams, his peers were either pursuing higher education or entering the workforce, not battling on the Yuan battlefield, much less slaying hordes of abyssal creatures.
His ascension to second lieutenant at such a young age was unprecedented. The promotion brought joy to many, lasting until the badges' light faded.
Legion Commander Ni Xiong then announced, "At 18 years old, Lin is our country's youngest second lieutenant. With official approval, he is bestowed the title of Star of Shenxia."
As he concluded, Lin's sergeant badge erupted in dazzling light, enveloping him completely.
[Received the title: Star of Divine Summer]
[Star of Divine Summer: All attributes +300, skill consumption reduced by 20%, damage reduction by 10%.]
Lin evaluated the title's benefits, finding them inferior to his Dragon Clan War King title.
Given the choice between the two, the Dragon Clan War King title was the clear preference.
Ni Xiong, intrigued, inquired, "You possess another title?"
The query drew widespread attention, revealing the rarity and challenge of acquiring titles.
Titles are not easily won, their conditions stringent and demanding.
Upon becoming the youngest second lieutenant in the Shenxia Empire, the Star of Shenxia title naturally passed to Lin.
Lin confirmed, "Yes, I have another title."
Prompted by Ni Xiong about its origin, Lin disclosed, "From the Dragon Clan Frontline Outpost Dungeon, on Hell Difficulty."
His openness surprised many, prompting awe and disbelief, especially from those aware of the dungeon's notorious challenge.
The revelation of Lin's solitary victory in the Hell Difficulty dungeon stirred astonishment and admiration, further solidifying his legendary status.
Ni Xiong, impressed by Lin's disclosure, offered him access to the fortress's military facilities, a privilege typically reserved for higher-ranking officers.
Grateful, Lin thanked him, marking the conclusion of a remarkable battle that showcased his unparalleled prowess and strategic acumen.
As the legion disbanded, the aftermath of the battle lingered, with Lin's achievements inspiring awe and respect among his peers and superiors alike.