As the flash finally dissipated, Zain stood in the burnt forest that had once been green and thriving with plant life. His combat suit was damaged due to the colossal energy that had emanated from his body.
Zain stood in an exhausted posture, slowly observing his surroundings. Unlocking his other ability—using green fire—had pushed his body to its limit. The overwhelming energy that had been rapidly produced was released, burning everything to the ground, leaving behind only ash.
Briefly, Zain observed himself and his surroundings, his mind still in disarray.
"Do I really possess this much power?... I wonder if this is enough to finally live my dream."
A weak smile formed on his lips as he kept his head lowered, then he lifted his gaze toward one of the cameras. His eyes still radiated green flames as he smiled.
That smile sent a chill through the higher rankers who had planned to use him, while it ignited hope in the hearts of A-rankers who had been watching. Surprisingly, all the wounds Zain had accumulated during the chaotic clashes were completely healed—it was as if he had never been injured in the first place.
With unhurried steps, Zain walked toward the end of the other gate. After a few minutes, he finally reached the finish line, and the simulation ended.
The Association's training grounds were a fusion of simulation and real terrain, created using complex technology. This technology had been developed by the first S-rankers, whose abilities included enhanced intelligence.
As Zain crossed the finish line, a celebration alarm sounded, and fireworks lit up the sky. The successor of the Supreme General had finally been decided.
---
The ballroom was filled with scavengers and officials of all ranks. Even D-ranked officials had been invited to the event. For them, this was one of the greatest moments of their lives—they had witnessed the authentication of the Supreme General's successor and had even seen the Supreme General in person, up close. Some of the lucky ones had even shaken hands with him.
The ballroom's dress code was black and white, and all the rankers in the room looked dazzling. The Supreme General wore a black cloak, and to everyone's surprise, he had shaved his beard. His aura filled the entire room, and so did the overwhelming presence of every ranker present.
The main rule of the ballroom party was that no one would wear badges. This was a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the authentication of the successor and to ensure that, for this night, everyone could simply have fun and socialize as equals.
Zain was the shortest and youngest among everyone in the room, yet the aura he emitted dwarfed all others—except for the Supreme General himself. As Zain walked toward where the Supreme General stood, he was greeted with warm smiles.
When Zain finally reached him, the Supreme General looked sharp in his black suit, black shoes, and a silver watch. Without hesitation, Zain knelt on one knee before him, marking the beginning of the ceremony.
The ballroom fell silent.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate my successor," the Supreme General announced. "I, the Supreme General, with the power vested in me and the witnesses gathered here, hereby authenticate Zain, child of Xenos, as the next Supreme General and my adopted son. With immediate effect, Zain will be assigned the SS rank and receive all the benefits of an SS-rank. He will also attend school in his free time."
At his gesture, the supreme box was brought forward. This was the box that contained the items signifying an SS-rank.
"This is the watch of an SS-rank," the Supreme General said. "It will display your authority and grant you access to all classified information."
Zain removed the watch he had been wearing and replaced it with the one he was given.
"This is the badge of an SS-rank, which you will wear in combat."
The Supreme General personally placed it on him.
"And finally, as a sign of acceptance..."
The Supreme General removed his cloak and draped it over Zain's shoulders.
"With this, you are now the successor. Let the party begin!"
That night became the most pleasant night Zain had ever experienced. He laughed with the generals, conversed with nervous rankers several ranks below him, and simply enjoyed the classical evening.
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Hey there thanks for reading this chapter o have been having a hard time, so a comment would be nice.