Time flowed on—a week later.
At dawn, Star Harbor had been transformed into a scene of solemn grandeur. The main plaza was lined with a deep-blue star-patterned golden carpet, symbolizing the unity of the Allied Forces. Surrounding the plaza, the banners of all member races fluttered high above, their electronic pennants shining, representing honor, resolve, and indomitable will.
The air was thick with the scent of burning war flags. Soldiers stood in perfect formation at the center of the plaza. Their energy armor glimmered, spiritual frequencies resonating in unison, each soldier like a battle sword poised and ready.
On the viewing platform, leaders from every faction gathered. The entire ceremony radiated the epic anticipation of a new chapter in the war. Soldiers’ eyes sparkled with excitement and reverence, murmuring among themselves about today’s appointment of the new Supreme Commander of the Star Alliance Allied Forces.
“Have you heard? Today’s the big day—the Star Alliance is appointing a new Allied Forces Supreme Commander!”
“I’ve been waiting for this! Every representative voted unanimously this time. No opposition at all—truly well-deserved!”
“Of course! With those two on the battlefield, there’s no way we could lose! The monsters were completely wiped out!”
“I saw it myself…” a young merfolk soldier whispered, eyes glistening with tears, “If it weren’t for him, I would have died at the claws of those monsters…”
Nearby, several hovering broadcast drones transmitted live footage to the StarNet, and the comments section exploded:
【This new Supreme Commander is too strong! No one could replace him!】
【He saved countless lives—truly a legend!】
【I’ve been waiting for this moment, tears streaming…】
Suddenly, the military band blared, signaling the start of the ceremony.
At the announcer’s cue, all eyes turned toward the dais.
A military female in a white ceremonial uniform strode up the steps—tall, confident, her shoulder insignia gleaming. Deep-blue hair tied neatly at the back, her icy blue eyes like stars, calm and resolute.
The sheer presence she exuded instantly hushed the entire plaza.
Then, the roar erupted:
“Lan Dai! Lan Dai! Lan Dai!”
The soldiers shouted almost manically—a combination of longing for victory, praise for their hero, and boundless trust. The entire Star Harbor seemed to echo the name.
On StarNet, the comment flood went viral:
【Master Lan Dai!!! The incarnation of a war god!!!】
【I’ve been watching the live feed for six straight hours for this moment!!】
【Lan Dai, you will forever be our undying legend!】
In the VIP section at the front, Ais, Veli, Il, Phili, Raen, Navien, and representatives from all Star Alliance races stood, applauding enthusiastically as they gazed at the figure on stage.
Gu Qing’s voice rang out under the spotlight—calm, resolute, commanding the entire plaza:
“Over this period, your efforts have been extraordinary. It is thanks to your steadfastness and courage that the Star Alliance has reclaimed its lost territory from the monsters.”
His gaze swept across every soldier, his tone growing heavier:
“We have lost too many comrades, but no drop of their blood was spilled in vain. I also thank the Star Alliance for its trust, allowing me to represent the Allied Forces and witness both our glory and our future—”
He paused, then turned toward the side entrance. His tone shifted to one of absolute authority and admiration:
“This Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces not only risked his life to save millions, but was the sole individual who single-handedly confronted and defeated the E05-class monster that had left the Star Alliance helpless.”
“He is the indisputable best choice for this command—of course, including myself.”
Laughter and whispers spread through the crowd. Someone murmured, “Lan Dai is joking now…”
Gu Qing’s lips curved slightly as he acknowledged the audience, then solemnly declared:
“Please welcome the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces—Milton Collins.”
At the announcement, the lights dimmed slightly, and all eyes followed a shadow emerging from the side door.
A straight, commanding figure walked out. Silver-white hair like satin trailed behind him, swaying lightly with each step. Under the spotlights, a cold sharpness radiated from his presence.
He wore a black ceremonial uniform, precisely tailored, with shoulder insignia and chest medals gleaming with golden light. His skin was flawless, his features refined, exuding the calm of a deity tempered by experience.
Violet eyes gleamed with crystalline intelligence and icy resolve, deep and piercing, inspiring awe.
A natural aura of command radiated from him, capable of suppressing chaos and calming fear. Each step onto the dais was firm, resonant, like stepping on solid rock.
His silhouette was like a blade unsheathed. This legendary insectoid general, who had once single-handedly quelled a tide of rampaging beasts, now stood once more under the gaze of countless eyes.
—Milton Collins, returned in glory.
The plaza erupted with thunderous shouts:
“Milton! Milton! Milton!”
Soldiers cried out in admiration and tears, StarNet streams exploded, comment sections flooding like waves:
【He’s back!!! Our war god!!!】
【The strongest commander in history!!!】
【Legend of the insectoid race, guardian of the Star Alliance—Milton Collins!!!】
【This moment truly deserves our salute!】
Milton approached Gu Qing.
Gu Qing personally handed him the command insignia and authorization certificate, symbols of the highest authority of the Allied Forces.
Their eyes met—silent yet perfectly understood.
This was the passing of honor, a moment to be recorded in the history of the Star Alliance.
Thunderous applause shook the plaza, soldiers’ shouts unceasing, StarNet comments exploding, all hearts thinking the same:
—Without them, we would have already fallen.
Standing atop the dais, Milton scanned the meticulously lined Allied Forces. His voice was like the tolling of a bell before dawn, echoing across the silent plaza—clear and piercing:
“Today’s glory does not belong to me alone—”
He drew a deep breath, chest proud, and saluted formally. His tone was low, commanding, resonant:
“This honor belongs to you—all the warriors who held the frontlines and never retreated.
Without your blood and sweat, reclaiming lost land would have been impossible.
Every inch of recovered territory bears your names.
Every fallen comrade stands beside us forever, immortal spirits beneath this starry sky!”
Tears shimmered in the soldiers’ eyes, a mix of sorrow and pride.
StarNet comment streams surged like tides:
“Salute!” “Glory belongs to the brave!” “Thank you for guarding our home!”
Milton’s gaze cut through the still-burning battlefields in the distance. His voice was heavy and resolute:
“This is a turning point in history, the prelude to a new campaign.
I thank the Star Alliance for entrusting me with the command of the Allied Forces—
This mission is both an honor and an unshirkable responsibility.”
“This war is ruthless. We have lost too many brothers.
But their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
We will ignite the torch with our blood and lead the Star Alliance to final victory.”
He swung his arm decisively, like a storm sweeping the banners—majestic, intimidating the entire plaza:
“Though the E05-class monster has been defeated, darkness is not yet gone!
A greater threat stirs at the Tumorafi mining zone—E01 to E04 monsters are regrouping!”
“I, Milton Collins, return to the battlefield—not for glory, not for power,
but to protect our home and our loved ones!”
He continued, voice deep:
“I do not ask you to be fearless, for caution comes from fear;
I do not ask you to be invincible, for strength comes from unity.”
“All I ask is this—place your power in my hands once more!
Let us stand together, confront the darkness, and crush the monsters’ claws!”
“I am confident—this time, we will triumph and restore our glory!”
He raised his right hand, commanding the attention of all, and issued the order:
“—All units, heed orders!
The Allied Forces depart this afternoon for the Tumorafi mining zone to annihilate E01 to E04 monsters!
From this day forward, let the darkness forever remember our names!”
As his speech ended, the plaza held its breath for a moment before erupting into thunderous cheers. Tens of thousands of soldiers shouted in unison, sweeping through the ceremony hall, rising from every officer’s seat. Many ignored proper military decorum, waving arms in excitement.
“Long live the General!” “The fearless general returns!”
The sound layered like waves crashing on cliffs.
Orc officers shouted their battle oaths in their native tongue, pounding their chest plates to produce a deep, resonant echo.
Merfolk commanders raised both arms, resonating spiritual energy, causing faint ripples in the air to symbolize their pledge.
Military females blinked back tears, as though witnessing a living legend.
“Ahhhh—!!!” the Heavenly Dao spirit screamed in Gu Qing’s mental sea, spinning like a shooting star, “Milton—he’s up there speaking so well, so cool! Qingqing, look!”
“Look at him in that uniform—handsome! His speech—handsome! Even scowling is handsome!”
It spun wildly like a cyclone, shrieking: “Our Milton is amazing! He could be carved into history!!”
It barreled deep into Gu Qing’s consciousness, ramming with all its might: “Qingqing, aren’t you proud! Tell me you’re proud! The partner we chose is the strongest in the world, hehehehe!!”
Gu Qing’s usually unshakable heart rippled at the commotion.
He closed his eyes, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.
“…Yes. Very proud,” he said lightly, yet the depth of his emotion was unmistakable.
Watching the silver streaks of light dancing wildly in his mental sea, he couldn’t help but smile.
After all these years, braving countless cold winds and lonely snows, he had never imagined he would care so deeply for someone—rejoicing in his rise to the peak and feeling reassured by his promises.
Silently, he made a vow:
—No matter the storm or darkness ahead, I will protect him with all my strength.
—I will stand by his side to the very end.
Meanwhile, on StarNet, the live broadcast surged to unprecedented heights:
【Top Trending｜Star Alliance Military】#Return of the Blood and Iron General!#
【Millions of Comments】This is our General! Milton Collins!
【Real-time Hot Words】#FearlessGeneralReturns #FightForTheGeneral #InsectoidShield #LegendOfIronAndBlood
“I cried watching the live feed!”
“He is our faith.”
“Those violet eyes no longer cold—they hold battle intent, resolve, and glory!”
In the Ares fleet command cabin, soldiers watching live from behind the scenes stood spontaneously, applauding, their eyes burning with fervor.
“This is our General… unmatched.”
“From now on, I will fight for him until my last breath.”