783 Chapter 783 Fallen Heroes
The successful operation against the Shadow Forge and the subsequent decimation of the demonic armada sent shockwaves throughout the galaxy.
News outlets were quick to pick up the story, military broadcasts replayed footage of the victory, and social media platforms were flooded with images, videos, and discussions about the daring assault led by Aldred and the Celestial Platoon.
The public's morale soared to new heights as the narrative of an unprecedented triumph against overwhelming odds circulated far and wide.
In a bustling newsroom, journalists scrambled to compile reports and interviews, their screens filled with the dramatic visuals of Aldred and Zelthrax standing victorious on the battlefield. "This is the story of the century," exclaimed one editor, his eyes alight with excitement. "A tale of heroism, of darkness overcome by light. We need to get every detail, leave no stone unturned."
On military channels, seasoned analysts and strategists dissected the operation, praising Aldred's leadership and the innovative tactics employed by the Celestial Platoon. "What we witnessed was not just a victory; it was a statement," one analyst remarked during a broadcast. "A statement that says, 'We will not be cowed by the forces of darkness. We have the power to fight back, to protect our galaxy.'"
Social media platforms buzzed with activity, as millions shared their reactions to the victory.
Posts ranged from expressions of gratitude and admiration for the Celestial Platoon to artistic renditions of the battle, with Aldred and Zelthrax often depicted as mythic heroes. "They've given us hope," wrote one user, their message accompanied by a vibrant illustration of the battle. "Hope that we can face the darkness and emerge victorious."
Within the ranks of the Celestial Platoon and among its investors and supporters, the victory had a profound effect.
Funding and support for their cause surged, as did enlistment inquiries from those inspired by the Platoon's courage and success. "We've never seen anything like this," remarked a senior officer during a strategy meeting. "The support is overwhelming. We need to capitalize on this momentum, expand our operations, and continue our mission with even greater resolve."
Aldred, aware of the galactic response to their victory, felt a mix of pride and responsibility. "We've shown what we're capable of, but this is just the beginning," he said in a meeting with his top advisors and commanders. "The enemy won't take this defeat lightly. We must be prepared for their retaliation and continue to strengthen our forces."
As the Celestial Platoon planned its next moves, the galaxy watched, their spirits lifted by the victory.
Aldred's leadership had not only secured a significant win against the forces of darkness but had also ignited a beacon of hope across the cosmos.
The battle at the Shadow Forge would be remembered as a turning point, a moment when the tide began to turn in favor of the light.
It was especially so since the news of Aldred turning one of the demon admiral, Zelthrax, as his loyal subordinate.
There were some mixed feelings about this case, but they were drowned by positive news.
Aldred also did not forget about the fallen soldiers. Right after he got back, he immediately told everyone to plan a grand ceremony for the war heroes.
With direct commands from Aldred, everyone immediately got to work. They used Celestial Platoon's headquarter and invited everyone especially the families of the fallen.
Naturally, many people from all over the cosmos came to this ceremony after Aldred's popularity rose.
The security tighten with more battleships roaming around in the atmosphere and beyond.
Smaller vessels also roamed the sky with heavy battle tanks and trucks guarding the ground.
Defensive infrastructures were built for the automated cannons and watchtowers. Drones flew all over the place scanning every inch of ground.
The security was extreme, however, it made everyone who entered this place felt safe. The guards were strict in their inspections but were nice so nobody complained.
All kinds of ships came but those who had weapons were deactivated or uninstalled. Personal weapons were not allowes and had to be stored by the guards until they left this planet.
"Is everything prepared?" Aldred asked.
"Yes, everything is exactly by your order."
"Isn't only been a day?" Aldred thought that planning a ceremony would take weeks.
"We have billions of personnels. Preparing something like this was easy. If we forced it, we can prepare it in three hours."
"Impressive," Aldred smiled, wondering when they became this efficient. That was when he realized that Shinari had been working really hard.
He could go to war with a peace of mind, because Shinari and others had taken care of the rear for him.
"Thank you, Shinari," Aldred said.
"This is my job. Don't worry about it."
"No. This is also my job to thank you. Thank you for everything you have done. If there is something that you want, just tell me."
Shinari was feeling glad, but she kept her professional face because this was a time of serious matter.
Aldred did the same. Even though the ceremony had not begin, he had to respect the fallen.
Nobody would say anything even if he didn't however, that would be bad for his reputation and the morale of his soldiers.
"Is everyone ready?" Aldred asked.
"The families are all gathered. We have personally picked them up and escorted them here, also making sure that they are as comfortable as they could get."
"Is there any problem?"
"No. Only trivial issues. Some of the family members had cancers, tumors, blindness, cerebral palsy, dementia, and other diseases that make it hard for them to attend this ceremony. So we bring our doctors and healers to cure them before bringing them here."
Aldred nodded. "Good. Let's begin."
Everyone was invited into this massive stadium, housing over 10 million people. Coordinating this many people were extremely hard but Shinari already prepared 2 personnels for each individual, meaning there were 20 million personnels in the stadium helping the visitors.
The scale was massive.
However, their comfort was certain as the stadium was designed to accomodate them. Each person had their leg space, given the finest seat with electricly-controlled reclining technology. They also had access to a floating screen that they could access the galactic net with or access the various cameras set up around the stadium to see what was going on.
The personnels gave them snacks, food, and drinks and ask them if they need something every 30-45 minutes.
The visitors were more than pleased.
There were loud chatters and murmurs of people that could be heard from miles.
However, the noise turned silent as the ceiling of the stadium closed by a sheet of thick iron covering the sky from above.
Darkness engulfed the stadium but not for long as light came and directed towards Aldred.
"So that is Aldred, The Demon Vanquisher."
"The Beacon of Hope, the Light in Darkness. That is the legendary Aldred! The leader of Celestial Platoon!"
Everyone was excited to see Aldred. For many people here, he was their hero.
His business strategy work because helping people equals more money. The more people they helped, the more money they got.
21:43
Ever since the beginning, Aldred had ordered the Celestial Platoon to take as many mercenary jobs as possible but prioritizing to help people instead of making money.
His business strategy work because helping people equals more money. The more people they helped, the more money they got.
Their reputation as an amazing mercenary organization spread from mouth to mouth until their popularity exploded. Especially with Aldred constantly giving the news program and social media content to share.
Aldred looked around the stadium. "Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for setting aside some time to come to this ceremony. And don't worry I won't waste your time with boring speech. I will be direct. I invite you all here to pay respect to the fallen heroes that helped me accomplish an extremely difficult mission of which benefit not only Celestial Platoon but humanity as a whole."
Screen projections appeared all over the place, floating in the air, showing the heroic feats of the fallen soldiers; sacrificing themselves for their comrades, saving others, charging bravely into the demonic hordes.
The families that were sitting at the front row were crying their eyes out when they saw their sun determined and brave look as they charged towards the demons.
They had regrets but they were proud of their sons and daughters.
There were also admiring look for these soldiers.
That was the effect Aldred hoped for.
Suddenly, thousands of golden lights shone from above. Those lights were shining towards the thousands of thick, white coffins that slowly floated down to the grass.
"These are the people that sacrifices themselves yesterday, so all of you can live today. And for that, they deserved the greatest gratitude!"
Aldred floated down and, under the shocked gaze of others, bowed towards the fallen heroes.
Everyone was shocked. Aldred was basically a powerful and influential man. He was basically royalty, a king of a region.
No one expected him to bow down like that because usually it meant weakness for people in power.
However, they sensed no weakness in his gesture. Instead, they sensed strength.
Strength unlike anything they had ever seen before.
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