Chapter 990 Without the Strength to Be Responsible, What Good Is the Crown
The announcement of the champion team and commander-in-chief for the mystic realm competition by Ryker, the Chief Assistant Designer of the Thalrex Order, shocked the 80 teams participating. Nearly every commander was stunned and dissatisfied with the decision. From their perspective, Dragon Soul Special Forces, under Robin's leadership, should have been the first team eliminated from the running for the L1 Mystic Realm Qualifying Match.
Although they had gotten the qualifying token, the Dragon Soul Special Forces had blatantly disregarded every rule and structure of the competition under Robin's command.
This alone should have disqualified them, according to the usual standards.
Yet, in a surprising turn of events, the final ruling from the Thalrex Order declared Dragon Soul Special Forces, led by Robin, the winners of the L2 mystic realm competition. This was beyond absurd, and it left everyone in a state of disbelief.
A heavy silence hung over the arena, broken only by the sound of the salty, biting sea breeze that swept through, unsettling the commanders.
The air felt thick with tension, and the distant noises of seagulls, crashing waves, and the wind seemed to amplify the stillness.
Not a single word was spoken; all eyes were locked on Ryker, awaiting his next statement. Ryker, however, remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the 80 commanders.
For two long minutes, the silence persisted.
Finally, it was Cary, the commander-in-chief of the Sakuranian Special Forces, who stepped forward to break the tension. "General Irvin, I have an objection!"
Ryker gave a slight nod, signaling for him to continue.
Cary pointed to Robin and spoke firmly. "General Irvin, I believe he doesn't deserve to be called top commander-in-chief!
"Although the Sakuranian Special Forces is no longer in the running for the L1 mystic realm championship final, as a member of the international military skills competition, I still have the right to challenge the final result of this competition." Ryker shrugged casually. "Very well. Please, go ahead."
Cary pressed on, "General Irvin, from Area One to Area Four in the L2 mystic realm competition, Dragon Soul Special Forces did show some unsportsmanlike conduct, but none of those actions broke the rules. Everything they did was within the scope of the competition. "But once they left Area Four and entered the jungle where the qualification tokens were hidden, they completely disregarded the rules. At that critical moment when all the teams were at risk, Dragon Soul Special Forces ignored the regulations and entered the forbidden zone, destroying the entire framework of the competition.
"I ask again: how is it that they, who violated the rules, were granted the title of top commander-in-chief?"
Other teams who had already received their requalification tokens quickly joined in.
"Exactly, General Irvin! We demand a reasonable explanation!"
"Could there be some sort of hidden manipulation behind this decision?"
"If that's the case, we'll all withdraw from the requalification round together!"
A wave of murmurs spread across the arena, but Ryker raised his hand to silence them.
Without showing any emotion, he surveyed the commanders in front of him.
"I wonder," Ryker began, "aside from threatening to quit, what else can any of you do?"
He spread his hands wide, his voice firm and commanding. "As soldiers, as warriors who claim to be ready to serve and protect, if you're only motivated by personal gain and lack the vision to embrace a higher purpose, maybe some of you shouldn't even be here. "Here's your chance. Who among you is ready to leave the L1 mystic realm competition? Raise your hand if you want to leave.
"I will personally approve your withdrawal and guarantee that you won't be held accountable for backing out of this battle.
"You have one minute.
"Otherwise, keep your complaints to yourselves."
The entire arena fell into complete silence.
Ryker continued, "There are two types of smart people in this world: those who are leaders and those who follow. If some of you don't even know which category you belong to, then you have no right to be here.
"What's even more frightening," Ryker continued, "is that someone who's clearly just a follower has the nerve to challenge those who truly understand the greater purpose.
"If the Thalrex Order places such a person in the highest command, it would be a betrayal to the entire world!
"One minute remaining!" Ryker glanced at the clock. "It seems no one has stepped forward to withdraw from this competition.
"That means all your cries about quitting were nothing but empty threats, a loud distraction, and baseless accusations!
"All you really wanted was to seize the title of top commander-in-chief!
"I'll say this now: even if you were handed the title of top commander-in-chief, what would it even mean?
"First, the person I've chosen for top commander-in-chief was selected by the Thalrex Order's highest command center through careful deliberation. There's no controversy, no hidden agendas, and no
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emotional bias. Our decision isnoveldrama
completely logical.
"Second, let's address the real issue here-what are the actual criteria for choosing the top commander-in-chief?
"For those of you still unclear about the true purpose, mission, and responsibility of the Thalrex Order, listen carefully.
"Put aside your personal desires and
fixations. Wear the soul of a true
soldier in your heart and constantly remind yourselves that it's through duty and responsibility that you honor the uniform of a warrior.
"The L2 and L1 mystic realm tournaments, leading up to the final Summit Meeting, have one primary goal: protection and responsibility.
"The world is obsessed with power, fame, and the temptation of glory. These attractions are endless.
"But what they don't realize is that when you wear that title, you're also carrying a heavy mission and responsibility.
"If the title of the top commander-in-chief falls into the hands of those driven by selfishness, vanity, or the thirst for attention, it would lead to disaster for this world and its people! "Only someone who combines wisdom and strength, intellect and might, is fit to wear this crown.
"The highest command center of the organizing committee has bestowed this crown upon General Ramsey because he understands the true essence of this competition.
"And you, who understand nothing, are still whining about your dissatisfaction and grievances-what does that even accomplish?
"I have a question for all the commanders-in-chief: if the crown were placed in your hands, could you carry the weight of billions of lives on your shoulders?
"Without the strength to be responsible, what good is the crown?
"This is the stance of the Thalrex Order's highest command center in selecting the commander-in-chief.
"Lastly, the organizing committee will review the 70 complaints about Dragon Soul Special Forces' final catastrophic decision. I'll address those complaints now.
"Once again, when those meant to be followers or bystanders believe they have the right to criticize, judge, or even maliciously attack a brilliant commander, That is nothing short of despicable and unethical!
"The organizing committee will defend the integrity of this competition!
"Now, I will announce the teams qualifying for the L1 mystic realm competition!
"Anyone who is dissatisfied, please withdraw immediately!
"Once the L1 mystic realm competition begins, all commanders will be required to follow the orders of Commander-in-chief Ramsey, the top commander-in-chief.
"I declare that the Thalrex Order International Military Skills Competition L1 Mystic Realm Semifinals will begin tomorrow at 8:00 AM sharp."