Chapter 203: A New Pinnacle

As each sequential seed took the stage to receive their honors, the top ten rankings soon emerged.

Standing among the group, Wang Kai—who had once ranked just behind Zhang Yang—looked at Yenir ahead of him with a complex expression.

His ranking was already sealed—he was in second place.

Although the announced rankings meant that everyone’s benefits and rewards were significantly boosted, he knew it was all a setup for Yenir.

With everyone upgraded a level, Yenir’s rewards would be even more extravagant.

They were merely supporting characters—mere backdrops.

It was hard to decide whether he should be grateful to Yenir or not.

There was a time when he had set his sights on outdoing Yenir, always viewing Zhang Yang as his rival.

But after witnessing Yenir’s astonishing performance firsthand, any such thoughts had completely faded.

No matter what, he was likely to remain second; not only was he free from loss, but he even reaped better rewards thanks to Yenir.

Yet, a pang of sorrow nagged at him—perhaps it was the doomed fate of his generation of prodigies.

They would never surpass or even glimpse the possibility of eclipsing Yenir. No matter how many years passed, whenever people recalled the inaugural Fire Seed Plan, Yenir’s name would be foremost in memory.

There was a time when he believed that even ranking second, he could eventually surpass Zhang Yang, who once held first place. Back then, his confidence and fighting spirit were unyielding.

But Zhang Yang was gone, and Yenir had taken the top spot…

After a bitter smile, as Wang Kai heard his own name being announced, he stifled his chaotic thoughts and let out a long sigh.

He could feel that from the 49th sequence onward, all eyes were fixed on Yenir. Even when it was his turn, hardly anyone spared him more than a glance.

How heartbreaking…

Why must he share an era with such an anomaly?

After all, he was a prodigy too…

“Wang Kai, ranked second!”

“Awarded A-Level privileges! Enjoy 800,000 Credit Points per month as an allowance, with additional quota for those below A-level.”

“Plus, a choice of epic-level equipment rewards and travel-level benefits… promoted to Colonel!”

The announcement ended, and in the now-quiet hall everyone looked at Wang Kai on stage with a mix of awe and emotion.

The Military had indeed taken a huge financial hit this time.

Eight hundred thousand Credit Points a month would amount to over nine million a year—a sum enough to support an entire Awakener unit. The A-Level privileges and Colonel rank were particularly enviable. A-Level privileges meant genuine power—from the most basic level onward.

Possessing such privileges, even local Safe Zones required fighter escort and military convoys for movement. In a pre-apocalypse scenario, it would denote an official of provincial-level importance.

Starting at the Colonel rank, it wasn’t far-fetched to see him ascend to a General’s position in the future.

While many high-ranking officials merely murmured in awe, nearly ten million survivors outside the Square erupted into excited chatter.

Even those not completely familiar with the Fire Seed Plan understood from watching these Awakener prodigies—barely in their twenties—receiving absurd rewards that the high-ups clearly cherished these individuals.

Clutching the Medal close to his heart, Wang Kai felt a surge of excitement, though he knew Yenir’s rewards would only surpass his own.

Bitterly, he watched as Yenir prepared to take the stage and slowly descended the platform.

Nobody knew exactly what the Military had planned for his reward…

Without delay, as Wang Kai stepped down, Yang Guoping—the host—broke his previous calm with a sudden smile.

Taking a deep breath and studying the list in hand, he spoke gravely:

“Now, please welcome the first sequence—Yenir! Come up and receive your honors!”

He was here!

The sound boomed across the Square, sending a jolt through everyone’s hearts.

Especially the representatives and Military commanders who had rushed over from afar—they locked their eyes onto Yenir.

They had come all this way for this very moment!

Under such extravagant treatment, it was clear the Authorities had spared no expense!

Outside the Square, nearly ten million survivors—whether jostled near the periphery, peering from high-rise windows, or balanced on rooftops—strained to catch a glimpse of Yenir.

Yenir! The global number one in the Four Systems! Though a global announcement had been issued, no one had really seen what Yenir looked like!

Discussions and rumors had exploded in chat channels over the past few days as every survivor in the Huaxia Battle Zone wondered: Who is Yenir? What does he look like? Any tidbit of information was fetching a high price!

The public naturally held warm feelings for the young man who had won the nation’s highest honor.

He strode up the stage.

Under the expectant gaze of many, Yenir gave a slight nod, his expression calm.

But upon reaching the highest platform and looking out at the sea of people below…

For a moment, he couldn’t help but feel a touch of disbelief.

He had finally made it.

Despite many obstacles, every plan he had set in motion since his rebirth had been progressing steadily—and even more smoothly than he had imagined.

In just one month, he had surged from an ordinary person who wasn’t even an Awakener to a Third-Stage mid-level prodigy, ascending to the pinnacle of power in the Huaxia Battle Zone.

Anyone who took the time to trace his journey would recognize it as nothing less than a miracle among miracles!

In his previous life, once he was discovered, the Military could only scramble a few Third-Stage mid-level officers for a quick audience before thrusting him into combat. In this life, his circumstances had improved tenfold!

Silently, he clenched his fists.

At that moment, he felt a slight relief from the heavy burden in his heart. He knew that from now on, he would rewrite the tragic fate of Huaxia!

“Yenir!”

“Approved by the Military and the Central Committee, you are ranked first in this Fire Seed Plan! In recognition of Yenir’s outstanding performance in the global trials, your original rewards have been upgraded as a mark of excellence!”

“As decreed by the Rongjing Military Region and the Standing Committee, your rewards are as follows:”

“The original A+ level privileges are elevated to S-level!”

“Your monthly Credit Points allowance is increased from 1,000,000 to 2,900,000, with an additional annual bonus of 10,000,000 points!”

“Your original A-Level resource quota is now without limit!”

“Your choice of epic-level equipment reward is upgraded to a legendary set!”

“Your travel-level benefits are raised to the Division level!”

“Your original Senior Colonel rank is upgraded to at least General!”

“Additionally, by agreement between the Committee and the Military, in light of Yenir’s outstanding performance and honor, you are specially appointed as an Honorary Member of the Standing Committee…”

….

With a flurry of commendations announced, mouths agape all over the Square.

If there were ever a case of instant ascension, today was living proof.

They could barely comprehend the earlier material rewards, but what truly amazed them were the military rank honors and the final bonus.

Though purely honorary and without real command authority,

the upgrade to Division-level and Major General clearly hinted—no, declared—that the high-ups had already reserved a spot for Yenir among the Four Commanders of the future.

Moreover, the Standing Committee appointment granted Yenir substantial influence—enough to help shape national policies.

Remember, Yenir was only eighteen…

On the viewing platform, Ye Xiaoan, among the adults, watched Yenir with a mix of awe and hesitation. She couldn’t quite understand the significance of the medal that the middle-aged man—uncle Xiao Hai—had presented to her brother.

But it sure sounded impressive…

For some reason, she felt that Uncle Xiao Hai beside her was more excited than usual—as if he might swoon from exhilaration.

“Uncle Xiao, is my brother really that amazing now?”

“Does he hold higher rank than you?”

Grabbing onto a corner of Uncle Xiao Hai’s coat, Ye Xiaoan whispered curiously.

To her, Xiao Hai, as the commander of the Tianfeng Security Zone, was the most formidable person she knew.

Hearing her question, Xiao Hai’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly leaned down and nodded emphatically:

“Of course! Little An, your brother is far superior to Uncle me!”

His expression turned a bit awkward.

Looking at the clueless Ye Xiaoan, Xiao Hai couldn’t help but offer a rueful smile.

It wasn’t just about being impressive.

With Yenir’s current power, a single word could reduce him to a mere foot soldier—a stutter of his step could trigger an earthquake.