"Kaine, stand before me." Melissa's shout shook the place, her voice stern and cold, filled with unshakable authority.
Zarek nodded and stepped forward, coming to a stop directly in front of her. He met her green eyes in silence.
"Kneel," she commanded.
He obeyed, dropping to one knee.
She extended her sword, resting it lightly on his right shoulder as she spoke in an even colder tone filled with authority:
"I have considered your achievement in the military. We've been trying to breach that group of Level Nine bases for nearly a year, with countless Level Nine operatives dying in the attempt. Yet you alone have succeeded, risking your life to do so."
She paused, letting the silence build a sense of anticipation in the air. Then she spoke, her voice deep and utterly serious:
"That's why we have decided to grant you the position of General. Do you accept it?"
Zarek raised his head. His boundless blue eyes locked onto hers, unwavering as he answered:
"Yes."
