Project Superior: A Hero's Awakening

The Ceremony of Valor

A few days passed, and a grande ceremony was held at the Pennsylvania Royal Academy, broadcast to civilians across the continent. Many students who had participated in the Forest Crown Hunt event, were given compensation for the recent varmint incident.

However, Princess Misaki and her entire team, including Jason's squad, were awarded not only compensation but also a noble commendation for their bravery in standing their ground and fighting against the varmints.

As every student received their award, Xavier's name was called by one of the High Councils of the Nobles of the Kingdom. He walked towards the beautiful and immense stage to be awarded, cheered on by his joyful family and friends.

Upon reaching the stage, Xavier was greeted by a middle-aged man with grey hair and a beard, who still looked remarkably handsome for his age. This man was none other than Cedric Ravenshadow, the Head Principal of the Pennsylvania Royal Academy.

Cedric shook Xavier's hand and asked with a smirk, "How are you feeling, Xavier?"

"I'm feeling great and have fully recovered," Xavier replied.

"That's great to hear," Cedric responded.

Miss Faelwen then informed Xavier that he would need to give a speech to everyone watching, as they were eager to see the little hero who slew the mighty varmint.

Xavier nodded nervously, contemplating what he would say. Cedric then took a beautiful medal with the school's emblem—a roaring lion surrounded by laurel leaves—and awarded it to Xavier, recognizing him with the Heroic Student Medal of Valor for his unyielding bravery and protection of his fellow students.

One of the High Councils of the Nobles of the Kingdom then awarded Xavier the kingdom's Order of the Guardian's Star, a star-shaped medallion encrusted with jewels, featuring the kingdom's crest and an image of the varmint being vanquished. In honor of his unparalleled valor and guardianship.

It was now time for Xavier to give his speech.

"Hello everyone, I'm really happy and a bit nervous to be here today. I want to thank Head Principal Cedric and the High Councils of the Nobles for this amazing award."

"It's a big honor, and I still can't believe it happened. When the monster attacked, I was really scared. But I knew I had to slay it to protect everyone".

"I didn't feel like a hero; I just did what I thought was right. And I'm grateful that everyone was safe from danger".

"I want to thank my teachers and family for supporting me and helping me get stronger. I also want to thank my friends for having my back during the entire Forest Crown Hunt event."

"This medal reminds me that we can all be brave, even when things seem really tough. We just need to look out for each other and do our best. Thank you again for this honor. I promise to keep doing my best and to always try to help others. Thank you."

As the audience applauded Xavier, Aleksander turned to his father, Jonathan, and asked with a smile, "You must be proud of him, huh, Father?"

Jonathan replied with a proud look on his face, "Yes, I am."

Just a day after the ceremony, Xavier was brought to a secret meeting held by the King himself in a grande palace, along with many High Council Nobles and political figures, to discuss the matter of the varmints' appearance.

Walking through the immense and royal hallway, Xavier was accompanied by Miss Faelwen and Head Principal Cedric.

Miss Faelwen informed Xavier that he would be interrogated about the incident with the varmints and that they would likely also ask about his prolonged disappearance and survival in the Gateway of Despair.