It wasn't every day that the Neo Silver Millennium Empire welcomed a new General. The excitement and growing buzz among the public had turned what might have been a formal, understated affair into a grand event.
The ceremony would take place at The Ascension Spire, the grand center of power for the Neo Silver Millennium's Parliament. This towering, circular crystal structure was encased in massive iron rings that orbited it like the rings of Saturn, giving it an otherworldly and imposing presence against the skyline.
It was here that the greatest decisions for the realm were made, and today it would witness a different kind of history: the official appointment of General Endymion.
The streets surrounding The Ascension Spire were teeming with life. Citizens from all across the empire had come to witness this monumental event. Even though the massive structure could only house the elite within its walls, the event was to be broadcasted on every holoscreen, projected into the sky, and streamed through every digital device scattered across the planet and beyond.
Holographic banners depicting General Endymion's heroic feats floated along the city's avenues. His image was everywhere—on floating billboards, woven into every available advertisement space, and projected onto the hovering airships that drifted lazily above. The citizens, caught up in the excitement, flooded the streets, their eyes turned toward the massive images broadcasting every moment of the ceremony that was about to take place.
The Spire itself pulsed with energy as the event preparations hummed in full force. Large floating platforms filled with dignitaries, diplomats, and prominent figures hovered in the skies, awaiting the official announcement.
This was a day like no other in the history of the empire, and it was clear that Endymion's appointment wasn't just another formality—it was a celebration.
Neo Queen Serenity stood at the entrance to the Great Parliament Hall, her hands clasped together tightly in front of her, her heart beating wildly.
What the hell is wrong with you?She thought with frustration.
She had done this countless times before—attended ceremonies, made speeches—but today felt different. The weight of the moment pressed down on her in a way that she hadn't expected. She inhaled deeply, straightened her posture, and stepped forward as the grand doors slid open before her.
As she entered the ceremonial hall, the grand expanse of the chamber hit her. Crystal walls sparkled, reflecting light from the sun, illuminating the space brightly. The dignitaries, dressed in their finest regalia, filled the room. The moment they saw her, they all stood in unison, bowing deeply as she passed, a sea of respect and admiration. Serenity could feel the eyes of hundreds of powerful leaders from across the solar system, each one focused entirely on her.
In the days leading up to the ceremony, Serenity had spent many sleepless nights, her thoughts racing. She had begun slipping anonymously into virtual forums, where avatars from across the galaxies gathered in immersive, holographic spaces to discuss the Empire's politics. It had become a strange form of self-torture, watching the figures exchange opinions. The conversations had turned to the excitement of Endymion's appointment as General, and the tone of the discussions chilled her."Finally, someone with a brain to run things,"one avatar had said, its holographic form smirking."The Queen's so hot, but let's face it, that's all she is."Another chimed in,"Endymion can handle the tough decisions. She just needs to sit on her throne and smile."
Serenity's chest tightened at the way they dismissed her so easily. They spoke as if she were incapable of real leadership, like her reign had been some kind of placeholder until someone with true capability took over. And the worst part was, a small part of her could almost understand why they thought that. Endymion was brilliant—strategically sharp, mentally agile. These weren't just faceless avatars' opinions; their words echoed her own deepest if they were right? What if she wasn't capable enough? What if she was truly as dumb as they believed?
No. No. No. Don't go there.
Despite everything, a whisper of doubt slithered through her mind.
But what if?...
Would the general public still hold her in the same regard once Endymion took his position? Would his silent disdain for her seep into the cracks of their carefully crafted unity?
She pushed the thought aside—there would be time for those worries later. Right now, she had a ceremony to lead.
The soft hum of the city beyond the Spire echoed faintly through the crystal walls, a constant reminder of the citizens gathered outside. She could picture them, packed into the streets, their faces lit up by the holographic screens, watching her every move. The roars of excitement and affection for their beloved Queen were muffled but still present, a distant hum of devotion.
Serenity's attention shifted as one of her aides approached, signaling the beginning of the formal proceedings. The silence in the hall deepened, and Serenity felt her stomach tighten in anticipation. She took a deep breath.
"Honored guests," her voice rang out, clear and steady, amplified through the chamber by invisible drrones. "We gather today to mark a moment of great importance in the history of our empire."
The room was utterly still, the attention of every individual laser-focused on her. Serenity continued, her words precise, practiced, but with an edge of sincerity that only she could deliver.
"Today, we honor not just the rise of a new General, but the resilience and strength of the Neo Silver Millennium. We honor the dedication of those who have served to protect our people, and we look forward to the future we will continue to build together."
The hall's grand doors slowly swung open. The sound echoed through the chamber like a drumroll, and the anticipation in the air became almost tangible. She could feel every pair of eyes shifting toward the entrance, but her own gaze remained steady, fixed on the opening doors as they revealed the figure on the other side.
Endymion.
The man who stepped forward was nothing like the young cadet she had known all those years ago. The softness in his features had long been replaced by the sharp, defined lines of a warrior. He was taller than she remembered, with broad shoulders that spoke of quiet strength. His once unruly black hair now fell in perfect order, framing his aristocratic features with a precision that seemed almost effortless. There was a power about him, a force simmering just beneath the surface, carefully controlled yet always present.
But it was his eyes—those deep, piercing blue eyes—that drew her in. They burned with an intensity that both unsettled and captivated her, like they could see through every barrier she had so carefully built. They were sharp, unyielding, as if they held the weight of all the things left unsaid between them.
He was breathtakingly handsome, in a way that made her heart ache. His high cheekbones and strong jawline gave him a regal air, but there was something more—something in the way he held himself, with such quiet confidence and control. Even his lips, now set in a firm, unreadable line, carried a sensuality that made it hard for her to breathe. He could make anyone feel small, insignificant, with just a glance.
His uniform clung to him perfectly, emphasizing the muscular build that spoke of years of discipline and battle. Every movement he made was graceful, yet full of strength, like a predator always ready to strike. He radiated an undeniable, almost godlike power, and for a moment, Serenity felt her breath catch in her throat. He was more than just beautiful—he was a force of nature, something she couldn't deny, no matter how hard she tried.
As Endymion approached, Serenity kept her posture straight, her chin high, though a growing tension tightened her chest. He was walking directly toward her, yet never once did his gaze meet hers. His eyes remained focused ahead, looking through her rather than at her, as if the very act of acknowledging her presence was beneath his concern.
It wasn't the first time he had done this—avoiding eye contact, maintaining that cool distance—but it stung nonetheless. Especially now, at this grand ceremony meant to formally elevate him as the General of the Neo Silver Millennium, his aloofness was almost a silent message.
Serenity's thoughts raced as she tried to focus on the ritual about to unfold. This was a deeply significant moment in the Empire's history—a symbolic transfer of power, authority, and protection. She reminded herself of the duty she had to uphold, forcing down the uncontrollable, childish urge to stick her tongue out at him.
With a subtle nod from Serenity, the ceremony began. The hall fell into a solemn hush as she stepped forward to address the gathered dignitaries, officials, and citizens watching from across the solar system. Her voice was steady, but inside, the tension gnawed at her.
"Today, we stand united to witness the ascension of a leader who has proven his dedication to the safety and future of the Empire. General Endymion has shown unwavering strength, wisdom, and courage. It is now time for him to take his rightful place as protector of the Neo Silver Millennium."
Her words echoed through the grand hall, carrying with them the weight of tradition and authority. The room remained silent, reverent, as the ceremonial attendants stepped forward, carrying the symbols of the General's office—an ornate crystal sword and a ceremonial cloak made from the finest silks of the galaxy.
Endymion knelt before her, head bowed, his expression as unreadable as ever. Serenity could feel the eyes of the entire room on her as she stepped closer. She picked up the ceremonial cloak and draped it carefully over his broad shoulders, feeling the tension in the air as her fingers brushed the rich fabric. The moment seemed to stretch on forever, and still, he did not look at her.
The final part of the ritual required Endymion to make his vows, reciting the sacred words that had been spoken by every general before him. Serenity turned to face him directly, her gaze unwavering, though her heart pounded in her chest.
In a deep, rich voice that resonated through the hall like thunder, Endymion began his vow. His voice was steady, controlled, commanding the attention of everyone present.
"I, Endymion, son of Earth, hereby swear to uphold the honor and duty of the General of the Neo Silver Millennium. I will defend this Empire with my life, protect its people from harm, and lead its armies with wisdom and strength."
His voice was magnetic, drawing everyone in, holding them captive to his words. Serenity felt the gravity of each syllable, the power behind them almost tangible.
"And above all," he continued, his voice dipping slightly, becoming even more intense, "I vow to protectmyQueen."
It was at that moment, for the first time since he had entered the hall, that Endymion's gaze finally lifted to meet hers. The sudden intensity of his eyes, those deep blue pools that had so often avoided her, locked onto her with a force that sent a shiver down her spine. For a heartbeat, the rest of the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them standing there, locked in a gaze that was as much a challenge as it was a promise.
Serenity's breath caught in her throat as the weight of his words settled over her. She saw no trace of the cold indifference he had shown earlier. His eyes were piercing, unreadable, but filled with something she couldn't quite place—an intensity that shook her to the core.
The room remained silent as Endymion finished the vow, still holding her gaze.
"By my honor and my life, I make this oath."
The hall erupted into applause, but Serenity barely registered the sound. All she could focus on was the way Endymion was still looking at her, as if daring her to understand… something. Something important.
What. The. he threatening her? Was that sharp blue gaze a warning? Or… something else? She glanced around. No one seemed to notice a thing; they were too busy clapping, cheering, celebrating the appointment of their hero as the Empire's new general. The roar from the streets outside echoed through the hall as people celebrated the moment.
She turned back to him, and for a moment, everything else faded. The golden rays of the setting sun wrapped around him, casting a warm glow that emphasized the sharp angles of his face. His dark hair caught the light, and his eyes, those piercing blue eyes, seemed to shimmer. It was a sight that stirred something deep inside her—something she wished she could ignore. But how could she?
Finally General Endymion broke the eye contact and stood up facing the public, marking the end of the ceremony and the beginning of a new era for both the Neo Silver Millennium and its Queen.