"Today marks the welcome ceremony for the Special Operations Candidate Unit's new recruits. I know that each of you was the best in your former divisions, but no matter how impressive your previous records may be, the moment you set foot in this place, you start as equals. You are all new soldiers here.""This welcome event serves two purposes. First, to formally receive you into our ranks. Second, to give your families a glimpse of life on base, so they can rest easy knowing that once you've joined this unit, your future achievements and career prospects will be beyond anything you could have imagined."The speech sent a wave of excitement rippling through the crowd. Every soldier who had ever served dreamed of earning a place in a special operations unit, and here they were, standing on the threshold.The major stepped back two paces. "Now, let us begin the ceremony. Please welcome General Reaper!"Reaper appeared before the assembled crowd in full dress unifor

After a while, Kieran Jennings slowly came to.The moment he opened his eyes, he found himself staring up at a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces. The familiar ones belonged to Evelyn Jennings and Camille Vale. The rest were members of the Vale family he barely knew."Kieran, you're finally awake. Tell me what happened. The soldiers who brought you back said there's something wrong with your body, and that you've been expelled from the special forces unit. What is going on?"Evelyn fired off her questions in rapid succession, her voice tight with confusion. She couldn't understand when her son had developed any physical problems, or why he would have been expelled from the Special Operations Candidate Unit. This was no small matter.Kieran took a moment to gather himself and was about to speak when his gaze landed on Aaron Holmes standing not far away, watching him in silence.His face drained of color instantly, turning pale as though he had just recovere

Aaron Holmes only smiled and said nothing more.Soon, the Vale family entered the room.The chamber itself was enormous, a sprawling Council Chamber with bare walls stretching in every direction. At its center sat an oval table ringed with chairs, the only furnishings in the otherwise cavernous space.Governor Ashford naturally took the seat at the head. Beside him sat Chief Marshal Vance, Preston Fields, and Caleb Hayward, among others.This round of candidacy for the Great Families included not just the Vale family, but also the Carver family, the Waverly family, and several other prominent clans from Haven.Among these households, only the Carver family and the Vale family possessed genuine strength. The Waverly family and the Hawthorne family weren't shabby either, both having enjoyed solid growth in recent years.The patriarchs of the four candidate families took seats toward the rear of the table. The remaining members of each household had to sta

Felix Vale froze. Did they need permission for that?Before he could voice his confusion, Chief Marshal Vance continued, "Besides, even if we include Vale Group, that only proves the Vale family has performed well. Our evaluation is comprehensive, not based solely on corporate growth.""But surely we're not worse than the Waverly family?"Felix's expression turned ugly. He hadn't expected things to take this turn. If it were anyone else, he might have lashed out on the spot, but with Chief Marshal Vance present and Governor Ashford presiding over the meeting, who would dare make a scene?"Are you questioning my judgment?" Vance's face darkened.Felix recoiled and quickly shook his head. "No, not at all."Julian Bancroft leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the Vale delegation. "Patriarch Vale, you have only yourselves to blame for backing the wrong person. What a shame. After today's assembly, it'll be quite some time before there's another openi

Governor Ashford didn't wait for Julian Bancroft to speak. He cut in first.The scene bore more than a passing resemblance to what had transpired earlier, except the standoff had shifted. Where the Jennings family and the Bancroft family once faced off, now it was Aaron Holmes against the Bancrofts.The outcome, however, was entirely different.The Jennings had lost. Aaron had won."The Bancroft family may have propped up the Waverlys, but what Haven needs are enterprises that develop independently, not families elevated by outside backing." Governor Ashford's voice carried through the room with finality. "Therefore, I'm declaring the Carver family's promotion."Shock rippled through every person present.The Governor had made his decision unilaterally, without consulting anyone else."I support Governor Ashford." Chief Marshal Vance was the first to pledge his agreement.Within moments, everyone except Julian Bancroft had voiced their approva