Chapter 18: Promotion Reward! And a Military Authority Seal?-Grande Ming: O Levante Jingnan! Eu saqueio cadáveres, mato inimigos e coleto atributos, fiquei invencível(Irmão Yang Voador)

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The grandeur of the military! The welcome of comrades-in-arms! At this moment, Zhu Zheng felt it clearly. Facing this formidable display, Zhu Zheng stepped forward, showing no signs of cowardice as he confronted the thousand soldiers of the Yan army.

"Brothers," he began. "I, Zhu Zheng, am no civil official, nor do I have a way with flowery words. To tell you the truth, I was not part of the Beiping Army from the start. I was reorganized from a local constabulary and belonged to the logistics corps. This time, I was fortunate enough to slay the treacherous commanding officer. Because of this, General Zhang offered me two paths: stay in the logistics corps, or join the frontline combat troops to fight for our country and for the purity of the Great Ming."

"I believe you all understand the difference between the logistics corps and the frontline combat troops. But today, since I, Zhu Zheng, stand here, it means I have chosen to fight for the nation, and I shall have no regrets even in death. To you brothers, the soldiers of the first Deputy Battalion Commander unit I am about to lead, I have only one thing to say."

He paused for a moment, then gazed at all the soldiers with a look of utmost solemnity. "On the battlefield, I, Zhu Zheng, shall be the first to charge ahead of every soldier. If I ever show cowardice or flee from the front lines, you are free to execute me yourselves! That is all I have to say."

Upon hearing these words, Tan Yuan, who stood to the side, looked at Zhu Zheng with a hint of surprise, clearly not expecting such a declaration. To charge ahead of every soldier on the battlefield—what a heroic and fearless spirit! This forced Tan Yuan to regard Zhu Zheng with newfound respect. The soldiers of the Yan army were equally taken aback, clearly stunned by his words.

"From this day forth," Tan Yuan declared loudly, "Zhu Zheng shall serve as our army's Deputy Battalion Commander. Someone, bring the armor, shield, and blade for the Deputy Battalion Commander."

At his command, several soldiers brought forth a set of armor, a combat blade, and a shield to Zhu Zheng. The frontline combat troops had their own distinct armor, and as a Deputy Battalion Commander in charge of five hundred men, his gear was distinct from that of a common soldier.

"Deputy Commander Zhu," Tan Yuan said, solemnly presenting the armor and weapons. "Once you accept these, you are officially a member of our Beiping Army's frontline combat force. You must follow the Prince of Yan, purge the traitors, and restore a bright and clear world to the Great Ming."

"Understood," Zhu Zheng replied loudly, accepting the armor and weapons with solemnity.

At the very moment he took them, a notification appeared: "Host's rank promoted."

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"Promoted to Small Flag: rewarded with one common treasure chest."
"Promoted to General Flag: rewarded with one common treasure chest."
"Promoted to Hundred-Man Commander: rewarded with one common treasure chest."
"Promoted to Deputy Battalion Commander: rewarded with one Tier 1 treasure chest."
"Host now leads five hundred soldiers and possesses the opportunity to manifest the [Mark of Military Authority]. Will you manifest the [Mark of Military Authority]?"

"Promotions come with treasure chest rewards? That's fantastic," Zhu Zheng thought to himself. "Though, what exactly is this Mark of Military Authority?" On the surface, however, he remained composed, carrying his armor and weapons to the side.

"Soldiers!" Tan Yuan called out, rallying the troops. "In the current Great Ming, treacherous sycophants run rampant, holding the Emperor hostage, harming his own flesh and blood, and severing the ties of kinship. Although His Highness the Prince of Yan has endured time and again, these traitors have only become more insatiable. Our Beiping Army has risen in response to the Prince of Yan to purge these traitors, clear the Emperor's side, and restore a bright and clear world to the Great Ming. Every brother must keep this in his heart. Our Beiping Army upholds the Ancestral Injunctions of the Great Ming; we are a righteous force."

"Follow the Prince of Yan, purge the traitors, and restore a bright and clear world to the Great Ming!" the thousand soldiers roared in unison.

"Very well," Tan Yuan said, glancing over the men. "Soldiers, disperse and rest. We took Tongzhou City yesterday and reorganized the army, but we will continue our march in these coming days."

As the soldiers began to disperse, Tan Yuan gestured to a burly man in armor nearby. "Brother Zhu—if I may call you that—this is Dian Wu. Like you, he is a Deputy Battalion Commander of my First Battalion."

"Pleasure to meet you, Brother Dian," Zhu Zheng said with a smile, clasping his hands.

"Pleasure to meet you, Brother Zhu," Dian Wu laughed, clapping a hand on Zhu Zheng's shoulder. "I'm not good with words, but what you said earlier hit the mark for me."

"Haha, Brother Dian speaks to my heart as well," Zhu Zheng replied.

"Since you are new to the combat battalion, feel free to ask me if you don't understand anything," Dian Wu said earnestly. "However, you should know that our First Battalion is the most dangerous in the entire army, and the one His Highness trusts the most." With that, Tan Yuan turned and walked away.

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Zhu Zheng continued his conversation with Dian Wu, gaining a better understanding of the situation in the combat battalion. After a while, Dian Wu led him to a barracks room.

"This is your quarters. Six to a room; your five Hundred-Man Commanders will be staying with you. If you need anything, come find me directly," Dian Wu said, pointing to the room.

"I appreciate it, Brother Dian," Zhu Zheng said, watching him depart.

"Frontline combat force, First Battalion," Zhu Zheng mused to himself. "Zhu Di really thinks highly of me, sending me straight into the most dangerous spot."

However, danger meant opportunity. In this army, the chances to earn merit and slay enemies were higher, which in turn meant a greater chance to scavenge attributes. "Let's see what this Mark of Military Authority is. Manifest."

Returning to his senses, Zhu Zheng sat on the bunk and communicated with the interface, issuing the command.

"Manifestation of [Mark of Military Authority] successful. Automatically equipped. You may view the mark's attributes."

Zhu Zheng checked it immediately.
*Deputy Battalion Commander's Mark: Leading troops grants a 10% bonus to combat effectiveness, 10% to morale, and 10% to stamina.*

Zhu Zheng's eyes lit up. "This Mark of Military Authority is incredible! It invisibly boosts the army's strength, morale, and stamina. Even if it's only 10%, in the heat of a real battle, this boost will be significant. And this is only the mark of a Deputy Battalion Commander. As I rise in rank—to Battalion Commander, General, Garrison Commander, or even Regional Commander—won't the bonuses be even greater?"

Imagining the possibilities, Zhu Zheng felt a surge of excitement. In the future, as he led his troops into battle, he would be truly unstoppable. With the elite Beiping Army under his command, combined with the power of the mark, they would be stronger than ever.