Chapter 110: The Reward

“David, wait a moment!” After the commendation ceremony concluded, Lieutenant Eaton called out to David, who was about to leave with a few friends.

Seeing Lieutenant Eaton approach, Jim quickly ushered the others away.

“Lieutenant Eaton, is there something else?” David never dared address Eaton by his first name casually. In private meetings like this, respect was due.

“This time, you not only received the Silver Star, but there are additional awards, including some from the government. You should come and collect them!” Lieutenant Eaton replied with a smile.

Following Eaton to an office next to the conference hall, David found Mayor Bernard there as well.

“David, I’ve been wanting to thank you in person. Thank you for saving Perlan City!” Mayor Bernard stepped forward and embraced David with heartfelt gratitude.

David felt somewhat awkward with such formalities, yet this was the closest gesture of affection from elders to a younger generation. Both Lieutenant Eaton and Mayor Bernard regarded David like their own child.

Mayor Bernard’s gratitude was the most profound. He had seen post-war footage from Skor City, where the Rock Star Military District’s antimatter main cannon had reduced the city to ruins, utterly lifeless.

That strike not only annihilated the invading Zerg forces in Skor City but also destroyed the survivors and the homes of its inhabitants.

Had it not been for David, Perlan City’s fate would have mirrored Skor City, reduced to rubble.

Moreover, Bernard had access to more intelligence — the losses suffered by the Rock Star District were far greater than anyone had imagined.

A series of investigations had already commenced, scrutinizing the war stars, space fleets, and the administrative and military planets at the frontlines. Numerous people would be held accountable for the Zerg’s successful invasion.

Amidst these reports of losses, Perlan City, a small town without a powerful protector, had achieved significant victories.

This was a key reason David was awarded the Silver Star — he had truly bolstered the Rock Star Military District’s honor.

“David, the Perlan City government has decided to reward you with a spaceship. I haven’t chosen one for you because your taste as a young man differs from mine. Here’s a catalog; pick one and let me know. Don’t try to save credit points for us — this is an expense every citizen of Perlan City is willing to bear!” Mayor Bernard released David and smiled as he announced the government’s reward.

It wasn’t that the government was reluctant to give more; David was still a student and would attend university soon, so some adult rewards wouldn’t be of much use to him.

Therefore, after deliberation, the Perlan City government chose to gift David a spaceship — a dream cherished by every young person.

As for the social clearance required to pilot a spaceship, that was not their concern. Since David received the Silver Star, his social clearance had automatically risen to Level E.

The interstellar federation’s social clearance system was highly detailed. Ordinary adult citizens started at Level F-, and only after sufficient contributions could they advance to Level F.

Only with Level F clearance could one apply for intra-planetary travel rights. Some cities required even higher clearance; for example, Naan City required at least Level F+, making even visiting impossible without the proper level.

This wasn’t because residents of Naan City all had F+ clearance; ordinary citizens there had the same levels as elsewhere but enjoyed a more comfortable and secure environment.

There were exceptions: if invited by a sufficiently influential faction, one could enter a city temporarily without clearance restrictions.

This was how David previously entered Labor City for an auction at the invitation of the Titan Consortium.

Only those with Level E- clearance or higher could independently own and operate spaceships. David’s clearance met this requirement, which justified the Perlan City government’s decision.

Mayor Bernard uploaded a dossier onto David’s ID wristband. Upon opening it, David found detailed information about various spaceships.

Of course, these ships were not ultra-luxurious models; their values hovered around two million credit points, with the most expensive not exceeding three million.

Spaceships were not items one could simply buy with money. The procedures were complex, and approvals often took an exasperatingly long time.

But when the Perlan City government handled it, the process was different. The city government coordinated with higher authorities, simplifying the paperwork. Moreover, thanks to the government’s connections, the ship would enjoy maximum exemption from inspections when entering cities within the Rock Star District.

David examined the ship images and descriptions — from small recreational vessels to medium-sized commercial freighters, the catalog was comprehensive. Considering David’s youthful taste, many of the models were the latest designs.

David did not choose the ships with more recreational features; instead, he favored a practical commercial freighter with ample space and excellent high-altitude cruising capabilities, offering solid safety.

The Titan S600 Transport Ship, a freighter with cargo space large enough to hold the Beacon, featured a loading bay whose roof could open fully to form a maximum-sized cargo entrance.

It was also a product of the Titan Consortium, known for good reputation among ships. Priced at 2.6 million credits, it was mid-to-high range among the options Mayor Bernard provided.

“Uncle Bernard, I choose this Titan S600 Transport Ship!” David transmitted the information back to Mayor Bernard.

“David, I told you not to worry about saving money on our account!” Mayor Bernard glanced at the price and shook his head with a smile.

“I’m not being modest; I genuinely like this style!” David confirmed.

“Alright, I’ll expedite the delivery and fast-track the paperwork!” Seeing David’s determination, Mayor Bernard nodded without further persuasion.

“David, the Titan S600 is a fine choice — a man’s ship. Those recreational ships are just toys!” Lieutenant Eaton praised David’s selection with a grin.

“David, I’m off now. Don’t be too polite with the military!” Mayor Bernard glanced at Eaton before gently patting David’s shoulder and quietly departing.

After Bernard left, Lieutenant Eaton produced a metal case and placed it before David.

“David, these are six pieces of Level 2 Zerg enhanced meat. I don’t have the authority to give you the other materials, but I kept these enhanced meats for you!” Eaton said, patting the box.

David knew the military’s rules well: all spoils of war had to be processed centrally. Important materials were handed over, and only less critical spoils were distributed as rewards among soldiers.

This prevented the chaos of looting and maximized the army’s combat effectiveness.

“Thank you, Uncle Eaton!” David expressed his gratitude.

Six pieces of Level 2 Zerg enhanced meat meant the entirety of the enhanced meat from the three Level 2 Zergs defeated this time was here.

Though Level 2 Zergs were massive, the enhanced meat was simply more energy-rich — its volume wasn’t larger.

Moreover, Level 2 enhanced meat rarely appeared on the market, and was almost never seen in Perlan City.

This was because Level 2 enhanced meat could be used to produce enhancement serums, and from one piece, as many as ten bottles of serums could be made — far more profitable than selling the meat directly.

Of course, unprocessed Level 2 enhanced meat was often reserved for elite talents nurtured by certain factions or used personally by high-ranking individuals.

Now, David needed the Level 2 enhanced meat to accelerate his energy absorption and hasten strength conversion.

“You killed over a hundred Level 1 Zergs this time. I was going to apply for a Level 1 weapon for you, but since you already have two Level 2 longswords and a Level 2 spear, I decided to apply for a Land Lion exoskeleton armor instead!” Lieutenant Eaton smiled at David.

“Uncle Eaton, you applied for an exoskeleton armor for me?” David could hardly believe his ears. He had not expected the military to prepare a standard-issue exoskeleton armor for him.

“Don’t get too excited yet. The Land Lion exoskeleton armor can only be used by armored soldiers. You must have the armored soldier qualification before you can activate the armor’s storage box. I don’t want a genius like you to ruin your body and future by mistakenly wearing it,” Eaton said seriously.