Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 115: [114] Award

It didn’t take long for Kael to wipe out every last monster. Within minutes, the battlefield that had been swarming with vicious creatures was reduced to nothing but piles of corpses and the overwhelming stench of blood.

After ensuring there were no remaining threats, Kael finally turned around, walking toward Erik, Blake, and Gav with unhurried steps. Behind him, the devastation he left in his wake was undeniable proof of the vast difference in power between them.

Despite their bodies still aching from the previous fight, the three instinctively stood at attention. They tried to appear professional, but they couldn’t hide the nervousness creeping over them.

Kael sheathed his sword in one smooth motion before fixing them with an unreadable gaze.

"I shouldn’t be saying this here... But," Kael’s voice was low, yet heavy enough to make them hold their breath.

At that moment, all three tensed up. Even swallowing felt difficult, as if their bodies refused to move under the commander’s piercing stare.

Then, Kael finally spoke.

"Congratulations..."

Their eyes widened in shock.

Congratulations?

For what?

They exchanged confused glances, but before anyone could ask, Kael had already turned away, leaving them with more questions than answers.

Four hours later.

All the test participants had gathered back at the training camp. Some sat with their bodies covered in injuries, while others remained silent, exhaustion etched into their faces. But one thing was certain—everyone present had managed to survive.

Standing before them, Kael surveyed the group with a sharp, assessing gaze.

"Good morning, everyone," he said, his voice cutting through the heavy silence of the camp. "I know you’re all exhausted after yesterday’s survival test, but first, I want to congratulate those of you who made it this far."

A few participants lifted their heads, some looking a little proud. But that brief moment of relief didn’t last long.

Kael crossed his arms, his expression turning sharper.

"Now, there are a few things I need to address," he continued, his tone growing heavier. "Seriously... I told you all to work together, but what happened?"

His gaze swept across the assembled soldiers, his disappointment clear.

"Some groups, in their utter stupidity, decided to fight each other, causing major losses for their teams!" Kael let out a sharp sigh, clearly frustrated by what he had witnessed during the test.

"And in the end? You forced one of your own teammates to survive alone while the rest of you went down first!"

Tension immediately spread through the group. Several participants lowered their heads, knowing full well they were part of the problem.

Kael let out a long sigh.

This test had been designed not just to evaluate individual skill but also teamwork. But based on what he had seen, there was still a long way to go.

It wasn’t just about survival. It wasn’t just about how strong they could fight.

It was about how well they worked as a unit.

Kael scanned the gathered recruits, some standing with confidence while others kept their heads down, ashamed of the poor choices they had made.

After a brief silence, he finally spoke.

"In the new military structure—one built from the massive reforms led by Lord Arkan—the core principle of everything is strong teamwork," he stated firmly, his tone controlled but authoritative. "Frankly, I’m disappointed."

For a moment, the only sound was the wind blowing through the tents.

"You may be part of the military, but right now, you’re still just ordinary soldiers. And for the rest of you, I’ve already made my evaluations."

Without further delay, Kael began calling out names one by one.

For those who had demonstrated strong teamwork, he gave praise. He highlighted how certain teams had successfully implemented strategies, shared responsibilities effectively, and maintained solid communication in battle.

But for those who had acted recklessly, Kael didn’t hold back. He called out the teams that had wasted time fighting each other, made foolish decisions that cost their teams valuable resources, and—worst of all—left their own teammates to fend for themselves.

"I don’t care how strong you are as individuals," he said sharply. "On a real battlefield, a soldier who thinks they can fight alone will be the first corpse."

A few people swallowed hard, their faces flushing with embarrassment.

Kael continued, giving a detailed evaluation of each team, ensuring they understood exactly where they had gone wrong.

But among all the names he called, a few individuals stood out.

The Special Forces Announcement

Kael paused for a moment, letting the tension settle over the gathered recruits. His gaze swept over their exhausted, battered faces—warriors who had endured countless trials yet still stood tall.

Then, his eyes landed on Erik, Blake, and Gav.

The three of them tensed up instantly, as if sensing that something significant was about to be announced. Their hearts pounded, not from fear, but from anticipation—waiting for the words that would shape their future.

"And now, I want to discuss the formation of this special unit and its members."

Honoring the Best

Kael took a deep breath before calling out the names of those who had excelled in the survival test.

"Erik, Gav, Henes, Murok, Octa, Hans, and Blake."

The seven of them exchanged glances, some still struggling to process what they had just heard. They had all fought to survive, but being chosen for an elite special forces unit was far beyond what they had imagined.

"These seven have successfully passed the survival test and have earned this honor."

The atmosphere shifted. The remaining participants whispered among themselves—some nodding in agreement, while others looked disappointed for not being selected.

But before anyone could speak, Kael continued his address.

Bestowed Titles of Honor

Kael stepped forward, holding a scroll containing the evaluations. One by one, he began announcing the awards given to those who had distinguished themselves in the test.

"Erik."

Erik straightened his posture, doing his best to suppress his nervousness.

Kael observed him for a moment before finally speaking.

"During this test, you demonstrated strong leadership. You made critical decisions, ensured your team’s survival, and kept them fighting until the very end. A true leader is not just one who is strong individually, but one who can lead their team to victory."

"For this, you are awarded..."

⚔ The Sovereign’s Blade

💬 "Leadership Forged in Fire."

Kael handed Erik a golden sword adorned with precious gems—a symbol of leadership forged through battle. Erik accepted it with both hands, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

Even though he knew he still had much to learn, this award was proof that he had been recognized as a leader on the battlefield.

Kael then shifted his gaze to Blake, fixing the silver-haired man with an unreadable expression.

"Blake."

Blake let out a small breath, but his eyes still gleamed with confidence.

"You do not just fight with strength but with intelligence, cunning, and the patience of a hunter. You understand how to read a situation, control the battlefield, and wait for the perfect moment to strike with deadly efficiency. For this, you are awarded..."

👁 The Sentinel’s Cross 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

💬 "Ever Watchful, Ever Ready."

Kael handed him a bronze cross with an eagle’s eye engraved at its center—a symbol of vigilance and mastery in hunting down a target.

Blake accepted it with a small nod, his trademark smirk never fading.

To him, this award was more than just a medal—it was recognition of his skills as a shadow lurking in the darkness.

"Gav."

Gav, who had been relaxed moments ago, now looked slightly anxious. "Me? Seriously?"

Kael simply gave him a neutral look.

"Despite facing overwhelming odds, you never gave up and fought until the very end. You may not be the strongest, but your resilience deserves recognition. For this, you are awarded..."

🔥 The Phoenix Medal of Sacrifice

💬 "Rising from the Ashes, Stronger Than Before."

Kael handed him a medal shaped like a phoenix emerging from flames—a symbol of perseverance and survival. Gav blinked a few times before finally taking it, still half in disbelief.

"Well... I’m not gonna turn this down."

Kael continued listing the awards for the other members of the special unit:

Henes received 🛡 The Guardian’s Crest, for unknowingly acting as his team’s shield in battle.

Murok was awarded 🦁 The Crimson Lion Medal, for his ability to maintain command in the toughest conditions.

Octa was honored with ⚒ The Titan’s Honor, for his immense physical and mental endurance in extreme environments.

Hans received 👁 The Sentinel’s Cross, for his sharp awareness and ability to read a situation before taking action.

As each person received their recognition, their comrades applauded, though the weight of responsibility on their shoulders had never felt heavier.

They had proven themselves in this trial... but they all knew this was not the end—it was only the beginning of something far greater.

After all the medals had been awarded, Kael returned to the center, his commanding presence unwavering.

"This honor is not just a symbol of your achievement, but a promise—that you must continue to grow." His voice rang through the camp, firm yet resolute.

"You are no longer ordinary soldiers. You are now part of a special forces unit that will shape the future of this world."

Erik, Blake, and Gav exchanged glances.

And in that moment, they understood—

They had survived the trial of endurance...

But the real challenge was only just beginning.