"Your skills also saved you. Besides, the fact that you were able to resist Collic for such a long time means that you must be quite strong." Chief constable Paul commended him.

"Mr. Paul, did you have something you wanted to talk about?" Steve asked.

"Yes, so I'll get down to business. Because of your message, we were able to end the beast tide ahead of time and reduce casualties. Therefore, the Stanlos Base Camp government has decided to award you a first-cla.s.s knight medal. At the same time, we will be giving you other rewards as well..." Chief constable Paul placed a contract in front of Steve, which listed the awards, as well as their accompanying privileges and so on.

"I was not the only one that contributed to the early end of the beast tide. Elizabeth and Selma helped as well. In fact, they brought the message back," Steve said seriously.

As chief constable Paul looked at Steve, his gaze suddenly filled with appreciation. Under such circ.u.mstances, many people would have chosen to take all of the credit for themselves, but not Steve.

"No, if you hadn't held Collic back, we would both be dead! As such, you deserve to take all of the credit," Selma said, while shaking her head.

Thinking back on Steve's bravery at the time, Selma had never seen a man act so fearlessly in the face of disaster. There were many men that pursued her, but none of them could hold a candle to Steve!

"No, you two brought the message back. You also informed the rescue team that drove Collic away," Steve said firmly. "So, the credit belongs to you as well."

"Mr. Steve, rest a.s.sured that both of their contributions shall be given due acknowledgment by the government." Chief constable Paul laughed. "So, they shall have the right to enter the two ancient ruins."

"Ancient ruins?" Steve looked puzzled.

"Yes, ancient ruins!" Chief constable Paul pointed to a clause in the contract. "It is included in the rights of first-cla.s.s knights, which says if ancient ruins are to appear, all knights have priority access to them!"

He then added, "At the junction of Stanlos Base Camp and Demon Basecamp, there is a small ancient ruin that opens once a year. However, it used to be that only evolved beings were allowed to enter. As such, the ruins have not been explored for many years. So, once a year, the government sends geniuses with potential to see if they can get treasures from it. Over the years, there have indeed been many amazing gains!"

Upon hearing this, Steve was instantly tempted. After all, ancient ruins were accompanied by astonis.h.i.+ng gains, many treasures of which the current Blue Star humans were unable to create! Thus, this award was much better than any other material rewards!

"When do the ancient ruins open this year?" Steve inquired.

"The opening time every year is uncertain, but looking at the signs, it should be soon. In addition to the genius sent by the government, the n.o.ble's children will join the exploration team as well. There will even be demons joining!" Chief constable Paul said solemnly. "When it opens, I will inform you at once!"

Steve nodded. He was excited, as ever since he had benefited from the Apollo battles.h.i.+p, Steve had been filled with an adventurous spirit!

After his explanation, chief constable Paul awarded Steve the first-cla.s.s knight medal, then promptly left. After this, Steve waited for Elizabeth to wake up.

The next day, as soon as Elizabeth woke up, Steve immediately encouraged her eat something to regain her strength. After she had finished, and they got ready to leave.

When their small group was about to be separated, Selma asked Steve, "Will I ever see you again?"

"We might meet," Steve said.

Filled with emotion, Selma suddenly rushed forward and hugged Steve. Before Steve could respond, she suddenly kissed him on the lips, then separated herself from him quickly, professing, "No matter what, I will remember you!"

Then, Selma ran away without looking back. Lauren immediately followed her.

"Brother, Selma's not bad," Elizabeth said.

"What are you thinking of?" Steve gave Elizabeth's head a playful tap, then said, "Let's go! The army's vacation is over now, and I haven't reported in yet! As such, I don't know what punishment awaits me when I return."

The army had given them a seven-day break, and he was already one day late!