The great plaza of Iron Summit fell silent as Optimus stepped forward. Thousands filled the marble square; millions more watched from holo-screens across Tenrihines.
Today, the capital will finally receive its official name.
Optimus raised his hand. "Citizens of Tenrihines," he said, "today we give identity to the districts that make up our home. From the first floor to the second, every street, valley, and city deserves a name worthy of the Empire."
A holographic map rose above the stage. FIRST FLOOR (lower level) Optimus began here, where the majority of the capital's population lived. The Luxury City Next to Merchant Valley. A hologram of bright lights and casinos appeared. "This district of celebration and life," Optimus announced, "shall be known as Valora Downs."
Waves of cheers echoed through the plaza.
Number two, Merchant Valley. The hologram slid to the massive trade district. "Merchant Valley," Optimus said, "shall keep its name. Trade built this city. Its history will not be changed." Citizens of Merchant Valley cheered proudly.
The third city, The Mountain-Ringed Government City. The hologram shifted to the circular city surrounded by towering mountains. "This heart of law, government, and finance," Optimus declared, "shall be named Iron Summit." The mountains glowed a proud gold on the projection.
The Hero Academy District. The map zoomed out, showing the Hero Academy sitting just beyond the mountains. "And the academy that trains our future defenders," he continued, "shall be known as Hero's Ascent." Cadets in the crowd saluted sharply.
The Elevated Arena Platform. Next, a wide elevated slab rose in the hologram, holding colossal stadiums. "This platform of games, tournaments, and unity," Optimus said, "shall be called Titan's Rise." The crowd erupted with excitement.
SECOND FLOOR (upper level) Optimus nodded, and the hologram rose upward, showing the upper-level cities.
Lumina Crest Above the first floor, the bright, modern city lit up. "This shining upper city," Optimus said, "our beacon of culture and innovation, shall be Lumina Crest." The crowd cheered wildly.
Dawnvale Run (THE VALLEY) The hologram displayed the long valley of farms, towns, and sunlight between the two floors.
"This valley that feeds us and connects our levels," Optimus announced, "shall be known as Dawnvale Run." Farmers and rural families shouted proudly.
The Crestline Monorail A hologram of the giant monorail appeared, running from the mall up to the second floor. "Our cross-floor transit system," Optimus said, "shall be named the Crestline Monorail, uniting the first floor, Dawnvale Run, and Lumina Crest."
THE STF REGION (SECOND FLOOR) The hologram moved to a wide elevated region far from the cities, the headquarters of the Special Task Force.
Sentinel Ridge (STF Headquarters) The massive 100-story HQ tower came into view. "This stronghold of the STF," Optimus said proudly, "shall be called Sentinel Ridge." STF soldiers everywhere stood straighter.
The Colossus Docks and Warship Beside Sentinel Ridge, the enormous STF warship rested on an elevated platform."And the warship that guards our skies," Optimus said, "shall be the Colossus of Tenrihines, housed forever in the Colossus Docks." This announcement shook the plaza with applause.
OPTIMUS ENDS THE CEREMONY Optimus lowered his hand.
"With these names,"
he said, "our capital stands united. From Valora Downs to Lumina Crest, from Iron Summit to Sentinel Ridge, we are one city, one people, one Empire."
Fireworks exploded above Iron Summit. Purple gold banners unfurled down the mountains. The capital had its identity at last. In the front row, Captain One Arm nodded. Red Riot grinned. White Flash whispered, "Finally, a capital worthy of its name."
Azaryl smiled faintly. And not far from the stage, Draykor Helvane clapped politely, wearing a warm smile as the cameras captured his face. The crowd adored him.