9th–20th December, S.E. 102.
The Centory Olympiad XXV commenced in glorious fashion, its opening ceremony held at the Berlyn Aether Dome — a colossal arena capable of seating over one million spectators, with billions more across the solar dominions watching through Real-Time Hyperlink broadcast.
Lesson of Honor and Pride.
On the first day, Lord Aelyzabeth von Thors summoned Major Aerys Vilozyver, her designated heir, to accompany her in the Supreme Leader's Balcony, a vantage point above all others. Her voice, calm yet commanding, echoed with the weight of wisdom.
"Aerys... politics is but an instrument of governance.Yet what sustains a nation is not power — but the pride of its people.Watch closely: true victory is not found in conquering one's enemies,but in ensuring that the people believe in the glory of their own nation."
Aerys bowed his head solemnly, his violet eyes fixed upon the field below, where athletes took their marks beneath the luminous banners of the Empire.
A Contest Unstained.
The Olympiad drew the gaze of every world in the galaxy.The Interstellar Olympic Committee (IOC), after exhaustive inspection, issued a statement:
"There exists no fraud, no manipulation, no deceit in these Games."
Observers from across the stars praised Lord Aelyzabeth von Thors — a woman of profound psychological insight — for understanding a truth few leaders grasped:A false victory brings only fleeting glory; true greatness is born of justice.
And that was the lesson she intended her people to learn.
Scenes of the Games.
10th December -The star event "Star Racing" electrified the cosmos. The Centorian craft Falchion–X thundered across the lunar orbit track at speeds surpassing Mach 520.The crowd's chant, "Centory! Centory!", shook the very heavens.
13th December -In "Zero-G Gymnastics", the athlete from Thailang claimed gold, her movements flowing with the grace of a celestial goddess.Lord Aelyzabeth rose to applaud — the first smile seen upon her face in months, and the empire rejoiced to witness it.
16th December -The "Mind Combat Esport 7D", a cerebral duel within a seven-dimensional virtual field, captivated the galaxy.A competitor from the Evening Republic triumphed by employing the serene philosophy of "Calm mind conquers chaos."Millions watched in reverent silence.
18th December -The legendary "Battle Mech Arena" — where towering war machines clashed — became the pride of Centory once again.Their team seized gold through flawless execution of the Hive–Unit Formation, the same tactical doctrine used by the Centorian legions in real warfare — a testament to unity, order, and discipline.
Throughout twelve days of competition,there were no protests, no disputes, no violence —only the thunder of applause, and the tears of pride that flowed from hearts across the Empire.
The Closing of Honor.
20th December -When the Games concluded, the results were clear:
Centory claimed the highest number of gold medals.
The nations of Thailang and the Evening Republic received S-Class Medals of Courage for their noble participation amid political adversity.
As the closing ceremony began, the anthem "March of the Cosmos" resounded through the Dome.A grand parade of soldiers and athletes — over a hundred thousand strong — marched beneath the blue flames of the Olympic torch.
Some members of the Galactic Olympic Council criticized the act, declaring:
"To march a military host in a sporting ceremony is unbecoming."
Yet for the people of Centory, that moment was the very embodiment of national pride.
"For we are the people of Centory —born of honor, forged in dignity, and bound by pride in our nation!"
The Day of the Nation and the Birth of Its Flame.
A few days later — 25th December, S.E. 102 —the Imperial Capital of Berlyn shimmered under banners of blue and gold.The Empire celebrated its National Day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Lord Aelyzabeth von Thors.
Though the Lord herself did not appear in public, having been afflicted by a relapse of her chronic lung ailment brought on by overwork, her minister, Walter von Yigzorch, addressed the media:
"The Lord is in good health. Her Excellency merely requires rest after laboring tirelessly for the Empire."
During the ceremony, her personal secretary, Lea von Yigzorch, stood before the multitude and read the Lord's message:
"The greatness of a nation does not dwell in its leader,but in every soul who believes in the promise of tomorrow."
Thunderous applause erupted through the Central Plaza of Berlyn, and millions sang the Imperial Anthem through tears of devotion.
That night —under the velvet skies of Berlyn —blue and golden fireworks blossomed into the radiant emblem of the Star of Centory.
It was as though the heavens themselves proclaimed:
Though the body of Lord Aelyzabeth von Thors may grow frail,the Flame of Dignity and the Pride of the Centorian Peopleshall never fade from the heart of the Empire.
Thus ends Chapter C-XVII.