Three days later, the City Hall square was packed with people.
Several tightly packed rows stood before the newly erected noticeboard, everyone pushing to get closer.
Lane nervously rubbed his palms together, sweat soaking the back of his shirt.
"Make way, make way!" A clerk approached the noticeboard, holding a thick roll of parchment high.
The crowd fell silent, leaving only the sound of hurried breathing.
The clerk unrolled the first notice and read aloud, "Security Department assessment results!"
Lane's heart pounded so hard it felt ready to leap out of his chest. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.
"Lane, third-class overall rating. Proposed appointment: deputy governor and garrison commander of Port Defense, under the Security Department!"
The crowd erupted in cheers!
"Lane! You passed!"
"Good heavens, deputy governor!"
Lane stood rooted to the spot, his mind blank.
The voices around him failed to reach his ears, and the whole world seemed to sway.
Barton rushed over and slapped him on the shoulder.
"Brother, you did it!"
"I... I really..." Lane's voice trembled.
The cheers in the square grew louder.
More names were read out, drawing more shouts of celebration.
Veylin stood at a City Hall window, watching the lively crowd below.
"My lord, the first batch of appointments has been announced." Tristan entered with a thick folder in his hands.
"How did it go?"
"Better than expected." Tristan opened the file. "We accepted a hundred and thirty-two people, covering every level across the three departments. People with practical experience, like Lane, account for over sixty percent."
Veylin nodded.
"Hands-on experience matters more than book knowledge."
"Take a look at these people." Tristan pointed to the list.
"Harry, a former dockworker, was appointed logistics allocation supervisor in the Development Department. Tom, a blacksmith's apprentice, became the