Chapter 286 The Vice President

It was barely past dawn, yet the city vibrated with an energy that felt almost electric. Springfield Presidential Hall, located not far from the Mayor's Office, was a towering structure that opened only a few times a year for Presidential events. It wasn't just a building, but a symbol, the grandest venue in the entire region, with its soaring marble columns, crystal chandeliers that could light up a small town, and a main auditorium that could seat thousands. Today, it had been transformed into something even more spectacular. Workers had labored through the night, hanging enormous banners in red, white, and blue that fluttered from every balcony. Giant LED screens lined the walls, cycling through images of American eagles, starry flags, and highlights from the country's history, as well as clips of Springfield's own military triumphs under Victor Cromwell's rule. The plaza outside was a literal carnival with food trucks offering everything from lobster rolls to gourmet burgers, stage