Chapter 43: Weapon of mass promotion!
The aftershocks of the platform-wide announcement about Daniel's absurdly high assessment score faded quickly, but the stunned silence from the assembled recruits lingered.
Daniel found himself standing on a hastily erected awards platform.
Director Thorne , a man whose usually stern face now looked like he'd seen a particularly aggressive unicorn, clearing his throat awkwardly.
"Ahem! Yes, well," Director Thorne began, his voice amplified but still carrying a tremor of disbelief.
"As the... unequivocally top-ranked Aspirant of this consolidated cohort, Daniel Vance, on behalf of Vanguard Academy, it is my honor to present you with these tokens of your exceptional... thoroughness."
Several items appeared on a floating tray beside the Director, the dramatic flair feeling a bit unnecessary.
First, a rack of sleek, metallic vials filled with shimmering liquids.
"Standard-issue Nanite Enhancement Potions," Thorne announced. "Designed to provide a temporary boost to physical parameters. Use them wisely."
Daniel nodded, accepting them.
Nanite potions, huh? Wonder what happens if I try to assimilate it. Fun experiments for later, he mused. Nyx, from her pouch, let out a soft "mrrf," probably smelling the concentrated energy.
Next, two intricately designed data-chips, one silver, one gold. "A Grade-A Weapon Exchange Coupon and a Grade-A Skill Exchange Coupon,"