Chapter 69: 069 Honor

Tomorrow they would march to the battlefield, so there was no sense in delaying tonight's trial reward.

Normally, for a single trial, praise those who performed well, scold those who did poorly, and the matter would be considered settled, with everyone shouldering the consequences together.

The problem was that in this trial, the new soldier with the code number 95B27 performed exceptionally well—ignoring it completely could invite criticism.

But as for rewards... What to reward?

Status? Position? For an artificial human destined to shed blood on the battlefield, these were useless to him.

Money? Housing? It would seem distasteful to retract these upon his death...

Weslin could not decide alone, so he decided to gather a wide range of opinions.

Carlos was the first to suggest, "Gene Optimization Solution! His performance totally justifies applying for a dose of Gene Optimization Solution for him!"

This suggestion was swiftly rejected, "A mere trial is not significant enough to merit the issue of Gene Optimization Solution."

This stuff was a scarce resource across the entire city, with the Research Department producing very limited quantities each month. Was it even possible for an artificial newcomer to get a share?

It was the only possible reward but seemed highly unlikely at the moment.

The room momentarily fell into a deadlock.

With Carlos leading the proponent faction, they didn't have any ideas for other rewards either. An artificial human soldier... really didn't need much.

A better gun? More bullets? Better training conditions? Those hardly counted as rewards.

"Then... announce his induction into the special forces squad," someone suggested.

In the ensuing silence, the aged voice of Laurent, Carlos's old team leader, began to resonate.

"That would work!" Sёarch* The ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"A good reward."

Suddenly, a chorus of agreement nearly resounded simultaneously.

Laurent's proposal unusually gained the unanimous consent of almost all the officers from the three factions.

Joining the special forces squad was an established fact, and to announce it publicly... was an honor.

Offering the intangible honor to appease an artificial person was clearly the optimal choice, as it cost nothing.

Carlos's faction was not dissatisfied either; in doing so, they essentially legitimized the previous team leader's irregular actions, making the question of 95B27's affiliation more straightforward and quelling idle gossip.

Perfect!

...

Blinding floodlights illuminated those bewildered souls, as the battle-scarred new soldiers gazed up at the figure bathed in endless light.

"Yes, this was an exercise without prior notice! Life offers no redos, and danger lurks daily. This was a test of everyone's ability to react to crises, and I am pleased... You all did very well. And among you..."

Weslin paused slightly, emphasizing his next words, "The soldier from Line 95, B27, has without a doubt shone the brightest! This is something everyone can attest to. Therefore, we have decided to break the precedent, promote him exceptionally. This newcomer who joined you will now be inducted into our special forces squad, which bears the hardest responsibilities!

Let us invite this miracle-making soldier onto the stage with a round of applause to accept this honor!"

Bai E, below the stage, was slightly taken aback.

???

What's going on?

He had envisioned many possible outcomes, such as being dissected... dissected... and dissected. Stay tuned with m,v le,mpyr

After all, his fiery performance earlier did not seem like that of a recruit with less than three days of training, and his recent sorrow was partly due to this concern.

But he hadn't expected... that merely restating the facts would be considered a reward?

That worked for him—just as he wanted!

Bai E jogged onto the stage, his expression calm, still sporting an impassive face.

"Anything you wish to say?" Weslin looked at Bai E, a gentle smile in his eyes.

He remembered this artificial human, who would have been shaved bald by Yue Ying if not for his intervention.

Moreover, this soldier had a compelling presence and was somewhat endearing.

Adhering to the principle of keeping a reserved demeanor, Bai E replied somewhat stiffly, "I merely did what the instructors taught us to do, what I should do. I don't know what else to say."

Weslin felt somewhat guilty toward this pure and reliable soldier upon hearing Bai E's words, "The instructors, no doubt, made a lot of effort, but you must have also undergone strenuous training privately. This is the honor you deserve!"

Weslin turned to look at all the soldiers, patting Bai E's shoulder while saying, "In light of Soldier 95B27's performance during the new recruit training, we've decided to give him the highest S-tier potential rating. Next, as long as he can earn a small amount of combat achievements during the war, he'll have the chance to obtain a precious and compatible Gene Optimization Solution!"

Gene Optimization Solution!

In fact, over the past few days, this was the term the new recruits heard the most, and Bai E naturally knew its value.

The human body has its limits in strength.

For Bai E's body at present, even if he were to push his abilities to their limit through feedback from player tasks and diligent training, he would only reach a trifecta of physical attributes: 15 points in physical strength, insight, and reflexes.

To break through the shackles of the human body, the help of Gene Optimization Solution is indispensable.

It can push the three-dimensional attributes of the human body past the 15-point limit, opening up more possibilities for a warrior's personal combat development.

Also, according to some rumors, each use of the stuff might even unlock new traits for humans, with numerous functions.

Only with this can one have a future.

This is a true core resource, coveted by everyone.

The mention of certain terms easily stirred up everyone's emotions, and even some of the artificial humans, who usually lacked personal desires, seemed to breathe a bit heavier.

Weslin's lips curled slightly, very pleased with everyone's reaction, "Of course, you don't have to be disheartened. Anyone who demonstrates outstanding combat achievements will have the chance to obtain the precious Gene Optimization Solution. He's just one step ahead of you! And tomorrow, it will be everyone's opportunity!"

The crowd dispersed, full of enthusiasm.

…

"Tomorrow is the battle, get some sleep early."

Inside the tent, Dashan playfully slapped Bai E on the shoulder, "Tomorrow we're counting on you, hero."

Tiger stopped Dashan's teasing, "Don't tease Bai, he's a serious guy."

"So I'm not serious?"

Tiger ignored him, just looking earnestly at Bai E, "I don't know how the higher-ups made their decision, but... it's very rare for artificial humans to get the Gene Optimization Solution. So, don't push yourself too hard."

Song Ying also nodded and added, "Do what you can."

"Um~" Bai nodded, he had no intention of pushing himself to the limit.

If his life were lost, no amount of Gene Optimization Solution could bring it back.

Besides, he'd just checked, the 500 vials of Bug Tribe Essence Extract that dropped didn't seem to be junk either.

The so-called Gene Optimization Solution was made from this stuff...

[Feedback from the commission, Stealth Experience +15.] (Cumulative)

[Feedback from the commission, Ranged Weapons Mastery Experience +9.]

"…Huh?"

…

"Shhh, keep it down."

In the silent sewer, Dai Lian made a shushing noise.

"They're distracting them at the front, we'll circle around from behind! We're sure to catch the mastermind behind this!"

Kuang Xin pointed behind Dai Lian, "Rat!"

Dai Lian turned and shot.

"Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~"

[Successful hit on a small moving target, Ranged Weapons Mastery Experience +2.]

[Multiple hits on the same target, inflicting 25 points of fatal damage!]

[You have ended the battle, gaining 2 points of combat experience.]

Under the barrage of arrows, the rats were killed.

Bending down to retrieve the crossbow arrows he had shot, Dai Lian held his hand crossbow with some pride.

This thing is much better than guns – quieter, recyclable, truly the perfect weapon for assassination and must-have for households!