The commendation and awards ceremony was held grandly in Tran Hung Dao High School's largest auditorium. Not only were all the students and teachers present, but also leaders from the Department of Education, General Khang, and a few other high-ranking officers. Television crews were also there to report on the event. This was an unprecedented honor for a non-specialized school like Tran Hung Dao.
The combat team, including Lam Minh, Hoang Long, Le Van Hung, and To Quyen as the analyst, were invited onto the stage. They wore their school uniforms, looking incredibly solemn.
After the long-winded speeches from the principal and the Department of Education leader, the most anticipated part finally arrived. General Khang, in his majestic military uniform, stepped up to the podium.
He didn't talk much about tactics or skills. He told a story.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice deep and powerful. "Today, I want to tell you about a soldier. He does not hold a rank, nor does he wear a uniform. He is just a 16-year-old student. But when faced with danger, when humanity needed him, he did not hesitate. He used his own body as a shield, used his courage to create a miracle. He is our silent hero."
Although General Khang didn't go into detail about the incident at wall section E-12, his words were enough to move the entire auditorium. All eyes turned to Lam Minh, who stood on the stage with a calm expression.
General Khang personally presented certificates of merit and commemorative medals to each member. When it was Lam Minh's turn, he paused, looked straight into his eyes, and said softly enough for only him to hear.
"Well done, young man. But next time, don't be so reckless. Humanity needs people like you to survive."
"I understand, General," Lam Minh replied.
After the ceremony, while reporters were trying to surround the team, General Khang had a private talk with Lam Minh in the principal's office.
"About the 'black-cloaked master' you mentioned," General Khang said. "We are still investigating, but with no results. In any case, your incident has reminded us that the power of an individual can sometimes change the entire situation. Therefore, the High Command has decided to establish a special program."
"A special program?"
"That's right. A program called 'Future Seeds.' We will select individuals with special potential from all over the ASEAN bloc, regardless of age or background, to be nurtured and trained under a completely new curriculum. The goal is to create super-warriors, capable of solo operations and confronting high-level Madakaros."
General Khang looked at Lam Minh. "And you are the number one 'seed' we are aiming for. Although you have refused to join Blacklight, this program is different. You don't need to enlist immediately, just participate in special training courses on weekends or holidays. What do you think?"
Lam Minh understood immediately that this was another way to "tie" him to the military system. But he also saw its benefits. He would have access to top-tier resources, information, and technology that would otherwise be unavailable.
"I agree to participate, sir," he replied.
"Good!" General Khang was pleased. "We will send you the detailed schedule later. Be prepared."
The ceremony ended. Lam Minh became a hero in the eyes of his friends, a "male god" in the hearts of the girls, and a strategic "seed" in the military's plans. His life seemed to be turning to a new, promising page.
He was strolling through the schoolyard to enjoy some quiet air after the ceremony when To Quyen found him. She wasn't alone; she was with her mother, Professor Lan Anh.
"Lam Minh," Professor Lan Anh greeted him with a smile. "I came to congratulate you. You are truly the pride of our city."
"Thank you, Professor. I just did what needed to be done," Lam Minh replied modestly.
"I also came to give you this," she said, handing him a black metal card. "This is the 'Special Consultant' card for the Military Research Institute. With this card, you have full access to all our Grade-A laboratories, except for the top-secret areas. We believe that with your mind, having access to new research will benefit both you and us."
Lam Minh took the card. This was a gift more precious than any praise. It gave him access to the treasure trove of knowledge he had always desired. "Thank you so much, Professor."
"Don't be a stranger," Professor Lan Anh smiled kindly. "Oh, the Institute has an upcoming business trip to Hanoi to visit the National Center for Historical Research and Heritage. If you're interested, I can arrange a spot for you to come along. Consider it a relaxing trip after everything that's happened."
Hanoi?
Lam Minh froze. The name evoked a vague memory from his past life. He faintly remembered that before humanity's complete fall, they had discovered some earth-shattering secret in the old capital, a secret related to ancient legends... but by then, it was too late.
"Yes, I would love to go," he replied instantly. "When do we leave?"
"In about two weeks. I'll let you know the details later," Professor Lan Anh said. "Well, I have to go now. Quyen, you stay and chat with your friend."
After Professor Lan Anh left, To Quyen finally spoke, a joyful look on her face. "So you'll be going to Hanoi with me?"
"Yeah," Lam Minh nodded. "I also want to see what our old capital is like now."
The two of them strolled through the schoolyard, talking about everything under the sun. From complex problems in the laboratory to trivial matters in class. The atmosphere was extremely comfortable and natural.
But they didn't know that from a hidden corner on the rooftop, a pair of eyes was watching them.
Quynh Nhu had her hands in her jacket pockets, muttering to herself, "Hanoi? A business trip? And they're going alone together! That punching bag, he's got some nerve! Daring to leave me behind."
She took out her phone and dialed a number.
"Hello, Captain? It's me. I want to request a two-week leave... Yes? The reason? Ah... I want to go to Hanoi to visit relatives... and while I'm at it, I can check the security for some of the army's 'important assets'."
As she spoke, she glanced towards Lam Minh, a "dangerous" smile playing on her lips.
The upcoming trip to Hanoi, it seemed, would not be as "relaxing" as Professor Lan Anh had thought.