Top Meeting Room - Academy
(after a moment of silence following Dan and Elena's conversation)
Director Illaris coughed slightly , then stood up straight and said
"It seems your family affairs are now complete... let's continue."
He turned to Dan and smiled.
"Dan, you might not know this, but I've got the space element too. I'm not as talented as you, but I can teach you some useful tricks."
Dan raised his eyebrows, surprised for a moment, then said seriously with a bit of humor:
"Well then... I'm counting on you."
Elena looked at Dan and said
"Dan, you'll have a great teacher. By the way, I still haven't said sorry for trying to kill you. it's a pity I failed though."
Ilaris looked at her and tried to smile, saying:
"I appreciate the apology, but is there a reason for the last part?"
Elena smiled and replied.
"Yes."
Dan looked at the fire and asked:
"Is it okay to just take it like that?"
Ilaris replied with a light laugh.
"No worries, I'm used to dealing with it. In fact, this little girl was a real headache when she was a student."
"Oh, tell me, what was she doing?"
The director smiled and replied
"She was the most talented in her class... and also the most serious. She didn't smile much, and her cold gaze made everyone nervous, even the teachers.
He kept going, looking at Elena with a half-smile:
"Actually, you're one of the few people I've seen her be nice to."
Dan didn't say anything for a second, then he looked at her with a slight smile and said something.
"Really... nice to me? I just hope I never see her angry side."
Elena slowly turned to him, looked at him with half-closed eyes, and then said coldly:
"Did you say something?"
Dan and laughed as he put his hands up, acting like he was giving in.
"Nothing! It's just a thought about your warm kindness, that's all."
Ilaris paused and said:
"Dan, before we end the meeting, there's one more thing to discuss."
Dan looked at him like he had a question, and the director kept talking in a formal tone but with a smile.
"Your rank has been officially promoted to Gold."
Dan's eyes widened slightly in disbelief.
"I know the space element stood out, but honestly... even without it, your skills assessment and teacher observations show that you have at least the minimum qualifications for this rank. So... it was only a matter of time before you got promoted."
Dan didn't say anything for a few seconds, then he quietly said:
"I see. Thanks.
The director nodded, then looked at everyone and said:
"So, I guess our meeting is over and Dan There's a press conference tomorrow."
Dan raised his eyebrows in surprise and said:
"A press conference? Why?"
Ilaris laughed lightly, then replied:
"kid, you helped take down a Void creature with the rank of SS, and you woke up a month after taking a fatal blow from him. The whole world is talking about you, and everyone wants to know: How?"
Dan was momentarily taken aback, then looked away and let out a soft sigh.
"It would've been better if no one knew..."
Ilaris laughed again
"Your wishes won't change the truth. Get ready to shine as the new star of Renaria Academy.
Dan let out a sigh, looking a bit defeated.
Ilaris looked at everyone and said:
"So, our meeting is over."
The next day, Dan woke up to the sunlight slipping in through the nice curtains. He got up quietly and looked around the new room he'd been moved to after getting promoted to gold rank. The furniture was more luxurious, and the decorations on the walls bore the symbols of the academy's elite.
So... this is my room now.
It was quiet, Elena. Tia and the elders had returned to the family. The meeting was short, but a lot had changed.
Dan thought to himself as he looked at the details of the fancy room:
"If the Gold rank room is like this, what can we expect from the Diamond rank rooms?"
He decided to step out of his room to get some fresh air. When he opened the door, he found a person standing there with a friendly smile.
The person said enthusiastically:
"Hey Dan! It's good to see you're doing well. Maybe you don't remember me."
Dan interrupted with a big smile:
"How could I forget you, Marilyn? It's been a while."
"Good thing you haven't forgotten me! congrats on your rank promotion! It's awesome that you went from silver to gold so fast. I think you're the fastest person in the Academy's history to get promoted."
Dan laughed, shaking his head:
"You're right, all I had to do was get a hole in my body."
Marlin laughed lightly and said
"Well you're still alive, though. Everyone's really excited to see you, by the way. What are you going to do now?"
Dan replied, pointing his thumb behind him:
"Actually, the director told me he's having a press conference in a little while. I'm on my way there now."
Marlin raised his eyebrows in surprise:
"Really? I didn't know that... I've been practicing all the time while you've been sleeping like a champ."
Dan laughed and said
"Do you want to go with me?"
Marlin smiled and waved to him.
"No, I'm just going to keep practicing. I just wanted to say hi, and then I'll be on my way. Don't make them wait for you." And don't forget to smile for the cameras!"
Dan nodded and started walking towards the conference room.