The procurement office in Quezon City was buzzing with tension. Rows of plastic chairs were filled with representatives in crisp suits, folders stacked neatly on their laps. At the front, a long table of government officials waited to hear each company's presentation.
Rafael adjusted his plain jacket and walked in quietly. Compared to the polished executives, he looked out of place. But his eyes burned with focus, and in his mind, the Codex was already running simulations.
"Recommendation: Speak simply. Demonstrate proof. Let results outshine reputation."
HydraCorp's representatives strutted forward first. Their spokesman—a tall man with slicked-back hair—spoke with confidence.
"Honorable officials, HydraCorp has been the leader in water solutions for over a decade. We guarantee supply chains, established infrastructure, and tested reliability."
Their slideshow displayed gleaming factories, trucks, and polished statistics. The officials nodded politely, impressed but unsurprised. HydraCorp was the safe choice.
Then it was Rafael's turn.
He walked to the podium with only a backpack in hand. Whispers rippled across the room. A nobody startup, with no entourage, no flashy suits.
He placed one AquaPure straw on the table. "Good morning, sirs and madams. I won't waste your time with promises. Instead, I'll let the product speak."
He poured water from a plastic bottle into a glass—murky, brown, and foul-smelling. A few officials frowned in disgust.
Rafael calmly inserted the straw, took a long sip, then held up the glass again. "This is what AquaPure offers: clean, safe water—instantly, anywhere."
The room was silent. Then one of the officials, skeptical, asked: "Is that… safe?"
Rafael slid the glass toward him. "See for yourself."
After a moment's hesitation, the man took a sip. His eyes widened. "It's… pure. No taste, no odor."
Gasps spread through the officials. Murmurs rose from the audience.
The Codex projected a line of text in Rafael's vision:
"Impact achieved. Emotional resonance secured. HydraCorp credibility weakening."
But HydraCorp wasn't finished. Their spokesman shot up, voice sharp. "With all due respect, officials, one straw is not a solution for thousands of families. HydraCorp has scale and logistics. AquaPure is just a toy company playing with filters."
Rafael met his glare calmly. "Then let's talk numbers."
He pulled out a thin folder—the Codex had already optimized every detail. "Production costs are 40% lower than HydraCorp's. Distribution is scalable through local barangay partnerships. And unlike HydraCorp's bulky systems, AquaPure can be carried by a child."
He let his words sink in before adding softly: "We may be small, but our solution saves lives faster. Isn't that what matters?"
The officials exchanged looks. Some were clearly intrigued. Others hesitated, aware of HydraCorp's influence. The room was at a tipping point.
Rafael stood tall, his voice steady. "You can choose tradition. Or you can choose the future. AquaPure is that future."