Chapter 25: Echoes of Power!
The silence on Platform Alpha finally fractured, shattering into a cacophony of hushed whispers, choked exclamations, and the frantic tapping of fingers on Nexus Interfaces as recruits double-checked the unbelievable rankings.
Daniel Vance, the quiet unknown, the presumed 'salted fish', was not only alive but had apparently spent Phase One curb-stomping high-level monsters like they owed him money.
And SSS-Grade Talent? It was like finding out the quiet kid in class was secretly a demigod who moonlighted as a professional wrestler.
Daniel sighed inwardly. So much for blending in. He could feel hundreds of eyes boring into him, a mixture of raw disbelief, burgeoning awe, naked envy, and a significant undercurrent of fear.
He felt like a freshly discovered gold deposit suddenly surrounded by prospectors with varying degrees of sanity.
A few brave (or foolish) souls started to edge closer. A burly recruit whose Talent was likely some form of minor strength enhancement shuffled his feet nervously.
"Uh, Vance? That score... how'd you...?" He trailed off, intimidated by Daniel's calm, unreadable expression.
"Just kept moving," Daniel replied noncommittally, his voice level. It wasn't exactly a lie.
Another recruit, a young woman with wide, calculating eyes, stepped forward more confidently.
"An SSS-Talent," she stated, her voice carrying slightly.
"Incredible! Vanguard Command must be thrilled. Any hints about its nature? Offensive? Defensive? Utility?"