Chapter 123: At Crossroads!
The brilliant white glow from the Truth-Seeker Orb that had validated Daniel’s will finally subsided, leaving a stunned silence in its wake across the vast plaza of Astralis Academy’s Upper House.
One hundred points. An unprecedented score. Even Director Gareth Sterling, a man who had seen countless prodigies pass through these halls, looked momentarily speechless, his usual stern look gave way to a deep, almost uneasy, expression of thought.
The whispers among the gathered aspirants, already stirred by Daniel’s earlier record-breaking feats, now swelled to a crescendo of awe and disbelief.
"A perfect hundred? Is that even possible?"
"He’s not just strong; he’s got the will of a saint! Or a very convincing liar..."
"Protect humanity? Unravel universal mysteries? Sounds like he’s aiming to become the next Stargate Messiah!"
Ayra, her S-Grade Crystal Gloves gleaming, just shook her head, a bewildered grin on her face.
"Vance, you magnificent, lying weirdo," she muttered under her breath, loud enough for Lia to overhear.
"I swear, if you weren’t so good at punching things into other dimensions, you’d make a terrifyingly effective politician."
Lia, her A-Grade Staff of the World Ash pulsing with a soft, amused light, offered a serene smile.
"Perhaps, Ayra, his intentions are indeed as noble as he states. Or perhaps," her grey eyes twinkled, "his [Deception] skill is simply SSS-Rank as well."