Chapter 138: The Final Verdict!
The silence in the plaza was absolute. Principal Alistair Finch stood on the dais, his unassuming presence radiating a quiet authority that dwarfed the combined might of his four bickering Vice-Principals.
They stood before him like chastened students, their earlier passionate arguments forgotten, their gazes now fixed on their leader, awaiting his final verdict.
The Principal’s ancient, wise eyes slowly swept over the assembled aspirants, a faint, almost sad smile touching his lips as he took in their anxious, hopeful faces.
Then, his gaze settled on Daniel, and the smile became one of genuine warmth and profound interest.
"Aspirant Vance," the Principal began, his voice calm yet resonating with a power that seemed to vibrate in the very air.
"You have, in the short time since you have arrived at our academy, caused a considerable amount of... excitement.
You have shattered records that have stood for decades. You have displayed a level of power and potential that is, frankly, beyond the scope of our established metrics.
And you have given my Origin Power Core a rather severe case of existential anxiety."
A few nervous chuckles rippled through the crowd, breaking the intense silence.
"I have reviewed your records," the Principal continued, his gaze piercing, yet not unkind.
"Not just the logs of your kills and achievements, but the nuances of your actions.