Chapter 221: Chapter 221: Just Business (Part 8)
Dr. Gadget's cane tapped as his visor flickered again before his gruff voice echoed through the stadium.
"Next up… Phantomstrike."
The stadium fell into an almost eerie silence as Phantomstrike stepped away from the group of candidates.
He didn't say a word, his movements slow and a bit stiff. His dark hood concealed his face in shadows, and the dark tendrils of his cape seemed to blend into the dimming light of the stadium.
Without acknowledging the crowd or his fellow candidates, he simply walked toward the center of the field. His quiet presence was unsettling in contrast to the flashier displays before him.
As Phantomstrike approached, the field's configuration shifted. Platforms rose from the ground, and black drones and androids emerged from hidden compartments, moving with mechanical accuracy.
Each drone had a glowing red sensor, scanning the area around it with rapid movements. They hovered and darted back and forth, their scanners sweeping the field as if on high alert. The challenge was clear: evade detection and complete the task.
Without a word, Phantomstrike disappeared from view, vanishing into the shadows cast by the tall structures surrounding the field. The crowd remained largely quiet, except for the occasional murmur of curiosity or the sound of shifting seats.
It was a far cry from the cheers that had erupted during Silverwing's evaluation, but Phantomstrike didn't need applause. Silence suited him.
The commentator's voice eventually broke the silence. "Phantomstrike has a reputation for being silent and deadly," he said quietly. "Let's see how he handles this stealth evaluation. He's got to navigate the field without being detected by any of the drones or androids… tricky, but not impossible for someone with his skills."
The camera zoomed in, trying to catch sight of Phantomstrike. For a moment, nothing happened—just the whir of the drones sweeping the field. But then, one of the androids jerked to the side as if reacting to something, only to continue its patrol.
**Whirr.**
A brief flicker of movement could be seen just behind it before Phantomstrike vanished again into the shadows, leaving no trace behind. The audience gasped softly at the close call.
"He's already bypassed the first layer of security," the second commentator noted, impressed. "I'll admit, his style isn't as flashy as some of the others, but you can't argue with results. The young man is truly skilled at his craft."
"Right you are," the first commentator agreed. "If you ask me, he'd make a better secret agent than a superhero. And let's not forget—he's the only candidate here who still keeps his identity a secret."
The second commentator chuckled. "Adds to his mystery and edge, don't you think?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if that's exactly why he does it," the first responded with a laugh.
On the field, Phantomstrike continued to move through the course, his steps light and precise. He scaled a platform with silent agility, slipping behind an android and disabling it before it could turn around.
His movements were fluid, efficient. Each time the drones' scanners passed near him, he melted away into the shadows, making it seem as though he was never there. Every now and then, a gasping spectator would react to a near miss, but the silence that followed each close call only deepened the intensity of his performance.
Back in the livestream chats, Phantomstrike's fans were showing their excitement:
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**Delaygram:**
**@PhantomFanatic88**: "Finally, someone with actual SKILL. Phantomstrike doesn't need to fly around like a show-off or punch like a clown to win. He's out here being a real threat in silence 👏."
**@StarboyForLife**: "Bro, Phantomstrike's just a walking shadow. What's he gonna do in broad daylight, ask the sun for mercy? 🌞😂."
**@SilverWingedVictory**: "Facts. Without the shadows, Phantomstrike's just playing hide and seek in the dark. Silverwing would outshine him—literally 💡✨."
**@NeutralWatchDude**: "Can we all agree that Starboy's hair would be the first thing Phantomstrike takes out? That cape ain't hiding nothing 😂."
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**@SilentAssassinPhantom**: "At least Phantomstrike can get the job done. Silverwing's too busy looking pretty, and Starboy's still in orbit from that last punch 🌌."
**@StarboySuperFan69**: "Phantomstrike can't get the job done unless someone dims the lights. He's just Batman without the budget 🦇."
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**@ShadowMasterPhantom**: "While Silverwing's out here doing air gymnastics and Starboy's trying to look tough, Phantomstrike's actually completing the mission. Can your faves even manage that?"
**@WingmanSupreme**: "Phantomstrike thinks he's so slick because he can hide. Meanwhile, Silverwing's flying like a real hero. Keep creeping in the dark, Phantom boy 👻."
**@NeutralRando21**: "Imagine needing complete darkness to be relevant. Starboy's fans must be sweating every time the lights go out 😂."
-—
**Chirper**
**@PhantomOverAll**: "Phantomstrike doesn't need to fly or punch his way to victory, he's already smarter than both these golden idiots. Efficiency > flashiness any day 😎."
**@Starboy4Real**: "Efficient at *what*, hiding? Bet he spends more time looking for shadows than actually fighting. Starboy would KO him in the daylight, no contest 💪."
**@WingedWonders98**: "Silverwing doesn't need shadows to be relevant. Phantomstrike's whole existence is 'dim the lights or I'm useless' vibes 🔦."
**@NeutralJokester69**: "Can't wait for the crossover where Phantomstrike gets hit by sunlight and just fades away like a Snapchat filter 😂."
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**@SilentButDeadlyPhantom**: "While the others are out here putting on a circus act, Phantomstrike's moving like a ninja. Zero noise, just results 🖤."
**@StarFury_69**: "Results? He's a walking blackout! The minute the lights come on, it's game over. Starboy doesn't need to hide to fight ✨."
**@FlyingHigh_Silverwing**: "Phantomstrike's great if you wanna sneak around your mom's house after curfew. Otherwise, nah 💀."
**@NeutralBurner14**: "Y'all talking about hiding, but we all know Phantomstrike's just making sure Starboy doesn't embarrass himself a second time in broad daylight 😂."
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**@ShadowSupremacyPhantom**: "Flashiness isn't everything. While your boys are out here flying and failing, Phantomstrike's over here beating the challenge without breaking a sweat 😎."
**@StarLoyalist3000**: "He's not breaking a sweat because he's not doing anything! Without darkness, Phantomstrike's just a shadow of himself 🌞."
**@SilverGlory99**: "Silverwing could fly circles around Phantomstrike, and everyone knows it. Dude would have a nervous breakdown in a fully lit room 💡."
**@MisterNeutral33**: "Y'all ever think Phantomstrike's so quiet because even he knows he's only useful when it's nighttime? 🌚"
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**@StealthKingPhantom**: "Phantomstrike's giving us elite stealth while Starboy's gonna give us another trip to the ER. Y'all really out here defending him? 😂"
**@StarboyDefender**: "Talk to me when Phantomstrike fights in a well-lit stadium. Oh wait, he can't. Starboy would body him in actual combat ☀️."
**@SilverwingShines**: "If your boy has to sneak around to win, is he even a real hero? Silverwing's out here flying like a boss, no shadows needed 🚀."
**@LaughingNeutral44**: "Phantomstrike's got all the shadows but none of the shine. Meanwhile, Starboy's just shining like a sore loser 😂."
———
Don watched the performance closely, his attention sharper now than it had been for Silverwing. 'His abilities are eerily similar to mine as Predator,' Don thought, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed Phantomstrike's flawless movements.
There was a bit of disappointment somewhere deep inside Don—he'd thought his stealth ability as Predator was something unique. But here was Phantomstrike, using something almost identical, and doing it incredibly well. 'Well, on the bright side,' he noted, 'once I start getting known as Predator, they'll probably associate it with him. Might make things easier for me.'
Phantomstrike completed the final task, disabling the last android without ever being detected. The moment he was done, the drones retreated, and the field fell silent once more.
The audience, though quiet throughout the performance, erupted in applause. It wasn't as thunderous as the cheers for Silverwing, but it was clear that Phantomstrike's skill had left a lasting impression.
Dr. Gadget stepped forward, his cane tapping the ground lightly as he approached Phantomstrike, who returned to his place among the candidates.
The hooded figure's expression remained unreadable under his cloak, but his posture remained relaxed, as if the evaluation hadn't taken any effort at all.
"You are definitely your father's son," Dr. Gadget said with a small nod, his voice gruff but respectful. "He's obviously trained you well. Your stealth and precision are already at an elite level. When it comes to operating solo, you're nearly perfect."
The crowd gave a soft round of applause, but Dr. Gadget wasn't done. He tilted his head slightly, his visor flickering as he scrutinized Phantomstrike.
"But…" he trailed off, raising a finger in the air, "you have overconfidence in your abilities. While your execution was nearly flawless, my drones and androids were nowhere near as alert as they could have been. It's important to remember who made the technology most heroes like you—and your father—use to stay hidden."
A soft chuckle escaped Dr. Gadget's lips, his metallic cane tapping again. "Don't take this as me saying you aren't good, Phantomstrike. You are. But you're still lacking when compared to your father." He paused, allowing the words to sink in. "His powers aren't superior—his *skills* are.
I can see that you're trying to emulate him, but relying too much on that won't work for you in the long run."
Phantomstrike didn't move, his hood concealing any expression he might have had. His body language was hard to read—calm and collected as always, showing nothing in response to Dr. Gadget's feedback.
The crowd murmured softly, unsure of what to make of the criticism. Dr. Gadget gave Phantomstrike one final nod before turning away, his cane making the familiar **tap** as he directed his attention to the next candidate.
"Next up…" Dr. Gadget's voice echoed through the stadium once more. "Frostbite."
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