Underground in Fisk Tower, inside the [Ability Assessment Room].
Flint Marko, the Sandman, stood calmly in the center of the platform.
Unlike the fear, despair, and humility he felt when he first stepped in here months ago, he was still robust, but his brows now held a sense of composure and confidence honed through trials.
His breathing was steady, his gaze firm, like a sandstone made more resolute by the wind and sand.
This assessment was not for a mission, nor to test the effectiveness of new equipment, but a routine, periodic ability review, which would also determine whether he could officially receive the title that the system had long decided but had not yet granted.
The ethereal blue scanning beams, like living tendrils, gently and precisely swept over every corner of his body, collecting data on the most subtle energy fluctuations, cell activity, mental load, and ability control.
On the control panel screen, a waterfall of data streamed, refreshing at a speed far exceeding conventional computer processing, finally condensing into a detailed new report.
[Hero: Sandman - Flint Marko]
[Ability Level Review Report]
[Core Ability: Sand Transformation / Sand Manipulation]
[Current Development: 31%] (Increased by 13% since last assessment)
[Sand Manipulation Precision: Excellent] (Capable of stable microscopic construction and complex form changes)
[Form Transformation Speed: Extremely Fast] (Nearly instantaneous, maintaining partial sand transformation in normal state without mental load)
[Environmental Sand Perception and Control Radius: 15 meters] (Expanded by 8 meters since last assessment)
[Sand Cohesion Strength and Energy Conduction Efficiency: Significantly Improved] (Thanks to external activator assistance and enhanced self-control)
[Combat Application Evaluation: Excellent. Participated in and led multiple Wolf-Class, tiger-level, and ghost-level threat resolutions, including but not limited to "Road Rage Mech," "Party A Freak," "Iron Monger Incident," etc. Flexible tactical application, extremely strong environmental utilization ability, possesses excellent on-site command and teamwork awareness.]
[Potential Assessment Maintained: S-Rank]
[Overall Combat Power Rating: Increased from B- to A-Rank.]
[Special Contributions: As the association's first core hero, loyalty MAX, positive image, high public recognition, outstanding contributions to the early development of the association.]
[System Recommendation: Meets S-Class Hero promotion standards, recommends immediate granting of official S-Class title, and opening of higher authority and resource allocation.]
The door of the assessment room slid open, and Flint walked out, a hint of subtle anticipation on his face.
Although he couldn't see the specific data, he could clearly feel his progress over the past few months.
Every actual combat, every training, every piece of knowledge or assistance exchanged with points, allowed him to take his understanding and control of his abilities to a new level.
Wesley was already waiting outside, holding the freshly printed assessment report, a rare, genuine smile on his face.
"Congratulations, Mr. Marko," Wesley handed him the report, "After the system's final review and comprehensive evaluation, your abilities, contributions, and potential have all met the association's highest standards."
He paused, then announced clearly and solemnly:
"From now on, you are officially promoted to the Hero Association, S-Class Hero."
S-Rank!
Although he had anticipated it, when the word was officially announced, Flint's heart still skipped a beat.
An indescribable warmth surged through his body.
This was not just a title, a rank, but the highest recognition for all his past efforts, struggles, and sacrifices!
It was proof of his transformation from Flint Marko, who struggled in the mud of Hell's Kitchen, to the respected "Sandman" who could now protect an area!
He took the report, his fingers trembling slightly with excitement.
Although he couldn't understand the complex data, the prominent "S" rank emblem, and the accompanying "A-Rank Combat Power Rating," explained everything.
"Thank you... Thank you, Association, thank you, Boss, thank you, Mr. Wesley."
Flint's voice was a little choked, he tried hard to remain calm, but the light in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.
"You deserve it, Mr. Marko."
Wesley patted him on the shoulder, "The Boss specifically instructed that in addition to the fixed high salary and increased benefits for S-Class Heroes, the association will reward you an additional 5000 points to commend your outstanding contributions recently, especially your critical role in responding to the Iron Monger Incident.
At the same time, A-Rank and below mall authority will be officially opened, and the Equipment Research Department will also prioritize custom-making higher-level exclusive equipment for you."
Five thousand points!
And higher authority and exclusive equipment!
Flint felt his breathing quicken.
This meant he could improve himself faster, exchange for more powerful skills and knowledge, and better protect the people he wanted to protect!
Almost simultaneously, his internal association communicator and the APP of all registered heroes received an association-wide system announcement:
[Association-wide Announcement]
[Hero Promotion Notice]
Hero: Sandman (Flint Marko), after comprehensive system evaluation and approval by the association's management, has been officially promoted to — S-Class Hero.
This announcement is made to commend.
It is hoped that all heroes will take this as an example, strive to improve, and contribute to maintaining World peace and order.
— Hero Association Management
This announcement, like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake, caused a huge stir within the association.
In the training area, several resting C and D-Class Heroes looked at the announcement, their faces showing envy and longing.
"S-Rank! My goodness! The Sandman boss really got promoted!"
"Well deserved! Look at what he's done, he's solved several ghost-level threats!"
"Five thousand points reward! That's too generous! We have to work hard too!"
Daredevil Matt was sitting in a corner of the lounge, "listening" to the announcement through special equipment, and he nodded slightly.
He had cooperated with the Sandman and was clear about that man's strength and character, so this promotion did not surprise him.
The Silent Heart Master Lin remained silent, but when she saw the announcement, the light in her eyes under the silver mask flickered slightly.
Even Jessica Jones, who had just completed a collaborative mission and still held complex feelings about the association, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and murmur, "S-Rank? Heh, the benefits are really good."
This announcement was not only a recognition of the Sandman's individual achievements but also conveyed several clear signals to all stakeholders inside and outside the association:
1. The association's promotion system is clear and real, with merit and ability as the sole criteria.
2. S-Rank is not a hollow title; the Sandman is a living example, inspiring those who follow.
3. The association possesses the ability and resources to cultivate S-Class Heroes.
In the top-floor office, Kingpin looked at the Sandman's updated permissions and status in the system, his face showing no ripples, but a hint of satisfaction flashed deep in his eyes.
The Sandman, this unpolished gem he had personally selected and invested resources in, was finally beginning to radiate a dazzling light capable of deterring all sides.
His successful promotion was the most powerful proof of the effectiveness of the association's model and an important piece of the association's strength.
Flint did not dwell in joy for too long.
He took a deep breath and said to Wesley, "Mr. Wesley, I want to immediately use some points to exchange for [Advanced Sand Manipulation Insights (Intermediate)]."
He knew that S-Rank was just a new starting point, and future challenges would only be more numerous and powerful.
He could not slack off in the slightest, for his daughter Penny's increasingly bright smile, and to live up to the association and the Boss's recognition and kindness.
Wesley nodded approvingly: "Of course, Mr. Marko.
Your authority has been updated, and you can exchange anytime."
Watching Flint eagerly walk towards the internal exchange terminal, Wesley knew that the association's first S-Class Hero was ready to embrace a broader stage and heavier responsibilities.
The Sandman's promotion, like a lighthouse, illuminated the path for countless heroes within the association who yearned to become stronger, and also announced to the entire World — the Hero Association possesses top-tier power, and this power is constantly growing.