Chapter 33: Chapter Twenty
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The room was dark except for the soft blue glow from the interface of Derek's system. He leaned back on the worn-out couch in the safe house, taking a break from his endless routine of planning, training, and—well, dodging death. This time, he was half-expecting another mundane mission notification, something like, "Avoid Public Exposure for +10 Points." But the system was apparently in a creative mood tonight.
"**New Mission Unlocked: Enter The Seven.**"
Derek froze, blinking at the screen as if it were a late-night prank ad. "You're joking, right?" He said aloud, only half-expecting an answer.
The system, of course, had no sense of humor. It continued, listing out a series of smaller missions tied to the main goal. Each smaller mission came with a reward that might actually prove useful, but the idea of infiltrating The Seven—the most powerful and terrifying superheroes around—seemed less like an opportunity and more like an express ticket to a gruesome death.
"Let me get this straight," Derek muttered, shaking his head. "You want me, with barely half of Thor's power set and a fake Ryan Reynolds face, to waltz into Vought and somehow join The Seven?"
As usual, the system didn't dignify his complaints with an answer.
"Fine," he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess there's no turning back now."
The next morning, Derek sat across from Eric in the safe house kitchen. Eric looked more suspicious than usual, his arms crossed as he leaned against the counter, eyeing Derek with an expression that said, "I know you're about to say something ridiculous."
"So, here's the plan," Derek began, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. "I'm going to… infiltrate The Seven."
Eric's eyes widened for a brief moment before he burst into laughter. "Wait, let me get this straight—you, a guy who barely knows how to handle his own powers, are going to join the most dangerous supers on the planet?"
"Hey, I've got more than enough charm," Derek replied, giving a lopsided grin. "Plus, the system is backing me up. It's got these small missions lined up, each with a nifty reward, and if I play my cards right, it'll get me all the way inside The Seven."
"Yeah, and then what? You're just going to ask them nicely not to kill you?" Eric scoffed. "In case you've forgotten, Translucent just went missing, and Vought's in panic mode."
Derek's eyes gleamed. "Exactly. With Translucent off the grid, there's an open seat on The Seven. Madelyn's desperate to keep the public calm, so I figure she might just be open to a charismatic 'Ryan Reynolds' lookalike with 'hero potential.'" He added air quotes to drive the sarcasm home.
Eric raised a skeptical eyebrow. "That's your plan? Just waltz in there and charm your way into The Seven?"
"Pretty much. With a few strategic stunts along the way to make it seem like I'm just the hero they're looking for."
"Right. Just don't come crying to me when Homelander fries you with his laser eyes."
Derek shot Eric a wink. "Oh, please. I have a system. And a Ryan Reynolds smile. What could go wrong?"
The following day, Derek put on his best suit—a slick black ensemble that screamed "celebrity with mysterious hero vibes"—and made his way to Vought Tower. As he strolled through the gleaming lobby, he could feel the stares from onlookers. It was exactly the kind of attention he wanted.
The system chimed in his mind. "**Mission Objective: Gather Intel on The Seven. Reward: +50 Points.**"
Derek took a deep breath, keeping a smirk plastered on his face. He was, after all, "Ryan Reynolds"—or at least his best impersonation of him. He sauntered up to the front desk, flashing the receptionist a grin. "Hey, I'm here for a, uh, PR meeting. Sort of an unofficial, official thing," he said, giving her a casual shrug that he hoped came off as effortlessly cool.
The receptionist looked flustered, quickly typing into her computer. "Of course, Mr. Reynolds. I'll let Ms. Stillwell know you're here."
Within minutes, he was ushered into a sleek glass-walled conference room, where Madelyn Stillwell waited, flanked by a few Vought executives. She greeted him with her usual poised smile, but there was a slight edge in her eyes.
"Ryan, welcome to Vought," she said smoothly, extending a hand.
Derek shook it with all the casual charm he could muster. "Always a pleasure to be here, Ms. Stillwell. You know, just popping by to see what's cooking."
Her expression remained unreadable. "I'll cut to the chase. Given Translucent's… unexpected absence, Vought is exploring new PR opportunities. We were considering a partnership with someone of your caliber."
Derek leaned forward, a glint in his eye. "Funny you should say that. I was just thinking, maybe The Seven could use a little *Ryan Reynolds flair*, you know? Someone who can handle the media, keep the people entertained… and occasionally save the day."
The executives around the table exchanged uneasy glances, and Derek could feel Madelyn's piercing gaze sizing him up. For a moment, he wondered if she could see through his act. But he stayed calm, projecting that effortless, "I'm-too-cool-for-this" vibe that had always worked wonders in the past.
Madelyn smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Interesting idea. But tell me, Ryan—why now? Why would someone like you want to get involved with The Seven?"
Derek shrugged, leaning back with a practiced ease. "Honestly? I just like a little danger. And who wouldn't want to work alongside living legends?"
The answer was vague, but it seemed to satisfy her curiosity—for now. Madelyn nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Well, we'll definitely consider it."
The system chimed in his head, rewarding him with points as the mission objective completed.
Later that evening, Derek found himself seated in Madelyn's private office for a follow-up meeting. She looked every bit the composed, intimidating corporate powerhouse, but Derek could sense the stress beneath her calm exterior. Vought's PR was spiraling over Translucent's absence, and she was grasping at straws for a solution.
"Ryan," she began, fixing him with a sharp look, "we've reviewed your… proposal, and it's clear you've got a certain charm. The question is, can you handle the expectations?"
"Oh, I think I can handle a lot more than you'd expect," Derek said, leaning in with a conspiratorial grin. "I know it's unconventional, but maybe that's exactly what The Seven need right now. Someone who brings a fresh perspective—an outsider with enough guts to stand up to them."
Her eyebrows lifted just slightly, the corner of her mouth twitching. He'd struck a nerve, he could tell.
"You'd be walking into a world with very high stakes," she said, as though testing him. "And once you're in, there's no walking back out."
"Ms. Stillwell," Derek replied, his smile turning serious for the briefest of moments, "high stakes are my middle name."
He knew it was a ridiculous line, but it made her chuckle despite herself. Her gaze softened, if only for a moment. "You're certainly… different."
The system chimed in with another objective complete. Derek fought back a grin. He could feel the pieces falling into place, one step closer to infiltrating The Seven.
"Look," he continued, "I know I'm not exactly your typical hero. I don't have the cape, the spandex, or the ability to shoot lasers out of my eyes. But I've got something just as important—the people already like me. Imagine the PR goldmine."
Madelyn sat back, considering. For a split second, Derek thought he'd see a smirk. But she kept her cards close, merely nodding. "You make a compelling argument, Ryan. Very compelling."
Derek gave a nod, trying to look like he was about to say something profound. "I'll leave you to think about it, but I think you'll see what I'm saying. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh face to keep things… interesting."
He rose, adding, "I'll be around if you need me." And with that, he walked out, every step carrying the confidence of someone who'd just convinced one of the most powerful people in Vought that he was worth a shot.
As he stepped out into the evening air, Derek let out a slow, relieved breath, a grin creeping onto his face.
In his head, the system chimed again.
**New Mission Available: Public Stunt - Gain Attention from Media. Reward: +75 Points**
"Well, well, well," Derek murmured to himself.
Derek slipped out of Vought Tower, feeling the cool night air hit his face as he mulled over the next mission prompt. A public stunt? The idea sounded dangerously close to tempting fate, especially given the city's current state of hyper-awareness after Translucent's disappearance. But if there was anything Derek knew, it was that subtlety had rarely gotten him anywhere—and this time, he needed Vought's attention on him.
"Alright, System," he murmured under his breath, "let's talk specifics. What kind of 'public stunt' are we looking at?"
The interface flared up, displaying a series of options that ranged from the relatively mundane to the downright suicidal. One prompt suggested he publicly "save" a staged hostage from an armed robber. Another recommended a rooftop showdown with a minor Vought hero to draw some news cameras. Then, there was a slightly more absurd idea: an impromptu charity event featuring his… "heroic persona."
"Please tell me you're joking about that last one," he groaned, wondering if the system actually had a sense of humor buried under all its cryptic prompts. But the system, as usual, stayed annoyingly quiet.
Derek scanned the options again, weighing the risks. It would be tricky, especially with Homelander watching like a hawk for any slip-ups from potential rivals. But then, he spotted an option that was bold, borderline crazy, and guaranteed to catch Madelyn's attention without immediately painting a target on his back.
The prompt read: **"Rescue civilians from a fake, high-rise 'fire' in Midtown. Outcome: News Coverage + PR Boost."**
Perfect. It was flashy enough to attract the right kind of attention and wouldn't require him to cross paths with anyone from The Seven right away. Plus, New Yorkers loved a good fire rescue story. The idea felt risky, sure, but achievable.
He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the act he was about to put on. "Alright, Derek," he muttered with a smirk. "Time to see if you can be a hero for a day—well, sort of."
Adjusting his jacket and summoning his best "superhero swagger," Derek turned on his heel, already mentally mapping out Midtown and planning his next moves. The city lights flickered around him, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Maybe the system had given him a nudge in the right direction this time.
"Let's go make some headlines," he murmured, disappearing into the bustling streets with a grin.
Understood! I'll continue from scene 5, keeping up the tension, humor, and system prompts. Here we go with the next 2000-word installment, covering scenes 5-8!
Derek, maintaining his "Ryan Reynolds" persona, steps out onto the bustling street below Vought Tower, where he's gathered a small crowd for his "heroic" introduction. The cameras are rolling, and Derek glances upward, mentally calculating his move.
Just then, a girl playing a tourist in the crowd leans over, nudging her friend and whispering, "Is he for real?"
Derek smirks, overhearing. "Oh, you better believe it!" he says with a wink, charming the crowd and flashing a practiced Ryan Reynolds grin.
**System Alert:** *Public stunt initiated. Success bonus: +500 points.*
The words hover in his mind's eye, and he feels the motivation to dive head-first into the challenge. Taking a breath, he stares up at the side of the building, squinting as if spotting an invisible "danger."
"There!" he shouts, pointing dramatically.
The crowd's heads snap up to follow his gaze.
Derek grins, planting one foot on the side of the building before leaping upward with the agility and strength he'd acquired from Maeve. In an instant, the Ryan Reynolds charm fades, replaced by fierce concentration as he scales the building with effortless strength. People gasp, snapping photos and recording videos on their phones.
"Wait! Is that—does he have powers?" a woman in the crowd asks, wide-eyed.
Derek can't help but let a smirk slip as he ascends, secretly relishing the effect. He scales higher, planting himself on the side of a glass panel, striking a heroic pose for effect as a group of reporters rushes to the scene. Derek uses this to gain momentum, climbing even higher and scaling the building in a way that captures everyone's attention.
At the top floor of Vought Tower, Madelyn Stillwell watches the entire scene unfold on her monitor, her brow furrowed with skepticism and intrigue. She's aware of every major player in the Supes world, and she's certain that Ryan Reynolds wasn't on that list. Not until now, anyway.
A younger assistant fidgets nervously beside her. "Ms. Stillwell, should I contact PR? This… Ryan guy just stole our spotlight!"
Madelyn, calm as ever, raises her hand to silence him. "Let him have it—for now. This will be interesting."
The news channels have picked up on the event, too, each one broadcasting the mystery "rescue" stunt. Footage of Derek scaling the building streams across all major networks. Derek makes it to the top floor, pulling himself up with ease. Then he waves to the crowd below before lifting himself onto the edge, "rescuing" a maintenance worker who was "stuck" on the ledge—an actor he'd arranged through a discreet call earlier.
The crowd erupts in cheers, and Derek's heart pounds in exhilaration.
**System Update:** *Achievement unlocked: Heroic Introduction. Reward: +1000 points.*
Derek smirks, feeling the thrill of the crowd's adoration and the system's acknowledgment. The worker he "rescued" gives him a discreet thumbs-up, acknowledging their pre-arranged plan, and Derek nods back subtly.
As Derek descends, he finds a team of Vought's security staff waiting for him. They escort him into the building, leading him through a sleek hallway lined with portraits of The Seven before finally ushering him into Madelyn Stillwell's office.
Madelyn greets him with a scrutinizing gaze, yet her smile is as controlled as ever. "Ryan Reynolds, right?"
Derek nods, flashing his best grin, though he senses her sizing him up with precision.
"I have to admit," Madelyn continues, folding her hands, "You've made quite an impression. And you did it right here, in Vought Tower's shadow. Impressive timing." Her tone suggests she's already wondering what his motives might be.
Derek chuckles, maintaining his relaxed demeanor. "Just trying to do my part, Ms. Stillwell. Sometimes life throws a hero moment your way, and you have to take it, right?"
She raises an eyebrow. "Interesting choice of words. So tell me, are you… interested in the superhero business?"
Derek plays the part perfectly, scratching his head as though he's genuinely considering it. "Maybe. I like helping people, and let's face it—the whole superhero thing? Pretty cool."
Madelyn leans forward, her eyes narrowing. "Well, Mr. Reynolds, we at Vought are always interested in fresh talent. Perhaps we could arrange for you to meet… a few people?"
Derek's heart leaps. He knows this is the opening he's been waiting for.
**System Alert:** *New mission unlocked: Join The Seven. Reward: +5000 points.*
He acknowledges the alert with satisfaction, hiding his elation behind a casual smile.
"Meet The Seven?" he asks, feigning surprise. "I mean, who wouldn't be interested?"
Madelyn's smile widens. "Good. Let's see if you're a fit."
Days later, Derek finds himself in the infamous meeting room of The Seven, standing in front of the table where Homelander and Queen Maeve sit with bored, semi-indifferent expressions. The rest of The Seven have filtered in—A-Train with his impatient taps, The Deep trying too hard to look serious, Black Noir impassive as ever, and Starlight, the newest member, watching with polite curiosity.
Derek's mind races, remembering the abilities he's practiced so far, as he sizes up each of them. He knows that, despite the facade, he'll have to play his cards carefully. Homelander is the first to speak, his gaze dissecting Derek with cool interest.
"So, you think you've got what it takes to join The Seven?" Homelander's voice drips with skepticism.
Derek grins, channeling Ryan's charm. "I don't know about that, but… I saved a guy. And people seemed to like it."
Homelander chuckles, though the laughter doesn't reach his eyes. "We'll see about that, Mr. Reynolds. But understand, we're not exactly looking for Hollywood charm. We're… professionals."
Derek meets his gaze head-on, matching Homelander's intensity. "Then let me prove it."
At this, Queen Maeve leans forward, intrigued. "Fine. How about a little demonstration?" She glances at Homelander, who raises an eyebrow but says nothing.
Derek gives a quick nod, knowing the moment has come to showcase his powers subtly without exposing the full extent of his skills.
He raises his arm, making a show of lifting a heavy table in the room. It's an effortless display, one he knows will impress without giving away too much.
The Seven exchange glances. The Deep mutters, "Alright, Hollywood's got muscles."
Homelander's expression remains guarded, but Derek notices a flicker of interest. Starlight, sitting nearby, gives him an encouraging smile.
"Not bad, Reynolds," Homelander finally says, nodding. "We'll… keep an eye on you."
Derek grins, feeling the surge of accomplishment, knowing he's taken one more step toward his goal. And in the back of his mind, the system pings, acknowledging the successful stunt and the influence he's started to build.
As the meeting concludes, Derek takes a deep breath, ready for the next phase of his mission.