Jung arrived before Snowshade, Walt, and the principal, scanning them all. He didn't display arrogance over his victory, nor was he overly courteous.
He understood that he would have lost the battle if his luck had been any worse, and the only reason he won was because fate was on his side. It was a close call, and he recognized that.
"My greetings to our graceful principal," he said, nodding at others as if his actions were nothing but a facade.
"Oh my," the woman said, her voice exactly as one might have imagined. "It's good to have promising students, but you stirred quite an uproar."
Jung acknowledged her words, but not only her words. It was hard to concentrate, but his willpower came out on top once again. "It was my intention. You see, I enjoy attention," he said, not hiding his true face.
From then on, the conversation sparkled, involving only Jung and Lilia—her name clearly—and talking to her was pleasant in various aspects. She was the Innocent archetype and Tier XI powerhouse, yet she appeared friendly and humble, even though she was over 100 years old and controlled the most prestigious academy in the world.
"You know that age is just a number, right?" Nero teased him. She was constantly listening and observing his life, just like Vex after her last evolution.
[I know she looks young, but still…] The system wanted to scold him, but Jung stopped both of them.
"No, it's not like that," he said, even though he could admit that Lilia was beautiful. Wearing a dark dress with mottled patches, with long black hair and an attractive personality, she was the dream woman for many.
However, Jung didn't look at her that way. His thoughts only wandered to the benefits he could get from her, and he wasn't interested in any other prospects.
He even considered revealing to her his fake Messiah status but decided against it soon after. Firstly, it wasn't the right place, and secondly, Jung had no idea about her capabilities and intentions.
Not everyone was like Snowshade, and Jung didn't want to risk it this early, at least before the information regarding the Chosen One got out.
Lilia departed on a good note. "Bright students like you are the hope to save this world," she said and looked at the two teachers. Her eyes lingered far longer on Snowshade, showcasing her favouritism. "I am leaving him in your care; may he pass your trials."
After Lilia left, Jung smiled at Walt, who no longer covered his face, and said, "Thank you for not wearing that uniform anymore." His voice was harsh but honest.
"You are the only one who guessed it was me," the geezer said, locking eyes with the boy as he asked, "Did you call me for the favour you wanted?"
"Before that, you should have sparred with him, but after seeing him in action, there is no need," Snowshade said and glanced at the empty arena. Turbo and his friends had long left the place since his wounds were healed, and he was too embarrassed to remain in the same space.
Walt waved his fingers. "Good for me," he said, appearing genuinely pleased. "I was too lazy to waste my time on brats, anyway. So, it's time for you to keep your promise." Having stated that, he got closer to Jung and brought out a snow coin from his pocket.
Waiting for this, Snowshade watched carefully. She was interested in what made Walt agree to give out one favour to the child.
As for Jung, he took the orb Walt offered and spun it in his hand. "Watch carefully," he warned. "I am going to demonstrate once and then explain it only one time."
His dexterity, followed by agility and myriad adventures, was more than enough to let him do small tricks without depending on the inventory. Slipping the orb from one finger to another and hiding it in the other hand, Jung pocketed it effortlessly.
The onlookers couldn't catch his actions, which made his performance more like a magic trick. Walt was as confused as the first time, but Snowshade was stunned.
Not because the trick was spectacular—she was bewildered upon seeing Walt's reaction. The old man acted like a child who was easily entertained, and as a woman in her thirties, she couldn't understand that feeling.
Jung didn't use his archetype skills. There was always some kind of sign that proved that someone used the ability, and most of the time it was an unexplainable sense in the heart or colourful particles swirling near the person.
Nothing like that happened around Jung. But it still didn't explain why Walt would like this trick so much. The man even promised to fulfil one wish for it.
Meanwhile, Jung taught and explained the training Walt had to do, and the man agreed to it passionately. "And what do you want from me?" Walt asked as he practised with the orb.
"It's about future events," Jung said. "I am going to do something bad, and I know you won't like it. But before you judge me, I want you to listen to me and give me some time."
He explained the wish he had and planned from the moment he showed the trick for the very first time. Performing the same show twice was outside his silly lifestyle motto, but Jung was ready to leave everything behind just to save his sister.
In the meantime, Walt examined the boy and asked, "That's it?"
"You wouldn't have said that if you knew what I meant," Jung answered truthfully, not leaving the man with the wrong impression.
Snowshade shook her head in disapproval and said, "It's time to test your other talents. Just being able to fight isn't enough." Her tone suggested that 'no' wouldn't be accepted.
"Sure, lead the way." Jung agreed, as he himself was interested in his aptitudes.
[Ding.] Vex rang in his ear.
Before he got the chance to ask what she wanted, Jung saw the quest notification and smirked cheerfully.