To be honest, Lynch never expected to see Al here again. If he had known in advance that Al would attend the welcome party tonight, Lynch would never have come.
Looking at Al in front of him, Lynch felt a bit emotional.
There was no trace of his former peasant self on him anymore. He carried himself with elegance and nobility, every word, expression, and gesture abided by etiquette, so much so that even the most picky etiquette tutor couldn’t find a single fault.
But it wasn’t like Jessica’s innate confidence that conveyed a sense of nobility. His actions were overly precise, as if he were performing mechanically. Although standard, it gave people a very deliberate feeling.
His cloak was meticulously managed, and the three Wisdom Leaves badges symbolizing a High-level Apprentice on his chest were particularly eye-catching.
’High-level Apprentice?’
Upon seeing the badge, Lynch was slightly surprised. Although he always knew that apprentices living in the tower advancing under the guidance of a wizard were faster compared to their wild counterparts, this speed seemed too outrageous.
His gaze lifted, and Lynch met the same gray eyes as his own, but when he saw the other’s gaze, Lynch couldn’t help but pause slightly.
That was because he found that apart from the ordinary feigned politeness, there was a hidden flicker and contraction in the other’s eyes, a look Lynch knew to be present only under certain psychological conditions—that was—
Fear and unease.
’Is he afraid of me? What do I possess that could make him afraid?’
Lynch quickly pondered.
At the same time, Al was also swiftly scrutinizing Lynch, from his attire to his language and gestures, missing not a single expression.
Upon seeing that Lynch remained largely unchanged, still wearing that vague and honest expression that displayed everything on his face, Al’s uneasy heart slightly eased.
Yes, Al was uneasy, and the root of his unease was none other than the Warrior Feather in Lynch’s possession.
Everyone believed the greatest value of the Warrior Feather lay in itself, which wasn’t true. Its real value was the implication behind it, representing the recognition of the seven supreme Judges ruling the Shadow Tower.
This recognition in itself meant nothing, weighted as a mere feather in ordinary hands.
But in the eyes of some insightful individuals, it was a key to the upper echelons!
It could generate topics and attention, thus providing the opportunity to meet high-level figures. If used properly, it could even secure a place in this circle, and if one earned the appreciation of a significant figure, soaring to great heights would be quite possible.
This is exactly why Al came here today; he wanted to see, to see what kind of person Lynch really was.
After all, no one knew better than himself how his current identity and status were attained; he couldn’t bear to see a nemesis who hated him to the core strive to reach his level, posing a threat to him.
Having worked so hard and paid so much to own what he had today, if there was any threat, he must curb it in the cradle!
Hmm?
On the other side, Lynch squinted his eyes slightly.
Oh!
Then quickly opened them wide again.
He had basically guessed the source of Al’s unease, after all, it wasn’t a complicated matter; their grievances were just that small, thinking a bit revealed it was likely the recent issue that had sparked his vigilance.
So, how should he respond?
After quickly pondering, Lynch turned his head and coldly said, "Go away, I don’t want to see you."
Al was once a peasant; he was most familiar with, most scornful of, and most looked down on peasants. Making him realize that he was still straightforward and honest as a peasant was undoubtedly the easiest way to make him drop his guard.
"Wow!"
"Is this guy crazy? How dare he speak to a Tower Inner Apprentice like that!"
If the leap between Outer Ring Apprentice and Inner Ring Apprentice was a change in status, then the difference between Tower Outside Apprentice and Tower Inner Apprentice was like night and day. Seeing Lynch’s blatant disrespect in front of a Netta Apprentice, the surrounding apprentices erupted with chatter.
But soon enough, well-acquainted apprentices began to explain.
"Shh, lower your voice, they used to know each other."
"Really? Isn’t it said he was just a peasant? How could he possibly know a noble Netta Apprentice?"
"It’s a long story..."
Those past events weren’t a secret; they were one of the major topics surrounding Lynch. Especially after his rise, it became widely known among the apprentices. For a time, they were whispering in intrigue.
Lynch’s reaction did not anger Al but rather brought a genuine smile to the corners of his mouth.
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