261 Chapter Sixty One - Their eyes all reflect different things (1/2)

The scene in which the revolutionary stone that sensed spiritual roots was captured by the mirror for only a few moments and also only a small portion of those watching the events of the challenge were able to witness it. For instance, the Mage and Beast Taming schools had currently been concentrating on scenes of teams lead by their own people, while the screenings available to the alchemy and scholars schools were divided equally over all teams through numerous smaller mirrors. Finding the one that revealed the happenings of Pike's team would be down to diligence or luck.

So despite the trepidation Leon might have had when the stone was thrust into his hands caused by the vague knowledge he had over his own root*, few actually bore witness and even fewer could guess what his root actually was. Even then, if they believed it was the waste 'star' root, they would not overthink it nor look into things deeper. Teacher Sagi was still somewhat discomforted, however and did not settle down until the Headmaster reassured him with a few written words in a quick note that evening.

Sun was also one who never overthought things when it came to Leon, his imagination was vast, but the protagonist, if not himself, had to be better in his view than himself and out of habit, he never viewed Leon as that. That's not to say that he did not respect Leon, he was Jin Li's person and had talent in alchemy after all. Just that first impressions are never easily erased once having taken root in the mind. At most, he had elevated Leon to being equal to himself.

Plus, there was a minor note of current discord in Sun's heart regarding Leon, one that the other would be completely unaware of.

”So what root does Leon have?” His grandfather questioned, his eyes puzzled as he recalled the white speckled black stone in Leon's hands. Could it be he had some sort of darkness root with light or illumination roots? These sort of conflicting roots were not good, but were not harmful to general cultivation. Sun quickly dissuaded his train of thought.

”Not sure, but I think it was a single body root,” Sun replied, carelessly.

”Ho,” an amused voice behind them sounded, causing Sun to glance over his shoulder. Oh, it was that Teacher Jian again. He was a strange one, his voice was melodic when giving lectures despite the topics being harsh and of a darker nature. He had introduced them so far to natural poisons from beasts and plants, telling them of many symptoms in a similar amused tone, before speaking of the antidotes. ”This boy is quite an interesting one.”

The General frowned, looking about to charge in strategic defence of his 'newly adopted grandson', but fell deflated when recognising the man. ”You were the Prince Drake's guest that time.”

”No matter,” the general waved his hand in dismissal, before asking; ”Is everything now well with your honoured self?” He didn't mention the grandson the man whose appearance was his junior, but temperament his senior, spoke of so not to cause accidental offence.

”This one has his health and fate has led me to this Institute, so life is also not bad,” his lips widened in a slightly wicked smile, giving Sun a vague sense of familiarity as well as a notion that this man's smile held far more meaning than his words.

The three men turned back to watching the mirrors, but the scenes upon them had changed, causing a loss of interest. A quiet and scheming young Mademoiselle beside her cousin noticed this and took the opportunity to tug at Sun's sleeve. She was so bored! Several days like this already and more to come also, the thought was driving her mad!

”Brother,” she offered a slight pout as she battered her long lashes. A few glances were pulled in her direction, giving her much satisfaction. To those 'rough' martial artists, she was like a gentle peach blossom floating upon the breeze into their midst, so unlike the thorny roses they had become accustomed to seeing. Naturally, they would be attracted!