Destination In Sight

Jung froze in sheer disbelief.

'Those guys got friendlier behind my back.'

He wasn't angry, jealous, or anything; the situation itself was beyond his expectations as he stood perplexed, with no words to utter.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Nero asked with a devilish smile.

How could a cute cat smirk like that?

"Where are your questions?" She even laughed, striking a nerve.

"I remember when I spoke for the first time. You acted so nonchalantly, but now, look at yourself."

"Damn, this pussy cat is getting annoying in my ear,"

Jung said, ignoring Nero and questioning the system.

"You are more sensible than her, and please do explain when you guys become so lovey-dovey."

[Someone is jealous,] the system said sweetly in a whispering voice that seldom escaped her control—a sound that drew her ravishing visage in Jung's mind.

[We became friends when she helped me to protect you.]

Jung went into a thinking mode and suppressed sounds around him.

'The last cat in the universe and mysterious system befriending each other. That's weird in every sense.'

Then he glanced at Nero.

She was covered in blood, yet she remained sitting on the corpses.

After that, Jung concentrated on his inner self and felt the system's presence.

She was like the warmth a good cup of tea brought on a freezing winter night.

'It's weird, but damn, it's so much fun,' Jung thought and laughed, not even trying to mask his joy.

[See, he finally lost it,] the system commented with deliberate fake concern, while Nero visibly agreed as she licked her shadowy paws.

"No, don't worry, I am fine," Jung answered, using his body language to express his feelings, he shook his hand in a calming motion.

"It's just I am so happy."

He was smiling from ear to ear, and he added before Nero remarked on his face. "Vex, it is then. It's great to meet you."

[It's just a name Nero made up for me,] the system said.

She was becoming more and more human-like; Jung could clearly remember the way she had talked for the first time.

"You should be in a circus, not in the academy," Nero said and hopped on Jung's shoulder. She even scratched his neck with rough claws.

"If I am being honest, I miss that place," Jung said and crept up to the corpses.

It was time to use the Shifting Cloud and devour the bodies.

This skill transformed into the so-called Arc and was the biggest trump card Jung owned.

Even though the pain neared, and he was close to the limit, he had to acknowledge how useful this ability was for fighting capabilities.

It improved not only his physique but also other senses.

It was a slight increase, practically unnoticed, yet Jung could feel the immense potential of this Arc and was thrilled to devour the corpses.

Progress: 8%

All he had to do was wait and accept the connection.

It was between him and the dead, which made this ability even more frightening.

Thankfully, it only included the link among the monsters and players he or Nero had slain.

Nothing more.

Jung lingered near the dead.

There were no burdens, no dread, or emotions creeping towards him in this darkness.

He was calm.

Aloof, more than any statue or desert at dusk.

For a man who lived on countless battlefields, death was no longer scary.

The remains of Nightmare creatures pixelated in colourful particles, creating a mist that flew and covered the land.

Their final destination was Jung, as he welcomed them with open arms, waiting for the improvement.

It didn't disappoint. The progress was much greater compared to when he devoured players.

Even if they were in abundance, quality was above quantity, as it seemed.

Progress: 79%

This was a splendid upgrade in his mutation aptitude.

To analyse his shifting efficiencies and use them in combat, turned into a constant eagerness.

However, he had no time or strength to do that.

Jung's pain intensified and covered his entire body, from bones to his flesh, making him grumble in anguish.

At least he was used to the pain, plus Revolt Mind still resided in his existence and provided the mental support he needed.

The pain and energy loss weren't his only worries.

More Nightmares could be seen on the horizon.

Jung had to hurry, avoid further clashes, and join others.

Pills were already in his inventory; unfortunately, neither Nero nor he could use them at the moment, but they would be a great asset later.

Clenching his teeth, he petted Nero.

Her compassion and fluffiness instilled strength in him to run, but unease surfaced in his mind.

'They saw Nero, the same cat that was seen with Balatro.'

Jung thought as he sprinted, his body demanding oxygen, thus his breath turned shallow.

Forthcoming students of the Arcane Academy find out about his exotic animal.

It was a problem that would surface one day, especially when Jung didn't plan on leaving his Balatro identity.

Scamming players, getting pills, and possibly more was a huge benefit, and it would be a dumb move to lose it just because of some risks.

"Fuck it, we ball and will deal with it later," he roared.

Jung couldn't find himself caring about certain topics. "May future Jung handle it. Good luck, bro," he spoke mockingly as if he was making fun of a stranger while letting Nero catnap in his heart. 

Mira, alongside Astra and Leora, waited for him.

They were too far away from the scene and could barely see what happened, yet the outcome was perfectly clear.

These kids were afraid, but their curiosity overcame that feeling, and they stayed behind.

The old man left ages ago, he got a good enough rest and fled soon after. 

As Jung got closer and was about to meet them, he reflected; even his thought process was taunting.

'So, the Chosen One, huh?' Jung snorted at Archeons' decision.

'They were paralyzed in fear until I, the silly Balatro, saved their asses.' With his ego unaffected, he reunited with the youngsters.

"You guys are still here?" he asked, not masking his proud tone.

"If any of you, by any chance, pissed in your pants, don't be embarrassed and speak up; I have spare clothes you can change into."

Jung was ready for arguments.

Especially from Leora, but the girl said nothing.

She was scrutinizing him and noticed Nero's absence.

Yet she said nothing; waving her hand in disdain, she started running.

It proceeded with a jog and concluded with a sprint.

They didn't have to travel too much, the magnificent city walls got closer, and the light blue-coloured, ancient, yet majestic gate covered with ornaments and a magical hue stood before them.

After all this wandering, Jung's short but eventful trip came to an end.

Finally, he reached the Arcane City, a central place for world-altering cases.

He passed the first trial for the academy examination and was about to enter a new adventure.