The Jarvis Protocol
Im Bukjin wore a pleasant, innocent smile as he recounted the events that had transpired within the trial grounds.
"Tsk, tsk! To think my granddaughter was that aggressive toward a man," Im Taeheo said, clicking his tongue. "Hearing your story makes me like you even more. Work harder, young man! As the saying goes, a man should just go for it! When a flower is right before your eyes, you must reach out and pluck it! In fact, the fastest way to truly make a woman's heart yours is—"
"!!!"
Bukjin hurriedly waved his hands as if he didn't want to hear another word of the old man's lewd advice. If he let this conversation continue any longer, he felt like his mind would turn white and he'd lose his sanity.
"A martial art related to mental power, you say... Hmm, we don't have any," Im Taeheo said, finally changing the subject.
"Actually, the students of the 3rd Academy are all useless, mediocre fools. Not a single one has ever reached a level where they could even begin training their mental power before graduation. That's why there are no mental-attribute techniques in our academy."
"..."
Is this really something a principal should say? Calling every single student in the school useless right to a student's face?
"Little one, greed often leads to disaster," Im Taeheo added. "Ahem! For now, focus on mastering the Flowers Before the Moon Sword and the Fragrance-Seeking Jade-Breaking Steps before we talk further."
Bukjin had nothing left to say. He had a strong feeling that the Principal was just making excuses because he simply didn't have any mental-attribute techniques to give. Feeling Bukjin's stinging glare, Im Taeheo avoided eye contact and hurriedly changed the topic again.
"They say if you know your enemy and know yourself, you will win a hundred battles. I'll tell you a secret. Come closer."
After a moment's hesitation, Bukjin leaned in, offering his ear to the old man. "Why the whispering? For a master of your caliber, Principal, couldn't you just use Sound Transmission via Hyeongi?"
"Tsk! When telling a great secret, whispering directly into someone's ear in a low voice is how you build the proper atmosphere!"
"...I don't feel any 'atmosphere' at all, you know?" Bukjin replied, looking utterly exasperated.
Ignoring him, Im Taeheo leaned in with an air of profound mystery. "My granddaughter has a very peculiar hobby. Jin-ah loves wearing men's clothes. She especially adores military uniforms! If you want to seduce her, starting with a uniform would be a wise move..."
"..."
As Bukjin stepped out of the Principal's office, he felt stunned and utterly dumbfounded.
To think such a bizarre old man is the Principal... The education system is truly doomed!
He had never heard of a principal who actively encouraged his own student to seduce his granddaughter. From what Bukjin could gather, Im Taeheo seemed more curious than anything else—he wanted to see if any man could actually melt his granddaughter's icy heart. That was likely why he had taken an interest in Bukjin.
In fact, during their entire conversation, Im Taeheo hadn't mentioned a single word about Bukjin's outstanding performance in the selection trials or the honor he had brought to the school.
Bukjin returned to Juk-won, his residence within the academy. As he entered the path leading to the villa, his butler, Wang Chung, was already there waiting at the gate.
"Young Master! You've finally returned! I missed you so, so much!"
Wang Chung came running out in his stocking feet, throwing himself at Bukjin's feet and clinging to his legs with a voice full of emotion.
"Get lost! You senile old fool!" Bukjin shouted, giving Wang Chung a sharp kick.
However, a moment later, a hint of regret washed over him. Previously, Bukjin had intentionally treated Wang Chung harshly and cursed at him to maintain the persona of the original 'trash' Bukjin. Had it become a habit? He realized he had cursed at the old man reflexively.
Maybe I was too harsh... I should try to be a bit nicer from now on...
Just then.
"Sniff! Young Master has finally kicked me! I am so happy!" Wang Chung cried out as he stood up, his voice trembling with excitement.
"During the ten days you were gone, I missed your kicks so dearly. I felt as if I had lost the very meaning of life! Now that I've finally been kicked by you, I feel so relieved and joyful!"
"..."
Bukjin realized he had completely misjudged the situation. Oh, is that how it is? Fine then, I'll keep kicking you!
Bukjin and Wang Chung entered the main hall on the first floor of Juk-won.
"Welcome back, Young Master!"
Suddenly, clear and flirtatious voices rang out from all directions. Inside the hall, four young girls, appearing to be around fifteen years old on average, were dressed in white aprons and bowing deeply to greet him.
The sight nearly made Bukjin jump out of his skin.
"W-what is the meaning of this?" Bukjin asked, turning to Wang Chung.
Wang Chung gave a sly grin. "These are four maids sent by Hyang Gon about an hour ago for you, Young Master. He said he instructed them to serve you with the utmost care."
Hyang Gon?
Bukjin tilted his head, deep in thought. He remembered that among the crowd that had blocked the school gates to get revenge on him, there was a fellow named Hyang Gon.
Is he trying to suck up to me now?
"Send them all back," Bukjin said with a wave of his hand.
"But Young Master..." Wang Chung started to protest.
"Don't give me any nonsense, just send them back!" Bukjin snapped, cutting him off with another kick.
Bukjin headed straight to his room. Entering the bathroom, he filled a wooden tub with hot water and soaked his body. Then, he pulled out his smartphone. He remembered hearing a notification sound from the device when he was in danger back at the trial grounds.
As soon as he turned on the screen, a notification window popped up.
A new version update is available. Would you like to proceed with the update?
Huh? Another update?
Bukjin wondered why this smartphone program updated so frequently. However, he quickly decided it was a good thing. Every time an update occurred, new functions appeared. He hoped that if these updates continued, he might eventually find a way to return to Earth.
Without hesitation, he pressed the 'Yes' button.
This update will take 10 hours. Data required: 4GB. Please ensure the smartphone has sufficient data and power.
4GB of data?
Bukjin checked the amount of Hyeongi currently in his body. 4GB was an amount he could easily handle. As for the remaining battery... After checking the level, Bukjin spent 5 gold taels to fully charge the phone. Then, he initiated the update.
A silver progress bar appeared on the screen. Bukjin put the phone away, finished his bath, and crawled into bed, falling into a deep slumber.
During the ten days in the trial grounds, Bukjin had spent every waking moment searching for the banners until his strength was depleted. Furthermore, he hadn't eaten well or slept comfortably, leaving him mentally exhausted. Now that he was back at the academy and the tension had finally snapped, sleep claimed him instantly. He slept for ten hours straight.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Young Master, lunch is ready!" Wang Chung called out, waking him with a gentle knock.
Bukjin stretched and looked out the window. It was already afternoon, and the sun was high in the sky. As he climbed out of bed, he felt his body was light and his mind was clear.
"Bring in the food," Bukjin commanded as he summoned his smartphone.
Bukjin's eyes widened as he read the notification.
The Voice Recognition AI was upgraded? This was unexpected.
"Sinsin." Bukjin called out to the AI.
Yes, Master.
"Introduce the new features from this update," Bukjin said.
I can now assist you in controlling the smartphone through voice commands in many more areas, Master.
"For example?"
For example, you no longer need to physically hold the smartphone. You can summon me to operate various functions of the device remotely.
"Oh?" Intrigued, Bukjin decided to test it out. "Launch the Map app."
As soon as Sinsin replied, a notification sound echoed in Bukjin's mind. Then, a holographic map unfolded in the air before his eyes, just like virtual reality.
"Whoa!" Bukjin marveled. It was incredibly convenient—far easier than summoning the phone, holding it, and scrolling with his fingers.
"Close the Map app."
The virtual map vanished instantly. "Open the Storage app," Bukjin commanded. A virtual storage interface appeared, allowing him to upload and download items by simply waving his hands in the air.
He tested other apps through voice control as well. He could open and close manuals like Understanding Mental Power - Beginner or Peerless Sword Body with ease.
Excitement surged through him. Being able to operate the smartphone and project virtual screens with just his voice... it was just like how Tony Stark operated his AI, Jarvis, in the Iron Man movies. Of course, compared to the movies, the current functions were still limited. But Bukjin felt that if he kept updating, it might truly reach that level one day.
However, there was one thing he needed to verify: whether these virtual screens were visible to others. He rubbed his chin, lost in thought. This was a crucial detail to confirm.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Young Master, I have brought your meal."
"Come in," Bukjin replied.
The door opened, and Wang Chung entered, pushing a cart. The delicious aroma immediately stimulated Bukjin's nose. The cart had three tiers, loaded with various dishes, fruits, and wine.
"Young Master, I heard the news that you took second place in the selection trials! Everyone in the city already knows of your achievement. Hahaha! Moreover, those rascals who were guarding the school gates have all tucked their tails and fled. There could be no greater cause for celebration! I have prepared a particularly grand feast today to commemorate this occasion!"
A bright, triumphant smile was plastered across Wang Chung's face.