After bidding a simple farewell to Snow, Noah walked to the neighborhood gate, waiting for the school bus. While waiting, he casually drew out the greatsword Snow had given him from his back.
[Tempest] (Rank: S)
Constitution +25
Strength +35
Type: Greatsword
Required Level: 20
Bonus Attribute: +2000 HP
The dazzling attributes reflected in his eyes. Noah's breath caught. He quickly sheathed the blade and slipped it back into his inventory.
"Snow… actually gave me an S-rank weapon."
For a moment, he didn't even know what to say. The value of this greatsword, Tempest, was extraordinary. At the auction house, a level-20 S-rank weapon could easily reach 100,000 gold. But this wasn't an ordinary S-rank. The additional HP bonus alone doubled its worth.
A 200,000 gold weapon.
Noah clicked his tongue and forced a bitter smile. This sister of mine… she's already given me a skill, and now even a weapon. Just how worried is she about me?
But in truth, his heart warmed. He knew this wasn't just some gift—it was the best Snow could possibly give. She had even spent the night grinding bounty missions just to afford it.
"A sister like this… where else could I ever find one?"
As for the SS-rank skill she had promised, Noah didn't take it too seriously. SS-ranked skills weren't just rare—they were priceless. Even S-rank cost hundreds of thousands. SS-rank could easily reach into the tens of millions. There was no way Snow had the ability to procure one yet.
Shaking his head, Noah muttered with a smile, "Once I make it to Imperial Capital University, I'll find something valuable to gift her back. That's the least I can do."
Just then, the school bus finally arrived.
…
Half an hour later, the bus pulled into Jiangnan No. 2 High School. Students filed off in pairs and groups. Noah and Tang Xia stepped off last.
The campus was unusually lively. Teachers and staff bustled around in preparation. Even the seldom-seen vice principal was outside, directing people with a stern expression. Students gathered in groups along the main road, chatting excitedly.
"Hey, did you hear? The student guest today isn't just anyone—it's Jacob Jiang, the senior from Imperial Capital University!"
"No way! Even he came? The principal's insane!"
"Of course he came—this is his alma mater. If not for that, there's no way we could've invited someone at his level. Even eight carriages wouldn't drag him back otherwise!"
"With Jacob Jiang here to give us guidance, we're in for a treat!"
The voices around buzzed with awe and excitement.
Noah's lips curled into a faint sneer. Just as I thought. Jacob Jiang, huh?
If Snow had already been summoned back to Imperial Capital University, why wasn't he required to return as well?
As he pondered, Noah reached the front of the teaching building. The class monitor was struggling to hang a banner with a few others. Spotting him, he immediately waved.
"Noah, perfect timing! Come help us out!"
Noah's gaze flicked to the banner. Large, bold characters stretched across it:
"Warmly Welcome Imperial Capital University's Prodigy Jacob Jiang Back to His Alma Mater for Guidance!"
His jaw twitched. Seriously? This is too much. Hanging banners? What's next, fireworks? Anyone seeing this would think some national leader was visiting, not a glorified student.
He turned away, planning to ignore it. No way in hell was he helping put up that ridiculous thing.
"Lunch on me!" the monitor shouted desperately.
"…Fine."
Grumbling under his breath, Noah climbed the ladder and helped another student align the banner while glue was prepared.
Just then, an arrogant voice cut in.
"What is this trash? Hanging it that low? Who's supposed to see it? Raise it higher!"
From the crowd, a boy strode out—Jacob Jiang's younger brother, Ethan Jiang. His brows knitted in disdain.
The monitor forced a smile. "Ethan, isn't this high enough already? It's nearly to the second floor."
Ethan's gaze locked on Noah, lips twisting in a mocking grin.
"My brother isn't just anyone. His banner needs to be the highest, the most glorious. Raise it higher."
The monitor's smile faltered, but he could only nod. Ethan wasn't someone he could afford to offend. The younger brother of Jacob Jiang, blessed with an A-rank combat talent, and heir to Jiangnan City's wealthiest family—any of these alone made him untouchable.
"Alright then," the monitor sighed. "Noah, move it up another meter."
"Fine." Noah replied flatly, climbing higher.
"Not enough! Higher!" Ethan barked again.
When they adjusted it, he sneered. "Crooked! Are you blind? Look at how sloppy that is! Fix it!"
It was obvious now—he wasn't critiquing. He was deliberately picking a fight.
Noah's eyes chilled. So that's how you want to play it?
With a flick, he ripped the banner down and slammed it onto the ground, stepping on it hard.
The monitor panicked. "Noah! Don't—" He rushed forward, grabbing Noah's arms to restrain him.
Ethan's smirk widened. He didn't even get angry—instead, he scoffed, arrogance dripping from his words.
"Pathetic. Anger of the weak. Noah, even talking to you is already lowering myself. Don't think you can ever provoke me. You're not worthy."
Tap! Tap! Tap!
At that tense moment, a girl dashed forward. Dressed in a school uniform skirt, high ponytail swishing, Tang Xia leapt in front of Noah, eyes blazing.
"Ethan Jiang, that's enough! If you want to pick on someone, pick on me. Stop bullying Noah!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Whispers flared.
"Wait… are they…?"
"No way, Tang Xia and Noah?!"
The atmosphere suddenly stank of youthful romance.
Ethan's face turned stormy. The sight of Tang Xia shielding Noah like that made his chest burn with fury.
"You—!" His words stuck in his throat. He glared at Noah with hatred, his sneer twisting deeper. Hiding behind a girl? What trash.
"Fine! Tang Xia, you'll regret this!" He jabbed a finger toward the monitor. "If this banner isn't hung properly by the time my brother arrives, your entire class will be barred from the event. Consider that an order!"
With that, he turned and stormed off, his lackeys following.
The monitor spat the moment Ethan disappeared. "Son of a—think you're hot shit just because your brother's a genius?!"
Tang Xia's chest heaved as she let out a breath, turning to Noah. "Are you okay?"
Noah smiled faintly, calm as ever. "That's what you should be asking him. If not for the monitor holding me back, Ethan would already be on a stretcher."
Tang Xia rolled her eyes. "Yeah right. You talk big."
"Don't believe me? Fine."
Before their banter could escalate, a sudden shout erupted from the school gate.
"Jacob Jiang is here!"
The crowd stirred as excitement surged like a wave.