The awkward person introduced himself, "My name is Carl… Carl Vinson. Sorry, I am bad at introductions."
Jon noticed Carl lacked confidence and broke eye contact when Jon looked at him. "I am Jon Mercer. Are you a student or an applicant just like myself?" Jon asked and extended his hand for a handshake.
"Y-yes! But don't bother with that. Others may see you here…" Carl looked at the group of people hanging around the corner.
As the group saw Carl and Jon talking, they pretended to pass by. Suddenly, Carl was hit by a hand at the back of his head. Jon was surprised with what just happened. However, when he saw the two men laughing Jon glared at them.
"What did this person do to you!?" Jon exclaimed, unable to let what he saw pass.
"You got a problem…?" One of the bullies asked. Despite the bully being taller, this didn't intimidate Jon. Rather, Jon replied to him and said, "Apologize to him!"
The two bullies laughed in unison and the bully wearing a blue jacket said, "Have a load of this guy! Me, apologize to him? A dirt, no, trash? He wouldn't even last a minute during the screening. Better teach these weaklings their respective places before they hurt themselves or have any funny ideas."
"I am warning you!" Jon angrily said to the guy.
One of the bullies in the red jacket stopped the bully in the blue jacket. His face was chiseled and was more intimidating than the other bully. He knew that Jon was not an ordinary candidate based on his look. He may not look like much from the outside but he gauged Jon's potential.
"Enough, Aaron. We can't waste our time doing this." The bully in the blue jacket said and Aaron went ahead. The bully looked at Jon and apologized, saying, "I know you are no ordinary guy. I suggest not crossing paths with us or you'll be sorry! Our leader does not take any opposition lightly. Until then!"
The bully followed Aaron while Jon continued his glare at them. Carl seeing this he was worried for Jon. "That's enough, Jon. I know we just met but you don't have to do this for me."
"No, if we allow them they will continue to prey on others. You have to stand up to these guys." Jon said after the bullies left and asked Carl. "Who are they anyway?"
"Those are Gina Winston's lackeys. She and her crew preys on new recruits. Their goal is to bully those they deem weak until they quit or… die out of unknown circumstances. You would be lucky if they turn you into their slave forcibly." Carl, concerned, said.
"This Gina Winston, I will teach her a thing or two!" Jon said and asked, "Is your head alright. That hit was strong."
"I am fine… thanks…" Carl replied and touched the back of his head. He noticed something slimey and when he looked it was a broken yolk from an egg they hit on Carl earlier.
"Those bastards!" Jon angrily said.
"Let it be, Gina has a lot of henchmen. They could be around here observing us. Anyway, you were heading to the admission, am I right?" Carl asked, changing the topic.
"Yeah, it seems like I am lost." Jon replied.
"Follow me, I have been in the Regional Academy for three attempts. It's my third year of application. If I fail two more times I'll fail." Carl explained and began walking.
"Three tries and three years? You must be a senior!" Jon exclaimed.
Carl didn't seem like an older applicant but he looked young and innocent for his age. He was surprised to know that there were candidates who repeated or even failed. Knowing this, Jon knew that he had to try hard if he wished to pass the admission in one try.
As Jon was spacing out deep in his thoughts while walking. He didn't notice that he walked the wrong path. He stumbled before the statue of heroes inside a mini museum. The place was not off limits but no one was around. Jon looked at the portraits and sculptures of the four heroes who fought against Autumn.
"The heroes, saviors of humans against the catastrophe." Carl said in amazement.
"Yes, and Lady Sentry… The survivor who lived to tell the tale of how Autumn was vanquished!" Jon said, looking around the exhibit.
"You must be a fan." Carl said, amazed by Jon's devotion to her.
"Mom and I always visit her memorial park where her remains were supposed to be entombed. Yes, we are devout of her." Jon replied.
"I see, at least you had something to believe in." Carl replied, staring at the floor.
Suddenly, footsteps become louder. It was coming their way. Jon and Carl saw a blue eyed golden-haired woman. She was wearing a uniform with white blouse underneath and a knee length skirt. Jon could see she was confident and was escorted by two guards and her friends behind her.
"It's rare to see people interested in the exhibits. I was about to decide to clear it because of the lack of visitors." The woman said standing before the statue of Lady Sentry.
"You are…?" Jon suddenly asked her.
"You must be new here that you didn't know me. I am Lorelai Vermilion, daughter of Alexander Vermillion the CEO of Scarlet Holdings which is a member of the Herald Group. Remember that name, young man!" Lorelai said.
"Lorelai!?" Carl's face turned white and bowed to her, "I apologize for being rude!"
"What do you mean, Carl?" Jon asked.
"Don't infuriate her, Jon. She's the real deal!" Carl said, afraid of Lorelai.
"No need to do such a thing… Carl? Is it?" Lorelai asked and continued to talk to Jon, "As much as I would like to chat with you guys I have things to do. Remember your manners next time, especially you, newbie!"
Lorelai left in a hurry and was followed by her entourage. Jon could not believe what he just saw and how Carl was reacting to Lorelai. He could not believe it was her but thought she was an imposter.
Carl stood up and then explained, "She's the real deal, Jon. Despite her father not approving of her enrolling in the Academy, she insisted. She's the student council president by the way and she was known for her talent and intellect."
"I see…" Jon feigned agreement with Carl's explanation.
"It seems like they changed the layout of the academy. We are on the wrong floor." Carl replied.
"What!?" Jon replied to Carl.
Carl apologized and the two continued on their way to the examination room as the two bantered.