A Good Guy

"Oh..." Stephan's response was subdued as he absorbed Jack's instructions.

"Call the police and explain the situation," Jack directed. "You know what to say, right?"

"I know, I know..." Stephan nodded, acknowledging his understanding. He wasn't unintelligent, just not as skilled as Jack.

But why was Jack so good? Stephan pondered. 

.....

Inside the Shatterdome, in the Jaeger Designer Conference Room, discussions were in full swing.

"It seems unlikely, doesn't it?"

"But can anyone really finish it in five minutes with 100% accuracy?"

"How is that even possible? You wouldn't even have enough time to read all the questions in five minutes, would you?"

"And each question is unique. If he copied them, where did he get them from? He couldn't have bribed all of us, could he?"

"I think the real point is his age. He's only twenty. It's not that I'm underestimating him, it's just hard to fathom. We were probably still in college at his age, right?"

Despite their combined wealth being enough to buy a small country, these individuals were caught up in a heated debate, scrutinizing Jack's results and the source of his information.

Here's the thing: when it comes to setting questions for the preliminary test of Jaeger designers, the questions are typically based on the information provided during registration, the "mastery of knowledge" that Jack had filled out extensively.

Despite clear instructions from the staff, there were still individuals who filled out the information haphazardly, but Jack's earlier experience with the Jaeger designer's initial trial had effectively weeded out such candidates.

Out of the initial pool of test takers, only a fraction would pass the preliminary examination. And those who did were usually well-informed, educated, and astute. It was highly improbable for anyone to bluff their way through the registration, knowing that they'd eventually be tested on their knowledge.

To be on the side of caution, many candidates opted to provide minimal information, only inputting what they were absolutely confident about.

Thus, someone like Jack not only aced the preliminary exam but also filled out every bit of relevant knowledge pertaining to Jaeger design. This was unprecedented since the introduction of the profession!

Following protocol, the review department swiftly disseminated Jack's information to all Jaeger designers.

When the Jaeger designers got wind of the information, they were immediately taken aback.

All of them are leaders in their own fields. Then out of the blue, a 21-year-old prodigy popped up, entirely self-taught and never setting foot in college?

Life as a Jaeger designer tended to be rather mundane. Most found enjoyment in comparing their designs' functions, practicality, cost-effectiveness, combat prowess, and their potential to push the boundaries of Jaeger technology... until now.

There hadn't been any fresh blood in the Jaeger design scene for quite some time.

So, when Jack's info hit them like a meteorite landing in a serene lake, it caused quite the stir. They started questioning each other and even convened in the conference room for a discussion.

Little did they know, that "meteorite" was about to brew a tsunami!

"All right then. Anyone stuck in a research rut? Let's throw a challenge at this 'genius,'" someone suggested.

"I'm game."

"I've got some free time. Might as well spark some inspiration with a challenge..."

"The question bank's gathering dust. I'll toss one in, just to freshen things up..."

"Count me in too!"

.....

Many of the Jaeger designers were intrigued by this "Genius."

Logic told them it was impossible for anyone to achieve what Jack claimed, but reason urged them to consider that nobody would dare to fabricate such grandiose claims in front of the world's top Jaeger designers. Knowledge couldn't be faked, just like advanced mathematics. It doesn't add up.

And academic fraud? Trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the world's leading Jaeger designers? It'd be like searching for a needle in a haystack in the night.

Furthermore, if Jack was really trying to deceive for personal gain, why come to the Jaeger design department at all?

Shouldn't he aim for departments with higher profits?

Why choose the Jaeger design department, known for its emphasis on tangible results and merit alone?

Two conflicting conclusions, yet both plausible, fueled their curiosity.

.....

Meanwhile, Jack, the subject of their discussions, was engaged in a philosophical debate with Stephan outside a barbecue joint.

"Don't always resort to violence, buddy. Can't we resolve things through dialogue?" Jack sighed. "I mean, sure, the guy insulted us Jaeger pilots and rambled nonsense, but fighting isn't the solution..."

Even if the other party threw the first punch, we can still defend ourselves with less force..."

Under Jack's persuasive words, Stephan vigorously nodded in agreement, stealing glances at the policeman beside him, who maintained a stiff smile.

Policeman: "..."

"Don't think I don't know you're all together!" the policeman interjected. "And I know what you are upto."

The policeman cleared his throat. "Even though I said that, you still need to come to the station to give a statement. Shall we?"

"Um..." Suddenly, a bespectacled young man who had been observing spoke up. "I can help with the identification process."

"I've got video evidence!" another person chimed in.

"I do too!"

"I've been recording since the argument started!"

"I'm still recording now!"

Once one person took the initiative, more followed suit.

At this point, they weren't just bystanders anymore; they became active participants, defending what they believed was right.

"Just jot down the details, alright? Thanks. No need for witnesses, just email me the video copy. Oh try to make me look good!" The policeman, showing a quirky side, addressed the crowd's questions one by one and even allowed them to take photos. "We're fair in our dealings, got it? Any updates will be announced later, so keep an eye out online!"

Jack remained silent, observing everyone's reactions.

Since his multiverse-traveling adventures began, Jack had interacted with the masses several times, employing various strategies and leveraging power to his advantage.

In the "Fast and Furious" world, he controlled the entire city of Rio's traffic system to evade pursuers. In the world of "Assassins", he incited the people's sense of justice to overthrow oppressive regimes... But sometimes, things took unexpected turns.

From the world of "Now You See Me" to "Batman "and beyond, Jack had encountered numerous challenges.

Yet, this was the first time something like this had occurred without his direct influence—a spontaneous uprising.

Unbeknownst to him, it stirred something deep within his heart. Amongst the myriad of emotions, one thought prevailed—"I am indeed a good guy!"

Despite this revelation, it was time to depart. Jack wiped away the imaginary tear and boarded the police car with Stephan heading to the station to give their statements.

....

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