He's a being of evil, pure and simple. Just because he decides not to perform acts of evil, does not mean that every instinct of his is pure evil. Had he not been as in-control as he is, he would have eaten such an easy kill as Freiya the moment she got within arms reach.

And it isn't talent he's looking for. Talent is a head start, an easy way to go. To James, talent is useless, causing people to become careless, cocky, and die early. Talented people don't make it through survival class. It's determination he wanted. Someone who had worked all their life to become greater, despite all setbacks? That's pretty much James' ideal student.