For the tenth time, another blast of flame slammed into Jaune's shield sending it flying backwards into his face. He groaned internally, and shook it off.

Why me? He ducked under another vicious straight punch and pushed forwards under Yang's guard. Why do I have to be the one to fight Yang today? He bashed his shield into her exposed torso. She stumbled back, giving Jaune a little more breathing room.

Oh, that's right. Sparring partners are based on skill. He thought sarcastically. He tanked another blow on his shield. And after all, I'm the one who killed the Deathstalker in one swing. Jaune tried for a swipe at the brawlers legs, but she quickly skipped backwards before the strike could connect. He spared a quick glance at the screen showing their respective aura levels.

Jaune Arc: 59%

Yang Xiao Long: 94%

"What's the matter Jaune?" she taunted "I thought you were supposed to be strong and all." Jaune sighed.

If only she knew. He thought. If only I could tell anyone. A good chunk of the "incredible skill" described in his transcripts was just the product of his semblance and dumb luck. In actuality, Jaune was the worst fighter in the whole school, but his cherry picked transcripts coupled with his little stunt in initiation had painted him as some kind of legendary warrior who could cut down hordes of Grimm in a single swing of his sword, and while this was technically true…

None of it is actually me. All the while, Yang threw taunts and insults at him, trying to draw him out to make a mistake.

"C'mon Vomit Boy, hit me with your best shot!" she mocked.

Trust me Yang, you never want to be on the receiving end of my "best shot". The risk of using his semblance against her was just too high. He could potentially kill her and demolish the building if he rolled a six. He shook his head. No, the risk is too much. I can't--As he was weighing his options, a fist slammed into his face, knocking him flat on his butt.

Jaune Arc: 30%

Yang Xiao Long: 94%

Oh.

Oh now it was on.

Okay y'know what you little-Jaune charged at her with a fearsome war cry, sword raised, and focused his energy into the blade. I don't even care anymore, I don't even care what happens. All I want to see is that stupid smirk wiped off your face. That was his last thought before he was back at the table.

"Huh. You know, now that I'm here I'm starting to think that this was a bad idea" he mused as he tossed the die from hand to hand. The entity laughed.

"Well, obviously" it chuckled. "But then again, when is using this excuse of a semblance ever a good idea?" Jaune sighed.

"Well, hindsight is 20/20 as they say. I guess my only option now is to just hope for the best" he said, chucking the die across the surface.

Please be a five. A five or a four. That's all I ask.

The die landed.

On a one.

"Oh you gotta be shitting me" he groaned as he smacked his face into the table.

The white landscape faded away, and Jaune was back in the arena, his sword clanging against one of Yang's gauntlets. There was a brief, ominous silence before Yang spoke up.

"Huh. I feel great" she said, looking down at herself. "Feel like I could bench press an Ursa right now"

Jaune looked up at the screen in vain.

Jaune Arc: 30%

Yang Xiao Long: 100%

Goddammit.

A fist rocketed into his face and the world went black.