7 whole Reviews. Been awhile since I've had a story with this many. Also, one of the Reviewers mentioned Sturgeon's Law, which is me in a nutshell. Actually, I would wager I'm worse than just '90 percent crap'. A ten second banter with my brother is more than enough to prove that. First thing we do when we walk in the door is literally just scream like banshees at each other. I'm not 90 percent, I'm well beyond 9000. Just Saiyan, Goku.

On that note of happiness, I'd like to mention that if you readers think I can improve in any way, feel free to tell me your thoughts in either a Review or a PM. I know for a fact that I'm a bad storyteller, and it shows to me. So if you find anything that just nags at you, let me know. Make it more specific if you can, that's how my brain works.

Still, glad to see the story so popular. Better get the other stuff out of the way so I can get back to the story. Don't want to disappoint those who like it, do I?

Don't own RWBY. Not part of RoosterTeeth. Don't plan to, no offense to them. Didn't write 'The Gamer', although a certain Reviewer was kind enough to let me know where it all started. Fact of the day: for those who don't know, 'The Gamer' is the title of both a webcomic and a movie, the latter of which my brother owns a copy of. Thanks for the info, someUntel.

Jaune Arc

Level 4, no class

XP to Level 5: 9.55 of 95

Passive XP: 0.03 per day

Strength: 8 (Labor 9, Combat 3)

Intelligence: 15 (Wisdom 8, Intelligence 8)

Constitution: 15 (Immunity 18, Endurance 18, Tolerance 10)

Agility: 12 (Flexibility 4, Speed 8)

Social: 10

Resistance: 11 (Physical 11, Magical 11, Elemental 0.01)

Abilities

Elemental Seeker: may see base Elements in materials

Skills: Fishing

Equipment: Cotton Clothes (Comfy modifier)

Buffs

Diminishing Returns: Speed, Endurance, Labor, and Physical have stopped rising

Amazing Experience: Social and Tolerance efficiency increased. Wisdom and Intelligence efficiency decreased.

Distracted: Wisdom and Intelligence efficiency decreased. Tied to debuff: Amazing Experience.

Disturbed: saw something creepy recently. New Phobia developed: Mega-arachnophobia.

Comfy

Weakness, Second Opinion, XP Drain (50% active, 60% passive), Symbiotic Binds

The next month, after gaining 2 XP in school and 0.45 XP passively, it was time to visit my fourth Nexus. This time, I could see exactly where and what it was because of my Ability. It was a Life Nexus right next to the tradesman's shop, which we went to so that Quartz could pick up what I learned was a sword, or a 'hurt stick' as I liked calling it. This was a particular type of sword known as a Binding Sword, and was the base-most kind of Magic sword. Quartz had to at least know what they were and have one in his possession in order to become an apprentice under an experienced Forge Mage. I learned about some of the tools in the blacksmith's shop, such as the hammer and the anvil. It was still so confusing, but I was learning at least a little.

It was when we went outside and got close to the forest nearby, where Dad turned off the car, that I saw a hint of green Elemental light deeper in the woods. A light that no one could see except me, one which tied all of the trees together. Dad told Quartz to put the sword in the car and lock the trunk, then proceeded to come with me towards the source of the light. We passed towering trees filled with many kinds of small critters. From squirrels to bunnies, foxes to wolves, boars to bears, I saw them all. Each and every single one of them was bound to and cared for by this Nexus, even if some of them preyed upon each other. Dad gained no XP, Quartz gained a bit here and there, but I was the one who mostly benefited. White-tailed deer and proud elk, red-tailed squirrel and yellow bunny, spotted boar and brown bear, grey wolf and red fox, blue bird and tan hawk, the sheer amount of diversity in these woods was amazing. However, what caught my attention the most were the Elemental Creatures present. There were Wooded Nymphs, leshen, walking trees, and even a couple of fairies here. They all seemed to sparkle slightly, and it amazed me to no end.

A young Wooded Nymph seemed to step out of the trees at some point, surprising us all. Her big eyes were blue with white in the middle and green outside, her skin looked like tree bark, her clothes were made of leaves, and her hair looked like long thin blades of grass. Dad was almost immediately wary, but Quartz and I held no such fears. She, after all, was just as scared of us as he was of her. Quartz calmed his nerves slightly, and he lowered his guard slightly. I came closer to the tree girl with as gentle a smile as I could muster for being an excited child a week from his birthday. The Wooded Nymph calmed down and smiled just as sweetly as Mom would.

She ended up leading us - well, mostly me even though Dad and Quartz were following close behind - through the forest, giving me a flower that seemed to shine with an endless luster as we walked. She was actually capable of speech, telling me about the nature of this Life Nexus and how it connected all living things near it, be it a monster or a creature. Turns out, these kinds of Nexus were incredibly rare and were, as such, precious to the world. If one were to die or otherwise fade, the world would create one far from the creatures that caused it, monster or man, and all of the creatures formerly bound to it would migrate to this new Nexus, or Hallowed Wood as she called it.

As we walked deeper into the small, beautiful forest, we saw towering trees move out of our way so we could walk through it unobstructed, mighty predators come to us as though they were gentle, curious youth, and more Wooded Nymphs sprout from trees. Wary looks were passed to my father, the reasons for which I never understood until she explained that creatures of Hallowed Woods were always afraid of those who possessed a certain kind of fire. A type of fire that is all too common among humans and society: the destructive kind, the one that razes forests to ash, makes rocks liquid, burns trees and rocks for fuel, and does no good other than keeping explorers warm. This very fire is the Element through which Dad casts Spells and uses Abilities, as opposed to the Light I assumed that he used when I first learned about Elements.

"So you're scared that Dad will hurt you," I asked her as we walked. My young voice was small compared to the call of a hawk, let alone the rest of the forest. Still, the Nymph heard my voice despite this forest symphony. She shook her head, pointing ahead towards the Life Nexus.

"Dear Sprout, I am a Guardian of this Hallowed Wood," she explained with a beautiful voice that sounded sweeter than that of my mother. "I do not fear for my own well being. Rather, I fear for the safety of what created me, the Hallowed Root which birthed this home. That tree where I am taking you, it does not simply sustain and protect all things living around it; the Hallowed Root, my mother, heals that which is alive in its presence. Without this source, no life around it can truly thrive as you see it now."

I almost immediately understood. The creatures closer to it were well-fed and taken care of here, much calmer towards the center. Furthermore, there seemed to be more Guardians here than where I first met this Nymph. I also felt a tender hand holding me, almost as if being near it was making me stronger. I started hearing gentle whispers of encouragement, calming words and soft hymns playing all around me. But none if these were physical, but rather affecting me on a deeper level.

"You feel it too," the Nymph noticed. "You hear her song, feel her heart. We draw closer to the source of our home, but you already feel this." I nodded. She stopped walking and held her hand up to Dad. He came to an abrupt halt. "I am sorry, but I cannot allow you to pass further than the entrance to this clearing. You or your eldest son. You have been touched by a raging fire, and allowing you to proceed would pose a risk to our Hallowed Wood. As for your son, he is too wary of us, of our Root; allowing him passage may only bring him harm, as would his fears endanger the forest."

"What about Jaune," Dad asked. I was actually tempted to ask the same thing, to be honest. While not as concerned as Quartz, I was most certainly confused and curious. As would any nearly-seven-year-old boy in my position. Well, close to my position, taking the Parasite into account. The Nymph smiled tenderly at Dad.

"Precious father, no harm shall come to your youngest child," the Nymph promised. "The roots have felt his condition and wish to help him. While we cannot remove the Parasite, we will help him in his fight against it. If you would have us do so, that is." Dad now seemed more conflicted. He was obviously concerned about me, but he also wanted to help me in any way possible. The Parasite was obviously against it.

Don't accept it, human, it pleaded, neglecting the fact that I was the only one who could hear it. You and I both know that there is no fighting against a Parasite of my caliber, only delaying the inevitable. Do not give in, human. Don't you dare accept it. I will tear you apart in your next life if you do.

Dad seemed to think about it for a moment or two before making a very Dad-like request. "Promise me that no harm will come to him." The Nymph smiled and nodded.

"There was never any intention to harm him," she answered. He sighed with relief and nodded.

"Then I consent," he answered. "Just be sure to return him safely to me when you finish." She nodded.

"Come with me, Child," she said, offering a guiding hand. I felt I had to accept it, as if the Nexus - the whole Hallowed Wood - was right there. She led me into the clearing, where a pair of leshen moved to prevent Dad and Quartz from entering for both their sakes and for the sake of what was within the clearing.

And speaking of which, upon entering the clearing I already felt the motherly presence of the Hallowed Root cradling mine, holding me like Mom would when I was younger except without the physical aspect and me being Level 4. The Nymph guiding me led me right up to the grand blue tree with white leaves in the center. The whole thing looked like several large trees twisting around one another, with massive roots burying themselves deep into the golden soil beneath. There were some fruits dangling from the tree, some from all varieties of trees and vines from around the world. From clusters of grapes and bananas to apples and pears, this tree seemed to have it all. I could see the massive green crystal within it implying a massive living Nexus of Life. If this kind of tree even existed outside of a Nexus, it was so rare that few could even find one. I was amazed by it, just as much by the creatures nearby that shouldn't even exist. A blue elk with silver antlers, a golden doe with green eyes, a wolf as tall as Dad with bright blue eyes, and a fox with three tails all surrounded the base of the tree, staring at me as though expecting me as soon as I set foot in the forest. Each one gave me massive boosts of XP, 10 apiece. I could tell that the Parasite was sucking its share up, so this was a huge thing. Actually, this whole thing was just huge in and of itself.

Come to me, I heard the Nexus say as I approached. I couldn't help but oblige, and did as it told me to. Climb on my roots, Sapling, and sit down. I did as it told me. The Nymph stayed back, respecting the mighty presence. Now, about that Parasite, I may have a remedy.

A branch rolled down to me as if it were a human hand. On it was a single flower with ten petals, five on one row and five on the other. I didn't know what kind of flower it was, but I did know that it smelled sweet. I didn't feel much different, but in the back of my mind the Parasite was reeling and writhing in anger. It was howling up a storm, snarling about how it should have drained my Levels sooner. It made no sense to me at the moment, but the Parasite could take my XP no longer.

There, said the mighty tree. Now it cannot do you any more harm than it already does. You are also safe from its corruption; its Darkness will never find a place to root itself inside of you. Now, if you would like, you may leave, Sapling.

I actually liked it here, to be totally honest. I never realized that Nexus could be sentient or anything like this. It was outright incredible to me, how this could be possible. And the fact that it called me Sapling just tickled me. Just being near a Nexus was an amazing feeling, but being right next to it? To a child like me, this was basically heaven.

But I knew it couldn't last forever, so I eventually got up and hopped down from the roots of the mighty tree. The Nymph led me back to Dad and Quartz from the base of the tree. She had a happy expression on her face, seeing me so content with life.

By the time we reached the edge of the glowing green forest, the Nymph stopped leading us and simply pointed us in the right direction. We left the forest, entered the car, and drove back to our house. However, the whole way back I could still feel where the Hallowed Wood was. Where the Nymph was.

8.1 XP from seeing all the animals in that forest. 40 from those amazing creatures. 10 from seeing the Nexus, plus 5 for interacting with it. 10 from seeing the Guardians, plus 1 for interacting with one. 74.1 XP in one trip, as well as a new buff. Plus 2.45 from over the month and the 9.55 I have left over from reaching Level 4, and I now have 86.1 XP of 95 towards Level 5. I once thought it was weird that I was already close to Level 5, but Quartz assured me that I was nowhere close to ahead of the curve. Seeing Cardin at Level 5 with two new Skills really put a dent in that one, but Dad was still willing to teach me the basics when we got home.

I sat myself in a chair, and we began our 'talk'. Unlike the one Quartz was due, this one was child-friendly. Dad sat across from me, hands folded and in front of his chin, eyes darting from point to point as if thinking of a way to start the discussion.

"Where do I begin," he asked himself. His focus landed on me for a moment. "I want you to get the most out of this, so gimme a second to think here."

"Okay," I said. I waited patiently for Dad to speak, ignoring the sounds of Quartz practicing his swordplay. I also managed to somehow ignore the calamity that was Diamond tumbling down the stairs from the second story, though I actually heard two voices shouting and two things falling. It took me a moment to remember that Saffron's girlfriend had come over for a weekend, and just as long to realize that it wasn't Diamond who fell. I could faintly hear Diamond shouting upstairs that she was sorry, and I could automatically assume that she simply bumped into someone and pushed them down the stairs. Man, she is so clumsy.

"Okay, I think I have a starting point," Dad spoke, and I instinctually tuned in. "You remember Mommy teaching you about Skills, right? All the ways you can get one?" I nodded. "Good, because I'm going to expand your knowledge. Are you ready?"

"Yeah," I exclaimed. He chuckled softly.

"Good, good," said the older man. "Alright, you have experienced what it's like to learn a Skill by doing it, so I won't explain that part. The other way to learn new Skills is to get a new Level, which your mother taught you. She also taught you that you can only start learning Skills this way at Level 5; however, since you are almost there already, I want to go further into detail so that you won't be as scared when it happens."

I almost immediately started getting scared. Was this process really that scary? Was it gonna be like seeing those spiders in the mountain cave? Was it gonna hurt? Was I gonna die?

"Let me elaborate before you start shaking out of your skivvies," Dad explained. My fears left for the time being, even though they were still there. "Now, when you reach Level 5, a couple of things will happen first, although there is a chance that they won't happen. The first thing you might feel is strong, like you're standing on top of the world. Stay on guard, since this next part might surprise you if you don't."

Like I'm on top of the world? That actually sounds like fun. I wanna be on top of the world. No. No, Jaune. Pay attention… the world.

"Then, after a moment of being so high, you will start to feel really weak," Dad continued. On second thought, maybe I don't want to be on top of the world. "You might feel so weak you can't even stand, or move your arms. You might even feel numb, like your body went to sleep without you." I don't want to be on top of the world anymore. "This is where it can get scary, as you might feel trapped inside of your own body. Kind of like when you wake up but your body won't move." I've experienced that before. Now I really don't want to be on top of the world. I just don't, not at all.

"The next part is where things get difficult to explain," he said. "You will feel like you went to sleep, but you will wake up very quickly. You might see something different from someone else. Cardin says he was in a tree with a bunch of leaves, but Quartz saw a number of animals. For me, it was a bunch of stars. You could see something different, like a spider web." I shivered violently, hugging my shoulders. I couldn't help but remember the big spider from the cave. "Okay, bad example. Maybe… maybe you'll see a bunch of flowers. Either way, you will be able to move around wherever you end up. You can move around and see these Skills and what they will let you do, as well as any Skills you already know. The Skills you know will look different from the Skills you can learn, but you will be able to see them.

"You can spend as much time or as little time as you want in there, but you have to choose new Skills to learn before you can leave that place. And when you do, you might feel like you went to sleep, but it won't last long. When you wake up, you'll end up right back where you were in the real world. Maybe a few seconds will pass between when you first go to sleep and when you last wake up, but no longer than a minute."

I couldn't help but feel relieved. Still, anything could happen in a minute. What if I got hurt while I was asleep? Would I be stuck in the strange world forever? I had so many reasons to be scared right now, and not a single one of them was because of spiders… okay, maybe a few had something to do with spiders, but that's not the point.

"Now, when you wake up you will feel funny, like you know something but you don't," Dad continued. "The only way to get rid of this feeling is to practice what you learned, whatever it might be. When you do, you will have truly learned your first Skills by reaching Level 5. Does this all make sense to you?"

I nodded quietly, relaxing about the spiders finally. I don't know that my first experience will even have anything to do with those creepy crawlies at all. I'll be fine. I'll be fine. I'll be fine. I'll … I wanna cry. I won't make it, I'm scared.

My next experience with a Nexus, and my last one required by my teacher, was near a dormant volcano - another Fire Earth Nexus point - about a week after Dad told me about Skills. This time, we had brought along Cardin so that he could finish his project as well. Mom had taken him to see a mountain, a cliff face, and an open plains earlier, and now she and Dad had brought us both to see one last Nexus. Since this was the middle of Spring Break, we had no worries about missing school. And I had less of a worry about reaching Level 5 in a dangerous place.

As we neared the sleeping giant, a pair of boulders melted and rose, taking on human forms. It reminded me of the Wooded Nymph from the Hallowed Wood, only a hundred times scarier and a big man like Dad rather than a little girl. Cardin was a little scared, but he was much more amazed by the sight than I was.

I couldn't help but recall what the Nymph told me about this kind of fire. I was starting to get worried. I knew I wouldn't Level Up here, but 2.5 XP was still really pushing my luck here. 88.81 of 95, less than 10 to go. I hope that the Nexus is a nice one like the Hallowed Root was.

"Magma, Blast," Dad exclaimed. He walked over to the Lava Golems like they were old friends. "Been too long, buddies. How's Volcan, is he awake?"

"He is," one of the golems responded. A bird made of charred wood flew over and landed on the shoulder of the molten obsidian man. Another 2.5 XP. 91.31 of 95. Please no more. Please. No more. I'm scared enough already.

"You brought children here," the other golem noticed. "Didn't you say it was too dangerous for their age?"

"Times have changed, fellas," Dad answered. "Teachers decided now was a good time, not later." One of the golems grunted angrily at this, clearly unenthused by this.

"So what do they want the brats to do, huh," the bird squawked. I nearly jumped at this. Wooden birds were one thing, burning wooden birds were another, but talking and burning wooden birds? Well, at least I know it's possible. "Same as Berry?" Dad shook his head.

"Nah, gotta see two Guardians this time," he explained. "And the big boss, the Nexus as they call it." The bird chirped. The lava monsters stepped aside and opened the path to the peak of the cold volcano. Dad led us to the peak. I prayed for no more Guardians. I got my wish, alright. Right there was the Nexus, asleep but still very much present. 10 XP right there. Level Up, right there. I was now Level 5, with 6.31 XP left over. I waited nervously for the feelings Dad described last week. They didn't come while I expected them.

Just as I let my guard down, I felt it. The peaks of what he described, followed closely by the sudden drop. Mine was bad, worse than what he told me would happen. Everything around me went dark, from vision going dark to voices getting deep and muffled. I felt heavier than asleep, about twice as heavy. I was actually praying for the sleep part by the time it actually came.

It came as Dad said it would, but it felt less like a nap and more like a blink. All around me was a bunch of bubbles in a navy void. In front of me was what I could only assume was the Parasite, in the form of something recognizable: a human, albeit black with white eyes and bulging muscles. It was lying belly-down on the ground with a pout on its face. Sitting on top of the being was none other than the Nymph, who had barred it from interfering with a bunch of roots and branches on top of its back and arms.

Of all the bubbles, three seemed to show different colors. Two were green, with a leaf decorating its surface. The other was blue, with a fish hook on it. I could tell which one was Fishing. I got curious about the green ones, and passed by them. The Nymph simply sat by, smiling at me with curious eyes.

Hello, Sapling, the Nymph said. I see you have grown since last we saw each other.

Get off of me, Bark-Flesh, the Parasite snarled venomously. If I could, I would break every single branch on your worthless body and vi- . It never finished its sentence, as a branch slammed into its mouth and shut it up.

Take your time, young one, the Nymph encouraged me. I did so, and went searching through the Skills available to me. Heavy Lifter sounded good to me, as Cardin had it, but I moved on before I took it. I wanted to see all of my options before I chose. These would stay with me forever, and I didn't want to make a bad decision that I didn't like or couldn't use. Or that the Parasite could take advantage of.

I ended up with a green one and one with a diamond on it. Nature's Eye was the green one, and it would allow me to see the species, Levels, and major stats of any wild creature or Guardian; I had to develop a somewhat close relationship with a Guardian or at least have spoken to an Elemental Nexus before, which I have. The diamond one was Dust Acquisition, which would let me take some of the Element charge inside of Dust and use it for whatever I wanted. It required a Magical Resistance of 9 and access to the Elemental Resistance bar for me to know and use, both of which I had. The Nymph smiled at me sweetly, and her eyes sparkled with joy. Not happiness, joy.

A wise choice, young Sapling, she praised. May your roots grow deep.

I blinked, and I was back to the land of the living. No spiders, only concerned Lava Golems and Charred Hawks, a worried pair of parents, and a scared Cardin. Well, the Nature's Eye thing works as explained. I was helped up by Mom and Dad, as the Guardians were too afraid of burning me. As soon as I was back up on my feet, I looked around in an attempt to get my bearings back. I figured out pretty quickly that the Golems were pretty high-level, both being over Level 80 with Strength and Element stats above 50 apiece. While awe-inspiring, it was simultaneously terrifying for someone who is currently affected by a Parasite of a higher caliber. The Hawks were Level 50 with Strengths of 15, Elements of 45, and Speeds of 80. If I wasn't mistaken, this meant that these creatures could fly at 40 miles an hour. Either that or their stats are twice as effective and they could actually fly at 80 because they're Guardians. Please note that Guardians actually have Elements, and the Element shows how much of their particular Element they were made with and have inside of them.

It was then that I felt it. A deep rumbling in the earth beneath me, rising in power and coming closer. My Ability allowed me to see that the Nexus was burning brighter and hotter, melting the rocks in the old obsidian mountain. I backed away from the pure Element as it grew so much more powerful. The volcano was waking up, and I was right there to see it.

Suddenly, a blast of pure Fire Element rose from the volcano, a pillar of heat and flame exploding from deep within the volcano as the Nexus reached its peak intensity. I was glad I backed up when I did, else I would have ended up looking like those blackened trees dotting the base of the mountain. Cardin was already this far back, standing with Mom despite wanting to be closer. Dad, on the other hand, was right there mere inches from the blazing column. He seemed untouched by the flames, which was starting to make sense now that I could see the Fire Element inside of him.

The flare ended almost as soon as it began, revealing something I thought impossible: a man made almost entirely of Fire, the source of the Nexus deep within its chest, was floating above the now magmatic caldera. Ooh, big words. Its eyes were a roaring red, its body swirling with a golden orange energy. The name of it was invisible, as was its Level and Element, so I knew it wasn't a Guardian. This had to be the manifestation of the Nexus, a form which humans could see and interact with. It was the only thing I could think of.

"Volcan, been too long," Dad called up to the volcanic being. "How's life treating you? Or fire, I guess, but same intention."

"Argentum," the flaming entity replied. Its voice shook the very earth beneath me, and I felt the echo in my chest. "You have not changed at all, old friend. And you have brought visitors as well, I see."

"Oh, right," Dad realized something. He gestured to Cardin and I. "Lord Volcan, may I present to you my youngest sons, Jaune Arc and Cardin Winchester. Jaune, Cardin, this is the mighty Lord Volcan, Master of Fire, King of this volcano, and the lifeblood of this Nexus."

"Pleased to meet you," Cardin called up to Volcan. I, on the other hand, opted to huddle closer to Mom and behind her. I remember what the Nymph told me, and I don't entertain the idea of getting burned or losing the protection from the Hallowed Root.

"One seems shy," Volcan noticed, referring to me. "I see why: he has been touched by a Life Nexus. They call themselves Hallowed Roots, if I recall."

"He also has a Parasite in him," Dad mentioned. "The Life Nexus gave him a protection or something like that. I think he's scared you'll burn it away." The flaming man reached up to scratch its neck.

"I see," said Vulcan. He materialized two massive Tomes out of charred embers and volcanic ash. "I can do nothing for that, and will refrain from interfering with such a boon. However, as was the case with you and your youngest daughter, I dislike the idea of such young children leaving without souvenirs." The titanic Tomes floated down to Cardin and I. "Consider them gifts from a grand mountain king. May you never forget them, young ones."

Cardin plucked his huge book out of the air, whereas mine gently fell into my open hands. The author obviously gave itself a long-winded title in and of itself, given the equally big personality of the Nexus manifest, but the title was pretty simple: 'Grand Inferno' for Cardin, teeming with Elemental power and Magic; humming with words of wisdom and a more peaceful flame, mine was titled 'Firebird'. Cardin wanted desperately to open his, but the index was locked with an obsidian book lock. Mine was also locked, which I considered to be for the better. It still gave me a decent bit of XP from receiving, although how much and why was up in the air to me.

"Argentum, I know there is something else you came to speak about," Volcan stated. The being floated down to the rim of the volcano, levitating just a few feet from the edge. "What did you come here to discuss?"

"Volcan, you know me," Dad said in a playful tone. "Can't your loyal Inquisitor simply hang out for a while?" He made a motion to Mom, and she guided us back to the car. I was still kind of confused about what just happened. First I pass out and get two incredible Skills, then a volcano that was once dormant wakes up and becomes a human-shaped ball of fire, then said ball of fire forms two massive books and gives them to two little kids as 'souvenirs'. This was the strangest encounter I have ever had with anything, and that's saying something. Well, at least I got some XP from the experience. I couldn't wait to get home and see what the Token Mirror said.

"So, Jaune," Mom started. "What Skills did you choose?" Cardin too seemed eager to know.

"Nature's Eye and Dust Acquisition," I said, struggling a bit with the bigger words. Cardin had a confused look on his face. Mom, on the other hand, had a surprised expression.

"I never saw those," Cardin hummed. "Then again, I'm halfway to Level 6 now. Maybe I'll check it out."

"You need a Magic Resistance of 9 to get it," I mentioned. "You also have to have an Elemental Resistance of some kind too." He snapped unhappily. "And that's just Dust Acquisition."

"Nah, it's fine," Cardin hummed. "I don't need Dust Inquisition anyways." That is not how it is pronounced. Then again, I don't think I'm pronouncing it right either.

"Well, Daddy forgot his Fire Dust again," Mom mentioned, pulling out a Dust Crystal. My eyes lit up like a Festa parade at the sight. As little of the Element as there was within, it was certainly present. "I'm sure he wants to refill it anyways." The Crystal found its way into my hands by some random coincidence.

The first thing I did was examine the mighty gem. The edges were well cut, smooth like a mirror and slick as steel. The material was clear and reflective like water, and shone with the colors of the Element it held within, mainly variations of orange. I could see the Element itself swirling around the Crystal angrily, like a tiny whirlwind of fire trapped inside of a gem-shaped box of glass. I knew deep within how to draw on the Element, to pull it out of the jewel, but part of me was scared. What would happen to me if all went to plan? What if something went wrong?

Well, I did get that Skill, better not to waste it because I'm scared. I closed my hands around the larger gem and focused. I imagined myself as another container, a bigger vessel for the Element, and the Dust as a cage in which the Element was trapped, just like the Skill taught me to do. I could feel the Element reacting to this in a way, and the flames exited the Dust and entered my body. The warmth of the Fire poured into my heart like water pours from pumps into glasses. The Skill solidified itself into my memory, and I felt another smaller rush of XP as my stats rose. I could take a wild guess and probably nail it, but that's just asking for trouble.

Once the Dust was completely empty, I gave it back to Mom, who went out of the car to give it to Dad. I felt no changes in my buffs, meaning that the Hallowed Root was still suppressing the Parasite. I also felt a minor raise in my Passive XP gain, albeit minimal at best. The biggest thing was in my stats, which I felt had risen by a decent margin but I couldn't tell just how much of a gain I made. The best thing to do now was just to wait until I could check.

Level 5. XP to Level 6: 22.81 of 120. Passive XP: 0.04 per day. Strength: 8 (Labor 9, Combat 3). Intelligence: 18 (Wisdom 9, Intelligence 10). Constitution: 16 (Immunity 18, Endurance 19, Tolerance 13). Agility: 12 (Flexibility 4, Speed 8). Social: 15. Resistance: 11 (Physical 11, Magical 11, Elemental 1). No class. Abilities: Element Seeker (can see base Elements in materials). Special: Element 1 (Fire).

Wait, I already have that much XP?... Oh yeah, I did have some extra. I had those stat increases. Don't they give 0.5 XP for each sub-stat? I guess that makes sense, given that the Parasite does its thing. And then there was that Firebird Tome, that was a thing. Apparently 5 XP for getting it, 5 for talking to the author directly. Strange guy, that one.

Anyways, Dad told me that the Skills I chose were very wise. He told me that his first Skill he ever chose was Dust Acquisition, same as me. The only difference is that he got the Burning Knowledge Skill - which came from receiving a Tome from a Fire Nexus - with it. Mom told me something similar, that she got the Nature's Eye Skill and some other one I don't remember seeing. Maybe she had something that I didn't?

Cardin on the other hand took Heavy Lifter and Squire, neither of which I truly understood. Heavy Lifter allowed him to pick up heavier things by lifting them in a particular way that made him seem sturdier; while his Labor rose little, his ability to lift heavy things went way up. Squire, on the other hand, gave him Basic knowledge of basic combat and increased his Combat efficiency. His Strength was rather impressive as such. I would have to join his Combat class soon, lest I fall behind.

END

A/N: It's a wrap! Man, I swear that was harder to write than it looked. I first wrote that whole Hallowed Wood scene for last chapter but decided that it was too much of a rush and moved it to this chapter. The Skills explanation bit was right off the top of my head, and then I changed some bits as I went along the Volcan part. The Fire Tomes weren't initially there, and Volcan had a bit more of a holier-than-thou attitude at first thought. As my mind made it evolve, it gradually fit pieces together. As for the extra XP part, I had legitimately forgotten about the stats gain from the forest. I could excuse it by saying Jaune hadn't checked a Token Mirror yet, but that would be a sorry and pitiful excuse and as such will simply tell the truth and accept that I suck.

Anyways, I am now finished with this chapter. Next chapter will be a bit of a timeskip, if I feel ballsy enough. Prepare for some changes in our little blonde knight, as soon he may be less gold and more silver….

I have watched too much FFXV Royal Edition on YT, haven't I? I mean, who wouldn't like the game? Noctis is just a monster in combat compared to a normal Huntsman (save for the Silver Eyes, but that's not really here), he's a sweet guy when you get to know him, he's a prince, and *spoilers*… oh. Oh. Oh, that might be a little overkill. Maybe just some influence is all I'll use. Yeah, that's a plan and a half! Eh… ffff*profanity overload*, Tex! Jaune is battered enough, then Noct got it just as bad if not worse, and now ya wanna merge the two?! F*profanity*, man.

Worry not, those who have seen both the end of RWBY Volume 3 and FFXV. Much like Otto von Bismarck, I have a plan - I always have a plan - and it will not involve either of those sob stories. I still want to strangle the little psycho in my head, but I no longer wanna stuff Godzilla in my ears and let him go to town in that hellhole I call a brain.

Before I give more spoilers than necessary, let me sign off and get to the next chapter already. This is General Texas, signing out.