So, I finished the chapter sooner then I expected and didn't see a point in holding off on posting it. just don't expect chapters to always be updated this quickly. I have some free time on my hands right now that is giving me a change to write more than normal.
There is a knew poll for the pairing, so please go and vote. And please remember that Pyrrha is only the first person he has met, they can just as easily stay friends.
A few people asked for a better idea of Grimm's weapon. Look up 'Kusarigama', it's a Japanese weapon made with a chain with a scythe like blade on one end and a metal weight on the other. Grimm's weapon is like that, only with metal hooks on the ends with the inside of the hooks being blades.
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Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY :(
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Chapter 4- Making Friends
0o0
"Ready! 3…2…1…FIGHT!"
The moment Jasper called fight, Pyrrha rushed me with her shield up, aiming bash me off balance. It was ok, but still stupid. I can see that she put all her weight behind it and left herself nothing in case it failed. Unfortunately for her, I also had a higher STR Stat and plenty of time to brace myself. Instead of dodging I stood my ground and met her Shield Bash with my right Hook. It stopped her momentum dead and caused her to crash into her own shield at an awkward angle. Or it would, if she didn't twist at the last moment to bleed off the momentum and spin around me.
(!)
Grimm
-50
(18,250/18,300)
(!)
Tanking the shield bash wasn't without risk, but it wasn't anything to worry about.
With Pyrrha now behind me I was at a disadvantage, one she was already taking advantage of as she thrust her spear at my upper back. Only for my tail to intercept it, knocking the shaft up and over my shoulder. Before Pyrrha could react, I tossed the Hook in my right hand forward and grabbed the ned of her spear just under the blade and yanked it out of her grip. The hook I tossed shot across the area before the chain ran out, and with a flick of my left wrist that still held the other hook it started to circle around us.
Seeing the danger Pyrrha rolled backwards, just avoiding the chain as it was about to hit her mid-drift and was back on her feet in the same move. I lifted my arm as the chain wrapped around my chest, before circling back around and catching Pyrrha by surprise. Not expecting the second pass, she couldn't react in time as the Hook caught her around the neck.
At least it should have, yet at the last moment it 'missed' by an inch. I didn't miss the slight wave of he now free hand as the hook came at her. Seems she was already using her Semblance in subtle ways to manipulate the fight, something I had a feeling she learned from Jasper. It was the sort of thing the old bastard would do.
There was a pause in the fight, with us now on the opposite side of the area than we started. I tossed her spear in between us, knowing that she would make a grab for it and if she didn't want to show her Semblance openly she would need to get close to it. We didn't brake eye contact and started to slowly circle each other, matching step for step without closing the distance.
Pyrrha was more cautious of me now. She knew I was strong enough to tank her shield bash and quick enough to counter her when she slipped behind me. Pyrrha is good, fast, strong, and skilled. But she didn't have the experience to match it yet.
I have been fighting both Grimm and Human's/Faunus for years, learned to read them. Pyrrha was used to dominating her opponents like me, but it had stunted her progress a little too much. It is something I imagine she will overcome that when she starts fighting in tournaments.
But until than I can take advantage of her lack of experience, and the fact I knew her Semblance.
"I'm impressed, thought I had you for a moment there. But I missed…lucky for you I guess." I said, a small smirk on my lips.
Pyrrha grew visibly uncomfortable at my comment, braking eye contact…just as I expected her too. In that moment her attention shifted I sent my left hook right at her face with a flick of my wrist. Because she looked away Pyrrha didn't notice until it was too late, and with no time for her to lift her shield to block she was limited on choices.
In a few years when she had more experience and control, Pyrrha would probably lean to the side and subtly push the hook away while making it look like a very close dodge. But as she is now, Pyrrha panicked. Eyes wide in panic she moved her free hand up and used her Semblance to visibly, at least to the trained eye, knock it off course and go over her shoulder.
(14,900/15,000)
It cost her 100 ap to use her Semblance.
Reacting quickly, I grabbed the chain and brought the hook to a stop and pulled, bringing it back at the back of her neck. Unable to recover from her panic in time Pyrrha took the hit and was knocked off balance onto her face.
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Pyrrha
Critical! Head Cleaver!
178 X 5 = 890
-890!
(14,010/15,000)
(!)
If she didn't have aura it would have taken her head clean off.
I didn't take advantage of the opening I made, waiting for her to get up. I should have, should end it quickly, but I was having fun. This is the first fight in years that is making me try and I didn't want to just choke her out like I usually did.
I waited until she was back on her feet before speaking, a large grin on my face. "I saw that, what you did." I said, making her eyes widen slightly and glance towards Jasper on her left. The old bastard had a hand over his face and was shaking his head in exasperation.
Turning her attention back to me Pyrrha bit her lips, practically hiding behind her shield. "I-I don't know what you are talking about." She tried to deny.
Instead of answering, I did something that made Pyrrha's eyes widen and the crowd go silent in shock. I dropped Jormungandr on the ground at my feet, leaving me without a weapon, before lifting my fists. "I'm not sure if you are Telekinetic or something else, but I know you did something to change the direction of my Hook. So, let's see if you can push my fists." I said.
Pyrrha became visibly pale at my words and her eyes moved to the spear still on the ground between us. I couldn't just come out a say I knew her Semblance from the start, it would have been suspicious. But with a little misdirection and forcing her to use it in a less inconspicuous way I had the excuse of having 'deduced' it. Now she will either need to use it in front of the crowd and make her spear return to her, or she will need to run and grab it herself.
Pyrrha's nerve broke at this point and she made a brake for her spear, practically diving at it. But I'm faster, and when she dived for the spear I was there to meet her. I grabbed her outstretched hand by the wrist before it could reach her weapon, pulling her to her feet. My fist shot forward for her face but Pyrrha brought up her shield, causing a gong like ring to fill the air and a large dent.
Not giving her time to recover I brought my knee up into her stomach, denting in her Armour like it was tissue paper.
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Pyrrha
-128!
(13,882/15,000)
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Fun fact, armour is useless if you have aura, at lest to the Game system. Grimm had Armour Points, but Humans and Faunus didn't, so it had no effect to the damage calculator. I assume this is because Aura is itself a type of Armour.
The hit knocked made Pyrrha stumble back a few feet, but she recovered before falling and instantly made another attempt for her spear. At least I thought she was. When I went to block her again she changed direction at the last second and instead punched me in the chin.
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Grimm
-110!
(18,140/18,300)
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Unlike Pyrrha I didn't stumble, but the hit was distraction enough for her to grab her spear and backup a few feet to put distance between us.
Before I had time to react Pyrrha started stabbing with her spear, hitting my several times before I could back up.
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Grimm
50 X 6 = 300
-300!
(17,840/18,300)
(!)
She tried to follow and press her advantage but overextended a thrust at my chest. Dodging to the left I trapped the spear under my armpit and pulled her forward and headbutted her.
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Pyrrha
-128!
(13,754/15,000)
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Grimm
-64!
(16,876/18,300)
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I took half the damage I dealt for my trouble, but it was worth it. Pyrrha stumbled back stunned, though her grip on her spear didn't faulter and she took it with her. Pressing my advantage, I stepped into her guard and started raining down hits to her chest and stomach.
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Pyrrha
128 X 8 = 1024
-1024!
(12,730/15,000)
(!)
I was too close for her to use her spear at this point, something Pyrrha realised as she dropped it along with her shield and started returning my hits. At least as many as she could.
(!)
Grimm
110 X 3 = 330
330!
(17,500/18,300)
(!)
We broke apart, Pyrrha grabbing her shield and spear again.
I couldn't keep the grin of my face. This was so much fun! It has been too long since I fought someone that could put up an actual fight…it made me want to take it further
I watched as Pyrrha regained her breath and got into the same stance she used when we started the fight, her eyes focused on me intently. The look on her face when I started laughing a moment later was amusing, the complete shock and confusion.
I couldn't help it, I was so excited. "You know, I am really enjoying myself fighting you. I haven't felt a rush like this in years. So, I'm going to take you seriously..." I said, my tongue flicking out in excitement.
(!)
Grimm
-5000
+10 STR!
+10 DEX!
X5 STR!
X5 DEX!
Mutation Meter: 3
(12,500/18,300)
(!)
My body rippled, scales replacing skin and hair receding into my skull. My muscles bulged, and my height doubled, changing my body type from slim to large. My mouth opened wide as my teeth all turned into needed like fangs, my cheeks taking on a snake like quality, so my mouth can open several times wider than it should and my nose disappeared into my face. My hands triples in size with long claws sprouting out the end of my fingers, and my tail doubled in length and thickness behind me. *
My shirt and jeans burst at the seams as my body expanded, my shoes exploding as my feet outgrew them and claws shot out of my toes. I was left in nothing but a pair of blood red sorts that stretched to accommodate my new size.
My transformation was finished in 3 seconds, and the room fell completely silent. This is the first time I showed anyone my Semblance, and both Pyrrha and the crowed seemed too shocked to react. Now standing at 8 feet tall I towered over Pyrrha's small form, a slowly reached up and tore what was left of my shirt off and threw it to the side.
"Don't lose your never now…I want to see just how good you are!" I said as I crouched slightly in preparation. My voice now deep and growling.
I didn't charge forward as much as step, my now wider stride closing the space between us in 4 steps. Pyrrha recovered from her shock in time to bring her shield up to block my swipe, but my claws tore through it like paper and ripped it off her arm even as she jabbed her spear at my stomach.
(!)
Grimm
-50!
(12, 450/18,300)
(!)
I barely felt it, bringing my left hand forward and swiping it across her stomach.
(!)
Pyrrha
Critical!
490!
X2 = 980
-980!
(11,750/15,000)
(!)
The force of the blow sent Pyrrha flying across the arena, skidding across the floor to the edge. The advantage of having claws, it made it so most of my attacks were Critical.
Ok, so maybe using my Semblance is a little overkill while Pyrrha is still a little green and the battle high was getting to me. But I think she needs to lose, and not by a close margin. In the show Pyrrha always felt like an outsider because she was better then everyone else my miles, it led to confidence issues and insecurities. It also made her push herself to meet everyone's expectations, and that wasn't healthy.
So, I am going to by the bigger fish. I am going to be the one stronger than her, so she doesn't have to be the best.
I didn't give her time to get up, stomping over in a few steps while she was on her hands and knees. Aura might protect you from getting hurt, but it didn't stop you feeling pain. Phantom Wounds were a common side effect, while you felt the pain from a wound that wasn't there. It faded quickly but it can still be debilitating.
My foot slammed down on her back, forcing her flat to the ground and forcing a chocked scream from her throat.
(!)
Pyrrha
Critical! Backbreaker!
490!
X5 = 2450
-2459!
(9291/15,000)
(!)
I didn't take my foot off Pyrrha's back, keeping her pinned. My clawed foot was as large as her entire back. She lost the grip on her spear again and it fell just out of her reach. She tried to get it, but I increased the pressure on her back. "Why are you even here? You don't need the money, you can probably get anyone to sponsor you when you come of age. So…why are you here slumming it with us? Is it for the excitement? The thrill? Did you want to come and show us our place, how much better you are then us?" I asked, knowing she couldn't answer.
I looked to the side of the area at Jasper, who seemed to be the only person not shocked into silence at my transformation. In fact, it didn't seem to have fazed him at all. Even as I stomped his granddaughter into the ground he didn't so much as flinch.
Narrowing my eyes at him, a ground my foot into Pyrrha's back for emphasis. "Call the match old man, she's done." I said.
Jasper looked up at the screen before frowning at me. "Not yet, she still has Aura." He claimed stubbornly.
I gave a snort. "Don't be a stubborn, you know it's over. Don't make me hurt your Granddaughter anymore then necessary. I will do it if you make me, you know I will." I threatened, adding a little more pressure, and stopping the movement of her chest and getting a gasp of pain.
I saw his hands balling into fists even if his face stayed the same as he met my stare. He broke first. "Alright! Winner is Grimm!" he called before jumping up into the arena and moved to check on his granddaughter.
The moment he called the match I took my foot off Pyrrha and stepped back, already cancelling my Semblance. I shed my Mutated body like a snake skin and it feel to the ground in pieces as I quickly grabbed the now stretched shorts that almost fell now that I shrunk back down.
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You Won!
+140exp
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Achievement Alert!
Not so Invincible!
You won a fight against Pyrrha Nikos!
Rewards: 5000exp, 25,000L and +10sp
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Level up!
+10sp
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Alert!
The 'Shop' function is now available!
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Alert!
System Update!
The Gamer system as been updated and altered slightly.
1. Vitality stat has been removed and Heal Regain fixed. All states that were previously in VIT have been converted into Stat Points.
2. The Shop has been unlocked.
(!)
I always hate it when I get an info dump like that, its really distracting. On the other hand, it seems I now have a 'shop' that I need to check out the moment I have the chance.
I stayed out of the way as Jasper held Pyrrha back to her feet, whispering something in her ear as he helped her off the platform. I grabbed Jormungandr from where I left it on the ground before jumping down myself. The crowd, having gotten over their shock at my Semblance, were cheering. At least most were, the ones who bet on Pyrrha were tearing up betting slips.
I didn't spare any of them a glance as I left, only pausing long enough to collect my earnings for the night before leaving.
+3000L
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My apartment was on the same street as the Drunken Huntsmen. It wasn't huge, but it was more than enough for only one person to live comfortably.
The living room had what this world used as a tv on the wall, a large glass screen with invisible components. I only had an armchair but since I am the only one living here and didn't really have guests it was all I need. I had my own bathroom with a shower too, though it is a little small. The kitchen was a counter to the side with an oven and cooker under it, and the fridge constantly hummed.
Overall, it wasn't the best, but it was better then anywhere else I've lived since being reborn and it didn't cost too much at 500L a month.
Locking the door behind me I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge before dropping into my chair and concentrating.
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Congratulation, you can now use the Shop function of the Gamer System. Please be aware that the Currency used can be either Linen or Stat points depending on the product. For convenience a Currency Exchange System, is available.
In the Shop you can buy Dust Crystals, Perks, Skill Books, Upgrades and Special. New products will be added, so be sure to check.
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Currency Exchange: 500L = 1 Stat Point
Money: 48,375L
Stat Points: 106
Dust Crystals- (Note: Dust Grade is determined by size, clarity, and power as dictated by the Schnee Dust Company.)
Set 1- Suitable for ammo use and Dust Caster's.
Grade 1 Crystals- (X500 = 100L) Low Quality
Grade 2 Crystals- (X100 = 150L) Mid Quality
Grade 3 Crystals- (X100 = 300L) High Quality
Set 2- Suitable for explosive/grenade use.
Grade 4 Crystals- (X50 = 500L) Mid Quality
Grade 5 Crystals- (X50 = 800L) High Quality
Set 3- Suitable for small vehicle power source. (Car, Motorbike, small air ships)
Grade 6 Crystals- (X50 = 1000L) Low Quality
Grade 7 Crystals- (X1 = 5000L) Mid Quality
Grade 8 Crystals- (X1 = 15,000) High Quality
Set 4- Warship/Warship cannon source.
Grade 9 Crystals- (X1 = 700,000L)
Grade 10 Crystals- (X1 = 1,000,000L)
Types Available: Pure. Water. Fire. Wind. Earth. Lightening. Ice. Gravity. Radioactive. (Note: Dust can be combined though Dust Alchemy to create other elements of Dust.
(Note/Warning: Crystals Grenade 6 or lower can be Ground into Dust Powder but become unstable Grade 7 and higher. Grade 7 and higher can be shaped but must be done by a professional.)
Perks
Scale Armour: (Passive) Your scales are hard as steel. -100 damage on areas covered in scales.
Cost: 50ap
Dust Resistance: (Passive) -100 damage from Dust based attacks.
Cost: 50ap
Growth Spurt: (Temporary) +5STR when you Level Up for the next 5 Levels.
Cost: 10ap
Skills Books
Dust Alchemy: (Knowledge) The source of all power and technology in Remnant. Dust Alchemy reflects your ability to prepare Dust, including mixing new elemental types, increasing the effects of existing types, and preparing it for use in weaponry. Buying this Skill Book before gaining the skill gives +10 Levels.
Cost: 10sp
Mechanic: (Knowledge) You're a Gear Head. Mechanic reflects your ability to understand and build machines/high tech weaponry. Buying this Skill Book before gaining the skill gives +10 Levels.
Cost: 10sp
Meditation: (Active) Breath in…Breath out. Meditation increases you Aura Regain. +100 AR. (Note: This skill does not Level.)
Cost: 25sp
Power Hit: (Note: does not Level.) (Active) They won't know what hit them. Power Hit allows you to use Aura to increase the power your attack. Damage dealt is equal to the number of Aura Points +STR +Weapon Damage. Limit 5000ap. Once used you must wait for the Time to reset. Timer: 10:00. (Note: This skill does not Level.)
Cost: 50sp
Grimm Lure: (Active) Come and get me! A skill that attracts every Grimm in the area of effect to your location. Costs: 100ap per mile.
(Note: This skill does not Level.)
Cost: 25sp
Safe Zone: (Active) Nothing to see here. Set up a temporary safe zone invisible to Creatures of Grimm. Requires: Ground Grimm Bones and Pure Dust Powder. Cost: 1000ap per 60:00 (1 hour). (Note: This skill does not Level.)
Cost: 25sp
Camouflage: Racial Skill- (Active) Now you see me know you don't. The ability to change the colour of your scale at will. (Note: This skill does not Level.)
Cost: 30ap
Special
+1 Level Cost: 10,000L (1 available)
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Ok, so at a glance I can see several things I want to buy now.
Camouflage, Safe Zone. Grimm Lure, Power Hit, Dust Alchemy, Scale Armour, Dust Resistance, and the +1 level are all things I can use. The problem is it would cost me 240sp, which is not a small number. Even if I convert all my money into Stat points it would only get me 96sp, leaving me 38 points short and with no money left over.
So, what can I wait for and what do I need right now.
Safe Zone and Grimm Lure will be useful when I go to Beacon, but they don't level so I don't need to train them up before I go, so they can wait. +1 Level is something I can use at any time, so again it can wait. That takes away 50sp and 10,000L, making it a little easier.
Scale Armour, Power Hit and Dust Resistance however seem like thing I can use now. They would be very useful in combat, and I s like to take my time getting used to Dust Resistance. The side effects for overuse are not something to be ignored. That would cost 150 stat points, so I will need to convert 22,000L.
Camouflage would be useful when using my Semblance, and while not full on Invisibility, it would still make it harder to see me when I didn't want to be seen. That's another 30sp, which would mean another 15,000L, making the current total 37,000L.
That just left Dust Alchemy, and if I am going to be using Dust ResistanceI should get it so I don't blow myself up or something.
So overall it is going to cost me all the Stat Points I have saved up and 42,000L.
Taking a deep breath, my hand shaking, I brought up the Currency Exchange.
(!)
Currency Exchange!
-42,000L = 84sp
You now have- 190sp and 6375L
(!)
You have Bought: Dust Alchemy, Camouflage, Scale Armour, Power Hit, and Dust Resistance.
Total Cost = 190sp
(!)
You have Brought: 500 Grade 1 (Fire) Dust Crystals, 500 Grade 1 (Water) Dust Crystals, 500 Grade 1 (Earth) Dust Crystals, 500 Grade 1 (Wind) Dust Crystals, and 500 Grade 1 (Lightening) Dust Crystals.
Total Cost = 500L
You have 5875L left.
(!)
I think I blacked out for moment after spending so much money at once, because on moment I was just sitting in my chair, and the next I was surrounded by metal boxes. Five stacks of metal cases stacked five high, with the only difference between them being a single coloured dot on the top.
Five with a red dot, five with a brown, five with a grey, five with a blue, and the last five were yellow.
Reaching out for one of the cases with the red dot next to me, I place it on my lap and unclipped the latches. Inside was a hundred small vials about the size of my index finger, each with a shard of Fire Dust the size of a fingernail. Checking the other boxes showed the same, only with different kinds of Dust Crystals. They were almost useless considering the quality, but I didn't buy them for their potential damage power. I brought them to get used to handling Dust and to experiment a little.
I was tempted to start now, but I'm tired and a little depressed after spending so much money. I also had to be up first thing tomorrow to meet with Jasper, and considering I just humiliated his Granddaughter I doubt it was going to be fun.
0o0
Jasper Spartan
Level: 36
Title: Hard Arse
"I have to hand it to you brat, I'm impressed." Jasper said from the other side of the desk, his eyes fixed on some paperwork in front of him.
The office is small, just big enough to fit the desk and a chair either side of it. Like his name the room was very Spartan, nothing overly personal or decorative. The desk was plan, the sort of thing you buy and assemble yourself, and the chairs on both side of it were hard and unconfutable.
Luckily there was a gap between the seat and backrest where my tail can fit through or it would have been even more unformattable.
We had been sat for five minutes before Jasper spoke, and I wasn't expecting him to say that. "…ok." I said, unsure what else to say.
Seeming to notice the hesitation in my voice Jasper looked up at me from his paperwork with a raised eyebrow, "What, you thought I'd be angry because you beat my Granddaughter?" he asked.
"Kind of, I did stomp on her a few times at the end." I replied.
"Yeah, that's something we need to talk about too. But as for you winning I'm not mad. You won, she lost. It will do her some good, Pyrrha is too talented for her own good. She needs someone her own age that can challenge her. That's why I had her fight last night, I knew you would at least put up a good fight. You even called her out on her Semblance, dropping your weapon and going at her with your fists…like I said I'm impressed." He explained.
"Wait, so you wanted me to beat her? Your own Granddaughter?" I asked.
"Wanted? Not really. But I knew you had a better chance than any of the other kids that fight for me. Like I said Pyrrha is too talented for her own good, she needs a challenge to help push her. She's been training since she was 7 to be Huntress, and she was always good. But a year ago she unlocked Her Semblance and went from good to untouchable. Hard to hit someone with a sword when they can make you miss with a wave of their hand." Jasper said as he pulled out a cigarette and lighting it.
"She's in this whole program, one of those 'official' pre-Huntsmen training things. But she's so far ahead of everyone else it was starting to have a negative effect on her. Couldn't make friends because they put her on a pedestal, she's started getting self-conscious" he continued.
"So, what? You want me to be her friend? I'm not interested in a playdate with your socially awkward granddaughter. I have better things to do with my time, like training. Besides I humiliated her last night." I said with a frown.
Jasper gave me a blank stare for a moment before speaking. "First of all, never put my granddaughter and the word 'date' in the same sentence. Second, I don't want you to be her friend, I want you to be her training partner, being friends is just an inevitable result from it. You figured out her game after only a few minutes of fighting and can more than keep up with her. Third, she already asked me when I can set up another fight between you and her." He said before taking a deep pull from his cigarette and coughing.
"I'm still not hearing any incentive for me to go along with this Jasper." I said, unable to argue with what he said.
"How about the fact I'm the one who is paying you and if you want it to stay that way you will do what I say?" he threatened.
I chuckled. "We both no that is an empty threat. With my reputation I can go to any other spencer that has seen me fight and they will probably pay me double what you are now. You're the one who lose if you kick me out." I said with a smirk.
Frowning at me calling him out, Jasper let out a sigh as he put out the cigarette in his ashtray. "Then how about as a favour to me, for being the first to give you a chance? Come on kid, she's my granddaughter. Despite what people say I do have a heart, I want what's best for her. As things are now she will be one of, if not the best fighters in the tournaments. But she needs a friend, someone her own age she can trust. You might be a little shit, but I trust you." He finally said.
I debated in my head what to do. After all, hadn't I been thinking the same thing last night when I stomped Pyrrha into the ground? Sure, she would make friends when she went to Beacon, but that didn't mean it was ok for her to be alone for the next 4 years until then. I spent several minutes thinking over the pros and cons before coming to a decision.
When I looked back up at Jasper he had a small smirk on his lips, already knowing what I was going to say. Without a word he passed me a piece of paper with an address on it.
0o0
Pyrrha
0o0
Five minutes. That was how long the match lasted. How long it took him to destroy her. Pyrrha had fought in spars that didn't last long before, but this was both the shortest and the first time she wasn't the one to come out on top.
It was…oddly freeing.
She lost. Not just that, she lost in such way it made her feel like a little girl who never held a weapon.
Pyrrha had been training since she was 7 years old to be Huntress, to be the best. Hours of training, sparing, and learning anything and everything about being a Huntress her family could get her. She joined the best Pre-Huntsmen program in Mistral and quickly worked her way to the top of her class, dominating all the others.
Her Semblance only made it easier, being able to control magnetism. It had been her Mothers idea to keep it secret, to use it in such a way no one would even notice. A little push here to help avoid a sword, a little pull her to help keep her grip on a weapon. It made her seem invisible against anyone that used a weapon because they were all made of metal.
But the more she sored above everyone else around her, the more the pressure tried to pull her down. Everyone expected her to be the best, putting her on a pedestal. Suddenly she was 'too good' to be friends with anyone, no one believed themselves 'worthy' to be around her.
All the friends Pyrrha made when she started the class distanced themselves from her, leaving her alone.
Her skills continued to climb for a while, but the progress was getting slower. No one could challenge her anymore.
Then her grandfather told her he wanted to set up a fight between her and a Faunus boy he was sponsoring. Pyrrha and her parents knew about Jasper's…business. Though Pyrrha also knew it was more about giving kids that couldn't afford it a chance, the money was just a bonus. Her Grandfather said the boy was the best he had ever sponsored, undefeated and ruthless, that he choked his opponents out instead of trying to break their Aura.
Her parents weren't keen at the idea, but Pyrrha had argued for it. If this mystery Faunus boy could give her a good fight, then she was willing to try.
As arrogant as it might sound, the idea that she would lose had not accrued to Pyrrha. She had been dominating those around her for so long she had just gotten used to it. So many people expected her to win, and she didn't want to disappoint any of them.
But the boy, Grimm Reaper of all names, he tore through her skill like it was nothing. He overpowered her, outfought her, outthought her. One little slip and he had noticed his weapon couldn't touch her, and then dropped it and started fighting with his bare hands. He was stronger, smarter, faster…he was better than her.
Pyrrha hadn't had so much fun while fighting in years. The moment she realised she was outmatch the invisible weight on her shoulder had disappeared, and she was able to just…enjoy the fight. After that Pyrrha got in a few hits, but the moment he changed into that…thing, she knew it was over. It had to be his Semblance, though it was unlike any she had heard of before.
As outmatched as she had been before, they were still reasonably close to each other in skill. After he started using his Semblance the gap between them became a crevasse. After her grandfather called the fight and helped her leave, the only thing Pyrrha could think about was that she wanted a rematch.
Pyrrha didn't care about being the best, other people had forced her into that roll and she didn't want to disappoint anyone that believed in her. What she wanted was to be strong enough to help people. To be a good Huntress, kill Creatures of Grimm and save as many lives as she could. The tournaments were just a means to an end, raise some money for herself so her family didn't have to support her, and get the attention of potential Academy's when she turned 17.
After one short fight with Grimm he had pointed out several flaws Pyrrha didn't even know she had. Both from the way he thought, and the things he said. They might have been harsh, but they were true.
He was someone who could help her be better, even if she was never the beast.
0o0
Grimm
0o0
The address led me to a small gym on the opposite side of Mistral, a more 'upscale' part. It had all the usual workout equipment, weights, treadmills, etc. Along with an Arena, of course. A proper one, with protective glass around it and high-tech monitoring equipment so people can watch their spares to analyse themselves. It smelt like sweat mixed with strong cleaning fluids, several people working out and grunting in effort.
I didn't miss the way people glanced at me when I walked in, but they were more interested in their workout and didn't try to cause me any trouble. I found Pyrrha in a quiet corner stabbing her spear into a Beowolf shaped dummy repeatedly, aiming for a different spot every time.
Knowing it is never a good idea to surprise someone while they are so focused on wielding a weapon, stood to the side, and leaned against a wall to her left and waited. Pyrrha gave no indication that she noticed me and continued to stab at the dummy.
I made a mental note that she needed to work on her tunnel vision, she was too focused on what was in font of her and not enough on what is around her. It was a survival skill I was forced to learn while living in the wild. Beowolfs especially tended to attack from multiple directions at once to overwhelm whoever they are attacking.
Pyrrha is too used to fighting one on one, fighting against people. It was good for the tournaments but would get her killed against Grimm.
I stood there for 10 minutes waiting for Pyrrha to notice me before she stopped and grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat off he face, her eyes widening in surprise when she finally saw me. I admit though I wasn't expecting the smile that quickly replaced her surprise, a smile that reached her eyes.
Before she had time to say anything I brought my hand up in the shape of a gun and pointed it at her. "Bang…your dead. I've been stood here for 10 minutes watching you stab that stupid dummy, if I was a Grimm you'd be dead." I said in a flat tone.
Pyrrha's face went as red as her hair at my words as she glanced from me to the dummy and back. "S-sorry, I guess I was a little too focused." She apologised.
"Don't apologise all the time, it's a sign of weakness, and really annoying. If I'm going to be training with you from now on you need to grow a spine to match your skills." I said with a roll of my eyes.
"Sorry" Pyrrha said again without missing a beat, only to go even more red when she realised what she said.
Instead of commenting I turned away and started walking to the door, Pyrrha grabbing her stuff and quickly moving to follow me. "I thought you were going to train with me?" She asked while trying to keep up and stuff her towel into the sports bag slung over her shoulder.
"I am, but not here. I don't train in gyms, too clinical. You get too used to fighting in a 'controlled environment', dulls your instincts." I explained as we left the gym and started walking down the street.
"O-oh, then where do you train?" Pyrrha asked.
"Not in a gym. Look we don't know each other, I'm not about to give you my life story. I'm doing this as a favour to Jasper, and because you gave me decent fight last night. You have skills, but you lack experience. You're the big fish in a little pond and those skills are going to stagnate if you don't challenge yourself. I know because it's the same problem I have. the difference is I don't just fight people." I explained as we approached the West Gate out of Mistral.
We held out our Scrolls to the gate guard for identification and waited a moment while they checked before waving us through. The tunnel outside took us five minutes to walk through and the lights kept blinking, and when we got to the other side the process was repeated with our Scroll IDs being checked. It was a hassle, but there is a reason the Four Kingdoms survived so long.
Once we were outside I turned to Pyrrha, who was looking around with curiosity. "What do you know about the Grimm in the area?" I asked.
"Not much, I know the basics but Grimmology is restricted information outside Huntsmen Starter Schools and Academy's." she replied, still looking around.
Frowning, I let out a sigh as I led her further away from the city. "The area around Mistral has mostly Ursa and several flocks of Nevermore that wonder around. While it's rare to see more than two Ursa together at the same time outside a hoard you can see upwards of a hundred Nevermore to a flock." I explained.
"Luckily most of the Nevermore are only small, the largest being the size of a dog and the smallest a normal crow. Watch out for the smaller ones though, they tend to be more dangerous than their larger counterparts, at least until you get the giant ones. They're a smaller target so its harder to hit them, and they are a lot faster. Good news is they can't shoot feathers when they are that small. Bad news is the ones they attached to their bodies are sharp as knifes. Nevermore are one of the Species of Grimm that grow over time, but it's a slow process, taking years. The Kingdom sends out Huntsmen parties every few years to wipe out the one getting too big." I continued, getting Pyrrha's full attention.
"How do you know so much? The most I've been able to get is an encyclopaedia that lists the more common Grimm." Pyrrha asked.
I debated with myself for a moment before reaching a hand under my jacket, as if to take something from an inside pocket and pulled my notebook out of my inventory and handed it to her. "You can borrow this, but I want it back." I said.
We didn't talk for several minutes as Pyrrha flipped through my notes, pausing every few pages before moving on until she look up at me again. "Did you write this?" she finally asked.
"It was something to do to keep busy." I said while looking around. We are far enough away from the kingdom that Grimm should be appearing soon and I don't intend to get blindsided.
"I don't understand, how did you learn any of this? And these drawing…the detail is incredible." Pyrrha continued.
"Advantage of getting up close and personal. You learn a lot about something while fighting and killing it. Speaking of fighting and killing…" I replied, before pointing over Pyrrha's shoulder at the Ursa lumbering over to us.
Ursa: 18
Health: (10,000/10,000)
Armour: 50
Stats
STR: 90
DEX: 10
INT: 1
Ursa are basically tanks, they can both deal and take a lot of damage. Luckily, they are slow and dumb. If you don't let them hit you it is possible to wear them down, it just tends to take a while because of their high Armour score. The best strategy is to attack their flank, they can't turn quickly, and you can get in and out before they can attack you. The worst thing to do is attack them head on.
Which is exactly what Pyrrha tried to do.
Dropping her bag with my notebook on top of it, Pyrrha pulled the spear from her back and charged the Ursa head on. Only to be stopped short when my tail wrapped around her waist and pulled her back.
"What are you doing?! You don't go at an Ursa had on like that!" I yelled, letting my anger leak into my voice. Is this really the Pyrrha Nikos from the anime? The Invisible Girl, best of the best? Because right now she was a green, impulsive little girl that just tried to charge head first at a Ursa!
"I-I'm sorry, I just thought-" Pyrrha started to apologise, only to be cut off when I pushed her away as the Ursa lunged forward and swiped at her. She fell on her back but recovered instantly and rolled back to her feet.
I'm not as strong as the Ursa, at least not yet, but I am a lot faster and agile. So, I was able to avoid the attack at the last moment after pushing Pyrrha out of the way by jumping up and onto it's back, grabbing two of the larger Bone spikes shooting out to steady myself.
I didn't stay their long however because a moment later when it realised where I was the Ursa started to roll to crush/impale me, so doing a forward flip I twisted in the air, so I was facing it again in a crouch.
Taking my Hooks from my hips and rolled to the side as the Ursa got back to its feet, having already leaving the city. My left hook was sent flying before it recovered from its roll, shooting over its shoulder only to came back and embed itself into the Ursa's shoulder when I gave it a yank.
(!)
Ursa
Hooked! 50 damage per minute!
278 Damage!
-50 Damage = 228
228 Damage!
(9,772/10,000)
(!)
The Ursa's skin is too thick for my hook to cut all the way through, but it was enough for the point to stab into the skin and hook around a bone. I quickly threw my other end of Jormungandr around the trunk of a tree, hooking the chain.
With the Ursa chained to the tree until it either removed the hook or the bone in its shoulder gave out, I moved over the Pyrrha, who had been staring at me in awe. "Stop watching and start stabbing. You have at most five minutes before it gets loose. Aim for its sides and stay away from the head." I said, getting a little annoyed.
"R-right!" Pyrrha said, nodding before running at the Ursa's right side this time.
The next five minutes consisted of Pyrrha stabbing the Ursa in the side, backing away when it turned to face her and running around to the other side and repeating the process again. Unfortunately, her spear was a piece of cap and did 0 damage because it had the same damage and the Ursa's Armour.
I leaned against the tree the chain was wrapped around and waited, watching as Pyrrha tried over and over to get passed the Ursa's natural Armour.
However, because my hook was stabbing into the Ursa and passed its Armour the Hooked damage was able to get through.
(!)
Ursa
50 X 5 = 250
250 Damage!
(9,522/10,000)
(!)
Just like I predicted it took about 5 minutes for the Ursa to get free, though it did loose its arm in the process.
(!)
Ursa
Amputation!
X5
200 X 5 = 1000
1000 Damage!
(8,772/10,000)
(!)
The Ursa's arm came off at the shoulder with a shower of blood and roar of pin, causing it to lose balance for a moment and fall face first into the ground. Pyrrha distance herself the moment Ursa got free, panting slightly as she glared at her spear.
Without a sharp pull I had both Hooks back in my hands.
It was time to test out a new skill.
Walking forward so I was between Pyrrha and the Ursa, I tightened my grip on the handles of my Hooks and concentrated.
(!)
Power Hit Charged!
-5000ap
(Timer: 09:59)
(!)
I was a little surprised when my right hook started generating a black glow, my Aura filling the blade and almost feeling like it is humming in my hand. Letting go of the handles and grabbing the chain I started spinning the hook until it became a glowing black blur, waiting and the Ursa stumbled to find its balance on three legs.
Taking aim, I waited for the perfect moment and threw the hook. It shot forward like a bullet, leaving a black trail behind it, right passed the Ursa's head over what was left of his shoulder. Grabbing the chain with my now free hand and I flicked my wrist that made it turn and come back around its neck. The chain wrapped around its throat once and the Hook dug into its jugular.
With one sharp pull it was over.
(!)
Ursa
Critical!
Decapitation! X10
5278 X 10 = 52,780
-50
52,730 Damage!
(0/10,000)
(!)
You won!
+170exp
(!)
The Ursa's head spun as it separated from the body, the dark blood shooting out of the neck like a fountain before the body went limp and fell to the ground, black smoke already raised off it.
Holy shit!
That just did over 50,000 damage in a single hit. Sure, it was because of Decapitation and wouldn't work against someone with Aura, but it was still an instant kill move. If I had used it when the Ursa had full health, it would have been classed as such.
Giving my hook a flick as it came back to my hand to clear off some to the blood, I turned to find Pyrrha staring at me with her eyes wide and mouth open.
I couldn't help but smile at her shock. "Come on Bear Bait, there's more where that came from. Though you might want to look into replacing that training Spear…clearly, it's not strong enough to fight Ursa. I'll try and find you a flock of Nevermore, they don't have thick skin until they are the size of a horse, so you should be able to do something next time." I said as I walked away.
0o0
We stayed out for a few more hours hunting Grimm, something that was made a lot easier when I could smell them. Nevermore are harder to track because they fly, but possible with a little effort.
True to my predictions Pyrrha faired a lot better against the Nevermore then Ursa, at least she was able to kill a few. However just like when she didn't notice me watching her she tended to focus on one at a time. The moment they swarmed her Pyrrha was overwhelmed and I had to step in.
However, by the third flock there was a noticeable difference. She was a quick learner, quickly correcting any mistakes. I would add in the odd comment/advise and she listened without question. Clearly whoever was training her before now had focused entirely on how to fight other people, not Grimm.
I made sure we were back inside Mistral before dark, knowing from experience that Grimm were both harder to fight and larger in number in the dark.
Overall it was fun, even if I didn't get to do as much training as I usually would. Mostly I just made sure Pyrrha didn't get too badly hurt. If I had my way Pyrrha would be able to qualify as a full-fledged Huntress before she even set foot in Beacon, and that is not just because I wanted a sparing partner that could put up a fight…ok, so maybe it was a little.
Fighting people weaker the me was starting to show in my exp gain, with every level I needed more and fighting the same low-level people wasn't working. There is also the fact I have no intention of letting her die, not if I can help it anyway. Even if I need to be there to bitch slap Cinder myself.
I let her hold on to my notebook for a while, knowing she needed it. The restrictions on knowledge pertaining to the Grimm was both annoying and understandable. Grimm were drawn to negative emotions like a moth to a flame. If everyone knew just how dangerous the Grimm are they would be afraid all the time and draw more in even more Grimm.
If something happened that caused a spike of negativity in an area it would cause the Grimm to swarm and if people knew about that it would cause that spike. It's a never-ending cycle, one led to the other that led to the other. So, to combat this problem people high up in the food chain decided it would be better if information about Grimm was restricted to those that needed to know. A.K.A, Huntsmen. I wouldn't be surprised if there were things even Huntsmen weren't told unless necessary.
The only reason I know this is a mix of otherworldly knowledge and first-hand experience with the Grimm. When Grimm suddenly start appearing because you stubbed your toe on a rock, you learn to keep calm.
After we slit up, Pyrrha going back to her home while I went back to mine, I sent a message to Jasper to get her a better weapon. Mostly I'm expecting her the end up with her sword/spear/sniper and shield, though I can't remember their names.
The sun was already set by the time I got home, not that it is a problem with my Night Vision Skill being at MAX.
The moment I opened my door I knew something was wrong. As had become a habit over the years I flicked my tongue out to taste the air, only to be hit with an unfamiliar scent inside my apartment. Keeping myself calm I stepped into the room and closed the door behind me without turning on the light.
Eye slowly moving over the room only to freeze on my chair, or more specifically, the person sitting in it. He wasn't even trying to hide; the chair had even been turned to face the door, putting him in plain view.
The man was a giant, at least 7 feet tall with a body of pure bulging muscle. He looked like he barely fit in my chair, and the groaning sounds it made when he shifted was worrying. His arms looked at least a foot wide and covered in black fur that covered the back of his hands. But what worried me the most was what he was wearing. A white sleeveless vest over a black, sleeveless hoddie and a Grimm styled mask that covered the top half of his face. It wasn't a basic, generic mask either, but modelled to look like a gorilla type Grimm.
?
Level: 51
Title: Whitefang General
Race: Faunus- Gorilla
Stats
STR:?
DEX: ?
AUR: ?P – ?R
INT: ?
WIS: ?
CHA: ?
He is also stronger then Goodwitch, and I can't see his name. Probably because of the mask, guess the Gamer System doesn't let me see the name of someone if they are hiding their identity.
He made no move to get up when I came in, just sitting their staring at me. He just sat there, taking slow, deep breaths through his nose, arms crossed over his chest. I can feel his eyes moving over me, watching what I did and if I was going to make a move.
We stayed like that for several minutes before he finally broke it. "I'm impressed, you have excellent self-control. Most people would have run or attacked by now. Your hands haven't even twitched to your weapon." He said, his voice deep and gravely, like a grunt. Yet it was also oddly rich and cultured, being somewhat at odds with his ruff appearance.
Slow the Whitefang General got to his feet, my chair groaning in protest, and looked down at me. what I could see of his face seemed impassive, his lips set in a firm line. "My name is Kong. I'm sure you know from my appearance the group I represent, a group that is very interested in you…Mr Reaper." The now named Kong said.
'shitshitshitshitshit!'
0o0
Level: 15 (4815-15,000)
Title: Underground Fighter
Name: Grimm Reaper
Health: (200/200) Regain 10/hour
Aura: (18,500/18,500) Regain 1000/Min
Age: 13
Race: Faunus- Snake (Anaconda)
Money: 5875L
Semblance: Devolution
Climate: Normal
Luck Meter: 0
Mutation Meter: 0
Stats
STR:78
DEX: 64
AUR: 155P – 100R
INT: 35
WIS: 41
CHA: 15
Stat Points: 0
Perks
Reincarnation:
Gamer's Mind: (Passive)
Gamer's Body: (Passive)
Gamer's Eyes: (Passive/Active)
Inventory: (Passive/Active)
Aura: (Passive/Active)
Snake Body: (Passive)
Snake Blood: (Passive)
Cold Blooded: (Passive)
Scale Armour: (Passive) Your scales are hard as steel. -100 damage on areas covered in scales.
Dust Resistance: (Passive) -100 damage from Dust based attacks.
Semblance
Devolution: (Active)
Berserker Timer:01:00/per 5000ap used
Skills
Power Hit: (Note: does not Level.) (Active) They won't know what hit them. Power Hit allows you to use Aura to increase the power your attack, be it fist or weapon. Damage dealt is equal to the number of Aura Points +STR +Weapon Damage. Limit 5000ap. Once used you must wait for the Time to reset. Timer: 10:00.
Bite: Level 50- MAX (Active
Attack: Level 50- MAX (Active)
Sneak: Level 50-MAX (Active)
Night Vision: Level 50-MAX (Passive)
Knife Fighter: Level 50-MAX (Active)
Throw: Level 50-MAX (Active)
Climb: Level 50-MAX (Active)
Parkour: Level 50-MAX (Passive)
Jormungandr Skill: Level 50- MAX (Active)
Racial Skills
Camouflage: Racial Skill- (Active) Now you see me know you don't. The ability to change the colour of your scale at will.
Flexible: Level 50- MAX (Active)
Track: Level 50-MAX (Active)
Grab: Level 50-MAX (Active)
Strangle: Level 50-MAX (Active)
Crush: Level 50-MAX (Active) (Conditional)
Titles
Little Monster: You killed a Grimm with your bare hands as a little kid. +20 damage to all Physical attacks while this Title is equipped.
Feral Child: You have lived in the wilderness on your own for over a year. +5sp when you Level up while in the wild and this Title is equipped.
Underground Fighter: It might not be legal, but you are very good at it. X2 Money gained from Underground Fights you win.
Knowledge
Dust Alchemy: Level 10
Hunting- Level MAX
Textiles- Level MAX
Craft: Level MAX
Whittling: Level MAX
Art: Level MAX
Music: Level MAX
Grimmology- Level 15
Herbology- Level 40
Cooking- Level 45
Trapping- Level MAX
Butchery: Level MAX
0o0
* Think Dr Conner from 'The Amazing Spiderman', with black scales.
0o0
Hope you liked the chapter. Again, thank you to everyone that voted on the poll, and please vote on the new Poll for the Pairing.
Anyway, let me know what you think of the chapter :)