Got no time to reply to all the reviewers, so sorry. So sleepy, so I think I just offer you my hard work… it probably a lot of mistakes, so sorry…

EDIT: This chapter had been beta-ed by odflou.

Let's just get to the stories….Disclaimer: RWBY is the property of Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth, and The Gamer is the property of Sangyoung Seong.

Jaune here will now meet…


Chapter 7

Random Encounter

I found myself standing outside the bar that is actually my destination. It was a very impressive looking bar, its exterior are painted black, white and red, although the black part was dominating most of it. I wonder if the owner was a big fan of black colored things…

I should enter now, but, I still had my doubts…

I still stood outside the building. Although there's nothing wrong for now, I can't shake the feeling that something bad will happen if I go inside. Is this my instincts telling me that my bad luck will try to fuck with me?

Typical Jaune Arc. Some clusterfuck of bad luck will somehow find their way to greet my face, and it certainly will be a problem for me. Well… I blame this all to my damned Luck, which still remained at that poor 7 amount.

Bad luck is just my life in a nutshell.

I sighed. Well, it makes sense. I was going into a shady bar, which in this hour of night will probably filled by some crooks and criminals. Hell, if I'm unlucky enough, maybe even a crime warlord will visit there.

Damn it, I was so afraid. But I have to do this—why I even doing this, you ask? Oh yeah, I haven't told you anything yet, so I'll tell you the big picture of my plans. This, will be essential to my disguise as Hei Lang…

I will hire some men to rob my house, to steal Gan Jiang and Mo Ye.

My parents will be gone for their mission tomorrow, and that left me alone in my house. That's when my plans will be set in motion.

For what? Well, I'm not gonna say anything about it yet…

Oh well. Except for some shady business, there's nothing could possibly go wrong inside, right?

… Right?

Confidently, I waved my hand to the bar bouncer, who nodded curtly and let me enter the bar.

An upbeat music greet me first, then the scenery.

I had to let out a low whistle at what I saw through my mask's lenses. It was a dance floor, all colored white with glass pillars holding up the ceiling. And the dance floor was crowded by so many people, however they were so insignificant that I have to ignore them. As if they were just black, nameless and faceless figures. According to my Aura Vision, (which the mask granted me) most of them didn't have their Aura unlocked, anyway.

Other than that, there are so many men wearing black suit with matching hat and shoes, they have red Aura. They wear red sunglasses and red tie. Strangely, all of them have the same black hair, and few of them have moustache as well. There's a bit of difference, but in a glance, they were almost identical…

Is this place running a clone factory or something? God, they need some creativity.

Red like roses, fills my dream, and brings me to the place you rest…

The music goes on, and I decided to approach a large man, who standing behind a counter. He wears a black vest over a white dress shirt, with black gloves, black pants, and red big tie. His short hair and moustache was black, and his grey eyes are staring at me. His Aura was greyish-black.

As for me, I take a brief glance upon the text above his head.

Little Black Bear

LV 29

Hei Xiong

He seems to be the owner of this bar, so I need more info on him…

Observe.

Background: More familiarly known as Junior, he is the son of Xiong family. His father Hei Xiong Senior was a Faunus along with the rest with his family, but his mother was human, which heritage made him born as a human. Currently own and runs his bar, along with some less-than-respectable business in the underworld. Infamous information broker in Vale.

Hei Xiong, huh? I hope that first name doesn't make my disguise as Hei Lang more difficult than it is now. I'm a black wolf, and he's a black bear… I guess that makes us a Beowolf and Ursa.

Heh.

With a confident smile, I shifted into my Hei Lang persona.

"Greetings, Hei Xiong." I addressed the burly man politely. "Or maybe you prefer… 'Junior'?"

Junior merely raised his eyebrow, before he opens his mouth.

"So you know about me." He said. "Who the hell are you, kid? You seems too young to be in this bar anyway."

Hell, it is! I don't wanna be in this bar, actually! I want to avoid certain death!

My mother's gonna kill me if she knew I went to a bar. I'm not even twenty yet! My father will probably just watching while she punishes me… I hope she never catch a news about this… Huntress mothers sure are terrifying… just look at Raven and my mother.

"My name is Hei Lang." I answered calmly. "…and my age doesn't matter. I have some important business with you, Junior."

The large man eyed me with a sharp gaze, which put me slightly on edge. He's probably considering whether I'm really someone that will do some 'business' with him, or just a pranking hormonal teenager with big ego and superpowers.

I just stared back at him, despite my building-up nervousness. I don't even say a word, until his gaze softened and he opens his mouth again.

"… What business?" Junior asked carefully. "Ah, before that, please take a seat first, Mr. Lang."

He gestured politely to a seat in front of his counter. He does have some manners for his customers, I suppose.

"Just 'Hei' is fine, Junior."

"Okay."

I complied and sat on the seat, as per his request. I rested my hands on the counter, one hand propping my cheek. The large man stared at me again, while I'm thinking how to start this conversation about 'hiring his men'.

Eventually, it is he who started the conversation.

"I've never seen you before, nor you are in my book, Hei." Junior said. "…Care to elaborate about where you came from?"

I gave him a slight pause before answering.

"Mistral."

That goes without asking. Hei Lang is a Mistralian name, although it maybe will also fit for a Vacuan. As for where exactly, I've been scrambling for names, and comes up with one village…

"To be exact, I'm from Raisin Village." I said that with a fake bitterness in my voice.

"Is that the Faunus-only village that completely ravaged by a bandit tribe eleven years ago?" Junior asked, eyebrow raised.

"Correct."

"That means, you are…"

"The sole survivor, yes." I nodded.

"F—for real?"

"Yes. Would I lie about matters like that?"

Actually, I lied again. Silence for a moment, except for the music that goes on and on.

Mirror, tell me something… who's the loneliest of all?

Raisin Village was one of The Great Villages in Mistral, especially known for accept only Faunus into their village, although humans can visit too. Their natural defenses and formidable fortress being their strong benefit to survive the occasional Grimm attack, they can even repel a Goliath easily. They even got Huntsmans and Huntresses standby there too.

They managed to last until eleven years ago, when a disaster occurred. According to the report, they were betrayed by an insider and a bandit tribe was managed to breach their defenses. They burned down the village and slaughtered almost every villager whom they met. Except one, only one survivor. A Faunus kid.

The sole survivor was taken to an orphan, to blend with child his age and to tend with his trauma. He is never to be seen again, and all information about him was never leaked to the public, for his own good.

That's why I had to take advantage to it. Nobody knew who the kid really were, and thus I will declare myself as that kid. That kid comes from a Faunus-only village, then I can safely assume that he's a Faunus too.

To add to it, Hei Lang is a Faunus too. That's very convenient, I gotta say. I know that what I saying was a big blasphemy and bullshit, but he won't get any harm from me using his identity, he's unknown to public anyway.

I felt bad about lying… but I have to use this strategy, otherwise—

The skill [Bullshitting] has leveled up! The skill [Bullshitting] has leveled up! The skill [Bullshitting] has leveled up! The skill [Bullshitting] has leveled up! The skill [Bullshitting] has leveled up! The skill [Bullshitting] has leveled up!

I almost hung my head in apology to the unknown kid whose name I've been using. I feel embarrassed, I feel guilty, I feel uneasy, and most importantly, I just feel…

WHY IS MY BULLSHIT KEEP LEVELLED UP?! FOR OUM'S SAKE, STOP IT!

"I see… so, you are the sole survivor of that incident…" Junior shook his head in disbelief. "That speak volumes about your appearance. I was told that the Faunus kid who survived that incident was special… you got ears, tail, and more of these animal traits… just as he said."

Well, that's new. I don't know that, but I can't tell him that I was absolutely clueless about that, or I'll risk to blow my cover. So, let's dig some more information…

"Who's telling you, Junior?" I said, tapping my clawed finger on the counter in a steady rhythm.

"My father." He simply answered.

"Oh, Hei Xiong Senior." I chuckled. "That's a surprise. I do not know that he got some knowledge about me. That old bear."

Between us, Junior's the one to show a genuine surprise on his face.

Born with no life, Into subjugation…

Treated like a worthless animal…

The music in the bar keeps going in a different tone than before.

"You know my father?" he asked incredulously.

"Only his name. Who doesn't know of Xiong Family these days, Junior?"

"Hmph. Seems like you know a bit too much, aren't you?"

"A little knowledge cannot hurt, Junior. Instead, it will be beneficial."

"True, that." He mused.

"What else did he say about me?"

"Uh, the rest was just his nonsense. I don't think you'd interested in my old man's saying." Junior shook his head. "It's just an old, stupid fairytale."

"That's alright. Please, do tell me."

"Huh. Okay." The bar owner sighed. "He said that a Faunus which has more than one animal trait is actually the Descendant of Grimmbane, The First Huntsman. He has direct ancestry from Grimmbane, he said. The chosen one who inherited the ancient power of light and darkness. That's ridiculous if you ask me."

What.

So, the bullshit I was saying back then is actually the truth after all? Isn't this just a fortunate coincidence? No, this can't be. It is because of the title [Grimmbane's Apprentice] that I changed to a Faunus. And yet…

[Grimmbane's Apprentice]

By killing a boss Grimm, you have started to follow the footsteps of The First Huntsman, Grimmbane! You have proven yourself to competently slay the true manifestation of anonymity! Become a true Huntsman and slay the Grimm like Grimmbane The Grimm Slayer does!

20% damage increase against Grimm.

20% defense increase against Grimm.

+2 to positive status effects while fighting Grimm.

It seems like equipping the title will literally change me into The Descendant of Grimmbane. But, wait, then what about the sole survivor of that village? That kid? Is he the true Descendant then? But then, why has nobody ever seen him? Somebody like him should be famous, except if he hid himself in purpose. That's actually possible.

Or maybe I can replace his place as Grimmbane's Descendant? I mean, with the Title, special Faunus heritage and all. I don't mean to take over his position as the chosen one, but if he doesn't want to fulfill his destiny, can I do it instead?

I already said it many times, I want to be a Hero. But I don't really think that what I'm doing right now is the proper way to do it.

"Hey, don't think about it too much." Junior said. "It's just a fairytale anyway, Hei. Nothing's real."

I chose not to reply to Junior's words. Instead, I focused to the music…

Come at me, and you'll see…

I'm more than meets the eye…

Yeah, I'm not stupid. Anyone with two brain cells can tell that being a truly heroic figure only works in comics... and fairy tales are just distorted and abridged versions of the original histories that are readapted for childrens, for the original versions are most… well, grimm-dark tales, and have bitter endings or worse.

Does Grimmbane's tale has a hidden truth behind it?

"But, anyway…"

I kept my face in confident smile just like always, waiting for him to finish.

"Why the mask?" he gestured with his chin. "Are you with the White Fang?"

I was taken aback by that question, but I think his question makes sense. Members of the White Fang wears a Grimm mask, although theirs was just a mere replica, whilst mine was a real deal.

My mother told me about that. She said that they wear Grimm mask to symbolize themselves to become a monster. 'If humanity thought of us as monsters, why don't we become one?' She heard that from a White Fang member she captured.

"…I am not. Please do not associate me with them." I put an irritated tone into my voice. "I refuse to be put in the same ground as them. They are just making everything worse for us."

"Well, well, who's this cute little puppy, Junior?"

Junior and I turned. The new, sarcastic voice was belong to a man who wears a red-lined white suit with long black pants and black shoes. He also has a small gray scarf, black gloves with buckled sleeves, and a black bowler hat with a small feather tucked into its red band.

He had slanted, dark-green eyes and bright, long, orange hair, with long bangs covering his right eye. Black eyeliner traced his visible left eye. I recognize this guy instantly. Hell, I knew it already, I don't even have to look at the text above his head:

Lie, Steal, Cheat and Survive!

LV 69

Roman Torchwick

I've seen him often in the Vale News Network. He's the wanted criminal who managed to evade even the most apprehensive Huntsman or Huntress. He was notoriously known for his robberies in Dust Shop around Vale, and somehow always got away from any pursuit.

For all my bad luck, I don't expect to meet him here, but here he is. Maybe he has some business with Junior too? I turned to him, and I can clearly see a condescending stare from the redhead criminal, which he directed right at me. Not a fan of Faunus, I guess. Another bigot with a prejudice.

"He's a new customer, Torchwick." Junior replied.

"Well? Customer? Aren't you from the White Fang?" Roman tilted his head. "Mask, check. Scary outfit, check. And you are a… well, we don't have to say the obvious, aren't we, doggy?"

"And you as well, Roman Torchwick." I gave him a supposedly-cold stare. "Bowler, check. White suit, check. And your eyes… well, we don't have to say the obvious, aren't we... lady?"

His visible left eye widened, and then narrowed in irritation.

Seriously, for all his notorious reputations, he looks so fabulous. A criminal with eyeliners, really? Even though the level difference between us told me that he can finish me off easily, I can't really take him seriously.

I can imagine him dancing on the dance floor now, looking exceptionally fabulous and flamboyant as he is. [A Smooth Criminal] was a more fitting title for him.

And I think I have to [Observe] him too, but somehow, I didn't do it.

"And to refute your claim, I am not from The White Fang." I said coolly.

"So what. You animals are all the same anyway." He grumbled.

"Do not put us all on the same boat." I countered. "Especially with the White Fang."

Roman stared in annoyance, and I stared back. I can clearly see his orange, very torch-like Aura, blazing like fire on a giant candle. The wise course of action was not to irritate him in any way, but he annoyed me first. So…

"Now, now, you two. Hold your tongues, I don't want you both to start fighting and destroy my bar." That's when Junior stepped in. "Feel free to stare at each other, but no violence here. You're both my customer anyway."

After he threw a dangerous stare at me, Roman relented and turned to the owner of the bar, ignored me completely.

"Alright. I'll let this slide for once." He said, shrugged. "I've got a more important business anyway. Can I have my order, please?"

"You can. And—"

"Wait, wait, wait. Can this little puppy scram for a moment? Or maybe for… ever?" he gestured at me. "This is a top secret business, can't let anyone know."

Junior sighed like an old man he really is.

"I'm sorry, Hei. But could you please leave us for a moment?" he said apologetically. "He's an important customer. Can't upset him, I afraid."

"Very well. I shall go to the dance floor then." I nodded.

"Please do. And…"

He snapped his fingers, and cue to that, two girls stepped closer.

One was a girl with short black hair and pale green eyes, enhanced by heavy red makeup. She wears a red strapless dress with black lining.

She wears a large red and white feathers above her left ear, black fur hanging off her shoulders and held at the front by a dark gray chain, red gloves, a black bow tied around her waist, and long red boots with very high stiletto heels.

Her dress seems to be made out from newspaper articles, what with the heading "A New York la pop art di Alborghetti" on it, whatever it means. Seems so alien for me, as if its origins was from another world.

Another was a strikingly similar girl, only with a totally different choice of color. Her pale green eyes was enhanced by heavy cyan makeup, and instead of red, she wears a white, strapless dress with cyan lining.

She got a large white flower hairpin above her left ear, and then a white feather scarf, a silver pad with cyan and red feathers on her left shoulder, white gloves, a small silver bracer over the glove on her left arm, a bow in the center of the top-most part of her body, a silver chained belt, cyan wings visible from her back, and long white boots with (I observed carefully) the blades at the heels.

And she looks prideful, while the first was looked like more… quiet. They undoubtedly are sisters, even before I looked at the text above their heads.

Green Stone on a Red Earth

LV 32

Miltia Malachite

Green Stone on a White Snow

LV 32

Melanie Malachite

"Melanie and Miltia here will keep you entertained." Junior said with a somewhat playful tone. "Have fun, Hei."

"Gladly."

I smirked.

"Hmm, so the little puppy's gonna try his hands on dancing, huh?" Roman quipped with clear sarcasm in his voice. "Impressive."

"You'll see what I can do."

With that, I turned to the girls. The twins both tilted their heads in unison, an identical bored expression on their faces. They don't seem like they had the initiative to act first, so I just smiled to them.

"Shall we, ladies?" I asked, with every suaveness and confidence I got.

Holy Oum, it was so hard to keep this cool guy acting. I almost felt like fainting already.

It's… suffocating for some reason.

"Yes." Miltia nodded. "Let us go."

"Why not?" Melanie rolled her eyes. "Lead the way, Mister."

I lead them to the dance floor, where the people hastily get themselves out from our way and made a clearing around me and the twins, apparently knowing that the two girls beside me is Junior's underling. They don't want to attract their host's hostility to them, it seems.

On the middle of the dance floor, I looked up to the DJ, who looks like another of Junior's henchmen to me, except for the large bear mask, black with red ears, eyes, snout… and glowing effects, covering his entire head.

I slowly raised my hand.

"DJ!" I shouted. "Play [Shine], please."

The DJ nodded his bear-head, and changed the music on his player.

Baby, it's time to make up your mind…

I turned back to the twins and smiled to them, my hands extended. They raised their eyebrows to this, seems to be confused and not believing at the same time. Maybe, they thought I was joking… well then, I'll just have to confirm it for them.

I think that tonight is when our stars align…

"Come on. I'll take two of you at once."

Honey, it's time to leave the doubt behind…

Take my hand, cuz you and I are gonna shine…

Ignoring their surprised face, I took their hands and started my move.


One thing: Never underestimate an Arc in the battle of dance.

A few minutes later, the clearing I made with the twins before was crowded by people again, although a few is still staring incredulously at me, who now have gathered the twins around my arms, in a supporting embrace. They seem… dazed for some reason. I don't know what it is, but they kept silent after the dance.

Impressed, maybe? Oh, they should be.

After all, I showed them the natural talent of an Arc. Growing up with seven older sister, dancing is one of the things I was good at, besides fighting. I got my moves honed for years practicing with Noire and Verte, my sisters, and now it just getting better, what with [Elegant Athletics] passive skill I have. I felt more flexible and smooth.

I moved fluidly like the water flow in the river, led the Malachite twins in a passionate dance without even a single flaw.

Needless to say, I was having a blast. What with the skill and title I got:

'A passive skill has been unhidden through a specific action! By moving through perfect elegance and complete mastery on a dance floor, your inner talent, skill [Dance Mastery] is revealed.

You have proven yourself as a true dancer and dominated the dance floor! You have obtained the title [The Dancing Lord]!

I knew I was so awesome. In dancing, yep.

I walked away from the dance floor with the twins, ignoring the whispers and stares from the audience… with a smug smirk on my face.

"Great." Melanie shook her head, clearing her daze. "Now, we've got to go somewhere. Miltia, come on."

"Yes. Bathroom." Miltia nodded.

"Don't say that out loud!"

"…Oops."

They zipped away from me like a pair of red and white flash, Melanie seems to be embarrassed for some reason. I held back the urge to scratch the back of my head, despite my confusion. Hei Lang, the cool guy would never do that. That's Jaune Arc's job, the socially awkward teenager.

What's they gonna do in the bathroom, though? … I have no idea.

Roman frowned at me, his visible eye squinted as I returned to the counter, but said nothing. I didn't look at him, but I was still smiling smugly.

"Bravo, Hei. Bravo." Junior applauded, seems amused by my… activities.

"Who knew that the puppy will be so beastly in the dance floor?" Roman chided.

"I told you that you'll see what I can do ," I said, feeling superior. "A true gentleman is inquired to be able to do anything in perfection, I perfected all the arts of entertainment in no time… and this time, I am an awesome dancer, Roman Torchwick."

Roman shook his head before gesturing in concession.

"Show-off." He said.

"At least, I can do something." I replied.

"Yeah, okay, whatever." He shrugged. "I'm already done here anyway. Be sure to send your mens to my place, Junior. Tomorrow."

"Alright, Torchwick." Junior nodded.

"Good. Then, I'll be off my way." He began to walk away.

Oh. That was a thing, I thought he would just cause trouble for me, given my bad luck, but nothing happened. Well, I guess… my bad luck had decided to give me a slight break. Good for me.

Well, nothing could go wrong for tonight, that's for sure.

I don't waste time on watching him off and turned to Junior.

"So… can we get to our business, Junior?" I said, while I sat on the seat again. "Now, the obstruction has gone. I would appreciate it if we can finish it quickly. My time is limited, you know."

"Of course. What do you need?" Junior said, his voice low.

"I want to hire some of your mens." I said, also lowering my voice.

"Hmm… fine." Junior nodded. "But currently, I can only lend you a few. As you heard before, Torchwick hired most of my men for whatever he wants them to do… don't tell anyone this, trade secret, okay?."

"That's alright, I just need two or three of them. And relax, I would never tell anyone."

Junior nodded again.

"Wait here. I'll get my customer notes." He said, patted my shoulder before walking away.

I sighed when I realized that I'm alone now. What to do…

Oh, yeah. There's still one point left to invest in STR, isn't it?

So, I opened my Status Screen and do my wonders… or bullshits, to be exact.

[Huntsman's Strength] (Passive) LV1 EXP: 0.00% (STR:50)

An ability bestowed to the one possessing astonishing strength. The user is blessed with power beyond the limits of normal human, and can deal even more damage to his/her enemies.

50% Increase to Physical Attack Damage.

50% Increase to STR related skill effects.

[Muscle Magic: Fist] (Active) LV1 EXP: 0.00% MP: 100 (STR and INT :50)

A skill to create a wave of destructive force using your physical strength and mind focus. Concentrate and gather your power in your fist, then unleash it to your enemy. Your might can be felt from beyond your reach, can even affect those in the vicinity. Deals immense physical and magic damage to the target.

Everyone within 5 meters of the target receives 25% damage.

Everyone with 10 meters of the target receives 10% damage.

Damaged targets may be knocked down.

Range: 10 meters.

Two skills at the same time? Holy Oum, Praise Him!

You know, I don't think I should be surprised anymore by this… but in fact, The Gamer never ceases to surprise me with its bullshit quirks. Just… how far it will take me? Can I even learn more than this? What if I maxed my stats to 100? What would I receive? Another bullshit above bullshit?

I was wondering if I can get a [The King of Bullshit] title someday.

What if I increase Luck to 50… no, Luck is useless trash and I don't think it will be worthy to even think about. Forget the freaking Luck and ignore it, as if it doesn't exist. Again, fuck you, Luck! I hate you!

I don't need luck. Whatever it can do to me, bring it! I can take it like a—

"…Hello. Strawberry Sunrise, please?"

I immediately froze that very moment.

That voice.

No. It can't be…

Trying to suppress the terror which crawled slowly into my heart, I turned my head a bit, only to see…

"No ice, and one of those little umbrellas."

Of all people, why is she here?

A Flame That Burning, Hotter Than The Sun

LV 31

Yang Xiao Long

…Fuck.

…The fuck.

…What the fuck.

So, this is my bad luck acting up again. My bad luck is not Roman Torchwick in the first place, but her.

She's wearing her combat outfit... tan jacket with golden brown piping and short sleeves with black cuffs, and yellow crop top inside with her symbol (something like a burning flame) on the left side. Also with black mini-shorts and fingerless, brown belt and high boots, complete with her signature scarf around her neck. I've already seen this outfit on her, mainly in the times when she kicked my ass around...

And she's not bringing her shotgun gauntlets, Ember Celica, along with her. I don't know why... I suppose that's a small relief...

But... God… Yang it...

What if she blew my cover up? She knew me a bit... I guess? But, I'm sure one slip up on my part will ruin everything. Holy Oum, I'm not ready yet for this kind of shit. No, no, no…

"Heeeyy, Mr. Wolfy right there, are you listening?"

And she's currently talking to me too. I'm so lucky, hahaha…

I was starting to wonder if bringing bad luck is my real Semblance. No, it must be someone else's, right?

"I am. My ears are working well… but I am not the bartender, unfortunately." I answered, after I mustered enough courage. "He is taking care of something right now."

"Oh. Okay." She mouthed. "No wonder, you did look different from the description. You look so much better." She winked.

This is why I'd rather not deal with her.

"…What description?" I asked.

"The bartender who is also the owner, of course. You're a regular?"

"…No, I'm new here."

To my horror, the blonde bombshell then decided to sit beside me.

"Where do you come from, Mr. Wolfy?" she asked casually.

"Does it really matter?" I asked back.

"It does, Mr. Wolfy. Or do you prefer a real name?"

I suppressed an urge to sigh. I want to ignore her and just be done with it, but I can't, for some reason. I can never ignore a girl, whoever she is… even if she's Yang. No, even more if she's Yang.

While I'm in the guise of Hei Lang, why don't I play the part as him? Hell, maybe I can pull a prank as a payback to her… I still have to get back on her for her teasing and pranking back then.

"Hei Lang, and I'm from Mistral, Miss Yang Xiao Long."

I suppose I could tell her about my (fake) origins, and that I know her name. Just as a bit of surprise. And it was a success, Yang smiled brightly at the mention of my (again, fake) name, but the expression changed slightly at that of her name.

She looked at me, eyebrows raised.

"You know me?" she asked, sounded a bit confused.

"Oh, yes." I smiled. "You're the daughter of Taiyang Xiao Long, one of the professors of Signal Academy, also where you currently attend. Am I right?"

"Yeah. How do you know that?" Now she's getting curious.

"Let's just say that I'm pretty knowledgeable about people."

Totally. I can see almost everything about people just by looking at them and say [Observe]. Well, for a few people outside my league, it's a different story, but I'll catch up to them soon. Very soon.

"Well, then… you got my interest, Hei. If you know people so well, can I ask you a question?"

Yang smirked. The type of smirk which will get me spooked, if it's wasn't for Gamer's Mind calming me down before I snap.

"You just did." I gave her a smirk of my own. "But very well, shoot."

"That's a good one." She giggled. "Okay, here goes…"

She reached down for her pocket and draw out her scroll up to my face, showing me a picture that almost give me a heart attack.

Holy Oum, it's Raven. Where did she get that picture?

Observe told me that it's a picture from more than ten years ago, but she still looks pretty much the same as she is when I first met her. Just a bit different hairstyle and expression... and she looks so happy in this picture, instead of a frowning, scary woman I met before…

But enough of that. Now, what should I say to her… should I tell her or not?

"Do you know something about—"

"Hey, who's this, Hei?"

Junior's voice called out, saved me from the necessity of answering her question.

"Ah, sorry Hei, I think I've just found my target!" She rose from her seat. "I'll talk again with you later, Wolfy." She winked.

And with that, Yang approached the bar owner with a wide, shit-eating grin of her trademark. Junior threw a questioning glance to me, but I just shook my head and shrugged, silently saying that I don't even know her. Lies, of course. But things will get worse if I say yes.

Anything she wants to do with him, it's entirely their business, but if it's turned bad, well… poor him.

I watched them from the sidelines, just in case if something goes really wrong. With my bad luck, who knows, right?

"Hello." She greeted the bar owner, waving her hands.

"Aren't you a little young to be in this club, Blondie?"

There goes the question. Is he gonna ask that to every young folk he met in his bar? Nevertheless, Yang only giggled to that.

"Aren't you a little old to have a name like Junior?" she asked.

Junior leaned in, apparently interested in having a conversation with her.

"So you know who I am. You got a name, sweetheart?"

"Yes, Junior, I've got several. But instead of sweetheart, you can just call me… sir."

Then, without any warning, she closes in and grabbed the bar owner in the balls… literally. As if it's doesn't enough, she applied more pressure to Junior's… things, causing Junior to cry out in pain.

"Aaagh!"

Even I have to suppress an urge to cringe at that. I closed my eyes for a moment, before Yang talks again.

"Tell me where I can find her and I'll let you go."

She showing him the picture of Raven she just showed me moments ago. Please don't tell me she's went into this bar just to find information about her mother, and choking someone in their literal balls just to interrogate them. She wouldn't go that far… She's not that stupid, isn't she?

Ah, who am I to talk. I came here to hire Junior's men to rob my own house, sounds so stupid, right? Alright, back on the track… now…

I can clearly see Junior's straining.

"I've never seen her before, I swear!" he said frantically.

"Excuse me?" Yang urged.

And he's straining even more, while I observed my surrounding.

"I—I swear, sir!"

Junior's henchmen begin to gather around. Things aren't gonna end well if this goes on. Should I go stop her? But I don't have any confidence to face Yang… she still got the record of 8-0 against me.

How is that not depressing? I think I just sit this one out—

QUEST ALERT!

YELLOW TROUBLE—STOP YANG BEFORE SHE BURNS!

Stop Yang from wreaking havoc in Junior's Bar. You can complete this quest with force or with peace, stop her at any cost and with any means necessary. Don't hurt her too badly though, or Raven will get angry to you.

Limit time : Before Yang wrecks havoc, of course

Reward :

-Exp +5.000.

-Increased closeness with Yang

-Increased closeness with Junior's Bar occupants

-Junior owes you one favor.

Fail Penalty :

-Decreased closeness with Yang

-Decreased closeness with Junior's Bar occupants

-Heavy injuries

Accept? Yes/No

I let out a deep sigh.

Just in time, when I really don't wanna do anything! Well, if I want to hire Junior's men, it's better to be in his good side… but I have to stop Yang for that. Stop Yang Xiao Long, without giving her too much harm. Or else, Raven's gonna out for my blood… damn, that's so scary!

And oh, that's really easy! I can still remember how Yang beat me in our first match, just with a few punches and her blast of fire… and as if trying to be mean, she gave me a pun-ishment as her final blow:

'Whoa. Out with a 'Yang', Vomit Boy?'

I shuddered mentally. I'm not sure how, but I have to stop her... well, somehow.

God, just my bad luck, why should I have to do this… What good reason is there for me to be required to do this? Aside from that DAMNED quest? Do you hate me that badly, Oh Holy Oum? I just hope that the reward will be worth all the hardships.

I pushed the 'yes' button, then stepped up and drawn myself into the scene.

"That is enough, Miss Xiao Long."

Finally, I stepped in.

I don't know why my legs weren't shaking right now. I managed to stay calm and collected, and now my hand grabbed Yang's wrist, as an attempt to pull her away from Junior. I pulled lightly, and she doesn't budge an inch. And the air's starting to heat up, to the point that it's almost felt like standing inside an oven.

Her Semblance. Figures.

"What is this all about, Mr. Wolfy?" she turned to me.

"Mind your manners." I warned. "Your father wouldn't be happy to hear about her daughter entering a bar, in this time of hour nonetheless. So please kindly let go of Hei Xiong's… properties, Miss Xiao Long. Will you?"

I was half-expecting that she will just lash out and strike me down with her fist, but she just stared at me. Is this a good sign or just something worse? Hell, I have absolutely no idea what's in her mind now.

"If you let go of my hand first, Mr. Wolfy, then I will."

I reluctantly let her go. She grins widely just like her usual self, and then she just lets go, causing Junior to sigh in relief, and so do I.

"Seriously, what gives, Blondie?" Junior groaned, still grimacing in pain. "You came from nowhere and just—just do that…! What the hell? You will pay for that!"

Junior's clearly fuming with anger now. I have to defuse the situation quickly.

"I'm just messing with you, Junior. Don't be so sensitive." Yang was still grinning. "Come on, I'm sorry. Let's kiss and make up, okay?"

"Huh?" Junior was dumbfounded, his eyes widening and jaw dropping.

I rolled my eyes behind my mask. Here's Yang Xiao Long's strategy to mess with people, especially to clueless guys like me. Hell, I'd fell for that sometime ago, long before I got my bullshit Semblance… but I'm afraid that's for another story.

"O—okay…"

"Don't." I stopped Junior, who's halfway leaning towards Yang. "It's a trap."

"What's a trap, Wolfy?" Yang asked, making me turn to her again. "I won't do such thing. Or… maybe you are jealous that he gets a kiss?"

What a sweet liar you are, Yang Xiao Long. But I knew your tricks.

"Give me a break. You just want to mess with Junior here."

"No, I'm not, Wolfy. I'm innocent here, look?"

I sighed. Arguing with her will get this nowhere… so I ignore her.

"Do you mind if I take care of this for you, Junior?" I turned to the bar owner. "I'll get this girl out from your sight, and in return, you owe me a favor."

"What?" Yang was surprised, but I ignored her again.

"You can do that?" Junior raised his eyebrow.

"I have my way." I smiled confidently.

"Deal. Then, I'll leave it to you, Hei."

I smirked at him. Then, with slow and confident steps, I approached Yang, who's now looks slightly irked. Probably because I ignored her before. I extends one hand towards her, much to her confusion.

"What do you want now?" she asked warily.

"I can escort you out, Miss Xiao Long." I said, hand still reaching out to her. "We can do this easy way or hard way. Your call."

Hopefully she just choose the easy way…

"Come on, what's wrong with you guys? I'm not even doing anything wrong."

"You're not even supposed to be here. You're too young."

"Said a young boy with tough exterior." Yang smirked. "That goes for you too, so why I can't?"

"My age has nothing to do with this."

Pointless arguments…

"I ask you to kindly leave now… or else, I'll force you to."

I knew it will came to this…

"You can't force me, Mr. Wolfy." She grinned.

I felt some disturbance in the Yang…

"…Instead, I'll be the one to force you."

Sighing, I have resigned myself completely to my fate...

"Too bad, Miss Xiao Long." I shrugged.

She charged forward, her fist launched towards my face.

"Too bad."


A Flame That Burning, Hotter Than The Sun

LV 31

Yang Xiao Long

HP: 5340/5340

MP: 3350/3350

Yang Xiao Long's Semblance was Pyrokinesis. She can control fire freely with her hands, and it will be even more deadly when combined with her enormous strength. And apparently, her powers can also get stronger with every hit that she received.

Just like a game system I played once.

And also, don't try to piss her off or touch her hair. If you did that, then you'd just lost your ticket to victory. DO. NOT. TOUCH. HER. HAIR. Like, ever, if you still value your dear life.

And in this fight, I can't use Crocea Mors or even Gan Jiang and Mo Ye. I totally can't. If I use Crocea Mors, it will be a dead giveaway that I'm actually Jaune Arc. If I use the twin swords… well, I showed her these, so it will gave away my identity instantly too.

So, I have to fight her bare-handed. Yeah, hand-to-hand combat, which I have no experience at all, against the strongest student of Signal, Yang, who is also a hand-to-hand combatant.

Great odds against me, isn't it?

Fuck my life.

I leaned out from the way of the first punch that Yang launched. I felt hot air brushed against my face, along with the second punch that followed.

This is weird, I thought. I feel so much lighter than ever, dodging and evading the attacks with ease, although narrowly.

Her punches was heavy and fiery, but none of that mattered if she can't hit me. She launched her flurry of punches, which I can still keep up with my flexibility.

I smirked in joy of seeing her frown in irritation… while also in fear of initiating her anger.

She kept me under pressure. No matter how good I dodged and evaded, a blow will connect eventually. So, to prevent that, I activated my new skill:

Shadow Lunge (Active) LV67 EXP: 0.00% MP: 70

The wolf lunges at its prey from the shadows. A skill, copied from the Beowolf to move quickly between targets, striking them down.

Deals high physical damage and inflicting status effect [Stun] for 60% chance. Damage increases depend on the your STR and DEX.

I lunged when she pulled her fists back, black shadows enveloping my body. I managed to reach her, slammed her to the floor before she can strike back. And then, with extreme caution to not touch her now-fiery hair, I grabbed her and dragged her outside the bar.

I wonder why she doesn't fight back. I think the status effect [Stun] was successfully affected her, thus making her… well, stunned. This skill is high-leveled enough to deal a significant 15% damage to her aura.

I watched her carefully, and instantly jumped away from her when the thing I feared the most just happened. Red and orange energy of extreme heat spiraled furiously around the blonde bombshell, and then she exploded.

In other words, she burns.

"Let's see how you handle this, cool guy." Yang said, eyes turning blood red.

"It sure looks hot." I quipped, while she launches herself at me again.

I took a left sidestep to dodge the first punch. However, the flames that followed it requires me to jump back, far from the blonde bombshell.

I moved outside the line of fire, and strangely, she didn't follow. I watched her carefully, and felt my eye widen by her sudden movement.

Yang ignites both her hands in flames and then brings them together, creating a large, red and orange fireball… which she threw at me almost casually, as if throwing a volleyball.

Luckily, I managed to dodge that right in time, dodge another one, another one… and then dodge another dozen of fireballs. I can literally feel their heat on my skin, crawling around and threaten my skin to melt away—but thanks to Gamer's Body, I don't feel anything than brief stings of hot pain.

I don't sweat either.

Yay me?

I maneuvered around the raging fireballs, dodging them one by one flawlessly. Flames fill the highway around the new heart of Vale, courtesy of the blonde bombshell, namely Yang Xiao Long.

She punches the air, launching another fireball, which I dodged easily. She clicks her tongue, and proceed to launch three fireballs at once. I saw them coming, her attack patterns are just too easy to read—

Yeah, before she quickly inhales and then releases a large quantity of flames from her mouth. Yes, somehow she was able to store flames in her lungs, don't ask how. Must be a part of her Pyrokinetic Semblance.

The results? It allows her to create a continuous stream of flames that charges towards me, raging and thrashing around in the form of a giant dragon head.

Great. What should I do?

I just need a moment to think about it. I lunged upwards to a building, nailing my wolf claws in the concrete, waited for the flames to die out before I lunged again, this time at the blonde bombshell.

Needless to say, she had me coming. Her fiery fist was aimed to my head, but I brushed her arm aside. Then I lifted my other clawed hand.

[Shadow Rip] (Active) LV 67 EXP: 0.00% MP: 80

The most basic attack of all beasts of anonymity. Through the gathering, toughening, and sharpening of the dark energy around the hands and feet, it becomes possible to inflict grievous injuries even with one's bare hands. Deals damage and inflicting status effect [Pain] for 60% chance.

50% increase to physical attack damage, and 20% bonus damage.

Additional 30 MP used per minute.

My left hand was shrouded in pitch-black darkness, clawing at Yang's body, which is still protected by her aura, yet managed to make her shriek in pain. It doesn't do much, as her aura still stood tough. It just took 17% of her aura.

I jumped back while she struggled to stand, seemingly affected by the status effect [Pain]. I was uninjured, but I can't let myself off-guard for even a moment. I must stay vigilant if I want to survive this.

"So, Miss Xiao Long… Let's just stop this pointless fight." I said, relaxing my stance. "We wouldn't want you to get hurt too much. I'll appreciate it if you just leave this instance."

"Ugh… who's 'we', Mr. Wolfy?" Yang finally stood up. "You think that's enough to bring me down?"

"No. You were far, far stronger than that." I calmly said. "But I afraid that you're no match for me. So why waste time on this? Why don't you just go home, Miss Xiao Long? Why are you even bother coming here…?"

"So you think you're strong, huh? Wanna test that big head of yours?" Yang was still recovering from her [Pain]. "It's none of your concern. I've gotta find her whatever it takes… and beating some people is no big deal for me."

I sighed. Do I have to raise the stakes for everything? This is just one of my bad luck day after all. Dealing with Junior, The Twins, Torchwick, and now this blonde chick…

Just great, I'm feeling too old for this shit already.

"Alright, so here's the deal, Miss Xiao Long." I spread my arms in a welcoming gesture. "You have to hit me few times. See my might for yourself. And if you can't bring me down, then it's my turn to attack you."

"What do you mean…?"

"I'll just need one strike. If I can bring you down, then you must go home that very moment. However, if you can withstood my attack…"

I lifted one finger, stopping her protest with a smile on my face.

"I will tell you about your mother. Deal?"


"W—what…?" she stuttered. "You know my—my…"

Yang Xiao Long. Stuttered. You can see how my words affect her.

"You're looking for her, right? That's her picture you showed me." I said.

"You know about my—"

"Deal or no deal, Miss Xiao Long?" I asked one more time.

This is a gamble I shouldn't take, but I take it nevertheless. How stupid I am… now, how I should handle this situation…

"You're serious, right?" Yang said, in total disbelief.

"Would I jest about matters like this?" I sneered.

"Then… it's a deal. I'll beat you."

"It's settled then." Again, I gave her a welcoming gesture. "Come, give me all you got." I bared my chest.

Just a moment of hesitation, before she charged forward, her fist swung.

I smiled, all while activating the skill that I never thought will come in handy at time like this.

[Iron Fortress] (Passive & Active) LV1 EXP: 0.00% (VIT:50)

An immense vitality just gifted to few individuals. With a body with such great resistance to harm, the user of this skill can stand tough like an unbreakable fortress before the enemy. Consumes 100 MP per 10 seconds.

Passive Increase of Stamina Recovery by 50%.

Passive Decrease Physical Damage received by 20%.

Passive Increase of total HP amount by 30%.

50% Chances to resist [Flinching] and [Stun]. 100% Chances to resist [Flinching] and [Stun] when activated. Cannot move while this skill still active.

Passive Increase of VIT-related skill effects by 30%.

She hit me like a primal beast pouncing on its prey. And she hit me again, again, again, again, again, and again.

But I took them all, and then some more, like a man. Without flinching even the slightest, without showing even the smallest of agony. I just stood there, unbreakable fortress before the blonde bombshell.

I just stared blankly at Yang, whose turn of attacking had finished… and now slowly begin to pale, seeing that she didn't even make me falter with all her attacks.

"Is that all?" I said smugly.

The horror on her face…

Her fumbling steps…

And her trembling body…

And then a realization.

She didn't see me in pain, isn't she? Isn't she? This should worth it… because now MY HEALTH IS JUST DOWN TO 1%! For fuck's sake! Almost dead! I'm dying! Oooh, it's hurts so much! No, actually, the pain faded almost instantly, but my point stands! She'd almost killed me!

Eh, she won't know if I don't show it, it's cool. Anyway…

It's my turn to attack.

"Miss Xiao Long. Do you know that I'm actually a Wizard?" I said casually.

"I—I don't know… w-why?" Yang still (uncharacteristically) stutters.

"Do you know what should be said to a Wizard when you see them?"

"Eh—ah… it's something like… 'might you cast us a spell, great Wizard?' or something like that… why'd you ask?"

"Because, I now shall cast you a spell."

And then I lunged and stopped right before her, my fist raised.

"I cast FIST!"

And then everything exploded.


So that's all, everyone. Sorry, still no Weiss.

My keyboard was fucking wrecked. I was having hard time typing this chapter. I was planning to show Weiss in the end of this chapter, but eventually I can't bring her here. Sorry, Ice Queen.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, though.

Next week… I don't know if I can update or not, I got Final Exams lined up this week. Please don't expect too much next week, even though I will try to write Weiss's chapter. It has bugged me from long, long time.