Hello people of the internet! Journeymen here, with a long awaited new chapter of The Paladin's Game! Now I hope you guys are all as excited as I am because things are finally going to start picking up. Now, how about we get this thing going huh? Also, don't forget to vote in polls! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Cover Art:
Beta: Soda-fiedPsycho (You forgot to add me, prick! -S)
Comment of the week goes to...SonJubbi: Ahh, Son coming in with the predictions and the theories. Also look Soda! He likes your sadistic remarks!
Honorable Mentions:
Jack Redhawke: What can I say Jaune always uses…. Maximum Effort? Eh? Eh? I'll go now
Tsuyo no seishin: Worry not my friend, your absence has been forgiven. For I have been gone for way longer than you. Also, glad to see you once again bringing some logistics to my review sections. It indeed does appear that Jaune will now becoming much more analytical, and being able to pick up on more social cues. And soon all his question will get there answers. ALL of them. ;)
I do not own RWBY or anything owned by Roosterteeth….
Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! SHIT! Putting my SP to the test, I zoomed down the halls using my new Haste skill to run down the corridors faster than a Nora on a sugar high, and after totally not slamming into some walls after making some tight turns. If anyone asked, those indents in those walls were already there.
Though this did make me wonder how someone was able to handle running so fast, might have to ask Ruby on how she handles it. I can do that after I get to class and speaking of which, as I was turning another corner, I was forced to try to go into a complete stop as the door to the class was now right in front of me.
Which, after I was done letting my body recover from the sudden stop, I put my hand on the door with relief in my heart as I still had a minute for the bell that signaled the start of class rang. With a triumphant puffing out of my chest. I opened the door and walked straight into the room. Only for my body to immediately crumble like tissue paper, making me fall to the ground.
You have been given the status effect Fatigue!
So...tired...must...sleep. Crawling to my desk, and I mean that literally, I ignored the semi-concerned looks of my friends as I pulled myself up to my chair, laid my head against my desk and drifted off to dreamland.
After about fifteen minutes later I felt a spitball hit me in the back of my head. "Hey!" I shouted as I looked behind me and noticed Cardin doing a piss poor job of acting innocent. He was even doing that cliche whistle that people do. "Ah, so glad you can join us Mr. Arc! Why don't you answer the question then?" Oobleck cut in, Oh shoot! I don't even know what the question is.
It was what advantage did the faunus have against general lagoon forces.
Oh, that's easy. "It was night vision. Everyone knows that faunus can see better than humans in the dark." I responded easily.
The doctor sending a approving nod my way. "Is there anything else someone would like to add to what Mr. Arc said?" He offered to the class.
Cardin decided to drop some of his brilliant insight. "All, I know it's much easier to train an animal than a human." That earned some glares from some of the students, though I did catch some nodding their agreement.
But of course I couldn't let such a remark like that stand. "You know Cardin, I bet if you were there. You could have probably paid them to throw the battle for you." I said with a snide smirk, I even got a couple ooo's from the class.
Along with a very pissed Cardin who retorted back with, "You want to say that again Arc!?" while standing up from his seat.
"That is enough ! I will be seeing you after class for extra readings." Oobleck chided. Score one for Jaune! "That goes the same for you Mr. Arc." Aww, man.
Congratulations! Your affiliation with Cardin has decreased by 5!
Flipping through another page of the textbook. I took a mental note to revisit this page about some of the more notable rifles in recent history. It would be a good base for when I decide to actually get one or maybe attempting to make one. Either way the page was marked as I flipped to the weapons used during the great war. I was almost done with the report, and there was a tray full of chicken nuggets just for me. "You, know Jaune, there is something called eating. You should really try it sometime." Yang joked. I spared her a glance. While also casting Insight on her as well.
Yang Xiao Long
Class: Warrior
Main Title: The Golden Dragon
Sub-title: Goldilocks
Level: 72
Exp: 36,000/460,545,864
HP:66,850/66,850
MP:25,800/25,800
SP: 12,045/12,045
Str: 256 (460)
Dex: 247 (445)
Vig: 294 (529)
Int: 100 (150)
Wis: 106 (159)
Luck: 5 (8)
Chr: 146 (219)
Daughter of Tai and ?. Yang is the half-sister to Ruby Rose. Growing up on patch, she was raised by ? until the age of ? when ? died. After which, Tai had gone into a slump. And after an incident with a pack of Beowolfs, Yang has sworn to protect her little sister no matter what.
Guilt hit me as I read the no doubt very much personal information. But I quickly covered it up. "Eh, I heard it was overrated." I applied back with a grin. Yang rolling her eyes in reply. And taking that as my victory. I went back to reading the book. And after about a minute. I closed the book. "There all done." I said putting my book away into my inventory, Ren giving me another slight glare. But that was masked by the others looks of envy of me not having to carry all those books around.
I just grinned at them before plopping my nugget into my mouth. Weiss, being the opportunist, decided to take advantage. "Speaking of homework, have you done your homework for professor Peach, Ruby?" Weiss asked causing Ruby to wince earning an icy glare from Weiss. "Ruby…." She warned like a mother would to a misbehaving child.
"W-wait! I have a perfectly valid excuse this time! I swear!" Weiss gave a flat look in response as Ruby fumbled about looking for a response. And it seemed like all hope was lost for the poor girl.
Until I came in to save the day. "Hey, Ruby. When do you think you can give me those notes for last night leadership lessons?"
Ruby quickly latched onto the lie like a lifeline. "O-oh, I can give you those after lunch." I gave a fake breath of relief. "Thanks you're a real lifesaver, here why don't you use a copy of my notes on dust as a trade." I said handing her my notes on last nights assignment. Ruby's eyes shined like a star as she took the notes in her hand sending me as many thank yous as she could via her eyes. I just gave a cheeky wink in response. And I caught Yang mouthing 'smooth' under her breath.
Congratulations! Your affiliation with Ruby has gone up by 5! Your affiliation with Yang has gone up by 1!
I willed the box away as I looked towards the Ice Queen. "Speaking of Dust, Weiss can you help me with some things on Dust? I want to get some practical experience using the stuff." The heiress thought over the words carefully, obviously waying if she wanted to spend time with me.
Which was why I had offered this in the first place, so that I could hopefully get a better relationship going then just being mildly annoying to her. "I don't see how there can be any harm to it." She said a little reluctantly, giving me a flat look and a authoritative finger point to boot. "But be warned Arc, you try anything like initiation-"
"Like having you fall into my arms?" I cut in, causing some red to dust her cheeks.
But she continued unabated. "And I am calling it off." I took out my hand, and she took mine in kind shaking on it. "It's a deal. When is your next study hall?" I asked, but before she could give her answer.
A yelp of pain could be heard across the room. "Ow! Ow! It hurts. Stop!" The feminine cry rang across the area. As we all shifted our gazes to Cardin and his gang's table.
There, laughing with his friends, was Cardin, who was currently pulling on a female faunus's bunny ears. "I told you guys this shit was real!" Cardin shouted while giving a savage grin as he pulled on the ears hard.
Acting like he wanted to rip them off, which he very well could have if he wanted to. "What a freak!" One of the goons responded. The others laughed in response.
"Please….stop." The girl responded weakly, obviously trying to hold back tears.
"Why, should I freak." Cardin spat venomusly. Now that would have been the last straw, if said straw hadn't already been taken, but had also been burned by an unspeakable fury.
I had always wanted to stand up to my bullies back in my hometown but I was never strong enough. That was then and this is now and not to mention that I could get stop not only a bully but also a racist as well? Well you might as well have served the opportunity on a silver platter as I stood up from my chair causing my friends temporarily stop there glares, to look at me confused. But they would get there answer soon enough.
As I walked up to the group of brutes. They didn't even take care to notice me. The girl did though, and her pleading eyes asking for help only added fuel to the fire. So I grabbed the offending wrist, and gripped it with as much force as I could muster. "Let her go Cardin." The ginger looked at me with a sneer, but when he tried to pull away. He found himself unable to pull away from my grip.
So when that proved to be a failure, he got the bright idea to goad me instead. "What's wrong Arc? You an animal lover or something? If that's the case I'm sure she will-" He wasn't allowed to finish that horrid statement as I pooled my aura into my grip. My hand glowing white as he winced in newfound pain. He looked to his friends for help, but they didn't a step close to the situation that was unfolding. As Cardin soon discovered why, as my whole body was covered in my white aura, small wisps coming off like a dancing flame for an added effect. As my eyes glowed, the deep blue now vibrant and filled with anger.
Cardin allowed himself one brief second to look afraid. Before he put on his tough guy act and let go of the girls ears, I let go of his now marked wrist kindly. "You'll pay for this." He vowed before storming off. Then I immediately turning to the girl casting Insight.
Velvet Scarletta
Class: Warrior
Main Title: The Velvetine Rabbit
Sub-Title: The Scarlet Fever
Level: ?
Holy shit she must be strong! Why was she letting Cardin and his goons pick on her. "You alright?" I asked, she nodded her head while trying to look away from me at the same time. A small pink dust on her cheeks. Must be embarrassed from Cardin. "My name is Jaune, what's yours?" I gave a small smile to try and help ease her tension. But that only made the blush appear harder on her face. Wait don't tell me. "Velvet, my name is Velvet." She said before quickly excusing herself with a thank you. And my suspicions were confirmed with the next blue box.
Congratulations! For successfully stopping and grabbing someone. You have unlocked the skill grip! And for applying Aura while you were at it, you have unlocked Dragon's Grasp! For looking scary as hell to add on to all that. You have unlocked Intimidation! You have gained -15 affiliation with Cardin! Congratulations! You have unlocked affiliation with Velvet Scarletta! You have gained +30 Affiliation with Velvet Scarletta! You have gained +1 Legacy point! Congratulations! Velvet Scarletta has now developed a crush on you! Romance option for Velvet has now been unlocked!
Grip (Level 1)- Ha! Got you now sucker! (Are able to grab onto to something and depending on Str hold it in your hand.)
Dragon's Grasp- Now I crush you with my bare hands! (Apply your Aura to add damage to your grip. The more Aura the more damage.) [MP cost depends on input of aura]
Intimidation (Rank 1)- Oooo, you done fucked up now! (Use your Chr and Level to make yourself to appear more intimidating. Can cause enemies to gain the status wary, and a smaller chance for the target to become frightened)
How in the Brother's name did this happen!
You're acting like I know… Oh wait I do.
Explain! Explain right now!
Jeez, calm down will you? Your acting like having a girl liking you is the end of the world. Anyway, to make a long answer short. It's because of your Chr.
What?
Your Chr, do you know how much that has grown? It went from a 1 to 94 not counting any buffs. That's a 94% increase so you're not exactly the same bumbling idiot with words you once were. Honestly, I can't believe you have only noticed that your body has changed. Guess you need to put some more points in Int huh?
Now that you mention it, I should have seen it coming. My mind feels like the clearest it has ever been. And I never was able to understand dust theory until recently. Always just felt too complicated. Or, it used to anyway. I wonder what would happen to me if I increased my Luck though. Would everything just work out for me more? Would it have an effect on the world? I probably have to ask someone who has a luck based semblance. But who knows how long that will take, guess that just means I have to wait until I find a way to increase it. This is going to be a pain. I sighed at the new development.
I went and took my seat back at the table. Putting another one of the chicken nuggets into my mouth. Though it seemed everyone else was just content to stare at me. "What?" I asked after finishing my nugget.
Where they honestly surprised that I went and helped that girl? "N-nothing, just...never thought you had it in you vomit boy." Yang said clearly impressed.
"What do you mean? I just did what any of you would have done right?" I asked, and they all seemed to look shameful for a second. Especially Blake, but any self-loathing was not allowed under my watch. "C'mon guys why do you all look so upset? If it's about not standing up to Cardin don't be. I just happened to be the first to respond to it thats all. I am positive that, everyone at this table would have gone to help Velvet if I didn't get there first. So don't kick yourselves about it." I said, taking another chicken nugget to its doom.
The table, looking much happier about themselves, went back to its normal conversations. As the bell rang and we all headed off to our next class, I found my eyes on Cardin who was waiting outside the doorway with something.
Though it seems whatever his plan was stopped now that there was to many people in the hall. And with my curiosity peaked, I decided to cast Insight on him to see where he was now after the universal debuff was removed. Something I now realize has a much bigger implication now that I think about it.
Cardin Winchester
Level: 44
Class: Warrior
Title: The Golden Cardinal
Sub-Title: A Winchesters Heir
HP:8950/8950
MP:4300/4300
SP:860/860
Str: 55 (85)
Dex: 53 (82)
Vig: 111 (172)
Int: 69 (104)
Wis: 67 (101)
Luck: 16 (24)
Chr: 69 (104)
Grimmification (5%): Gain a 5% bonus to all physical stats
Only son of ? and ?, Cardin was raised as the sole heir of the Winchester weapons company. And at the age of 9, ? died from a white fang attack gone wrong after words his ? became reclusive and distant.
Ah, well shit. I wasn't expecting that. Feeling a bit guilty for having to read his very much private story. I hurriedly broke away my gaze. Only for my sense of guilt to be replaced with a sense of worry. What is Grimmification? And why does it feel so….wrong? The longer I thought about it, the more wrong it felt. Anything to do with the grimm was not going to be good so before I could do anything, I had to find out what Grimmification is. So step one, get to the library as soon as possible and find out what Grimmification is. Step two, help Cardin. Leave a little leeway if shit goes down. Step three, profit! Now, just got to get past combat class. Shouldn't be- you know what. I'm going to stop tempting fate.
Combat Class…
"First match, Cardin Winchester Vs. Jaune Arc!" Dammit I tempted fate to much! I mentally berated myself as Glynda announced the match. And looking at my opponent I knew there was going to be no way out of this as he walked with a mix of swagger and barley restrained savagery towards the lockers. To where I followed shortly afterward.
Lucky Cardin just gave me a sneer before he went to get ready for the class. Something I was grateful for, as it allowed me to focus on the upcoming fight. And the most important question I could ask myself right now.
Should I let him win or not. It sounded idiotic to even think about it. But it was valid concern, if I wanted to help Cardin. I couldn't do so if he saw me as his inferior, his ego wouldn't allow it.
But, at the same time if I beat him, or even show that I am his equal at the very least, any desired effect could be made void if his ego couldn't accept the loss. Propelling his hatred for me at knew levels, making it much harder for me to get to him.
Plus there was that Grimmification thing to worry about. I don't know how it works, or how it could increase. I could very well cause him to use it during our fight. Or in the case it worked like a infection, I could cause it to spread across his body. It was something that I did not want to test out.
But I seemed to have no choice in the matter and I couldn't surrender or forfeit for obvious reasons. Not only would any image I have be shattered and I could get labeled a coward but my own personal pride wouldn't allow it. Hell, my pride is barely able to withstand me thinking to throw the match.
My inner monologuing was cut short as Cardin bumped into my shoulder on the way out. Guess that means it's do or die now. Putting on the last of my armor pieces. I followed after Cardin, who had his body in a stance that made him seem relaxed. But looking into his I could see a intense focus in them. Looks like I couldn't count on him being cocky.
Unsheathing my sword, and releasing my shield, I held my shield in front of me and sword to the side. Activating Precognition I saw a myriad of paths pop up in front of me. So many in fact that I couldn't sort threw them all in time. Thus I picked the best looking one and committed to. And as soon as Professor Goodwitch gave the signal.
I sprinted over to him, using Blazing Smite to ignite my blade on fire. Then as I was running I used Blade Wave. The flame being carried with it, creating a flaming crescent heading straight towards him. Cardin quickly held up his mace blocking the strike. Though I still saw some of the flames lick his hands.
Quickly reactivating Blazing Smite. I rushed towards his right, Cardin being to preoccupied with the fire crescent to stop my follow up as I cut into his side, his aura stopping me from drawing blood but he still felt it but before I could retreat or press my advantage, the flames died out as he backhanded me away from him. His fist sending me on my ass a good ten feet, and caused me to drop my blade.
"I'll admit Jauney boy you caught me off guard. But that won't happen again." Cardin warned before charging at me. Swinging his mace over head, I rolled out of the way. But the shockwave propelled me farther than I wanted to. I quickly got to my feet, only having to dodge another strike and be dazed from the shock back. Letting him land a punch into my gut, that may or may not have caused some spit to come out and as he started pulling out his fist, he went for a strike with his mace.
I was able to put my shield up and using Absorption Shield I took no damage from the attack, and I didn't even go flying to a very much surprised Cardin and taking advantage I used a Shockwave of my own to stun him before landing a fist in his face, forcing him on the back foot. And with a Sundering Strike as well as a Divine Smite on the next punch. Cardin and I were both blasted back.
However I recovered much quicker landing on my feet and immediately making a break for my sword. I grabbed it off the ground and immediately casted a Blade Wave towards him. While I expected Cardin to maybe block or even dodge it, I didn't expect him to power through the thing entirely.
My momentary shock is what let him get the drop on me. This letting him get a solid hit on me with his mace. The force of the attack once again making me double over, which let Cardin hit me in the head like it was a baseball. Before I could even register the concussion I was just given. I felt his mace hit me in the back, forcing me to the ground and the onslaught just continued with the mace to the side rolling me over and another square in the gut. "That's what you get for helping that freak, loser." He spat at me venomously.
But little did he know, those words helped finalize my decision. I'm going to kick his ass. Charging a Shockwave for three seconds I waited until he was at the apex of his swing before blasting it straight at his chest, the force actually lifting him off the ground for a second. And launching to my feet, I activated Divine smite, and Blazing smite and slashed my blade across his chest, his Aura tanking from the hit dropping straight into the red, and continued to bleed until the fires died out a second later.
Congratulations! For defeating Cardin you have been granted 1320 EXP! For combining Divine Smite and Blazing Smite! You have gained the skill Heaven's Fury! And for combining Divine Smite and CQC, you have unlocked the skill The Way of the Divine as well as it's skill tree! And for combining Blade Wave with Blazing Smite, you have unlocked the skill Flaming Crescent! Pain tolerance has increased by 2! CQC has leveled up by 2! Blade wave leveled up by 1! Sword and Shield mastery both increased by 1! You have gained -10 affiliation with Cardin!
Heaven's Fury- For when someone fucks up so much they make a god mad (Your next strike does twenty times your aura modifier damage, while also dealing a 50% more holy and 50% fire damage. And any grimm killed by this skill will not respawn) [1000 AP]
The Way of the Divine (Rank 1)- If you have to pimp slap someone, at least do it the right way. (Lets you gain access to the basics of The Way of the Divine Martial Arts Style)
Flaming Crescent- Why does this sound like the name of a rock band? (Fire a crescent shaped wave of fire at someone, having them take their standard damage as well as 50% fire damage. And have a small chance to afflict the burned status effect) [450 AP]
Looking over my skills with some smug satisfaction. I looked over to Cardin, who was in the process of getting up. "Need a hand?" I asked with my hand sticking out, Cardin looking at it for a second, looking like he might even take up my offer as he reached out his own hand.
Before he swatted it away and got up on his own. "I don't need your help Arc. Just because you won this once doesn't mean jack shit. I'll get you next time." With that he walked off, leaving me to sigh in disappointment before a blue screen appeared in front of me.
Story Quest Received! A Winchesters Chance!
A Winchesters Chance
Quest Objective: Help save Cardin before he falls to the effects of Grimmification
Beat Cardin in the Sparring Match [Completed]
?
?
?
?
Bonus Objectives:
?
?
?
Rewards: 100,000 EXP, 50,000 Lien, Cardin Winchesters Friendship! +20 Affiliation with everyone at Beacon, +10 Legacy Points, ?
Failure: Death (Depending), Cardin's Death, Kicked out of Beacon, -20 Legacy Points
You have already started the quest
Well, shit? Is there anything else you want to throw at me today game?
Congratulations! You have gained +5 Affiliation with Ruby Rose, Blake Bellodana, Yang Xiao Long, Weiss Schnee, Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie, and Pyrrha Nikos! Ruby Rose and Pyrrha Nikos has developed a crush on you! Romance Option is now available with them!
God fucking damnit!
Yes! The Harem building shall now begin! Or will it? Either way did you guys like it? Hate it? Leave me a review to let me know! Also don't forget to vote in the polls! And finally have a happy holidays to ya'll. This is Journeymen signing off!
Jaune Arc
Class: Paladin
Main Title: The Pretender
Sub-title: Acolyte of Light
Level 32
Exp:1820/19,744
HP: 16,489/18,274
MP: 3591/5400
SP: 1265/1305
Str: 57 (99)
Dex: 55 (83)
Vig: 144 (310)
Int: 76 (129)
Wis: 57 (86)
Luck: 1 (1)
Chr: 94 (197)
~~Gamer's Mind (MAX)- You, my friend, are immune to being mind raped.
~~Gamer's Body (MAX)- Welp, There goes my arm! Oh, well, it'll come back with the HP I lost
~~Insight (Level 34) {12%}- You can see up to 50 levels above you, and can now see the quality of gear. As well as a quick background of things when casting Insight.
~~Detect Evil (Level 9) {45%}- Can detect a hostile presence within 10 meters. Range increases every level
~~Feather Fall (Level 5) {2%} - Can control your descent, control increases every level
~~Leadership (Level 5) {45%}- Gain a 5% bonus to Chr, and increase the chance people will follow you
~~Strategy (Level 14) {70%}- Able to make plans
~~Acting (Level 7) {20%}- Able to put on an act to deceive people
~~Cooking (Level 43) {5%}- Able to make good food
~~Smooth Talker (Level 10) {30%}- Ability to talk your way out of situations
~~Precognition (Level 20) {1%}- Able to slow your perception of time to come up with multiple different strategies to defeat your opponent [Cost 100 MP]
~~Shield Mastery (Level 25) {0%}- You are 25% more proficient in using shields
~~Sword Mastery (Level 20) {0%}- You are 20% more proficient with using swords
~~Shield Charge (Level 6) {88%}- Grabbing your shield with both hands, you charge at the opponent dazing them and have a 10% chance to knock them prone.
~~Shield Bash (Level 7) {22%}- When you bash someone with a shield perfectly when they try to attack you. You instead stun them for 10 seconds.
~~Resistance (Level 36) {5%}- 36% resistance to diseases and poisons
~~SP Regen (Level 16) {79%}- Regen 16SP per sec
~~MP Regen (Level 12) {82%}- Regen 12MP per sec
~~HP Regen (Level 14) {55%}- Regen 14HP per sec
Home Repair (Level 15) {55%}- 15% decrease in time to repair buildings.
~~Holy Ember (Level 4) {12%}- Can Deal 5-10 damage to Grimm or unholy beings per sec. Can be boosted with a holy symbol [10 AP a sec]
~~Taunt (Level 7) {50%}- Able to distract enemies from your allies and instead have them focus on you. The better the taunt the better the chance
~~Aura Sense (Level 6) {24%}- Allows you to see things that are masked in Aura in a 16 meter radius
~~Free Running (Level 5) {54%}- You are able to run across different terrains much easier.
~~Leap (Level 4) {33%}- You can leap at least 14 feet and increase the distance by using MP
~~Disguise (Level 2) {55%}-Able to use a disguise to hide your identity.
~~Climbing (Level 18) {44%}- You 18% more effect at climbing things. And it reduces the cost by 12% [88 AP a sec]
~~Pain Tolerance (Level 14) {0%}- Masochist (Reduce all damage taken by 14%) (Ha! HA! HA! … I'm not laughing, I'm bored. How about you man the fuck up AND TAKE IT LIKE A WOMAN! OR man. Depending on whoever is dominant in the relationship. -S)
~~Basic CQC (Level 5) {0%} You are able to perform basic CQC moves and unarmed attacks are 5% more effective
~~Blade Wave (Level 7) {0%} Shootout a wave of energy that does the same damage as a regular attack [200 AP] (HADOUKEN! -S)
Affinity Chart
-Pyrrha Nikos 15 (Has a small crush on you) (The Gladiator reveals her true shades! -S)
-Ruby Rose 46 (Has a small crush on you) (Small Adorable Riding Hood. -S)
-Nora 20 (Thinks you are cool)
-Ren 19 (Thinks of you as a friend)
-Yang 25 (Nice guy)
-Blake 25 (Someone she wishes she met when she was younger)
-Weiss 11 (You're Tolerable)
-Cardin -50 (Hates you)
-Sky -5 (Following Cardin)
-Dove -5 (Following Cardin)
-Russel -5 (Following Cardin)
-Glynda 16 (Respects you as a student)
-Red Axe Gang 15 (See's you as a tool)
-Junior 15 (Thinks you are interesting)
-Vale Police 5 (Appreciate you tipping them off to the Yellow Snakes)
-Velvet Scarletta 30 (Has a small crush on you) (Bunny Hoppin if you know what I mean -S)
Sorry this is long, but this is so you guys know his skills after the 1 week time skip from last chapter. Alright that's it bye!