Chapter 25: Back to Beacon
At a top secret location in the city of Leyawiin, Jaune, and his cabinet ministers are on a factory, observing a weapon's demonstration at night. Tamriel has captured samples of weaponry from Atlas, most were from Atlesian personnel who already passed away in the Siege of Mistral. From the looks of it, Tamriel has developed a new prototype weapon.
The demonstrators were two Breton engineers named Edwaine Louis and Theodore Ulrich. They formed an arms manufacturing company named "Louis and Ulrich" and has been the top of weapons' research and the government is their number one customer. They develop swords, and armor for the Imperial Army, even supplying the Talos Battalion their Ebony Armor.
A year ago, Jaune has been planning to modernize the army. The concept of a "gun" fascinated engineers in Tamriel that they gave the project a shot. Even though the sword is noble, it puts the soldier at risk in combat. To mitigate it, Jaune gave the L&U company a project a year ago that would revolutionize the army and warfare entirely. A weapon that can shoot projectiles and load them with a "magazine" as the emperor called it, using a gas operated system.
If they can acquire this piece of technology in time, Tosh Raka might think twice before even stepping foot in Tamriel.
Edwaine presented the weapon to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, this is our prototype weapon. We have realized that Atlesian Weapons use a type of material that we don't have. Luckily we are able to replicate it through transmutation, similar to the lightness of ebony but still breaks when hit hard enough."
Theodore handed Jaune a sample of the ammunition, "That, your majesty, is lead covered in copper plating. Ballistics show that lead disintegrates midair and only has limited range, but with a copper jacket the bullet can go further and it would lessen the damage in the barrel of a gun. We used a mixture of brimstone, charcoal, and fire salts for the projectile to launch, imitating the cartridge designs of the SDC. It is very hard work Your Majesty but we tried to keep the gun design and mechanism as simple as possible."
"What kind of material can this ammunition penetrate?" General Morvayn asked the engineers.
"Mostly steel plating and copper. But it cannot penetrate ebony, stalhrim, and daedric armor, we tested that already. Steel however with enough thickness can stop a bullet, angulation of a steel plate can also substitute for more plates. We can use angulation if we are going to develop armor or similar dwarven automatons."
"Has this utilized magic in any sense?" The general asked.
"No, it is purely mechanical, General," answered Edwaine.
"I can contact the Great Houses and see if they can utilize this with enchantments. Say, High Chancellor, how are the Arcane Airship fleets?" The general turned to her, while Jaune continues to inspect the weapon.
"They are arriving from Summerset Isles, the fleets of HMS Nerevarine and HMS Antiochus are on their way to the Imperial City by tonight with High King Caemor serving as the admiral of the fleet. They carry a crew of over a thousand men but still, Atlas' airships are more powerful than ours, but they are more majestic." She commented.
"True," Jaune load the gun with a magazine and pulled back the bolt, "That's why we have to modernize. Tamriel might be superior now in sheer numbers but technology wise, we are behind Remnant."
"Even with their technology Your Majesty, they are still inferior. Atlas might boast them but they haven't expanded their borders, Mountain Glenn is a testament to that fact that even with their superior technology, they aren't capable of expansion and conquest!" Morvayn expounded, "Meanwhile, Mistral has already expanded its borders even with the grimm coming back."
"Tell the Mistral Garrison to not expand further from what they already have. If we would expand further our forces would be spread thin then more soldiers are needed there. Let them stand down and guard the border that we already have, understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Morvayn answered, "But Remnant has to recognize our superiority. We saved Mistral, after all, one of their only major cities left standing."
"It is that exact mentality that led to the downfall of the Aldmeri Dominion, General." Jaune carefully inspected the gun, "We must also recognize their strengths and weaknesses. We may have superior numbers, the dragons, and magic with Morrowind and Summerset Isles, but we need to modernize further."
Jaune aimed the gun on the target, and after a while, he pulled the trigger, causing a large crack, a sonic boom of loud noise around the room resonating in everybody's ears. The bullet was dead center on the target, "Starting with this."
He then gave the gun to Theodore, "Have you tested this in Skyrim, Elsweyr, Argonia or even Hammerfell?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The gun doesn't malfunction, even in muddy and sandy conditions."
Jaune's mouth quirked, "How many guns are in production? And how many can you produce in under a month?"
"We already produced five-hundred units. If in a month, we can produce a thousand guns in each factory."
"Good." He then turned to his generals, "I will visit Vale for General Ironwood, Ozpin, and me to have talks regarding a joint military training. High Chancellor, you are in charge of my Empire for the time being and tell King Caemor to divert his fleet to Vale. And General Morvayn, you will handle our forces here in Tamriel, I also want you to train men with our new weaponry. Ministers, I expect you all to do your job for the people of Tamriel."
"Yes, Your Majesty." They all answered. The Emperor and his bodyguard then left the premises under the guise of his shadow agents.
"Now onto Alteration. One of the most common spells in Alteration is transmutation! Right here I have a sample of an iron ingot, I will then transmute it into a gold ingot! Now observe closely," Tolfdir pointed his hand on the steel ingot.
Together with Team RWBYNPR, they are having a magical discussion about Alteration in one of the lecture rooms. Tolfdir integrated well with the technology that Remnant has to offer, but he disliked how food seems to be processed all the time in the cafeteria and preferred to make his own. He mostly keeps to himself after lectures and goes to the library to read about this world.
He got to know the team that Jaune told him about. How Pyrrha was used to be his mentor in the art of combat, how Nora is always this girl who can't shut up about pancakes, how Ren is this stoic but wise brother that he had, and even how Weiss is the most beautiful girl that he ever met. He had a lot of ramblings that Tolfdir remembers them than his Alembic.
Team RWBYNPR is gathered closely in the room, with their normal Beacon uniforms without enchantments. Tolfdir then released the spell from his hands, and from their very eyes they saw the iron ingot turned to a block of precious gold. Their eyes widened as this is almost impossible, but with their magicka, if they train enough they can do it.
"That is transmutation," Tolfdir explained, "It is one of the core spells of Alteration, to be able to change the natural state of a physical object. However, transmutation can only be done if a material is pure than what surrounds it, so it can only change into another type of material."
"Can we do it, Sir Tolfdir?" Weiss asked eagerly.
Tolfdir grimaced and shook his head, "Unfortunately this is just your basic introduction into the School of Alteration, and I'm here to show you an Adept level spell. But first I'm going to teach you all one of the most basic spells, but useful in combat: "Oakflesh".
The master of alteration then gathered magicka and casts Oakflesh. They then saw a light blue aura imploding towards him and coated him in the light until it was subtle to notice, "Oakflesh makes the caster more durable for a short amount of time, coating caster with hardened magicka around him or herself. However, Oakflesh is only as good as the name suggest, it's only strong as an Oakwood."
"So, this is like an armor or aura for mages or warriors in Tamriel?" Pyrrha asked.
"Precisely! However, there are various more Alteration spells with varying degrees of protection. For example, there is Stoneflesh or Ironflesh that is much stronger compared to Oakflesh. Could you please step forward, Ms. Nikos?"
Pyrrha stood from her chair and went to the professor. Tolfdir then raised to her a piece of varnished oakwood, "As with any Alteration spell, you have to get the feeling of the thing you are manipulating, take for instance this oakwood. An Oakwood might be weak when you are struck with destruction magic, but it still comes in handy as it can add protection to the caster, reducing pain and any injuries."
"Now, Ms. Nikos, touch the oak and imagine the material molding into a barrier around you. Imagine the oakwood being tangible enough to be molded into armor," Pyrrha did so, touching the oakwood, keenly concentrated on what Tolfdir instructed her to do. She imagined the oak growing around her like a barrier, like an armor of pure magicka into that kind of toughness.
"Now, gather magicka and release it! Still, imagine the oak forming a barrier," she felt as she gathers magicka from her, it depleted to her almost not having it. As her professor instructed, she released her magicka. She felt that magicka began to quickly surround her body, with a light blue tinge around her. Surprisingly, Tolfdir punched her hard in the shoulder but again, surprisingly, she didn't feel any pain.
Tolfdir flinched, slightly quirking in pain, "I didn't feel that..." Pyrrha said astonished.
Tolfdir snapped his fingers in delight, "Exactly! With Oakflesh or any spell that is like that, it can grant protection to the caster, they can't even feel pain, depending on the type of injury."
They were amazed by how Pyrrha didn't felt that blow. Even for an old man like him, they saw how he loaded that punch. That wasn't a punch of an amateur, but a skilled warrior. And with aura, even if they are protected by it, they can still feel pain or any sensation with it as it is a literal extension of their soul. But if this spell can let them withstand pain and more damage, then it would be useful to huntsmen.
Nora jumped over to Tolfdir, holding the oakwood to her chest, "I want to try! Please let me try!"
The master of alteration chuckled, "Of course. For today's activity, I want you all to try and cast Oakflesh for yourselves until you can all cast it in a moments notice."
"Yes, master!" They all said and gathered near the desk to try out this new spell. Tolfdir then sat back, on the chairs on the back and enjoyed a nice hot cup of tea, carefully monitoring his students. He enjoyed teaching if his students are really interested in magic and this still gives him the drive to teach even though that by now he is already old.
Unbeknownst to team RWBYNPR, Ozpin entered the room and sat near Tolfdir, "Master Tolfdir, good afternoon."
The old man just smiled and put milk onto his tea, "A pleasant afternoon to you Headmaster. Would like some cup of tea?" He asked.
Ozpin then politely declined, "No, thank you. I prefer coffee more than tea myself, it gives me a rather extra boost than tea is."
"It's alright. But I do have to admit that I prefer coffee sometimes. It has that "kick" that I need in the morning. We Nords mostly drink ale and mead, even in days like this. But now I mostly prefer tea myself, it has that relaxing effect that I need after lessons."
Ozpin just nodded, "So.. how is Team RWBYNPR so far as your students?"
"Quite pleasant from what I expected. They are interested in magic, and it makes this old man have hope."
"Why? What were you expecting of them?"
"Chaotic," That comment made Ozpin chuckle for a bit as he was about to take a sip of coffee from his mug, "Jaune told me that they were energetic and quite chaotic. Especially with Ms. Rose's team and his teammate Ms. Valkyrie."
"Oh, they are. Did Mr. Arc tell you about the time the two teams single-handedly ruined the cafeteria?"
"No, he didn't! Care to tell me what happened?"
"Of course," The headmaster then placed his mug on the table and held his cane with his hands, "It happened during their first years after a break and from my room, I saw Ms. Rose having this giant pile of papers. Then suddenly after they were having a conversation, Ms. Valkyrie throws a pie to Ms. Schnee. After that, it was utter chaos.
Ms. Goodwitch went up to my office, telling me to stop that nonsense. I agreed and followed her but I continued to watch from my scroll since, to be honest, I enjoy watching their fights," He smirked, "Ms. Xiao Long used turkey, Ms. Valkyrie used a watermelon punched with a stick, they used cans of sodas as grenades. It was hectic but.."
He then looked at them fondly and they were having fun. Laughing at each other as they kept trying to cast their spells. Ruby and Nora were having a fistfight, testing their Oakflesh but none of them are faltering, even Yang and Pyrrha are sparring, "They are children. They deserve to have some fun once in a while..."
"And they give this old man hope," Tolfdir mentioned.
Ozpin rose up from his seat, "If you don't mind, Master Tolfdir, I'm going to my office. Oh, and Mr. Arc is coming later in the evening if you don't mind."
"Of course, Headmaster," Tolfdir answered and enjoyed his tea while onlooking at his students.
Odahviing flew across Remnant along with his bodyguard, Serana. The sun was nearly setting and they admit that Vale was very far from Mistral but with Odahviing, in just under an hour Jaune can already see the island of Patch from here. His dragon roared in delight as he felt a wind that was new to it, "Thuri, my fellow dovah would like to experience this!"
"It is Odahviing!" Jaune shed a tear as he finally saw Beacon. Memories of distant past coming to him even though he is there for another purpose. He can also see the buildings and skyscrapers that inspired him to expand the Imperial City further and other cities of the Empire. From a report he had from his Elder Council, Stros M'kai was already a fledgling city and a trading hub for the eastern half of the Empire.
Atlesian Airships adorn the skies, protecting Vale from the Grimm and a message that the city would be safe. He can also see Bullheads from Patch which was slower than his dragon, he swore that he can see passengers from the Bullheads shocked to see a flying dragon go past them. He also remembered to ask some Lien in exchange for pure Septim Gold from the Mistrali Bank which is now being supervised by the Bank of Tamriel.
However, the one who was really captivated by this was Serana. She was curiously looking at everything around her especially the city that was in front of them. It had large skyscrapers that match the height of the White-Gold Tower, and the massive size of the city was comparable to the Imperial City.
Jaune can see that Serana was utterly interested in exploring the city and depriving her off that would lead to her not giving her cuddles and a much-needed satisfaction after a stressful day at work. Still, he loves seeing her eyes getting bigger each second she stared at the city. He can rely upon his Shadow agents on guarding them here.
He looked at his pocket watch and they were an hour early. Maybe he could take Serana on a short date to an ice-cream parlor, "Serana?"
Serana got out in trance, "Hmmm what is it Jaune?" She asked with her eyes not looking away at the city.
"We got an hour early, want me to take you to an ice cream shop?"
"YES!" She immediately answered, "By the gods, I really wish to explore the city."
"Well, we can...right now! Odahviing, speed up!" He shouted, his face full of elation. The dragon did as he was told, and sped up further and in less than ten minutes they were above the Commercial District. A bunch of apartments, ranging from three stories high to seven were all laid near a square, perfect for his mighty dragon to land in, "Land down on that square!"
"As you wish, Thuri!" His dragon answered and finally, they landed on Vale. His Shadow agents are still invisible, scanning the area with their detect life spells to see if anyone in their surroundings is hostile, quietly reading their thoughts. Jaune and Serana dismounted and the surrounding people just stared at them like they were some sort of celebrities.
Jaune didn't mind and just ignored the stares that he gets since he is used to these kinds of things, "Serana, this is where the entirety of Beacon plugged the Breach shut years ago. Like, I was just bad back then! Ruby slew like a dozen Grimm, Weiss, Yang, and Blake the same as hers. They are awesome! Me? I beat like just one Ursa."
Serana can see the radiant smile of nostalgia that Jaune has and she couldn't help but also do the same, this was technically his home. He put his hands forward with has pointing finger raised, "And and and my team was even awesomer!"
Serana crossed her arms, laid back, and smirked, "Is awesomer even a word?"
"That's beside the point!" Jaune couldn't really handle his excitement, he was already getting giddy like Nora, "Pyrrha was like," Jaune then conjured a spear and shield from Oblivion and demonstrated from his memory what Pyrrha did back then, "And Nora was like," He conjured a warhammer and imitated her, but this time with a bit of a better technique, "And I remember Nora just demolishing this giant King Taijitu! And then Ren was just kicking ass with his kung fu skills, it's insane!"
Jaune looked around and ignored the looks of the civilians, "If I remember the ice cream parlor is here somewhere..." He then remembered that it was a street near here, "Odahviing! Fly up to the sky and wait for my call."
"As you wish, Thuri." The dragon replied which shocked the civilians further.
"So Serana," Jaune then offered his arm to her, "Let's go!"
His bodyguard gladly took his arm, snuggling closely beside him. Serana can saw jealous eyes from the women that she can see. She utterly enjoys when a woman gets jealous of them. Sure she enjoys her private time with him more but there is nothing more satisfying knowing that your partner will only be yours and yours alone.
They made their way towards the ice cream parlor with a sign "Mr. Freeze - sub-zero ice creams that will freeze your tastebuds!" Jaune pointed towards it, "Ahhh... Mr. Freeze... I use to go here if I have extra money or after a stressful week. Sometimes, I even take my team here to hang out in the weekends."
The two went inside and selected their flavors. After a few minutes, they left the ice cream shop, "Enjoy your ice cream!" The owner shouted at them when they left.
"We will!" Jaune and Serana grabbed their ice creams and left the shop. Both of them enjoyed it while walking in the sidewalk and just stayed silent while eating their delectable delights. People on the sidewalks just kept noticing them, some were taking pictures and posting it on C0DANET titled, "Emperor of Tamriel his dark knight caught in Vale eating ice cream."
"This is sooo good!" Serana commented, "I have no idea Remnant would such have a great ice cream place!"
"Told you," Jaune smugly said and shrugged, "It's seldom what we get ice cream these days. Do you think we should get one if we come home?"
"This is your home," She replied and smirked.
"Not here, doofus!" He teased, making Serana snicker for a bit, "I mean back at the-"
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. But yes, I think we should... it would be a nice weekender dessert if you think about it."
"Noted. But I think we should call Odahviing now," Jaune checked his pocket watch, "So we spent thirty minutes wandering about, it would be nice if we also have time for a short tour in Beacon." Serana nodded to her boyfriend's sentiments. Seeing this, they walked to the park and he called for Odahviing that was audible all around due to his voice.
Odahviing landed and they headed towards Beacon along with his Shadow.
Once arriving, the twilight was visible and the lamps to the doors of Beacon lay awake. To his shock and amusement, the giant statue of Sheogorath stood proud within the center of the beacon walkway with a sign that read, "UNCLE SHEO WUZ HERE FIRST!" along with a daedric translation. There was also a tub near the statue, and a sign saying "Free Cheese for Everyone!" however, there's no cheese available.
"So... Sheogorath really came here..." Jaune spoke as he dismounted.
Serana then observed the tall spires of Beacon, reminiscent of Summerset Isles and the Direnni Towers of High Rock, with its gothic architecture. Its sheer size puts the Arcane University to shame, even with the different quarters of each school and departments. To be honest, she was really impressed with the picturesque view of Beacon, basking in the twilight sun on sunset.
"Odahviing, you stay here near the statue. And defend yourself if necessary," He commanded.
"As you wish, Thuri," His dragon answered.
Together, the pair walked in silence as Jaune bathe once again in the memories of his former self, his once weak and amble past. The path that leads him to his birthright as Dragonborn, further questioning his family history. Where did they come from? How did his family gain the dragonblood? And if so, why is it in Remnant? Does his family also have the ability to gain such power as his? There are so many questions that he wanted to be answered that he didn't notice that they walked in front of his family statue.
He put those questions at the back of his mind and faced Serana, "This is our family statue, my great-great-grandfather who fought in the Great War of Remnant."
"So that's where the Arc Legend or family legacy came from, huh? With a guy holding a sword up high?" She commented.
"Well, it is. Remember what I used to tell you? This guy can defeat ten Ursas, three King Taijitus, and a Goliath, while still drinking a pint of beer after and calling it a day. This guy was like my inspiration as my dad used to tell me these kinds of stories when I was a kid."
Out of nowhere, his shadows notice that someone was using a very high level of Illusion, enough to mask their presence and they pinpoint it to a girl who has short green hair and red eyes sitting on a bench just sipping a can of coffee. Along with her are two others, one sultry looking lady who has orange eyes and black hair, and one guy with an overall grey look. They may have gone unnoticed by the Emperor, but the Shadows know when something is very suspicious especially to why they use that Illusion on his presence.
"Your Majesty. We detected someone using an Expert-Level Illusion spell within the area."
This silently alarmed Jaune, "Silencers, dispatch two agents to watch them in the entirety of my visit. If they try anything suspicious, neutralize them immediately. If they are going to try anything funny, stop them and bring them alive to me." His Shadow silently nodded, but he never changed his attitude and just acted normally.
"And I remember that Ruby's face exploded when she sneezed at Weiss' fire dust! It was hilarious!" He snickers for a bit.
"Yes.. but we also need to go to your meeting," Serana reminded him with a kind smile.
"Oh!" The two jogged towards the doors of Beacon, entering in its gothic interiors.
Salem's cohorts then began to follow them, but the emperor's Shadows then followed in the guise of their own shadows, silencers breathing on their necks if they try something else than warranted.
Ozpin awaited for the young emperor while General Ironwood is on his computer, projected holographically. It's ten minutes until their meeting but Jaune is already here. He understands that he is going to be a bit late since it has been a long time since he came back here, his old academy. He might have grown in Tamriel but he truly cherishes the value of his memories judging by how he treats his old team and friends.
In time Jaune along with his hooded bodyguard arrived on time with two minutes to spare, along with them was Glynda, "Nice to see you arrived safely, Mr. Arc."
He shrugged, "Well, the Valean people didn't come to us asking for autographs when we got some ice cream, thankfully. Since while it's nice that people admire me, I only have an hour to spare until our meeting."
Glynda then provided him a seat and Jaune sat, "So, now that I'm here let's start the meeting. Now, General Ironwood, regarding your system scan, are there any viruses detected?"
"We detected one," The general started, "and our counter-intelligence are tracking where the virus came from. From the analysis, almost all Atlesian software including military has been breached. Whatever the purpose of the perpetrator has is something that is sinister and we are currently trying to remove every virus. Thank you for that reminder."
"Your welcome," Jaune nodded, "Regarding our militaries, I ask that we should have a joint exercise here in Vale by next week. We could also exchange technologies, my battlemages can teach your troops tactics to counter the Daedra's magic and you can teach my soldiers with new technologies."
"That can work," Ironwood agreed, nodding with his words, "However, we cannot give you the fullest of our military R&D, since if I were to agree, Jacques Schnee also needs to agree as he is one who funds most of Atlas' R&D."
Jaune tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair, he then put his elbow on it and let his face rest on his hand, "If... if the Chairman of the East Empire Company can agree with a joint research agreement, then we could broker a deal."
"Not possible," Ironwood quickly answered, "With your Empire's withholding the dust mines of Mistral, the SDC has a distaste of any deals regarding yours. They also criticized me of handling you more than we could offer, since the shareholders own those mines. If the EEC won't surrender those mines to the SDC, then we would have a problem. I can only agree with a joint military exercise and technological sharing, however, I cannot grant you access to our R&D."
Jaune nodded, agreeing that he did press Atlas too much in these past few weeks, especially with the treaty. If this is the best deal that he can offer then he would have to take it, softening his relationship with Atlas. He didn't want another enemy on the horizon, rather, an ally that he can monitor and control. He need not risk a war that is egotistical, but he also needed to assert his power.
"I concur with that." He answered.
Ozpin then took in, "Regarding the Vytal Festival... In my opinion, we should... we should continue it. We all should remember that the Grimm are still a threat, and not having the Vytal Festival and constant news about the war would wear down the mood of the people. If this were to continue then attacks it would increase and we would have lesser defenses available if any Daedric invasion were to come in any city that is left."
"I'm sorry, Headmaster..." Jaune trailed, "But I have to oppose that motion. The Daedra are our primary threat now that they are in the greater picture. We should handle more resources to preparedness and evacuation rather than entertainment."
"The Grimm are still a threat," Ozpin pressed him, "The people need a boost of morale rather some constant warnings of when an attack will come."
"I will have to agree with the Emperor," Ironwood said, further surprising Ozpin, "We must prepare for the worst and we should commit our time in training huntsmen to prepare for an invasion instead for the festival. We can only continue the Vytal Festival if any threats are either eliminated or be kept in control. And with the results in Mistral, we must be sure that it would be kept in control. And if the Tamriel Empire also doesn't see that this festival should continue, then why would we?"
"Huntsmen aren't soldiers," Ozpin pressed again, his tone firm yet showing signs of annoyance, "If we were to conduct this festival, then it would send a message to all civilians in Remnant that we are still holding firm, regardless of the Daedra situation. We need morale."
"Mistral has already fallen," Ironwood countered, "It would only highlight how bad the surprise attack was, and it would instill to them hatred towards the Daedra which would attract further Grimm. Things would escalate, Oz, if we don't handle this carefully."
"We are going to handle it carefully. Even if this a new threat, we need a boost of morale towards the civilians by showing them our huntsmen that still survive, even if our situation isn't pleasant. Also, those who are contenders of the Vytal Festival have been preparing for this for two years, it would be dishonorable for them if we were to cancel the event."
"The Atlesian Council has changed their mind, Ozpin. We have to prioritize safety before even conducting the festival, and right now it is too risky."
"And we also understand those teams who've lost their loved ones," Jaune intervened, "They also have the emotional toll on what happened in Mistral, and it just happened weeks ago. They will not be in the best condition to participate in such a tournament."
Ozpin stood firm on his position, "Well the Valean Council isn't. You have to realize that Vale is currently the host of the Vytal Festival, and we will not allow this festival to be halted. In our view, this will boost the civilians' morale that they need in these times."
The three leaders are on a standstill. Never did Jaune expect that General Ironwood was now on his side, opposing what to be a festival every huntsman is looking for. He did not expect Ozpin to be so adamant about this situation, that even his diplomatic approach can't sway his opinion. It's like a good cop bad cop routine, which the tin man is the bad cop. So, he knows that Vytal Festival would continue, then he thought about another deal.
"Hmm how about this," Jaune started again. He sighed and relaxed on his chair, "Vale can continue with the Vytal Festival, however, you must allow a joint demonstration of Tamriel and Atlas during the festival.
This can also provide a platform for a showcase of the Arcane University for spells, and procedures for evacuation. Atlas and Tamriel should also be on the highest alert that is possible since Dagon can attack at any moment he so chooses. Meaning that in any moments notice, the Vytal Festival will be canceled if an attack has been detected in Vale.
That is the only way I can agree on continuing the Vytal Festival," He finished as the fingers of his two hands met together.
"That includes me too, Oz," Ironwood said to him.
Ozpin kept quiet for a moment, an increase in military presence, let alone on the highest alert, means that the Valeans would be further unease. It's in his view that a lesser military personnel can make it more viable for Vale. Even though that Dagon is a threat, he still thinks that the Grimm are equally on that regard and must not be ignored. However, Atlas would bail out on protection he doesn't agree.
Reluctantly, he nodded, "I accept those terms. Then the festival would start next week, Monday. We would consult with you Emperor Arc in regards to your university's participation in the event."
Jaune nodded, "Good. Tamriel doesn't have any concerns anymore that are needed to be discussed. Does your council offer any more?"
"I believe that our talks are over now, that's all that we have to say," Ozpin relaxed back on his seat and Ironwood closed his transmission over.
The veil of professionalism was over, the serious face of the Emperor of Tamriel changed back to Jaune Arc. His smile spreading from corner to corner, his eyes looking over the gears of Ozpin's office, it was like a lifetime since he had been here. Tears formed in his eyes and he promptly got a handkerchief from his pocket, "I'm sorry, Professor."
Gone was the stern face of Ozpin and it morphed into slight curiosity and concern, "What's wrong Mr. Arc?"
He sniffed slightly, "No, nothing's wrong. It's just that it's been... it's been years since I've been here... I never imagined being able to return here and it's..." He tried to make words but only sniffles came out of his mouth. Serana then put Jaune in a cold embrace, which he deeply appreciated.
Glynda, who was silent throughout the meeting, just looked at Ozpin and smiled as he was carrying some kind of a case in a black box. He silently approached the former JNPR leader and tapped his shoulder.
Jaune's sniffles grew silent and he turned back to Ozpin, "I guess I'm going now, Professor. After all, you two know about the transcripts.." He hung his shoulder, as still the path that he took to greatness was first forged in the hands of fakery. The toll of faking his way into Beacon still hung in his mind, despite him being the emperor of probably the most powerful nation present in Remnant.
Ozpin just smirked, "We all knew about it from the very beginning," Jaune just made a dumbfounded face, "I just wanted to see your potential, Mr. Arc. Glynda wasn't keen to the idea, but I manage to convince her."
"What?!" Jaune shouted, "I... umm... I'm just surprised... that you two know from the very fucking beginning." He laughed and held his head.
"Mr. Arc, language!" Glynda scolded him.
However, Ozpin just took it and snickered, "Mr. Arc, for the great service that you have done with the people of Mistral. You being in front of the battle and saving the city from the Daedric horde, and you helping to rebuild the city, I manage to convince the Valean Council to give you this," Ozpin then gave him the small black box.
Still, with a dumbfounded face, Jaune took the box and quickly opened it. Inside was a card, but not just any card, but a huntsman license. His name was written there on the card, along with the Valean Calendar date and expiration being indefinite. His date of birth etched and the issuing academy being independent. He honestly couldn't believe his eyes, the dream he solely gave up for his love of the people, now realized in this huntsman license.
"Th-this. This is a... this is a huntsman license!" He shouted in shock but then he closed the box, his mouth morphed into a sad smile, and gave it to Ozpin, "Professor, I cannot accept this. I've... I've done nothing to earn this."
Only for the headmaster to push it back at him, "You deserve it, Mr. Arc. I'm very proud of what you have become and I knew there was something in you the day I read your transcripts. And for what you have done in Mistral, and your willingness to help them and Remnant, even though we all have our differences, this is the greatest thing that I can give you.
You might not have gone through the normal way of graduating here, but your performance alone during the battle proves that you have learned enough. So please, take it."
Jaune then stared at Ozpin, he then looked at Glynda who was smiling at him. He then took the box and opened it again, his picture from his ID in Beacon six years ago. He then lunged at the headmaster and hugged him, surprising him and Glynda, "Thank you..." He shakily said. The headmaster just put on a contented smile and hugged back.
The weight of six years of hiding a fakery, a thing that Jaune wasn't proud off even though he jokes about it sometimes, must be so much. Ozpin understood that even greats have done some kind of mischief or even fraud. But the important thing is, that you will admit to it and become something that will own up to that mistake. Sometimes, the end justifies the means. Also if he wasn't qualified for Beacon standards, the Emperor of Tamriel wouldn't exist at all and would just die in the initiation.
Jaune let go of Ozpin with a smile etched on his face, "Umm professor... I can, can I stay here for the night? In my old dorm?"
"Oh, of course, Mr. Arc," Ozpin affirmed to him, "Your ID will double as your keycard. So please, go ahead."
"Thank you, professor. I'm going to leave by sundown tomorrow, I'm just going to contact my High Chancellor. Seriously, thank you, professor. I will pay you back one day," He smiled.
Even though that Ozpin is acting on altruism, he also has other plans. He wants to appease him and wants to get on his good side, and this is a major step, a move in the board to ending Salem's terror over Remnant, "None taken, Mr. Arc,"
Jaune then nodded. He and Serana then entered the elevator and descended back to the lower levels.
They then got to the lower levels and the sad smile that Jaune bore never left his face. Still, he stared at his huntsman license like there's no tomorrow, examining every nook and cranny. Here, he faced his past, the struggles that he has to do just to be able to counter Cardin Winchester, the bullying and scrutiny, and the bruises and falls that he had to endure from Pyrrha's training.
All was summarized in this one license card.
It might not be written, but Jaune can see it. His journey from fakery to greatness, yet still he has virtues to live by. Maybe that's why Ozpin chose him to be the JNPR leader, his talent of wit over might. His way to organize and outsmart an opponent by quick thinking and planning. Hell, that didn't work when he faced Cardin on his early days in Beacon.
Yet here he is, handling an authentic huntsman license and even his license is not supervised by any government in Remnant, but independent. He made his own destiny, the Divines gave him the tools and he forged his way to greatness, even defying the Daedric Prince of Fate. He believed that the Divines were on his side, but the only thing he has to do was to uphold the Empire and make progress to the land.
Serana then held his shoulders and gazed to him, giving him a supportive but quiet smile. She knew that he needed time to reflect even though that she is sightseeing everything inside the academy, especially that he gained what he willingly gave up. A dream that he knew he cannot fulfill as he is too strong for him to be subjected again in Beacon lessons.
"Thank you, Serana," He smiled and put the license in his pocket, "So before we go to the dorms, we have to inform Odahviing first that we are going to stay here." The two went back to the Beacon courtyard where the place is almost empty of people as it is already night.
However, the two saw an unfamiliar child who was waiting for someone. The child has green hair and large red eyes wearing a grey sleeved dress. He was going to ignore the child until he saw it approaching him. However, before the child can even talk, "Your Majesty, we have detected that this is the same adept-level illusion spell. The child isn't real from our Detect Life."
"Thank you, Silencer." He replied and relayed the same information to Serana. As the child approached, Jaune etched a poker look in his face and put his hands behind his back. He then casts Detect Life and saw that indeed there was no soul inside the child. He walked past the child, not even letting it speak and he passed through.
"You know..." Jaune began, "..you shouldn't do that..." "Paralyze them."
A moment after, the illusion broke and three people stood beside the emperor and they fell to the ground, with their eyes wide in shock, but paralyzed. The three people described to him earlier by his Shadow. "You two will deliver these people to Vvardenfell and interrogate them on their intentions. I will have Odahviing fly you to Morrowind."
The two agents then appeared from the shadows and they lifted them through telekinesis. They then walked to Odahviing, "Odahviing, you will deliver my shadow to Vvardenfell, and silencers, make sure that they don't escape. Cuff them."
The agents did as they were told and cuffed Salem's cohort, "Return to me by sundown here tomorrow, Odahviing,"
"As you wish, Thuri..." The agents then mounted and Odahviing flew to the skies, heading back to Tamriel.
"I can't believe them!" Serana shouted, "They have the audacity to cast an illusion spell, using an image of a child?"
"Hey, at least we dealt with them. Whatever they did, they will suffer in the prisons of the Red Mountain. Now let's go to my old dorm, Serana."
...and done! This was a quick update since now is kinda our sembreak so updates would be quicker I hope. Again, a huge shoutout to Airchampion for reading this chapter and giving his thoughts and advice to it! So I'm going to do review responses again,
Diamond Marine: Thank you! Still, the headaches didn't go away but I've got to update you guys on this story.
dandryrr0403: You'll find it in the next chapter!
HBgamer111: Thank you! I hope you find this chapter to your liking!
srosnan99: I already pmed you but I hope I addressed those problems since I think your review is valid. Although in my opinion magic can circumvent conventional weaponry since magic made magnificent feats in Tamriel's history.
Alvelvnor: Sorry but, I haven't played Doom (2016) yet, but I hope you enjoy this chapter!
xhope14x: Thank you for giving this story a chance!
So that's mostly it for reviews.
Now regarding Archmage of Zero, I'm already working on the latest chapter and it has 1500 words inputted. But I'm having a hard time writing the cliffhanger that I put myself into. So I'm trying to find my way out and still make a good story there. For current ideas... none so far. Reaction fic maybe? But I think I don't have the ability to do that so if you think you can you can pm me.
I hope this chapter suffices to your liking dear readers! Comments, suggestions, and constructive criticisms are always welcome! Leave a review or give me a pm if you like, since it really helps to have direct reader feedback. And, again, thank you for taking the time to read this fanfic, dear readers!