*high-five*
Top of the morning to you guys! Welcome back to Game of The Wizard! Happy new years and happy reading! But before that…
I have to apologize to you all.
First, sorry for the late update. Life's giving me lemons. Sigh… at least this chapter's longest one that I made so far. I REALLY want to update things, but I have no motivation. Then came writer's block. Then came my depression. Then my college's semester ends with a frickin' exam that messed with my head.
Here, I have good news and bad news. Gonna give you guys the bad news first.
I'm not following the show anymore. The episode where Jaune's sister came out is the last straw. I'm not gonna explain why, although it should be obvious for some of you. Sorry. I just had enough of that bullshit. Just no. From this point, I won't add anything from the show anymore. I'm not even going to refer to the show as 'canon' anymore. The show is dead to me now.
The good news is…
You guys wanna see pure JAUNE ARC, not HEI LANG action? You're in for a treat. Some people have complained about his normal self's fighting screentime, or lack thereof, so here you go. Also there are some changes in the previous chapters, they are just minor changes, but please check it out.
Warning: I should let you guys know that there will be a LOT of JoJo and other references ahead. Kudos if you can spot those references. Remember, if you think something is a reference, then it IS a reference.
And oh, almost forgot. For those who asked in the reviews, Jaune will start his adventures in Beacon in the 40th chapter. That's all I can say for now.
Chapter 24
Vision, Gift, and Confrontation
Dark.
Darker.
Yet Darker.
The Darkness keeps growing.
The yearning grows unbearable. The desire stays unreachable. The restraint becomes lacking.
The shadows inside her cutting deeper. A pitch black hand grasping her soul within.
Aura, the light of her soul, never fades away, yet it never shines as brightly as it was back then. Can it even be called Light anymore? Or should it be called Darkness now? Or neither of both? For someone that dabbles in the art and manipulation of the soul, this idea sounds very interesting to her. What would the others think about this, she wonders?
Ever since the incident four years ago, she realized that she and her sister has been changed in one night. Not just in terms of personality and physical appearance, but even their own souls, their very foundation of being, have changed as well. They cannot ever go back to how they once were in the past, and they have accepted it as a fact. This was the steep price they paid for the monstrous power they have gained.
She made her choice long ago. However, only one thing that remains in her and her sister, and it was—
…
That morning, Verte Arc opens her eyes. Two perfectly black orbs with completely no sign of white in them stared at the ceiling for a good few seconds. As her eyes turns back to her yellow color, she blinks as she realizes her surroundings and current situation.
First, she was alone in her bedroom that she had not occupied for two years until the last two nights, lying almost motionlessly on her bed.
Second, her entire body was bathed in sweat, very much so that her clothes were sticking to her body. Feeling just slightly uncomfortable, she moved on to take all of them off, and let herself bare for a while.
Third, there was also a strange odor in the air, that she realize was her own bodily scent.
She remembers what made her so worked up. What she did, honestly, was very indecent and therefore unbecoming of an Arc, but she can't help it. She is still a human, after all… or is she now? She wasn't sure taking a bit of unknown substance into her body made her not entirely human anymore, but does it matter now? What could go wrong with that, she wonders? Surely it has cost, but does that even matter now?
No, what does matter for her is the immense power it gave her and her sister. With that power on their beck and call, they can surely overcome any obstacle on their way. Low and average level Grimm poses no threat to them, even the higher ones are not that hard to dispatch.
That was proven when the mysterious Grimm that attacked and beaten them four years ago, before they took the unknown substance, was soundly defeated by them after taking that substance and fled for its life. Granted, it was a S-Ranked Grimm, so it has more survival instinct than its other brethrens.
The point is, she is certain that nothing can be a threat to their family anymore. Both of their parents are experienced Huntsman and Huntress who had connections with the leaders of the Four Kingdoms, albeit not bound to any of them. She, and all of her sisters, are proven prodigies in their respective academies that scored way above the average students, although some of them haven't graduated yet…
And there's Jaune.
His growth was a bit… stilted compared to her and her sisters, but regarding his recent developments, he has been starting to show good improvements over the years without them around him. Maybe they were the ones that slowed him down before? They doted and coddled him too much, she realizes to her chagrin, and maybe that makes him complacent and weak.
After all, who had gone all the way to protect him and never let any harm come to him? Never letting him go on his own and injure himself? It is her. She concealed her genuine concern by being an ironfist, chiding and insulting him to his face, because acting like a excessively loving big sister is Noire's role.
It is fine if he ends up hating her, as long as he is fine. It is also truly fine if he does not understand her feelings, because what matters to her is that he will live on well and happy. His safety and well-being is her first and foremost priority. Everything else are just secondary concerns compared to them.
What if someone steal him away from them? It is no good. She is certain that there are no other people who can understand him better than them, strangers would only end up hurting him. That cannot do. She and her sister would never do such a thing. They would make him happy and keep him unharmed, in a way that absolutely no one else could do. No one could treat him as pleasantly as they can.
They are family. Nothing beats the bond of a family… a blood-related family, that is. That is why she didn't establish any lasting relationship with anyone outside her family. No, that doesn't mean she cannot interact with people normally, she is just… cannot connect with anyone else outside of her family.
She cannot emphatize with anyone, generally does not care about anyone, she simply could not give any damn to anyone outside her family. Even if the world started to split in half and the gods above decided to descend and throw divine punishments, she could care less if her family was unaffected.
That sounds vaguely like a sociopath, she realized, but chuckles in the end. Ha, maybe I AM a sociopath.
She was broken, after all. If anything can fix her, it's her family, and if they cannot…
"… it is still four in the morning."
She looks up at the clock on her walls. Their parents would return home soon, so after today, there might not be a chance anymore to do some… things. Might as well do that now. With that in mind, she closed her eyes and let her hands wandered all over her body, while her mind drifted to the past nights…
-Flashback, with Jaune Arc-
"You would not mind, right?"
I took a step back, quickly tried to get away from this predicament I found myself into and failed. And I was, mildly saying, shocked by the sudden change of behavior of my sister. She felt somewhat… off.
"R̘̮͚̙͈͜i͈̳̺̱̩̗͚g̦͇̙̮̯͝h̸͍̰̘t̰…̸͕͎͖ ̱͔͞B̵͈̻̫͚̗r̼̪͓̺̞̱ͅo͏̝̠͖̮ͅth͈͇̠̪̝ę̦͇͚̫͔r̬̙̰̤̰̹?̝̥͖̦̠͠"
Her hands, seemingly resembled a pair of crooked claws just for a moment, gripped onto my shoulders. Her eyes were gleaming unnaturally, reflecting my disturbed face on them. Normally, Verte's eyes don't have that kind of light on them… but now, she was staring at me with something in those yellow eyes that I don't know about… and I don't like it at all.
And she was smiling. A wrong kind of smile, the smile that Verte Arc I knew would never make.
Something is wrong with her, but what, I don't know. She just felt weird all of a sudden, with that creepy smile. I felt disturbed, looking at those eyes... my instincts screamed to me, telling me to get the fuck away from her, yet I stood there, unmoving. My sister needs to get ahold of herself, but she doesn't look like she has full control over herself right now, so…
"No, actually, I mind."
I forced myself to say that to her face as I slowly grabbed her hands.
"The test is not something you can do with just anyone." I said, trying to keep my voice low. I don't dare raise my voice lest I risk provoking her. "In this test, the Aura of individuals involved must be examined and matched before. In other words, they have to be compatible first, before they can do the test."
I'm just pulling random bullshit from my ass now, with the most convincing acting and words I can muster in my current condition. It was not easy, mind you, with my sister looking at me, like a freaking psycho, so closely. I must not give in to her advances, or else the accident with Raven would be repeated…
"Oh? But you just did it with a stranger. I found that weird, Brother…"
Verte's voice was surprisingly calm, despite the sight of her body twitching randomly. Her head, her eyes, her fingers, their erratic movements are freaking me out. What the hell is going on with her. This is not Verte… but how can I bring her back to normal? I tried to pry her hands off my shoulders, and—
"…and now you are telling me you are compatible with a stranger, but not with your sister? That is total nonsense." Verte rebutted with a frown. "We should be even more compatible than that. As siblings, we fit each other like a glove, Jaune.
Her soft voice sent chills down my spine. She doesn't even sound angry or anything negative, but for some reason it scares me more than anything. Normally, she would throw one or two insults at me, or saying anything that would count as verbal assault to me.
"Listen… Jaune, my dearest brother." She drew close, whispering in my ear. I felt warm. "I knew you lied. You are hiding something from me. And now, you are trying to lie to me, once again... no, that cannot do. I know when you are trying to lie and when you are being honest. Do not even bother trying to deceive me. Know that I understand you better than anyone can ever hope to."
What? But no, I cannot be! My sheer bullshit skills has no weakness! What does that mean, though? She… understands me? But I don't understand! Why are my sister being scary and weird like this? She's probably ate something weird today. Or maybe she didn't even eat anything at all.
"… if you agree to do this 'test' with me, I will forget everything that happened tonight." Verte says, still eerily calm. "I will not tell Noire anything about this as well. Not a word. I promise. I just want to try this 'test' with you... just sheer curiosity, nothing else. Please do not misunderstand."
Eh? That easy? Nah, I don't believe her… she still feels off, she still doesn't quite feel like her usual self. It wasn't like her, speaking softly and gently like this… it wasn't like her at all. Except everything that she had shown me all those years were a big fat lie, which I'm sure it was not, this is far from her usual self.
"Well… if I do it with you, if I exchange Aura with you, will you really forget everything, and kept it secret from the others? Do you promise?" I spoke.
"Yes, I promise. I really do." Verte nodded, and I can see the gleam in her eyes intensified. It still scares me. "That is why, that is why… you should decide it now."
I sighed. On one hand, if Verte really figured me and my bullshit out, it would be nice for her to keep my secret from everyone. I don't know to what extent she knew about my bullshit, but it won't hurt to be cautious. If my family knows that I was messing around with some random woman I met in the streets…
Well, it's not going to end up pretty, that's for sure. Verte is already weird now, I can't even imagine her if I somehow make her worse. She would become batshit insane, I don't want that to happen. What would Verte even do if I refused? She wouldn't do anything weird to me without my consent, right?
Keeping the thing I did with Raven secret would benefit me in long term, but then if I relent to Verte and do her demands, I have a feeling that I would regret it in the future as well. Keeping it secret would make my life easier, meanwhile letting everyone know about it would make my life even more harder.
And doing the 'test' A.K.A exchanging Aura with my sister would end up being a fun, if not a pleasant experience. It would do no harm to both of us. Yes, I thought of it in every way I can think of, including the results and consequences… so it is obvious what my choice is, right? This is settled!
"It will be a give and take in for our secret." Verte was almost giddy now. "Now, let us do it, Jaune. Hurry up and let us do it—"
"BUT I REFUSE."
…
I put a serious and confident expression on my face, keeping it so straight that I felt like as if the structure and color of my face was changed from how it was before. Verte was utterly baffled by my action, merely standing there with nary an expression on her face. Then, just as I thought something bad was going to happen to me, she…
"…"
Did it work? I was just trying to catch her off guard with my sudden change of attitude, hoping that she would shrug all the creepiness off from herself and become the sister I knew once again. Judging from her emotion, which is only shock, I can only assume that my method works. Yes, somehow it just works.
"No."
"… excuse me?"
There we have it. Verte was back to normal, her expression become harsh and stern once again. None of that creepy expression and Aura I felt from her before… but the only downside of that reaction is… she's now grabbing my hand so that I can't back away from her, and pulled me closer.
"I changed my mind." Verte shook her head. "This is not an offer. This is an ORDER."
WHAT.
After everything I have done, the thing I fear the most was coming for me and nothing I do could change it. Everything I did was in vain. I tried to pull away from her with ABSOLUTELY everything I had, yet Verte's grip was like a vice and didn't let me go. What kind of monstrous strength is this…
"Do not struggle. What are you even afraid of?" Verte spoke softly, but her eyes glowed ominously. "If the thing you did with that woman was not harmful at all, you would not be this frantic. Or is there something else in that 'test' that you forgot to explain to me?"
I said nothing, knowing that saying anything at all would be pointless. Or rather—I just kinda resigned to my fate after this. Today, I'm already too tired to try anything else, so if something does happen… I'll leave that to tomorrow's me. Whatever, what worse could happen, hm? I'm just gonna take it.
"I thought so."
I didn't even react to Verte's victorious smirk, as she noticed that I'm not struggling against her anymore. I stared at her unflinchingly even as she reached out and placed a hand on my cheek, caressing it gently. I felt like I was blushing with this uncomfortable closeness between us, and her unusually soft gaze.
Helpless, I could only hope that this won't lead me to any disaster.
I ignored the uneasiness that I felt as we glowed with the colors of our respective Aura. Mine was white, accented with some green hues every here and there, while Verte was dark green with black outline. My Aura flows into her quite smoothly and vice versa… I must say that the process was even smoother than the one I did with Raven. Maybe because we're family, maybe because she was stronger, or…?
The influence of her Aura seeps into my being and it began to overwhelm me, clouding my mind with a force that I can't fight. This was worse and better than what I felt before. I still don't know why Gamer's Mind decided to not work in this kind of situation. Veritas is being a troll again? How is… oh…
…
Don't know. Don't care.
My mind goes blank… I'm starting to trip every balls that I have… oooooooh.
Blank.
It feels so energizing. It feels good. It feels dumb, but it is nice. Verte's hand feels so soft. Her face is so beautiful I can stare at it forever. Is she blushing? She is cute. Look at her body. She is so sexy. That hip is so thick. That waist is so slim. Those breasts are so perfect. Perky and softy. Can I touchy-feely?
"Sis, you are so pretty. Prettiest in the world."
It's a shame favorite my guitar wasn't here, since I'm going to sing the most beautiful song for her! Go Jaune-a-Boy!
"A little bit of Verte in my life. A little bit of Verte by my side. A little bit of Verte is what I need. A little bit of Verte is what I see . A little bit of Verte in the sun. A little bit of Verte all night long. A little bit of Verte, here I am. A little bit of you makes me—"
-With Verte Arc-
"—your man!"
For all her prim and proper attitude, Verte Arc couldn't fight the blush that creeped up her face and just let it show. Her brother won't remember anything at this point anyway, so what's the harm of showing him in the first place? He'd just wake up and forget everything the next day.
"You are making no sense all of a sudden… huh, whatever."
As flustered and happy as she found herself was, she knew something was different with her brother's attitude. No, she actually expected this turn of event to happen. She feigned ignorance as to what the 'test' between Jaune and this haggish, loose woman he met truly entailed. Oh, but she knew exactly and perfectly about what they did, and that made her furious. Truly furious.
Her brother clearly didn't know what activities that woman objected him to. Anyone with sufficient knowledge of Aura and its effects should know that exchanging Aura was an intimate ritual. In fact, it was something that only individuals with truly close bonds were allowed to do! Basically it was some sort of foreplay for the people who are into something like that. Jaune has been duped.
Verte will certainly find that woman and put her in her place… she will know pain. But that can wait. Now, she has a more pressing matter to attend to. Although her brother's Aura was still not yet come close to her level, it has been improved significantly after two years, both in quality and quantity.
And it was enough stimulant to turn her on. She felt bad for Noire for stealing the start from her, but this is something she has to do. Somebody has to wipe that cursed woman's scent off their beloved brother, right? At least, that's what the voice inside her mind telling her to do. Well…
She decided to go along with that. She wants to do that anyway.
"How about that, Sis?"
Her brother is definitely acting under the influence of the Aura exchange, heavily drunk on her Aura. Add to that the urges of a hormonal teenager, and you got someone to get laid with. Verte was fully aware that they were—and still are—family, a blood related sibling, but she just can't take it anymore.
Does she aware that what she was doing is wrong? Yes. Does she care about that right now? No. The giggling whisper in the back of her mind tells her that there would never be another chance like this…the morally sound part of her mind was protesting her actions, but her urge, her longing, her desire, it cannot be restrained anymore.
Her resistance was quickly crumbling to nothing, and she was fully aware of this… so why defy it?
"Good enough. Now come here."
She swallowed inaudibly, she just wants to look at him one last time before her sanity erodes.
She wants it now. She just wants to pull his skin open and crawl inside of him. She just wants him all to herself… and she will be only his. Doesn't that sound perfect? No one can tell her otherwise. This very moment is her victory, and no one can get in her way now. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE.
She will take what she wants with her own hands. Here goes everything.
She smiled at him, softly and sweetly, leaning over to capture his lips with her own. Her hands found his shoulders and pulled him closer. Burning with desire, she stuck her tongue out and to her surprise, he reciprocate the gesture just as quickly. He must've learned much from that woman… or just a natural.
She makes muffled noises as she tries to move her tongue around. She does not want to be dominated. She was surprised by her own boldness as she presses her brother against the nearest walls, and she made sure that he can feel her breasts through her suit and the opposite.
Hard, trained and strong abs and muscles… she feels a moisture forming in her lower parts. She smiles and rubs his crotch against her thigh, making him gasp. Then she takes her face away from him, breaking the kiss. However, before he could protest, she leans over once more and sensually licks his neck.
Both of them are aroused, especially her, even as she was shocked from her own assertiveness. She feels like a totally different person, where she could do and say whatever she normally couldn't… she was free, she thinks as she tries to unzip Jaune's pants and having troubles with it due to her eagerness.
She undid her suit and her undershirt as well, letting it drop on the ground soundlessly. She lets Jaune eats the eye candy for a few seconds before she finishes the job on his pants. In the dark places like this, anyone could just walk in and catch them in the act. But she could care less, they can watch if they like it.
Even though she knew he was not himself right now, she can't help but to think that he fantasized about her, at least once, judging from the happy grin Jaune was sporting right now. Well, she shouldn't feed her ego like that… instead, something else inside her need to be fed. Now, or else she'll go insane.
"N̖o͓̭̲̺w͙̫̥,͔̩̟͢ ̪̩͎̫J̳̬̺͟a̵͖u̯ṇ̢̠ẹ̻̜…̳͕͉̺̤͠ͅ ̖̪͚͖̱̩͠l̶̝͓et̛͓̜̜͓ ̘̯̮̣ù͎̠s̨̳ ̶̼ḩ̘̲̗a̪͎̘v͚́e̱̞͍̭͓ ͠f̤ṵ̭͈̞͙̲̥n̖͉̣̜͈̥̖ ̝̝f͎̹͓͕͓̖͘o̙͚̳̼̤r͚̹̝̠̬ ̧t̝̬̻͕͎͙ón̴i̡̠̭g̙̰̼̲̣̭ͅh͕͈͍̳̝t̞…̸̳̘̩̟̞̞"
She gently pushed him to the ground and then makes quick work of the zipper.
-Present Time-
You obtained the title [Sister Lover]!
I snapped my eyes open.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—!"
And I screamed.
"—AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
I was in my room, sitting on my bed immediately after I woke up. My onesie was drenched in sweat, and my hair was an unrecognizable mess. I looked around the room, half-expecting the woman in my dream to be there somewhere, but saw nothing and none. I was alone in my room, and I deeply sighed in relief.
No, that was not a simple dream. It was the same kind of dream cycle of another person's memories just like Raven's before, and I was fully aware that it was real. It really happened. I exchanged Aura with my sister Verte, gone high with intensity even worse than the one I experienced with Raven. I was severely drunk with her Aura, and good—I mean really bad things happened… I meant it…
NO. NO FUCKING WAY. I JUST DID IT WITH MY SISTER.
Oh no. Everyone is going to kill me for this. The worst thing I feared the most had happened! Then again, why Verte didn't say anything about this before? She didn't look mad or even upset yesterday! She was, like regular ol' Verte, stern and harsh… nothing was unusual. Did she forget about it too? No, no way.
Or maybe she did. Maybe she was high on my Aura too, and therefore she didn't remember anything? I remembered that simply because I have Nous Anima with me, I can look through the memories of anyone whose soul I have bonded with. I wished that I didn't see that one particular memory, though.
No one seemed to know about this, since they didn't say anything about it either. Maybe Verte kept what happened between us a secret? Hold on, maybe that was why Verte and Noire had a squabble… Verte hid something from Noire and Noire didn't like it. Okay. That explains roughly everything.
This is a HUGE problem. I'd regret the whole thing, but that wouldn't solve the issue.
What should I do? Even if now I remembered what happened, that doesn't mean I can tell everyone about it. That is insane. If I, for some stupid reason, tell everyone that I banged my sister under the influence of something equivalent of a potent drug, everyone will go nuts. The thing that was supposed to be a lovely family reunion will turn into a fucking bloodbath! And I will be in the middle of all that!
Oh no! Oh my god! Holy shit! What should I do? I can't tell them the truth, but I can't keep hiding things either! I need to do something to reconcile them! However, I can't think anything at the moment. Although Gamer's Mind kept my head clear of any hindering thought, the lack of knowledge of what to do kinda puts a halt to my thinking. In short, I was in loss.
Okay. Right. Maybe I should forget this for the time being, at least until I see Verte again and then speak properly to her. What happened between Verte and I was unthinkable, no matter how the way I think about my sister. But I wonder why the hell she didn't even bring it up yesterday? Maybe she really forgot about that too? No way, I have to confirm it for myself later, and in the first chance I have.
But, as for now…
I should calm down. Yes, that is what I should do.
I pushed that matter to the back of my mind and let my eyes wandered around the room. In one corner of my room, there are many things that I just acquired and haven't sorted out yet. Yes, they are the gifts that my sister decided to give to me last night, and I have to say that they are not what I expected.
I honestly have mixed opinion of them. They are awesome, but… ugh. Let's remember how I got them again…
It was almost tense in the living room. I was in the center of the room and undoubtedly the attention as well, while my sisters surrounded me with various expression on their face. Some are giddy, some are nervous, some are just normal smiles, and there's one whose expression just doesn't give a damn.
"Umm…" I started. "This is really not a prank, isn't it…?"
"Of course not! This is what we have planned for a long time, and it's not going to be any sort of prank." Noire shot down my subtle accusation immediately. I didn't sense any deceit or ill-intent, so her words are probably genuine. "Believe us, Jaune, this is my—our—heartfelt presents for you."
"Alright, sorry." I held my hands, smiling apologetically. "I'm just asking, you know. Please understand."
"Yeah, we understand…" Rose nodded. "Claire's past pranks must put you on edge. It's understandable that you would be suspicious for anything that she's involved in."
"HEY!"
As expected, Claire had none of that. However…
"But rest assured, this has nothing to do with pranks." Rose just coolly ignored Claire's indignant yell. "Nor we will let Claire pull any pranks on you today. I will personally make sure she won't try anything."
I took a quick look at my pinkish-blonde haired sister. She was smiling.
"Thanks, Sis." I smiled back.
Rose is just like Verte, although less harsh and more caring. She's almost always serious, but sometimes she's just a sweet protective sister who's calming to be around. However, because she started to be very sickly ever since she started to wield those swords of hers, I never had the heart to hide behind her back for protection… and I ended up taking care of her instead.
My life is funny like that.
"So, how the order we give our presents will be?"
Verte spoke bluntly like she always does. How typical of her.
"How about we start with Lily?" Bleu raised a hand like a student asking question in class.
"Eh…?" The young woman in question looked at her sister in genuine surprise. "M—me?"
"And then all the way from me to Noire. How's that?" Bleu asked again. "Anybody mind?"
"No, I do not mind." Verte shook her head.
"Me neither." Claire shrugged.
"The youngest to the oldest, I think it is a wonderful idea!" Rouge agreed wholeheartedly.
"Let's go with that." Rose simply nodded.
"I… yeah, whatever." Noire seems like she want to say something else, but that's all she said.
"It's decided, then." Bleu hummed, seemingly pleased with herself. "Come on, Lily. You first."
She gently pushed poor Lily forward, until my youngest older sister came face to face with me. As she did so, everything and everyone became silent. Everyone else in the room directed their undivided attention to her, causing her to turn deep red in embarrassment. I have to help her…
"ALRIGHT, NOW!" I exclaimed loudly, startling everyone including and especially Lily, to my own chagrin. I just scared my youngest older sister off! But at least their attention wasn't focused at her anymore. "What do you have for me, Sis?"
"Um…"
Very carefully, as if it would break to pieces if she grips it too hard, Lily hands over a pristine, white heart-shaped pendant necklace to my waiting hands. It actually doesn't look any special than any regular pendant necklace, but then I sensed something within it via Nous Anima. It was…
You have acquired [Soul Locket of Lily Arc]!
Something inside it feels like a fragment of Lily herself. Curiously, I tried to open the pendant (or locket as the blue screen before my face says) but Lily stopped me, her soft hand clasping on top of mine. As she shook her head, her emerald eyes was filled with embarrassment and panic.
"Please open it later, not here, okay? It's important…" She whispered with a hushed voice. "It would be very embarrassing for me if everyone sees it… so, Brother, if you don't mind, keep it closed for now…"
"Okay." I whispered back simply.
Not sure what would possibly embarrass her if I opened the locket, but I won't take any risk. I don't want to hurt Lily's feelings, since she was always so kind to me. Sometimes, it feels like I was the older one between us… and I have to protect her! Look at those innocent eyes! So precious!
As such, I won't touch that locket until I'm alone in my room. I'm not even going to use [Observe] on it.
"What are you two whispering about?" Claire asked. "Some dirty secrets we shouldn't know, eh?"
No offense for her, but Lily really sucks at lying. She was too honest for her own good, and therefore, a terrible liar. Me, on the other hand, have a perfectly trained poker face and have successfully told lies to several people, so I took over the responsibility of answering Claire's unfairly accusing question for her.
"It's nothing like that." I spoke before Lily could turn to Claire and give herself away with her panicked expression. "She wants to surprise me, so she told me to look into it later and not here."
"… why not here, specifically?"
"I was told to open it alone for maximum effect of surprise. No idea why, but I will do it anyway." I told Claire coolly. "Who am I to disrespect my dearest sister's wish?"
That last part is just for dramatic effect, mind you. That 'my dearest sister' is just something you should just brush off like it doesn't matter. It's just a lie I made up on spot anyway. However, I suppose some of my sisters took it a bit seriously, from the distaste and irritation that I felt from them. Why so serious?
Lily gave me a nod of thanks and appreciation before she returned to Bleu's side, avoiding everyone's gaze but her. As her turn comes, Bleu ruffled Lily's hair with a grin on her face and stops in front me, her hand on her waist. She looks very confident for someone who was a total social recluse two years ago.
"My present will be very useful to you, Jaune-Jaune!" She exclaimed before I could say anything. "For someone who was trying to be a Hero of Justice, it's only fair for a Heroine of Justice to help him. It's dangerous to go on your journey alone! Take this."
"Wha…"
She lifted a very thick, blue-covered book very near to my face. The title is supposedly very ancient, yet the book looks like it was very recently printed. Maybe this was just a copy of some old storybooks and manuscripts, I don't know. The title of the book was…
THE EPIC OF REMNANT
Heroes of The Beginning, The Old and The New
"Bleu, that book is…"
Noire, who was mostly silent the whole time, suddenly spoke. I would not be concerned with that, if only my eldest sister's face was in shock when she said so. Verte made a similar expression, but she didn't say anything so nobody except me noticed her shock.
However, all my other sisters look like they were as confused as me right now.
"That's right." Bleu nodded, once again seemingly pleased with herself. "I made a translation of this book, the book that our family let rest on our basement for generations and collected dust for nothing. It contains mythological, fictional, and historical figures of Remnant. Yeah I did it. Praise me guys."
"But that book is only written in ancient languages that we barely knew. We have no idea how our great-great Grandfather, Julius Arc, known those languages, let alone write a book with them." Verte stated. "Bleu, you said that you made a translation out of that book? How, why and where you would even do that? It is virtually impossible if you don't even know the languages it uses."
"It's not that easy, that's for sure." Bleu huffed. "But, as the number one student in second year, Atlas Academy grants me a private meeting with the headmaster, and, if possible, listened to my request."
"That means…"
"Yup! General Ironwood himself is invested with the translation of this book." Bleu casually drops the bomb as everyone drops their jaws. "Not like us in Vale, people in Atlas have gathered information of ancient culture and technology. That includes the language as well. Granted, some of the manuscripts, like [Epic of The King of Heroes] and [The Dawn of Grimm Slayer] was really hard to decipher, but—"
Wait, wait, WHAT?!
"We eventually made it." Bleu says dramatically. "This one copy for Jaune and the one I personally have is uncensored. There is no manipulation of information inside it. Although, General Ironwood said that anything in this book could only be shared with trusted people, and I have to swear an Oath of Secrecy."
"Is there a public copy of this book?" Rose asked, her tone intrigued.
"Of course, there is. But it will be mercilessly censored. General Ironwood said so." Bleu said, folding her arms below her chest. "Isn't that weird, hiding secrets that everybody should actually know? People should know about the heroes and heroines that wandered the world millenias ago, you know."
The information that should've been told to people of Remnant because they would be useful, hidden away because some people that had power wants it to keep hidden. I have a feeling that this has something to do with the group that Qrow was associated with, a group of secret-hiding bastards.
I don't like it at all. I do realize that I sound like a hypocrite, what with hiding my other identity as Hei Lang and all that, but my alter ego has nothing to do with people's safety. No one would care about my double life. This matter, on the other hand, was vital and actually matters to increase the survival chances of the people of Remnant, yet they decided to hide it. For some fucking reason.
"People above are weird like that." Verte said coldly, and I silently agree with her. "Tell me, Bleu, does the project you have with the General has something to do with the Headmaster of Beacon?"
What? What does the headmaster of Beacon have to do with all this secrecy? Is he the mastermind behind all this conspiracy? The one who pulls all the strings, maybe he was affiliated with Qrow's shady group? Then… can I really trust Qrow with my secrets? I don't know man, this is all fucked up.
"Uh…? I think so, yeah… the General did say that the project has to be approved by that person before he agrees to my proposal." Bleu nods reluctantly. "But for what reason, he didn't tell me…"
"Heh, I knew it. That is so typical of that old man."
Verte's cold tone sends chill to my spine. She certainly knows something that we don't know.
"Hey, what does that mean, Verty?" Claire asked.
"Nothing. Just know that you must never take the words of Headmaster of Beacon at face value."
Silence.
"Verte, what are you talking about…" I began to say, only to be cut off.
"Enough of this nonsense." Noire was the one speaking, her stiff expression and body language told everyone that she was serious. "I don't want to ruin our reunion with talking gloomy topics like this. We can talk about this some other time… now we're here to give our presents to Jaune, remember?"
"Yeah." Was everyone else's reply, including me.
"Good. Let's move on, then." Just like that, the warm sisterly smile of Noire came back. "Bleu, you can give the book to Jaune and let Rouge give her present."
"O—oh yeah…"
Bleu hastily put the thick and heavy book onto my hands, immediately retreating to Lily's side before I could say my thanks to her. That's a shame, since I was really thankful for her presents… but I could do that later, probably. She'll be around here for some more time anyway.
With Noire's beckoning, my third sister quickly takes her place, carrying something in her hands, that undoubtedly was a set of armor. It was a white with blue accents all over it and black fur collar. It looks really cool, and more importantly, it doesn't feel like a regular armor, so…
Observe.
Rouge'sArmor—Rank: Magic (Aura Enhanced)
The Set of Armor that your Sister Rouge Arc made especially for you. Cherish it well.
In a fashion akin to Aura Smithing, due to having her Aura injected into it the entire time during its creation, this armor is unnaturallydurable. It is extremely hard to dent this armor so as a downside the user absorbs more force instead of the armor caving in and hampering your movement. The armor can be repaired with your Aura and due to the way it was made, Semblances that can grab onto it are completely blocked or partially resisted.
Whoa. What did I do to deserve such an awesome present? This kind of knightly armor is kinda like my father and mother's, they are majestic and have some kind of noble aura surrounding them. This one is no different, although obviously lacking compared to them. Still, don't feel like I deserved this though…
"Umu, I see you are impressed by my handiwork. It is understandable, but…" Rouge snapped me out of my thoughts. "…how about taking it off my hands rather than standing there? It is truly yours now!"
I did what she told me and took the armor from her hands. I looked down and observed it more. It's a bit heavy, but it's probably nothing special for a set of armor. Then I looked up and met Rouge's proud grin, it seems like she was expecting me to say something. Why, of course she was.
"Thanks, Sis. It's awesome!"
"Umu! You are very welcome, Jaune!" Rouge beams happily. "I am glad you think it that way! I made it with all my blood, tears, and sweat! And my Aura also, but do not sweat the little details! What truly matters is that now you have a better protection than what you had back then! Your flimsy armor is no more! My protection is with you from now on!"
That is Rouge all right, talking about normal things with such a grandiose and dramatic demeanor that people may mistake her words for a grand speech… but I don't hate it. She was always there to liven things up when everything seems to be going down… her energy is so positive it was infectious.
So I hugged her immediately, without any warning. As I closed my eyes, everything went dead silent. Even Rouge didn't say anything for a moment. It is as if everything froze in place, I didn't even hear anyone breathing. I tried reaching out with Nous Anima, and what I can sense is…
"…"
Why is everyone except Rouge pissed off? The boastful-yet-caring sister that I was still hugging is really happy, though. She returns my hug immediately. Should I carry on as if nothing happened? No, that isn't wise, I should say something to her at least. Although I wonder how to placate the others…
"Thank you again, Sis." I said as I let her go. "I will cherish your present like it was my greatest treasure. I cannot express how important this is to me." I spoke a bit dramatically, just to emulate Rouge's manner of speaking, and I bowed theatrically as an addition.
"Umu, well said Brother."
With a wide smile and slightly red face, Rouge (with great effort, since she was way shorter than I am) tiptoed and pats my head happily. Then she quickly retreats to her seat without saying anything. Being who she was, I was expecting her to say more, but I suppose she was too flustered to make another of her usual grand speech. Oh well. What can you do.
Still doesn't explain why everyone was pissed off to some extent though. Even Lily was upset! Why is hugging your family such a big deal? Is this my fault? Or is this Rouge's fault? I don't know! Why it is so hard to understand people? I know I'm not the most social person in the world, but come on man.
"Hey, hey, can I go next?"
Next was… it was supposedly be Rose after Rouge, but it was Claire. She was flushed with excitement, practically bouncing in place with her present wrapped in a bag. I wonder what was that… it looks big enough to be held in my hands, but I'm not sure what it is. Hopefully it is not really a prank from her.
Look, that might sound like I had some trust issues, but I had some good reason not to simply accept anything from Claire Arc, my third sister. I mean, she used to kick me around back then and pull nasty (albeit harmless) pranks on me, so I ought to keep my guard up around her, until I'm absolutely certain she's not going to try anything bizarre.
"Ey, Rosy! Can I go next? Can I? Can I?"
She nudged Rose while giggling excitedly. Gosh, she's just like a little kid… being so eager and all… it almost looks like Rose was the older one between the two of them. Normally, my sisters would take it easy with Rose, since she was sickly, but apparently this one is not the case. Claire was being Claire…
"S—sure, go ahead, Claire…"
"Niiice! I'm going then!"
Okay, Claire, that's a bit insensitive of you. You could at least say sorry. And poor Rose… she looks a bit dejected. I really hope this won't stress her out and make her symptoms worse, since it happened quite a few times in the past… I'll cheer her up later, I guess.
"Jauney! Check this out!"
It was a helmet! It was silvery white helmet with blue accents, complete with a collapsible visor and a pair of sideways horn. It somehow fits with the set of armor Rouge gave me, and the helmet in itself is really cool-looking. And if it was made by my sister, it SHOULD be anything but ordinary. Let's see…
Mordred's Helmet (Alternative*)—Rank: Magical (Aura Enhanced—Mystery)
A replica and modification of the helmet used currently by Claire Arc, and by Sir Mordred in the past.
Protection from blinding and sound based attacks and 30% damage mitigation to attacks to the head and has enough resistance to render Dust rounds ineffective. Only Magical and Aura attacks can damage this helmet and even then the Visor part is relatively indestructible, its sheer durability in accordance to the strength of the user's Aura.In the rare circumstances where the helmet was broken, it can be repaired with Aura.
Even the forger herself, Claire Arc, didn't know the full effects of the helmet… since she made this in haste, scrambling with materials and enhancement techniques few days ago. What a klutz.
Have you ever heard the term 'overkill'? This helmet is certainly something of equivalent of rare item in a role-playing game! This helmet is going to protect my head from almost anything in my current state, and virtually everything if I was strong enough. More incentive for me to be stronger, I guess.
Just like the armor from before, the helmet has noble and majestic aura surrounding it. Although it was also laced by the tinge of resistance and betrayal. Hmm, it fits Claire really well, does it? She was always a bit of delinquent back in the past… and in the present as well. Claire hasn't changed much I see.
"How about it? Pretty cool, huh?"
"I like this."
"Well, you better be!" Claire chuckled happily. "With Rouge's armor and my helmet, not even that three-times champion of The Mistral Regional Tournament can beat your ass!"
"Who?"
"Ah, you don't have to know. Just a random girl." Claire waved her hand off. "Not really important—"
"Actually, she's quite an important person, being the daughter of—"
"Save it, Noire! No talking about strangers, especially a girl that we all don't even care, when we're together like this!" Claire turned to our eldest sister and shouted. "It doesn't matter, really, Jauney. Don't sweat it, okay?"
"… okay, I guess?"
I guess I'll look up who the hell is the three-times champion of Mistral Regional Tournament on my own. Maybe someone I should know, especially since that Tournament will be held in Mistral for just a week away. I want to enter that Tournament , but I don't know if I'm strong enough to win that.
I probably should train myself instead of wasting time screwing around, yeah.
"I believe you're strong enough already to wear armor and helmet." Claired hummed, circling me with sharp eyes like some hawk eyeing its prey. "Look at those muscles. You've been working out, haven't you. You don't look bad without muscles, but with those, you'll be pretty badass-looking. Trying to impress somebody, Jauney? Lemme see here…"
And now, without my consent, she was groping and fondling my body shamelessly. The nerve of this girl, thinking she can get away with something she did a lot back then… look, I'm almost an adult, so when a woman touching me in some places, I couldn't help but feel a bit aroused, okay? It's perfectly normal!
"Hey, knock it off."
"Make me."
Both of us knew that it would end in my loss, and she would just kick me in the face for trying to shake her off. That damn smug smirk of hers was telling me to do it anyway and submit to her provocation, but I didn't give in. I've let her touch my biceps, my stomach, and my thighs…
"Eh, not bad." She just shrugged, but I can't miss the blush on her face. What was that for? "I'll give you an A for your effort. You've been working hard, so I can't just ignore that, am I right?"
I give her a flat look, while everyone else, especially Noire, were giving her some dangerously sharp glares. She didn't seem to notice them at the slightest.
"What? You have a problem with that?"
"No, Ma'am."
I sighed… I'm not going to pick a fight with her…
"Anyway Jauney, put the helmet on and show me how good it is on you."
I looked up from the helmet and met Claire's wide and playful grin. I returned it with a grin of my own, since I was feeling equally excited as she is… I put the helmet on, and assume an over-the-top pose, standing straight while pointing at Claire.
"This whole thing might've ended differently, but…" I shouted dramatically, copying a line from my favorite comic book character. "You made one mistake! You pissed me off!"
"… what."
Silence for a few seconds, before Bleu started to clap all of a sudden. No, not the sarcastic way of clapping mind you, but she was clapping in appreciation, as if she just saw something impressive. My other sisters, except for Verte was just confused. Claire simply jawdropped, completely dumbfounded.
"Is that a reference to Joachim's Weird Journey: Stardust Templars?" She innocently asks as she steps forward. "If so, then you made a good impression of Johannes! That's the thing he said when he kicked IDO's ass wasn't it?"
I forgot Bleu was also into comics… and she's also into my favorite comic?! That couldn't go better!
"Yeah, that was it!" I said, removing the helmet from my face and give a thumbs up to her. "The finale was awesome! He broke IDO's leg and killing him with just one punch!"
"Serves him right, yes? That's what he deserved for killing Cherrylicker and making him a donut!"
Welp. I have found my soulmate, apparently. We raised our hands and high-fived cheerfully.
"Ehm, you two." Noire stepped up, cleared her throat awkwardly. "I, I'm glad you two are getting along nicely after two years, but please, can the conversation wait? Not that you can't talk about your mutual hobbies like this, of course, but we just want to get this over with. It's late."
"Eh? Ahaha, oh yeah, sorry about that." Bleu chuckled weakly. "So, um… whose turn it is now? Ah, Rose, is it? Well then, come on Claire, get outta the way!" She wanted to change the topic of the conversation I think… that's subtle.
She dragged the still dumbfounded Claire back onto their seat… I just waved at my third eldest sister with a grin. I should've thanked her properly, I should do that later. Then I turned my attention to the next one in line, my sickly sister who coughed softly to her hand just now. I just noticed that she was a bit pale as well.
That makes me worry.
"Alright… I'm next, I suppose." Rose walked slowly towards me, carrying some kind of plastic bag in her hand. "Here, Jaune… I didn't bring anything fancy or useful for you… but please know that I made this with nothing but your comfort in mind."
It was a haori, an Eastern-Mistralian style robe, colored light blue. The robe's sleeves were trimmed with white, mountain-like stripes. It was very distinctive and eye-catching, and I actually like it very much because it looks cool, however there is one thing that I found bizarre on it…
"What is it? Is it not to your liking?" Rose asks, worried.
"No, not that I don't like it, but…"
"But?"
Rose's head tilted to the side in confusion, still haven't realized what was going on.
"…but what's with the bloodstain?"
Yes, there was a bloodstain on the robe. It has dried out, fortunately.
"Ehh?! Agh, I forgot to wash that!"
Of course, I knew exactly what was causing that bloodstain. It was Rose herself. You see, when she got too excited, worked up or tired… Rose will cough up blood, and it really wasn't a pretty sight. It was her sickness that has been plaguing her since back then. I've seen it too many times I knew the signs.
"Ahh! I'm sorry! I swear I don't know what that was! I didn't get sick or anything!" Rose frantically waves her hands in front of her face. I'm not convinced, and her panic went further. "Of course, I'm not! What am I even talking about? My daily schedule is as good as ever, I promise! I eat, sleep, and rest properly!"
"… are you overworking yourself with this?" I asked casually, while lifting the robe.
"O—of course not! I-I did not work hard to make that! I was not up working at night!"
Ooookay… that was a suspiciously specific denial. Which means, yes, she is overworking herself and that bloodstain is the result of that. I guess I should ask Noire, Verte, or Rouge about her activities in Mistral. I could ask them to take it easy on Rose… I really don't want anything bad happens to her.
"Thank you, Rose." I smiled. "I love your present. But don't force yourself too much, okay?"
"Huh? Of course not! What are you talking about? I always take care of myself!" Still denying about that, I see. But at least she's happy now. Unless… "You see, this haori is the proof of my great victory against my illness! So Jaune, don't worry about me now! Yup, my body's all fine! I can keep going— COUGH!?"
She immediately covered her mouth as she painfully coughed… once. Then twice. And thrice.
Here we go again. I threw the robe sideways and caught her body as she stumbled forward, her hands still covering her mouth. I saw blood trickling between her fingers, a sign that her illness was acting up again. Did it trigger because Rose was excited, or was she really overworking herself…? I have no idea.
But I know exactly what to do in this case.
Everyone was worried about her, just like I am. But I didn't fuss or even complain about her, instead I immediately lifted my fourth eldest sister off her feet and carry her in my arms. I ignored everything else around me and headed straight to her room. What she needs right now is enough rest and sleep.
"Ugh, Jaune… let me down…"
"Nah. Who do you think I am, dropping you like that?"
"That's not what I meant…"
I know what she meant, if her flushed face and shaking body were any indication.
"I got it, it's embarrassing. Just deal with it for a bit."
Maybe it's hard to ignore them, because I can feel everyone's eyes on my back as I left the living room. For some reason, some of them wasn't happy. I wondered about that as I walked slowly on the hallway, as gently and carefully as to not make Rose's condition worse.
"But—"
"Hush now, Sis." I cut her off calmly. "Save it until you're in your bed, okay?"
Thankfully, she didn't insist on saying whatever is in her mind. Instead, she wrapped both her arms around my neck, and held tight. It wasn't uncomfortable on its own, mind you, but our faces were dangerously close. Too close for comfort. What was this warm emotion I felt from her…
"Here you go."
I opened Rose's room, and lay her down gently on her bed. She still haven't said anything, she was just content on watching as I covered her body with sheets and then go fetch some things for her. Alright then, her usual medicine (that I already stored in my Inventory long ago, just in case), one glass of clean water and a clean handkerchief… just like old times.
I got them, I secretly took them out of my Inventory while pretending to go somewhere else before I quickly return to her room. She hasn't moved from where I left her before, and there was a soft, albeit weak smile on her face, one that I don't understand the meaning behind it. I ignored that for now…
I wiped the fresh blood off her lips and chin as gently as possible, ignoring her random mumblings. Then, since I was afraid that she would accidentally drop her medicine, I helped her by giving her medicine myself. Finally, still not trusting her to take care of things herself, I helped her drink her water as well.
Only after she gulped it down and sighed a breath of relief, I allowed myself to relax. Although I knew it won't truly cure her from her terminal illness … the effects from these medicine she usually takes were only temporary. My parents had tried to find anything, absolutely anything to cure her, but alas…
Nothing seemed to work on her, for some reason. Even with the latest medicine that had ever invented from Atlas, the sickness would only stopped acting up for some time. It almost like… a curse. A terrible curse that began since she took up the sword that she always had on her person now. Maybe it was…
That took a big chunk from her HP bar, accompanied with status effects of [Pain] and [Internal Bleeding]. I grimaced. I couldn't imagine what it feels like for my sister, she must be feeling really hurt… if I could take half, no, all of it, I would have that sickness transferred to myself. It really hurts my heart to see her like this, over and over and over again…
"Feel better?" I asked. "Need something else?"
"… yes, Jaune. I'm fine now. Thanks to you."
Rose smiles bashfully and apologetically. She was also hesitant.
"Jaune, this is…"
Quietly, I sat on the sides of her bed, waiting for her to finish her sentence.
"… this is so nostalgic." She says. "Even now, after two years, you're still the one who ended up taking care of me. I kept troubling you with my problems…"
"It's no problem." I said. "We're family. What good am I if I just turn away when I see how you suffered?"
"Jaune…"
"What good am I if I just shut myself off so I can't hear you cry in pain? I had to help you, and goddamn it if I had to sacrifice everything I have just to ease a bit of your pain. No matter what, Sis, if you need me, I'll be here."
I sighed, rubbing the back of my head awkwardly. I said too much, and I thought it was cringy… until I found that the smile on Rose's face was slightly wider than before, and the warm feeling I felt from her is now stronger than before. For no reason, I just want to protect that smile. More than before, I mean.
"… thank you, Jaune. You're so kind."
She puts her hands on mine. Oh. That's… not good...
"No problem… but, with that said…"
Oh, this is getting awkward for me… I should move away, this is dangerous for my heart… but I don't have the heart to push Rose's hands away… they were so small, fragile, and warm. It feels like my hand can melt in her hands—wait a minute, get a hold of yourself, Jaune! She's your sister!
"Sis, sooner or later you're going to need someone to look after you."
"But I have you, isn't that enough?"
"No, I mean someone like a boyfriend or even a husband…"
Rose managed to let out a weak chuckle.
"Ahaha, I don't think I need any of that right now…"
What kind of mature woman doesn't need any man in her life? Does she want to be single forever? That makes no sense! Well, if she wants to, I can't exactly force her to change her mind… but if she doesn't have anyone to watch over her, who would take care of her when I'm not around?
Simple, the solution is to be with her 24/7.
Shut up, Veritas. You know I can't do that. She has a job in Mistral, and she can't be here forever. We'll be separated again soon, and I can't do anything about that until I become a full-fledged Huntsman who can travel to wherever the hell I want. I can't exactly go anywhere outside Vale right now—
Well… you do have a skill that can teleport you anywhere. You could make use of that, I suppose? And I guess you can check on her at least once a day.
… oh shit, he's right. I can use portals now, so checking on my sisters' condition won't be a problem! … except for the Aura usage, but I recover fast, so it's no problem. But doesn't it have to fulfill a certain condition first? Like, you have to exchange your Aura with the one you want to watch over? Well shit.
I can't let the same thing with me and Raven happen again. With my sisters? No way. I have to find a way to deal with that… strong feeling that I can feel so deeply when I exchanged Aura with others. It could be that I was still weak to withstood the Aura of someone stronger than again, so again, the solution for that problem is to be stronger. Then—
"… ah, I suppose I held you back long enough." Rose snapped me out of my thoughts, and she let go of my hand. "I will rest now. You can go back to living room, I suppose? The others are waiting for you."
"But…"
"I will be fine. I will call you if I need help. You'll be there for me, right?"
For a second, I was considering to stay on her side. She doesn't look like she would be happy if I do that… but hey, I'm Jaune Arc, I'm not listening to anyone's shit if I don't feel like it's the right thing to do… even if it's actually stupid. That's me, no matter how smart and wise I have become.
"Of course, but…"
"No buts. Go now or they'll start worrying about us. I don't want them to come here, at least for now..."
Rose glared at me, apparently not wanting me to be here. Okay, changed my mind I guess. I might be stubborn, but I also don't want to force my will on anyone. As I sighed and readied myself to leave Rose there and go back to the living room, one thing just came to my mind.
Can I just heal her with my skill?
What a goof I am. Stupid.
I have a healing skill, for Oum's sake!
"Wait a second, Sis." I felt like smiling all of a sudden, a mixture of happiness and astonishment at how slow and stupid I was. I leaned closer to her. "Can I try something on you?"
"W—what is it?"
"Just watch." I grinned, as I put both my hands on her shoulders. "You're going to feel so much better after I do this, trust me! You'll feel really good afterwards!"
…
Why did that came out wrong? I blurted that out without thinking… Ah, whatever.
Withershins Restoration.
I put my hands very carefully above Rose's chest, and activated my trusted healing skill. So far, it only failed me once, in my recent attempt to cure the young man of Schnee—Whitley—and it was only because his condition was a curse or something. I haven't had the time to ask Veritas about it.
Then, unless Rose's illness was a curse, I believe I can handle it no problem. As the pure white light of my Aura washes over my older sister several times. She seems to be better after each healing that I did, and I was confident my method was working. This is nice, and this… does put a smile on my face.
The health that she had lost before was slowly coming back. The status effects that were plaguing her was slowly vanished from her Status. Yes, I did it. I wish I could have done this earlier, but better late than never, I suppose. Now, Rose won't have to suffer from her terminal illness anymor—
NO EFFECT.
What the…? I thought I did it! How could it had no effect…?!
The Status Effect [Weak Constitution] cannot be cured by your current skill level.
Are you fucking kidding me. What does even Weak Constitution mean? Is that some kind of curse? Or is this just another sign that I was really not strong enough to help anyone? Of all times that I want my skill to work, this had to be the one that failed… just my luck… or my incompetence…
This is not a laughing matter. With my sister's illness and how bad it has become, there's no telling when it would become worse. There's a possibility that my sister could expire anytime from succumbing to her illness. This is a matter of life and death! If I couldn't cure my sister now, she could—
No. No. I can'f fail now. Maybe I was a failure when I was kid… I might've even been a failure the first time I said I want to be a hero of justice… but I, I can't be one now. Because it's not about me anymore. If I can't help the one that needs me the most, then what good I am to anyone in this world?
Work, goddamnit! I need you to work right now!
I repeated my skill, despite it does no effect on Rose. White light flashed pointlessly, but I didn't stop.
Heal! Heal!
I keep doing it, over and over again. However, no matter how many times I healed her, it did nothing.
I can do it. I just have to try harder. It should work somehow. It MUST work. If not, I—
"That's enough, Jaune."
A frail-looking, yet surprisingly strong pair of hand stops me from overusing my skill. The owner of those hands pushes my hands away gently, not rejecting or hating my touch, but… it was appreciating? Why, why would she appreciate me? My attempt to heal her was for nothing, I was useless. So why would—
"You tried, Jaune."
I looked up. Rose smiles at me.
"Please don't cry."
A hand reached out and wipes something on my face—I was crying?
Oh, yes. Yes, I was. For some reason, I didn't realize it at first. I thought Gamer's Mind would keep me out from that pointless sentiment—I consider crying a sign of weakness, something that I should never show so freely, especially since I'm a man… but here I am, being a sentimental bitch again.
"I'm sorry… Rose…"
What's the point of apologizing for my uselessness anymore?
"It's okay. You did your best."
Rose was still smiling. It was a smile of resignation, I think. The smile of someone that has accepted her condition. The smile of someone that has realized that nothing can save her from her fate. I knew it. It was clear what that smile implies, despite her not saying it out loud. And it was…
… the only kind of smile that I really hate.
My sisters swarmed me right as I came back to the living room.
"Is she alright?" Noire was the one asking me, beating the others to it.
"Just like usual." I replied curtly. "She'll be fine with a bit of rest. Don't worry."
I don't think I need to tell them that I tried to cure Rose from her terminal illness and utterly failed. For now, I should act as if nothing bad happened before. It should help, I think. Let's hope it would. Then again, knowing my luck, it won't go as smoothly as I want it to…
"Thank goodness…"
I can feel the mood in the room has changed significantly compared to how it was earlier, before Rose's symptoms acted up. There's no helping it… I should try to fix this. God, this was supposed to be a happy day with all my sisters giving me wonderful presents, but it turned out all gloomy and weird…
Ugh! Forget all those things for now! Let's just be happy…
"Alright, who's next?" I spoke with cheerful tone, hoping that it would brighten things up for everyone. "I can't wait to see what awesome present I will get next! … Verte, is it?"
I turned to look at my second eldest sister, who turns out to be right in front of me, having walked up to me without me noticing her at all. Her yellow eyes slightly narrowed and her lips curved up, a clear sign that she was not in good mood. Usually she won't show any expression, like she doesn't give a damn.
Well, you know, if someone who was normally stoic and calm shows any emotion, and especially if said emotion was not positive in any way, you gotta pay attention to whoever it is. In this case, I shouldn't do anything that would make her feel disrespected. I don't want her to snap at me…
"…"
Wordlessly, she handed over a black-covered book with dark green letters on it.
Skill book: Aura Manipulation Manual, Handwritten by Verte Arc—Rank: Magic
"This would help you develop your Aura and make it your greatest weapon. You are responsible for your own safety." Verte says, her voice deadly serious. "In battlefield, teammates can only help you so much—most of the time you have to handle things on your own. I made this manual myself, and the no one else has ever read its content—if you learn everything in this book, you would certainly become as strong as I am—no, you would surpass me, eventually."
"Thank you, Verte.
I accepted the gift, bowing gracefully and gratefully. I didn't dare do anything rash like hugging her or posing ridiculously like I did before. Patting her head is a no-no, she would kill me if I do that. Not literally, of course, but her constant belittling and deathly glares are the things I want to avoid.
"…"
Verte gives me an expectant stare. What.
"… are you not going to show me a sign of gratitude or something?"
Ah. So she wants me to do something… but what should I do? I don't know anything that wouldn't make her lash out in righteous fury… anything I try to emulate in my mind for her is equally dangerous.
"Er… can I…?"
Verte sighed.
"You can do anything, Jaune. I will not be angry. Take my words as an Arc."
I don't know about this, she seems to be unusually eager… is it safe, or am I going to die horribly if I do what I had in mind for her? Ah, fuck it. I want to see her reaction. I walked up confidently to her, tried to get really close to her, and then, as I leaned my face closer to her.
For a split second, I saw her eyes widening and not focusing at me. She was looking at… something else?
A malicious intent has been detected!
… then she stops me in my tracks, pushing me away easily with her hands.
"Okay, that is too close, I changed my mind." Verte spoke, shaking her head. "Your gratitude… can wait. This is not the time. I suppose… I should check on Rose instead of… wasting time."
Then, unceremoniously, she turned around and leaves the room, walking faster than usual. Meanwhile, I said nothing, still standing on my place, frozen like a statue. I felt that… I felt that killing intent just now, that legit made me shiver… that was definitely from that certain individual…
… who is currently right behind me.
"I͈̼ ͏̭̞̼t̫͘h͉̝̹̬͎͕i̡ṉ̖k̭ͅ ̤̞͎̯̞I͖̯̱ͅ ͇̘̼̤͇̞w̖̟̞̥̰̺a͇̱̲͔̝i̲̱̬̯t̡͔͓͕̲͍̠ed͓̤̣̱̮͓͟ ̦̮͈̦̘͇͞l̰̘̞͍̥͖o̹n̬͙̗̱̙̙g͓̻ͅ ͉̰͖͇̥̭e̛͔̻̘no̺̪̩̬̳u̶͙̻g҉͚̤ḥ̲̖̰̖.͈͚̲̜̝̟ ҉͖̱̫̗͖̹̖N̴͎̬̱̲̭̺o̮̘͚͡ͅw̼̙͘ ̨į̜̟̞t̥̝̻̺'̬͟s̫̙̜̫ ̪̤͔̯͎͍͍s̠͓̲h҉͍o̼̪̳̹̪̞̤u͇̙̭̣̪l͚̕d͕̰̥̙ b̻̘̗̜̹̻͞e̦̦̘̦ ͉̗m͙͍͚͙͟ͅý̭ ̢̗̪̟̦̗̦͕t͉̬̮̯͙͇̣u̝͢r̦̜̯̺͕̦̟ṋ͈̰̰͍ͅ,͖̲̙͚ ̸̪̫͕͕̹̯̳nó͓̪̥͕̲ͅ?̩̻̙̺"
Noire.
WHY would you emit a killing intent to your own sibling? I knew that one was not directed to me, but to Verte. I knew as well that they had some kind of fight going on without my knowledge, and everyone else literally refused to tell me what was really the deal between them. I realized that this was serious.
I want to call Noire out on that one, but then suddenly, everything in my being… my mind, my brain, my instinct, my soul… they are all practically screaming at me not to move or say anything. Begging to me that I should stop being stupid and be smart for once. So I stayed silent for a moment.
Then I immediately realize that everyone else were silent as well. I can still feel Noire's presence behind me, her emotions were something… extremely bizarre, that I wasn't sure they were actual emotions or not. They were writhing, swirling, cursing… very much so that my very soul felt sick just trying to feel them with Nous Anima. What the actual fuck is going on with Noire?
Something is definitely wrong with my eldest sister.
"Hey, Jaune? Turn around, please?"
Just as I felt like I'm going to vomit from the imagery of those disgusting… things… that I sensed from her, it disappeared just as quickly as it appeared. As I reluctantly turned to her, she was just like her normal self. She looks like she was confused, even. Again, what the actual fuck just happened? This doesn't make any sense.
Everyone else in the room are just as confused and scared as I am. I suppose they have never seen Noire behave like that before, either… oh god, why are my sisters so weird after not seeing them for such a long time? I asked for a family reunion that is full of sunshine and rainbow, I don't like this!
"Hey… do you want my present or what?" Noire waves her hand in front of my face, and sighs as I jumps in alarm. "… nevermind. No matter what your answer is, I'm going to give it to you nonetheless. My present is actually important, so… please act formal for once, Jaune."
Right. I'm not going to make sense of all this in my head. I am still confused, I still do, but I nodded and obeyed her instructions anyway. Using the knowledge that I've got from my mother for situation like this, I kneeled gracefully before her like a knight before his king, with my head and gaze lowered. I will only raise my head if Noire says so.
"… raise your head."
She gave me a battle standard. It has a white flag with golden accents and a symbol of an iris flower on its center, and a spear-point at the tip. The last one must be a divine sign that this flag should be used to strike the enemy, not just to wave it around the battlefield like a cheerleader.
Wait, hold on, it looks… familiar…
"With this, I hereby pass the ownership of [Luminostelle Eternelle] to Jaune Saffron Arc…"
Yeah, I know this battle standard. My mother told me about it in one of her lessons. The battle standard is the symbol of the Arc Family, and only the leader of the family can hold onto that. Noire, as the eldest children of our family, just handed it over to me, which literally means that… oh no—
"… and therefore, the position of the heir of the Arc Family."
My jaw dropped to the ground…
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
With a totally not manly scream.
-Present Time-
I considered banging my head against the wall until either it breaks or my brain suffers permanent damage. Then I remember that it might be good for me… or not, I don't know!
… yep, all things considered, I don't know whether I should be happy or not. On the one hand, I was glad that I got so many things that would undoubtedly help me in my journey to be stronger, and probably going to save my ass from the dangers that would come to me in the future. On the other hand…
Now I have so much responsibility dumped onto my shoulders, just like that. Me, the heir of the Arc Family? You must be kidding me… there's no way I can live up to anyone's standards of a noble family heir in my current condition. A disgrace and failure like me, become a family heir? Oh my god…
Damn it. I can't return the battle standard and the position of a Heir to Noire, because I had already asked her of that and she just flat-out refused. She said that a man should be the one leading the family, and oddly, everyone in the room just agreed with her. It's like they have been planned this for a long time.
And the worst part of it? They really believe I can responsibly lead the family, they seriously believe that I can. There is no sarcasm in the slightest, they aren't joking about it at all, not one bit. Not even the usually trolling Claire are. Their encouraging smiles, their sincere eyes, their trusting words…
"You are my brother. I have complete faith in you."
"You'll do fine, Jauney."
"You are worthy, brother. Do not doubt yourself!"
"You can do it, Jaune-Jaune."
"I believe you can do it!"
If everyone said so… alright, I guess. It's finally time for me to man up and not be a wimpy bitch anymore.
I stood up from my bed and changed into my normal clothes. I slipped the locket that Lily gave me over my head, now it was hanging nicely on my chest, although it was hidden by my clothes. I kinda missed my hoodie, but I don't think it really matters now. I had made my mind and know what to do, at last.
If I'm going to be the heir of this family, I better be stronger fast. And I can't be stronger if everything I do is just messing around like a fucking moron. Yeah, I better restart my training regime today… no, I will start it RIGHT NOW. Let's check my status for a good beginning…
Status Screen.
Name : Jaune Arc
Title : The Gamer
Level : LV42
HP: 6390/6390 (+30%)=8307
MP: 6680/6680 (+45%)=9686
STR: 73 (+30%)=94.9
VIT: 102 (+30%)=130.6
DEX: 73 (+30%)=94.9
INT: 107 (+30%)=139.1
WIS: 78 (+30%)=101.4
LUK: 12
POINTS: 72
MONEY: 162070 Lien
I've gained two levels from pummeling that bastard Adam into unconsciousness and some amounts of status points. Nice. I've also grown so much stronger than before, and part of it was also from the results of the… stuff… that Raven and I had… indulged ourselves with. It gave me some status points as well, and I've had these passive skills when I reached one hundred Intelligence:
Medium Aura Capacity (Passive) LV1 EXP: 0.00% (INT:100)
An ability given to the few Aura users that are born with an exceptional ability to handle the light of their souls. Aura-based attacks are 15% stronger.10% less MP used for all attacks. 40% increase in total MP.
Aura Regeneration (Passive) LV1 EXP: 0.00% (INT:100)
An ability given to those with a special heritage that allows for faster recovery of MP.MP regeneration increased by 100%.
It was strange. I read through these passive skills that I had already received from some time before this, and understood them in an instant, but, despite all my memories of the knowledge gained, actually reading them seemed almost like a dream, something that happened only in theory.
I've never bothered to read those until now, and needless to say, I feel great… and stupid as well. So that is why I can recover from Aura depletion so quickly, and my own energy has become greater than before, even without me realizing it. Why didn't I bother to read those before…? I'm an idiot, that's why.
Even though my Intelligence has reached one hundred, an amount that I perceived as 'the amount that only smart people has' I didn't actually feel that smart. Really. I just can think much faster and quicker than before. I'm definitely not a genius, that's for sure. Smart people don't go willingly into dangers.
I guess I made myself imbalanced with those points invested into Intelligence. I should balance it by throwing some points to Wisdom, right? If I invest all my remaining status points into Wisdom, it would reach one hundred fifty, and then I can learn the skill from certain skill books. I think it's fine to do that.
If I invested points in physical stats like Strength, Vitality and Dexterity, and I decided to show off my improved physical prowess in public, people no doubt will get suspicious as to how I get stronger in almost no time. Plus my suspicion about Hetero being Cang Long hasn't been cleared yet.
But if I get smarter and wiser, people will hardly notice my self-improvements unless I made some big inventions and breakthroughs that would prove my improved brain capacity. Meanwhile, my Luck has improved just a little bit, but I still don't know what good it is for me. I'm definitely going to invest points into that department next, just to find out, but for now Wisdom is my priority. Here it goes then!
[Harmony] (Passive) LV1 EXP: 0.00% (WIS:100)
An ability given to the few that are born with an exceptional insight into the patterns of Aura and a great affinity for the Dust. Understanding the nature of Dust, basic Dust may be combined into more complex form.
Grants resistance to Dust Attacks. Resistance to a specific Dust is equal to the average resistance to all kinds of Dust.
15% less MP used for all Dust related attacks.
35% Increase in Aura (MP) Recovery Rate.
20% Increase to Dust Attack.
20% Increase to Dust Defense.
60% Increase to Dust related skill and use.
[Balance] (Passive) LV1 EXP: 0.00% (WIS:150)
An ability given to the few that have honed their natural talents to achieve nearly unmatched insight into the truth of the world, thereby obtaining a tremendous affinity for Dust, the Nature's Wrath. Understanding the nature of Dust, the Dust may be further combined into more complex forms.
Grants resistance to Dust Attacks. Resistance to a specific Dust is equal to the average resistance to all component Dust.
25% less MP used for all Dust related attacks.
45% Increase in Aura (MP) Recovery Rate.
30% Increase to Dust Attack.
30% Increase to Dust Defense.
70% Increase to Dust related skill and use.
Oh, I have reached enlightenment. Now I have the knowledge of infinite possibility of the uses of Dust, their nature as the force of the world, how to make the best and worst out of them, almost everything. The knowledge is flowing into me, engraved deeply into my mind and into my soul… so wonderful…
I feel like I'm floating in another universe that is partially separated from my own. A place where every colors, basic and mixture, were there. An empty space with nothing but kaleidoscopes, and I was there, fusing with the colors and make me whole. Nothing else matters, as long as I am here and nowhere—
…
"… oh. I'm back."
Gamer's Mind immediately cleared my mind out of imagination and possible madness from all those influx of knowledge. That was really close, I think. I suppose I must thank Veritas for keeping my fragile, human mind intact, although I haven't heard from him for a while. What was he doing now, I wonder?
"Huh."
I guess that's that. I suppose it would be wise to forget what I saw in my head before, for my own sanity. I should be moving on, then. Now that I have reached the benchmark necessary to learn the skills from the skill books that I got from Tukson's Book Trade, I will proceed to learn all of them, right now.
Starting from the newest one. It was the book from Verte, the Aura Manipulation Manual that she had written herself for me. I've gone so far as to make a copy from it, because I don't want my sister's hard work to just shatter into blue particles of nothingness. And fortunately, the copy works just as well.
You picked up the skill book [Aura Manipulation Manual, Handwritten by Verte Arc]. Would you like to learn it?
Yes.
You learned the main skill [Concrete Aura Manipulation]!
Sub skill [Aura Splash] has been learned!
Sub skill [Aura Blast] has been learned!
Sub skill [Aura Bullet] via the Azoth Dagger has been learned!
Sub skill [Aura Extension] has been learned!
Those skills are definitely going to be useful in the future. I can be more versatile in battles, and be more useful in general. At least I can get rid of my incompetence, slowly but surely. Let's try those out, right here and right now. Those are not potent enough to destroy my room yet, so I can take it easy here.
I took out the [Azoth Dagger] from my Inventory and pointed it at my open window with one hand, so even if it's something fairly destructive, it won't hurt anyone. Although that means I won't find out about its capabilities though… ah fuck it, let's just give it a shot.
Azoth Dagger—Rank: Magic
Azoth Dagger is a supplemental tool for Aura Manipulator, amplifying the user's Aura to assist with their attacks and strengthen them. Filling it with Aura allows for it to be utilized as projectile weapon at any time to launch a single powerful shot or multiple and small bursts. The single shot has 40% chance to inflict status effect [Stun].
So, if I combined this dagger with [Aura Bullet]…
I channeled my Aura into it, concentrated all of it into the edge of the dagger… before taking a shot. It shoots out a blinding white projectile to the outside of my window, and I recoiled just as hard as if I just shot a shotgun or a rifle… so I estimate that the force of the blast would be a strong as that.
It wouldn't be wise to test its effect in my room, but I felt an unnatural urge, an unbearable compulsion to do it anyway. But I won't… so instead, I will try another skill here. [Aura Blast] sounds like something that would blow my entire room up, so let's not try that one. I should go with something safer… yes, this one will do nicely.
Aura Splash.
I held my hand up. It gathered Aura from my entire body into my palm, causing it to glow bright white, before firing off a large amount of energy which takes the form of… some kind of jewel? Before the blast is fired, however, I noticed that my hand has also produced water-like material, a byproduct of the large amount of energy the attack has given off.
The blast's range and shotgun-like dispersion of the projectile, along with its incredible destructive power and high speed… made several changes to my walls. Yeah. I totally predicted that, and I'm totally not afraid that anybody's gonna walk in and noticed those. I calmly walked up to the walls and covered it with several posters from my collection, wordlessly.
… at least no one's gonna kill me from making holes in my room for a while. I suppose no more indoor testing until I knew exactly what those skills are capable of, before trying it out. None should know this, especially my mother. Hell hath no fury like a mother's scorn! … or something like that.
Alright, back to reviewing my skills. Should I try the other one, the [Aura Extension]? No, I think Aura techniques can wait later. What I need to do now is test how far I can utilize the skills included in [Nous Anima] for my own advantages. They would probably come in handy in the future. Let's see…
The power I already had and tested are from Noire, Yang, Hetero, and the one that I couldn't even see the name. Their skill names are as following:
[Nous Anima: Scorching Darkness of Hate] this is Noire's Semblance. Still sounds wrong.
[Nous Anima: Raging Sun Dragon] undoubtedly, this is Yang's. Fits her really well.
[Nous Anima: The Indomitable Human Spirit] this is Hetero's… wait, what even his Semblance is about?
[Nous Anima: Innate Time Control] again, I still don't know whose power is this.
I have to read them all to understand them further, but the power from the unknown person was the one that intrigued me the most… it was named [Innate Time Control], the one that saved my life from Adam's surprise attack. I'm going to read its description carefully… let's see…
[Nous Anima: Innate Time Control] (Active) LV1 EXP: 43.59%
Innate Time Control is the ability of [?] to alter the impact of time on one's own body, in order to push one's physical prowess beyond normal limitations within a small time frame, though with a very risk and consequences aftermath.
Modes:
[Time Alter—Double Accel]
Accelerates one's own time, movement speed and metabolism two times. Consumes 2% HP per second use. Careful use is advised.
[Time Alter—Triple Accel]
Accelerates one's own time, movement speed and metabolism three times. Consumes 3% HP per second use. Not safe to use in your current level.
[Time Alter—Square Accel]
Accelerates one's own time, movement speed and metabolism four times. Consumes 4% HP per second use. Not safe to use in your current level.
[Time Alter—Double Stagnate]
Reduces the time of one's biological processes, such as heartbeat, breathing, and metabolism to half of one's normal speed. Careful use is advised.
[Time Alter—Triple Stagnate]
Reduces the time of one's biological processes, such as heartbeat, breathing, and metabolism to one third of one's normal speed. Not safe to use in your current level.
And then…
More modes and information in advanced levels.
Right, I guess this is one the the skills that had high risk and high return. I mean, if you could utilize it properly, it would be an invaluable weapon despite its cost for myself. And its cost was HP, meaning I could die a horrible death if I misused it… that explains the painful sensation when I used it to evade Adam's attack.
I wonder whose power it is? Its main gimmick was 'time', but I cannot remember anyone I knew that used 'time' as his or her Semblance. But it was someone that I should've known, therefore I can't possibly understood and copied their power in my soul, via Nous Anima. However, I drew a blank.
I sighed. What is it with mysteries in my life? Why I always have something that I don't know? I—
"Hey, Jaune."
My thought process was interrupted by a soft knocking on my door. Just when I thought that today will be a quiet day, a perfect day to train and understand my power betters… oh well, that can't be helped. Let me answer the door real quick, and hope that nothing bad happens to me.
"Yes?"
"Can I… can I come in?"
Who was that? It's probably one of my sisters… they have similar voices, for some reason that was also beyond me. Only their tone and manner of speaking that differs them from each other. The one who was speaking behind the door was polite and timid, meaning it could be Rose or—
"Go ahead, Sis."
The door opened almost immediately, and showed the one standing behind it.
"Hey, Lily." I walked up to her, waving my hand as friendly as I possibly could. "Good morning."
"G—good morning, Jaune."
Her white dress fluttered elegantly as she just stood there in the doorway, looking around bashfully. Well she looks almost like her usual self, except that she was even more nervous that she normally does. That was weird, but considering that she also looks serious, I suppose she has something to talk about.
Maybe it was something about her gift, that I cannot absolutely open unless I was alone?
"Don't just stand there." I said, smiling. "Come on in."
"Okay…"
I gestured at her to sit on my bed as I sat on the lone swivel chair in my room. I try not to stare at my youngest older sister too hard, as it usually was enough to discourage her from saying anything. I'm trying to make her feel relaxed first before starting the conversation, and just smiling modestly.
I mean, that's how I usually treat her in serious conversations before she went to Atlas two years ago. I don't know how much she had changed in her time there, but I don't think it was too drastic. She's still the adorable little Lily I knew and love… wait, I'm the younger sibling here, so why am I thinking of her like a little sister?
"Jaune, do you still have the locket?"
She asks a question without any pleasantries. That is fine, that is just like her.
"Well of course I do!" I gave her a look of feigned hurt. "What, do you think I had the heart to throw it away or something? I'm not that cruel, you know."
"W—who knows, I just thought…" Lily looks away, seemingly looking at everything but me. "… maybe, maybe you think it was too feminine for your taste or just… I don't know… ugly?"
"Of course not. It looks cute, and I still have it here."
I showed her the pure white locket from inside my clothes. She seems to be happy with that, judging from that cute blush she was currently has on her face. Well, I already accepted the fact that my sisters, all of them, would definitely blush if I do or say something that pleases them. So I didn't react to that.
Don't understand why they behaved like that, though. It was weird. Women's mind is one of the things that lies beyond my intelligence and wisdom. Maybe I just severely lack the knowledge about women…
"So, with that said… Sis, can you tell me why I can't open it in front of everyone?"
"Ah… yes, about that. Um," Lily nodded apprehensively. "That's actually the reason why I came here…"
Figures.
"It was… embarrassing." I noticed that she was pulling the hem of her dress-skirt down. "And they would get mad if they know about the locket… so I couldn't let the others see it, that's why I didn't want you to open it in front of them…"
Why would someone be mad at Lily giving me a nice gift? She's a good and pure-hearted girl! That really baffles me. Unless there's something weird about the locket, I don't see why…
"Well, then. There's no one else here now except us." I said, dangling the locket in front of my face. "So, can I open it now?"
"Yeah… you can."
Here is the moment of truth, at last. I opened the locket, hoping for something extraordinary, something very shocking that will shake my entire foundation of existence… only to find a portrait of short-haired Lily there, simply smiling sincerely like she always does. She looks cute, but what purpose does it serve?
"Um..."
"Ah, um, let me explain." Lily approached me faster than I expected. She was blushing, red to her ears. "This is called Soul Locket, one of the latest invention of Atlas… its description was, um, like this…"
She looks down bashfully. I patiently waited for her to muster her courage to talk. I watched her as she slowly pulled out a locket with perfectly similar design to the one she has given to me… then, she raises her head and opens her mouth to speak.
"A Soul Locket is to be filled with a part of a person's Aura which is then reserved inside it." She starts to speak softly, but clearly. "It is completely water and fireproof, and it was usually given to a cared person that one would be separated from. It has to be in pair to work properly…"
I began to smile. I think I know what she's getting at.
"The lockets will point to and move towards each other no matter where they are in the world, allowing one to always be able to tell in which direction the other person is." Lily was now talking like she was presenting some studying materials in the classroom. "True to the name "Soul Locket", those can also display the life force of their owner. If the life force of the person who filled the Soul Locket is disappearing, the Aura inside will start to dim. Its glow will come back to its original brightness if the person recovers, but disappears completely if the person dies."
… yeah. I think my conclusion was right.
"Jaune… the Soul Locket you have on you is filled with my—my Aura. Uhm, something like that." She looks directly at me, and her blush comes back full force. "However, my Soul Locket is empty… and, and I want to ask you to fill mine with yours… o—only if you want to, of course."
There is no reason for me to refuse that. Why would I refuse that from someone so precious?
"Sure thing!" I smiled as I took the Soul Locket from her hands with gusto. I opened the locket, and there I saw… my own portrait. It's the fifteen years old me! "Oh, it's me. You made those so we can remember each other no matter where we are, am I right? I like that."
Maybe I said it too bluntly. I thought that Lily's blush can't be redder than it already is, but then she goes completely red like a tomato. Well, to be honest, saying those things was a bit embarrassing to me as well… so I pretend like I didn't notice her blushing in the slightest and just focusing on the Soul Locket.
It was a simple process. It was just like channeling Aura to your weapon and armor to enhance their abilities, but this time the Aura stays inside the object that the Aura was infused to. Fascinating. It glows with the color of my Aura, until I swiftly closed the locket down. Well, that was easy.
"Here."
I gave it back to Lily. She was still blushing, probably still feeling embarassed. To think that I was the younger one between us… well, it doesn't help that I was far taller than she is, but her attitude was far more timid and shy, so it feels like she's the younger sister that I never had. And she's so precious.
"T—thanks, Jaune…" She squeaks. "I… I'll be in my own room if you have any more questions about the Soul Locket, so… feel free to visit me and ask if you wish so."
No, I seriously think that she might need some time alone. I won't bother her until she feels a bit better. I smiled and waved my hand at her as she retreats from my room hastily, like a frightened cat. She looks so adorable, so cute that it brightens my mood… until my Scroll rang in a sudden.
Who's this? I took it out curiously from my pocket and saw the name on its screen.
From: Hetero Chrome
COMING THERE TO PLAY!
Hey, Jaune. I'm coming over for a spar, just as we promised.
… huh, that was unexpected. I didn't expect him to call me this soon.
Well, I guess this is the golden opportunity to test how much I've improved now.
It has been a peaceful day…
"Here, you should have this."
If not for the two lunatics that bickered like an old married couple.
"NO! GAH! I told you to keep that accursed thing away from me, woman!"
Even Hetero is afraid! He threw that picture out of the window like it was burning his hands!
"I do not see anything wrong with my arts. What is so repulsive you don't even want to touch it?"
"What art? Its very being is an abomination! It deserves its place in hell!"
"… what a narrow-minded person you are, Hetero Chrome."
"I wouldn't be this narrow-minded if it doesn't have my pictures in it!"
Well, there you have it. I didn't tell Hetero that all of my sisters were coming home, so I thought that it would be a surprise for him to see all of them at once. Two years ago, he managed to get along with all of them… except with Verte and Noire, for some reason. He'd never told me why he didn't like them.
I can see his distaste towards them everytime they met. Sure, being a quiet and reticent person he is, he 'd never said anything explicitly bad about them. But I can see that he's not a big fan of being around them. Especially Verte, since she was a comic artist and what she usually makes was not… common.
Remember the picture that Noire showed us before? That was Verte's. She has a really weird hobby of drawing pictures of Hetero and me in an… adult comic, doing unspeakable things. The worst part is she can make a near-realistic picture, that it almost looks like real photograph. And she has more of them!
Now, she was trying to give Hetero one of her collections. I DO NOT want to describe the picture, but it looks like I was naked, on top of Hetero and trying to give him a—I CANNOT UNSEE THAT. NOPE. I NEED SOME BLEACH TO PURGE MY BRAIN OUT OF THOSE PICTURES. GOD, NOW IT'S IN MY MIND FOREVER.
"No, you ARE a narrowminded man." Verte berated my friend with a smirk on her face. "Well? do you not believe that a man can love another man?"
"As a person, of course. As romantic or sexual partners, no. That's just wrong. " Hetero heatedly replied. "Man should only love woman and woman should only love man. You can't make children if you make love to someone with the same gender as you. That is just how normal human works, Verte Arc."
How could he say that with such a straight face? If it was me I would be very embarrassed right now!
"Heh, your way of thinking is so old-fashioned." Verte was unfettered. "Can you be more progressive?"
"Likewise, your way of thinking is fitting for a deviant." So was Hetero. "So what if I'm old-fashioned? I don't care about being progressive like you said if being progressive means deviating from how human should normally work. I like woman and will only like them."
"Oh, like you have any girlfriend with that sour attitude of yours."
"I have one, for your information. Do NOT assume otherwise, or else I will—"
I can't stand this anymore. I will stop this goddamn stupid discussion before it gets any worse—
"Both of you, please be silent. We're having a lunch here, do you mind?"
The gentle, yet stern voice of my mother, Viridia Arc, put their quarrel to an end.
Thank god my parents are already home, having recently returned from their mission from some island in Vacuo, Isla Nublar or whatever the name was. They were hunting for some Reptile-Type Grimm there, culling their population so that they won't attack the village that the locals are living in. Sounds like fun.
And on their way back, they met Hetero and asked him to come along for a lunch. Since he was already heading to my home, he just accepted their offer and went with them. That was some coincidence if I ever heard one. Not that I mind, though… my parents have been treating Hetero like a second son.
After some heartwarming reunion moments with my sisters—my father said that he will personally cook the lunch that we would eat later. This caused so much rejoicing in my sisters, since they haven't been home for like, two years, and Dad's cooking is pretty much godly in the matter of taste and luxury.
Cooking is just one of the things that my father had taught me—I will surpass him in no time. For now, though… I'd be content on munching the food that was in front of me—if Verte and Hetero didn't start their stupid arguments. I'd ignore them compeltely if they aren't being so loud and obnoxious, damn it.
"... Yes, Mother."
"Yes, Mrs. Arc."
Mothers are scary. Moreso if said mother was also a Professional Huntress. She can utterly kick your ass!
"Save your arguments for later. Now eat along with everyone."
"Yes, Mother."
"Yes, Mrs. Arc."
Both of them didn't even try to defy her. Io and behold, the power of a mother. Not even Dad tried to help her to silence the table, since she was fully capable of terrifying everyone present.
I silently watched as Hetero and Verte gave each other a sharp look, definitely telling each other that they aren't done yet, before relenting to my mother's commands. I still didn't say anything as Hetero sat beside me, and started to put the vegetables on his plate aside, definitely not wanting to eat those.
I frowned. This little shit. You can't waste food. Any kind of food. Even if the food was not delicious, and especially if the food was delicious! It would be disrespectful to the one who cooked those, too. If you take those for granted, you are definitely going to regret it when you don't have anything to eat.
Just as I opened my mouth to scold him, someone beat me to the punch.
"Eat your vegetables, Hetero."
My mother was smiling. But I think I speak for everyone that there was a strange chill in the room.
"They are good for your health. You will eat those, won't you?"
Hetero jumped a little in his chair at her words, before nodding quickly.
"Yes, Ma'am."
And he put the vegetables back to his plate like an obedient boy…
Oh, brother...
I facepalmed.
I can't believe this dorky guy is someone I was suspecting of being Cang Long, my greatest enemy so far.
The One Who Calls Upon The Souls
LV 35
Hetero Chrome
So he's become stronger since the last time I've seen him… and it's not been too long.
"So, Jaune… are we really gonna do this?"
We're walking towards the Training Ground, towards the Arena behind my family's house again, this time as the combatants and not just spectators. Then I remembered everything that happened here last time… oh god. I hope this one fight, me against Hetero, wouldn't be as bad as the last match went. That one was a complete curb-stomp battle.
"Yeah, of course we are." I rolled my eyes, then smirked. "What? Are you scared now?"
Hetero scoffed, then chuckled.
"Of course not. I just don't want to embarrass you in front of your whole family." He said as he relaxed his muscles. "I mean, how could you save your face after losing to me for god knows how many times?"
Oh, that's a good comeback. Verbal bouts are always good ways to start a fight, but I'm not going to lose.
"Well… this time, the loser's not going to be me. You are."
"So confident. Do you have some ace up your sleeves or what?"
"You'll see. We'll see." I pointed at him, then at myself. "But, with that said, let's have something different for once. For a good change of pace, do you agree?"
"I don't see why not. What do you have in mind, then?"
"Let's not use our usual weapons and fighting style."
A pause. Hetero raised his eyebrows.
"Do you mean… using something different?" He asks.
"Yes, Mr. Obvious, I said that." I said with a chuckle.
"… why would we do that?"
"Because there's no telling when we're going to lose our weapons in our mission as a Huntsman. We have to improvise our way if such case happens." I said, trying to be sagely. Keyword trying. "I mean, we should have a contingent plan ready just in case something unexpected happens, right?"
Silence for a few moments.
This is my plan to really confirm whether Hetero was really Cang Long or not. I was planning to spar against him without using our regular weapons and fighting styles. I will surprise him using the skills that I got from my recent developments, without relying on Nous Anima too much. That way…
That way, I might be able to corner him and make him show his true ability, giving away his true identity. That is, if he was really Cang Long… If it turns out that he isn't, then he's back to being a cool guy in my book and will probably accept an apology for the misunderstanding; I'll spend a few weeks farming Lien and then buy a store's worth of books to make it up to him.
Yep, I will get my answer for sure this time. I hope I was wrong and just stupidly paranoid though…
"You do have a point. We have to be resourceful." Hetero nodded. "But why doing this so sudden?"
"Well, that's the point!" I grinned. "I didn't say anything to make you prepared since that's just like in real life. You don't know what would happen tomorrow, am I right?"
"Huh… I didn't see that coming from you."
"I know, I'm a genius!"
"Yeah, no." He shook his head. "You're good, but not that good. Stop being cheeky."
"Okay, but do you agree to that term then?"
"Yeah, I suppose I do."
"Cool!"
So we saunter onto the Arena, with Claire following us behind. Yes, since Noire and Verte were a bit… apprehensive today, she just volunteered to be the referee for this match. With bored expression, she looks at me and then Hetero, before she steps forward and speaks to both of us.
"You two ready?" She asks.
"Yeah." I nodded.
"Anytime." Hetero hummed.
She then activated the Aura gauge screen on the walls of the Arena, which shows both my and Hetero's Aura meter. We have currently the full amount of our Aura reserves… but between both of us, only god knows who would draw the first blood. Regardless, it's probably going to change soon enough.
Claire stays on the sidelines of the Arena, watching us curiously.
"You better not go easy on me." I said, smirking.
"Hah. You wish." Hetero scoffed.
Is it just me, or I can sense irritation from that sentence? I don't know, I'm not using Nous Anima at the moment—if he really was Cang Long, then he could possibly sense the power that I stole from him if I try to reach out to his soul. That would render my whole plan to confirm his identity moot, I don't want that.
Everyone's sights are focused either on me or Hetero. I felt that most of them were directed to me, though—I guess they were just worried about my odds against one of Signal's best student or just eager to see my growth after two years. Well, either of those, since I can't think of any other possibility.
I kept my calmness as I prepared my own strategy—I'm planning to use Yang's fighting style for the first move. Not her Semblance, just her moves. Her Semblance is distinct enough that anybody who knew her would recognize that Semblance on sight for hers. Using her Semblance in fight against Hetero—the hypothetical Cang Long—would instantly give my connection to Hei Lang away to him.
But her fighting style? Many people use that brawling style nowadays, so naturally Hetero can't blame me for picking up her moves. If he gets suspicious of me anyway, I could just say that I copied her moves because I was secretly admiring her and studying her from far away… and no, I'm not a creep.
"Combatants set!" Come Claire's voice from the sidelines, as we put up our respective stances.
I was keeping my sight at Hetero, and unsurprisingly, he was doing the same to me. His eyes are steely.
"Three…"
I stepped forward with my hands balled into fists, tensing for the uninevitable first clash.
"Two…"
He stepped forward as well, but his hands looks like they were ready to chop something to bits.
"One…"
We're standing right before each other.
"FIGHT!"
I pulled my fist back and launched a straight punch, but to my surprise, Hetero didn't use his hands for anything. It was just a ruse! When I prepared a punch, he jumped and spun in the air—then kicked. My fist and his foot met, causing a sonic boom when both of them clashed.
That first clash pushed both of us back for several meters. However, he wastes no time in rushing at me, launching a flying kick that I anticipated. I jumped over him to dodge his attack and tried to punch him, but he anticipated that as well and parried my fist easily.
He forms his hand in chopping motion again and aims for a swift blow to my head—a predictable attack that I managed to parry just as well as he did. He then aims another attack at my midsection, an attack that I almost fail to deflect. I countered with a punch to his face, but he swatted my fist aside.
However, my other hand was still free. I aimed for a clean hit to his chest, and I thought there was nothing hindering me from doing so—and I was right. I managed to hit him directly—but at the same time, his right foot connected painfully with my stomach.
For the second time, we both were thrown back. Although Hetero added the distance between us with a somersault jump, smirking as he landed. That smirk can be deciphered into one sentence that basically says—huh, not bad—the sentence that I knew would come from him.
Then, with he rushed forward again, running towards me with a zig-zag pattern, obviously trying to confuse me. It was hard for me to see his movement at first, especially because he was so damn fast, but I managed to follow his movement at last... just as he jumped and launched an axe kick from above.
I immediately crossed both hands above my head and blocked the kick head-on. I uncrossed my hand to throw him off balance, but he just somersaults again like nobody's business and perfectly landed on the floor, his posture full of openings—which is my opportunity to land another hit at him.
Unfortunately, as I aimed my fist at his face—he simply ducked in the last second and punished me with a somersault kick right to my chin. For a second, I was flying and defenseless, but I won't give him any opening. As soon as I landed, I immediately ducked and then charged straight at him, fists closed.
I intend to assault him with everything I had. I launched multiple punches, so fast that he didn't have any chance to counter—but then he simply resorted to parry and deflect all my punches with that smug smirk still on his face.
I then slowed my attacks on purpose, to see how will he react to that, and boy I was not disappointed. At the first chance he had, he quickly spun and launched a kick… which I mirrored with my own, causing our foot to cross each other for a milisecond.
I said that because he immediately followed up with a kick to my other leg—which I'm currently using to stand, mind you—making me lose my balance and sprawled on the floor. I knew something else was coming, so I rolled out of the way as he gracefully somersaulted again and launched another axe kick.
Man, what was with him and axe kicks?
His kick ended up making a huge crack on the floor, where I was lying defencelessly seconds ago. I made a split-second decision to aim for his leg, since I thought that it would be beneficial to me to cripple his method of attack. Just as I thought I would hit him, however, he rolled up to the air and kicked me twice.
I was lucky to be able to block those attacks with my hands. Although I have no time to celebrate for that, since Hetero was aiming for my head again. He launched a high kick that I barely dodged—only for his foot to come crashing down towards my face from mid-air. I don't want any of that, so I jumped back.
Turns out my decision was right. If his kick made a huge crack on the floor before, now it shattered most of the floor, the shards flew everywhere like glass fragments. That would hurt a lot if I get hit. But I have no time to do anything else aside than standing up, since he was trying to kick me again.
I swatted his foot aside before he can kick me with another high kick, though. Mimicking his movement, I tried to kick him as well—but he predictable dodged it, nonchalantly leaning backwards. He then spun and tried to kick me again, but I moved backwards as well, then narrowly dodged his third kick.
He doesn't let up his assault, though—he knocked me back with a kick to the face, which I blocked with both hands. Then Hetero rolls up on the floor, his movements reminded me of a breakdancer… it's bizarre, but whatever, this is my chance to launch another assault before he's fully regained his balance!
His foot was quickly raised to greet me in the face, but I punched his shin so hard he's stunned for just a moment, then I decked him with a direct uppercut to his chin. I'm sure he felt that, but I'm not done yet. I imbued my fist with [Reinforcement] and slammed my fist against his abdomen without holding back.
I hit him so hard that he fell flat on his face, his smug smirk no more.
"Okay, hold on just a second." He says, holding one hand. "I'm curious."
He doesn't look like someone that has been hit so hard… he looks fairly unfazed. I relaxed my posture.
"Is it just me, or… are you copying Yang's fighting style?"
"Oh, so you noticed." I smirked. "Yes, I am!"
"Since when you started to study her movements?"
"Well, it's easy if you look carefully at her when she spars with anybody. I've been doing it all this time."
"But, from all people you can learn from, you chose her?" Hetero looks dumbfounded.
"Well, why not? I admire her. Her style, her grace, her confident posture…" I kept my smirk on my face.
"Ooh? Interesting."
I could swear I heard sharp, collective gasps from the audience… which are all my family members, my parents and my sisters. Why would they be so surprised? I knew I'm a late bloomer and all, but hey! I can grow fond to any person of opposite gender, right? I'm a perfectly normal boy! I like girls!
What? Don't you dare kink shame me, anyone!
"Well, I would love to hear more about how you 'admire' Yang as you put it…" Hetero was chuckling, like he was having a field day. "But I digress for now. Let's continue our spar."
"Right."
I shifted into fighting stance again.
"You showed me your new gimmicks…" Hetero says. "Let me show you mine."
He still haven't taken any step forward yet since he started talking, and was just standing there until he crossed his hands in front of his face. For an instant, I can see his Aura enveloping his entire body, and thick greyish-white fog blanketed his form. Then he uncrosses his hands, releasing some kind of wind pressure that I can feel from far away.
The One Who Calls Upon The Souls
LV 40
Hetero Chrome
What the hell did he just do?! Did his level just jump up instantly with that move?! What was that? I've never seen that kind of technique before!
"Let me show you…" Hetero says as he leans his body forward. "… The Art of Quickening."
It took him a single step, or at least I think so, to leap and appear in front of me. He then launched a series of kicks, that of which was a lot faster than his kicks before, the ones that I can aptly react to. Those ones… I can barely see them, and I have to resort to protecting myself without attacking back.
His barrage of kicks seem random in pattern at first, but then I realize that he was aiming for mainly my hands, my feet, and my head. He was trying to disarm me. Those attacks are in quick succession that I can't block without fully focusing on him… and even when I blocked them, they hurt like hell. I can't even imagine how they would feel—and I'm not particularly looking forward to that.
He keeps pushing me forward—I'm not going to win this if I just stand by and take his attacks. I scanned for any opening in his series of attacks, tenaciously searching for it—I found it and reacted appropriately. However, as I lashed my fist out to retaliate, I found out that he was fully anticipating my reaction.
He vanished in my sight, somehow instantly moved behind me. I can feel his presence. As fast as I can, I turned to him while protecting my chest from any incoming attack—and I was right. A powerful midair kick pushed me back for a good distance. I made attempt to rebalance myself, fully expecting to be attacked before I can stand up properly—but he didn't even do anything to follow up his attack.
Instead, he pulls out several blade-like weapons from his jacket, and the familiarity of their shapes sends shiver to my spine. I… I recognize those weapons.
"Let's kick this party up a notch, Jaune." Hetero says. "If you have anything else up your sleeves, might as well show it now. I'm not going to take it easy on you."
I can't lose this battle to Hetero. Not yet. I haven't had enough evidence to prove his innocence. So I pulled [Azoth Dagger] from my pocket (actually Inventory) and points it aggresively at him. Even as I did so, I remembered to do the thing that would save me a lot of pain in this unpredictable battle…
Observe.
I waited for him to lunge at me, and to my chagrin, he does.
The real battle has just begun… wait.
What the hell is a [Baji Quan]?
(Normal POV)
(Play Fate/Zero OST—The Battle Is To The Strong)
Jaune Arc's battle tactic analysis concerning Hetero Chrome had been conducted based on information from his own experiences, who had fought him in friendly spars so many times. Yet it turns out that his opponent has so many hidden aces up his sleeves. His [Observe] gave him several vital informations. Fighting without their usual weapons was… actually harder. Much, much harder.
He used [Black Keys] during ranged battle. A single throw of the blade, complete with preparatory movements, could be completed in less than one second. He could perform four separate throws in slightly longer time than that. His accuracy rate was unparalleled, like the eyesight of a hawk. The blades themselves, could penetrate ordinary iron.
Was it a coincidence that they were the same weapons that Cang Long used that night? Probably not, but Jaune does not want to go there. Not yet. He hasn't enough proof yet. Maybe it was really, just an unfortunate coincidence! That wasn't even enough to prove anything, in his whimsical mind.
He used [Baji Quan], a Mistralian martial arts, for melee fighting. Specific details were unclear, but he was undoubtedly at the level of an expert. It was something in the level that ordinary combat school students couldn't do, yet here he was, zipping and stepping around. It is as if he was… mimicking someone else's moves. It was enough to trigger alarms in Jaune's mind, but he dismissed it for now.
Was it also a coincidence that Cang Long used some kind of martial arts as well, in that fateful night? Things are adding up in Jaune's mind, further proving his suspicion, but he ignored that logical part of his mind. His vast intelligence and wisdom tries to reason with him, but he simply cannot agree with them.
He pulled his mind back to focus on his battle tactics. The clothes Hetero wore, the simple grey jacket, had been reinforced with bullet-proof materials, and processed to protect against penetrating forces. It would protect him, at the very least, from the impact of Dust-infused bullets.
Other things gathered from Jaune Arc's own experience: Hetero Chrome's most outstanding skill was Aura Regeneration and Enhancement. If he were to use any effective technique during battle, then the only predictable one would be physical enhancement; his most adept skill, used to exert even greater physical strength. It gives his opponent the false impression that he was stronger than he actually is.
Jaune has his own enhancement skill, aptly named [Reinforcement]. It roughly has the same function as Hetero's, aside from some minor differences here and there. However, as he just acquired it some time ago, its full potential hasn't been reached yet. Still need training. Then, moving on to the next topic…
His Semblance, unknown. As far as Jaune concerned, Hetero never used anything in his combat classes aside from swordmanship and the previously mentioned Aura Regeneration and Enhancement. As far as Jaune was concerned, he usually overwhelms his opponent with sheer brute force, never once he used something remotely resembling a Semblance.
Lastly, predicting his battle tactics.
Since Jaune Arc had thoroughly hidden himself from his peers since he awakened the power of [The Gamer], the most information Hetero Chrome could obtain to analyze his own tactics would consist of rumors that he MIGHT be suspecting of Jaune, regarding of his alter ego Hei Lang.
The only battle in few weeks ago that had forced Jaune to use his 'abilities' was the fight against Cang Long, as Hei Lang. If Hetero was truly Cang Long, then he must've realized that Jaune is Hei Lang by now. However, he is yet to show anything remotely like realization, as he was always surprised to see any new tricks from Jaune. So far, his surprise is genuine… Nous Anima cannot detect anything amiss.
Few things in Jaune's arsenal was the [Innate Time Control], a technique of Nous Anima from someone Jaune couldn't even remember, but still has it in his soul. If he uses it discreetly in this battle, not even the keenest of his sisters would notice a thing. Therefore, it was plausible to fully utilize it to overcome Hetero's physical advantage. He would not have any countermeasures for these.
There's also some skills from [Aura Manipulator] book that he got from Verte. Hetero couldn't possibly know about that, since Jaune literally learned that skill right before Hetero's visit. That was all—
–Yes, that was all the information that Jaune had hastily gathered concerning this spar to unravel Hetero Chrome's secret. His plan was made in haste, but still a relatively valid plan regardless.
Their initial wave of attacks had consisted of hand-to-hand combat. Jaune, in his current state would, of course, be in an overwhelmingly disadvantageous position. However, he relied heavily on Nous Anima to compensate for his lack of weaponry, that made it very possible for him to rush forward fearlessly and shorten the distance between them... then, he would force him to show him his true abilities.
The black-haired boy waved the six wing-like Black Keys in front of his face, and made a beeline directly towards Jaune. He had made some instaneous, defensive preparations for Jaune's assault.
Which was exactly what Jaune had wanted. In fact, the success of his techniques was ensured precisely because Hetero had prepared defensive measures. Jaune raised his [Azoth Dagger], ready to unload a blast of [Aura Bullet] onto his opponent.
Jaune fired a powerful shot. He knew that Hetero should have been able to predict the trajectory of the bullet from his eyes, posture, intent and preparatory actions. He was ready for his attack to be read, since, the agility of Hetero's mind far surpassed the speed of his bullets. He knew that to be true, since his friend has always been focused on reacting fast, and attacking fast.
Hetero initiated a peculiar form of Aura Manipulation. One that Jaune had never seen before.
The Black Keys that he gripped in both hands instantly expanded to more than twice their original size. The straight blades, which had been might be forged with Aura to begin with, had extra Aura infused into them. This forceful infusion evidently surpassed the limit of the weapons themselves, but it was enough to handle the single bullet.
Hetero crossed the six enormous swords before his chest, holding them tightly in a fan-like formation. The immense destructive power of the Aura bullet was neutralized in an instant.
The bullet was deflected, a shower of flying sparks accompanying the clash. The Black Keys, which had been overflowing with Aura, could no longer handle the burden, and shattered into small pieces.
This expert skill, which allowed swords to surpass bullets in swiftness, was the wrong move. It was truly shocking that Hetero, who should have been his equal in skill, could exert such a surprising move. But more importantly, this would allow the bullet to pierce through the Black Keys, and stagger him.
However, that didn't happen and Hetero's momentum was undisturbed in the slightest. Jaune's prediction has been missed—this was his first mistake. A rapidly approaching figure clad in a grey jacket appeared within the scattering fragments of the six Black Keys. Jaune couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
He's so fast!
His body reacted whilst his brain recovered from the shock immediately.
Time Alter: Double Accel!
Jaune used his skill.
Jaune jumped backward at the last moment. Hetero's right foot swept ferociously past the tip of Jaune's nose, and the left foot that followed up the attack didn't hit Jaune's throat either. Then Hetero's smooth roundhouse kick completely missed its target, thanks to the confusion caused by Jaune's double-speed movement.
However.
That had not been within the scope of Jaune's predictions. The Aura Bullet fired from the tip of his Azoth Dagger had been nullified so easily– Jaune couldn't figure out the reason exactly how, for all his intelligence and wisdom. Maybe it's just sheer difference in Aura? Even Hetero himself wouldn't have imagined that the uniqueness of his technique had nullified Jaune's assault that easily.
His master plan now aborted, Jaune could only progress onto the next step. He had not expected the opponent to have the opportunity to attack. Hetero's attacks would only be a waste of effort if Jaune keeps dodging his attack, but the overwhelming destructive power of his martial arts was evident.
The black-haired boy was proven to be a high-level martial artist, and if he was pulled into melee range once again, Jaune's chances of victory, and revealing his friend's true abilities, were slim. That cannot do at all. He cannot possibly use anything else from Nous Anima, since it will give his other identity away.
Jaune ignored the pain [Innate Time Control] inflicted upon him, and maintained the skill, backing out of Hetero's range. His first step had to be to increase the distance between them. Jaune should be able to deal with Hetero if his only method of attack were the Black Keys, but for the moment, the competition had become an legitimate contest of distance.
Jaune retreated quickly, and Hetero advanced just as quick. Since the ideal distance for them to initiate an attack differed between the two young men, now they could now only compete via footspeed. So far… they were on stalemate.
The mobility that Innate Time Control gave Jaune was his most reliable defence for now. He required a certain distance to take another shot of Aura Bullet. As long as he was close enough to target Hetero accurately, yet far enough that he was beyond arm's reach, then he could gain an advantage.
Even if the Bullet was not as strong as before, since it was not fully charged, the bulletproof clothing the enemy wore could not stop the staggering force of the bullet itself. He has to do this to win. Though the continuous activation of Innate Time Control drains his health rather quickly, there was no other choice.
Even then, however, Jaune Arc still underestimated his best friend, the young man named Hetero Chrome. Because he does not want to think that his best friend was Cang Long, the man whose twisted ideals he detest so much. That was another mistake of his in this fight.
Jaune's sudden acceleration was a simple miscalculation that caused Hetero's roundhouse kick to go off the mark. His speed, however, was not so nimble that Hetero was unable to grasp it. Once he realized that Jaune had doubled his speed with some unknown means, Hetero made the appropriate calculations.
Jaune experienced surprise for the second time in a few short seconds.
The space between them was a little over five steps. The tall black-haired boy took a slight step forward, shortening this seemingly safe distance. This instaneous step, which sneaked toward the enemy without announcing its speed, was called [The Moving Stance]. It was also one of the dangerous secret skills of Baji Quan.
Jaune gaped, as the tall, grey-clad figure seemingly glided forward in an instant. Hetero has reached Baji Quan's optimum distance, and his fist drove forward, toward the enemy with the power to reach infinity in all eight directions.
Hetero stepped forward. The concrete floor boomed under the impact, and the heavily planted forward fist slammed into Jaune's chest like a rock. Using the [Eight Postures of the Oum Guards] style, the sheer force of Hetero's strike was like a grenade exploding in Jaune's chest.
Jaune's body, which took the full force of the blow, flew through the air like a strand of hay… but he managed to stop himself by dragging his feet on the floor, just before he went past the line that would ensure his defeat. He just barely avoided his loss.
He never had the chance to defend himself. That attack hit him directly. Had he has not his Aura, his thoracic cavity would've likely crumpled beneath Hetero's iron fist, and even now, his lung and heart feels like they were pounded into a mash of meat. It felt almost unbearably painful, even for a second.
Damn it… I miscalculated… what a strong blow…
Unceremoniously, he collapsed to the floor.
That should keep him down. I held back.
Hetero sighed slowly, fist still outstretched, dim golden glow enveloped his hand and fades away. Even if this fight was merely a spar, which should never be taken too seriously, he had caught a hint that Jaune was up to something that was not in his interest right now… no, really threatening his interest, even.
What was that he was aiming for? Pushing me like this, this is not like him at all…
He acted accordingly to that. He wasn't wrong. It had taken only a moment to decide the victor. He experienced an emptiness and guilt that he had never felt before the moment he attained victory. What if he didn't hold back, he doesn't want to know. All his effort that he made for his best friend would—
This lethargy in his mind made Hetero's focus dull. He could not have realised that the opponent would actually sneak in an attack at this momentary gap. Nor could he have known that he would be the next to experience surprise.
There was a piercing pain between his brows, and a blinding white light covered his field of sight.
Hetero instinctively raise his arms to shield his head before he understood what was going on. A rain of small Aura bullets from Jaune's dagger showered mercilessly upon him. His sleeves, made of enhanced materials and covered in protective shells, barely managed against the force of the literal light bullets. He was stunned for a moment.
That was close…
Jaune was surprised that he was still conscious. He had already been prepared to lose when that attack hit him. That powerful attack was meant to incapacitate him without depleting his Aura, without actually hurting him in the slightest. Why would Hetero do that? That is already suspicious on its own.
However, the effect of that attack had vanished, moments before his oxygen-deprived brain would have begun to fall unconscious. Jaune, of course, knew only one healing skill that still isn't powerful enough (yet) to instantly heal something like this. Nonetheless, he immediately understood what was going on.
You better not let my help end in vain, Jaune.
Veritas kept his brain awake and intercepted every disruptive effect from outside. Jaune knew the thing within him would intervene in unknown moments, but it was helpful at least. Though still shocked at the power it displays, Jaune began to reconsider his battle tactics the moment he realized his advantage.
He left his eyes closed, and suppressed the urge to cough as his body regained its ability to breathe, and pretending to be unconscious, waiting for the chance to launch a surprise attack.
Unfortunately, he still hasn't charged the Azoth Dagger yet. If he wished to attack the other unaware, then he could only use multiple and small bursts from his weapon. However, since Hetero's protection against bullets were near-perfect, only a direct shot to the head would give Jaune a chance at victory.
The target was small, the angle was awkward, and he could only fire instinctively in his current state. Nevertheless, Jaune, although not an expert gunman at all, managed a hit. Though he hit his target, the bullet failed to make a lasting effect.
The bullet hit the skin on his forehead, only slightly dazing his opponent. Since the skull is made of curves, bullets can easily be deflected by bad angles. Aiming at the head is not encouraged in real combat, for this very reason. Combined with the Aura that enveloped his entire body, Jaune's attack nearly didn't have any effect on Hetero. However, Jaune isn't done with his attacks.
Win this battle and prove your point.
Once he realized his target had not fallen, Jaune released another barrage of Aura Bullets, sealing Hetero's movements with a tight wall of suppressive fire. At the same time, his right hand began to gather Aura, charging it so it would be enough to fire a concentrated Aura Bullet.
To his own surprise, Jaune still managed to fluently carry out a series of movements with both hands. It was as if he had trained himself into a war machine. His strength of mind was even more intense than that. Both hands engaged with two completely different tasks, he actually managed to do both well with superhuman concentration.
Time Alter: Double Accel!
Time dilated for him. Jaune threw everything to the wind, to maximise the tiny gap he had managed to steal from this powerful enemy, to have even the slightest chance against the overwhelming opponent.
He drove his accelerated limbs and leapt up from the ground, jumping backwards to further the distance. He stopped shooting. Hetero turned to face him. Jaune switched the dagger onto his fully-charged-with-Aura hand and held the dagger with both hands. Hetero loomed near. With a near-flight speed, Jaune took aim–
A space of three steps separated him from Hetero's iron fists. He absolutely cannot afford to let himself be hit with another Aura-infused fist again.
The Azoth Dagger once again let out a furious roar. Hetero had no time to dodge, nor did he have time to draw his Black Keys and block. But Hetero had never intended to dodge the shot in the first place.
Hetero once again infused his body with the strength of his Aura, the moment he stepped toward Jaune. He immensely reinforced his physical abilities. Hetero accelerated his reaction time, multiplying the maximum power output of his right flexor, radius muscle, and pronator teres. There was no time to strengthen the sleeve of the bulletproof jacket by any means. The rest depended entirely upon his skill.
Hetero threw a right punch with his fist enveloped in dim golden glow, just a moment before the Azoth Dagger fired. His arm, having transformed into a lethal weapon on its own, carved a spiral through the air, and a powerful tornado roared into being.
This movement became a spiral of force. Originally a defensive skill to nullify an opponent's strike, the martial arts move was performed at a horrific speed after a great deal of Aura was infused into it.
Even so, the Aura Bullet still kept a straight path. It tore apart Hetero's grey sleeve, clashing viciously with his hardened arm, emitting alien sounds like the clash of two mill stones. However, the end result was—the Aura Bullet that he fully charged was deflected with one powerful swipe of his arm.
The scattering sparks and the sonic boom that occured from the clash seemed to distort the laws of physics; a supernatural phenomena where kinetic energy sufficient to break through several walls of concrete was forced to bend to the power of Aura, a power that was almost magical.
A chill ran down Jaune's spine as he watched his bullet's trajectory change. The Aura Bullet flew off at an angle, into the distance and created a large hole in the wall.
Monster. There were no other words to describe the man before him. At this moment, Hetero's current combat ability is exceeding of what an ordinary combat school student was capable of. Just what kind of willpower was required for a living man to drill his own body into such a terrifying lethal weapon?
Suddenly, the possibility that this young man was Cang Long all along was not impossible at all. This is what he was hiding all this time, does that mean all the time before this he was just holding back? Jaune still does not want to admit it, but his suspicion has been closer to truth with this fact. And—
A piercing pain suddenly invaded his entire body. With a groan, Jaune stumbled. His body had reached its limit. The continuous activation of Innate Time Control had ruptured blood vessels all over his body, and the bones in his limbs also began to fracture due to having borne an unimaginable burden.
However, Hetero did not follow up his attack during this pause. He remained where he stood, unmoving, as if observing the opponent's next move. His right arm was slightly trembling, where the jacket's sleeve was torn. Possibly because he had used too much Aura with his usual method—his right arm, which had been overly strengthened by Aura, was momentarily paralyzed as the price for having blocked the attack of the Azoth Dagger.
The two young men kept narrowed eyes on each other, analyzing the situation and attempting to figure out their next move.
According to Hetero's analysis, Jaune's strategy consisted of an ability, most likely his Semblance, that could accelerate his movement, and another power to recover quickly. This meant Hetero could not win, no matter how he dealt with him, unless he could make him fall unconscious in one attack. If his own suspicion was right, something with great power inside him was the cause.
His own right arm had been paralyzed, so he could manage only one more blow only if he was prepared to destroy his right arm. The jacket's bullet-proofing had also been severely reduced, thanks to Jaune's bullets, save the protective sigils close to his torso. All that he had in his person is…
He had twelve Black Keys, an ample amount of his Aura left, and… his usual weapons. Resorting to his true capabilities would not be necessary at all. It was still too early for him to reveal his cards. If Jaune has simply become stronger, good for him. But if Jaune was truly Hei Lang, then he has to be careful.
Well, well… don't think you can get away next time, Jaune.
His fist clenched tightly as he internally chuckled.
According to Jaune's analysis, Hetero's strategy consisted of his immense Aura reserves that could easily nullify his Aura Bullets, and his Baji Quan skills. Jaune would be at an extreme disadvantage in melee combat with his current arsenal. He had lost the elements of surprise, and Azoth Dagger needed to be charged. His remaining options were to assault Hetero with his dagger or with his usual sword and shield.
He normally could last longer in a battle, but the damage caused by Innate Time Control to his own body was immense. Normally, he would outlast his opponents in battle, but to win this fight, he was wearing himself down quicker than usual. This was another mistake he didn't see coming his way; unless he got a regenerative ability in his arsenal, he cannot afford to prolong this fight longer… which he doesn't, yet.
There's only one way, then.
There's indeed only one way. He has to finish this fight quickly before his body gave out. Throwing the fight won't cut it, since he has never surrender in a single fight, ever since he entered Signal. The only way is to go all out. Now. This resolve gave Jaune, who had at that point had fallen into a desperate situation, against an unexpectedly strong enemy, the greatest confidence in the world. He can win!
So, with that in mind–
Time Alter: Triple Accel!
Jaune leapt toward Hetero as he activated another skill. A skill that he shouldn't use because he isn't durable enough, yet he uses it anyway because he was desperate. It proven its benefits, though, as his unpredictable acceleration caught Hetero off-guard.
One blow from the reinforced hilt of his dagger to his opponent's temple sent Hetero into a daze. He hit him as hard as he can. This, for him, was a golden opportunity to strike.
As he struck with his right hand, Jaune drew a quick beath before continuing. With his current state and one arm paralyzed, it didn't matter how great Hetero's martial art skills were; victory would belong to Jaune as long as he continued to move at three times his top speed. Using Innate Time Control so recklessly would probably be suicide, but to reveal more information about Hetero, it was a given.
Hetero dodged the upward stab as the dagger flew inches from contact, and used his left arm to block the downward slash and backhand horizontal swing Jaune followed up with. However, with these three attacks, Jaune shifted around to Hetero's left hand side, into Hetero's blind spot. As long as he stayed on the left side of the enemy, Jaune would have all the chances in the world to strike Hetero down from his blind spot.
Jaune's sharp blade sliced closer, but Hetero didn't turn; instead using the left side of the body to block every swing. Turning would have been pointless; his paralyzed right arm could not possibly block Jaune's dagger. Thus, though it disadvantageous for Hetero to use his left side to defend himself, he had no other choices but to stay in his place.
The dagger attacked continuously, flickering through the air with a chilling light. No untrained human would have been able to even see Jaune's movements; only the lighting-like residual images the dagger left in its wake. Hetero, though, blocked every attack using just his left arm.
Hetero, who easily defended himself even when faced with attacks made at three times of his normal speed, terrified Jaune. There were a few attacks that even Hetero would never have seen coming with his eyes, but the boy's left arm defended him, as if it could see every swing perfectly.
So, this is the idea of 'hearing' a move…
Veritas helpfully planted this knowledge in his head. Some schools of martial arts thought that when a martial artist had reached a certain state in his skills, he wouldn't even need eyesight to detect the enemy's movement. He could predict the opponent's next move purely on the brief moment when his arm blocked that of his opponent. Hetero had reached that state, he thinks.
The attacks from his blind spot had also been rendered pointless, then. Since the attacks were coming from a static location, Hetero could block them even if he couldn't see them. This man's skills made him someone who wouldn't be at a disadvantage even when put under the duress of speed. Even worse, the expression on his face was non-existent, as if Jaune's constant assault was of no threat to him.
Jaune's arms, legs, and heart let out sad screams of pain with every swing of the dagger. The adverse effect of Innate Time Control mercilessly tore apart Jaune's flesh, and Veritas quickly nullified the pain, with [Gamer's Body]. Veritas was only 'healing' Jaune—The instant, albeit excruciating pain of torn tendons and cracked bones tormented Jaune's nerves every single moment.
Even so, Jaune did not hesitate. There was no need to hesitate. As long as his body could still move, he didn't need to pay any attention to what he was feeling. Jaune bet everything on the time he has left, and continued to accelerate against the agony he was feeling all over his body.
"Whoaaaaaaaaa!"
Desperate times call for desperate measures, they say.
Jaune's body was breaking apart, slowly, as he forced himself to continue. He shrieked in agony as he sliced at the enemy before him with the dagger. His blood vessels, rupturing and popping with each moments, shed sanguineous mists with every movement... which was visible to everyone watching.
Given who they were, they knew something was wrong.
"That's enough, Brother!"
"Stop it now!"
"JAUNE!"
It was stupid to proceed, he knew. He feels like dying in this current predicament, but he does not have time or luxury to stop now. Not even the shouting, worried voices telling him to stop from the audience made him pause for a second. Not now. He still can fight! He can still prove that his friend is not—
Hetero suddenly changed his feet stance, and rolled forward, towards his opponent. Jaune thought that the enemy's ability to [Hear] a move had been pushed to its limit, but Hetero moved a foot, hooking one of Jaune's legs from the inside, in a move known as the [Locking Stance].
Jaune stumbled backwards. The moment he finally managed to balance himself, he realized that a heavy blow from Hetero was fast approaching. He was still recovering his balance, however, so he could not move. Although, there was only one thing he could do to escape right now.
Of course–Jaune activated yet another skill, despite his body screaming in agony.
Time Alter: Square Accel!
The explosive pain, even more than before, assaulted all his senses. The blood mist spread all over his surroundings. Ignoring that, Jaune ducked just as a powerful fist sailed just above his head, then leapt up and backwards, turning in mid-air to escape from Hetero's range, simultaneously hurling the dagger in his left hand, with all the strength in his body.
Faced with yet another repeated acceleration, Hetero barely deflected the dagger, just before it could hit him. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he noticed that Jaune has become even more faster than before. But what is going on with him actually? Why there was a mist of blood around him? What was that?
Meanwhile, Jaune maintained his four-time acceleration, continuing to leap backwards, as if strapped to a jet engine. Brushing his confusion off, Hetero took a moment to draw a Black Key and throw it, but Jaune dodged it with ease, simultaneously reaching his sword Crocea Mors at last.
He drew out the blade and broke open his shield. This is not a game anymore, not for him.
If he can somehow win this battle against Hetero, there was the possibility that his friend was not Cang Long. After all, Cang Long was extremely powerful, even against his stronger alter ego Hei Lang. But, if Hetero turns out the victor after everything Jaune can throw at him, then he had to admit that—
Hetero charged forward, preparing his own assault to counter Jaune's. He already decided that he will not hesitate in the slightest. Hetero quickly drew four Black Keys with his left hand; the limit of the numbers he could wield in one hand.
Jaune put up a balanced stance, his usual stance that Hetero recognizes immediately—but there's something different in that stance, one that he does not like. He knew that to be true.
Hetero threw his Black Keys- not toward his opponent, but upwards. The four sharp blades danced in the air beneath the tall ceiling of the arena. Hetero didn't plan to use the Black Keys for a normal attack; Jaune didn't know his intentions. They didn't matter, in either case. There was no time to think.
His sword arm tense, the shield arm up. This was it, he was ready for anything.
Hetero drew close. He again used his martial art stances to shorten the distance between him and Jaune, but he would not land a blow. Jaune could dodge his attack and fire at the same time. In that case, Hetero prepared his own weapons—his dual blades, black and white, ready for a cross slash.
The Black Keys fell from above. With a gasp, Jaune finally realized Hetero's strategy when the four sharp blades surrounded him in all directions like a bird cage.
His movements were sealed. If Jaune wanted to dodge Hetero's next attack, the sharp blades of the Black Keys would be waiting for him no matter where he moved. Hetero's intention had been to seal Jaune's movements from the start, when he threw the Black Keys.
The only way to win was to strike first, before he was struck. He put most of his remaining Aura into his blade, gathered his remaining strength for a single attack. Jaune breathed calmly. There was no need to be anxious; no need to fear. All he needed to do was focus on his target, step forward, and slash.
Hetero drove his right foot viciously into the ground, and leapt forward. Enhanced by his Aura, this leap equaled to about five normal steps, and was much, much faster than before. His left foot would be numb for a moment after, but that doesn't matter—the following blow would decide the victor.
There was no need to hold back; his entire body had been fully prepared. His next strike would be one of his sword technique—[The Cyclone Craze Spin] it would throw Jaune off the arena, therefore ending the fight. There is no need to prolong this fight more than he should—he couldn't risk it anymore.
"This is it." Both young men believed.
"It ends now!" Both young men understood.
The swords of both fighters aiming for their last strike, the strike that will conclude everything.
Jaune Arc and Hetero Chrome, who were deeply engrossed in battle, did not notice the abnormality surrounding them.
True, their audience were the entirety of Arc Family, most of them were keen enough to realize that their movements are nothing like what normal combat school students could do. They are monsters on their own level. However, most of them decided to dismiss their capabilities as they were 'talented' and 'skilled' above normal individuals.
Except for Noire and Verte Arc.
They have been observing the fight between Jaune and Hetero closely, closer than the others, and were gauging how dangerous this fight would be. After all, they knew who both the combatants really are, they really do. They were just bidding their time to reveal their knowledge to the former, waiting for the right time. Patience is key, as the story of old would say.
They have their [Connection] to Jaune, after all. With that, it is hard not to notice the changes in his Aura sometimes, like he was changing into someone they don't know, and it terrifies them. Not only that, now his Aura fluctuates and spikes into something completely different than the brother they love so much. Something is just wrong with him, but they couldn't figure it out.
They suspect that Hetero would know what was happening to their beloved brother, and most likely would answer if they asked. However, since they don't trust him just as much as they don't trust the Wizard, they haven't shared this knowledge with him. Yet. If the situation was dangerous enough for Jaune, they would reluctantly ask him. But not now.
Currently, they were preoccupied by the sight of the mist of blood evaporating from Jaune, who doesn't look in his best in his fight against Hetero. The Aura of their brother was fluctuating wildly again, shaping into something that vaguely felt like the Wizard himself—but they could care less about that.
Their brother is in danger, knowingly harming himself with an unknown ability. It would not end up nicely for him if he keeps this up, so despite their recent quarrel, the eldest sister of Arc Family gave a nod to her younger sister to stop this fight before something worse occurs upon their brother.
None could harm their brother on their watch. Not even himself.
The moment the sword of yellow death was ready to be swung–
The moment the floor cracked from the heavy steps of two fighters–
In that moment, their respective eyes only reflect one thing for each other—
Jaune only saw Hetero,
And Hetero only saw Jaune.
The two of them did not detect the shadow, which creeped rapidly towards them, even till the end.
At that brief moment of revelation between them, the two young men were surprised by a figure that suddenly appeared between them.
"… stop. Both of your Auras are in the red."
And then, the shadows descend upon them.
Jaune x Verte lemon coming soon, guys.
I think this is it for this chapter! How about it, huh? This is probably the longest chapter of this story so far. I'm sorry if some things were off in this chapter, I wasn't in my best condition as I wrote this. If my writing in this chapter did irk you, then I apologize. I'll try to fix it real soon.
Thank you guys, for reading this chapter! If you like it, PUNCH the review button in the face, LIKE A BOSS!
And high-five all around. See you guys in the next chapter!
Mugen no Tenma, out.
