[Part -1]
Jaune Arc sighed, his current location was Beacon's general library, normally he would have spent his time with his friends, but he can't do that now, well not that he can't…. it's just he is at Beacon alone.
Well, not exactly alone, some of the students are still here, but Jaune knew most of them will be leaving soon. The reason being?
A week ago, was the Dance night, he still remembers what he did, embarrassing it may have been, he promised didn't he? He would never go back on his word. An Arc would never go back on their word.
However, that's not it, the very next day, the grand election for the presidentship for the Council would begin, not the Vale council, but the Grand Council, which has judication over Vale, Vacuo, Mistral and Atlas, a big event, due to which the hunting schools were closed for three months, the council only ever changes every twenty years after all. This was a big deal.
Well, many students were displeased as well, after all the famous Vytal Festival was declared to held next year.
As such, Ruby Rose, his friend and his fellow leader, with her sister Yang Xiao Long, decided to visit their father, at the island of Patch. Weiss Schnee, his crush, well former crush with her sister Winter Schnee, who is also a Specialist Operative under the Atlas Military, well back to her home as well. There, final teammate, Blake Belladonna, who is also a Faunus, he didn't understand why she hid it? Personal reasons, maybe? Also, could be the fact that racism was quite blatant at Beacon, until recently Cardin Winchester used to be one of those too, Jaune didn't really understand as to why, people acted as such. Well, there might be the fact that he overheard that she was also a member of White Fang? The terrorist organization, well if she was here, that meant she left and turned around to be a better person, right? Those were Jaune's thoughts. Well, she left for her hometown, Menagerie, something to do with her parents? Well, he didn't know, he didn't want to pry at it.
His teammates were no different as well, Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie, decided (well it was mostly Nora), that should go around camping, well around Vale, something she wanted to do with Ren for a long-long time. He didn't want to interrupt them, so they left as well.
Lastly, his own partner, the one who helped him get this far, the one who helped him get strong, Pyrrha Nikos, the Four Time Sanctum Tournament Champion, the one who was dubbed as the Invincible Girl. His partner too, had to visit home back in Mistral as well. She had to deal with her manager too.
Basically, everyone left to visit home, he didn't. He didn't want to go back; he just didn't feel like it. He never felt like it.
Sighing, Jaune stood up. Well, at the least he should start training, right? At the least he might just impress his friends by becoming strong.
Becoming strong.
They were his friends, but sometimes, he feels like he doesn't do enough, for Ruby…. he's just a good friend, for Ren and Nora too, perhaps Blake? Well, they don't talk that much, some chatting here and there, that's all. Weiss? Well, now the insults are less, but she just tolerates him, he can sense that. Yang? To her, he's just a joke, a funny guy, that's all…that hurts him. Pyrrha? She encourages him that he will get better, he is good, just to believe in himself.
When will Jaune Arc get better?
Words that he ponders from time to time, he needs to get better, to get stronger, so that he won't be the weak link anymore.
Jaune got up, decided it would be better if he just spend the rest of his day at his dorm. He was about to leave, when he got tackled by some third years, fell near one of the bookshelves.
"Watch it, mutt!" the third years yelled, as they continued to walk away.
Jaune shook his head.
-!?
The multiple books had fallen down, Jaune sighed, it was his fault, he picked those up, putting them back on the shelf. He didn't really liked books that much, until, his eyes fell upon one.
The Tale of Camelot.
[Part-2]
It was after midnight, usually by this time Jaune would be sleeping, and yet he was- for some reason mesmerized by a book that isn't even a comic, they were just words and yet, for some reason he was compelled to read them, this book. The tale of one of the four countries born, even before the war.
Camelot, founded by Sir Uther Pendragon, first of him name, creating a place of peace and prosperity, he who killed one of the mightiest Grimm, Kilgharrah, Grimms aren't given a name, but few who become threats that could destroy the world are. That dragon grimm was Kilgharrah, killing him caused disruption among the grimms. Killed many. As Kilgharrah ashes flew, the sun shone on Camelot.
Jaune turned the page, unaware of the surroundings, continuing to do so.
Camelot was founded a lot earlier, three hundred years earlier, following the legacy each king tried to live up to his best to impress their predecessor. As such, in order to honor the birth of Camelot, instead of every year, every hundred years, a tournament was decided to take place, "Battlefield of Warriors", the last one standing was allowed a wish, any one wish would be granted, anything- riches, women, fame, or even the throne of Camelot itself. Every, wish will be granted.
The winner of the first, "Battlefield of Warriors", was Sir Tristan, the blind. The first of his name, was sung to be one of the most handsome men, among men, the glamouring, dazzling red hair, the perfect cut face, the shining silver eyes, yet it was such a pity he couldn't use them. However, that did not stop Sir Tristan from winning the first "Battlefield of Warriors", even an archer by profession he did not lose. It was even said that his eyes could petrify the Grimm, turn them into statues of solid rock.
What? Jaune was surprised, silver eyes, just like Ruby's…and petrify Grimm?
'Ha! That's an exaggeration, as if someone has special eyes like those, if those existed wouldn't Grimm, all over the world would have been petrified? As if Ruby was made to join Beacon because she had silver eyes.'
The winner of the second, "Battlefield of Warriors", was Achilles, from a land called Sparta, unknown to the people residing in Camelot, Achilles was an outsider. He joined the battle, he did not lose once, not a single bout against him, could have been won, he defeated every opponent of his, by taking no scratches at all, he was untouchable, undefeatable, dubbed to be called as the Undefeatable Warrior. However, perhaps destiny did not favor the man, it was said during the great trojan war against Troy and Sparta, Achilles was killed and Sparta fell, making the new empire Mistral.
Goodness.
Who knew Mistral was born because of war? Well, history was not Jaune's strongest forte, it's not like he was totally unaware of what occurred, it's just he didn't really care? Much like watching news, stuff like that, it's boring and mundane to him.
Thinking about Achilles, Jaune wonders, 'Is he Pyrrha's ancestor or something? Unbeatable one? Just like her.'
The winner of the third, "Battlefield of Warriors", was Gilgamesh, ruler of Babylon, the one who was called Unparallel, perhaps the most handsome man that ever existed, the flowing golden hair that put others to shame, the glowing red eyes, that even made Grimm cowered in fear, his only desire was to marry, Laura Pendragon- daughter of Lawrence Pendragon, unfortunately, Lady Laura Pendragon died giving birth, her death also had adverse effect on the new born child, who soon joined her mother in the slumber of death.
"Wait, it ends here? What happens next?"
"That's a very interesting question, Mr. Arc."
[Part-3]
"Huh?!"
Jaune's neck snapped up with such speed, he thought it would crack, he looked up.
Headmaster Ozpin, was sitting in front of him, sipping his favorite black coffee.
"Uh…headmaster?"
"Mr. Arc."
"Um, what exactly are you doing here?"
"Taking my daily stroll around the academy, imagine my surprise when I find, a student studying at the library, peak morning."
"Morning? What?!" Jaune looks around, through the windows of the library, he found the gentle sun peeping, the soft light, starting to illuminate the room.
Huh.
He remembered it was early afternoon, he started the book, it was already the next day, just for conformation he checked his scroll.
Yup.
The very next day, early five am. A time he never thought he would wake up.
"I see, you are reading the classic, shame it hasn't been updated in the last hundred years." Ozpin spoke, taking another sip of his coffee.
Jaune set his sights towards the headmaster.
"Really?"
"Indeed, Mr. Arc, after the last "Battlefield of Warriors", the book hasn't been updated, such as, the name of the current King of Camelot is Gabriel Pendragon, and he has a daughter, the princess, Artoria Pendragon- or, the next week, the fourth "Battlefield of Warriors", is about to take place."
"What?!" Jaune stood up.
He was a fan of that tournament.
Even if he learned about it yesterday, he definitely wants to watch it in person.
"Mr. Arc, sit down please, let's have a little conversation, if you don't mind?"
"N-no, sir."
"So, tell me, how have been your classes going?"
"Fine, sir."
"Really? You can be truthful to me, you know? I won't tell any teacher, whatever you speak to me." Ozpin made the 'zipping his lips' motion.
Jaune chuckled a little.
"Well, I still try not to doze off during Professor Port's classes, and my brain just keep getting fried, trying to keep up with Professor Oobleck…and will, Professor Goodwitch, is well- "
"Harsh?"
"Well, yeah, after all, I- "
"Never, won a single duel in the combat class, I know, Mr. Arc."
"Oh…"
Jaune had the decency to look down, he was more ashamed than embarrassed, even to this day, after the initiation, he still hasn't won any duel. His major achievement if any was, just killing an Ursa, that's all. That even he realized that his partner had helped him out, he didn't tell her that, he was prideful before that he didn't wanted any help. He wanted to get better on his own. He failed.
He trains constantly with Pyrrha, yet he didn't show any remarkable results.
"Mr. Arc, I know how you feel, even your burden that you carry."
"Burden…?"
Ozpin took another sip of his coffee.
"Yes, your fake transcripts Mr. Arc."
Jaune's world froze. He knew? The Headmaster knew…if he knew then, is it possible that the teachers knew as well? Perhaps he should start packing his stuff.
It would be better this way. At least, Pyrrha, Ren and Nora would get a better teammate, leader as well.
He deserved this.
"Mr. Arc, that was a poor imitation of an actual transcript, I know you never studied in any combat school before Beacon."
"I'll-I'll pack my stuff sir."
"Now, wait a second, Mr. Arc, whoever told you I was about to expel you?"
What?
"What?"
"You see, Mr. Arc, I do see you having potential, even if you are the weakest among your peers, or many generations before you, but once the council starts checking the database, to make sure everything goes fine, you can't hide anymore you know? You will be labeled as a criminal, your future ruined."
Jaune kept quiet. He didn't really think this through, did he?
He just thought he might become a hero, but he failed, brining the bad name to one of the finest institutions for hunters.
Jaune didn't met Ozpin's gaze.
"Mr. Arc, I have a proposition, that might help you, if you are willing to listen."
Hope.
Jaune looked up, is there a way out of this? Then he would definitely take it.
Ozpin continued.
"Mr. Arc, let me tell you, if the council checks the database and well goes over your transcripts, you would be called in and checked for your achievements, but as you are now, you would be put to jail. You don't have any achievements. Council cannot afford to waste time on a child who does not have any potential to become a huntsman."
"What should I do sir?"
"I'm stating that, Mr. Arc, you see, how about this, you take part in the 'Battlefield of Warriors'?"
"What?!" Jaune stood up, nearly shrieked.
"Sir, with all due respect, you are joking right? This might be some kind of elaborate prank?"
"With all due respect, Mr. Arc, this no joke, listen carefully, the tournament- 'Battlefield of Warriors' starts, next month, however, you have to register within this week, the grand opening is next week. I am not telling you to win, what I am asking you, to just make it to the top 20."
"What?!"
Jaune looked around, he was out of words, top 20?!
"With, all due respect, once again sir, I cannot defeat Cardin, and he is considered, one of the weakest, 'Battlefield of Warriors'? there will be combatants, just like Pyrrha, no scratch that, stronger than Pyrrha, and I will die sir."
"You are giving up then? Mr. Arc, perhaps I was mistaken then? You give up that easily?"
Ozpin stated calmly, he was about to leave when, perhaps it was an involuntary action, he did not plan this through, but Jaune screamed-
"Wait!"
"Yes?"
All his life, he wanted to prove his worth, he was now given a golden chance, he will not lose it, he has to work hard, so be it!
"I-I will do it, just get in the Top 20, right?"
"Yes, Mr. Arc, that will be more than enough."
"I will do it! I will pack my stuff and depart for Camelot."
"Mr. Arc?"
"Yes?"
"Do, you know where Camelot is?"
Jaune stopped.
That was a very good question, where exactly is Camelot?
"Um…"
It was Ozpin turn to sigh. Jaune Arc was a poor chap in geography as well.
"Mr. Arc, the island of Camelot is towards the south of Vale, if you want to get there by tomorrow, get in the Bullhead which should be taking off after two hours, also take this with you."
Ozpin handed Jaune, a card?
A card that had symbol of Beacon and Headmaster Ozpin's signature.
"You see, Camelot is a well secured place, entering will require you ID, and permission from and higher authority, as to why you are visiting the place, with this you can say you are there to take part in the tournament."
Jaune looked at the card, a change of plan. A chance to prove that he can be better, he turned before leaving,
"Thank you, headmaster, I don't know if you know this, but this means a lot to me. Giving a chance that is."
For the first time in their conversation, Ozpin smiled.
"Well, Mr. Arc, I do believe everyone must be given a chance to be better, don't they? Good luck, out there."
"Thank you, sir!"
[Part-4]
Ozpin's eyes gazed towards the Bullhead that left, he didn't say anything, he just stared. However, he realized someone entered the office?
"Headmaster."
"Professor Goodwitch."
"General, has taken his forces away for the time being, and it was perhaps luck, that all of us were situated at the Beacon Tower that time, when the intruder entered the place, it was good thing that they couldn't do anything."
"Indeed, it is, has the security measure increased?"
"General spoke that he will be bringing a scientist, who would increase the defense of the tower."
"That is good. What about Qrow?"
"Spending time with his nieces, every man needs a break after all."
"I agree."
Ozpin did not say anything, he just stared, looking at the Bullhead disappearing.
"Is there something on you mind, sir?"
"Would you believe me, if I told you Professor Goodwitch that I, perhaps played an elaborate practical prank?"
"I'm sorry, sir?"
"I said Professor Goodwitch, that I played a- "
"I head you the first time, sir, I want to know…why?"
"Don't know, I was bored, wanted to do something funny, did not expect that kind of result."
Glynda Goodwitch, pinched the bridge of her nose, the headmaster is the biggest child of all, what discipline can she maintain if the head of the academy is like this.
She coughed and asked, of all question, perhaps the most important one.
"Well, what will be the damage caused due it?"
"Don't know, however, only time will tell."
Glynda did not press the matter much, she would deal with it at a later date, if it became something big.
Hopefully it does not.
Hopefully.
"Well, is there is something else?"
"Yes, do you want to send someone from our academy to the 'Battlefield of Warriors'?"
"Ms. Goodwitch, you are the combat instructor, you tell me."
"That's good then, I don't see anyone remarkable to be there, as much as I hate to state it, that we have someone of the caliber of Miss Nikos, I have received confirmed report that "The Tyrant", would be taking part as well. As much as these children annoy me, I still care for them, I do not want anyone to face that man."
"Man? I was under the assumption he was still as old as your third-year students?"
"Apologies, the word that I should have used is a monster."
Ozpin did not reply, he still kept his gaze outside of his glassed office.
Glynda continued,
"Well, not like anyone can appear anyway, the participant needs to get a stamp and signature of a certified combat instructor after all."
Ozpin blinked once.
Twice.
Thrice.
"Are you positive, Professor Goodwitch, is it possible for a student to enter through the signature of a Headmaster?"
"What? Of course not, some students don't go to combat class, but have a combat teacher, they need their stamp and signature, as in, the student is prepared to fight."
Oh.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the consequences of my own actions."
"What?"
"Nothing."
Well, Jaune Arc, would be coming back sooner that excepted it would seem.
Jaune Arc groaned.
He hated these flying machines. These things should be destroyed, they should not exist to being with, man was made to walk not to fly.
"Are you all right buddy?"
He turned around to see who it was only to vomit all over the person's shoes.
Oh.
History does repeat itself, doesn't it?
Jaune was prepared to take punch, kick, whatever the person was about to throw at him, however,
"That's one nasty vomit, you all right there?"
Huh? That's strange, he was sure when he vomited on Yang's shoes, she hated him, gave the nick name Vomit Boy, this person though? Right, he hasn't even seen what the person, the girl, sounding from the voice looks like.
Damn. He thought Yang was hot, but this? Her?
The woman has sapphire eyes, long, wavy vermillion color hair, she has red markings around her eyes…and one sharp pronounced canine tooth?
Her attire consisted of a white tunic, covered by a long, dark blue shirt with long sleeves and high collar. The shirt is decorated with fabric with vertical stripe designs on its edges and collar and along the sleeves, which she happens to keep rolled up to her elbows. What, looks like in order to keep her shirt together, she wore a purple sash around her waist. White trousers and a brilliant red colored cape.
However, what perhaps interested him the most was, she had additional appendages. She is a Faunus. However, unlike normal Faunus, she didn't have a single trait, she has both ears and a tail, and damn she looks like a lion.
"You alright? You seem to have lost in daze? Gonna vomit again, are you?"
"What?! No! I am so, sorry, I shouldn't have done that, but I can't seem to control my motion sickness."
"Well, a weak stomach you have, but then again, it's fine, you can't expect everyone to be healthy, well, do you need any help…?"
"Jaune…it's Jaune Arc, short, sweet, rolls over the tongue. Ladies, love it."
The girl in front of him, raised her eyebrows, then smirked-
"Do they really?"
History does repeat itself.
"Haah…one day they will."
"Keep trying then, well, see you later" the girl turned around and started walking off.
"Wait…what's your name?"
"Mereoleona Vermillion, let's meet again, when you won't be vomiting of course."
Ah. Potential friend, who did not judge Jaune, maybe hope was not lost after all…and she seemed pretty friendly considering she is a Faunus, Jaune would have assumed most of the Faunus hate humans, well most, Velvet doesn't seem to mind humans. Blake as well. She must be one of those huh.
"Mereoleona, huh?"
Jaune sighed once again, he looked up.
Even if it was the outer wall, the place looked beautiful, dazzling white color that shone, through the morning sky, Beacon was- well, is beautiful, but damn, this place takes it to a whole another level.
Jaune made his way towards the gates.
Only to be stopped by multiple guards.
Something that he should have expected.
The guards, looked better than the guards he saw at Vale. They were wearing the medieval time armor, yet, it looked improved through technology of the modern age. One of the said guards walked towards Jaune and removed his helm, he brought forth his scroll.
"Hello, welcome to Camelot, before you enter, please you have to show me your scroll, your ID as well."
Jaune nodded, and handed them, his scroll unlocked and his student ID.
The guard took note of it.
"So, Jaune Arc, I didn't know, the Arc family had a son?"
"Wait, you know about my family?"
Jaune was surprised.
"Well, I do not know anyone personally, what I do know their story from history of course, most of them being women. That being said, can you please state, your business, visiting Camelot?"
"Oh- yeah!" Jaune handed the guard, the card provided to him by Ozpin himself.
"I am here to take part in the 'Battlefield of Warriors'."
For a moment there, Jaune thought that the guard was about to laugh, or belittle him. That's how people treat him anyway. However,
"I do not judge a book by its cover, it takes guts to even think of joining a tournament like this, let alone going though this, it was correct after all. Arcs are legendary warriors."
The guards handed Jaune his scroll back, which had a notified message on it, with the writings Do not delete this.
"The map has been provided to you; important locations have been highlighted. Locations that should not be visited has been highlighted as well. Jaune Arc, I welcome you to Camelot."
If Jaune Arc thought that the walls of Camelot were beautiful, then beyond the walls, are the words that cannot describe the beauty of the place. It was beyond it. The place was clean, much more so than Vale.
There was no hectic traffic, rather the cars or bikes were far too less, it was as if people preferred walking over anything else. At every direction, there was at least one guard, like the ones that greeted Jaune when he entered the place.
The best thing about this place was, unlike Vale where security just stood there and did almost nothing, here the guards were readily helping the people of the place. Regardless of their gender, both humans and Faunus.
This sight was one of the things he started to admire, no racism, well no discrimination among the peers, everyone co-existed peacefully. This was truly a paradise.
Jaune's head turned towards a screen at the nearby shop. Not just that, multiple hard-light screen lit up.
A handsome, golden haired man, whose hair reached, or looked to cross the shoulders and way below that. Dazzling golden eyes and pale skin. He truly looked like one of those men models in Coco's magazine that Velvet once showed him. However, even through the eyes of the screen, the man had a different air about him, a charisma, as if the instincts tell to follow the man. Words couldn't describe, the sensation Jaune felt for the first time when he saw the King of Camelot.
"A lovely morning isn't it, citizens of Camelot and the visitors. For those who just arrived, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Gabriel Pendragon the current king of Camelot, and well today I'm here to make an announcement."
So that was the King of Camelot, well he has the charisma, all right. People would definitely listen to him, hell, even Jaune was and he just arrived at the place.
"Next week, will be the opening ceremony for the 'Battlefield of Warriors', the tournament which marks the history and birth of Camelot, every hundred years. I, pride myself in being one of those kings who keeps up with the modern times, yet does not let old traditions die, rather have them evolve so that the audience would enjoy, and the event would be one of the most glorious events, ever held during the last hundred years."
This is it. Jaune's start of his new Arc. Yang would have loved this. The pun of course. Not him.
"As I said before, I have stated it always, regardless of gender or race, if you have the qualifications, you can take part at the tournament, all the rules will be provided at the event. Make sure to register within the next two days, after which it will be closed. The first bracket of the tournament will be beginning next month. Warriors, prepare yourself. This would be the battle of your lives. That concludes my message, have a good day ahead."
[Part-5]
Jaune paid for the breakfast he just ate, it was absolutely delicious, way better than anything he ate at the Beacon cafeteria.
So, what was the current plan?
Jaune resurfaces the message that was given to him via his scroll, he was about to look up the scroll when suddenly-
Thud!
"I am so sorry!"
Shit! He ignores the feminine voice, but rather his focus was on his scroll which was suddenly pushed off his hands. If it breaks, then he is done for!
Jaune was about to lunge and catch his scroll, but before he could do this, someone else grabbed that for him.
Thank the gods, had the person didn't do that Jaune might just have lost his only device for communication and well, where everything else is stored.
Jaune looked up to thank the person.
Damn.
He has seen, good looking people, but this one looks really handsome. White hair, just like Weiss's however, he had black side bangs. He just wore a simple black shirt, the same color jeans, black boots and a green-white scarf and yet he excluded an aura of a cool dude. Added to that fact that, he was somewhere near, 6'5'', with soft greenish-blue eyes, well add glasses to it as well.
"Here, I think this belongs to you, I apologize, my girlfriend is a bit of a klutz, she didn't mean to do that on purpose."
Girlfriend? This guy. Of course, he is one of those guys, Jaune thought, the successful ones, damn- he could even see his biceps, which were tucked under his shirt.
Oh. He mentioned girlfriend, probably the one who crashed onto him, he turned around to see, who it was only to get shellshocked once again.
Is Camelot a place to attract hot people or something?
She looked as if, Yang was given Weiss's color scheme. Yet instead of Yang's boisterous attitude, this one looked reserved. She did not have the snow-white hair like Weiss, or the hot guy behind Jaune, she had silver hair, silver hair with bluish outlines, she was accompanied by amethyst color eyes. Pale skin, and surprise-surprise, she too wore just a simple shirt and skirt and still looked really good.
Wait.
Jaune's eye darted up, two softs looking…extra…ears? Yes, another set of ears which were soft silvery-white color, bit spherical.
"You're a Faunus?"
On hindsight, Jaune shouldn't have worded what he just did, he recently met a Faunus girl and he shouldn't have acted surprised, the girl appeared to be a tad bit uncomfortable, and perhaps he could hear the underline venom present on his boyfriend's voice-
"Would that be a problem?"
"I am sorry, I should have just worded myself more properly."
Hearing the genuine apology voiced by Jaune, the boy, cooled down instantly.
"I too am once again, I just become…a little bit protective, you know, due to her race."
Jaune shrugs his hands,
"It's fine, it's actually nice to see humans and Faunus having relationship and not a toxic one at that. A loveable one, at that and it's a breath of fresh air, watching both the races co-existing peacefully."
Both the boy and the girl, were taken aback. The girl spoke,
"You don't hate the Faunus?"
"No…why? Is there something wrong with Faunus? I mean aren't the same as humans but with extra appendages?"
Was something wrong? Jaune always considered both humans and Faunus to be alike, what's different about them, except for the part that they have a trait of animals?
The boy stifled a laugh,
"You have an honest and good soul…?"
Oh, Jaune got the que, he was supposed to state his name.
"Oh. It's Jaune, Jaune Arc. Short, sweet, rolls over the tongue, ladies love it."
""Hahahahahaha…"" both the boy the girl shared a laugh, but for some reason, Jaune could feel as if, it wasn't a mocking laugh, rather someone who just laughed it off as a joke.
"Sure, Jaune. My name is Sigurd Sonne, and this is my girlfriend- "
"Brynhild Enimana."
Sigurd speaks up,
"Are you here for the tournament?"
"Yes…how did you know?"
"It was a guess, well also the fact that there is a sword strapped in your waist and you look new to Camelot… but if that's the case, you should quickly run along, the registration would close in a few hours."
"Oh! Ooooohhhhhhhh! I have to go, see you guys later!"
Even before Sigurd could continue, Jaune ran off.
"Sigurd, you could have told him the complete thing."
"I was about to, that the registration for today would close in a few hours, he didn't let me finish."
"Well, he would be taking part at the tournament as well! You could be rivals."
Sigurd scoff.
"Rival? Me? No offence to Jaune Arc, but it would seem he started training recently, that's all, he didn't seem to have anything dangerous or strong about him. He has a large reserve of aura, not as much as mine, but that's all."
"Jeeze, stop reading people like this, who knows, he could just get stronger than you."
"Whose side are you on anyway? Well, not that it matters, if he is strong, then he should survive. We'll see him at the tournament."
"He is a good guy though."
"His pick-up lines could use a bit of work."
"Like yours were any better?"
"Shut up."
Sigurd, pulled out a card, a card that held a certain stamp and signature.
"You sure are fond of General Ironwood, huh?"
"He is the reason, I am here, he was…is like a father to me, I cannot disgrace him."
"Do you not listen when every time he praises you? He is proud of you."
"This does not mean that, I have to stop doing this. I was and I am in his debt, in order for me to pay that back, I have to win the tournament."
"Whatever you say Specialist Sigurd Sonne, the youngest Specialist in existence."
"That's enough out of your mouth."
"It's not like you don't enjoy my mouth~"
Normally, Sigurd would've gotten embarrassed, even blushed or any other guy at that, listening to the seductive voice of such alluring girl, but when her eyes darted towards Sigurd, she felt fear bubbling through her gut.
He had a monstrous expression, and a glare so cold that the winds of Atlas would feel warm. She followed his gaze and found the reason of his expression.
"What's he doing here?" Sigurd practically growled.
"Sig, let's go back…I don't want to be here."
Sigurd didn't reply; however, he did comply to his girlfriend's request, his eyes though still did not leave the person his wrath was directed to.
The Tyrant has entered Camelot.
Jaune Arc, finally reaches near the entrance to the first gate, towards the arena, which is just the opposite side towards the palace.
Buckingham Palace, the place where the King of Camelot resided. A beautiful architectural marvel. However, to enter the palace, two more gates must be crossed, but Jaune wasn't going towards the palace, well, he did want to see for himself, but shelving that for later.
The Arena.
Jaune once again marveled, the beauty of the place, if the information is correct, the stadium inside the arena remains constant, in other words, it isn't the same as Vytal Festival's Arena where the stadium kept on changing, different forms of battlefield, to get used to situation, any situation.
This place was specifically built for one-on-one battles, even though the place is twice as large (maybe even more), it still was not meant for team battles.
Jaune stopped. He realized that he never was good on, one on one battles, he was good at strategizing for team battles, it was due to he knew himself that he wasn't that strong, so he used his mind to catch up to others.
However, that won't be the case here. There is no team. No, support, he didn't contact any of his friends to tell his location, no one knows, where he is.
He could tell them…but Jaune Arc did not want to. He wanted to achieve something on his own. He needs to do this himself, to prove that he does deserve to be at Beacon.
After making it to the top 20, he will contact his friends…and tell them the truth of his transcripts as well. No matter how they receive it, he needs to tell them the truth, especially his team who have been nothing but supportive.
He nods to himself, that's his current plan, or that's the base of it anyway.
Time to start Jaune Arc's new journey. Or so he thought.
Thud!
Once again, the second time Jaune Arc was pushed towards the ground. This time, he was about to bark at whoever did that, he turned around…
This confirms it. Camelot is a place to attract hot guys and girls. First Mereoleona, then Sigurd and his girlfriend Brynhild, and now this guy.
He is handsome, probably the most handsome guy, Jaune has ever seen and believe him, he has seen a lot. His hair wasn't blonde, no calling it blonde would be an insult, the standing hair that looked like blazing flame the color gold would be the most fitting, eyes deeper than the crimson color of blood, which by no means any human or Faunus can have that kind of eyes. Yet, this guy did. He wore a golden armor, covering his body, except for his face, yet for some reason, Jaune felt that the armor wasn't made of metal.
The oppressing thing about this interaction, where both the parties have yet to speak, was the guy's aura. He wasn't releasing it, yet Jaune could feel it, the pressure, it was even greater than Miss Goodwitch's and he looked the same age as him. It was bad to assume, but Jaune's thoughts where this guy could take one both Team RWBY and JNPR and still win.
"Watch your steps mongrel, how dare you tread as the same path as me, do you happen to have a death wish?"
Goodness, the arrogance in his voice, puts Weiss and Cardin to shame.
"I apologize…wait, it was you who bumped into me! It's your fault!"
Huh?
Jaune looked around…the surrounding people where stunned, as if Jaune suddenly grew ten heads. Even two of the people who were following the hot guy were stunned.
"Fu-hahahahahahahahahahahaha…. insolent insect, you dare blame me, when it was you who stood in my path, perhaps you mother did not teach you to respect your better? Grovel and apologize, and I may find it in my generous heart to forgive you."
The seething arrogance and noble aura, Jaune hated it, he hated every moment of it. He hated people like him, who consider others dirt, below dirt.
Jaune stood up.
"Why should I apologize, for a supposedly crime that I have not even committed, I was here for the registration first, you should wait for your turn, don't you know, its rude? Did your mother not teach that?"
Take that! Score for Jaune Arc, first time, the feeling of being cool, even though the person before him is strong, as long as Jaune Arc is reasonable, who knows, the person might have a change in heart.
"L-lord Gilgamesh…let's just leave, he just might not be aware of your status." The tan girl behind the guy spoke up, she even sounds quite scared.
So, his name is Gilgamesh, Jaune thought…wait wasn't Gilgamesh name of one of the warriors who won 'Battlefield of Warriors'?
Status?
Jaune never was a guy who watched news, he kind of hated it…and Jaune barely used dust, as such he was unaware of Pyrrha and Weiss background, so, seemingly it would seem, no, it was very clear that Jaune didn't knew who this person was. Who was this guy now? Another four-time champion or heir to some unknown dust company? Or was he the descendant of the original Gilgamesh, perhaps?
He really didn't want to know, he just wanted this unbearable conversation to end, but Jaune won't apologize, he wasn't in the wrong.
"Silence, Siduri. I did not permit you to speak. You mongrel, you have gall to speak to me in such a manner, normally I would have skinned you, but I am assuming you are here for the tournament?"
"Yeah, that's why I'm here, aren't I?" This Gilgamesh guy lacks common sense, it would seem.
"Perhaps mongrel you are the one who lacks common sense, you see, this tournament tests bests of the best, you, who is below average doesn't deserve to be anywhere near this place, I am in a good mood today which was almost spoiled by you. But you had spine, as such I am willing to let you go back to your mom, so you can suck her udders, go away little lizard."
Once again, once again Jaune was belittled, he was being told he would not amount to anything…he is nothing more than a joke.
"Take that back."
"Hm?"
"I said TAKE THAT BACK!"
Jaune drew Crocea Mors.
Shling-
He drew his sword, and prepared the shield.
"Take that back, you don't know anything about me, or what I have gone through…or for the matter of fact, whether or not should I participate in the tournament, is none of your damn business."
Gilgamesh on the other hand, smirked.
"So, I insulted your pride mongrel? Well, what are you going to do about it? Swing your toothpick at me? Go ahead, little gecko, I dare you, however remember this- "
Gilgamesh's red eyes glowed.
"Have the capacity to end the fight once you started it, especially if your pride is on the line."
Jaune Arc shivered, but he won't back down, he won't let someone else insult his efforts, not again.
Jaune took position, a leg back, shield up, sword in front.
The place was surrounded by spectators, none of them interfering.
"So, you will fight me to keep your pride? Well, mongrel has a spine what do you know…"
"Haah!"
Channeling his aura to his blade to make it sharper, he swung it as hard as he could, an attack that even Pyrrha choses to dodge-but-
Clink-
Gilgamesh stopped Jaune's sword with just the help of index, middle and thumb finger.
Chills!
Chills ran though Jaune's spine, this had never happened before, a strong attack is always advised to either block or dodge and yet…the guy in front of him, wasn't even bothered by it. It looked as if Jaune's attack was just a minor inconvenience, nothing more.
"Wh-what?"
"Is that it? I expected something more from someone who screamed TAKE IT BACK! Let me educate you in something mongrel- "
Jaune was pulled closer due to him holding tightly, the burning red eyes glared into blue ones.
"Might controls everything. Without strength you cannot protect anything, let alone yourself."
Gilgamesh cocked his fist back.
No weapon?
Jaune didn't have any time to think, dodging wasn't an option he was too much close to his opponent, so the only reasonable thing to do was block!
He brought his shield closer and Gilgamesh's fist impacted.
Doooooooooooooooooooon!
Jaune was thrown, with only Crocea Mors's blade in hand, aura shattered. A single attack shattered his aura. All it took, a single punch to beat Jaune Arc.
This did not mean that he had given up. He still had the blade, even though the shield was impaled by Gilgamesh fist, stuck in the guy's forearm.
Huh?
Strange, he couldn't properly feel his left arm, he looked towards it.
Ah.
He could not feel his left shoulder, it was most probably dislocated, his forearm bones were broken and pierced through his muscles, skin…his wrist was nearly torn off. He could not feel his left arm.
Blood was spewing, like an open tap.
Worst of all he did not have any aura to cushion the damage or heal anything.
"AAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
Gilgamesh looked at the boy who just lost his consciousness, it wasn't particularly hard. The boy was weak, he could not even tank his punch, why did he carry a shield then? Who would this boy defend if he can't even defend himself?
Speaking of shield, he put a hole and was now stuck in his forearm.
It meant nothing.
He tore down the boy's shield like a paper and threw it away. As if it belonged to the trash.
The spectators were terrified. Many running away.
Gilgamesh towered the boy's unconscious figure.
"Mongrel whose name I do not know, let this be a lesson to everyone that whoever faces me, will receive the same end as you. You lived as you died, pathetically."
Gilgamesh raised his leg, ready to crush the boy's skull to pieces.
Shin!
Grab!
A dazzling green sword was near Gilgamesh's neck and a burning arm holding on to his thigh.
"Well, well, well if it isn't Specialist Sigurd and The Wild beast Mereoleona, by some chance, are you both here to greet me? Now, this is not a way to greet a king."
Both of them hardened their glare.
Sigurd spoke with venom spitting from his tongue,
"King, you? That's a very amusing joke, you are nothing but a tyrant and now you are hurting an innocent? Killing you won't have any repercussions."
"I'm with Specialist on this one, make another move- I will rip your leg off."
Gilgamesh smirked.
"Fufuhahahahahahahahahahahaha…as if both of you have what it takes to bring me down. Added special, I'll kill the brat, and kill both of you mongrels as well."
The atmosphere changed, Sigurd needed to get Jaune to the nearest hospital or else he would bleed to death.
"Enough!"
Another commanding voice, the three turned.
There she stood, the beautiful, the strong, princess of Camelot. Artoria Pendragon, her blonde locks tied to a bun, brilliant green eyes, body covered in the outfit of a knight, that well, was a bit exposed on the breast part.
Beside him stood a man, towering figure of seven feet, left arm exposed and rest of the body shrouded by a black cape. A handsome figure with a clean cut purple hair.
The princess of Camelot turned towards the man,
"Lancelot, the boy is bleeding way too much and has taken a lot of damage, hospital cannot help him…however…"
Before she could complete, the man replied-
"Do no worry milady, I will take the boy to Pitou, she is the only one who could help him."
Twice.
Everyone had only blinked twice, and the man named Lancelot was not holding the injured boy.
No one saw what happen, not even Gilgamesh, Sigurd or Mereoleona, which triggered their danger senses.
"If you would excuse me, I will be taking the boy."
The man, Lancelot was leaving when Gilgamesh spoke-
"So, you are the one…huh? To think you still live in this place, I thought for sure you would have hanged yourself for your infidelity."
The man stopped in his tracks.
He did not reply, he just moved on.
Gilgamesh changed his gaze towards Mereoleona and Sigurd,
"He's gone now, so will you still keep the sword on my neck, you do you want me to snap it for you…and you little Faunus slut, if you are enjoying my thigh, why don't you come to my room. I promise you will enjoy even more. I like cats."
Mereoleona's gaze harden further, it was as if she was killing Gilgamesh with her eyes.
"King Gilgamesh of Babylon, I respect your wishes for joining the tournament, I respect you coming here. What I won't tolerate is attacking people at random, that is a crime, and even if you are a King, this is Camelot, if you cannot follow the rules in here, we can imprison you."
Artoria Pendragon spoke with authority in her tone, she did not back down under Gilgamesh's gaze.
"Hmph. The mongrel was the one who challenged me, he shouldn't have done so in the first place, I did give him a chance to retreat, the prideful fool did not back down. He suffered the consequences to facing someone far above his league. Assuming that he lives, state him to return, he is not fit to face in the tournament. Weakling like him, should watch from the background and praise their superior."
Gilgamesh walked off.
"In fearful day, in raging night, With strong hearts full, our souls ignite, When all seems lost in the War of Light, Look to the stars- For hope burns bright!"
The real battle is about to start.
A/n:
This basically concludes the prologue or the setting of the story, if you are wondering why Jaune isn't OP, don't worry, you are in the right place if you want an OP Jaune, but the thing is that won't happen instantly. As you guys just saw, the bar has been set really high, like really-really high. In order for Jaune to reach that he needs to surpass his limits. He needs to surpass, old Jaune in order to reach higher levels.
If you guys have read Tournament Arc (Great Story!), it won't be like that don't worry. It is different, far different, the battle and the concept of the story is from one of my favorite anime/ light novels- Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry- Chivalry of the Failed Knight.
This is Jaune Arc's story, the tale of the worst one.
Also, this is a harem fic, but, unlike others, this won't be forced harem. No, I will be making a harem fic, where it would be accepted by the people around him. And even the world because, girls like Pyrrha and Weiss are celebrities, hell even Blake is, their relationships will cause problems if it's a harem one. No one wants lovely Pyrrha, idol to be tainted and Weiss is an heiress, while Jaune is literally nobody.
OC are present, but they are here to compliment the main cast. To further develop each of their characters.
The fall of Beacon did not happen. It failed; I am sorry I had to make it as such, which includes the election of council.
Lastly, the map of Remnant is different in this fic, do not worry, I will give out all of the details. Yes, even location of some relics has changed.
I will update this weekly, so stay tuned.
Read, if you find mistakes, error, or something that does not make sense in the plot, please review it. I will take any constructive criticism, if it means to improve the quality of the fic.
STORY NOTES: -
Sigurd and Brynhild's appearance are based on Fate/ Grand Order- Sigurd and Brynhild.
Sigurd's surname, "Sonne" is German for "Sun".
Brynhild's surname, "Enimana" is Islandic for "Lonely".
Kilgharrah, the Dragon's name is the reference to Dragon Kilgharrah, in the series Merlin.
Mereoleona Vermillion's appearance is similar to Black Clover's Mereoleona Vermillion.
Mereoleona is a lion Faunus, with two appendages.
Gabriel Pendragon has his appearance based of Netflix Castelvania Alucard.
Artoria Pendragon has similar appearance as Fate/ Grand Order's Lancer Artoria.
Gilgamesh has similar appearance as Fate/ Grand Order's Archer (2nd stage) Gilgamesh.
Two new countries out of the four has been mentioned, Camelot and Babylon.
Lancelot has similar facial appearance as Fate/ Grand Order's Lancelot (Saber class).