Here we go. Just a heads up, even if it's a while away yet, but I'll inevitably be taking a week off at Christmas. I'm not sure of the exact dates, but it will obviously fall around Christmas Day, etc. I'll make more notice of that as it gets nearer, but there it is. There will be a week of no updates come Christmas so that I can spend time with family without having to write chapters.


Beta: College Fool

Cover Art: Dishwasher1910

Book 7: Chapter 4


A servant woke me up early, informed me as to when the meeting with the Royal Court was, and then left me with some food and drink to eat alone in my room. Apparently, it was suggested, since the main hall would have many Nobles, and the King felt it best I be officially introduced before I had to meet with any of them. While I was sure there was some political play going on there, I couldn't complain as I didn't feel up to the whispers and the staring either way.

Ten minutes later, and after my breakfast of dried fruit, bacon and milk-soaked bread, someone knocked on the door. The servants hadn't knocked, and Saren had come by the window. Somehow, I doubted the Guild would knock either, but then again it was hard to say after how poorly we'd parted the day before. Standing, I made my way over and cracked the door open just a little.

"Miss Goodwitch!?"

"Mr Arc." The Warlock nodded once. "May I come in?"

"Of course." I stepped back and gestured her inside, cringing at the state of the bed – the quilts all upturned and left in a heap. "Sorry about the mess. I wasn't expecting any company." And now I felt stupid calling her company.

"It is of no consequence. The headmaster sent me. He would have come himself, but he is expected to be downstairs with the other Nobles."

"Ozpin is a Noble…?"

"By Class, no, but the position of Headmaster conveys a certain degree of nobility. Not enough to count as Noble Caste, but enough to be invited to events and to have responsibilities within it. The Caste system is rigid, but it is possible, though unlikely, that a Hero could be given a Noble position," she explained. "An example might be the position of Bailiff or Tax Collector, though you'd only see that if the place they were collecting from was particularly lawless."

"No Hero Caste Counts or Dukes, then?"

"Not in Vale at least. Even if there were, I imagine it would be a symbolic thing and little more. The actual day-to-day running of an estate would be left to someone from the Noble Caste, if only because they would know what to do. The Caste System isn't always fair, as well you know, but it serves its purpose." She eyed me keenly. "Most of the time, anyway."

I suppose I was the exception. Before, I might have chafed at that, but I could accept it now. Certain Classes were better for certain roles, and although I – and Ansel – had proven that fighting was not beyond the humble Labour Caste, expecting a Warrior to run an estate when he or she neither knew how, nor wanted to be tied down in such a way, was a little different. What Ansel had done was for survival, not preference.

"Ozpin asked me to come and meet with you in his absence," Glynda said. "He wanted to see how you were doing. Whether you were well. Whether you were being treated well."

With a shrug, I looked around the opulent room. "Can't complain."

"So I see. That's good. We didn't believe the King would treat you poorly, but one can never be sure."

"Do you know what's going to be happening today?" I asked.

"As Ozpin puts it, today is going to be focused on your new Class and Caste. The Nobles want to know how you achieved what you did and whether it is a process others can replicate."

"I think they'll be disappointed…"

"Because you don't know? Yes, we – Ozpin and I - expected as much." Glynda's posture softened, even if her expression did not. "There's no offence there, simply a belief that it would be too much to expect someone in your position to know everything."

"No, I get it. This is… I guess it's the first time this has ever happened in Remnant's history."

"That we know of. There's no saying this hasn't happened before. History has not always been the best kept thing, and information like this could have been swept under the rug. Or the one that transformed might have been killed." She shrugged. "Yours was enough to best your foe, but there's no guarantee it would always be so."

"It was a close thing as it was. I wasn't losing to Cinder as a Blacksmith, I just wasn't winning. I actually think if I'd been just a Swordmaster, she'd have killed me. It was the combination of both that gave me the edge I needed."

Glynda nodded. "Flexibility."

"Yeah. Though only because my Blacksmith powers trumped her fire ones." I still didn't like to think much on it, if only for how she'd not been there willingly. "What should I do? Downstairs, I mean. I don't know enough to answer their questions."

"I would suggest telling the truth and nothing but it. Be clear, concise, and answer whatever questions they have. Some will be intrusive. Many will be, I think. They will want to know your exact Stats and Parameters."

"Isn't that a taboo?"

"Yes. But they will say an exception is to be made here. Sadly, you're not in a position to challenge it."

"Guess not." I sighed. "Will they use this against me?"

"Almost inevitably. You'll be telling everyone your secrets, your Statistics, your strengths but also your weaknesses. There are some who will rub their hands together in glee as they think how they might take advantage of those. But you need not fear being murdered here," she said. "If you were, the King would be made to look the fool. It would not surprise me if you were being watched. The only person better protected than you would be the King himself."

"Not creepy at all," I said, suddenly looking around. There was a painting on the wall, but to my relief its eyes didn't move.

"You'll get used to it, I'm sure. Come," she said, turning. "I'll escort you to the main hall. I believe your Guild is waiting there. They've come in force."

I wanted to ask if all had come but didn't have the nerve. Instead, I nodded.

"I'm ready."

/-/

"Announcing Jaune Arc of Ansel, and Glynda Goodwitch of Beacon," the crier by the large doors shouted out into the hall, where rows on rows of people were stood. They'd formed a wall of bodies flanking a long, red carpet that led up to the throne, atop which the King sat. On his left, and standing a step lower, was Hazel Rainart. Everyone was watching us.

"Follow my lead," Glynda whispered, striding purposefully forward. I hurried to keep up, walking at her side. Glynda either cared little for the stares and whispers or was used to it. That or she knew I was the target. She kept her head high, eyes focused ahead and steps measured.

I tried to do the same, but there was no denying my eyes wandered. I tried to find the others, the Guild, but the crowds were too thick. They could have been anywhere in there and I'd be unable to see them. I did see Ozpin, however. He was at the front, near the throne. Not beside the King himself, but among the throngs that lined the carpet. He was granted pride of place, however. Ozpin caught my eye, smiled and nodded once.

When Glynda came within ten metres or so of the King, she swept her purple robes back and fell to one knee, hand pressed to her chest, the other touching the floor.

I almost faltered, and almost certainly did make it look a little less graceful. I was maybe a pace ahead of her, because I hadn't been ready, but as I fell into a kneel, the crowds began to whisper all the louder. For a second, I imagined I'd messed it up, but I caught the pleased smile on Hazel's face.

Had the Nobles really expected me to defy the King's rule and refuse to bend knee? It looked like they might have.

Hazel stamped his stave down. The hall fell to silence.

"The High King, Galan ap' Falar the third, Ruler of Vale and this court, bids you welcome." Hazel quietened, and the King rose slowly, pushing down on the armrests of his throne. He stood tall, but his cloak still trailed on the ground, almost two feet too long. "The High King commences the meet," Hazel intoned, stepping back. "May all hear his word, his wisdom, and respect it."

It seemed to me impossible that anyone would hear his words at all, what with all the noise, but the moment Hazel stopped speaking, an eerie silence descended. My own breathing sounded loud. I could hear the occasional creak of a leather harness or the clink of metal armour from the guards. The King stepped down off his dais, though he did not approach.

"Thank you for coming, and for your respect in bending knee to your liege." He spoke calmly, softly, not as though he were weak or unsure, but rather quietly confident that no one would interrupt. It made him appear powerful. "Jaune Arc of Ansel, your contributions to the Kingdom of Vale have not gone unnoticed, nor has your service. You have the gratitude of the Crown."

There was a moment of silence during which I wasn't sure if I was allowed to speak or not. Glynda quickly shot me a look.

"Thank you, your majesty," I said.

I hoped it was enough. Should I have said it was no big deal, that I was just doing my duty? Or would that be seen as trite? In the end, I'd gone with as short an answer as I could manage. Yes, no, whatever he asked. Simple answers that I couldn't be caught in a lie for.

"And Glynda Goodwitch," he said. "Ever have those within Beacon our respect and gratitude for the sacrifice of their time in training the next generation. Both of you, rise."

"Thank you, your majesty," Glynda said, standing tall. I echoed her movements, inching back just a little so we were side by side.

"Let it be said here and now that for his actions in protecting my life, my rule and our Kingdom, Jaune Arc of Ansel is to be stripped of any thought, nature or implication of guilt, either before his ascension to Swordmaster, or his actions beforehand as a Blacksmith and not a Knight. This, I decree."

"The Crown decrees it, and so it shall be," Hazel said loudly.

"Here, here!" the crowd echoed.

Relief rushed through me. I breathed a sigh and kept my head low, hoping he would realise how grateful I was. The King had effectively prevented anyone taking umbrage with my masquerading as a Knight by revoking it from my record. Some would hate me for it still I was sure, but they wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Not legally.

I had a feeling Ozpin was involved there, for the Sage smiled brightly and seemed not the slightest surprised at the news. The same could not be said for the Nobles around him. Some nodded, others seemed unconcerned, but there were a few whose scowls were hard to miss.

To be honest, I was more surprised at how few those were. The majority didn't look all that bothered, where I'd expected their hatred.

Was I really going to have to speak in front of so many people, though?

It looked like I wouldn't be. The King, apparently finished, motioned for Hazel to take the lead, and the Steward strode forward. He didn't command quite the same respect and had to shout to be heard over the whispers.

"The King will meet with the Royal Council and select Courtiers to further discuss current affairs. The Council is asked to stay, all others are to leave. Those granted explicit permission may watch from the second-floor balcony but are asked to remain silent."

The audience did not appreciate that much and complained quietly. No one dared question the King on it, but there was a definite sense of Nobles dragging their feet. Others, likely those trusted to stay, took an almost smug satisfaction in ushering their lesser away. Before long, the hall had been all but emptied, reduced from easily four-hundred strong, to something more akin to fifty.

With the crowds diminished, I finally caught sight of the Guild, though as ever it was Yang and Nora's bright hair which gave the group away. They were arranged on the balcony, looking down on proceedings. I'd missed them because I hadn't thought to look up. At least they had permission to stay, something I was at least a little grateful for. It would save me having to repeat literally everything to them later.

"Thank you, members of the Royal Council for staying," Hazel said. "We are among friends and allies here, and as such all are invited and encouraged to speak as they wish. May all bare their arms without fear."

Bare arms? Here? Glynda noticed my apprehension and whispered, "It means they can speak freely. The Council is trusted to share their opinion, good or bad, without fear of the King punishing them for it."

Metaphorical arms, then. A council wouldn't be much use if they all had to lie for fear of upsetting the King, so it at least made some sense. I wasn't sure how many Noble would actually feel confident enough to publicly disagree with the King, but the gesture was there.

Oddly enough, there was no table or chairs brought forth. The King stepped back up and sat on his throne, but with a slightly more casual air. Probably not real, but a signal that others could similarly relax. Everyone had to stand, however, me included. The Nobles closed in, forming a rough circle around us so that they could listen in and talk as required.

"The King thanks you for your presence," Hazel said. "By now we all know what this meeting is about. I would ask all to remember the King's gratitude towards Jaune Arc of Ansel and consider his… inexperience in matters of Court. That he attends is a sign of his respect for both the King and the Kingdom's laws, not a lack of respect for yourselves in being ill prepared."

Some mumbles, some comments. Nothing I could make out. I noticed that Ozpin had managed to work his way around to stand somewhat beside Glynda, no doubt prepared to offer his own support. I was thankful for it, even if I knew it was my Purify Object Skill he was really interested in.

"Let us not dance around the topic," an overweight man in a puffy white and red silken tunic said. "The hero of the hour is here, and he's the talk of the Kingdom, even if most aren't sure what is rumour or not. I say we get to the meat of the issue."

"Surely, getting to the `meat` of the issue has ever been your problem, Roland," a wiry man said.

"You could do with a little meat on your bones. I wasn't aware I was literally eating you out of house and home. You should have said something if you were so hard up that you cannot afford even the food to survive."

The wiry man bristled, but Hazel coughed meaningfully.

"A delightful display I'm sure, and a fine way to show Jaune Arc of Ansel just how professional we are." The sarcasm was thick enough to bludgeon a man to death. "But the sentiment is well-thought. The issue at the heart of today is Jaune Arc's Class, or his change of such. Are we in agreement?"

"Aye!" numerous men and women called.

"Then, with the King's permission, let us begin." Hazel looked to Galan, who responded with an imperious nod. "Then," Hazel said, turning back. "If you can explain how your transformation first occurred for the Royal Council."

"As the King wishes," I said. If I was laying it on a little thick, it was only because I didn't want even a single person to think I was rebellious. "I'm afraid I don't know much about the transformation and how it happened. The last thing I remember before it was fighting Cinder-"

"The Elementalist, Crown Princess of Mistral?" a woman interrupted. "You knew her by first name?"

"Very familiar, if the way he speaks it is anything to go by," a man replied.

"I knew her," I said. "I… I respected her."

An immediate mistake. The Council exploded into hushes whispers and I caught sight of the King's frown.

Luckily, Ozpin stepped in, "Jaune Arc met with Cinder Fall on my orders, performing a Quest sanctioned by the Crown and with the co-operation of Mistral before the outbreak of the war. We were, at the time, staunch friends with Mistral. As such, any meetings that took place were done on the best of terms."

"The King knows of this," Hazel said, silencing the Council. "Please continue, Jaune."

"Okay. So, I was fighting Cinder and it wasn't going badly. My Blacksmith Skills were able to negate some of her attacks – I super-heated my armour and my Passive, Fire from the Forge, means I take no damage from it. Cinder's fire wasn't hot enough to burn through and hit me, basically making me invulnerable to her elemental attacks."

Some of them balked at that. Whether it was the idea of me walking around in a suit of molten armour, or just the fact a mere Blacksmith could do anything, I wasn't sure.

"Unfortunately, she was able to steal the weapon we found from Vacuo, the one granted to the King of Mistral as our part of the peace process. It was heavily enchanted and powerful. It was able to pierce through my armour, even when it was molten, and tear through, or near, to my heart."

"It did not kill you?" someone asked.

"I… I think it did kill me."

"What!?"

"Necromancy? But they were chased from the Kingdoms eons ago. They were hunted down and slain."

"You fool, does he look like a reanimated corpse?"

"I don't know what happened exactly," I said over the noise. "I remember being on the verge of death, or dying, and thinking that I wasn't strong enough. That I failed. I… I was angry." I grit my teeth and my fists.

"Understandable," someone said. "How did you survive?"

"That's what I don't know. The last thing I remember is grabbing the sword, the sword impaled in my body, and starting to melt it, to forge something. I don't know why. Maybe it was a last-ditch effort or just the only thing I thought I could do, but silly as it sounds I wanted to make it into something better." I shivered and rubbed one arm. "It was the only thing I could do. I couldn't move my body at all."

"After that, I don't know what happened," I admitted. "I remember my eyes snapping open, the world being… different, yet not quite all that much. Information just sort of crashed into my head. The headache was immense. It was like… It was like when you learn a new Skill and the name, description and title just sort of slams into you. Like that, but with every single one of my Skills, all at once."

"You gained new Skills?" someone asked. "As if you'd been a Swordmaster all your life?"

"Yes. I have six."

"It's not a change of Class, then," the same Noble said. "If it were no more than a change he might earn Swordmaster skills in time, but it would not have acted retroactively. Skills are gained by one's Path and are earned as we progress. If someone here, any of us, was to become a Hero without warning, I would expect we would go on to earn Heroic Skills, but we would not immediately collect six, not when those might have required us to have been a Hero in the past."

"Samson speaks true," a lady said. "It is most unusual, as though he had been both a Blacksmith and a Swordmaster from birth, and only now discovered as such. More akin to a hidden Class unlocked than a Class gained."

"Such a thing is mere conjecture, surely!"

"Of course. What else do we have but conjecture?"

"The lady Chamile speaks wisely," Ozpin said. "All that we have now is theory and little else, so let us not get too emotionally involved in what is postulated."

Said lady nodded, "Thank you, Headmaster Ozpin."

"I think the bigger question here is whether any other person can do the same," a large man, a Sheriff said. He wore leather armour and a silvery breastplate, but to my eyes it was more ornamental than anything. "If any other NPC can replicate this, it's going to make keeping track of people a nightmare. Records could change at any moment and people would expect to switch between Castes at whim."

"And what of the changes?" another asked. "Would a Labourer become a Hero as Arc did here, or might they become a different kind of Labourer?"

"A Blacksmith who might change into a Blacksmith and a Farmer, you mean?"

"Or worse, one that might change into a Noble."

"Madness!"

"It wouldn't count. It can't count!"

"Never allow it!"

"Aye!"

"The system!"

"Order!" Hazel called. "Order! There is no use assuming the worst until we know more about this. It may be that no one else can replicate it. It may very well be something unique to Jaune Arc or his Path."

"He did pretend to be a Knight for some time," a Reeve said. He held up his hands when attention formed on him. "We have all heard the King's pardon for this, so I make no accusations. Only to suggest that it may be related. We already know our Path works to match our Skills and abilities to the life we lead. It may be that in living a life as a Hero, his Path sought to help him turn into a Hero."

"So, a pauper would have to live their whole life as a Noble to turn into one of us," someone said. I could hear the relief in his voice.

"It raises possibilities if that is true," a woman said happily. "There are many of us with children not blessed to become Nobles. What if by raising them as such, we might transform them?"

Hazel interrupted, and his voice was cold. "Those born to any Class should be allowed to live that way. Their parents should be proud of them irrespective of the words above their head."

I couldn't agree more, but it was clear not everyone shared the sentiment. Ellayne. He was talking about Ellayne. Come to think of it, she'd told me her parents were Heroes, not Nobles. So, who was the odd one out? Hazel as a Noble, or Ellayne born as a Hero?

"Have your Stats changed as well?" the Sheriff from before asked. "We need more specific answers before we continue. We know not how he has changed or what effect it has had on him, other than the granting of several Skills."

Here it was, I thought.

With a sigh, I prepared myself, looking inward.

"Tell us what has changed," someone else said. "Do you level differently when you are a Swordmaster to a Blacksmith? Do you gain Levels in one but not the other? Are you a Level one Swordmaster on top of everything you were before?"

"It's not like that," I said slowly, measuring each word. "I'm still just me, Jaune Arc. Whenever I switch between the two Classes, I stay the exact same level and my Statistics do not change. Not even a single point gained or lost."

I gave them a few seconds to process that. There were some comments and I got the general feeling they were relieved by the news. No doubt glad I hadn't become something superhuman on them, or that others wouldn't be doing the same all of a sudden.

"I can't say exactly what's different because it's only been a few weeks. I have levelled, but I levelled multiple times, and that was both from killing Cinder and forging the sword."

"You gain Exp from forging?"

"Yes. All Blacksmiths do. I think I get more the rarer the material is, but it has decreasing returns. I get the most whenever I forge with something completely new, but if I do it the second time it drops drastically. Less than half what I got the first, and it keeps falling."

"Variety over quantity," someone noted. "Interesting."

"Telling," the King spoke, bringing silence. "I have heard from Ozpin that your Passive, your Swordmaster Passive, grants you added damage the longer you have used any given sword, correct?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"What is the name of this Passive?"

"Blade Bond."

"It's a rather typically named Passive for such a skill," one of the Nobles said. "He's a Swordmaster. It makes sense his Passive revolve around Swords specifically, and the name does not give much away."

"No," the King agreed, "But it is also interesting how closely related to his previous Class that is. As a Blacksmith, he forged swords. As a Blacksmith, he wielded a sword, and as a Swordmaster he is - to put it poetically - one with a sword. I wonder how much of this is coincidence."

Hazel's eyes widened. "You think it's related, sire?"

"I do not know. As has been said, all is theory at this point. But Jaune Arc claimed it was in the forging of a sword that he transformed, and his new Class is, to put it simply, that of a master of the sword. It could be coincidence, but it could be much more. It is possible this may be a feat no other could echo, or that it is something only a Blacksmith could achieve."

It wasn't a theory I'd heard before, and I wasn't sure if it was the King's subtle Charisma at work or not, but I couldn't shake it. Swords had been my thing, they always had, and to become a Swordmaster while forging a sword... well, it was convenient. If it were my Path, I should have surely become a Knight, or I could have become a Warrior, Fighter or anything else.

And when I thought about it, Swordmaster tended to make me think of a fighter, but it didn't necessarily mean that, did it?

A Swordmaster could also be said to be someone who is a master of swords. A master of forging swords...?

"Our liege makes an interesting point and one that should be considered further," a Noble lady said. "But for now, I believe we should continue to assume all other theories may be as valid."

"Of course," the King said, nodding.

"In that case, can you tell us more about your Stats," she asked me. "Your level, if possible. And your Parameters."

"I was Level thirty-seven when I faced Cinder. I can't say how many I got from the sword and from Cinder on their own. It's all a blur. But I'm Level forty-two now."

There were gasps. I knew there would be. Most came from the Nobles, but I dared to imagine I heard some from the Guild on the balcony, too. I could understand it. Five levels. That was a big thing, especially when I was already such a high level. Killing Cinder… I took no pleasure in it even now, but I'd grown dramatically because of it. That and the sword. I suppose that it made sense in a way. I'd gained four levels for being involved in killing Willow, Weiss' mother reanimated. Cinder would have been a lower level than her, I was sure. She had to be, since Willow had all but crushed me and Cinder and I had been more even.

Maybe two levels for Cinder, two for the sword. Or three and one. I really had no idea.

"My Stat growth has remained the same," I continued, choosing to speak over the crowd then wait for them to be quiet. "Not much has changed, but I have gotten faster. My Dexterity used to be a D, absolutely terrible, but it's gone up a little. I used to get one point every other level or so, maybe more, usually les. Now I get one or two per level. As for my Agility, that's gone up as well. Over five levels, it's gone up twelve points. It might have gone up four or five tops before."

"Have any gone down?" a Noble asked nervously.

"Not that I've noticed."

"A pure improvement then," someone said. "An upgrade."

"Why not? Labour to Hero is an upgrade, at least in society."

"Yes, but he would retain that which he has from life in the lower Caste." The man looked to me. "Can you provide your Stats to us here, with whatever you believe to be your Atlas Scale Rating. I know the latter will not be accurate, but an estimate is enough."

I nodded. "Yes, of course."

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

Jaune Arc

Level 42 (+5)

Blacksmith / Swordmaster

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

Str: 141 (+24) (A)

Con: 110 (+19) (B)

Dex: 34 (+11) (C, formerly D)

Agi: 60 (+18) (B, formerly C)

Int: 65 (+10) (C)

Wis: 100 (+20) (B)

Cha: 19 (+3) (D)

Res: 168 (+32) (A)

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

None of it was overly exciting, at least from my point of view. My Dexterity and Agility going up was a good thing and I looked forward to actually getting fast enough to catch some of the others off-guard, but those would be slow gains. My potential had become higher, insofar as I'd now be strong after levelling up more, but in terms of an immediate boost, I'd not gained any from my Stats. Only the flexibility of a few more Skills.

Though even then, it wasn't new Skills added. It was a this or that. I could either be a Swordmaster and use my Swordmaster Skills or be a Blacksmith and use the rest. I couldn't mix and match them or trade one out for another. As such, I expected the Nobles to be unimpressed, perhaps even nonplussed.

"One hundred and sixty-eight!?" someone howled. "That's more than six per level!"

"Calm!" Hazel shouted. "Calm. Such growth is not unheard of."

"His Resilience! It's too much. If every NPC's-"

"Guards, please escort Samson from the Council, he appears to have suffered something of a nervous breakdown." Hazel's words prompted immediate action. Two men in full armour, Soldier Caste, stepped forward and flanked the Noble who had spoken.

He, in turn, paled, though he quickly calmed down. "Yes. I think you're right. I apologise for my display. Please forgive me while I recover my wits."

"There is naught to forgive, Samson. The war has placed undue pressure on us all."

"Indeed." He bowed. "If you'll all excuse me, I ought to rest."

There were some polite farewells and wishes of good sleep, before the man allowed the two guards to escort him out. He kept his head high the whole time and made no attempt to let the guards touch him.

Still, my eyes followed him.

What was that? That was way too sudden of a reaction. And to my Resilience, no less? I looked back to Hazel but there were no answers there. Ozpin provided more, shaking his head just a little. Not here, he seemed to say. Not now.

I nodded back.

"Very well, we've heard of Jaune Arc's Stats," Hazel said, "And we thank him for sharing them. It would seem to me that there are no immediate or unusual deviations there. An improvement in parameter, while unheard of, will not bring him to any undue heights. There are numerous Prestige Classes which report higher growth in almost all categories."

"The King's Champion a fine example," a lady said. "May the Gods favour his soul."

"Yes. He will be missed. But as noted, the Champion Class reports Stat growth in A's across all combat Stats, with only Intellect and Wisdom dipping to a B, Charisma to a C and Resilience to a D. This would still put Jaune Arc's Parameters at an inferior level. No offence," Hazel added with a genuine smile sent my way.

"None taken." It was true, after all. Or I assumed it was. No wonder I'd not been able to close the gap with Pyrrha. She was only building it more and more with every level.

"The big problem doesn't seem to be him," a woman said. "He's but one man, and so far, by his word and action, loyal to the Crown. The real issue is if more can turn out like him!"

"And if the news of what he has accomplished will galvanise them to try."

"We've just come from a war," a Clerk said. "The Kingdom can't afford for all its Farmers to throw down their hoes and pick up sword and shield. Even with the sanctions and tithes from Mistral, if we lost the next harvest we'd only end up spending them back to Mistral to import food."

"Not to mention if any of them are successful. What do we do with Heroic commoners running around?"

"They would rebel!"

"Why would they?" the King suddenly asked. It was the first he'd spoken since the Council began, and his voice was a dash of cold water across everyone's faces. "It is the duty of the Noble Caste to look over those beneath it. This is a responsibility delegated to the numerous Dukes, Counts and Barons across Vale. Are you informing me that the Labour Caste might have reason to feel ill towards us, and my rule…?" His eyes hardened. "If so, I would hear what reasons those are and which of you have ruled so improperly as to cause them."

Silence. Absolute silence. Yet again, I could hear every single shuffle, creak and crease of cloth and armour as the Nobles did their best to shrink out of view. Certainly, not a one of them dared to open their mouths and explain what they meant.

I could well imagine why. Ansel had a lord, a Noble in charge of it, and yet to my life I'd never seen who it was. I didn't even know who it was. They'd certainly never come down to actually visit or talk to us, and the only thing we saw was the Tax Collectors once a year. For the most part, the village was left to run itself - and to pay taxes for that privilege.

Worse, we'd seen no help after Ansel was attacked and the other villages fell. No Noble came to see to his holdings, ask if we were okay or offer help in any regard. I'd not even thought of it back in Ansel, so alien was the thought we even had a Noble that the very idea someone might be supposed to help us had eluded me. Me and everyone else there.

Yes, I could well believe that some of the Nobles here were lax in their duties, and that a fair share of the Labour Caste would feel disillusioned for it. He'd been a traitor and a monster, but at least Lord Roux had been in Magnis.

"I see that your tongues are tied," King Galan said. "Curious. I think we shall have to look into some of the holdings surrounding the city, perhaps see to what has and has not been done. If I find issue, there will be consequence. But I judge from your silence that I shall find none, naturally."

A few Nobles looked ill. I had a feeling there would be a flurry of activity tonight.

Part of me wondered if that was on purpose. What if by doing this, he was trying to prevent news of me getting out? It was possible. Then again, it was just as possible I was reading too much into it. He might just be angry people were being lax in their duty, and that he was losing reputation for it.

"I'm sure those that rule with honour and pride have nothing to fear," the overweight Sheriff said. I instantly knew he looked after his holdings, because his smile was nothing short of vicious. Many of his rivals would be in trouble, it seemed. "Regardless, our fellows do have a point. Whatever the reasoning or result, the Kingdom would be destabilised if every NPC decided they wanted to try and become something more. The Labour Caste makes up more than half the population of the Kingdom and we rely on them for many things. While I'm sure the decrease in Grimm from an influx of Heroes would be wonderful, I doubt the Kingdom, or Beacon, could accommodate so many people."

"You would not be wrong," Ozpin said. "Our resources are stretched as they are."

"As you so commonly remind us, Ozpin," Hazel said. "We know you want more funding from the Crown. We're trying to find it. Believe me." He chuckled. "At this point I wouldn't be surprised if the lowest man in Vacuo has heard you ask."

If Ozpin was offended he hid it well, "It's an ever-present issue."

"One that shall be rectified soon," the King said. "For their service and the service of all Heroes, some of the tithe from Mistral shall be redirected to Beacon. But that is not the subject of this meeting."

"I understand and thank you." Ozpin looked genuinely pleased as he backed away.

"I think the answer here is obvious," a Noble said. "We shout control the message that is sent out, make it clear that what happened here may well be a one-time thing, something specific to Jaune Arc and no one else. And that to even achieve it, he to all but die."

I was forced to grit my teeth and nod. While I didn't like the idea of them forcing my Caste down, I couldn't argue that anything he'd said wasn't true. It might be something just with me, and it might be something that would get hundreds of people killed trying to imitate what I'd done.

"Do you really think that will stop anything? There are already some holding him up as a symbol. A symbol of rebellion!"

"What would you have us do? To punish him would be to make him a martyr. To punish them would have the same effect."

"We have to send a cohesive message," another said. "Him included. He should stay a Swordmaster and never change back. He is a Hero now. Move out of the Labour Caste and the others there will forget about him in time. Perhaps not his village, but others who have never met him in person will have shorter memories."

"We could say the knowledge of him as an NPC is flawed. Say he was a Knight before, and that he transformed within his Caste."

The ideas came thick and fast, but I was forced to silence them all. "I can't do that."

"What? Why not? Do you want a rebellion?"

"No, it's not that. I can't stay as a Swordmaster indefinitely," I explained. "It puts a mental strain on me. I can ignore it at first, but it builds up. Eventually, with or without meaning to, I switch back into a Blacksmith."

And so, no matter their plans, I couldn't keep it going. They might try and hide me, only have me come out for brief moments, but sooner or later it would falter, and my Class would confirm all the rumours, all the legends.

"Then he stays a Blacksmith," someone suggested. "Return him to the Labour Caste. Isolate him."

"Beacon will not allow that," Ozpin said firmly.

"This is not a matter for Beacon! This is about the sanctity of the Caste System. It is about keeping the entire Kingdom from falling to pieces!"

"Is it, honoured Reeve? Or is it about protecting your position?"

"How dare-"

"Silence, silence!" Hazel called. "Such criticism is unneeded, Ozpin."

"My apologies."

"Even so, it seems to me that emotions are taking over reasoning. No decision will be reached at this rate and continuing on would be less than conductive. I would suggest we adjourn, allow tempers to settle, passions to ease and cooler minds to think for a day or two."

Though grudging, Hazel's suggestion earned some agreement. Some of the Nobles who had started to rise up, puff up their chests and shout, quietened, and those who had remained quiet the first time nodded to the idea. There was no doubt they'd be talking about me tonight, all night probably, and I had the sinking feeling they'd be making agreements, deals and decisions about me behind my back. But that was going to happen anyway. They might as well do it out of earshot.

"He should be confined to the Palace until such a time as a decision is made," a woman suggested. "It wouldn't do for him to go out, be seen, and confirm all the rumours."

"What?" I stepped forward, only to freeze when Glynda gripped my wrist. She shook her head.

To my frustration, almost every other Noble seemed to agree. Their chatter drowned out my complaint and I doubted they were paying attention to me at all at this point. I looked to Hazel for help, but the expression he returned was nothing short of resigned.

There was just too much agreement on the matter.

"I do not agree," he said, "But I see that I am outvoted…"

"He shall be a guest of the Royal Family," King Galan said, sealing my fate. "He is to be confined to the Palace, Palace Grounds and Inner Keep. He is not a prisoner, however, and nor should any consider him such. He shall have free reign to send out missive, message and request should he need it."

A few Nobles looked ready to complain, likely at the thought of me arranging a rebellion under their noses, but a stern glare from the King silenced them.

Confined to the palace, though?

Damn it…

What else could I do? I bowed, both out of respect and to hide my frown.

"I understand, your majesty."

"Then the Royal Council is dismissed."

/-/

I met the others coming down the staircases outside the main hall, or perhaps it was more accurate to say they came across my walking out with a frown on my face. I'd all but stormed away from Ozpin and Glynda, annoyed that they hadn't stood up for me. I doubted it would have changed anything, but their silence still irked me.

The others found me like that, half-wanting to stomp back to my room and sulk like the child I no longer was.

"Jaune!"

"Jaune, you're okay."

Of course. Any thought of escape fled the moment they saw me. I forced a smile onto my face, one I really didn't feel. Not because of them and not aimed at them, but just at the world in general. The Vale part of it specifically.

"Hey," I said. "I guess you heard everything. No going back to Beacon for me."

"Not yet anyway," Pyrrha said. "They can't keep you here indefinitely, such would defeat the purpose of having you on their side in the first place."

"I guess so."

They were all of them there, even Blake. She stood on the outskirts, arms crossed, and despite our spat the night before I was pleased that I counted as important enough to come and support. Not that they could do much to help me.

"You were pretty cool out there," Ruby said.

"Yeah? I really didn't think so."

"No, you were."

"While I wouldn't call it cool, you handled yourself well," Weiss said. "I'm impressed."

A little flare threatened to break through the surface of my self-control. She said impressed, not surprised, I told myself. It was different. It wasn't doubt. Or if it was, it was well-hidden. Can't let my temper at what's happening make me lash out at them. It wouldn't be fair.

Not that they'd been fair to me back in Vacuo, but…

No. Wasn't dealing with this now. Not yet.

"What do you think of what was said?" I asked, changing the topic. "They seemed almost determined people would try and follow my footsteps."

"I'm sure some would," Yang said. "Bound to be people with dreams like yours out there."

"Sure, but they acted like it would be so many it'd destabilise the entire kingdom."

"That's got to be an exaggeration," Ren said. "Perhaps they're simply assuming the worst. Or maybe it's like the King said and some Nobles have been mistreating their subjects. It wouldn't be hard to imagine towns far-flung from the Capitol going unchecked. Complaints can only travel so far, and the roads are dangerous."

"I'm more interested in the guy who got dragged out," Nora said.

"Yeah," I agreed, frowning. "Me too…"

I had a feeling Hazel or Saren would be the wrong people to ask about that, especially with how quickly the former acted to get the Noble out of there. I had my suspicions as to the reason, I really did, but here and now didn't seem the right place to share them.

Not if I was being watched as Miss Goodwitch suggested.

"Can you guys do a favour for me, since I can't leave the Palace?"

"Of course." Pyrrha was quick to agree. "What do you need?"

"I want you to bring Ellayne here. Today if possible, tomorrow if not. I need to ask her a few questions."

"What about?"

It's curiosity, Jaune, I thought. Not them questioning me. They're allowed to be curious.

"I can't really tell you here." I looked around in what I hoped was a clear sign. "I just need to talk to her, and it's not like I can go to and from the Palace. Hard to say whether any message I wrote would be intercepted, either."

"You think the King would bother?"

"It's not the King I'm worried about."

"Hm. Fair comment." Weiss tapped her chin. "He seems focused on maintaining power and stabilising his Kingdom, expected after a war. The Nobles, though. Well, some seemed outright hostile to you, though the number was low."

"I expected more myself," I admitted.

"Those not hostile are likely looking to use you," Blake said.

I knew that. Saren had already told me, as had Hazel practically. And Glynda. That was a whole lot of people who seemed certain I'd not figure it out on my own, but somehow, they stung less. Still, conscious of the argument only the day before, I nodded and pretended she'd granted me new insight.

"Thanks Blake, I'll keep it in mind."

"Do you need anything else from us?" Ruby asked, almost eager. "Anything at all?"

"Not really." I watched her face fall. "It's not like anything has happened enough for me to need anything. I'm sure I will in time. You could take Faith back to Beacon with you. I'm sure she'd appreciate the corrals there more than the cooped stable she's in now. Other than that, it's too early to say. If I need anything, I'll let you all know. I promise."

"I guess that's all we can do," Ren said.

"Just feels strange," Nora added. "The Lodge feels different. Empty. It's just one person, but it's noticeable. You will be coming back, right?"

Different, huh? I had a feeling it would feel that way with anyone missing, but I knew what she was asking. Nora wanted to know if this would be permanent, if it would stick. And honestly… I didn't know. Not just because of what was happening with the Nobles and the King, but also because I wasn't sure what would be best even if I did return.

I loved the Guild, I really did. But it felt like something had to change. This was probably why people suggested not dating among teams, Guilds or friends. If it ended badly, as relationships so often did, it left a choking miasma.

Me or Blake. It felt like it was going to come down to that.

And no matter who left, it would leave a human-sized hole in the atmosphere.

To say nothing of our own problems. With the current state of affairs, I wasn't sure my being back there would make things less awkward. We'd still be tip-toeing around one another. Maybe in a weird way, this little bit of distance wasn't such a bad thing. Maybe it would give me time and space to think, and them too.

But for now, I hid such thoughts and smiled.

"Of course. I'll be back before you know it."


Well, here we have the first meet, thoughts and Jaune's Stats. Next chapter will discuss his Skills, but in a less exposition-y manner. Jaune here had to explain it to them like this because it's part of the dialogue, where next chapter we can see Jaune actually using some of the new Skills.

This chapter was more about setting the tone of the Nobles and their disposition toward Jaune, a few hints and also establishing that the "fight" between Jaune and the Guild is going to be a major focus of this book.

P.s. the Stats in the middle were given in your usual format to make it easier for readers and not to waste time. I'm sure you can imagine that in reality Jaune had to speak them, but I thought making you all sit through, "My Strength used to be X and is now Y, which is an increase of Z." Audience reaction. "And my Dex is…" Would get really, really boring. Also, because it was above, I'm not going to repeat it here.


Next Chapter: 29th October

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