Finally got this chapter written up!
Welcome to Act Two ladies and gents!
My plan for this act goes like this. We start off after a time skip. Then we slowly get into the real plot of the story with breaks in between. (Because our heroes won't always be fighting their enemies. That's Ozpin's and Goodwitch's job. Team JNPR and RWBY are merely caught up in this.) And finally we will end this act with Jaune and Weiss getting together.
Nobody will be getting their dick wet just yet. I don't even know how long this act is going to be. It might be twenty chapters long or forty. That goes along with my goal to pass one million words before I finish this story in total. This story is easy for me to come up with a lot of shit to write because I have a massive amount of material and my own creativity to draw from, so we might just get there.
Also...
Holy Shit! My newest story got a lot of love! I was honestly nervous about posting that one, but it was well received and shall be continued this week. Go check out Monsters Are Men Just Like you and I after you're done here. *Cough* Shameless Plug *Cough*
I am also coming up with themes for each of my stories. I need some help with some of them. (None are decided yet.)
I'm thinking Vogel im kafig or God of War for this story.
High School of the Dead by LeeandLie for The Lengths We Must Go To.
Though Are Paths May Diverge by Mili for To Those Who Survived The Fall.
And finally, Hello Goodbye by Scenarioart for Beacon's Number One! Or Hikaru Nara by Goosehouse.
I don't have one that fits for Monsters Are Men Just Like You and I. Yet.
Last Note! Weiss definitely has a crush on Jaune. Why?! I don't even know yet! But she does. Everything shall be explained in due time!
Edit Note (2/5/20): Minor edits. Nothing too major. I only made some grammar changes and edited out the original OC.
Jaune began strapping armour to his body. As he tightened the leather straps to his arms and legs, the Paladin prepared himself for the next match. There needed to be nothing but a focused state of mind. Every move had to be perfect or else he would be defeated.
It had been almost two weeks since his first quest with Weiss and Ruby as a party. In that time, he managed to crank out another level through additional quests and smithing. Finally reaching level nineteen, nearly halfway to his father's level forty-five.
The money coming in alongside the levels was okay. Jaune and his party had gone out and completed three quests with two being back to back, netting them two thousand lien in total. Which was a good amount, really. It was nothing to scoff at since they already had their rent taken care of this month. The three were just starting out as well as their companions, so they had not had the opportunity to go out on larger quests.
Jaune unsheathed Crocea Mors in one motion, holding the sword up to the light. He examined the steel for deformities. The blade was holding up to the abuse he had been putting it through but would need to be scrapped for reforging.
I'm getting sloppy. Jaune picked off a piece of grime from the blade. Maintenance should never be overlooked!
His shield and the rest of his armour were holding up quite nicely. Both sets having a few dings here and there due to Jaune tanking, but they were solid. In need of serious repolishing like the rest of his gear, but would withstand damage before rusting. He wouldn't let his kit go that far either.
Let's go...
Jaune sheathed his sword, turning away at the same moment. He left his shield behind as it would not do him any good with this opponent. Ira Rubrum as well. Hell, his armour wouldn't help him either.
Walking back to Goodwitch's arena, Jaune kept himself silent. The only sound he could hear was his boots clicking and the crowd in the stands. It was foreboding really, having to go out there and compete like this, but Jaune needed the experience, fighting people.
Monster's always had a disconnection when you fought them. They were monsters, not people. Sure, monsters could seem scary, but they were predictable. Humans and faunus were not. Matches like this ensured some preparation before one would go out to do the deed.
Coming out into the arena, a massive sandpit sat before Jaune. All eyes were on him as he was the first person out. Many faces showed displeasure at his arrival, others, his friends, flashed bright smiles and cheered.
Being the only Paladin at the Academy was not a walk in the park. Many disliked Jaune solely for the reason of being that. After learning of his Class, it didn't take long for everyone else to know what he was. The rumour mill guaranteed that information made its way around the campus.
What seemed to be the consensus on the general opinion behind Paladins was they were abominations. Being the hybridisation between a Mage and Knight meant Jaune was not going to be making many friends. He got the worst preconceptions from both classes. The fear of him being a Mage overshadowed any notion of him being part Knight.
His friends took it better than most others at least.
Ruby was ecstatic about the news as was expected. Apparently, the fairy tales she had as a child featured Paladins on the regular, which was a good thing. She thought it was cooler since one was responsible for saving the entire world less than a century ago.
Yang, Blake, Sun, and Nora didn't really care about it. Blake didn't care at all. The rest just thought it was nice for him to find out about his Class. It didn't affect their opinions since they had already known him for some time.
Ren and Weiss were more interested in the usefulness behind his Class and Passive. The Monk pointed out the value behind the Passive Jaune got in relation to his healing abilities. Weiss seemed to be more or less giddy about understanding the practical uses for his Passive and him being a Paladin in general.
Jaune tore himself from these thoughts as his opponent exited the other end of the arena. Some more shouts followed from the Knights and Jaune's own friends.
Here we go, Jaune! Focus now!
His chosen opponent for the day. Baldrian. A six-foot-five inch wall of steel and muscle stood in front of him. A large black and silver greatsword in his hands.
"Good, now that we are all here, we may begin," Goodwitch started, stepping in between the two men. "This match will simply be a duel and the last one for this session. Whoever lands a 'killing' blow first, reduces their opponent's Aura below the twenty per cent threshold, throws their opponent from the ring, or forces the opponent to tap out will be declared the victor. Do the two of you understand the conditions I have laid out?"
"Yes," both men spoke, convincing the Professor they understood.
"Then you may do whatever you must to win," she said, backing away to the edge of the arena.
Jaune withdrew Crocea Mors again, holding her in the plough guard stance. Both hands wrapped tightly around the grip but were loose enough to allow the sword to fall from his hands instead of being torn from them. His opponent did the same but entering the tail guard stance. The long handle acted as a lever to offset the weight of the blade.
I need to move quickly. Can't let myself get hit once by his sword.
Baldrian's greatsword, being a large bladed club, would end this match if Jaune got in its way. Crocea Mors would be snapped in half if he even tried blocking a blow. So dodging and using his abilities was the only strategy left.
This presented Jaune with a problem. Many preconceived notions of Knights in heavy armour were that they were slow lumbering dreadnaughts. In fact, they were just as quick as a person with little armour or none at all. Maybe a little slower due to weight but could still keep up.
Jaune had fought quick opponents in the past. Russel and Blake were the fastest. The latter of which managed to squeeze out a victory when Jaune put her in a headlock. This was something that was not going to work this time.
Had Jaune used a pike alongside his swords, then this would be simpler. He didn't want to use the Longinuslanze Testament since it could only be used once per day with the added debuff. It had to be saved for when it was truly needed. Arclight could be spammed after a short fifteen-second delay.
What could he do against an opponent who was quick in both body and blade? Jaune needed to hit a weak spot in the armour and land the, 'killing blow.' Somewhere in his mail that was exposed.
His neck.
I know what I need to do. Jaune relaxed his stance momentarily. All prerequisites have been met. Just need to execute.
Jaune bolted forward closing the distance between the two. He drew back his sword past his hips, preparing for a single thrust to end the match as quickly as possible. If he drew this out longer than it needed to be, then more mistakes could be made, leading to a potential defeat.
Baldrian, in return, lifted the sword above his head into the high guard stance. He took one step forward, bringing the blade down with all of his strength. The black and white blade coming down where Jaune's shoulder would have been.
Jaune recognised this and kept pushing forward. Baldrian was aiming to end this match in a single move. Both knew this, and Jaune knew that he couldn't stand taking a single hit.
His opponent could not immediately change the direction of the attack. He had to commit due to the weight behind the blade. This is what Jaune was taking advantage of. He was banking on his mobility to outperform damage dealing.
"SHIELD," Jaune shouted loudly, casting a white glyph above him. The circular guard condensed from the magicka within his hand before hardening into a solid construct.
Gotcha!
The greatsword crashed into the magical glyph, partially embedding itself into it. With the blade wedged into the shield, Jaune took advantage of the moment. The look on Baldrian's face was one of surprise as he was rendered weaponless.
Jaune didn't let up at the loss of his opponent's weapon. Heroes still had their Abilities and whatever Passives up their sleeves. He was still just as dangerous with or without the sword.
Arclight...
Thrusting his sword forward with his right hand, Jaune extended his reach, leaving his other hand behind. The point of the blade headed straight for space between his opponent's oesophagus and sternocleidomastoid. A single blow here is what was needed to end the match as quickly as possible.
At the same time, a bright ball of sunlight condensed in his hand before exploding outwards. The light coated and blinded everyone in the area, including Jaune himself. The moment he regained any of his vision, he would go for the throat.
Barely being able to make out a whole image, Jaune continued his thrust. The faint outline of his opponent's neck was the aim here.
Come on!
Jaune fully extended his arm, a solid four feet away from his opponent.
Expecting to find the tip of his blade poking the soft tissue of Baldrian's neck, Jaune was stunned to see he missed. The sword had barely skimmed past his neck, bypassing the muscle completely.
SHIT! I MISSED!
He pulled back his sword in an attempt to backpedal. Before Jaune could make any progress, a solid right hook connected with his nose. The blow dazed him, throwing the boy off balance. A small trickle of blood came from one of the nostrils.
Jaune felt a hand press against his stomach. Suddenly a firery explosion erupted from within the palm. A burning flame engulfed the entirety of his front side, causing a stinging pain. The blast throwing Jaune across the room and slamming him into a beam. His back splintered the wood as the two made contact.
His Aura had been completely obliterated in two moves, sending him all the way to ten per cent. The rest of it protected him from the flames along with Goodwitch's spell. Yet it had felt like Jaune stuck his face inside of a forge.
He peeled off the beam after sticking to it for a moment. Jaune fell nearly fifteen feet into the sandpit. Crocea Mors followed, landing right next to him and sticking into the sand.
Ow...
Jaune reached forward, grasping at the sand. The pain from both the landing and his opponent's ability remained fresh. His body felt like it had run through a gauntlet.
"Baldrian Distel is the winner," Goodwitch announced. This was followed by cheering from the crowd.
Jaune pushed himself off the floor. His muscles and back ached from being tossed around like a rag doll. It wasn't nearly as bad as it could be, but it still wasn't pleasant. A hand came down, offering to help him up. Jaune took it without issue.
"Here," Baldrian said, heaving Jaune to his feet.
Brushing himself off, Jaune wiped soot and ash off of his clothes. The blast creating much of that as it singed his Aura into nothingness. Luckily it didn't burn a hole through his shirt as he expected it to. Jaune didn't want to replace another good shirt.
Goodwitch stepped forward, closing the distance between the three.
"Excellent match, gentlemen," she complimented, turning to Baldrian. "Mr Distel, while you were victorious, you left your defences wide open. One has to understand that no matter how much armour you don, your defences are not impregnable. Mr Arc baited you in, and you took it gleefully. Had he not narrowly missed his final strike, this battle would have been handed to him on a silver platter." She turned to Jaune. "Mr Arc. While your attack strategy has merit, you must work on execution. The use of a shield spell to disable the opponent's weapon was perfect; however, you need to use abilities sparingly. Had you not blinded yourself at the last minute, this battle would have gone your way." She turned back to face both of them. "Nonetheless, both of you performed admirably. I would suggest; however, that each of you works to perfect your strategies." The Sorceress turned to face the rest of the crowd. "And for the rest of you. Take this duel as a lesson. Brute forcing a fight is not always the answer. Your opponent can take advantage of you and trap you in a corner. Neither is fighting fair. You must be doing whatever you can to ensure a victory because your opponent will go to those same lengths if it is a fight to the death. There is no honour in being a dead man."
As she finished, a small butterfly flew in through a window. The tiny insect landing on her hand before flying away. "One last thing," Goodwitch continued. "For those of you in my Magical Practice class, it has been cancelled for today. I will be requesting some of you, however, for assistance with a matter." She turned to the exit and began heading there. "If nothing else, the rest of you are dismissed."
Students began rising from the bleachers. Another dozen or so butterflies flew in before anyone could leave and landed on some students. The small insects conveyed their message then fluttered away.
Huh... I wonder what all that is about?
[Beacon Courtyard]
Jaune left the stadium to head back to the forge. Since classes were cancelled, he may as well get some work done on a sword or two. Those who weren't completely disgusted by him being part Mage would buy them. A few Rouges bought daggers here and there, and some Warriors would come by to have dents knocked out of their amour by an actual smith.
What seemed to bring those customers was that Jaune worked cheap. He didn't charge high prices like those did in the city. Enough to make a fifty per cent profit from purchasing the materials was all he asked for. Either that or they could bring the materials and get a discount. The extra amount charged also covered the labour too.
That reminded him of something. Jaune needed to grab some more steel. He wanted to try adding onto his armour since he had some extra Lien laying around. The few customers he had gotten bought enough to make it worth his time.
On his way back, Jaune noticed Ren by himself.
The two men were kind of friends. Although he, Pyrrha, and Nora were a lot closer than Jaune was to any of them. He and Ren just didn't have many reasons to hang out. Same for the rest of them.
"Hey Ren," Jaune called out. The other man turned to look at Jaune, nodding as he recognised the boy. "No Nora today?" She wasn't around or clinging to Ren like an extra sleeve. He had actually never seen them after this class until his session with Goodwitch was over.
Jaune was still unsure if the two were together. Nora kept saying they were not together-together but together. He was nevertheless lost on the exact meaning behind that even though the bubbly war hammer-wielder kept repeating it whenever someone would tease the two.
Ren momentarily narrowed his eyes before relaxing them, expressing his annoyance. "No," he answered emotionlessly. "She has classes. You?"
"I'm heading back to my forge," Jaune replied, stretching out his shoulder. "I can't really do anything else after that match earlier since I have no Aura." He really didn't want to go through having that debuff again. Better safe than sorry.
Ren snorted. "You did take a hard hit," he commented. "I'm surprised you got up from that."
I'm surprised too.
Some students had to be taken to the infirmary due to injuries dealt by their opponents. Goodwitch's spell was not able to provide complete protection as some students found out the hard way.
"Yeah," Jaune agreed. "But it still hurt a lot. Like I was standing in a bonfire." He could still feel the heat on his skin. A phantom pain one could say.
"Hmm," Ren hummed. "I figured you would have gotten used to that. You have been working in the forge a lot lately."
"Yeah..." Jaune mindlessly said, rubbing the back of his head.
There was a reason as to why he had locked himself in there. It had to deal with a particular crush on a petite white-haired woman.
Before Jaune could further add to his response, he turned to see something in the middle of Vale. A massive plume of smoke jutting out from the centre of the city. The black column reaching high into the sky, dwarfing even Beacon itself.
"What's going on over there," Jaune quietly asked.
A few other students had taken up watching the smoke rise. Even some teachers had joined in as well, dropping everything they were previously doing. Some reacted in fear of the potential danger. Others were just confused like Jaune.
"It looks a fire," Ren answered Jaune's rhetorical question.
"I see that," Jaune replied, slightly annoyed. "But we shouldn't worry. It probably won't spread over here anyway."
Ren turned to him with a confused look. "What makes you say that," he asked.
Jaune pointed to the walls of the Academy. "This place is a castle," he began explaining. "High stone walls all around, and no trees inside that are close enough to be set on fire. A fire getting started in here is an entirely different question."
If the fire didn't burn out on its own or spread, then Vale was in for a brutal wake-up call. Most of the homes here were made from wood or some mixture including it. What was burning didn't matter, however. The real question is, who started it?
"Hopefully you're right," Ren said, stepping forward.
"I don't know," Jaune said, unconfident in his own words. "But I'll find out soon." He began heading to the front gate of the Academy.
"You're going down there," Ren asked. No concern touching his voice at all and keeping its natural tone.
"Yeah, I've got to grab some stuff," Jaune explained, turning around to face Ren. "You wanna come?"
"I can't," Ren replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Professor Peach has us picking mushrooms, so I'm stuck here."
"I see," Jaune acknowledged his friend's commitments. "Then I'll see you later, I guess." He gave the other man a two-fingered salute before turning around again.
[Vale]
Jaune wandered down into Vale proper, looking through the merchant stalls. Many were vacant due to the fire, but a few were offering their wares still. Mostly food merchants which Jaune bought a peach off of one, and some weapons dealers selling moderately overpriced gear. A few pieces were pretty high quality and some trash tier.
Looking back up to the sky. The cloud of smoke had changed colours. It was no longer a deep black-grey anymore but a ghost white colour. Someone had put the fire out rather quickly. The timing of Goodwitch's announcement and this could not have been a coincidence.
At least it didn't destroy the town...
Jaune bit into the fresh peach. The velvet texture on the outside, giving way to the smooth, slippery inside. It's tangy and sweet taste washed over his tastebuds.
If that happened, Jaune would have been unable to get great tasting foods like this one easily. Ever since he arrived in Vale, his palate had expanded to encompass many more foods than he had previously considered. Yang and Ruby saw to that by dragging him out to the many taverns and restaurants in the city. Blake even came along at the mention of something to eat.
Between all the fun and games, Jaune had been training pretty intensely as well. Working to fight harder and faster as well as devoting his time to ending fights like the one he had been in earlier. Throwing caution to the wind was becoming something of a regular occurrence for the boy when in battle. It had first shown during his last quest when his party fought a Catar.
Jaune bolted forward under cover of Arclight and stabbed the beast in the throat. That pushed him to level nineteen, and a half since it was the final hit landed on the creature. But the beastly vampire's death did not precede Jaune getting thrown twenty feet away.
His teeth bit into the hard part of the peach, bringing him back to reality. The hard pit was covered in traces of flesh from the fruit he had just devoured. Sticky from the juices that covered Jaune's hand at the same time, he tossed the pit away before cleaning off his fingers at a spigot.
Jaune was wasting time munching on his peach. He had come into the city to grab some things. There also was something else that he had meant to do. Something that had been neglected for quite some time in the last two months.
He needed to send a letter back home.
More than likely, his family was worried sick about him. Jaune knew this because he would have felt the same if one of his siblings had up and vanished like he did. Even the only sibling that actually left Bar, Saphron, kept in touch better than he ever did.
Luckily there was a courier service in Vale that could send the letter for him. Jaune had also intended to send some of his Lien at the same time. Partly to show he was making money doing what he loved, and to give his parents enough money to enrol his youngest sisters to an actual school.
His older sisters and parents were largely self-educated. Enough to seem more intelligent than the average peasant but each never having professional schooling. Jaune wanted to give his sisters a better opportunity by paying the tuition needed to have them attend an academy in Vale. Here they could at least become doctors or enter some other profession that would keep them from being stuck as peasants.
Jaune knew he never wanted to live that life. He didn't want that for his sisters either.
...
Jaune finally came to the large building housing the courier's offices. It was actually just a small shed attached to the outside of some stables. Which made sense, since someone had to lug the packages to and from Vale. No one wanted to walk a hundred miles to some backwater to deliver a letter.
Knocking on the counter, an older man stepped out from behind a desk. The inside of the office was littered with documents and small piles of Lien laying about. It wasn't disorganised per se. Everything had been neatly piled up and segregated with every piece of the puzzle set.
"Hello there," the man began. "How can I help you?" He seemed polite enough. Other merchants around Vale were not nearly as pleasant as he was.
"I need to send a letter," Jaune answered before setting his coin pouch on the counter. "And a package as well." The coin made a collective clink as it settled against the wood.
"I see..." The man shuffled behind his desk, pulling out a parchment and quill. He pushed them forward to the boy who accepted both. "There's a space just over there where you may write."
At least he didn't ask me if I could write.
Jaune was still trying to get away from the village yokel label that was stuck to him. Not many people knew he was a country boy, and Jaune wanted to keep it that way. There was no point in giving his hecklers any more ammunition than they already had.
Jaune dipped the tip of his quill into an inkwell. He was about to press the blackened end of the writing utensil against the parchment before stopping. He hesitated. But why?
What do I write?
Jaune hadn't thought this part through. He told himself that he would get to writing his family a letter one day, but never contemplated what he should send them. Actually, Jaune only considered sending coin. Never words in detail.
Okay, let's just... get this over with. He put his quill to the parchment and began writing.
Mom, Dad, Joan, Vi, Noire, Rouge, Blanche, Cereza, and Saphron,
I guess I should have sent a letter sooner. I'm sorry... for several things, actually. Leaving without saying goodbye for one. And not writing anything for the past month. Things have been busy lately, and I was working the courage up to send something back.
I'm living in Vale at the moment. I've found work as a Mage's Second. It's not bad work, and it pays well, really. We explore crypts, and I watch her back while she studies any artefacts we find. I also do some smithing on the side and sell anything I make to adventurers. So I have a steady income when I'm not out.
I made enough money from a single dive through some old ruins to purchase a set of high-quality gear from Vale's master smith. It'll protect me in the long run until I get something better. However, I still have a lot of money sitting on the side from my other adventures. It's enough to send Blanche, Noire, and Rouge to an academy in Vale for a year.
Since work is pretty steady, I'll be able to make enough to send them back every year. So there won't be any worries about the money running out. I don't need that much to get by, and I already have a place of my own. I'm even looking to upgrade to a better home in a few weeks once I get some more money coming in.
But how are you guys doing? I haven't heard anything from Bar lately, so I hope things are alright. None of you has come to Vale with an army to search for me either.
I hope to hear something back soon.
Jaune.
He let out a long exhale, pulling his quill away from the parchment. Jaune had never been great at writing letters, so this poor attempt had come with no small effort. Writing, in general, had never been his strong suit either. That was his older sister's profession.
Hopefully, none of his family members were angry with him. Maybe when they realised Jaune had disappeared, they had been? It was really out of Jaune's hands after he made his choice.
He was willing to accept the consequences of that.
Coming back over to the window, Jaune dropped some Lien on the table. Enough to pay for the delivery of his letter and coin. A measly two silver coins were all that was required.
"I need both of these sent to Bar," Jaune requested, staring at the man across from him. He pushed the coin and sealed letter forward.
"Huh, Bar," the man mumbled. "You're lucky we have an office over there."
"Really?"
"Yes," he answered quickly. "We choose major towns and cities to set up associate offices. Our man will have the package delivered there in less than a fortnight. We only travel on established trade routes, so there is little to worry about."
Good...
The last thing Jaune wanted was to have that coin stolen. It would just be another headache he would have to deal with. To top it all off, that money was something he had been saving for quite some time. So, it would feel like a personal attack against him.
Hopefully, it gets there. I'm just afraid of what Mom or Dad will say.
...
I need to find some metal now.
Jaune walked into the crowd before him, having just literally handed over his letter and coin. He still had enough Lien on him to purchase a few ingots of higher quality steel or another alloy, but he needed to be careful and not go overboard.
There was still a pile of Draugr metal laying around in Beacon's bank vault that Jaune could use. If he knew how to work the metal that is.
Enchanted steels used by the Pre-Golden Age Valeans were something else entirely. It needed to be worked a certain way, or you would never be able to make anything out of it. Jaune guessed it had to deal with the heating process or having to cycle heating and working the metal.
Jaune would have liked to spend some time experimenting with the metal, but frankly, he couldn't use his weekends for that. There were more important things to do than live inside the forge and play with a chunk of steel. And, honestly, it wouldn't be making him any money if he just failed every time.
Maybe there's a book in the library I can look through? I could practice if I knew the basics.
Before he could push any further, a person bumped into his side. Turning and grabbing his coin purse at the same time, Jaune found the sack of coin to still be there. However, there was someone else in front of him.
Two feet away, Weiss stood in front of Jaune. She was more akin to a statue as she stared up at the taller boy. Her two wide eyes further dilated as they met with Jaune's.
The girl in front of him used to be his crush. One that he abandoned. Which led him into a slump. Then got over in time for their next quest.
As it turns out, beating a sword into shape tended to be a great way to get rid of negative emotions. Just getting everything out while doing something productive in the process.
What a fun time that was!
"Hey, Weiss," Jaune spoke up. His voice sounded plain. There was no real distinct emotion coming from him. Something that had been more and more frequent since the Noonwraith Quest.
"Uh, h-hello, Jaune," she quickly replied, practically blurting out the words.
What's going on with her today?
"So what are y-"
"I-I was running errands," she blurted out, interrupting the latter part of his question. Jaune couldn't tell if she was nervous or just acting strange again. "W-What about you?!"
Weiss had been acting really weird, lately. She was abnormally antsy at times for some reason. Her typically regal demeanour would crumble and become this. The Princess' behaviour only became stranger after the Noonwraith Quest. Jaune couldn't figure out what was going on for the life of him.
Jaune Arc. The man who hunted monsters for years on end. Lived with eight women for his entire life. Is a hero at Beacon Academy. Cannot understand a woman's behaviour.
Pathetic? Most likely! Understandable? Definitely!
The good news about this whole debacle Jaune got himself in was his way out after giving up on Weiss. It was by taking the easy way out. He decided to try and befriend her, which was working quite well as far as he could tell. Quenching his feelings and approaching the problem with logic, a few well-placed words, and not thinking about her as your romantic interest but as a potential friend seemed to do the trick.
At least she had stopped calling him Arc. However, Weiss still called him a dunce when he well and truly fucked up. Or did something ballsy that ended up getting himself injured. Then she had a whole slew of new names for him.
However, even in becoming friends with his former crush. The pain was still there. At least it was self-inflicted, and not delivered like a dagger to the heart from the girl. Honestly, this was the best path to go down. No one got hurt, but Jaune who received a mild wound. One that he was still recovering from, yet quickly.
"I'm looking for a smith," Jaune answered Weiss' question. "I need to buy some metal. Add something to my armour."
Maybe some greaves and poleyns?
"Then do you mind if I come with you," she immediately followed up, almost excitedly this time but hidden better. "I was planning to pick up some things as well!"
It makes sense... I guess. It was kind of boring walking around by myself now that I think about it. Plus, we kind of work together now, so it would be a good idea to know whatever gear she needs.
"Sure, why not," he agreed whole-heartedly, shrugging his shoulders.
A few weeks ago, Jaune would have been ecstatic about Weiss joining him when going out. Now, however, he didn't care all that much anymore. You could say his heart had numbed as time progressed. Either that, or he closed his heart to everything related to romance.
"Okay," she said, pressing her palms together. Her regal-like manner coming back to her. "I need ingredients for a spell. We can acquire those from a magic shop in the city. However, we are closer to the mercantile district, so it would be more appropriate to head to a smithy."
"Alright then, let's get going," Jaune concluded before heading off, back into the bazaar just outside of Beacon.
[Valish Market]
He kept his pace slow as to not lose Weiss in the crowd. Her short stature did not do her any favours when trying to keep up with a boy who was nearly a foot taller than her. It was amusing really, as she was forced to fast walk or jog to stay by his side.
"So, you've always made your own weapons and armour," Weiss asked out of the blue. Her antsiness had disappeared entirely by now and replaced with her usual confidence. She sounded almost curious, really.
Ever since the beginning of their partnership, the two heroes had slowly begun learning about one another. Weiss was rather uncommunicative about her life still, not that it mattered much to Jaune. In turn, Jaune had divulged some information about his own when he was in the mood for it, albeit altered.
The above meaning that Jaune was lying in a sense. Actually, more like not telling the whole truth about the training he received or what led to him coming to Beacon. The conversations he was in rarely turned to those questions, and if it did, Jaune avoided the subject. However, he never told an outright lie to his friends about his past. Only lying about how he was feeling at the moment.
"Yep," Jaune chirped, letting himself seem more cheerful. "I've been working metal since I was big enough to swing a hammer!"
"It shows," Weiss mumbled, quietly enough for Jaune not to hear. "I can see why you wish to purchase your own metal then. Seeing as you know what you are doing."
They finally arrived at Jaune's destination. A small merchant's stall connected to a larger shack and forge. The smell of burning charcoal in the air-filled his nostrils as well as Weiss'. The latter holding the back of her wrist up to her nose to shield it from the scent.
"It's usually cheaper to refine ore to an ingot," Jaune explained, stepping up to merchant's table. "But buying ingots is easier, and I can just skip all the nonsense. The Exp is also really good when you can make a few swords over the weekend."
In front of Jaune was an assortment of different ores and ingots. A few types of steel and iron on one side. Several exotic ores on the other.
Jaune picked up a greenish coloured ingot.
Orichalcum.
A rich alloy found in southern Sanus. Typically used in heavy armours.
The price of the ingot was nearly three hundred Lien. I'll just pass on this one. He set the ingot back down.
"However," Weiss began, walking up to his side. "Why would you use blacksmithing for farming Exp? Performing menial tasks such as this generally render a meagre amount when compared to hunting monsters, or even people. That doesn't even begin to account for diminishing returns!"
Jaune grabbed a few steel ingots and purchased them. Each was a similar alloy of silicon and steel that he usually used, but these had a splash of vanadium mixed in. In turn, making the armour forged from this material have a little more yield strength.
"Yeah, but I don't have to spend three days hunting for monsters to get maybe a half levels worth of Exp," Jaune replied, tucking the ingots into his bag. "I can finish two swords in an afternoon if I rush, and get a quarter of level depending on the material. If I were using dragon bone or say golem resin, then I would have to spend two weeks working the material and end up with five or six levels where I'm at right now." He turned away from the merchant stall. "But you have a point on the diminishing returns. I can only use regular steels and steel-like alloys for a few more levels. Then I have to go searching for exotic materials."
Jaune could see it right now. Him turning into a madman looking for the rarest materials on the planet. Not that something like that hadn't already happened, just not to him yet.
"Of course I had a point," Weiss chided in response, staring up at the taller boy. "But, if you could do us all a favour and not hunt down a dragon, that would be nice. It would save me the headache, honestly. And while I would be impressed by you finding an extinct species, I would also be irritated because of your carelessness that would have most likely led us into the dragon's lair!"
"It would be fun watching you get mad though," Jaune quipped, turning towards the Mage while walking sideways.
"How is that funny," Weiss shouted in response, stomping her foot in anger. Both her cheeks turning red as she did so. "Why on Remnant would find entertainment in that you unconscionable bore!"
"Because of that," Jaune pointed out with a grin. "Your cheeks get really red, and you stomp your feet. But the insults take the cake! Especially the fancy words!"
The others seemed to take joy in the Mage's temper. Yang especially, because she knew where to look. Ruby would also find ways of annoying her by accident, which often led to many interesting lectures.
"Mmmm," Weiss growled in her throat before crossing her arms. She turned away from him, sporting a pout on her lips and reddened cheeks. "Let's just get to this store!" The Mage stomped forth leaving Jaune to follow behind.
[Magic Shop]
Weiss led the pair to her destination. It was a large building on the fancier side of town. Something that a noble would own or possibly an affluent merchant with connections to the royal court. That, and it was probably the largest house he had ever seen.
The appearance of the home was similar to that of many other Valish residences. A red tile roof, stone walls with wood and plaster mixed in between, and finally, these massive windows all on the second floor leading to an open balcony. On the outside of the house, there were even gardens surrounding a fountain.
Nice place...
Everything about this home and the area around screamed luxury and affluence. Most likely, any Valish noble not living outside of Vale had a home here. That didn't even begin taking into account the ones who had two or three houses along with their country estates.
Jaune felt out of his league here. He was nowhere nearly refined enough to mingle with these people. They had been groomed for their entire lives to seem as noble and majestic as possible when in public. Jaune was a bit rougher than what they must have ever experienced.
Weiss, on the other hand, seemed to blend in with ease. She knew what 'Game' these nobles played and had mastered it at an early age. The way she walked and spoke to any bystander out here flowed with elegance.
"Okay," Weiss began, heading for the door. She was no longer as irritated with his teasing as before. "When we go inside, please do not touch anything."
"Why exactly," Jaune asked out of curiosity. "I'm not going to break stuff."
Cardin would be the one to pull some underhanded shit like that. He would do it just because this place was patronised by mages.
"Have you ever been inside a magic shop," Weiss asked in response, turning to face him.
"No..."
"Then humour me," she said with a hint of attitude. "There are hazardous items in this store that could kill you if mishandled."
That would be bad. Especially if it was painful.
"I see," Jaune replied, nodding his head. "You have a point..." Weiss rolled her eyes then headed inside. Jaune followed behind her, holding the door open for the Mage.
The inside of the shop was a mess, to say the least. It was filled with dozens of books lying around with jumbled piles of papers mixed in between. On shelves and nearby tables, potions and ingredients could be found. Many of which Jaune could not identify or even seen before. The rest of the store mimicked this same layout yet in low light from the lamps.
Weiss headed over to a table and began sifting through the ingredients that were out. Jaune stayed near the door but looked around as well. There may have been something he could use here.
"This isn't what I was expecting," Jaune said mindlessly.
"And what were you expecting," Weiss asked, picking up a jar of herbs.
"Oh, you know," Jaune began in a sing-song tone. "Dead bodies, an eye of a newt, maybe a large cauldron filled with blood? A few seemingly attractive women who would then turn into monsters once they realised we were here?"
Weiss gave him a look of disbelief, staring at him with an open mouth. Jaune couldn't tell if she was more confused or shocked as to what he thought.
"I'm kidding," Jaune backpedalled. "I was expecting more glassware."
There actually wasn't a lot of that here. For the number of potions for sale, Jaune expected there to be an entire lab dedicated to that. Maybe they just did not keep it down on the first floor?
"Hugh," Weiss sighed, shaking her head before going back to shopping. "Other than your fantasies concerning magic shops. You may want to find some spell tomes. They might come in handy for your next match."
Jaune forgot she was in the crowd. It would have been embarrassing had he outright lost without taking out his opponent. However, Jaune thought he put up a good fight.
"I'm guessing you were watching then," Jaune asked, picking up a spell tome.
"Of course I was," she replied with force behind her words. "I watch every match and remember their moves in the event they are my opponents. I also think of methods that would allow them to win. This is where I agree with Professor Goodwitch's analysis of your match today. Had you cast your ability two seconds earlier, then you would have won."
"I see..."
So I was that close to winning? I really need to get better at that!
"However," Weiss continued, packing some pink powder into a jar. "No one can doubt your abilities in battle. Most of your opponents are far more powerful than you, and yet you can compete on the same level as them." She looked up at him. "Take that as a compliment. I don't think the other Knights see it the same way."
Jaune would have blushed a few weeks ago had she said that to him then. Now... It still felt good to receive praise from a princess of all people.
"Thanks," Jaune confidently replied, setting the tome back down. "Nice to see you're confident in my abilities!"
Weiss purchased her goods and began walking back over to him. "I do," she affirmed. "You're merely reckless to no end, which is why you are the one getting tossed around during our quests. That can be corrected, albeit at a later time." She reached for the door. "But we should return to Beacon for now. Then we can plan on more quests."
"Sure, why not..."
[Beacon Courtyard]
It was getting closer to dusk as Weiss and Jaune arrived back at the Academy. A few students here and there, but most of them were probably inside their rooms or out training. The Paladin and Mage were practically by themselves with the distribution of the student body.
On their walk back, the two occupied themselves with a conversation, debating aspects of the world primarily. The two had also stopped to grab food in the meantime as neither had eaten for a while. Both enjoying the free time away from Beacon.
"So," Jaune began. "I think we should head out on a quest tomorrow. I'm running light on Lien."
Mainly because I spent most of it.
All the items Jaune purchased today left him with a few hundred Lien. He needed to restock his coffers before any other big purchases.
"I agree," Weiss said, cupping her chin. "Ruby wouldn't say no to a quest. I could use the Lien too."
"Tomorrow then," Jaune asked, rubbing the back of his head. "Maybe something a bit harder than the last quest?"
"I think that's a great idea..."
I can go to bed now! I have to be an adult and do adult things like go to work! So chapters may be a little slower coming out until I can get used to it.
Class: Paladin
"Gather 'round, Paladins!"
"There is a difference between the other classes and us! When those Knights and Chevaliers fled at first sight of monsters! You were the ones to take their place! You walked right up to those monsters and wrapped your hands around those fucker's necks! And you did not stop there! Killing everything in your way until there was nothing left!"
"That is the difference between them and us. Those bastards who were too busy keeping themselves in food and wool can keep all the glory and fame for themselves! Boasting about their deeds as if they sacrificed something!"
"We fight to keep the people safe! To keep the Drowners out of the latrines and Goblins from ploughing our milkmaids! Knowing that no other class has our virtue! Our dedication to our craft!"
Level Nineteen
Strength 36 (+2)
Agility 19 (+1)
Defence 25 (+1)
Perception 29 (+1)
Constitution 35 (+1)
Intelligence 43 (+1)
Charisma 23 (+1)
Willpower 16 (+1)
...
Abilities
Arclight
A high-intensity explosion of light, equivalent to that of the sun. Burns the flesh of undead and magical entities. Momentarily blinds living and non-magical entities. Sudden magical intensity can cause affected to flee regardless of status.
Active Debuff:
Turn and Face The Sun!
Longinuslanze Testament
A most unholy weapon. Forged by our lord to answer to only one master. He who has the will to dominate such a blade.
It shall sunder any armour. It shall never miss its mark. It shall grow with your own strength. Its holy light searing all who stand to oppose it.
In turn, you shall become vulnerable to attacks whilst wielding this unholy relic. It shall challenge your mastery by forcing you to fight at your full strength.
Active Debuff:
Turn and Face The Sun!
...
Passive: Magister's Lament
Your Passive is a double-edged sword. While you may proficiently cast magic beyond the limits of your Willpower. It is limited in other instances. Not being able to cast harmful offensive magic or any magic on yourself.
...
Miscellaneous Knowledge/Buffs/etc.
Monster Slayer
Spent years studying the various monsters of Remnant. Knows the different species and taxonomy of each known creature. Understands the weaknesses of most known monsters.
Armour and Weapons Smith
Worked a forge for his entire life. Jaune is able to judge the composition of metals, and know the condition of his weapons and armour.
...
Gear:
Jaune's Breastplate
Level Seventeen
Materials: 2% Silicon, 0.60% Carbon, Remainder is Steel and Leather
Minimum Stat Requirements:
Strength: 32
Agility: 16
Defence: 22
Constitution: 30
Eagle's Armour
Level Twenty Eight
Materials: Unknown Alloy Ratio of Enchanted Steel and Corundom, Carbon Steel, and Leather
Minimum Stat Requirements:
Strength: 57
Agility: 25
Defence: 30
Constitution: 39
Buffs:
This specific alloy of steel and corundom is less dense than normal steel while just as hard. It has a strength to weight ratio similar to menachanite allowing the user to build a thicker armour without sacrificing for weight.
This armour was also specially built for you. The measurements fit your body exactly, allowing it to be worn as a second skin granting a tremendous degree of flexibility.
Crocea Mors
Level Seventeen
Materials: 0.50% Carbon, 0.60% Manganese, The Remainder of the Materials are Steel, and Leather
Strength: 34
Agility: 15
Perception: 26