This bitch took way too long to write!

I had no motivation to write anything last week! I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I managed to force myself to write like 1,000 words of this, but I stopped there.

But now! I have the motivation to work back!

The next chapter I'm going to write is Day 14 of The Lengths We Must Go To. I told myself I wanted to get that out before I wrote anything else after this chapter.

Also. I'm assigning themes to fights now. Those will be added onto the songs I have already chosen like: God of War, Vogel Im Kafig, any Witcher 3 OST, any Berserk OST, and Bleach Hell Verse OST. I will drop the song name in a set of brackets like this.

[Geralt of Rivia]

That will be the song I assign to this fight. You can then look it up and listen to it.

But this chapter is part filler for the next series of events to kick off the plot and the beginning of Jaune going downhill from here.

We also don't pussyfoot around violence here at Thisdudeintheback publishing. We are men of culture!

By men. It's actually man. Because there's only one dude sitting behind this computer. I don't have like three other guys looking over my shoulder discussing how to describe the flavour of a peach. It's just me.

One last thing! I have been working on drawing up a new path for one of my older stories. To Those Who Survived The Fall. It will keep the central themes of Jaune losing his family and getting turned into post-eclipse Guts or pre-Priestess Goblin Slayer. But I have decided to work at it from a different angle as to how Jaune arrives at Beacon.

Whiteshale

If Jaune had to guess, the town was named after the sheer white cliffs bordering all sides of the village. The set of dwellings was positioned atop a small plateau above the forest. Several more of these rock formations were connected to each other through rope and wood bridges. All had some form of a structure with what looked like the keep taking its own.

The pillars that the city rested upon were formed from an entirely different rock. Jaune had no idea what it was. He was no geologist. However, the rounded columns had seen much abuse over the years as erosion took hold and reduced some sections to rubble.

It was one of the more unusual villages he had seen. Most of the towns Jaune, Weiss, and Ruby visited were the usual thatch or wattle and daub structures. That and they were built upon the ground. This city was constructed on what could be described as semi-cylindrical towers. A bridge was needed to ascend to the upper layers of the elevated fortress.

Or the staircase carved into the side of the pillar. However, there were a few hundred steps that one had to ascend along with the fact they were only meant for use by a single column of people. They didn't look to be in great shape, either.

"This is it," Weiss asked, sceptical of the village before her. "I was expecting something ordinary." It didn't sound like she was impressed. But that was Weiss. It was difficult to impress her in most instances.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Ruby chirped loudly, earning a few looks from nearby pedestrians. "This place is amazing!" She quickly ran up to the edge of the bridge. "I've never seen anything like this!"

Neither have I.

Jaune looked upwards, getting a feel of the massive structure before him. The pillars absolutely dwarfed everything below them. The people looking downwards seemed like ants in comparison.

Even the market place hiding in the shadow of the pillars looked minuscule. This bazaar was nothing to laugh at either. It was on par with Vale's yet more chaotic and fast-paced than the capital city. The massive sprawl of tents and awnings ran amock with lanterns or torches lighting the way. All dwarfed by the stone structure above.

"Have you seen anything like this, Weiss," Jaune asked, turning to the Mage. "Any unusual geographical features of Solitas?"

Vale had a number of places like Whiteshale. Sanus, as a whole, had even more. Many still remained unconfirmed, but Jaune's books detailed the Natural Wonders of Remnant quite vividly.

Stories of lost cities or natural landmarks that could play a tune with the right gust of wind. Those often went alongside a dashing heroic-type who outsmarted enemies with mere wit before sliding through a closing stone door to safety just as their enemy was crushed beneath it. Jaune ate those stories up during his childhood.

As a kid, Jaune also wanted to go out and find one of these treasures to bring back a story for him to regale the citizens of Bar with. That went alongside his dreams of being a knight at first before his father sullied that opportunity. However, now that he was independent of his father, Jaune could do whatever he wanted.

Money was still an issue that acted as an obstacle to his dreams, but Jaune could sort that out after he graduated.

"Hmm," she hummed, thinking of an answer to Jaune's question. "Well, there is a natural cave system running throughout one of Atlas' largest mountains." Weiss cupped her chin as she thought about it a bit more. "Pre-Golden Age Atlesian's used the caves as a shelter and even carved out a massive city in the lower sections. Most of it is in ruins right now, but my father sent me with an entire battalion of soldiers to survey the city."

"Woah, that's cool," Ruby exclaimed turning to the Mage with her usual giddy expression. "Did you find any gold or jewels? Or something really cool like a dragon?!"

Finding an ancient mythical creature chained down in the depths of a lost city would make for an exciting adventure. The Quests I'm going on right now are fun enough, but you got to shake it up every once in a while. Add some danger to spice it up!

"I'm surprised you had to bring along an entire battalion to escort you," Jaune added on. "From what I've seen... you don't really need one."

Weiss was strong enough in her own right to not need that many soldiers to protect her. Hell, she didn't even need Jaune to watch over her that often either. This allowed him to take a more proactive role in Quests while she offered support with spells.

"To answer your questions," Weiss began, turning to Ruby. "No, we did not find anything of extreme value. The ruins had been picked clean by looters decades before our expedition. I was more interested in judging whether or not the structure's integrity remained intact and able to be lived in by miners and their families. It had some minor issues, but the royal engineers saw to making repairs." She turned to Jaune. "However, this was almost two years ago. I was not as adept with my spell casting as I am now. Any number of my father's enemies would have taken that as an opportunity to unseat an heir." She said the last half of her explanation with an unfaltering tone despite the dangers she could have been in. Only someone who had been used to an ever-present threat to their lives could have said this without faltering.

"I see," Jaune said in understanding, nodding to the Heiress.

It was impressive that she went to those lengths to secure a source of revenue for her kingdom. When describing how she wanted to use the old city for citizens, Weiss almost seemed proud about it. More of a genuine pride you get from doing something right. Not that haughty pride Jaune found when he first met the Mage.

"But, we are merely wasting time here," Weiss continued, taking the first steps up the bridge. "The Quest Giver is waiting for us to arrive, and I would rather not keep them waiting."

[Upper District]

Finally making it to the top of the three hundred metre stone bridge. Jaune and his party found themselves in another market place. Although this one was more structured than the chaotic bazaar below.

"There are a lot more merchants here than I expected," Weiss commented, glancing at the obscene amount of tradesmen.

All around the party were either citizens going about their normal business or merchants peddling their goods. A few on occasion were dragging a wagon behind them.

Those who looked like regular citizens were merely peasants. Most seemed to be in decent health, but many seemed very poor when compared to the merchants. Dressed in rags with dirt coating their clothing.

"Yeah," Ruby agreed, pulling a map from her pack. "It's the largest town south of the White Mountains and north of Vale."

"What else about it," Jaune asked, quizzing her.

Ruby had begun joining Jaune and Weiss in the library for their study sessions. The girl was quick to pick up new things with a little bit of reading. That was if you could get her to focus, which was not difficult most of the time. A glare from Weiss was enough to set her back on track.

Her being two years younger than most other heroes was most likely the reason why Ruby was behind on her studies. She may have been training longer than Jaune in combat, but studying was just as important. That was something you needed to spend more time on.

Although, Jaune still didn't know why she entered the Academy two years before most of the others had. Almost everyone else was around seventeen or bordering on eighteen years old. However, that was Ruby's business and Jaune's to speculate on. If she wanted to tell him, then she could do so when she felt that it was the right time.

"It's also a fortified city," she explained. "More merchants come here to trade because it is a safe place. There's also a bunch of people! So there should be more money."

"Yep," Jaune agreed. "It's a natural castle."

Vale was also a natural fortress. Surrounded on all sides by mountains and large rivers, making it challenging to begin a siege. The presence of an academy with the sole purpose of training warriors also made Vale a rather expensive item on the menu.

Any army would have to throw away lots of bodies and coin just to take cities such as Vale and Whiteshale.

"We could also see what these merchants are peddling," Weiss suggested, changing the topic before glancing at a trader's stand. "Goods here should be cheaper since we are no longer in the capital."

Weiss would have been correct to assume that. Taxes were a lot worse in Vale than in Bar. Jaune found that out when the price of a steel sword jumped up from a hundred Lien to nearly five-hundred Lien.

"Oooo, we should do that after we talk to... what's his face," Ruby said, having forgotten the name of the contractor.

"Colonel Balderich," Weiss reminded her politely.

Something that Jaune had noticed for some time now was how Weiss no longer snapped at him or Ruby. Except in some instances where one of the two messed up. Other than that, Weiss was quickly becoming more and more pleasant to be around.

"Yeah, him," Ruby replied to the Heiress.

"We'll probably find him in the keep," Jaune suggested. "I don't see the barracks anywhere around here, so we should try there first."

Jaune pulled out the quest parchment from his satchel.

By order of, His Majesty, The King of Vale and all its holdings.

Colonel Balderich of the Whiteshale garrison has petitioned the heroes of Vale for assistance. Recently, several traders and villagers have reported sightings of giant spiders in the area. The militia suspects there to be a nesting ground for the arachnids and is offering a sum of two thousand Lien for their extermination.

"Yes," Weiss agreed. "Leaders of the local garrison will be close to the Lord, advising them on military affairs. He was most likely delegated with the task of finding adventurers to deal with it."

"So, the keep it is then..."

[Castle Keep]

The gorge between the keep's tower and the one the rest of the market place rested on was nearly fifty feet across. Looking down into said chasm led to a roughly eighty-foot plummet to the ground below. Luckily there was a bridge made from stone and wood and not some rickety rope bridge they had to cross to get here.

Ruby hesitantly peeked over the edge, keeping most of her body away from it. "That's a big drop," she squeaked, pulling away from the cliff.

"No kidding," Jaune agreed, taking his own look.

He could see the bazaar underneath the overhang. Everyone down there just looked like small black blobs walking around. Jaune had to resist the temptation to hock a loogie down upon them.

"What do you think, Weiss," Jaune asked, getting no reply. "Weiss?" He turned around to see the Heiress standing several feet away from chasm. The look on her face suggested that she did not want anything to do with this.

"Are you afraid of heights," Ruby asked, playfully, suspicious, yet not mocking.

"NO," the Mage nearly shouted. "I just don't like that!" She pointed at the edge of the cliff.

"Oh, where's your sense of adventure," Ruby excitedly replied.

"Yeah, Weiss," Jaune teased.

Weiss glared at the two of them. "My sense of adventure ends when there is the potential to fall to my death," she angrily replied. "What if the whole cliffside broke off beneath our feet?!"

Being afraid of heights and not being able to swim. Weiss was turning out to be a bonified land-dweller at this rate.

"I don't think any of us weigh enough to break the rock," Jaune countered. "Maybe the edge if you jumped on it?" He stepped even closer to the edge.

"Please get away from there, both of you," Weiss begged, moving even further away from the cliffside. "It's making me anxious, just watching!"

Jaune stepped away from the edge, closer to Weiss. "Fine," he said in mock exasperation, slumping his shoulders. "You're no fun!"

"I will not deign to give you a response," Weiss replied, turning to the bridge. "We need to cease these childish acts and meet with the Colonel!" She began heading for the Keep, Jaune and Ruby followed behind her.

...

Finally crossing the bridge, Jaune, Ruby, and Weiss stood before the gates of the manor. It wasn't as much a manor as a palace, following the Baroque style of architecture. There had to be around a hundred or so rooms in this structure. Outside, lush gardens and fountains decorated the front and sides of the lawn. Going further, the entire compound was surrounded by a beautifully crafted wrought iron fence.

Jaune couldn't even begin to guess what the inside of the place looked like. He took back what he said about Samson's castle. In fact, the Knight's wealth didn't even compare to whoever owned this place.

"The Lord of this city is clearly arrogant and a terrible ruler," Weiss spat. Her tone almost sounded like she was disgusted.

"What makes you say that," Ruby confusedly asked. Both she and Jaune turned towards the Mage.

"Speaking from experience, Weiss," Jaune added on.

The Mage nodded to the Paladin.

"Any ruler who spends this much money on extravagant living quarters is more than likely neglecting affairs of state," she explained, gesturing with her hands. "Look at the people living down below and the houses in the residential area."

Easily thrown together wattle and daub huts. Many seemingly having nothing more than the clothes on their back. All the signs of those who lived in poverty.

"But most of them are barely scraping by," Jaune concluded. "I saw that when we were in the market place. Most of the people around here are paupers. The merchants and Lord keep all of the coin to themselves."

"I did too," Ruby agreed, turning to face the gate of the manor. "Then why are there no guards?"

The front gate to the palace was wide open. No soldiers in sight. Not even a fresh tobacco pipe someone could have been smoking out of.

"She's right," Weiss said. "We should be careful." The Mage started heading for the door. Jaune and Ruby followed behind. The former's hand firmly wrapped around his sword.

...

Jaune and Ruby pushed open the doors to the chateau. The thick white and blue doors gave way to the inside of the manor.

Empty as well. No surprise there.

All three of the heroes stepped inside, keeping the doors open behind them. None had any idea of what was going on; thus, an escape was needed just in case.

Jaune's eyes quickly darted around the foyer. The walls were in the same scene as the front door. A thick layer of blue and white paint coated them along with a healthy amount of gold leaf. On those walls were dozens of paintings of various size although many had been taken down and were being packaged.

"Why is nobody here," Ruby asked nervously. "Shouldn't there be a servant or someone to stop us."

Jaune had never been inside of a chateau before, but in Bar, there was always someone to greet citizens at the Lord's manor. The lack of anybody here to receive them was concerning.

"Because they were all sent away," a booming voice spoke up from the top of the stairs. It was deep, holding a thick, gruff tone.

Jaune and company turned to face the origin of the voice. It was a man. Older, maybe in his fifties. Greying hair cut short yet still full of volume. Combed to the side haphazardly. His face was wrinkled due to his age but remained muscular with a deep cheek gaunt. He wore a uniform in the Valish style. One that hugged his form, but was not very tight on him. A brown and blue shirt, jacket paired with leather pants and knee-high boots.

"Might I ask, do my guards allow anybody to wander inside the keep," he began, taking his first few steps down the stairs. "I'm sure the three of you would find yourselves right at home... in the castle dungeon for trespassing on a military stronghold?"

"Umm... there were no guards," Jaune spoke up. "We're heroes from Beacon Academy." He turned to face the man, sword in hand. Jaune was afraid this guy might actually toss them into the dungeon for walking right in.

"Of course there were no guards," the man sighed, finally reaching the bottom of the stairs. "I do apologise for that." He adjusted his posture, standing straight up. "My name is Colonel Balderich with the Valish Army 2nd Infantry Division. I presume you are here for the Giant Spider Contract?"

The way this man spoke. It was not like a soldier or someone who was from this part of Vale. Balderich was from a higher class. Educated or at least from the nobility.

"Yes," Weiss took over the conversation. "We were hoping to discuss details of the contract... including where we may rest for the night."

He nodded to the Mage. "Right this way then," he gestured to another chamber. "We have a map laid out in the war room."

...

The room they were in now looked to be the study. Repurposed for other means, having a large map of the area laid out on a table. On the other side of the room, a desk covered in stacks of paper acted as the focal points of the furniture.

Balderich stood across from the three students planting his hands down on the war map. "I never got your names," he stated.

Jaune stepped out in front. "Jaune Arc, Weiss Schnee, and Ruby Rose," he replied, going middle, left, then right.

The older man nodded to the three. "I see," he said softly. "Then, we should begin." He grabbed a small flag and planted it inside of a forested area. "Recently, we have noticed there was an increased presence of Giant Spiders. While this wouldn't be an issue normally as they are less dangerous than Goblins. They have begun attack passing merchants and pilgrims heading to and from the town. Several girls have gone missing as well, with traces of spider activity in the area they were in." He laid several other pieces out on the map. "As you have probably figured out... this city is a trading hub as well as the last stopping point for pilgrims heading to the White Mountains. And with the roads becoming more dangerous, trade has suffered. "

The roads around this city are the veins that pump lifeblood in and out of the area. Cutting off or stifling the flow of the coin and goods would cause issues for a town reliant on trade. Jaune could see how a few spiders may have been causing problems, but there was one other thing bothering him.

"Why hasn't the military or the town guard taken care of this," Jaune interrupted politely. He wasn't trying to offend the man by saying he couldn't do his job. It was an honest question. "If spiders are not an issue, then something else is."

Balderich nodded, taking a deep breath in. "Last week, my men and I hung the nobleman overseeing this territory," he explained, standing up straight.

"I knew it," Weiss mumbled.

"He had dealings with the local bandit clans," he continued, ignoring the Heiress. "Taking cuts of their plunder in exchange for impunity. I used to serve under him as his military commander. When I learned of this... I presented my findings to the King and was given the order to string him up outside the town square. Since then, I have recruited most of the town guard to hunt those bandits. Which led to us being stretched thin and allowed those spiders to take up nesting. Leading to me having to send a letter out to call for a professional."

Weiss was correct it seemed. Jaune had to ask how she knew this. There was probably a story behind it.

"At least you stopped him," Ruby spoke up finally. The other members of her party turned to her. "If he kept taking money from the bandits and letting them rob the people, there could have been a revolt."

Ruby was correct about that. Nobles that only care about coin flowing in and not giving a damn about their people always led to that. Full-scale rebellions or assassinations would quickly follow one another until a stable government could be put together.

Jaune had read about something like that happening. The entire noble class of the city was sent to the guillotine for it.

"Thank you," he replied before anything else could be spoken. "Many of the tradesmen gave me grief about it. They were receiving tax exemptions from the noble, but that was stopped when the military took over." He shrugged his shoulders. "However, that is for me to worry about. You adventurers have your own job to do. I can have one of the scribes draw up a map for you by tomorrow. Is that alright with you?"

"That is fine," Weiss agreed immediately. "We were planning on picking up some things from the market place anyway. But what about sleeping arrangments? An inn that we could rent a room from?"

"Ah, yes," Balderich said loudly. "There is an inn... that the military had acquired a few days ago. The kitchen burned out some time ago and went out of business, but there should be an empty room I can reserve for the three of you. For food, most people that can afford it go to the Black Friar. You adventurers should have no problem."

Yeah, I'm kind of broke...

Jaune had given up or spent the last of his Lien. He had a few coins to his name, but that was only going to get him a small cut of dried goat. If he opened up his coin purse, it was likely that a ball of lint would come tumbling out of there instead of coin.

[Market Place]

Jaune wandered through the marketplace aimlessly. He, Ruby, and Weiss had decided to split up so they could find whatever they needed. Jaune, however, didn't want to buy or, more accurately, need to buy anything right now.

There was no worry about having to pay for dinner. Jaune covered their last meal since he seemed to have the most Lien on him all the time from his first dungeon run. It didn't feel right to have Ruby; who was always the one scraping by, pay for meals. He and Weiss alternated between buying meals. Now, Jaune could just mooch off of Ruby or Weiss this time.

He looked down at a weapons stand, perusing this merchant's wares. A few lovely items here and there. A black and silver mace caught his eye, but from the look of it, the price seemed a little high.

This brought Jaune back to when he first arrived in Vale. Everything was so expensive. That and he was broke once again, which was his fault. So, really, nothing had changed over the last two months.

Pulling himself away from the weapons, Jaune turned to face the crowds. Now that he was down here and could get a good look around, it became quite apparent how bad things were.

The people weren't just poor. They were living in squalor. Waste littered the streets ranging from human waste to dead animals. Beggars lined the sidewalks. Men, women, and children all seemed to be the victims.

The disparity in living conditions flowed downwards as did the waste. Merchants and the town's noblemen lived in great-beautiful houses while others lived in what would barely qualify as huts. Those who had homes were far better off than those who had to live out on the streets.

Even in Vale, things were not as bad. Jaune hadn't seen much out in the open unlike here in Whiteshale. However, he had expected to see more in the capital city. They must have been better at hiding it.

Jaune turned away from the disgusting sight. It sickened him to see people having to live like this, but there was little he could do about it. He was only one man without any resources to make a change.

I need to get out of here...

As he turned back towards the market place, Jaune caught a glimpse of Weiss. She was looking at something. Another stand with a merchant behind it trying to sell her something.

I wonder what she's looking at.

He approached, curious as to what she was searching for. As he grew closer, Jaune realised Weiss was looking at jewellery. Dozens of golden or silver pieces each held their own place in the menagerie. Furthermore, the variety of jewels was even greater.

This sight was a significant contrast to the state of Whiteshale. The market place and streets of the city were the antitheses of each other. A town that was disgusting on one hand yet beautiful, pristine, and gleaming on the other. Guess which side people tried to pay attention to?

He stepped up to Weiss' flank. The girl seemed to be distracted as she examined the baubles. Jaune doubted she even knew he snuck up on her. He had seen that spaced-out look she held when focusing on something.

"Looking to add to the collection," Jaune asked, bending slightly to look at a necklace. The golden pendant shimmered in the bright light. On the end of the chain, there was a small ruby that almost glowed.

Jaune figured that since she was a princess, she ought to have a substantial pile of jewellery laying around. He had only seen Weiss wearing the small pendant around her neck and those square earrings. Not to mention the tiara that she always wore.

Weiss shot a quick glance at him. "Maybe," she answered. "I was studying the differences between Atlesian and Valish jewellery. Not that you would know."

"Ow," Jaune uttered, rubbing his chest lightly. "Way to drive the dagger deeper, Weiss." He sounded sarcastic to himself, which is what he had been going for.

She was correct. Jaune didn't know the first thing about Atlesian jewellery or jewellery in general. The only piece of jewellery he owned was given to him by his grandmother. A small golden ring.

Which Jaune realised he forgot it back home.

"I did not suggest you were uncultured," Weiss backpedalled, sounding almost embarrassed. "Although that may be the appropriate term to use at times. But, you clearly don't fixate on jewellery as much as you do weapons and armour."

"Ok."

She has a point.

"Atlesian jewellers prefer more intricate and delicate pieces," she explained, pulling out her necklace. The small silver chain twinkling in the light. "Valish jewellery is often more robust and uses more material." She backed away from the stand with Jaune following. "But I was looking for something with an enchantment on it, and didn't see anything I liked."

"Why do you want to buy something with an enchantment," Jaune asked. Then realising it was a dumb question he quickly thought of something else. "I figured you might already have a lot of those... with you being a princess and all."

"I do," she replied casually. "However, I wished to leave those at home." She ended her reasoning as to why. Jaune wasn't going to push. It was her decision, after all.

"I see..."

"And while there are a few pieces that had decent enchantments," Weiss continued. Her speech coming out quicker than usual. "I did not wish to purchase anything from the merchants of this city. Especially after what I saw in the streets." Her tone grew angrier. Almost spitting the words out.

"You saw all of that too," Jaune asked apprehensively, rubbing the back of his head.

The images of the beggars came to the forefront of his mind. Many looked too sick or weak to even attempt working. The children were the worst out of all of them. They resembled skeletons more than people.

Those images spoiled Jaune's good mood. He was angry for them. That they had to live like animals. Those were people that had been cast aside by those who had the coin to do something about it.

"Of course I did," she nearly shouted. "A blind man could have seen the state this city is in! Or at least smelt it!" Weiss brought her arm up towards her nose, shielding it from the stench. "I hope Balderich can do something about it. These people deserve better."

That was something both could agree on.

[Tavern: Night]

Jaune watched the tavern-goers from the sideline. It was like his first night back in Westberg all over again. Before he...

Let's not think about that!

Jaune purged the thought. He didn't want to bring up those feelings again. Until recently, it had been all negative emotions. Jaune needed to lighten up a bit more.

He turned to see Ruby yapping about something to Weiss. The Mage did seem to be trying her best to listen to the other girl. Although Jaune hadn't the first clue as to what she was talking about. To him, Weiss' almost seemed bored with the conversation.

Jaune took another sip of his drink. This was his third tankard of beer in about an hour. It was enough to give him a buzz, but not enough to get him tossed. Something to wipe what he had seen in the marketplace out of his mind.

He and Weiss found Ruby spending her Lien to buy bread for some kids earlier. Jaune would have applauded her for it had his mood not been so sour lately. In comparison, Ruby's always so chipper mood hadn't even begun to falter.

Combined with her good nature, buying starving kids bread. Ruby was hero material through and through. She was someone people could really look up to. Better than himself.

The best Jaune could do was to drink himself stupid tonight, and then take care of those spiders in the morning. That would get the pressure off the town guard and let them worry about aid instead of carnivorous mega-fauna. Then he could use his reward for somethi-

"Jaune," the mousey voice of Ruby spoke up, bringing him out of thoughts. Both she and Weiss were staring directly at him. Jaune had no clue for how long though.

"Yeah," he answered, trying to sober up enough to form a proper sentence.

"Oh, you looked like you spaced out for a second," Ruby continued, turning her body towards him. "I wanted to ask... what is Bar like?"

The question came as a bit of a surprise to him. They never bothered to ask about his home before.

"You do mention it at times," Weiss commented. "But never in detail. Only speaking of this, 'Count.'"

Jaune snorted, taking another swig. "Bar... it's nice," he tried his best to explain it to them.

Nice didn't even begin to describe the city. For the longest time, it was the only place he ever knew. That all changed after Jaune made his decision.

"Do they have a castle," Ruby excitedly asked. Jaune wasn't sure about her fascination with about castles, but he would entertain the question nonetheless.

"Well... it..." Jaune's words trailed away as he noticed something out of the corner of his eye.

A group of four men sat at a table on the opposite side of the room. They were positioned right in the middle of the tavern. Their laughing and banter could be heard from across the way easily.

Their leader was a short and very stout man, bearing a buzz cut for hair. His face resembled that of a pig's, frankly. He was just too goddamned ugly for anybody but his mother to love.

The others. A short man built like a twig, sucking down a tankard of ale. Two taller men that looked relatively normal. One with long hair and the build of a brick wall. The final had curly hair and a thick moustache to boot.

"So I says to him," the leader began, taking a swig. His drunken slur made his boorishly thick accent even thicker. "You cannot expect me to work without pay!" The man raised his right hand while explaining. "The fucker hired me to muscle goods out the hands of these merchants! And when the fucking military trotted through, he turned tail and ran."

"You got cheated," the tall one spoke up.

"Yeah, that's right," the leader agreed. "I didn't even get one copper for my trouble." He slammed his tankard down onto the table. "And if that wasn't bad enough, the fucking military raised taxes on everything! How am I supposed to buy food now?! I've got these tabs to worry about on top of it!"

"Leave town," the moustached one said. His accent was much more refined. Deeper yet nowhere nearly as boorish. "Head south... there's more gold flowing in from the southern border."

"Aye," the leader raised his voice. "There's nothing a new city can't cure!" He downed the rest of his ale. "Another round for me and my mates!"

"Coming," a barmaid shouted in reply. The fox-faunus started heading their way. Her burnt orange hair swayed from side to side as she navigated the tavern. A cheerful smile reminiscent of Velvet's or Ruby's was the centrepiece.

She stopped at their table with a platter carrying multiple tankards or flagons aboard. The latter of which was used to top their drinks off. Just as she finished filling them, one of the men reached for her arm.

"Well-well-well," the leader growled suggestively, grabbing her arm hard. "What do we have here?"

"U-Um," the girl stuttered, wincing at the pressure of the man's grip. The lower half of her arm started turning red as blood pooled there with no way to return. Her face was frozen in fear; not able to anything else but stare back at the man.

Jaune's blood started to boil, slowly tightening a knot in his stomach to an excruciating degree. The pain made him feel as though he wanted to pass out, but he didn't. His hands started shaking mildly in coincidence with the flurry of emotions and anger running through his veins.

Nobody else was doing anything to stop this! There were dozens of people sitting around this table, and they all looked the other way! They chose to willingly ignore a person in need when they could have done something about it.

"What is a beauty like you doing here," he asked in a sultry tone of voice, licking his lips. "My mates and I can keep you company. What say you? Shall we quit this place and find a nice quiet spot in the forest?" His other free hand reach down to grope her, causing the girl to flinch at the second touch.

Jaune's lips pulled back, baring his teeth. That knot in his stomach snapped, letting his emotions spill over. The sound of his heart beating deafened the room around him.

"Jaune," Ruby squeaked as she looked up at him.

"Stay here," he ordered, growling the words before looking down at the girls. "Both of you."

He stood up, pushing his chair away from him. The alcohol in his veins served as the fuel for his actions, destroying the thin vale his emotions had hidden behind. Every smidgeon of anger threw themselves from the depths where Jaune had long since cast them, surfacing at the forefront of his mind.

He slowly shuffled over to their table, forcefully pushing past any others around him. Jaune's eyes focused solely on that fat piece of shit's face. Those buck-teeth hanging between his fat nose and double chin.

His only thought was to break it.

His footsteps quickened to close the gap between him and the other man. Before they even realised Jaune's presence, he raised his right foot up and stomp-kicked the bandit in the face. The sound of his boot-clad foot turning the bandit's nose into shattered glass silenced the tavern.

The bandit tumbled from the chair he sat in with a muffled scream, gripping his face as blood spilt from his broken nose and mouth. He let go of the girl simultaneously, allowing her to scurry off to safety.

Jaune pressed on, kicking the bandit's hands away before pressing his boot against the man's cheek. He ground the leather sole side to side, eliciting more pained cries from the bandit.

"How does it feel," Jaune shouted at the bandit. Small drops of saliva flew from his mouth with every word. "You can't pick on girls when you're tasting the shit on my boot!"

Jaune didn't care if he looked like the bad guy to everyone around him. He didn't care about what Ruby and Weiss thought of him. The red mist had taken its hold.

Before he could go further, a massive fist clocked Jaune square in the jaw, sending him reeling from the blow. It threw him away from the bandit leader and into another table. Jaune caught his footing as he crashed into it, knocking over the contents of the various vessels resting atop.

Jaune tasted blood in his mouth. That repulsive metallic bitterness washed over his tongue, trickling out, over his lip, and down onto his chin.

He wiped the blood away, leaving a streak of the gore to stain his shirt. But Jaune didn't care. He couldn't feel any of this. There was no pain. Only rage.

"You little fuckin' SHITE," the leader snarled angrily. His mates heaved him off the ground and onto his feet. "Yer gonna pay for that one!"

"Let's see it then," Jaune taunted in reply, holding out his arms. "I'm not some merchant you can just push around!"

[Steel For Humans]

He entered the orthodox boxing stance. Jaune put his right hand up to his cheek, raising his left to shield his face. Both feet remained wide and planted with the left one forward exposing the weaker side of his body.

The tavern-goers surrounded the five men. Many cheered for no reason at all. Only encouraging the brawl between then fighters. Ruby and Weiss stood off to the side as well, watching in anticipation.

The bandit leader lunged forward with a haymaker. The right hand came in fast and from his left side. Jaune swatted it away with his left hand in the first direction of motion before the fist could even reach him, causing the bandit to stumble.

Too slow...

Jaune seized the opportunity to get a hit in, tripping the man with his right foot. The bandit's overcompensation for the right hook threw him completely off balance and tumbling down onto his stomach.

Just as Jaune turned back to his other opponents, another fist landed right on his cheek, throwing him back just like before. He planted his feet firmly, catching himself before he was sent to the floor. Jaune quickly reentered his stance just as the moustached man and the small one made their rush.

Come on...

Jaune sidestepped the second blow easily. He reached around to give a forceful push to the man's back, sending him unceremoniously tumbling to the ground. The moustached bandit fell atop the already one man pile forming in the middle of the tavern.

The small man threw a left hook that Jaune ducked under, grabbing the man's head and pulling it down onto his knee. He thrust his leg upwards at the same time to break the man's nose. Blood spilt out from their meeting point as he exhaled with a pain cry.

Casting him aside, Jaune was caught off-guard with another right hook. The blow dazed Jaune enough that he needed a moment to recover. A massive indentation where the knuckles met his cheek remained.

Jaune looked up to see the giant of a man glaring down at him. A great big smile stretched from ear to ear. The giant cocked back his right fist again, launching it straight towards his face.

Oh, shit...

The punch landed dead centre in the middle of his brow. The force behind it sent Jaune falling onto his back. He quickly scampered to his feet just in time for the others to stand.

He was now faced with four very pissed looking bandits. Each probably wanted nothing more than to kick the shit of him and leave Jaune in the gutter to drown in his own blood.

That left Jaune with one solution. Escalate the violence.

The small one rushed forward again, his nose spilling blood out like a fountain. He threw a right hook that landed on Jaune's cheek. He took it willingly, catching the man's arm at the same time.

Jaune seized his forearm with one hand like a vice grip. The other placed right on the man's elbow. With one swift motion, Jaune snapped the limp like a twig. The arm bent itself in the opposite direction it should have, hanging like a piece of cloth in the wind.

The blood-curdling scream that erupted from the man-caused many in the crowd to gasp loudly at it. Some shielded themselves from the sight. Another vomited. Yet, they all watched this as some form of barbaric entertainment.

Jaune tossed the man aside, letting him writhe in pain. He turned to the other men with an imposing glare. His lips pulled back and into a toothy grin.

"Come on," Jaune let out a deep growl, entering his boxing stance.

Next up was the moustached man. He threw one poorly made left hook before following it up with a right. Jaune swiftly avoided both jabs, cocking his head just before they could hit their mark.

He returned the favour with a jab from his right hand, breaking the man's nose. Jaune followed up with a knee to the gut, knocking the wind out of the bandit.

He clamped his hand down over the man's face. The Paladin's fingers held a firm grip on the bandit's cheeks as he dragged him over to a nearby table. Twirling himself, Jaune threw the bandit into the furniture, slamming the man's head through the wooden boards.

The table surrendered underneath the weight of the man's head, and the intensity Jaune threw him with. All leaving the man in a bloody mess of broken teeth and wooden splinters.

Jaune was about to turn back to the others before what felt like a chair crashed into his back. The furniture, like the table, fell into pieces as it gave way.

Ah, fuck!

This time, Jaune was on the floor.

The two bandits glared down at him. One was holding another chair while the other was empty-handed. The fat one must have used the other chair on Jaune. He was standing there, cracking his knuckles while his bandit friend smiled gleefully.

Raising the second chair, the giant looked about ready to bring it down on Jaune's head. The Paladin reacted quickly, grabbing a piece of the chair leg and threw it at the bandit. It flew through the air like a throwing knife, hitting the giant right on the forehead.

Jaune threw himself to his feet, rushing the tall one. He charged with his shoulder first straight into the man's gut, knocking him off balance and down on the ground.

A fist came from the side, the fat one decided to make his move. Jaune slapped it away with his right hand. Sidestepping, he cocked his leg back and stomped on the side of the bandit's knee.

The bone snapped and dislocated immediately. With the sudden loss of a limb, the bandit collapsed down onto the floor. He lay there, screaming as he clutched the broken leg.

Jaune turned to the last bandit. The big one was pushing himself off the ground, attempting to get back into the fight. In two steps, Jaune drew his leg back and kicked the man with the toe of his boot, knocking him out instantly.

Jaune spat out some blood. He stood there above the writhing figures at his feet, breathing heavily. Both fists remained balled as the adrenaline still surged through his veins. His face covered in more of their blood than his own.

A hand grabbed his, pulling him in the direction of the door. Jaune's could make out two figures dragging him out of the tavern.

"I hope you all bleed out," Jaune shouted as he was being dragged from the tavern. "Through your ARSES!"

Longest fight I have ever written! Bitch was a total of twelve hundred words. But I think I did a good job. I'm a bit rusty on action scenes. However, I think it was solid.

We'll pick it up in two weeks when Jaune wakes up with one hell of a hangover. And Weiss smacking him, yelling, "BAKA!"

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