I really hate getting stuck on chapters! I got halfway through this one, and then work got in the way and I lost the motivation to do anything with this story for almost a month. Luckily, I'm done with that job and I'm moving onto part-time work alongside college, so my schedule should be more open. Though, I'm driving back and forth to college which is about an hour long drive.

But I got this chapter done. For the next few, it's going to be more light hearted and fun between our three main protagonists. I also have the first non-Jaune perspective, which goes to Weiss.

However, for the question I posed in the previous chapter about potentially making this story a Jaune x Weiss/Ruby fic. I have seen the reviews, tallied up the numbers, and carried the three.

I've got an idea for you guys which might make anybody on either team hate me. Do remember I'm not a merciful god and don't pity the fool. But I'm going to wait until Jaune gets the girl to reveal the surprise.

[Two Days Later]

"Uggghh," Weiss groaned in her throat.

The girl's body ached with every movement. Just breathing was a task in of itself to perform. Every draw caused her ribcage to cry out in pain. As she reached the height of her exhale, Weiss would fall into a coughing fit that would send bolts of pain shooting throughout her entire body.

She rolled over, trying to take a new position that felt comfortable to sleep in. Her limbs creaking as she lifted herself off the bed. The pain forced Weiss to fall back down onto the mattress and lay on her back. Tears began creeping up along her eyes, threatening to spill over onto her cheeks.

"Huggghhh..."

Despite the pained gasp that erupted from her throat, nobody else in the dorm paid any mind to her. None of her friends were close enough to come to her aid either. Each of them had their own problems to deal with, so why would they come rushing to Weiss' side? Though, the two people who would have were currently not around.

Ruby had been taken to the Headmaster's office to be questioned about the events from the battle. Even with the protest from her older sister, telling Professor Ozpin and Goodwitch she needed some time, the two ignored her and whisked the girl away. Before that, Ruby had not spoken a word to anybody else, remaining in her bed upon Weiss' arrival two days ago. She had not even gotten up with Jaune's notice that he was there.

Weiss wasn't sure what she could have done to change the scenario. With how exhausted her body was, thinking was not a priority. There was not enough energy left within her to come up with a plan. However, she was convinced that Yang and Jaune could have taken care of it together.

Jaune had not told her much about what he and Ruby spoke of on the rooftop. In fact, he hadn't mentioned anything. Weiss could only remember Jaune telling her that he was going to check on Ruby. The rest was mainly a few bouts of poor lucidity mixed with unconsciousness.

He had come to her in the hospital once more to bring her food, but they didn't talk. Jaune only handed her a plate, beckoning she eat something before going to clean Myrtenaster. The taste of the food was wholly ignored in favour of wolfing down the dish in a manner most unlady-like. Jaune not saying a word of judgement or even sharing a glance with the girl.

After Weiss had finished her food, she watched Jaune work his magic with the blade in hand. While his skills were not up to par with Atlesian master smiths, he was undoubtedly more proficient than she. Up to that moment, Weiss had hardly paid any attention to how attentive he was in the craft. It allowed Jaune to genuinely surprise her.

Like when he walked right up to her on their first day at Beacon.

Eerrrgghhh...

Weiss felt a surge of embarrassment flow through her as she thought about that again. Her cheeks set ablaze, burning a bright red made more evident by her pale skin. The feeling of Weiss' heart crashing against her chest echoed louder than the dorm's background noise.

Their first meeting may have been rather rough, which she did regret, but sent the two together in a way she couldn't have ever pictured. Everything that happened after made for one confusing series of events leading up to her current state. Every time she thought about it, Weiss fell into this fit.

That foolish confidence he held when facing somebody of such stature when he had no clue. Jaune addressing her like some random girl to bring along with his group with no sense of duty to grovel before her. Him sitting down next to the Princess in class with zero hesitance.

Just treating her like a normal person.

Weiss felt her stomach tie itself into knots thinking about that. Disregarding the pain she was in, she managed to turn herself over and bury her face in the pillow. The heat coming off her body was beginning to make her sweat. The covers were ditched moments later to compensate.

Why did he have to be so nice?

If Jaune had been a typical knight or hopeful hero, Weiss could have dismissed him without any problems, but his actions made that too difficult. Her low expectations were completely shattered by the nervous young man.

Stupid blonde idiot... Stupid muscles!

Weiss screamed into her pillow, trying to get the images inside her head to disappear. It didn't work and caused her body to cry out in pain once more. She fell flat onto her stomach, finding a somewhat comfortable position to rest in. However, the lack of air and difficulty breathing forced her to roll back over.

Ugggghhhhh!

Laying on her back now, Weiss stared up at the base of Ruby's bunk. Typically, about now the Reaper would have jumped down and begun bothering her about something. A part of her day Weiss missed, frankly. These last two days had been rather lonely without anyone to talk to. Jaune, maybe, but he only came to her to bring her food.

Their last meaningful interaction had been when Jaune brought her back to the dorms. Weiss' inability to walk necessitated that he carried her, which she tried to fight but lost. Jaune then picked her up in his arms and cradled her the entire way back to her bunk in a bride's carry.

She could still remember how it felt to have Jaune's hands on her. Weiss blushed harder as she thought about her body pressing against his abs. Especially when they had to cross that riv-

"Weiss..."

A voice took the Mage out of her thoughts and directed her to a figure standing next to her bed. The sudden appearance of this person startled Weiss, causing her to sit up too quickly. A twinge of pain shooting through her sore muscles. Her mind ignored the pain soon, however, as she recognised it was Ruby.

The Reaper was wearing her adventuring gear. Now clean and free from the disgusting gore that had once covered the girl. Ruby's red cloak had been brought up and over her head to conceal her face. Underneath, Weiss could see about half of her expression, enough to tell her what she needed to know.

Ruby had not come close to recovering from her traumatic experience. A frown marring her lips where there was usually a nervous smile or beaming and cheery grin. She just seemed despondent. Had Weiss been able to see her eyes, she figured they would look tired or ready to burst into tears once more.

"R-Ruby," Weiss replied in a stutter. She was entirely unprepared for this encounter. "I-I didn't see you there!"

Idiot!

Ruby didn't immediately respond to Weiss. She looked around for a half-second before setting her eyes back onto the Heiress. Weiss presuming that she was checking for Yang or any of their friends being around.

"Umm..." she began, pausing to conjure up the courage to ask her question. "Do you want to do something?"

Do something?

"Like what," Weiss asked in confusion.

She was almost lost on the meaning of the question. Ruby had never asked her to go 'do' something. This implied the two going out for some purpose, which the two had done before—those times only through coincidence where they met up in town and stuck together. Never a deliberate excursion as a pair.

Weiss wasn't sure why. It just never came to mind even if she considered Ruby one of her friends like Jaune did with the Reaper. In fact, this was the first time she had so many companions whom Weiss knew better than at an acquaintance level. It took some time getting used to. So, going out with your friends was one of the things she was still learning.

It wasn't like she didn't enjoy it, however.

"Go into Vale," Ruby suggested lowly. "I-I just want to get out of the dorms for a while..." Her hands moved within her cloak, fidgeting with each other. "I know you're still sick, so you don't have to."

Despite the pain in her limbs, Weiss pushed herself onto the edge of the bed. Her legs swung over the side, planting themselves on the ground. The cold wooden boards sent a chill up her spine, making her almost rethink her choices. Weiss then reached over for her boots, slipping both on.

"I'm quite tired of being trapped in here too," Weiss expressed, pulling herself to her feet. "I don't see a reason why not."

Right now, Weiss was still dressed in the shirt and trousers she wore under her robes. The Mage didn't want to bother going to find them as they were still covered in blood. However, she did go into the small chest at the foot of her bed. In there, was her coin purse and a knife, which she grabbed.

"Did you finish speaking to Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch," Weiss continued, tucking the knife into a loop on her belt.

Ruby nodded, turning her head on a swivel once more as she inspected the room. With whatever she was looking for, not within her line of sight, the girl turned her attention back to Weiss. The Mage, however, quickly noticed she seemed awfully paranoid about something at the moment. Her body language and behaviour oozed this visible sign.

The stressor plaguing Ruby's mind had to deal with what the Academy's leadership told both of them. About the supposed curse and a possible conspiracy to break such a thing.

Weiss had not spoken to Jaune about it nor did he reveal anything to her before Ozpin informing the Mage. She was quite surprised to learn about the information herself. A curse hadn't been one of the possibilities that came to her mind. Weiss suspecting the attack was meant to bring down the Academy or to capture mages.

Both of those were objectives that were paramount for an organisation whose aim was to bring down Vale. Destroy the primary garrison of the best warriors in the nation and harness the magical power of their magicians. It was the only logical conclusion Weiss came up with over the last month. With how things were turning out politically between Vale, Atlas, and Mistral, a plan such as this likely existed.

Left with this knowledge for only a day, Weiss had yet to come to any new conclusions of her own. She could only imagine what was going through Ruby's head. If her understanding of the naive girl's mind was thorough enough, Weiss knew it would be a lot to take in all at once. Especially in her condition.

"We should discuss this outside then," Weiss said, turning towards the main entrance of the dorms. Ruby followed behind, matching her pace easily.

...

The pair wandered into the courtyard, strolling past some of the many gardens around campus. Other students were walking around as no classes were taking place, but there was little activity otherwise. The attack had seen to that quite easily. Most of the students were trying to keep their heads down now.

"What did you pick from the vault," Ruby asked.

Weiss reached down to her belt where the knife rested. "This," she explained, handing the dagger to Ruby.

The Reaper examined the knife with a curious look on her face. Her fingers traced the blade, running over the runes carved into the steel. As she reached the handle, Ruby turned the dagger around to examine it. The simple leather grip made up the handle along with the pommel and handguard.

Weiss thought the weapon was more of a shortsword than a knife. The entire thing was almost a foot and a half long. However, Weiss found it to be the best choice for her. Lacking a definite secondary weapon and all that.

The battle had been the foundation for several valuable lessons. The need for an additional weapon was one of them. Weiss' magic and Myrtenaster had not been as useful as she would have thought they'd be. She even lost her sword when she couldn't kill the man attacking Jaune. So, picking this dagger would be a step in the right direction. At least until she could improve her skills and weapons further.

"It's nice," Ruby complimented, returning the blade.

It is...

Steel dagger

Enchantment: Fire

Twin runes implanted into blade allows for a moderate amount of fire damage.

"What about you," Weiss asked in return. "You were able to go down into the vault. I couldn't..."

Ruby got excited, letting out a light gasp. She turned and dug into her pack, looking for whatever she had been given. The sounds of metal clanking together filled the air as she searched.

"Found it," she exclaimed in her typical cheerful tone. Ruby then handed the object to Weiss.

It looked to be a whetstone—the dark blue rectangular cube emblazoned with several runes of various design. Weiss could feel the magic pouring off the stone. Enough so, it sent a tingling sensation through her hand as she grasped onto it.

Magic Whetstone

Enchantment: Applies a random magical effect (Fire, Ice, and Lightning) to any weapon sharpened with this stone.

Applies a lower strength enchantment due to single runes for each effect.

"Cool, right," Ruby asked, looking for approval over her choice. "I haven't shown it to Yang or Jaune yet."

It was interesting.

Weiss had never explored the idea of applying enchantments to a weapon in this manner. Right now, her mind was compiling ways to test the strength and limits of the artefact. Indeed, it was something Ruby would like to explore as well with Jaune's assistance.

"I see," she remarked, handing back the whetstone. "I believe this is one of the better artefacts you could have chosen."

Weiss was almost envious of Ruby's choice. The whetstone had far more practical uses than her dagger or really anything in her kit.

"Yeah, Professor Ozpin had to show me the enchantment," Ruby explained, kicking at the ground lightly with her boot. "I've never used any magical stuff at all, so I wanted to play it safe..."

"It's a good start," Weiss expressed, turning and beginning to walk towards the central courtyard. "I need to brush up on my knowledge of enchanting as well..." She cupped her chin with her right hand. "However, should we bring Jaune along as well? I think he would like to see the whetstone too."

"That sounds like fun!"

...

Heading to the forge, both girls spent their time just talking. Really it was about anything that came to mind. There was no discussion over a specific subject. Maybe some over what the two were going to do in Vale, but just random idle chatter.

Ruby did calm down over time, however. Weiss guessed talking to her eased her nerves enough to make her focus on something else for now. It was better that she distracted herself from the thought of killing someone for the first time. Until she could get used to it, Weiss knew this was the way to go.

Finally coming to the shack, Ruby went to open the door. Weiss was about to stop her as she did not knock, but it was too late. The hatch swung open slowly to reveal the interior.

Inside, was Jaune. He was holding a sword in hand, practising stances and strikes with the blade. Every move he made was almost acrobatic. A pirouette where he leapt off the ground, bringing the sword down onto a foe. He then spun the blade in hand, blocking an attack from behind. Twisting around, he rolled the sword in his fingers, allowing it to pass both of his flanks.

Upon his final move, he twirled in a full circle, cutting just where a man's waist would have been. However, his rotation ended when he was facing the pair. His and Weiss' eyes both locked simultaneously.

"Oh, hey guys," Jaune chirped, standing to his full height. He leaned on his sword as support, planting the tip of the blade on the stone. His other hand swept through his hair, ending up on the back of his neck. "Didn't see you there! What's up?!"

He smiled brightly, closing his eyes as he did so. The left side of his face covered in bruises didn't flex or move at all. Every inch of it was black and blue. Even his eye had swollen over almost entirely. The single punch Weiss had received now looked pitiful in comparison.

Going further down his figure. Weiss found a dozen or more bruises and cuts all over his muscular frame. The soft angular rises in the flesh flexed and rolled deliciously despite the pain he would be in. That pale skin already marred by several scars from previous fights. Where there were other wounds, a bandage wrapped itself around his torso or arms, concealing the damage. However, as he turned to grab a shirt, Weiss caught a glimpse of the deep cut running diagonally along the left side of his back.

What are you doing?! What would Winter think of you right now?!

Weiss had to turn away and focus her attention on some faraway object. The girl's entire body felt as though it had been set alight. Her cheeks flooded with every drop of blood her heart could spare. The poor Schnee's heart threatening to break out of her chest.

She snuck a peek as Jaune threw his shirt on, pulling it over his head. Both of his pecks rolled simultaneously along with his biceps. Some striations appeared just under the skin as well. Weiss now had to force herself to turn around lest she got caught staring at him like a piece of meat.

Stop it!

"We're going into Vale," Ruby explained, having cast off any remnants of her bad mood momentarily. "Do you want to come with? We're pretty bored..."

That doesn't do it justice...

"Sure," Jaune replied, shrugging his shoulders. He turned and grabbed a few items off the table, including the sheath of the sword.

Ruby, however, immediately noticed the runes carved into the steel and bolted over to take a look.

"Jaune is this what you got from the vault," she asked excitedly, almost jumping up and down at the thought of the weapon's origins.

Jaune handed Ruby the sword so she could take a peak. Weiss, being interested in the blade as well, noticed three runes implanted just above the guard. Those carvings shone with a dim blue light every so often. However, Weiss could even feel the magic coming off the blade without touching it.

"No, found that a while ago during Initiation," he explained, sliding a knife into a sheath on his belt. "I was saving it for when I reached level twenty-two, but now I'm here, so I decided to bring this baby out."

At least he has a replacement, though, Jaune could just make one whenever he wants...

"What's the enchantment," Weiss asked curiously.

"Three rune frost enchantment," he replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Professor Ozpin said the enchanted steel amplifies its effects, so I wanted to experiment with it on our next quest." Jaune paused for a second. "Though I wonder if I can put more runes on it?"

"It will probably explode in your face," Weiss warned without pause.

Enchanting had many dangers, like any form of magic. Putting too much power into a vessel which cannot contain it may lead to the object shattering. Indeed, a waste of materials that could be used properly.

Using more robust materials allows for more magic to be contained within, avoiding complete destruction of the vessel. Though Weiss was unsure of the exact amount of runes one could place, given a particular material. She had never enchanted an item before herself. However, most mages or enchanters have to experiment with their own weapons for months or years to achieve their desired outcome. Something Weiss simply didn't have any time for.

"Ugghhh," Jaune grimaced at the thought. "I guess I'll wait a bit longer before playing around with this one. Maybe I can use iron daggers?" He cupped his chin, thinking the idea through. "Yeah, I'm probably gonna hold off until I have the money..."

The last thing we need is for you to blow a hole in the side of the laboratory...

"Probably for the better," Weiss concurred, nodding at the same time. "But what did you get from the vault? Both Ruby and I got an enchanted dagger and whetstone."

"Really," he asked rhetorically but filled with excitement. "That's cool! I got a..." He stopped, checking the cases on his belt for the item in question. "Here it is." Jaune held the necklace up. "Constitution necklace!"

Hmmm, that actually is another good choice.

For someone taking hits, Jaune needed all the boosts he could get. Especially if another attack were to occur or he needed to fend off a large monster. That enchantment in tandem with his heavy armour, would practically make him unstoppable. Or much harder to kill.

"Why aren't you wearing it," Ruby asked, cocking her head to the side. "You know, to heal faster?"

"Yeah, about that," Jaune replied, rubbing the back his head. "Priestesses said not to. Sure, I'm going to heal faster, but my body might do it the wrong way. So, they told me to hold off until everything closes up."

If such did happen, Jaune would be reduced to a mere cripple. Magic used for healing may have been able to close most wounds, but healing bones and other injuries the wrong way almost always lead to disaster. Most cases required extensive surgeries or magical therapy to undo the damage. Waiting to put the necklace on would allow his body to adapt to the newer levels of Constitution without the risk.

"Oh, okay," Ruby acknowledged softly. She then handed him back his sword before turning to her companions. "Then what do you guys want to do in Vale?"

Weiss was not entirely sure. There were no errands for her to run at the moment, so nothing came to mind. She had already sent a letter to Winter this month, which left the Princess with little else. Of course, Ruby and Jaune would have their own plans or just improvise like they usually did.

"Breakfast," Jaune answered absentmindedly. His body's needs speaking more than logic.

"We can eat in the dining hall, you know," Weiss mentioned. Her haughty tone escaping just a bit. "There's nothing wrong with the food here!"

There really wasn't. Most of the food at the Academy was not the finest according to noble standards, but it wasn't meant for them. The dishes prepared here were for growing warriors that needed every calorie they could intake—proportions matching the students' ravenous hunger.

"It is kind of boring to eat here all the time," Ruby countered meekly. Her demeanour almost made Weiss give up right there.

"Yeah, I've been cooped up in here for too long," Jaune agreed, attaching his sword to his belt. "Besides, I got some money from Professor Ozpin for the battle, so I feel like spending." He grabbed his full coin purse and shook the bag.

"Hmmm, you did too," Weiss remarked, grabbing onto her own coin purse.

Ozpin said the dagger wasn't enough of a reward. I guess he felt the same about the necklace.

"Me too," Ruby chirped excitedly. "He gave me three-thousand Lien!"

Same here...

"I also got the pick of a whole bunch of the armour and weapons from those soldiers," Jaune added on, gesturing to the pile of swords and breastplates sitting in the back corner of the hut. "So, I've been working all morning, trying to melt these down... Don't know what I'm going to do with them yet, but that can wait." He turned and began heading out the front door. "We should grab some food, though, I'm starving."

Weiss and Ruby followed behind him. The Mage's legs were too short to keep up with the pace, so she had to powerwalk. It was enough to stay right by Jaune's side. The Mage having to fight another fit of anxiety when she glanced over to him.

[Vale]

The place Jaune led the trio to was an inn. Not the fanciest place Weiss had seen, but for the capital of a major country, it was rather lovely. At least having a more sophisticated look than the inn back in Whiteshale. There shouldn't have been any bandits mingling with the law-abiding citizens here either.

Ruby seemed to be familiar with this location as well. It made Weiss feel like she was missing out on something. Probably from before she and Jaune teamed up.

However, Weiss had expected Jaune to bring her to a vendor instead of a restaurant. Not that the change wasn't appreciated. The last time she and Jaune had gone into Vale, they bought their food from a stand.

Weiss blushed thinking about them running into each other. The surprise she got from walking into him when wholly unprepared for such a thing. Their stroll, alone, through the bustling market places, discussing whatever came to mind. Every moment of that was savoured once more by her willing mind.

"Weiss," Ruby called out to her, waving a hand in front of her face. "Hello~! Remnant to Weiss!"

She snapped out of her thoughts with a sharp inhale. The redness on her cheeks grew even worse with the realisation that she'd been day-dreaming. Worse, both of her companions noticed and were staring directly at her. Ruby's expression holding more concern than Jaune's.

"Mmm, yes," Weiss replied embarrassedly. Her cheeks burning hot enough to toast marshmallows on them.

"You were staring off into space," Ruby explained with concern. "Are you okay?" Her lips flipped into a frown along with the rest of her expression souring.

Please don't make that face...

"I'm fine," Weiss expressed with a sigh. "I was just thinking about to do once we've recovered. Only five more quests are remaining before the final this semester, so we should plan ahead."

"Yeah, we need to make some money anyway," Jaune agreed quickly, scratching his chin. His train of thought then went elsewhere as he contemplated a solution. "We'll talk about it when we find a spot..."

Weiss, however, let out an internal sigh of relief. Her deflection was enough to get one person off her back. Ruby was close behind, finding her interest peaked by the thought. Heck, any opportunity for adventure was enough for her.

As the group closed upon a consensus, Jaune managed to find a place for them to sit down. The chance to finally rest her sore body taken gladly by the Princess. Ruby plopped down next to her, leaving Jaune all by himself on the opposite bench as standard for their arrangement. Soon, a waitress brought them over some drinks and left them for the time being.

"All right," Jaune spoke up after taking a sip from the beer mug in front of him. "So, Ozpin told all three of us about the curse?" The girls nodded, giving their confirmation.

"Yeah, what can we do about it, though," Ruby asked in an unsure tone. "I don't know anything about curses?"

I expected as much...

"I'm not very familiar with them as well," Weiss concurred, leaning back into her chair. "Curses were never in my field of study, so I neglected to go in-depth into the subject. However, Professor Ozpin mentioned both the box and a person the soldiers were talking about. So, retrieving either one is going to be their primary goal."

It was something she needed to read up on. However, her knowledge about curses did not matter as much when one looked at this logically. It was merely a cause and effect function that could be disrupted if the Academy got their hands on either the box or the 'Black One.' To stop this altogether, the members of this conspiracy needed to be captured or killed. Finding out who those people were, was just as important as stopping the ritual from taking place.

"You're right about that," Jaune expressed to Weiss. "Though, I don't think Ozpin is going to bother using us for anything big. We're first-year students, so there's not a whole lot we can do. He'll probably get some actual knights or paladins together and have them go take care of it. Maybe some fourth-years will go help them..."

"But what if those guys try to come after us," Ruby speculated with some fear in her voice. "We stopped them from taking over the Academy... I know they were a distraction, but they might try to get payback?"

She has a point.

"It's certainly a possibility," Weiss commented, shrugging her shoulders. "Even if we assume the curse is the reason why those men attacked, they may not have completed an objective. Us being there to foil their plans could cause a reprisal... However, I don't think any of them saw our faces during the commotion. Those that survived anyway..."

"Yeah, I guess," Ruby conceded, leaning back into her chair as well. "If we go on a few quests, everything might blow over, and we won't have to worry about them."

"Although, the way Ozpin explained it to me, makes it feel like there's a lot of people in on this," Jaune continued, throwing the thought out there. "I say we should be more careful than usual when we go out."

"No bar fights then," Weiss teased dryly, turning the mood of the conversation around.

"Yeah, no more bar fights, Jaune," Ruby joined in.

"Wooooooooowwwwwww~," Jaune feigned outrage at their teaming up on him. "So, Weiss infected you with her fun-hating ways, Ruby?" He gently massaged the flesh over his heart. "I'm hurt, guys..."

"Quite the thrashing, I'm sure," Weiss joked along with him. "You've had worse..."

...

Upon finishing their meal, Weiss led her companions out of the inn. Her hunger now satiated and body prepared for what the rest of this trip held. Already, the excitement crept up along her spine, giving the girl goosebumps just thinking about it. She was sure these excursions were going to be commonplace from now on.

The mood's of both Ruby and Jaune had improved far more as well. Just seeing that made Weiss' own worries disappear. Ruby was now chatting up a storm and slowly returning to her usually bubbly demeanour. Likewise, Jaune was not as solemn, letting loose enough to relax.

"Jaune, why haven't you upgraded Ira Rubrum too," Ruby asked out of curiosity. The suddenness of the question catching Jaune off guard.

Ruby was right to ask. Jaune was still carting around the same silver sword he had from when he arrived at the Academy. Given his level at the time, the blade had to be obsolete by now. Weiss was even surprised that he still opted to use it. She had seen how poorly the weapon performed during one of their last quests, barely wounding the beastly vampire they hunted.

That's what got Jaune tossed nearly forty feet through the air and into a tree. He was mostly uninjured except for being dazed for a few minutes. Not that it didn't scare the hell out of the girls seeing their partner's back being slammed into a tree trunk. They were each terrified that Jaune could have broken his spine.

Weiss was sure the lecture she had given him would have prompted the boy to upgrade his equipment sooner. However, Jaune opted not to, now irritating the girl further. He was actively jeopardising the group's safety by bringing around this trash tier silver sword.

"Are you abandoning it in favour of the lance," Weiss investigated further immediately.

The Longinuslanze Testament.

Such a weird weapon. Weiss couldn't wrap her mind around the spear. It felt both like a holy weapon and something dark at the same time. Even for an ability, the magic it gave off was startling. Enough to make her own abilities seem paltry in comparison.

"Oh no," Jaune quickly denied the assumption. "I don't really like using that thing. My armour's like tissue paper whenever I cast it... I'm just waiting to get some more silver so I can make another sword."

"Why not reforge the original," Weiss followed up, cocking her head to the side. "You've done it twice with your armour and other sword."

"It's silver, Weiss," Ruby countered before Jaune could explain. "Steel core with a silver plating. So, you can't just reforge it without ruining the metals if they melt together."

I see...

"So, how did you make it originally," Weiss asked. The question also got Ruby interested, standing there begging like a dog for a treat.

"I electro-plated it," Jaune answered.

How?

Weiss was genuinely puzzled by this since electro-plating was far out of the reaches for most people in Remnant. Few metallurgists in Atlas had mastered the art of plating through electricity. Most used chemical agents or spells specifically meant for plating metals.

"Watch," Jaune beckoned, raising his right hand. He closed the fist and spoke. "Fulgur." Upon opening it, a few sparks of electricity flickered about before dissipating.

"What was that?"

"Lightning magic," Jaune answered confidently.

"I thought you couldn't use damaging magics," Weiss asked with a voice full of scepticism.

Even though he was using destruction magic, Jaune's passive restricted him to only support or utility spells. Weiss knew the spell, and he had cast it correctly, though.

"I could never cast them properly," he explained, shrugging his shoulders. "Whenever I tried, the spell failed, or I got some sparks. Nothing like what you can do, Weiss." He cast it again but got the same result. "So, when I read about electro-plating, I got the idea and made my first silver sword, using the spell to make a current."

Remarkable... He was able to get the right voltage to plate silver with a malfunctioning spell.

"Are you going to try it on your new sword," Ruby asked curiously.

"Yeah, but I need to find a lot of silver," Jaune revealed. "So, I'm planning on checking out some of the abandoned silver mines outside of Vale I heard about."

And get yourself killed in the process?

"I do hope you're not going alone," Weiss posed, unsubtly hinting at the anger in her voice. "Abandoned mine shafts are some of the most dangerous places on the planet!"

There was the potential for the shaft to collapse due to structural weakness, monsters using the cave for their lair, or bandits hiding out inside the passageways. So many dangers that Weiss didn't even want to begin counting. Not to mention that it was blatantly illegal since those mines were on some lord's land and they wouldn't take kindly to silver being stolen from them.

"Then do you want to come along, Weiss," Jaune proposed in reply, using the obvious concern in her voice against her. "Surely, you can protect me from everything down in those caves."

Fine, you dunce...

"If it's to keep you from accidentally killing yourself, then yes," Weiss said, turning around and heading towards the marketplace. "We should also gather any materials that we'll need while we're here."

"I'm gonna check out the magic shop too," Jaune added on. "I want to see if I can grab a few spells..."

"Oooo, that sounds like fun, I've never been to a magic shop!"

"Just don't touch anything, Ruby..."

"Hey! I haven't blown you up yet, Weiss!"

"That's exactly why I'm worried!"

Weiss is a bit thirsty if the first half of the chapter didn't tell you. She obviously is attracted to Jaune. More physically than emotionally right now, but over time, that will change and become more pronounced. Since she's a tsundere, Weiss is denying/not acknowledging her feelings and putting herself in this position.

I thought it fitting since Jaune spent a huge amount of time drooling over Weiss that she do the same.

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 Twenty Three

Strength 43 (+7)

Agility 23 (+4)

Defence 30 (+5)

Perception 35 (+6)

Constitution 42 (+7)

Intelligence 48 (+5)

Charisma 26 (+3)

Willpower 19 (+3)

...

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!

White Hawk

This aethereal hawk shall be forever bound to you. As its master, only you may give direction to this bird of prey. Whether it be scouting the path ahead or distracting your enemies.

...

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.

Necklace of the Bulwark

+25% Bonus to Constitution