RWBY: The D'arc Game of Life

by ThePlayer1Company

Jaune Arc has lived a quite normal life, sans his parents splitting up when he was 10. Regardless, he wants to be a Huntsman, a hero like his father! One day, he messes up in the best way possible, and a tiny splinter grows into a grand adventure, in which the blonde must play a dark game of life. Only time will tell the truth. RWBY/Gamer crossover

3. Do you believe in magic?

Right back into more Gamer action! Yay! Thank you all for your continued support, it means SO fucking much to me, it lifts my spirits into the clouds!

I'm going to make an effort to respond to some of my reviewers

MysticSpider: well... not exactly. In this story, the power of Gamer's Mind is dependent on Jaune's Intelligence and Wisdom combined. Regardless of his "Gamer" status, his mind and body are still that of a teenage boy. He sees Yang and his body and mind react. Also, if it's numbers talking, Yang's charisma is 69 (because fuck you, that's why) and Jaune's INT+WIS total is 68. He's able to ignore it at least, but he can't do so indefinitely, his human desires will kick in... The power of Gamer's Mind in this story will essentially drag Jaune towards a calm, rational, thoughtful, careful state, however he is still free to kick and scream all he wants, and that kicking and screaming can be strong enough break through the barriers his mind now has, setting his emotions free if only for a little bit.

belamy20: your and the last notion of MysticSpider's reviews are close enough to be answered at once. I'm sorry but Jaune being a solo gamer conflicts entirely with my grand master plan. However his number of allies will be minimal to what my grand master plan requires, and the number of people who know the truth about his semblance will be even smaller than his allies.

Remzal Von Enili: first off, congratulations on having one of the hardest to read names I've seen thus far, I seriously had to read it like five times to pronounce it correctly (I talk to myself a lot). Second... to answer your questions in order... The skill "Summon Elemental", like other skills has certain parts of it that NEED to be learned in order to form the skill in Jaune's list. For this case, you need to know what feeling to focus on and emulate, what materials to have, and the summoning circle. Truth be told, if the book had had a picture of the summoning circle, Jaune could have gotten the skill by looking at that and reading the next couple of pages. He didn't even have to read the full book! However, "reading" the book basically, well, Jaune will explain in the story... and Undertale is... well... it'll be explained later.

Otoshigami: Well there are two things wrong with your first assumption: 1) The STR and DEX and VIT... those affect a different... let's call it a 'facet' of Soul Energy... you'll see later, because he's not working with THAT right now, he's working with Aura right now... 2) This is STILL Jaune we're talking about. He wouldn't accept crucially needed help from Pyrrha fucking Nikos, who is his partner, a famous huntress-in-training who is in the same academic league as him, and had saved his life multiple times. His parents, while yes they're more trusted than Pyrrha, aren't going to be asked for a while now.

Also be wary, readers. The Game is not as stable as in other stories, there are ways to play the system... and ways to break the system...

Recap: Last time our Novice Hero ended the Prologue with an update that added Charisma as a stat, a whole new stat for him to grind! Wow!

He went to the gym to get swole and got a bit of swoleness, as well as met Yang, who brought about the Charisma Stat update. She introduced Jaune to a new item that he fell in love with.

Afterwards, having missed Yang's departure, he went to the park to find a quest, and found an Old Man Jenkins in need of some help. Turns out Jenkins is a war vet and knew Matthias Arc, the grandfather of this iteration of Jaune. The two became fast friends and Jaune returned a book that happened to be the Skill Book: "Summon Elemental", which prompted our wise and smart hero to hypothesize that using the skill will awaken his aura. Will he be successful? Find out this time!

Oh yeah, and his mom was in the park, remember her? She and Johnathan split up? Yeah, that's part of Jaune's backstory.

Let's get started on this exciting installment of "Jaune the Gamer"

Chapter 3: Do you believe in magic?

---

I stared, trying not to be seen. Dammit, why was she here? Didn't she and dad split up? She lives all the way back in Coldwater, for fuck's sake!

Realizing that her presence here must have meant an absence back home, I growled in anger, due to the implications.

She had left all seven of my precious little sisters alone in our old house... even the oldest was ten months younger than me! Sure Jacky might be able to keep the others in line, but who knows what trouble they might get in? What if there's a burglar? What if-

Gamer's Mind calmed me down and my Intelligence and Wisdom explained everything. She obviously didn't leave without calling a babysitter, and I know for a fact that at least Jazz and Jacky had their auras unlocked, as well as maybe either Juni or Juice too... I realize now that I've been away from my sisters for so long that I couldn't remember much of what had gone on with them. I grit my teeth, growling angrily under my breath.

I ran out, anger clear in my mind, and I ignored the window that popped up, even as my eye twitched violently. I approached the woman I used to call Mom and all 31 of my Strength crashed into her face in the form of a Right Hook.

She stumbled back several feet, the immeasurable bar of MP shifting downwards a bit.

I glared at the information Gamer's Sight gave me, 'Give me MORE goddammit! More! I need to know what the fuck I'm going up aga-' I gave a hacking cough.

WARNING! Willpower exceeding maximum threshold! Cannot compute! Glitch detected!

I stared at the window as I coughed into my hand... is that blood?

Error! Error! Error! Power level too low! Excess force N!#(!()#T!#)*&!BD!#

I looked at my mother with hate in my eyes, "What... are... you doing here..." I panted out, suddenly physically exhausted.

Juniper Arc
Title: The Iridescent Blossom of Death
Level: 70
Class: Fencer/Lancer
Nickname: The Deadly Beauty

HP: 21,000/21,000
AP: 58,000/58,000
SP: 25,500/25,500

Strength: 68
Dexterity: 104
Vitality: 76
Intelligence: 116
Wisdom: 75
Luck: 66
Charisma: 77

Age: 52
Birthday: May 9th
Race: Human

Height: 5'4
Weight: 190
Build: Svelte Incredible Athletic
Hair/Eyes/Skin: Pale Yellowed Rainbow / Water Blue / Fair

I stared as Gamer's Sight suddenly burst, my eyes filling with pain as I quickly skimmed through what I could of her backstory.

WARNING! System stability compromised! Cannot handle workload! Abort! Abort! Abort!

I ignored it, I needed to know why this bitch had left my dad.

I saw it.

Six years ago, Juniper Arc separated from her husband Johnathan to-

CRITICAL ERROR! Gamer's Sight overtaxed! Cannot handle workload! System stability lost! ERROR! ERROR! ERROR! System failure!

I couldn't catch the rest of the sentence, but... luckily for me, the pavement was a good friend and reached up to catch me as I fell...

System Shutdown! Cheating detected! Keystone Stability prioritized above all other functions!

---

I opened my eyes to hear yelling downstairs. I was in my bed in my room. I heard yelling downstairs, I put my pillow over my head and silently cried into it.

Goddammit... they're fighting again.

And it's all my fault...

God... fucking... DAMMIT!

I sat up when I heard a pinging sound, followed by a blue window popping up in front of my head.

System has fully reset!

System stability restored!

All bugs and glitches have been cleared!

All processes complete!

It's a beautiful day outside, perfect for a nice walk.

SYSTEM UPDATE: Due to altering the system outside of your bounds, you have unlocked "Cheats"

So it WASN'T just a dream... shit, so I really trained throughout the night, met Yang, went to the gym, tripled my physical and mental stats in just a couple of days, and then ate that book from the library?

Wow... my life had immediately turned into a massive mess after gaining my power...

By increasing your understanding of the system, your W-

I closed the Wisdom notification. Goddammit I still hated those. I'm not an idiot!

I opened my menu and checked a few things while contemplating whether or not to go downstairs.

(Cheats)
Ways to break the system to temporarily pull off massive feats of power. WARNING: These will crash the game very quickly!

"He sees all": temporarily remove all restrictions on Gamer's Sight.

I hummed, drinking the glass of water next to my bed. That explained how I was able to do that.

I looked at my clock and saw that actually, only somewhere in the range of 10-20 minutes had passed while I was unconscious from cheating. I sighed, then brought up my new skill, noting the folder Aura and subsection Elements.

-/\-

Summon Elemental (Active & Passive) Level: 1, Exp: 0.00%, Cost: Special
The ability to spread your soul throughout the world like a mighty growing tree spreads its seeds. By taking a piece of your soul and infusing it with a natural element, you can summon an Elemental, a soul-born being that lets you influence the natural elements to your will. All elementals require at least 1 Summon charge, and cannot be reduced to 0 once summoned.

Elemental Summons: 1

Elementals: None

Elemental Rank: Basic

Elemental Affinity Bonus: +10 to all elements you have elementals for.

-/\-

I hummed, contemplating the value of summoning an elemental versus going downstairs and fixing my mess.

I sighed, I didn't even have it in my room, I'd need to go get it AND somehow evade notice.

I looked and saw that I still had the Stealth skill, and immediately went about activating it while slowly opening my door.

Suddenly, the interface for The Game changed, I saw a partially open eye in front of my vision, small and clear to see, yet also easy to ignore. I heard the sound of the door as if I was far away, and I opened it very carefully.

SYSTEM UPDATE: By changing the way you play The Game, you've unlocked "Game Modes"!

You unlocked the Game Mode "Espionage Action"!

I noted the increase in Stealth's level with a smile. Even if I'd probably hardly ever use it, it was a good ability to have. A Chekhov's Skill, if you would, hehe.

I paused completely in my actions, hearing the conversation downstairs stop. I stayed paused, then waited for it to continue. The fact that they could hear a small chuckle, past their yelling, and all the way upstairs... that was amazing and terrifying.

-/\-

Stealth (Passive) Level: 4, EXP: 45.21%
The art of sneaking around undetected. Masters of this craft have been said to rob a man blind while he's looking right in their face.

Noise while Sneaking: -10%
Noise while Walking: -3%
Noise while Running: -1%
Noise while interacting with the environment: -5%
Scent Emission: -13%
Master Noticeability: -1%

-/\-

I sighed internally, thankful that my skill covered such a broad spectrum. The eye in the center of my screen went closed. Presumably at higher levels of Stealth, I'd unlock the ability to have this 'stealth eye' normally.

Experimentally, I made a small noise, a cough, and the conversation dimmed, then it resumed as I watched Stealth's level increase with what seemed like every other step.

I reached the stairs, suddenly seeing the window expand. I looked at it immediately, going quiet as the top stair creaked a bit. Once again the conversation dimmed.

Stealth

Level 10 Bonus: Noise now reduced when interacting with noisy objects.

I stepped on the top stair again, and through focus, I noticed that it creaked more quietly than before. The conversation dimmed a bit, then they both must have guessed it was just the house settling.

I moved to the next stair down, finding it steady. Over the course of five minutes, accounting for the pauses, I apparently managed to desensitize them to the small noises... no wait, that was just the skill.

Level 20 Bonus: Repeated noises, as long as they don't raise Detection Level past Suspicious, will desensitize the listeners to ignore them.

Level 25 Bonus: Partially unlocks "Ninja" Class

Who knew I'd be grinding a skill like this in my own damn house?

I got to the stairs to find the blinds closed and only the kitchen light on, to my great luck, or was it Luck? I wasn't sure, to be honest.

I snuck into the training room and looked at it in all its glory, casting a Gamer's Sight on it.

Crocea Mors

Description: An ancient sword forged in ? and ?. It is Mastercraft Quality, however its condition is Low Power in its current state. It has seen many battles over its long life, and with the adventures of Jacques Arc, it was ? The Yellow Death. However, despite this, it was said that its most famous kill, in a previous life, was in the hands of ?, who had been ?, and ? a ? with its gleaming blade. ?

Type: One-handed Longsword
Damage: 100 (+20% from Sword Skill, totaling 120)
Stamina Cost: 20 (-10% from Sword Skill, totaling 18)
Toughness: 5 (+1) (Tough as Steel)

Functions;
-?
-?
-?

I smiled broadly, then turned my eyes down to the shield.

Candidus Murus

Description: A very old shield forged in ? and ?. It is Mastercraft Quality, however its condition is Medium Power in its current state. It has seen many battles over its long life, and with the adventures of Jacques Arc, it was ? The White Wall. However, its legacy doesn't stop there. It was wielded by Alexander Arc during his personal adventures throughout the world in search of ?, and then later by his son Matthias Arc in the Faunus Rights Revolution, where he fought to free the faunus from their damnation to ?. ?

Type: Large Heater Shield
Defense: 100 (+0% from skills and class)
Stamina Cost: 50 (-0% from skills and class)
Toughness: 9 (+0) (Tough as Tungsten)

Functions;
-?
-?
-?

I chuckled lightly, then caught myself. I removed the weapon from the wall, feeling its weight in my hands. I grinned, drawing a few inches of the bla-

Stealth
Level 30 Bonus: Detection Level measurements now visible.

I paled when I heard the light rasping of metal on metal and saw the eye open wide and the word Detected in bold red letters appear. I gulped and the wall exploded, showering me with high velocity pieces and splinters of wood, one hitting my crotch and the rest hitting elsewhere on my body. If not for Gamer's Body, I'd have collapsed in pain. As it stood, I dropped the weapon and grabbed my crotch, wincing even as the pain faded in seconds, doubled over.

Note to self, start wearing a cup.

"Goddammit Juni, you're still a ball-buster after all this time!" I heard my father yell.

"It's your fault for not teaching him to be prepared for anything! And why was he even sneaking around his own damn house? Don't tell me you've been abusive to him. I SWEAR I will bring this to court!"

"I'll fucking slaughter the courthouse you crazy bitch! I! Don't! Give! A! Fuck!"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" I shouted, standing up as anger filled me. I felt Gamer's Mind working to calm me down, but all that did was temper my rage into a calm fury, "ALL YOU DO IS FIGHT! NAG NAG NAG! SHOUT SHOUT SHOUT! Threats and anger and spite and venom and all of it is FUCKING BULLSHIT! You got married for a fucking reason!" I screamed, tears flowing down my face.

Years and years of questioning and doubt, all bottled up... who knew it would be now, in my calmest days, that it would burst?

"We... we did, but..." my father started, sighing.

My mother went to approach me and I slapped her hands away, "Don't fucking touch me!" I shouted, "You lost the court case, you left my sisters back home for WHAT? So you could come scream at dad like a deranged harpy?" I was red in the face, I knew it, I felt...

Gamer's Mind overtaxed!

You have received the status effect "Rage's Might (Med)"!
Description: Anger that has become dense enough to imbue one with physical strength
Effect: +100% Strength and Vitality for the duration of anger, -50% Intelligence and Wisdom while active.

"We were arguing over what was best for you!" she said back, her voice soft, yet holding an edge of... not anger, but something similar to it... frustrated disbelief? Maybe...

"What was best for me? Well obviously you two didn't come to a very good decision last time! What did you think the divorce would do to me and my sisters?" I asked-no, demanded of them.

My dad looked saddened at their mention, "Jaune... it wasn't..." he was cut off as I threw a piece of wood at his face.

"It wasn't WHAT? Huh?" I realized that if they were such a high level, Juniper being level 90 and my father probably being of a similar level, I would be dead a thousand times over by now if they weren't both so good at controlling their anger I knew must have been building, and if they weren't so level-headed that they probably realized I was releasing long-stored aggression.

And, I understood on a basic level, that they both cared for me very much, I just was really, REALLY pissed off.

"It wasn't like that!" my father practically exploded, "I know that you'd want to be a hero, I wanted to help you follow your dreams! Your mother wanted to keep you safe, wanted to keep you away from the life of a Huntsman! I supported your decision. She didn't."

"OH! So once again you're pinning the blame on me, eh?" Juniper shouted, turning to my father, only to turn back to me when a piece of wood hit her in the shoulder.

"So is that what this was about? You didn't want your precious little boy to be in harm's way, eh?" I demanded an answer, my fury slowly dimming. Was this even worth it at all? "Why didn't you think about what *I* would want, huh? Of course I want to be a Huntsman! I want to be a hero! I want to help people and save lives! I want to kill the grimm! I want my family to be back together again!" my eyes were slightly red and puffy from crying, but Gamer's Body was healing them as fast as the process of crying could swell them up. I felt like breaking things, a LOT of things.

My parents looked at each other, then at me, both of them looking remorseful, "Son... it isn't that simple..." my dad started, his eyes dim and sad, "Your mother and I... we both love you, as parents should, but we show it in different ways... ways that conflict with one another... we... I..." he grabbed Juniper by the shoulders and turned her towards him.

"I... I agree, for once... we just wanted what we both thought was best for you, sweetie." she spoke slowly and quietly, her voice soft. She turned to face my dad after maybe five small tugs of urging.

"Juni..." he began, using the name I'd heard him use for her years and years ago, "I know we didn't split up on the best of terms... and even if we never signed any annulment papers, we both felt like we could never get along again... but..." he sucked in a sharp breath, gulping down what I could tell was his pride and his anger, "Even... even while I was mad... even for the years that I was mad at you... I never stopped caring about you."

My... my mom looked shocked by his confession, her form shaking like a leaf as my dad hugged her close to his body, rubbing her back soothingly and whispering sweet nothings into her ear.

I sighed softly, "I'll... I'll be in my room while you two talk... I feel exhausted." I let my shoulders slump down, a long and raspy exhale releasing the last of my anger and dismissing the status effect. My body felt weak, but my mind felt sharper and clearer, the effect of my returning Intelligence and Wisdom.

...

I rubbed my eyes as I finished drawing out the summoning circle on my floor with duct tape. Technically I just had to make the distinct shape, it didn't matter what it was made out of. I was tired and apparently the ritual was an exhausting ordeal, so I made it next to my bed and rested Crocea Mors and Candidus Murus on top of it.

I chanted the words, focusing deeply on myself and... then I felt it. I felt the sleeping light of my soul inside myself. I focused harder, using the metal of Crocea Mors as a catalyst to reach a hand out to that light... I felt it... I made a connection.

I focused, and focused, and focused some more, trying to reach properly, to establish that connection...

Suddenly, I saw and felt a spark... just a tiny little spark... it appeared in my mind's eye, glowing faintly against the darkness... and then that I felt like chains had broken, like glass had shattered, like a heavy veil was torn away... and I saw that spark EXPLODE into a great a roaring flame!

I opened my eyes, but then the world went dark...

---

I was in a baby in the cradle.

No... not just *a* baby... I was *the* baby.

Resting cold and lifeless in a dark cradle of unrelenting stone.

I waited, I had lived for a long time as a baby, ungrowing and unchanging.

Then... I saw light become shed upon my eyes and my gritty, yet glittering body.

It was a crack.

Then it was a shard.

And then the light suddenly grew into a blindingly bright whole!

I saw a friend of mine, older and stronger, freeing me from my cradle.

I felt rattled and rocked to the core. My stained skin was shook loose.

I felt heat, so much heat, unbearable heat.

I can't take it. I come undone and I melt.

I'm pressed, I'm squeezed, I'm torn apart and put back together.

I am weak.

I will be strong.

Strength was beaten into me. It was added to me, food like the stone of my cradle.

I was fed and I was beaten until I became strong.

I was formed, stretched by multiple beatings until I felt purpose well up within me.

Within a puddle of imprints of souls.

I saw light. I felt the heat again, but this time I persisted. I did not come undone. I hardened. I was worked and I became strong.

I became stronger than ever before.

I was cut down to pieces, millions of long and shallow cuts, carving my flesh away until I was fit for my purpose.

My purpose...

My purpose is blood!

I see myself cutting through the flesh of man and beast alike.

I feel the warmth of their blood feed me.

But I am never satisfied. I cannot drink for I have no mouth.

I see war-torn battlefields. I see peaceful rivers. I see leather and wood and metal.

I see oceans deeper and darker than the night sky, holding beasts that wish nothing more than for blood.

We fight for our rights to feed. I am victorious.

I feed again.

I'm quenched and bathed in the blood of thousands, of MILLIONS.

I gaze into the abyss.

It gazes back.

I shine with light untold.

I feel my brothers and sisters, fellow blood of the earth. It calls out.

I am paid for my duties by becoming united with my brothers.

I shine like the daytime sun.

I reap death and my name is Crocea Mors.

I am stripped of family and friends. I feel the heat and in my anguish I come undone.

I'm wielded by a master. I glow like the gold of his desires, but my golden brother is stripped away from me.

I...

I feel a connection.

He is one of great power.

I do not understand.

When I feed upon the blood of a dragon, I do not know.

When I feed upon the blood of a Grimm, I do not know.

When I feed upon the blood of a person, I do not know.

However... when my cries of battle are silenced... when the soul within me dies... I know.

My life is one of unending reincarnation.

Different shapes, different forms.

All the same function.

All the same purpose.

Blood.

I am the blood of the earth.

I am metal.

I am... Crocea Mors.

I feel myself break away from a whole.

But... I am merely a piece...

A piece of an even MORE glorious whole.

I am a splinter of a tree.

It is bare and weak, but it shall grow strong.

As it grows strong, I too shall grow strong.

I am Crocea Mors.

I am metal.

My life is infinite.

I am Jaune Arc.

I am human.

My soul is eternal.

I am... one.

---

I opened my eyes and coughed. I felt refreshed and confused beyond belief. I grunted and coughed again, "What... what just happened? Am I dreaming or did I just wake up from a nightmare?" I looked around. I saw a series of windows appear in front of me, but ignored them, "That was... the strangest thing my power has ever done."

I felt something... I heard a voice.

'I am... strange?' a voice, soft, yet masculine. Smooth as sterling silver, but tired as rusted steel... where did those analogies come from?

I picked up Crocea Mors on the floor, looking at the shiny blade marred with occasional flakes of rust, "H-hello?" I asked curiously, looking at my reflection.

I saw the blade gain an unnatural sheen to it, the reflection that looked back at my was like my own, but bathed in a translucent silver, 'I am Crocea Mors... I am... elemental. Strange... life anew... many deaths... even more lives... you... you are my new master?'

I didn't quite understand, but yet I understood perfectly. I think without Gamer's Mind I'd probably still be unconscious, "Yes I'm your master." I said with a hint of confusion. It was like I knew what I was saying, but I had a significant amount of doubt that I was right.

'Crocea Mors... that is my name... you and I... that is okay?' Crocea Mors asked.

"Yeah... yeah, that's fine." I said while sheathing it the sword. I got up and looked in the mirror. Focusing on it, I saw the reflection again, standing beside my own. Translucent silver covering my own body. I could see all my normal colors, but they were paler and more metallic.

It spoke without moving its mouth, as if I was listening to my own thoughts from a voice in my head... goddammit that made me sound crazy!

'Crazy? I am not a voice... I am... elemental... you... I shall fight alongside you... I shall sate my purpose for blood... your... name... your name, what is it?'

"I'm Jaune Arc, and your purpose isn't blood. Your purpose is metal... you are supposed to be strong. You are supposed to do what others cannot. You are not just a tool for destruction, you can be a tool for creation." I mused, smiling at my reflection. I felt...

I looked at the windows.

QUEST COMPLETE!

You have succeeded the quest "Manifestation of the Soul"!

You gained +100 Max AP!

You gained the skill "Aura"!

I felt power well up inside of me as I read the next lines.

Bonus objective "Will unto nature" complete!
Description: unlocked your aura by summoning an elemental.
Reward: Summon Elemental's level increases by 3!

Bonus objective "Burgeoning light" complete! (x2)
Description: leveled up before unlocking your aura.
Reward: +350 Max AP per level (x2)

I whistled, grinning and checking the new skills.

My eyes widened.

Aura's level increased by 1!

Summon Elemental's level increased by 3!

-/\/\/\/\-

Summon Elemental (Active & Passive) Level: 4, Exp: 0.00%, Cost: Special

The ability to spread your soul throughout the world like a mighty growing tree spreads its seeds. By taking a piece of your soul and infusing it with a natural element, you can summon an Elemental, a soul-born being that lets you influence the natural elements to your will. All elementals require at least 1 Summon charge, and cannot be reduced to 0 once summoned.

Elemental Summons: 2

Elementals: Crocea Mors the Metal Elemental.

Elemental Rank: Basic

Elemental Affinity Bonus: +10 to all elements you have elementals for.

-/\/\-

Aura (Passive & Active) Level: 2, Exp: 0.00%

The Manifestation of one's soul. Long ago, Man, who was born from dust, learned to wield the light of their being against the soulless Grimm. It's a power that allowed Mankind to reach past their human limits and drive back the darkness, letting them bear their burdens and shielding their hearts.

Passively increases STR by 30%.
Passively increases DEX by 30%.
Passively increases VIT by 30%.
Passively increases INT by 30%.
Passively increases WIS by 30%.

Additional 31% increase to STR when activated.
Additional 31% increase to DEX when activated.
Additional 31% increase to VIT when activated.

HP and SP regeneration speed increased by 102% when activated.

-/\/\/\/\-

WOW! Aura was pretty fucking strong, and it was only level two? I HAD to level THAT up!

Grinning, I checked the other windows.

By broadening your knowledge of the world, your INT has increased by 2!

By deepening your understanding of the world, your WIS has increased by 2!

You feel the azure light of your soul glow with great power.

Your HP and SP have been maxed out.

-/\/\/\/\-

Jaune Arc
Title: Novice Hero
Level: 3
Class: Tank
Nickname: None

HP: 560/560
AP: 800/800
SP: 560/560

Strength: 31 (+30%) = 40.3
Dexterity: 33 (+30%) = 42.9
Vitality: 33 (+30%) = 42.9
Intelligence: 35 (+3) (+30%) = 49.4
Wisdom: 37 (+3) (+30%) = 52
Luck: 17
Charisma: 35

Stat Points: 5

Age: 17
Birthday: November 20th
Race: Human
Height: 5'11.5
Weight: 175
Build: Medium Athletic
Hair/Eyes/Skin: Bright Blonde / Bright Azure / Fair.

-/\/\/\/\-

I felt new power inside myself. I could definitely get used to this.

I drew Crocea Mors the sword, gazing at its marred and rusted surface. I frowned, "Clean yourself."

I saw azure energy, what I was sure was just mana, glow along the blade. The surface smoothed to a shiny one and the rust flakes shrank into nothingness. It looked practically good as new! The only thing wrong was that the scratches were still there.

Candidus Murus shined in the light of the lightbulb as well. Both looked ten times better. I checked them with Gamer's Sight.

Crocea Mors

Description: An ancient sword forged in ? and ?. It is Mastercraft Quality, and it has been restored to High Power in its current state. It has seen many battles over its long life, and with the adventures of Jacques Arc, it was ? The Yellow Death. However, despite this, it was said that its most famous kill, in a previous life, was in the hands of ?, who had been ?, and ? a ? with its gleaming blade. ?

Type: One-handed Longsword
Damage: 200 (+20% from Sword Skill, totaling 240)
Stamina Cost: 10 (-10% from Sword Skill, totaling 9)
Toughness: 7 (+1) (Tough as chains)

Functions;
-?
-?
-?

...

Candidus Murus

Description: A very old shield forged in ? and ?. It is Mastercraft Quality, and it has been restored to High Power in its current state. It has seen many battles over its long life, and with the adventures of Jacques Arc, it was ? The White Wall. However, its legacy doesn't stop there. It was wielded by Alexander Arc during his personal adventures throughout the world in search of ?, and then later by his son Matthias Arc in the Faunus Rights Revolution, where he fought to free the faunus from their damnation to ?. ?

Type: Large Heater Shield
Defense: 150 (+0% from skills and class)
Stamina Cost: 40 (-0% from skills and class)
Toughness: 10 (+0) (Tougher as Tungsten)

Functions;
-?
-?
-?

Wow... I'd made both of them far easier to use and effective just with one round of refining. I grinned, then began to will Crocea the elemental to refine it further.

'I cannot, master. I apologize, I'm out of power.

I blinked, then looked at my profile.

AP: 0/800

I grimaced, "Dammit." I switched to Wizard class to aid my APR while laying back down on my bed.

I felt... a lot better, to be honest, too much better. Too clear... I felt empty.

I walked out of my room and downstairs. I saw the title screen of a movie playing quietly and my mom laying on the couch.

Hehe... funny how just a few hours ago I'd punched her in the face and threw wooden chunks at her... now I was laying a blanket over her shivering form as she slept on the couch.

Funny... in TV and the movies, the man usually slept on the couch... then again my mom had far too little leverage to manage that.

I walked into the training room, looking over at the pile of gathered pieces of wood. I sighed, then checked all my skills again.

I paused when I saw a new folder, Defenses, and the subsection Passive Defenses.

-/\-

Defense:
-(Passive Defenses)-

Physical Resistance (Passive) Level 1, Exp: 30%
The hardiness one gains from enduring the physical stresses and damages of the world. Denotes a passive resistance for physical damage

Physical Damage Resistance: 1%

-/\-

I grinned, 'Okay... time to become a masochist in order to gain massive defenses.'

It was only logical, though. If The Game let me level up my skills by using them, then I'd need to take physical damage in order to level up this new skill.

Shut up!

I took a knife from the wall and jammed it into my leg...

...

'FUCKING FUCK THIS HURTS SO FUCKING BAD!' I nearly growled as pain bloomed across my leg and throughout my body. I felt Gamer's Body reduce the pain to the minimum it could be for a fucking knife stuck in my leg!

Blood slowly oozed from the wound, and my HP drained slowly but surely.

Physical Resistance's level increased by 1!

I kept it up until the last 10% of my HP was left, then removed the knife and went into the bathroom, removing my pants and checking the wound.

Well, more like checking the nothing, to be honest. Gamer's Body hadn't been lying when it said that no lasting visible signs of damage would occur. Though I DID have to clean the blood off my leg, there wasn't any wound to show for its source.

...

I slowly stepped out of the house, checking the time on my scroll to see that it was actually only about eight in the evening. I decided to reflect on random information in the hopes of grinding up some more WIS.

I opened up a series of windows and paled when I saw one of them.

Two new classes had been unlocked...

-/\/\/\-

Charmer (high CHA): +20% positive outcome chance to all interactions

Stud (high CHA+VIT): +100% SPR, +10% "size", +25% positive outcome chance to all interactions with females.

-/\/\/\-

I shuddered to think how in the hell the supposed 'size' increase was supposed to actually work, but then I remembered that my power had given me the ability to summon an elemental by absorbing the essence of a book and given me the ability to do the Gaster Blaster just by looking at... how it's done...

I organized my thoughts and began to go through them one by one.

So... my classes would be unlocked by certain requisites. Wizard, for example, was apparently a class I could only use when the total of my INT and WIS exceeded that of my DEX and LUK. I supposed that DEX was like the physical equivalent of some parts of what INT represented, as it made my mind quicker as well as 'sharper'. LUK versus WIS... well, there's the saying "I make my own luck." which is usually supposed to mean that the person is 'smart' enough to take advantage of a situation... so LUK is environmental luck, and WIS is... personal luck? It was hard to explain, but that covered it... I supposed.

Leveling Stealth up to level twenty five was apparently part of the requisite to unlocking the Ninja class, the other parts probably my stats. I had gained the... Stud class... by having high CHA and VIT, which I suppose made sense. Studs get around and get to... 'have the company'... of a lot of girls, and they have to have... 'stamina'... in order to be, well, 'studly', or else they were just a Charmer... huh, that made a lot of sense, actually.

So... now then, the book...

Looking into my mental structure of the skill, there were three parts... the ritual, the sacrifice, and the pact. The pact was the most straightforward. You basically just feel and establish a connection with that element. The sacrifice was also fairly simple, you just needed a large amount of the element in question. The ritual was the missing piece from the book. It didn't describe what the ritual circle looked like, nor did it have a picture to show me. I suspected that if it had had a picture, I could probably have learned the skill just by reading those couple of pages. I briefly considered the possibility of my power having made up the skill, but cast that thought aside. The book had contained knowledge explicitly detailing the skill in my mind that was labeled Summon Elemental. That skill was real and it had been done before, people in history had used it.

But it had made up Gaster Blaster. It... hold on, later thoughts.

'Reading' the book was different, it had taken the essence of what Gamer's Sight had recognized was the information of the skill the book could teach, and fed it into my very soul. It was... well... to start off, if I had read, say, a sword training manual that would give me, let's say, Double Strike... if I could read the steps and see the pictures, I could probably learn Double Strike just by, well, 'learning' it the normal way. The Phoenix King had the information, but not enough of it for a normal person reading it carefully to learn the skill. That's where 'reading' came in. It filled in all the blanks left by the material. The more vague the material, the less chance I could have of learning from physical reading.

Okay, now then, Gaster Blaster... I gained that skill just after gaining my power, when I apparently... what, bled on my computer?

WOW that was a lame way to start my Game... moving on.

My power had made up the skill from a number of notable parts of a spell that didn't exist. I'd just looked at how Sans had moved and looked, as well as the shape of the GB skull and it's beam. That had been enough information taken in by Gamer's Sight that I could learn how the skill worked, in essence. I summoned that and made it do that, and that's what I do to summon that. Sort of...

Gamer's Sight, it was strange. It was the only one of my three The Gamer skills that leveled up like other skills. It was powerful, telling me things that were impossible to know beforehand.

If I had to hanker a guess, I'd say that Gamer's Sight had records of all the annals of history, ALL of them. It knew and could tell me, in part, the history of Crocea Mors and Candidus Murus, it could tell me how powerful my parents were and it could draw centuries-old information out of a book. It could learn from a video game and record things that I do... it was like... it was almost like omnivoyance, in a way. I could see all there is and was.

That was mind-shaking the think about, but it had to be true. I would believe that notion until it was proven false.

I waited...

Ah, there it was.

By deepening your understanding of the system, your WIS has increased by 1!

By broadening your knowledge of the system, your INT has increased by 1!

It was a good measure of knowing when I was right. The system knew itself, and when I learned more about it, I gained INT and WIS.

It was fun, and cheap, but hey, it got me points and points meant more power.

I looked around, noticing I was in the shadier parts of town. Why had I come here?

Oh yeah, right, a fight to take damage to increase my Physical Resistance... WOW my day-to-day goals have become skewed.

I walked with my hands in my pockets, humming to myself as I mentally switched between classes, first had been Wizard to boost my APR until it had been fully recovered. I got 1 AP back at a rate just under every two seconds, maybe one and two-thirds seconds. I wasn't exactly sure. All I knew was that about twenty-five minutes had passed and my AP was back up to full.

Now that that was recovered, I switched to Tank to increase my HP and SP regen, mainly for the HP since I was in a severe lack of it. A few minutes later I heard a click of a gun being cocked. I groaned lightly, putting my hands up, "I don't have anything on me worth taking, unless you like pocket lint."

The random punk that had pulled the gun on me clicked his tongue, "I don't believe you. Empty your pockets."

I checked through my skills, trying to find one that would end this situation.

I felt odd, though, like I could sense his gun, and the pipes under the sidewalk, and the trashcans in the alleyway next to us.

I realized what it was. 'Crocea Mors? You can sense metal?'

'How else shall I know when metal is nearby to manipulate?' he asked back to me as though the answer was obvious.

I sighed at the man behind me, throwing a Gamer's Sight at him with his next complaint.

Frank Firleaf

Title: The Tonic Cure

Level: 7

I hummed quickly skimming through his backstory while I slowly pulled out one pocket, "Frank, you should get back to work. Stop harassing kids on the street. I know it's part of your job but it's a bad part." I said as though I'd known him for years.

By using your wits and charisma to scare someone, you have gained the skill "Terrify"!

I grinned, turning around to face him as Crocea Mors casually cocked the hammer forwards with a light pull, then the barrel of his revolver bent up and back to face him, "I suggest you leave before you find out what I can REALLY do." I said with a grin that showed all of my teeth.

I smelled a bit of a urine scent in the air as he ran away frightened. I chuckled and turned around, walking away, "I should have... aw shit, I know what I'm doing next." I laughed almost maniacally as I Ran to find another thug.

It was easy enough, I saw a man with a pistol casually talking to another three men while smoking something between them, I grinned at them, "Hello gentlemen." I said with a smile more fitting on The Joker than a seventeen-year-old boy.

"Yo, we ain't no gentlemen, fool! What'chu doin' out here, fancy boy?" one of them said, before taking a hit on what Gamer's Sight told me was a crackpipe.

"Lookin' for a fight." I said with a chuckle, "So are you gonna do it or am I gonna have to call the cops to come collect your crack?"

The one with the pistol raised his gun, "I dare you, I double dare you, little bitch." he spat.

I pulled out my scroll and began to dial 911.

My arm fell limp as a hole was carved through my skull and out the back of my head by a bullet. The world went dark for all of three seconds, and when the light returned, I saw all four of the poorly-dressed men cowering in fear, calling me a demon, a Grimm, something or other, "No... I'm not a demon or a Grimm, I'm just a nightmare." I laughed like a psychopath, Singing helping just a little bit as the four scrambled inside the house they were sitting in front of.

I kept laughing, all the way to a bar a few blocks away. Redwater Bay, it was called, I laughed and entered. I was currently on a spree to gain some new skills. I couldn't wait!

...

Safe to say, I was not disappointed.

Just ten minutes in the hot, cramped, uncomfortable dance club had started to level up Dance from just moving to the beat a little, and I'd gained Rhythmic Combat from punching some guy in the face in time with the music (he was telling me to get off the girl he'd called dibs on. I honestly only did it because he was being unreasonable and a pervert), and Poison Resistance from almost drinking a mouthful of crappy beer. I spat it out the second I saw the skill, so I guess technically it doesn't count.

I left feeling satisfied. Odd that I hadn't leveled the skill Dance this morning, but a quick look at the description and thinking on the mental chunk of info in my head, it told me that dancing to music was far more efficient than just plain dancing. I groaned at that and drank a protein shake to counter some of the SP drain of Running to another place. I was done here for now.

Humming, I continued to walk around, activating my Aura to see what it did, then deactivating it. I didn't want to waste power when I could need it at a moment's notice, did I?

...

It was around 11'o'clock that I realized that I was probably wanted home. I sighed, Running back with the help of stacking protein shakes. I felt bad for abusing the system like that, but... actually, why did I need to care? It's my damn power, I'll use it how I want!

I panted softly as I walked through the front door. My mother hadn't moved from her spot on the couch, though she'd wiggled around some. I sighed softly for maybe the dozenth time that day, I needed something to do while my parents were preoccupied. I fiddled with some settings and found nothing new, unfortunately no brightness settings, so... I was at a loss.

I needed to write down a set of plans or something. Walking back upstairs I contemplated this before deciding to leave it for the morning, laying down in bed and taking out Crocea Mors the sword.

Humming, I used Crocea Mors the elemental to refine both the sword and the shield, hardening and tempering their metals like I'd studied, creating an impossibly strong form of the metals they were made of, just by simple virtue of being able to will the material to a specific form.

I grinned, connecting the two armaments, "Well, that's one thing I'll be glad to have." I'd have to procure some more metal to add to its mass, as well as fix up the many nicks, dings, and scratches that I'd only left in place to remind myself to do that task.

Wait... DUH, making a list!

...eh, I'll do it when I wake up.

---

The soft morning sun cast its rays through the curtains of my bedroom window. Despite its astronomical (supposed) distance from the planet, it had managed to pinpoint my eyes from an ungodly far distance and hit them directly with the brightest of its rays. Yet, despite this, I was not made aware until Gamer's Body decided that it was time to wake up, and was greeted by opening my eyes to blinding golden rays.

"FffffffffFFFFUUUUCK!" I cursed loudly as I flipped over, covering my eyes as Gamer's Body relieved the pain in seconds. I sat up to escape the sun's rays and looked around my room.

You slept in a bed and had a peaceful rest! HP, AP, and SP maxed out!

I shook my head, dismissing the window as Gamer's Mind cleared the morning fog while I got up and did some stretches, limbering up to prepare for-

A special action has created the skill "Sense Danger"!

I blinked, THAT was new... and frightening.

You sense a dangerous presence far away!

I equipped Crocea Mors and Candidus Murus and looked out the window.

I saw, walking down the street, a hooligan-looking man with ratty clothes and what looked like a bad attitude.

Oh... I guess he counts as 'dangerous', then. He certainly seems a little threatening.

I watched as the man walked past my house, then out of the range of senses, getting a A dangerous presence has left your sense range notification to confirm that.

Sighing, I went downstairs to the kitchen, checking the clock to find it was only about six in the morning. Huh, I could have sworn I'd gone to sleep close to midnight...

Oh, I see, I must have slept for six hours, like the Extended Rest from some tabletop RPGs. I chuckled a little as I started making breakfast, singing softly and quietly as I cooked. I let my mind wander as words softly flowed from my mouth like syrup from the bottle that I held, and I noticed I'd gained a level or two in it.

I slowly stopped singing as I set three plates on the table, then blinked when I heard the music continue.

I turned to see my mother standing there, smiling and still singing. She noticed I'd stopped and did so as well, "Sorry, sweetie, I just... I really missed our singing lessons." she admitted with a small, sheepish smile.

"It's okay, mom, I admit, I kinda missed them too." it wasn't a lie. I DID still miss her from time to time, even if I don't think I could ever forgive her.

"So... your father's been teaching you how to be a huntsman, right?" she asked while sitting down across from me as I began to eat.

"Yeah, and I'm showing some good results recently, it has to do with my semblance." I grit my teeth behind a fake smile, immediately regretting mentioning my semblance.

"Oh? And what's your semblance, sweetheart?" she asked before eating a forkful of eggs.

I looked at my profile, seeing my equipped class, Wizard... perfect! "I'm a wizard, mom." I said with a cheeky smirk, "I can control metal, and later on I'm pretty sure I'll be able to control other things as well." I demonstrated by having Crocea Mors bend my fork back and forth, fixing the metal as he did so, "It's pretty cool." I said in a tone that edged for the dismissal of the subject, and Juniper caught on.

We talked throughout breakfast, and I felt myself growing lighter with every passing minute, until I stood up and took our dishes to the sink.

I hummed and starting washing the dishes, since it was my turn to do so, and I saw it level up, which made me smile a slight bit, but then I looked at another set of windows to my left and my jaw nearly dropped.

By letting go of your pride and being humble, you have sharpened your mind! +4 INT!

Gamer's Mind has been reinforced against the calls of pride!

By letting go of your wrath and being forgiving, you have sharpened your mind! +4 INT!

Gamer's Mind has been reinforced against the calls of wrath!

By accepting new information and being willing to let go of and alter your opinions accordingly, you have shown good judgment and your WIS has increased by 2!

I felt my mind grow sharper and clearer, and I breathed a sigh. I felt... a lot better, to be honest.

I smiled and hummed while washing away grease and syrup, feeling like I could possibly bring my family back together, that I could repair the damage of a disagreement brought to its ultimate strength.

Maybe... just maybe...

QUEST RECEIVED!

Quest: This over'arc'ing drama must be stopped!

Description: Johnathan and Juniper Arc are now more civil with one another, but the road to recovery is a long one. Help them reconnect and rekindle the love that brought them together in the first place.

Reward for Success: 100,000 exp, Johnathan and Juniper Arc get back together, the Arc family is reunited, Maximum Closeness to John Arc, Maximum Closeness to Juniper Arc, Increased Closeness with Jacaranda Arc, Increased Closeness with Juicia Arc, Increased Closeness with Juniper Arc II, Increased Closeness with Jade Arc, Increased Closeness with Jasper Arc, Increased Closeness with Jamacia Arc, Increased Closeness with Kira Arc.

Penalty for Failure: 10,000 exp for every salvaged relationship, Johnathan and Juniper Arc either do not get back together or officially divorce, the Arc family is divided until your own fatherhood, Decreased Closeness to John Arc, Maximum Un-Closeness to Juniper Arc, Unknown Alteration to Closeness with Jacaranda Arc, Juicia Arc, Juniper Arc II, Jade Arc, Jasper Arc, Jamacia Arc, and Kira Arc.

Time Limit: Until success or failure.

Accept? Y/N

I calmly finished the dishes.

I put them on the drying rack.

I walked up to my room.

I closed my door.

I turned towards the notification.

And I Power Strike slammed my fist into the Yes button.

I grinned. Maybe, maybe just maybe...

I could make everyone happy.

---

I panted as I entered the park once more, my Run having drained my SP, but I had other things to worry about over being tired.

-/\-

Jaune Arc
Title: Novice Hero
Level: 3
Class: Tank
Nickname: None

HP: 550/560
AP: 880/880
SP: 0/560

Strength: 31 (+30%) = 40.3
Dexterity: 35 (+30%) = 45.5
Vitality: 33 (+30%) = 42.9
Intelligence: 44 (+3) (+30%) = 61.1
Wisdom: 40 (+3) (+30%) = 55.9
Luck: 18
Charisma: 37

Stat Points: 5

-/\-

I frowned. My DEX was going up very slowly. Sure I was only level 3 and had 5 stat points, but I'd figured a few things with my increased mental stats.

There would come a point where I would have to level up just in order to have more HP, AP, and SP to work with. When this time came, I would most definitely level up in order to increase my efficiency, but until then, I was like a player of an idle game who stubbornly refused to Prestige until it took literally days until I could get my next upgrade or building.

I could wait. I had my whole life to play The Game, I could do it.

I was going to play this game, and I was going to fucking win!

I walked over and smiled at Old Man Jenkins, "Hey there old-timer." I chuckled, waving to him with a friendly smile, "Need any help?" I asked with a jovial tone, high spirits obvious in my voice.

"Ah, Jaune was it? Nice to see you're still roaming around outside rather than, well, locking yourself up in your room on your computer or whatever." he chuckled wheezily, a small quest appearing and immediately being accepted, "Mind helping me to my bench?"

"Not at all." I said while helping him walk with a strong and steady hand. I walked him over to the bench, "So, what kind of stories do you have for me today?"

He smiled and chuckled, "Well, how about I tell you about some of the better parts of the war?" I nodded to him, eager to learn about something so historically significant.

...

I listened and nodded, occasionally providing comments as Jenkins recounted his more joyous tales of the Faunus Rights Revolution, carefully moving his arms around in gestures of the motions that had been done in the scenarios he'd described.

I watched windows flow through, a couple of increases to Charisma, and learning and gaining levels in Assault Rifle Skill and Pistol Skill, just from hearing him talk about and gesture with them, Gamer's Sight feeding me information.

Robert Jenkins
Title: Forgotten but not Lost
Level: 17

HP: 200/200
AP: 0/0 (locked)
SP: 50/50

Strength: 36 (-75%) = 9
Dexterity: 25 (-80%) = 5
Vitality: 40 (-80%) = 8
Intelligence: 50 (-20%) = 40
Wisdom: 40 (+25%) = 50
Luck: 60
Charisma: 43

Age: 76
Birthday: September 13th
Race: Human
Height: 5'9
Weight: 145
Build: Withered Old Man
Hair/Eyes/Skin: Aged White / Dimmed Brown / Aged Caucasian.

I hummed, figuring that his drop in level, especially considering skills I saw on his list such as 'Pistol Mastery', 'Assault Rifle Proficiency', 'Militant Conditioning', and 'Deficit Effort', he had been quite a badass in his time. I looked at him respectfully, staring at the skills hard.

...

Nothing?

Weird... maybe I just didn't have the necessary stats for them.

Who knows?

I certainly didn't.

Smiling at him, I spoke up, "So, as much as I'd love to stay here and chat, Jenkins, I have things to do." I said with a smile, standing up, "You need anything before I go?" I asked politely.

"Uh, y-yeah." he said while looking up at me, "Ya said you're a wizard?"

"I DID say that." did I say that? Shit... "Well, I'm currently limited on the scale of my spellcasting, if that's what you want."

"Well, I do want that. If ya can, young man, could you maybe find a spell or whatever to fix me achin' joints?" he asked while rubbing his lower back as if to emphasize his point, letting out a low groan.

I opened my mouth to say something, that that wasn't exactly very possible, when the proof nearly slapped me in the face.

QUEST RECEIVED!

Quest: Witch Doctor's got what you need!

Description: find and use a magic skill on Robert Jenkins to mitigate his status effect "Withering of Age"

Reward for completion: 1000 exp, Massively Increased Closeness with Robert Jenkins, unlocks "Cleric" class

Penalty for failure (depending on time and conditions of failure): Robert Jenkins worsens in his condition, Robert Jenkins dies, Get charged for murder

Time Limit: 6 months

Accept? Y/N

I accepted with a solemn thought, "I'll see what I can do, friend." I said with a smile while walking away.

I let the feelings of benevolence flow through me, and suddenly a new window popped up.

You have received the status effect "Dedication Motivation (Med)"

Description: A miracle of the human heart that derives energy and strength from the bonds one shares.

Effects: +50% STR, DEX, and VIT for 117 minutes, +500% SPR for 42.9 minutes.

Huh... my Aura's numbers affected the duration of this status effect... I guess it's meant to be the sharpness of my mind, and then... my Vitality? I guess that sounds right... whatever, free status effect!

I picked up speed and Ran to the gym.

---

"Damn, that's pretty impressive, newbie." I heard a semi-familiar voice say. I turned to my left and say Yang again, but this time my mind stayed steady.

I smirked, "Well I'm just getting started, really." I chuckled, flexing my arms as I worked with a little over three hundred pounds, "But you can spot me if you want, Yang." I said with a playful smile.

"Alright... there you are." she giggled as she pointed at me, and I chuckled in response.

"Hehe, good one, but seriously though, help a guy out please?" I gave her a bit of a pleading look.

"Alright, slick, but only because you asked." she smiled and walked over, standing behind me as I lifted the barbell up and down methodically, feeling muscles tear and reform within seconds of doing so, my Strength going up by a few points.

"Thank you for doing this. I can tell, you're really strong. I'm guessing you go to the academy?" I prepared for my joke, a smile on my face.

"Beacon? No, I'm not ready for Beacon yet." she said with a slightly humble smile, "YET." she added with a slight smirk.

"Beacon? As in the hunter academy? Heavens no! I was talking about Caspomatic, the supermodel academy." I chuckled as I watched her face turn red from my statement, hearing a notification pop up before receiving a flick on the forehead, letting out a small "Ow." in response.

"Sh-shut up, you, I'm in my last year of Signal right now, and next year I'm going to Beacon, and I'm going to rock the school."

"Too late, the school is already made of rock." she giggled, "But you can shine on it, you already shine plenty enough." I saw her cheeks redden a little more, and I became a bit confused.

I set the bar on the rack and sat up, checking the notifications and my profile quickly.

By using your wits to embarrass another, you have gained the skill "Teasing"!

Teasing's level increased by 7!

+3 Closeness to Yang Xiao Long.

Strengthening your bonds with others has increased your Charisma by 1!

Increasing your skills' levels has gained you sufficient EXP. Your level increased by one!

-/\-

Jaune Arc
Title: Novice Hero
Level: 4
Class: Stud
Nickname: None

HP: 1000/1000
AP: 1120/1120
SP: 1100/1100

Strength: 36 (+30%) = 46.8
Dexterity: 35 (+30%) = 45.5
Vitality: 35 (+30%) = 45.5
Intelligence: 44 (+3) (+30%) = 61.1
Wisdom: 40 (+3) (+30%) = 55.9
Luck: 18
Charisma: 41

Stat Points: 10

-/\-

Huh... I didn't even realize that increasing the levels of my skills got me EXP.

Checking it, I realized that it was a tiny amount of EXP per skill level, usually less than five per, but eventually it had all added up and I leveled up, giving me a significant boost.

I looked and realized that Stud had been equipped... checking the description again I realized that it provided twice the SPR benefit of Tank, and decided to keep it like that, especially if it'd help me deal with Yang.

Smiling, I turned back to her, shooting her a confident look, "Well, I think I'm done. Why don't you sit your pretty little self here and do your benches?" I patted the bench after cleaning it with my towel, which apparently counted for a new skill Mopping, now. I guess it was probably a difference in materials it was used on. Wood + Sweat apparently equaled Polish. It probably has to do with the oils.

Regardless, with this skill, as well as some that I earned during my routine this morning, including Dusting and Waxing, I suddenly saw a new window pop up.

New title "True Home Cleaner" unlocked!

Home Cleaner: Granted for having all the skills of a home cleaner. -50% SP costs when using Housekeeping skills, +50% to the effects of these skills.

Well... that'd make my chores easier, at least. Still... I had to be careful about one thing, I realized. If I leveled up one of my stats to 51 or more, then I'd lose the ability to use the Novice Hero title, which gave me +10% to all EXP gains.

"Oh well aren't you just a charmer?" she said with a giggle, laying down on the bench, "Put some more weight on the bar." I did as told, smiling, "Alright, now let's start." she lifted the bar up, Gamer's Sight showing me patterns of Aura along her arms as she lifted the bar up and down, causing some jiggling of her chest, but I ignored it for the most part, mostly by keeping my eyes half-closed.

"Well I just try to be nice to girls, like my dad taught me to be. Personally, though, I'd say it was working." if what the 'Friends' tab showed me was anything to go by, at least.

Friends:

Juniper Arc: +54, Beloved Son
Johnathan Arc: +75, Beloved Son
Robert Jenkins: +37, Personal Friend
Annabelle Sytrus: +12, A Nice Young Man
Yang Xiao Long: +28, Friend

We talked during our break, my physical stats crawling up barely anything even after so much working out. I guess the weights were growing too small for me.

I let spill that I was a wizard, which wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the truth either, rather just a small nugget in comparison to what I REALLY was. The talking was what got me even more closeness to her, and by the time we left the gym, thoroughly tired and feeling the burn (at least she did, I pretended to be less effected by it, which was to assume that any of the pain hadn't left in seconds)

We said our goodbyes after exchanging Scroll information, however I saw her add a funny 'a' to my name, so I did the same for her name too, only in revenge.

I'd also, through normal conversation, gotten a little over thirty more levels in Teasing. I just don't understand how-... okay, NOW I see how she could misconstrue 'I waited until my parents were asleep to polish the family sword'... god I must have looked like an idiot, but at least she seemed to be happy enough. It felt nice to make such a beautiful girl smile.

-/\/\/\/\-

Misc:

Teasing (Passive) Level: 40, EXP: 45.63%
The act of using your own charms and wits to bring other people to a state of being red-faced, stuttering, speechless fools who can hardly react. Effect increases with Skill Level and CHA

Teasing Effectiveness: +88%
Teasing Resistance: +30%

-/\/\/\/\-

Yang Xiao Long: +45, Good Friend

-/\/\/\/\-

Jaune Arc
Title: Novice Hero
Level: 4
Class: Stud
Nickname: None

HP: 1030/1030
AP: 1120/1120
SP: 1130/1130

Strength: 38 (+30%) = 49.4
Dexterity: 35 (+30%) = 45.5
Vitality: 37 (+30%) = 48.1
Intelligence: 44 (+3) (+30%) = 61.1
Wisdom: 40 (+3) (+30%) = 55.9
Luck: 18
Charisma: 45

Stat Points: 10

-/\/\/\/\-

I smiled. It was nice to see that Yang was taking responsibility and, even if she didn't know it, helping me grind up the increases to my Charisma. I looked at everything, then sighed. The unevenness was going to kill me. I applied some of my points to make it all even.

-/\/\/\/\-

Jaune Arc
Title: Novice Hero
Level: 4
Class: Stud
Nickname: None

HP: 1050/1050
AP: 1150/1150
SP: 50/1150

Strength: 40 (+30%) = 52
Dexterity: 35 (+30%) = 45.5
Vitality: 40 (+30%) = 52
Intelligence: 45 (+3) (+30%) = 62.4
Wisdom: 40 (+3) (+30%) = 55.9
Luck: 20
Charisma: 45

Stat Points: 2

-/\/\/\/\-

I sighed, my desire for evenness sated. I began to Run towards... I don't know where, to be honest.

I still hadn't organized my tasks and objectives, but I could do that tomorrow morning. There wasn't any need to rush, right?

Exactly.

I still had time to do everything I need to.

EVERYTHING.

And yes.

I believed in miracles.

---

Well, here we are again. This chapter is a little more chaotic, I guess. It represents how Jaune is feeling much different now, and his focus and goals are still unknown to him, hence the literal lack of any planned events.

The way things played out for Johnathan and Juniper... well, there are a few things to understand about the Hunter psyche:

1) They are drilled to understand that shit happens, it's really nobody's fault, but shit just happens and they have to adapt.

2) They are drilled to desire unending improvement, and John wants Jaune to do even better than he did, while Juni is one of the ones who doesn't want her son to take to the family business.

3) Though stubborn and convicted, they can change their mind on just about anything if it's for the best for everyone involved.

And that's just for starters.

Seems Mary Sue-ish? It might to some, but you need to understand that these people are literally superhuman, so they have superhuman minds and bodies. This puts them several leagues above normal people in all regards, but they're still human.

As for Gamer's Mind's lack of preventing Jaune from being overcome by emotion... he's still a teenager under all this, he's still a kid, he's still a PERSON, behind the Gamer's Mind. The power drags his emotions, kicking and screaming, down to zero, but if they kick and scream enough then they can break from the hold. The game has to settle down and possibly even reboot after that.

Stealth... well as Jaune said, he's not going to be using it all that much, but one thing to note is the reason it leveled up so quickly... Imagine you're the superhuman Huntress, the one and only Juniper Arc. You're coming to visit your son and hopefully not see your idiot of a husband. Your beloved son suddenly runs up and punches you in the face with strength you didn't know he might have had. He asks what you're doing here, panting like he just ran a marathon, and then he collapses after coughing up blood. Naturally you'd be worried as fuck. After taking your son to where you know your husband's home is, you find him there and the two of you start arguing because Holy shit our son is unconscious and started coughing up blood, John pours a glass of water for Jaune to drink when if he wakes up before any doctor called can arrive, and you two start arguing downstairs. Even though the spit and vinegar is flying between the two of you, you're mainly focusing your superhuman senses on every little noise in the house in case Jaune wakes up and starts moving around or somebody breaks in suddenly (which they thought when Jaune unsheathed the sword, leading them to temporarily think he was an armed robber) and so you're kind of both willing to shut the fuck up for five seconds to listen to every little creak and crack of the building, in case it might actually be creaking and cracking because of your clearly sick son's footsteps. However, even though you're so worried on the inside, you can't really show it on the outside, or else it's going to affect your son too, and teenagers are, next to children, the worst at handling their emotions. Bad emotions means an increase, if only a very tiny one, that Grimm will attack the city. It's paranoia refined into a psychological advantage.

*wonders if that paragraph made me sound crazy*

Moving on...

Cheats... he can't use these often, mainly because they crash The Game within 10 seconds of being in use. Crashing The Game means his two biggest defenses against the world, Gamer's Mind and Gamer's Body, are turned off for a while. There are going to be things Jaune will face that only HE CAN FACE because he's The Gamer, and those two abilities let him take ungodly levels of punishment for next to no cost.

Already Jaune is starting to set himself up for an eventual fall by letting a nugget of truth slip to his family and (two) friends. He'd better learn some "spells" before they start asking for some proof that he is what he claims he is.

Next chapter will come when I get it done, it might be a day, it might be a week, or it might be (god forbid) a month, because I want to get into the habit of writing and finishing these chapters in relatively short amounts of time.

Here's to hoping I can do it! *holds up glass of water to toast all you wonderful readers*

I might go back at some point and correct my spelling mistakes, but who knows? Thank you all for reading this chapter, and goodnight. *takes a bow*

-/\/\/\/\/\-

Jaune Arc
Title: Novice Hero
Level: 4
Class: Stud
Nickname: None

HP: 1050/1050
AP: 1150/1150
SP: 50/1150

Strength: 40 (+30%) = 52
Dexterity: 35 (+30%) = 45.5
Vitality: 40 (+30%) = 52
Intelligence: 45 (+3) (+30%) = 62.4
Wisdom: 40 (+3) (+30%) = 55.9
Luck: 20
Charisma: 45

Stat Points: 2