Chapter V
The next day was the big day, just like that Emma said. There was indeed an event coming up in the afternoon.
Simon prepared himself for the event when he got to the lockers: getting his weapon's dust container full, repairing his armor, etc… He also upgraded his weapon when he woke up. He changed the shotgun's scopes for a long-range sniper scope instead of an iron sight and changed the fire rate to a single bullet shot. He also upgraded ''Marine's chip with a localisation device which means that he can now know where is weapon is by simply using his gauntlet's screen.
When he was at Signal, he did meet some friends. He wanted to find them before the event for the teaming up his father warned him.
He decided to go to the fountain in front of the school to rest before the event. When he sat on a bench, someone noticed him and called him.
-Hey, Simon!
The person approached and Simon knew who it was pretty fast.
-Tyler? I can't believe it! , replied Simon, surprised by Tyler's presence.
-Simon, good god, I thought I wouldn't even see you again after the third year!
Tyler Ironclad was a pale yellow-haired young man who was the best friend of Simon for three years in a row. When they finished the third year at Signal, they changed class and never saw each other again…until now.
They continued their discussion, until Tyler asked:
-So, can I see your weapons? You were one of the best students in our class, so maybe you can explain to me it your weapon works?
-Ok, if you say so. , said Simon.
Simon then unsheathed his sword and started to explain the weapon to Tyler:
-Marine, which is how I call my weapon, is an Electronic-Augmented Shotgun Longsword or, to put it short, an EASL. Its reliability and surprisingly light weight can let me swing it really fast…
Simon switched his sword to his shotgun mode.
-…and blow my enemies from afar.
Tyler was surprised by the performance of Simon's weapon, but he knew that such a weapon can only be crafted by someone like him.
-Let me show mine.
Tyler took his weapon from his back, which looked like a Greatsword at first.
-This is Iron Fury, a Rocket Launcher Greatsword, which stand for RLG. As you can see, since I'm strong enough to take it, it has a descent speed. But the thing is that, even if it's a bit slow, it can tear your enemies to pieces.
He then pressed a button and the Greatsword changed to a fully loaded rocket launcher. Simon wasn't surprised by this; he knew Tyler always wanted to deal heavy damage in a limited time and use things that go boom.
A little sound was heard from the school and a voice was heard:
-Message to all students; please proceed to Beacon Hill to begin your test of initiation.
-We should go. , said Simon.
-I'm following you. , said Tyler.
Beacon Hill, 10 minutes later:
16 pods were installed on the ground in front of Professor Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch, which were occupied by 16 students. The rules were than explained:
-For years you have trained to become warriors, and today your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest. , said Ozpin.
The Emerald Forest? This name clicked something in the mind of Simon.
-Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams. Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today. , continued Glynda.
-These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So, this is in your best interest to be paired with someone with who you could work well. That being said, first person you make eye-contact with after landing will be your partner for the next 4 years. , said Ozpin.
-What? , whispered Simon.
Simon was petrified by this information. He always worked perfectly alone in terms of combat, meaning that he never really worked in a team.
-See, I told you. , said a girl that was not far from him talking to someone next to her.
-After you partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way; do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path, or you will die. , said Ozpin, sounding a bit dramatic at the end.
Ok, this isn't a problem.
-You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not interfere. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return at the top of the cliff. You will guard that item, as well as your standing and grade appropriately. Are there any questions?
-Yeah, um…sir- , replied Jaune Arc before getting interrupted.
-Good. Now, take your positions.
The students prepared themselves, weapons ready.
-Tyler, do you want to partner up when we will land? , asks Simon.
-Sure, no problem. Just call my name and I will respond. , replied Tyler.
-Ok.
The launching began. Tyler and Simon were launched first since they were on the first pods.
Tyler took his sword, let a threatening roar and landed smashing into trees while blocking with his sword. Simon positioned himself and cast a shield spell which blasted into trees, slowly decreasing the speed of the bubble-like shield. At the fifth tree blasted, he stopped the spell and landed safely with a roll forward.
The Emerald Forest…Simon knew he would come back after what happened. And it's just the beginning.