Chapter 2:Secrets and Shadows
Deep in concentration, Jaune Arc furrowed his brow as he pondered his next move. His responsibilities as a student at Beacon Academy greatly limited his movements, making it impossible for him to leave the school for an extended period to establish a secondary base for Chaldea. Luckily, he still had the servants and Chaldean staff to help him out.
After careful consideration, Jaune and the Chaldea Security Organization staff had settled on a location nestled deep within the abandoned dragon continent, specifically in one of its imposing mountain ranges, both for its isolated location and its natural defenses. Over the past few days, a dedicated team of servants and staff had tirelessly worked to construct and fortify the base, ensuring its defenses were formidable.
The base boasted an array of advanced security systems, carefully designed to protect its inhabitants. Bounded fields, artfully crafted by the talented caster servants, formed a multi-layered configuration that shielded and hid the entire facility. The walls surrounding the base were not only reinforced but also enchanted, offering an additional layer of protection against potential threats. This was further reinforced by the various automated turrets both on the interior and exterior of the base. As well as placing various artillery and anti-air emplacements in strategic positions around the base.
Jaune's thoughts then turned to the underground expansion of the base. Alongside the living quarters and backup generators, he had overseen the establishment of a spacious cafeteria, sparring rooms that occupied an entire floor, and magical workshops strategically separated from the main facility to ensure safety. While at the same time leaving plenty of space for further expansion.
The demands of his dual roles had left him with precious little time to catch up with Da Vinci and discuss the pressing day-to-day matters transpiring within the organization. It remained a universal truth that paperwork waited for no one. Yet at the same time keeping up with his studies at Beacon as to not fall behind. The need for secrecy further complicated matters, restricting his ability to freely travel to the Chaldea base or communicate through conventional means. His mental connection with his servants only got him so far.
Frustrated yet undeterred, Jaune sought out alternative means to bridge the communication gap. With a touch of his signature resourcefulness, he devised a plan to delegate the task of gathering information about the current state of Remnant to the ever-resourceful BB. Known for her exceptional hacking skills and unparalleled access to data, Jaune entrusted her with the crucial responsibility of staying abreast of the developments unfolding in Remnant.
"BB," Jaune addressed the virtual AI assistant. "I need you to dive deep into the networks, and gather as much data as possible on the current affairs of Remnant. We need to stay informed, especially with the threat of Grimm and look into the political situations in all of the kingdoms."
BB's holographic form shimmered, her digital eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Consider it done, Master Jaune! I shall navigate the intricate web of information, uncovering hidden truths and tracking any significant events. Remnant shall remain within our grasp!"
Secure in the fact that BB would remain on top of the information wing of Chaldea, Jaune turned his attention to another crucial task at hand. The criminal underbelly of Vale had been festering, causing unrest and posing a threat to the stability of the region. With a cunning mind like that of Moriarty at his disposal, Jaune devised a plan to take control of the criminal elements and restore order to the troubled city. It would be best to control the criminal underworld instead of having it work against Chaldea.
"Moriarty," Jaune called out, his voice carrying a sense of authority befitting a leader and the burden of command from his experiences. "I require your expertise in subterfuge and manipulation. Vale's underworld has grown out of control, and I intend to put an end to it. I want you to infiltrate their ranks and establish your authority, bringing them under our control."
Moriarty, his refined demeanor oozing with a mix of malice and intellect, regarded Jaune with a sly smile. "I hear and obey your order, my dear Jaune. Leave it to me to weave my intricate web of deceit and restore order to the chaotic tapestry of Vale's criminal underworld. They shall dance to my tune, unaware of the strings I shall pull."
"Also before I forget Moriarty please work with BB and establish Chaldea as a private military company with an anonymous owner, currently accepting work from outlying villages. That contact work we would receive would go a long way to make the secondary base self-sufficient as well as providing an additional layer of authenticity to our fabricated existence."
"It will be done, master." Came the reply from the master criminal.
With BB delving into Remnant's secrets and Moriarty poised to orchestrate his masterful scheme, Jaune felt a surge of hope amidst the challenges that lay ahead. Together, they would navigate the intricate threads that bound their world, ensuring that Chaldea's reach extended far beyond physical barriers and into the heart of Remnant itself.
The clash of Jaune's shield against Weiss's blade reverberated throughout the training arena, captivating the attention of the class. Jaune's movements were now a seamless dance, his agility matching the grace of a seasoned warrior. His improvements in combat tactics allowed him to anticipate Weiss's every strike, effortlessly evading them with calculated precision. He was no longer the Faker that most of Beacon saw him as. A title that filled him with amusement as he silently mused. " I wonder what Gilgamesh's reaction to my title would be? Perhaps amusement at Archer's expense."
As Jaune expertly maneuvered his shield, locking Weiss's weapon in place, a glimmer of mischief and barely concealed satisfaction danced in his eyes. It was a move that caught Weiss off guard, momentarily stunning her. Her instincts screamed that Jaune had something up his sleeve, a plan hidden beneath his confident facade. She tensed, her grip tightening around her weapon, preparing for any unexpected maneuver he might attempt.
Her eyes widened in disbelief as Jaune swiftly dropped his sword, a bold move that only deepened her confusion. Why was he discarding his only offensive weapon in the middle of a fight? The sudden shift in his tactics was enough to raise her suspicions to new heights. What was he planning? Her mind raced with possibilities, her analytical instincts demanding answers.
Time seemed to slow as Jaune reached under his shirt. Weiss's breath caught in her throat, her eyes narrowing as she tried to decipher his intentions. Her heart pounded in her chest, the anticipation mounting with each passing second.
Before Weiss could react or retreat, three rapid gunshots shattered the air, their echoes reverberating through the training arena. The explosive sound filled the space, momentarily drowning out all other noise.
Weiss staggered backward, her hand instinctively reaching for her chest where she had been shot. Her breath was uneven, her eyes locked onto Jaune's with a mix of bewilderment and curiosity. Sensing figurative blood in the water Jaune pressed his advantage and swiftly shield bashed Weiss to create distance taking the chance to shoot at her again. Dropping her aura level further into the yellow.
The gasps of Jaune's friends mingled with the collective astonishment of the spectators, their eyes widening at the unexpected turn of events. Jaune's daring move had taken everyone by surprise, including Weiss herself.
"Jaune, what's gotten into you?" she questioned, her voice laced with both intrigue and suspicion. "Your skills, your tactics—they're nothing like before.
Jaune's heart raced as slowly maneuvered her to the edge of the ring. He flashed Weiss a sheepish grin, attempting to downplay the weight of his experiences. "Just... lots of practice, Weiss. I've been working hard to improve, I can't stay the faker forever."
Weiss's gaze lingered on Jaune, her cerulean eyes narrowing with lingering doubt. She was no stranger to secrets herself, having navigated the intricate web of the Schnee family's hidden affairs. She knew there was more to Jaune's newfound prowess than he was willing to reveal, and she made a silent vow to uncover the truth.
"Good she hasn't noticed yet. Come on just a few more steps." Thought Jaune as he slowly maneuvered Weiss closer to the edge of the arena. Bracing himself Jaune simultaneously charged and fired at Weiss making sure to aim at her sword arm as he crashed into her and pushed her the rest of the way out of the ring. As Weiss hit the ground in a heap Glynda called out the result of the match. "Winner by ring out Jaune Arc."
Jaune's friends exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of pride, surprise, and curiosity. They had witnessed Jaune's growth firsthand, but the extent of his transformation left them hungry for answers.
As Glynda Goodwitch approached the combatants, her gaze filled with a mix of approval and intrigue, her words of praise cut through the air. "Well done, Mister Arc. Safe to say, none of us expected your gambit with the concealed weapon. Let this be a lesson to everyone: always be aware of your opponents and take nothing for granted during a battle."
A wave of relief washed over Jaune as he absorbed Glynda's words. He had successfully executed his plan, surprising both Weiss and their formidable combat instructor. With a sheepish smile, he acknowledged Glynda's praise. "Thank you, Professor Goodwitch. I've been working hard to improve my skills and add a few tricks to my arsenal."
His teammates and friends gathered around, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and excitement. Ruby grinned, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Jaune, that was amazing! I didn't know you knew how to use firearms?"
"Yeah it's not something I showcase, I prefer to keep it hidden for situations where surprise can make the difference in a battle besides I wanted to see if all my time practicing would pay off." Jaune responded Jaune glanced at his friends, grateful for their unwavering support. He knew they had witnessed his struggles and failures, and now, they were witnessing his growth. With a sense of humility, he replied, "It was a move spurred on by necessity. I needed to catch Weiss off guard somehow."
Nora's enthusiasm couldn't be contained as she exclaimed, "I've always believed in you, fearless leader! You're becoming a force to be reckoned with! We're going to be unstoppable!"
Ren, usually the calm and composed one, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Jaune. Your progress is remarkable. It seems you really are coming into your own as our partner."
Jaune's gaze shifted to Weiss, who was slowly regaining her footing after the unexpected fall. Her expression was a mix of surprise, frustration, and a begrudging respect. It was clear that she hadn't anticipated Jaune's tactics and was now determined to unravel the mystery behind his sudden improvement.
Weiss dusted herself off and approached Jaune, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and a hint of challenge. "Well, Jaune, you certainly know how to make an impression. Care to shed some light on your newfound skills? Or do you plan on keeping them a secret?"
Jaune's smile wavered for a moment, his mind working quickly to navigate the delicate dance of evading Weiss's suspicions without revealing the truth. He met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of playfulness and a hint of mystery. "Ah, Weiss, where would be the fun in that? Some secrets are meant to be kept, at least for now."
Weiss's curiosity only deepened at Jaune's cryptic response, her determination to uncover the truth growing stronger. She knew that Jaune had been training with Pyrrha but judging by her reaction this was something apart from that. It seemed there was more to him than everyone suspected.
As they walked away from the classroom, Jaune's mind churned with thoughts of Chaldea, his newfound abilities, and the delicate balance he had to maintain. He knew that keeping his secrets hidden would be a challenge, especially with Weiss's newfound curiosity regarding him. But he was determined to protect them, even if that meant keeping them in the dark.
Seated at his study desk, a soft glow emanated from the dimly lit room as Jaune pored over the pages before him. The abandoned classroom he had converted into his secret office and workshop hybrid provided him with a secluded space to delve into the depths of magecraft.
The room had been carefully scrubbed off the school records by BB, ensuring that no one would stumble upon Jaune's hidden sanctuary. Here, surrounded by stacks of old books and magical artifacts he had collected throughout his adventures, Jaune delved deep into the world of magecraft.
His eyes scanned the meticulously written lines, absorbing the knowledge etched within. Magic circuits, the conduits through which mystical energy flowed, fascinated him, and he dedicated countless hours to understanding their inner workings.
He traced his fingers along the diagrams and symbols, feeling the subtle energy resonating beneath his touch. Despite aura and magecraft being incompatible systems. Jaune hoped that by studying techniques for using mana and od more effectively it would help him with gaining control over the flow of his aura.
With unwavering determination, Jaune sought to understand the art of magecraft. He yearned to harness the dormant potential within his own being and unlock the full extent of his power. In the past, he had witnessed the incredible abilities of other mages and realized that his journey as a Master required him to expand his repertoire.
He immersed himself in the study of magecraft, experimenting with different techniques and theories. He sought to enhance his control over aura, honing his skills to perfection and thus be able to use it more effectively during combat.
In addition to his studies, Jaune sought guidance from the summoned heroic spirits. With their vast knowledge and experiences, they provided valuable insights and tutelage in the realm of magecraft. Together, they would gather in the hidden classroom, sharing their wisdom and expertise, each session becoming an exchange of knowledge and furthering his abilities.
"Okay, that's enough study for tonight," Jaune muttered to himself, pushing away the stack of books and research papers cluttered his desk. The dimly lit classroom serving as his office provided a sense of solitude as Jaune prepared to catch up on the administrative side of their operations. It was a necessary task, albeit less thrilling than the battles he had grown accustomed to.
Taking a deep breath, Jaune grabbed the first report and began reading aloud, his voice carrying a tone of exhaustion and determination. "Let's see, Avicebron requests permission to experiment with Grimm mask remains to see if they would be suitable golem materials." His pen glided across the paper as he made a note, stamping his approval of the project. "Approved, but with standard safety restrictions in place. We can't afford any mishaps."
The next report caught Jaune's attention, drawing him deeper into the new reality they faced. "Contact with hostile force of bandits while defending a village on the outskirts of Vale. Situation resolved with no casualties on our part and payment received." His brows furrowed slightly as he absorbed the details of the report, his mind contemplating the implications.
Requesting an extension of deployment for two days to ensure village safety," the report continued, presenting Jaune with a decision to make. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming thoughtfully on the desk. The safety of the village weighed heavily on his mind, and he knew the importance of thorough protection, not to mention that ensuring the village remained safe would further ties with the village and paint Chaldea in a good light for other villages in the same situation. After a moment of consideration, he reached for the pen again.
"Granted," Jaune said firmly, his voice carrying a sense of resolve. "Extend the deployment for two days. The safety of the villagers comes first. We can't afford to leave any loose ends." With a final stroke of his pen, he signed his name on the report, sealing the fate of their continued efforts.
As Jaune processed the reports and addressed the requests, he couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Each decision he made, each stamp of approval, shaped the course of their mission and the lives of those involved. It was a responsibility he had willingly shouldered, understanding the importance of Chaldea's work in protecting humanity as a whole be it on Earth or on Remnant.
As the night wore on, Jaune's determination remained unyielding. He poured over every detail, scrutinizing the reports, and ensuring that the necessary actions were taken. The steady flickering of candlelight provided a somber ambiance, casting shadows on the room's walls, as Jaune delved deeper into the world of mission logistics and management.
Finally, as the last report was logged into the system, Jaune leaned back in his chair, a sense of accomplishment settling within him. The desk was now clear, and the burdens of the day's administrative tasks were lifted. His dedication and meticulousness had served him well, and he knew that Chaldea's operations would continue to run smoothly under his watchful eye.
With a weary but satisfied smile, Jaune rose from his seat and stretched, the fatigue of the day's work making itself known.
As he left the office and returned to his team's room, Jaune couldn't help but feel a glimmer of excitement for the adventures that lay ahead. The path he had chosen was not an easy one after all death would be a constant companion in his journey, but he was determined to protect humanity, one mission report and staff request at a time.