Jaune looked out at the tapestry in the courtyard. A wave of nostalgia washing over him as he looked at the various swords in the mural. Part of him was running through the various advantages and disadvantages of each blade. Another was reminiscing of the day he had discovered his first skill thanks to this same tapestry.

His missing was suddenly cut short as he felt his father's hand on his shoulder. "I know it's a big decision, just don't get lost in thought." Sebastian mused. Jaune nodded before his eyes glazed over the various swords. "I think, that I want to use a shield alongside a sword." Jaune replied. Sebastian nodded as he heard his sisters murmuring. "Ah, well you'll need to think of materials as well. Let's keep your mind on the sword for now." Sebastian said as Jaune nodded.

His eyes ran over every sword in the tapestry. 'I want a shield, so a sword that can be used with either one or both hands is best.' Jaune pondered. 'An Arming Sword is too small, Something like a Sabre or a Scimitar wouldn't fit well with the shield he had in mind. Maybe a simple Broadsword, like a bastard Sword would work best?' Jaune mused before his eyes lingered on the bastard sword. He raised a hand and stepped towards the tapestry, running his fingers along the artwork of the swords.

Then he stopped on a simple Broadsword. Not too long, a handle that allowed for both single and two handed sword play, a decently sized pommel and a solid cross guard. He just had too make sure that the blade was kept sharp enough and had the correct balance of weight.

"So, you choose a Broadsword?" Jaune heard his father ask. "Yes, yes I do." Jaune replied as he looked back. He could see his younger sisters looking in awe as his older sisters just snickered. "Good choice, nothing can go wrong with an old reliable Broadsword. Now let's start talking materials?" His father said as he pulled him closer.

"Uh," Jaune murmured, his seven (26) year old brain trying to remember what metals the world used. "Ah, well Adamantine would be a decent choice, if the price wasn't so hiked up, though Mithril would be a good material for the cross guard. We can't just leave it with steel or titanium since they'll eventually break as you get stronger. So..." Jaune tuned out his father as he began to ramble out names of various fantasy metals.

"Can... Can we wait. I don't know what to make it out of yet?" Jaune asked nervously. "Ah, it's no issue, this sword will be by your side for the rest of your life so it can be a stressful decision." His father said before shrugging his shoulders. He could hear his sisters express shock and annoyance at his words. Sebastian just turned back at them with a stern look. "And how long did it take you three too choose what swords you wanted?" his father mused, silencing them. Jaune remembers those days, Saphron had made a quick choice, going for a Spadroon. Both Bianca and Olivia had taken days to choose what swords they wanted, ending it with a Rapier and Zweihander respectively. The difference was that they all went right for Adamantine for the metal.

Jaune took one last look at the tapestry before his father ushered him back too the rest of his family. He had a big decision to make, one that would required a lot of thinking.

He laid awake, not even sleeping a wink as his mind raced over the potential metals to use. He had even realized how difficult it would be, not to mention the fact that he still had to name it.

What would he even call it. Saphron called her Spadroon the "Serpentis Oculus," Bianca named her rapier "Verum Aurum," and Olivia called her Zweihander "Magnum Pondus." All of which were latin, did his family have sone inate knowledge of latin despite the fact that it doesn't exist in this world?

'No, don't think about it, You'll just start nitpicking history. Isekai keeps using made up german sounding words so just role with it.' Jaune told himself.

Still, he had to come up with some name for the blade. He knew his father called his sword Cocrea Mors, and that it held some form of signifigance. But what should he name his sword. Gods, he had to remember those classed he took just to look smarter. Wait, there's an idea.

He wants to protect his family, like a guardian. So, something Custodian. He can support and heal, and there isn't much too drive him towards more offensive minded action.

He could be the pillar for others, someone to rely on.

As he watched shooting stars cut across the night sky he felt a name come to him.

"Custos Columna," that could work.

Jaune walked through the halls, it was early in the morning so there was far less servants than usual. Both his parents were still asleep, as well as his sisters. He strode with his mind still jumbled on what metals to use, what to make of it.

His musing was suddenly cut short by the feeling of something unnerving. He had felt it before, yet now it felt overwhelming. He glanced out the nearest window, closer to the source of the feeling. He saw the Forest near the Manor, lively as usual even in the early morning.

Yet the feeling, it was like a hook in his cheek, pulling him closer. He could see the visage, the shroud that guarded their "neighbor" against all harm. Summer, The True Spirit of Death, was trying to get his attention. He could feel a cold sweat run down his back as he looked out at her, and she looked back.

Letting his curiosity get the better of him Jaune made for the nearest door, thankful that he was already on the ground floor of the Manor. He slowly opened the door, making sure not to alert any of the staff as he walked out. As he stepped through a familiar presence stopped him.

"What do you think you are doing Young Master?" he could feel Walter glaring at the back of his head as he spoke. "Summer... She wanted to show me something.." Jaune trailed out as his legs shook. Walter seemed to pause for a moment before he looked out to the forest. He ran a hand over his chin before his eyes narrowed at Summer's visage. "Just don't take too long. If your parents wake up to find you missing they'll spent the whole day in a sour mood." Walter said as he pushed the door open. Jaune nodded before walking out. "Thank you Walter." he said, looking backs the butler closed the door.

Jaune stepped into the forest, his ears open to the sounds of wildlife. He followed the presence of Summer, walking along a natural trail. As he strode along he could have sworn that two sets of eyes were watching him, no malice in their intent, just curiosity.

After a few minutes Jaune stopped, now standing in front of the same ruined cabin Ren had been keeping Nora in for who knows how long. He looked it over for a second, before he felt those same presences from before. Turning his head quickly, Jaune found himself face too face with two glowing orbs. One was a deep red with small bits of black, the other was a calm green with small hints of brown. Jaune felt himself staring at them, unable to look away.

With little hesitation Jaune activated his Appraisal skill.

Weak Lesser Spirit of Death.

Weak Lesser Spirit of Life.

The Appraisal revealed no names, just what they were. Jaune and the two spirits only stared at one another for an unknown amount of time before he felt Summer's presence return. The other two spirits didn't flee, rather the Red spirit rushed over to Summer and began flying around her as the green spirit just remained still. Jaune raised a hand, prompting the spirits to approach him as Summer grew closer.

The green spirit stayed back, almost as though it was nervous. The red one just seemed to vibrate with excitement as they grew closer.

"Is this what you wanted to show me?" Jaune asked. Summer seemed to still for a moment before her head moved. Jaune could only assume she was shaking her head no due to the interference from the shroud. Summer raised a hand and led the red spirit land in it, before prompting the green spirit to do the same in her other hand. "Young ones, curious about you. they have much to learn." Summer said as she held the two Weak Lesser Spirits up to him. Jaune reached his hand out and pat them, his hand flushing with strange energy as he ran it over the spirits.

As Jaune's hand left them, they dashed away. Their visages dashing deep into the forest with little pause. He spared a glance in their direction before he looked back at Summer. Summer just let her hand fly to her right, what Jaune could only assume was a finger, pointing towards the mountains to the East of the Forest. "Just a few minutes that way. In a clearing near a creek. Something that may help you with your decision." Summer said. Jaune looked at where she pointed, then paused.

"You know?" Jaune asked, surprised that Summer was aware of his inability to choose a metal for his sword. "I have lived here longer than the Arcs, even longer than the Manor itself, I know your family's traditions and how difficult it can be to make such a choice." Summer said. Jaune just nodded before he looked back where she had pointed.

"Can I just go there?" Jaune asked. Summer seemed to nod, still difficult to tell due to the shroud surrounding her. Jaune breathed in and continued onwards, slowly making his way as he spotted a creek not far away. He doubled his pace before pushing a large branch out of the way.

There, exactly how Summer had described it, was a clearing in the forest.

In the centre of the clearing, surrounded by still smoking earth and burnt grass, was a meteorite. Jaune let out a small gasp as he stepped closer. As he got closer he could feel the heat emanating from the rock. Looking around Jaune found a stick, quickly picking it up and using it to poke the stone. The stick bristled before smoking upon contact with the stone. "Woah," Jaune slipped out before he used Appraisal on the stone.

Raw Meteoric Ore: Effects unknown.

Jaune raised a brow at the name, but shrugged knowing that his Appraisal skill wasn't the greatest. He smiled, trusting that Summer had given him something useful. Now he only had one problem, bringing the meteorite back to the Manor.

He could probably tell Walter about the Meteorite, then either himself or a bunch of staff will retrieve it. Still, mom and dad would ask questions. Jaune took a look around the clearing, memorizing how he had reached the clearing, before he turned back.

The walk back too the Manor was far less eventful, even as he felt the curious eyes of the two Weak Lesser Spirits lingering on him. They would flee the moment he turned back to look at them. Leading to an entertaining cycle of Jaune trying to coax them closer, them approaching, and him turning as quickly as possible to catch them in the act.

He was sure that they were enjoying it too, since they kept coming back.

It wasn't long before Jaune reached the Manor and stepped back in through the same door he had entered. "Did you find what you where looking for?" he heard Walter ask. Jaune nodded; "A Big Meteor, out in the forest." he said while pointing outwards. "Really, do you remember where?" Walter asked with a raised brow. "Yep, East of the old cabin, a clearing near a creek with the rock in the middle. It's still really hot." Jaune explained. Walter nodded before looking out to the forest with a smile. "Did Summer guide you too it?" Walter inquired. Jaune just nodded as Walter gave another glance out too the forest. "Then I can only assume it was some truly potent metal." Walter quipped. Jaune just raised a brow as Walter began walking away.

"Worry not Young Master, I will send a group of Butlers to retrieve the stone and bring it here by the afternoon." Walter said as Jaune began to follow after him. Walter looked back and his eyes narrowed. "Is there anything else you need Young Master?" Walter asked. "No, just thinking." Jaune said. Walter nodded, calmly walking through the Manor with Jaune not far behind him.

Jaune watched as Walter turned a corner on the right, he made a turn to the left. Jaune could hear Walter stepping away, and he smiled. He had the metal for his sword, he had a name for it. All he really needed was some training to pair it with a shield.

Life was going good.

Then he heard a loud scream from down the hall. Jaune quickly rushed forward, his feet carrying him all the way to the source. He stood in front of a large door, the door to Ren and Nora's room. He could see Maids and Butlers arriving as well, some already opening the door before stopping.

Jaune pushed past them, looking in to find quite the sight.

Ren was on the bed, trapped in the death hug of a young girl with ginger hair.

Jaune kicked his legs as he watched his mother and Saphron gush over Nora's new clothes. The shock of Nora's apparent transformation now forgotten, replaced with a sense of amusement. Ren just stood still, having a hard time looking at anything for more than a few minutes. His father was there, teasing Ren with short remarks as Walter just watched the scene with amusement.

Nora stood up and did a twirl in one of the new dresses his mother had given her. The young dragon girl had quickly acclimated to her new body and was clearly enjoying it. "Look Renny, look." She said excitedly while gesturing to her pink and white dress. "Its nice." Ren replied as Nora ran up to him. "Now we can go an ad!%@$;: and have snacks together, you don't have to be part of my hoard. I can even hug you whenever I want." Nora exclaimed while pulling Ren into another bear hug.

Jaune winced as Ren let out a pained groan. Nora didn't seem to notice, happily swinging him from side to side with a content smile. "Well, she still needs to learn a bit more Demonic Common." Jaune heard his father muse. Nora just looked up at Sebastian and flashed him a smile. Jaune just watched as his father ran a hand through the Dragon Girl's hair as his mother and oldest sister approached. "Come on Nora, there's still a lot more we have to teach you." Juniper said as she put her hand on Nora's shoulder. Nora frowned for a second before letting go of Ren, the poor boy staggering back before Walter caught him.

Jaune watched as Nora followed his mother and Saphron too another room. He turned to see that Walter was guiding Ren to somewhere else in the Manor, probably the one of the medicine cabinets. Jaune looked back, seeing only his father in the room with him.

"Now Jaune, Walter told me that a certain someone had a gift for you. One that the staff have hauled in a little bit ago. I would like to see it." Sebastian said calmly. Jaune stilled for a second, then nodded. "Walter informed me that it was brought into the Manor's smithy, but I want to know who it was from?" Sebastian requested as they began walking. Jaune could feel himself sweat before he glanced out the window, looking out into the forest.

"So it was the old Spirit?" he heard his father say. "Uh..." Jaune trailed off as he rubbed his neck. "Look son, the whole Arc family knows about her. She's been in that forest long before our ancestors had this Manor built. I know that she's interesting, but don't go looking for her. No one knows where she came from or how long she has been here, just that she may be one of the oldest Spirits in the world." Sebastian said. Jaune just nodded, not wanting to say anything suspicious. 'If I say that she's been coming to me then they'd worry for my safety.' he thought as his father turned a corner.

Jaune continued after him as he remained silent. Sebastian took a glance at him before shaking his head. "Jaune, if she gave you a gift, then she has her eyes on you. What this means in the long run is anyone's guess. She may be pitying you and wishes to extend your life, she may just find you interesting. It's hard too tell with a Spirit of her power." Sebastian rattled on as they finally reached the Manor smithy.

Jaune heard his Father whistle as they looked upon the Meteorite. "Well Walter wasn't lying when he said it was special, this is half Magicite, one sixth Magic Iron, and two sixths Course Nickle. Whatever reason The Spirit let you have this she wasn't skimping out." Sebastian said as he ran a hand along the stone. Jaune didn't fully understand what was so special about the metals, but if his father was impressed then he may as well smile.

Then he felt something heavy being put on his shoulders. Looking up he could see a leather apron was being held over him. Jaune shifted around, letting the servant put on the apron as he watched his father put on his own blacksmithing gear. The Apron was large, much bigger than his current form, yet it still fit just enough.

"Now son, we're going to be forging your sword. But first we must get some basics done." Sebastian said as he grabbed a hammer and a long metal tong. Jaune followed after a servant slipped a pair of thick leather gauntlets onto his arms. "Noe comr along, we have to start with the most important part, treating the metal." Sebastian said as he pulled out a metal ingot.

"We're starting with iron, then we move onto steel. It'll take a bit before you're ready to completely forge your sword. Are you ready?" his father asked.

Jaune could only nod enthusiastically.

He was not ready for this.

They had spent a few days getting it right. Each metal was so different, each needing different temperatures, varying amounts of force, and different lengths of time to forge.

It took him twelve tries to make a simple Iron Broadsword.

It took him nine tries to create a simple Steel Broadsword.

Now here he stood, his hands unsteady as his father helped him forge his sword. Sweat running down his brow, Jaune took a moment to look at his stats, see what had changed to hopefully help calm him down.

Name: Jaune Arc (Jonathan Miles Luna)

Level: Eight.

Level Progression: (43/60)

Age: 7 Years

Race: Demon Hybrid.

Class: None.

Hp: 35/35

Mp: 30/30

Attack: 27

Defense: 35

Magic Power: 25

Magic Defense: 30

Speed: 25

Skills: Demonic Common 5 (4), Culinary 8 (9), Night Vision 3 (6), Appraisal 5 (9), Swordsman 5 (2), Demonic Senses 3 (1), Demonic Resilience 2 (6), Devil's Wings 3 (1), Hp Recovery 3 (1), Demonic Magic 4 (7), Spell Menu 2 (5), and Blacksmithing 3 (5).

Unspent XP: 220

Magic Proficiency: Support.

Known Spells: Lesser Attack Boost (simple), Lesser Defense Boost (simple), Lesser Speed Boost (simple), Lesser Heal Wounds (simple), Lesser Cure Poison (simple), Lesser Cure Poison (simple), and Prestigitation (Special).

Jaune breathed in deeply, that first swing of the hammer had unlocked the Blacksmithing skill, and his father's efforts had driven him to advance it so far already. Jaune let out a shaky breath as he raised the forging hammer with the aid of his father.

The first strike went down.

He wanted to make it right.

He raised the hammer again and sent in down with as much force.

He doesn't want to waste all the effort.

The hammer was raised a third time and fell with a mighty clang.

He'll be strong

Clang.

He'll work hard

Clang.

He has a new life, and a legacy to live up too.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

He was about to raise the hammer once more before he felt his father's hand grasp his wrist. Jaune was worried that he had made a mistake before his father handed him one of the metal tongs. Jaune understood his intention, picking up the blade with the tongs and driving into a bucket of oil to treat it. The oil boiled for a second before Jaune pulled it back out.

The blade shone, drops of oil and slag sliding off of it leaving only a perfect blade. Sebastian held out a small collection of gems for Jaune to choose, Jaune quickly took a sapphire, and emerald, and a small piece of gold. The Mithril cross guard his father had made was quickly fused to the rest of the blade, the three gems now lining the from the bottom pommel towards the grip. Silvery grey leather was wrapped around the guard, and both Arcs stood back.

The blade was beautiful, evenly forged and already quite sharp.

Jaune took the blade in his hands, his arms aching from the weight of the blade. When he was fully grown the blade would be easy to use, but for now it was rather big for him. "Have you thought of a name?" he heard his father ask. Jaune nodded; "Custos Columna." he spoke calmly. Jaune watched as his father nodded, then pulled out a set of needles. "Then give her her name, she's still waiting." Sebastian said as he handed them to Jaune.

Jaune nodded, a tired smile on his face as he ran the needle alone the blade near the guard and the name appeared along its path.