AUTHOR'S NOTE!
Hey guys! All chapters have been updated as of February 2021! Welcome back those who have already read my story. For those of you who are new this story I welcome you!
The Arcane Craftsman
Chapter 2:
Tall buildings made of marble, roads that were pitch black and smooth, with walkways made of stone. Vale was a treasure trove of modern architecture. It was if he'd entered a new world, with a culture all its own. The people wore suits rather than Jaune's own tunic and pants combination. Unlike most border towns Vale proper had money to burn and most could afford the "upper-class" look.
To Jaune, it was truly a wondrous sight. He would like to think that was the reason everyone on the train was staring at him. Looking at a blonde man from the sticks staring at the city through a window like a child.
…..ah who was he kidding.
It had been days since Jaune had left Ansel, his home for all of his life. His father was transported to the hospital sponsored by Beacon and Jaune followed suit soon after. There was nothing left in Ansel for him now after all. He had travelled by carriage, than by horse, and finally arrived in a small city that housed one of the few train stops in Vale, a relatively new invention for travel and the first major project done by two kingdoms, Vale and the mystical juggernaut Atlas. Jaune wished he could spend all day studying how it worked. His inspect skill giving him some bare bones knowledge, a neat trick he recently discovered during the ride.
"Man it's been nothing but firsts for me" muttered Jaune.
ALARM!
You have completed 6/7 daily training objectives! time left for completion 3 hours! Get to it hero! Wouldn't want to miss that LAST OBJECTIVE!
"This thing just doesn't quit does it."
Jaune could feel the confused glares at his back. He sighed and shook his head. Seems he was already building a reputation. Jaune turned back to his seat and got comfortable. Right now things were quiet. But Beacon academy was close from the announcement he heard. There was only a few moments of quiet left to him with the school so close. Most of the trip Jaune had spent simply reading about his new skills and trying to understand his new passive. The skills themselves were not unusual. Although there were a few Jaune didn't quite understand fully, they were all basic in practice. His new and improved Passive seemed to burn anything his body touched however, which was an issue. Hell he even sent a torrent of flame ahead of himself once.
"Never doing that again" muttered Jaune "thought the system was trying to trick me with that whole "ignite air" nonsense".
Still, it was disturbing how good he felt. Having so much raw strength and power was something Jaune never believed he himself would ever possess. His passive even evolved to include his entire body, rather than just his bare hands. He was always stronger than the norm but that was in comparison to other labor castes and not heroes.
So much more power...and a passive that had evolved like it did. The possibilities constantly played around in Jaune's head but nothing concrete had formed. Jaune took some breathes to calm himself, he was getting too excited for a guy "waiting" for his stop, not to mention said excitement had little to do with the academy in question. It was going to be weird, this Beacon Academy. But he had to persevere. His father's continued treatment being a core reason, with another being his new class. Jaune had to admit, he was curious about what it was he could do and Beacon Academy seemed the best place to discover that.
"Attention passengers, we are now arriving at Beacon Academy! Good luck."
Jaune nodded and made to get up but was quickly pushed down by someone. The whole car was a mess of people shoving their way out, hoping to be the first ones out of the train.
"A little too enthusiastic for a school" muttered Jaune.
But eh, who was he to judge. It wasn't like he was here entirely by choice. As the last person filtered out of the car, Jaune finally stepped out. Jaune felt his jaw drop as he looked at the massive tower that was beacon Academy. The land surrounding it large and littered with random buildings of odd design with large pockets of land between them. Nothing was uniform and all of the buildings were unique. Some were small and others were the size of castles! From the train stop was a long and wide bridge, leading straight to Beacon's doors. Jaune swallowed and began the trek to Beacon. He already felt dread at the rather long walk ahead of him.
SMACK!
Jaune fell forward but managed to catch himself. Suddenly he was brought out of his reverie and was reminded of what he was surrounded by.
Heroes.
Heroes that probably wanted nothing more than to kick him out.
"Great" muttered Jaune.
He straighten up and dusted himself off rather than try to find who shoved him. He already heard the laughter and taunting but Jaune felt nothing but pity. Just how childish were these men and women going to act? They were heroes for God's sake. No…they weren't heroes, not yet.
Jaune had met real heroes, seen them in action. These….people…
"They're like kids" thought Jaune "childish and petty with no understanding of how quickly the world will screw you over."
This brought only small comfort to Jaune…but it was comfort nonetheless.
Thankfully the childish idiots seem far and few between. The looks were getting annoying though…especially one. Jaune turned and locked eyes with a girl that was walking behind him. Her green eyes widened in surprise. Usually if Jaune stared at them long enough they turned away.
…
The old raise an eyebrow trick always worked.
….
"Welp I'm out of options" thought Jaune.
The girl behind him seemed to…resolve herself of something and made to walk beside him. Jaune looked at her class and blinked in surprise himself.
Pyrrha
CHAMPION
Much like himself this Pyrrha girl's class was dyed in crimson. But hers seemed a shade brighter than his own. People seemed to avoid her as well, keeping a distance. But unlike Jaune her distance seemed to be generated from respect rather than revulsion.
Jaune also couldn't help but eye the girl's armour. It was crimson and gold, reminiscent of the warriors of old. All she was missing was the helmet native to Minstrel and she was a dead ringer for a spartan or something. It seemed to be leagues above what the others were wearing anyway. Perhaps he could inspect?
"Uh…Hello!"
Jaune blinked. He looked around and sputtered. How was she now just a few feet away from him? How the hell did she move so fast?
"Uh…Hi…."
The girl seemed to crash into herself, blushing horribly in embarrassment but she pushed forward, keeping in stride with him.
"I couldn't help but notice your class…are you perhaps a student here?"
Jaune nodded.
"Yea. Got invited here to study my class. Same situation for you?"
The girl blinked.
"I mean, you're prestige too. So, do you have a mystery class like me cause I never heard of a Champion before."
The girl's smile utterly destroyed any semblance of non-interest in Jaune. It was devastating how utterly beautiful it made her. A smile so gentle and happy Jaune couldn't help but smile back.
Even if he had no idea why the hell she was smiling like that in the first place.
"No" chuckled Pyrrha "I am not a mystery class as you put it. I hail from Mistril and my class is just uncommon, even amongst the prestige class."
Without missing a beat Jaune held out his hand.
He ignored the gasps that echoed across the bridge.
"The name's Jaune."
"Pyrrha."
The two shook hands. Jaune noticed she had a grip to her which he reciprocated. Pyrrha blinked as she looked at her hand. She smiled.
"You're strong."
"Kind of have to be. Ever since I got this class all my stats went up and seem to improve better than they normally do, especially my Strength and Constitution….is everything alright?"
Pyrrha blushed a little and nodded.
"Yes. it's just unusual for someone to be so open about stats."
Jaune shrugged.
"Must be a hero thing. Us Labor castes are always open about stats. A lot of the higher level stuff can kill you if your constitution is too low."
Pyrhha nodded.
"I'm surprised you're actually a labor caste member. I thought perhaps you were a hybrid class."
"Is that a problem?"
"OF COURSE NOT!" sputtered Pyrrha "I didn't mean to insinuate that at all! It's just…well I've never met someone from the labor caste before."
"seriously?"
Pyrrha nodded and gave Jaune a rueful smile.
"My upbringing can be described as…sheltered."
"yeesh. Well you're friends with me now so if you got any questions just fire away."
"We're…friends?"
"Yes."
"Already?"
"…did you not want to be?"
"No of course I do! It's just I never thought it was this easy" said Pyrrha.
"….by the Gods how sheltered are you?"
Pyrrha blushed and looked away.
"Sorry" chuckled Jaune "I won't tease you about it. Seems to be a sore spot for you. But yes its that easy being friends. Now being close friends…well I have to say you got to work for it Pyrrha."
The girl chuckled. Her shoulder's relaxed and she looked as if a lot of weight was taken off her shoulders. The two entered into an entry way that seemed to belong to a cabin, complete with the stuffed heads of various creatures. But rather than follow the large crowd going left, Jaune and Pyrrha were going to the right.
"I think that's a quest I can get behind Jaune."
"So where exactly are we going?"
Pyrrha smiled.
"Normally students are sent to orientation. However, for us in the Prestige classes we simply head to our rooms."
"…why the special treatment?"
Pyrrha seemed a tad confused but answered anyways.
"Each of us in the Prestige classes are personally invited to the school. Any information about school policy is discussed than."
"Not with me. He just told me to enter orientation" muttered Jaune.
Pyrrha grimaced.
"Sorry! I can show you the way to the meeting hall!"
"You know where it is? But you got here at the same time I did" chuckled Jaune.
"I memorized the map" said Pyrrha blushing.
"Oh you just memorized the map" laughed Jaune "man you're amazing! Wish I had a memory like that. Wouldn't forget blueprints over and over."
Jaune didn't miss the blush on Pyrrha's face. But he assumed it was just embarrassment if anything.
"If you follow the long hallway and turn a left you'll be in the meeting hall. It's here Beacon has any mass announcements for the school."
"Thanks Pyrrha. I'll see you later."
Pyrrha seemed reluctant on something. But she smiled regardless. She waved him good bye leaving Jaune to his own devices. The white halls of Beacon Academy were a little off putting but Pyrrha's directions shouldn't fail him. As he back tracked back to the greeting area Jaune felt something collide into his chest. Jaune looked down at the poor girl that smashed into him, bouncing off his body.
"…"
Jaune rose an eyebrow as the girl got up, a random farmer's scythe gripped in her hands.
"Sorry about that!" chuckled the girl "Didn't mean to crash into anybody, just late for orientation and you do not want to be late to that! And ya know I don't want to get chewed out by Yang and well you get the gist…"
The poor girl finally removed her hood and saw Jaune. She only stood a mere 5'3. To Jaune's 6'3 frame she was small and petite. Not to mention that her eyes locked onto his class. Yet…Jaune narrowed his eyes at the girl's expression. Most heroes who've seen his class were either uncaring like Pyrrha or belligerent. Yet, this girl expression seemed to grow hopeful.
"Uh hi!"
"Hi" said Jaune "orientation is the other way."
"…..I knew that" grumbled the girl.
Jaune took this time to read her class.
"….What's a reaper?" asked Jaune.
The girl seemed to stall a bit. She chuckled weakly as she held out her scythe.
"A warrior who uses a scythe" she uttered.
"Oh that's cool."
Jaune walked past her and made his way to orientation. Suddenly the small girl was in front of him again.
"You mean it?"
Jaune blinked.
"Course I do" said Jaune "never met a class that required a scythe before although…it's a little…"
Ruby nodded.
"I know. My class is unusual so a lot of people don't know how to feel about it."
Ruby smiled at Jaune, enjoying his honesty and questions. Jaune took the time to really look at her. Her hair was an unusual combination of red and black and seemed to be the colour scheme for her entire wardrobe. When her red cloak stopped obscuring the rest of her clothes they revealed a black corset wrapped around a red tunic with a pair of strong leather pants. Deciding there had been enough lolly gagging Jaune urged them forward.
"So" said Jaune "lets get to orientation eh?"
Ruby smiled.
"You got it!"
"Name's Jaune by the way."
He held his hand out for Ruby.
"….You…already?"
Jaune looked at Ruby.
"What is with people today and not wanting to be friends" chuckled Jaune.
Ruby blushed and grabbed her cloak.
"Stooooop. I do wanna be friends its just it's normally not that easy! A lot of warrior classes don't want to hang out with a blank class."
"…..A what now?"
ALARM!
A Blank Class is a term used to describe a class that is either the first of its kind, or so obscure that information on said class is non-existent! The player falls under this category until information regarding skills and stat growth are shared!
"Did…did this thing just help me?" thought Jaune.
"Did you hear me?" asked Ruby.
Jaune blinked.
"Yes of course. Sorry I can look like I'm spacing out sometimes. It's not you."
Ruby gave an awkward smile. She seemed like she really wanted to ask something. However, Jaune for the life of him couldn't figure out why she wielded that scythe.
It was just….
Utter garbage. Jaune inspected the damn thing just to make sure.
Farmer's Scythe (E Rank)
This is a scythe designed to harvest the fields. It has no offensive properties and seemed to be made by a monkey….
ATK: 0 DUR: 100
….oof this thing sucks. Should be ranked F for failed.
"Tell me about it. Why is a hero using such a low grade weapon?" thought Jaune.
"Ruby. I don't mean to be rude, but you do realize your scythe is just a farmer's tool?"
"A horrifically bad one at that" thought Jaune.
Ruby stilled at the doors the duo has found before them. She turned to Jaune, and nodded slowly.
"Why don't you have a real weapon?"
Ruby seemed to wilt underneath his gaze. Jaune felt a bit guilty causing such a reaction.
"I'm sorry" said Jaune "perhaps I shouldn't have asked."
He knew what it could be like to be judged before people got to know you. Ruby sighed and brought a smile back to her face.
"It's not your fault. It's just every scythe I can find are just made for farming. Whenever I went to a blacksmith about a custom order they told me they only made hero weapons."
Jaune snorted. Course. For every excellent smith there was always a gaggle of idiots.
"What? That's utterly ridiculous. They lied to you."
Ruby blinked.
"What?"
Jaune clasped his hand on her shoulder, making sure her eyes connected to his. He spoke seriously as he explained.
"A blacksmith's business is strictly tied to their reputation. I should know, I was one before I got reawakened."
Jaune ignored the way her eyes bugged out of her head at his admission and carried on.
"Some smiths may not take the risk of failing with a new idea. They wouldn't want to sully the reputation that gets them the business they have now. After all if a hero says your weapon is lacking, what about the rest of your wares? But on the other hand I don't think you were visiting any skilled craftsman to begin with since most would offer to get compensation for prototypes and work with you. Seems to me you just had a bad run of smiths."
Jaune chuckled as he backed away.
"It's not like it's hard to weaponize a scythe. I already have a few ideas…if you'd let me implement them for you."
Ruby gripped her cloak, blushing at having been found out.
"I'm s-s-sorry I didn't befriend you just to make me something!"
Jaune chuckled and pointed above his head.
"No worries Ruby, its what I'm made for after all. Let me work up some schematics and when I have a prototype ready, we can give it a try. Meet me later and let me know what you need for your weapon. I've never heard of a reaper class so knowing how you're going to use your weapon is a good basis for starting to build it."
Ruby grew giddy as from out of nowhere she shoved a bunch of papers into Jaune's hands.
"I'VE BEEN IMAGINING MY OWN WEAPON FOREVER!" yelled Ruby "I GOT SCHEMATICS FOR EVERY IDEA….I'm sorry I'm such a weapon dork."
Jaune blinked, trying to keep up with this little ball of energy.
"Ruby, it doesn't bother me at all. I'd probably ignore most requests for making weapons for others since most of em seem uh….backwards shall we say."
Ruby seemed to chuckle in agreement.
"Now, we really should head in."
And with that, Jaune and his second friend entered orientation. Bright and cheery eyed. Perhaps Beacon wasn't going to be that bad?
TWO HOURS AND FIFTY EIGHT MINUTES LATER
ALARM!
You have the opportunity to begin the urgent quest "Escape Orientation"
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to escape the living hell that is this orientation. Seriously escape or shut the man up!
Rewards: Getting the fuck outta dodge.
"For once we're in agreement" muttered Jaune.
Sadly Jaune was also a polite young man, and wasn't going to leave in the middle of a man's speech….even if said man was droning on about his "Glory Days". Jaune, much like the vast array of students sitting around him, were staring into the void waiting for this man to shut up.
…well everyone except that weird kid near the front.
Thankfully Jaune was seated near the back, away from most people. In fact he was the only one in his long bench. Ruby was in the distance sitting with a rather…gifted blonde woman. The girl waved at him smiling. The blonde woman turned to see him and rose an eyebrow.
"There I was, in the forests of Sasketoon! Surrounded by furry abominations that would tear me limb from limb if I bloody let them. It was only a matter of time before I was too late to rescue the princess, so in a daring plan-"
ALARM!
Bonus Objective added to quest "Escape Orientation"
Kill em.
Reward: Glorious Silence….and also jail.
"Stop tempting me damnit."
ALARM!
No.
Timer: 1 min and fifty seconds
Jaune sighed. Instead he took the time to look through Ruby's blue prints. She didn't give them all of them, seeming to keep a few to herself, bushing all the while. They were done by an amateur that was for sure. But they didn't change the fact that all the basic measurements that Jaune needed were included, which saved him some time.
"Hmmm….they all seem to have the word Rose in their name for some reason…..wait" muttered Jaune.
Jaune flipped his notification back up.
NOTIFICATIONS!
TIMER: 43 Seconds, 42 Seconds, 41 Seconds.
"Seconds? Seconds for what?"
As Jaune scowled, trying to think, it suddenly hit him.
"….awww no" muttered Jaune.
ALARM!
You have failed to complete daily training!
WELCOME TO THE PUNISHMENT ZONE BIIIIITCH!
With that, Jaune disappeared from the crowd. Either through the manipulation of the system, or the more likely fact that everyone around him was fast asleep, Jaune disappeared without anyone noticing. Well, except one.
"PSST! Jaune" whispered Ruby "My sister Yang found an escap….Jaune?"
-PUNISHMENT ZONE, LOWEST LEVEL!-
It was a blink. That was all it took. A damn blink. One second he was in the middle of a hellish orientation that somehow turned into a man's personal biography and now he was in the middle of his demented system's punishment zone.
A zone that looked like it was an entirely different world all together! The only thing Jaune knew for certain was that he was in a forest of some kind. There were no birds, just thick trees covered in vines and moss growing on something red.
"Well….I'm dead" muttered Jaune.
ALARM!
You have completed 6/7 objectives but it wasn't enough! Welcome to the punishment zone! All restorative effects and stat boosts have been nullified thanks to status effect "Hellish Punishment!".
ALARM!
The Great Spellcaster's Blessing nullifies the nullifying effect….wait what?
"At least I have that" muttered Jaune.
"I should be freaking out" thought Jaune "I should be a quivering mess…"
The image of a great stone spear tearing through his chest appeared in Jaune's mind.
"…..best to move forward."
Jaune looked out to the forests. He blinked. He looked to his left, his right, behind himself…and found that every direction looked the same.
"…Aw poop…well if anything that giant red tree will have to do."
Giant was doing the tree a disservice. The tree towered beyond even the clouds, its immense girth signifying its strength and age. It was tall, beautiful, and completely and utterly red.
Its bark, its leaves, everything that could possibly be attributed to the existence of a "tree" was dyed a deep crimson. The entire forest was like this. The ground beneath Jaune's feet was nothing but dry wheat like grass, golden in color.
"Where…no….no I just need to survive not ask questions about where I am. System, how much longer do I have?"
ALARM!
The Player has 54 minutes left.
"Alright, just have t-"
Jaune felt a fist connect with his face, sending him through a tree. The tree splintered on impact, toppling over the young Craftsman.
"GAH!"
Jaune looked at what hit him, his jaw aching from the impact and his back a tad sore from the tree laying down on him.
"OOOH OOH AHH!"
Jaune blinked.
"….a monkey?"
It stood at least twice as tall as himself but the thing was bulked up beyond what a monkey was supposed to be. Not to mention it had a name and title above its head, not unlike himself.
"Aren't monkeys supposed to be small and fuzzy?" thought Jaune.
Jaune concentrated and activated his new and improved inspect skill.
INSPECTED!
Grigaz! Alpha of the Primal Gorillas: Rank E
Alpha of the Gorillas who devour the fruit of the crimson tree. This particular ape has gained a connection to a primal source and gained unique properties from said connection! Its crimson fur is a sign of his connection to primordial fire. The black markings along Grigaz's body are a symbol of its status as Alpha. Get ready for an ass beating!
Jaune stared at his inspection.
"…..why?" asked Jaune.
Grigaz roared, pounding its fists against its chest. It rushed to Jaune as the boy tried to struggle free from the tree. Jaune kept twisting around, trying to wiggle free. The tree was too heavy for him to move so he didn't bother. The ape arrived before he could escape however. With a long windup, the ape smashed its fist against the tree, freeing Jaune. It grabbed the Craftsman by the throat, bringing him close just to roar in his face, attempting to crush his throat all the while. A show of dominance and power.
Jaune was not impressed.
Jaune looked into its beady eyes, blazed with murderous intent and glee. His heart hammered, his ears pounded, and yet…he should have been afraid. He should have given up. Caught by a monster in such a way…any normal NPC would have just accepted fate.
Yet…there was no fear.
An oath had been sworn by Jaune in the face of far greater terror kept his heart steady. He refused to give in. To give them fear, regardless of the enemy. While it was always in his heart, Jaune swore that fear would never again grip him. The icy feeling remained absent, the fear having no ground to hold in Jaune's mind.
It was for that reason Jaune did what he did.
He reared back…
And socked the damn monkey in the face. It was ludicrous. An NPC couldn't fight a monster. It was the common sense of the world.
And yet Jaune's fist buried itself deep enough to splinter bone. Grigaz howled as its cheek bone cracked under Jaune's fist. Jaune's eyes widened as he looked at his hand. He dropped to the ground and immediately jumped back, making some distance.
However, instead of flying back a good step, Jaune fired backwards to the point he slammed into yet another tree.
"What the! I'm…I'm so light! I'm".
"ROOOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!"
Jaune narrowed his eyes at Grigaz. The beast's cheek steamed slightly as its wounds healed. In Jaune's many adventures in the dungeons carrying other people's shit, he had noticed a few boss monsters that healed in a similar manner. If the boss wasn't attacked for a certain amount of time, they started to regenerate.
But….could he win? He was not a hero after all.
"No."
Was he not but an NPC, Prestige or otherwise?
"NO."
He was after all…
Just a blacksmith.
Jaune stepped forward, his foot cracking the ground. Grigaz yelled, smashing the ground and howling. Suddenly the voices of other apes echoed around. The asshole was summoning more.
"I have no skills" muttered Jaune "I have no weapon. But if you think for even a moment that I'm going to just keel over and die…"
ALARM!
Is the player sure they wish to fight?
"I'll fight" growled Jaune.
ALARM!
WARNING! The player is a non-combat class.
Jaune chuckled. This system. It seemed to be organic. ALIVE! Much like Jaune now found himself bound to this thing, it seemed to be bound by something as well. Magic probably. Bound by magic and bound to him. Much like how Jaune found himself with Salem, Jaune didn't understand a damn thing.
"You and me both know…that I don't care!"
A savage grin spread across Jaune's face.
"I don't know if this is normal….but I'm excited!"
ALARM!
The system is here to assist in the Players growth!
"I understand! This punishment Zone…the one you kept trying to drag me to. It was to push me! Remind me that even with a system like you! That I must SURVIVE!"
Jaune reared his fist back as Grigaz launched itself at him. The creature was bigger and presumably stronger than Jaune himself. The name it had was crimson after all. If it was anything like the caste system, it meant this thing was unique in some fashion. But even so.
Jaune remained undeterred.
As strong as it was, it was obvious that Grigaz was angry and as dumb as a brick. It kept swinging massively, using its weight and size to increase its power. But it held no concentration in its movements.
Jaune was much the same. Yet, unlike a normal NPC, his own movements had been boosted by the stats given by reawakening. That included dexterity and agility. Not to mention that he was much smaller than the ape before him. He weaved past the first blow and landed a right hook on the ribs. He ducked under a left swing and gave an upper cut. They only stunned the beast.
"Fiercely!"
SMAASH!
"I MUST FIGHT FIERCELY!"
Grigaz rose both arms up, intended to smash Jaune down but was thwarted by Jaune jumping to grab its head. Before the great ape could even blink Jaune heaved and rammed his knee into Grigaz's face. The beast stumbled back even further.
"An NPC can't fight back?"
"WHO DECIDED THAT!"
Grigaz roared, rushing forward in an attempt to charge Jaune.
"I don't care!" yelled Jaune, rushing to meet the beast's charge "NPC, Hero, Prestige! They mean nothing to me! I decide my life! I decide MY LIMITS!"
ALARM!
OST unlocked! Limit Break Survivor (Jonathan Young)!
Suddenly a thrum of music that Jaune didn't even know was producible echoed around him. It pumped him up and made his lust for battle soar ever higher.
"This is what you were trying to teach me, wasn't it" chuckled Jaune "to not become complacent! To not depend on you! Well let me teach you something, system!"
With a heave Jaune jumped up, ramming his shoulder into Grigaz's face and sent the beast to the ground. As he fell towards the beast Jaune reared both arms back and with all his strength, buried his fists into Grigaz's chest.
The beast's spit flew from its mouth. Before it could recover Jaune began to rapidly beat it down, giving no time for recovery. The Alpha's clan arrived, a multitude of apes of varying size, and all bearing witness to their Alpha's fight.
"Listen…and listen well System cause I'll only say this once. You do not decide what I do. Just as I don't decide what you give. I won't depend on you, but I will survive whatever you throw at me! Whatever quest, whatever task, I don't care! I'll live my life the way I want it to. If I have to beat down all my enemies before me!"
Grigaz was once more subjected to Jaune's fist.
"If I have to climb over even greater odds!"
Jaune headbutted Grigaz, making the creature's head smash into the ground.
"Than so be it! NPC? Hero? I don't need titles, what I need is strength! Strength to survive!"
Jaune weaved past a frantic blow and countered with one of his own.
"So throw all you want at me" growled Jaune "cause I'll just keep using them to get stronger. That alright with you?"
ALARM!
The System is here to assist the Player in their growth!
It would have no other player.
"Good" growled Jaune "cause when I get out of this mess I better get something good…..you have no control over that do you."
ALARM!
All rewards are decided randomly!
"Of course they are" muttered Jaune, giving Grigaz another smack, "and let me guess I don't get any EXP in a punishment zone either?"
ALARM!
All punishment zones distribute 0 EXP points!
"….I don't know how but eventually I will learn how to hit you. Hopefully after I hit these guys."
Grigaz shook its head and narrowed its eyes at Jaune, the slight lull in Jaune's movements giving it time to focus. It bucked Jaune off using its hips to throw the man off balance. Grigaz growled as it moved back and grunted as it began to circle around him. Jaune followed each movement, ready to spring out and fight. The clamouring of the apes around him did little to drown out the odd song that echoed in Jaune's mind. Seemed to be playing over and over again to.
"Focus" thought Jaune.
"This isn't the time to play defensively! Strike! And don't stop!"
With exhilaration, Jaune charged forward. Again and again the two titans fought. Grigaz found itself slowly being overwhelmed in speed. Jaune kept aiming in the same general locations, switching between them quickly and efficiently, dodging all the while. The kidneys, the ribs, the throat, and the face. It was a pattern all to Jaune's own. His fists hurt, his wrists an aching mess, and his back was steadily getting worse from the tree. The sucker punch from Grigaz was slowly accumulating worse and worse as time went on. While Jaune was dominating the flow of the battle, the truth was that Grigaz was stronger. It had yet to return to its rhythm and Jaune prevented Grigaz from gaining an upper hand. Jaune knew that a clean hit from Grigaz could be devastating and mean the end for him.
Jaune lacked the equipment heroes normally wore and as such was currently at a severe disadvantage. One that may grow worse, if the louder screeching was any indication.
"Think! THINK!...wait….INSPECT!"
GRIGAZ!
You're inspecting again? Whatever, your funeral. Grigaz's fur gives the ape full fire immunity and buffs its strength beyond what would normally be attributed to his species. There's no other
"hidden Information".
Jaune faltered for just a second, taking his focus to read the information that was shoved into his brain…..wait what?
SMASH!
Jaune never noticed the blow from above that Grigaz finally managed to land, his mind focused elsewhere in that second.. He smashed into the ground, crushing his chest and expelling all the air. The ape wasted no time grabbing Jaune and hauling him up to its face. Jaune blinked his eyes back into focus and noticed that the trees around him were filled with apes of similar size to Grigaz, far more than Jaune first thought there was. Yet, their fur was black, with some red markings, unlike Grigaz's own. That and they were a smidge smaller. The beast howled as it held Jaune up to its pack, making a show of its victory. Jaune took a deep breath. If this thing was smarter, he'd be dead right now. He still had the means to get out of this situation…but he doubted that the beast would let him go like last time. It was prepared for Jaune's raw strength.
All his skills were useless in this situation….
Jaune's eyes glowed red, the sign of a skill activation. Tiny embers seeped through his fingers. It was a gamble, a huge one…and it depended on trusting the system's own words.
Something Jaune was loath to do at the moment.
The beast brought Jaune close, opening its maw for one more dominating screech. Perhaps it thought Jaune was broken, that the man couldn't move any more. So sure of its strength…so sure of its power.
Well…if it was power the beast wanted…Jaune now had it in spades.
Jaune roared back and with his left hand grabbed the top of Grigaz's open mouth and using his feet forced its lower jaw to stay open. Jaune's right arm burst into fire and by instinct, Jaune directed the flames.
Right into Grigaz's open mouth.
It was unlike anything Jaune had ever experienced in his life. He felt his energy draining faster than normal, but the heat of the flames were intense. Grigaz's jolted, Jaune poured more MP directly into the flames, hoping to whatever was out there that it did something. The flame bulged as the heat and amount of fire increased. Grigaz fell to its knees, its eyes smoldering remnants of what once were. The beast fell to the side, smoke escaping its now dead maw.
"Ha….ha…ha"
Jaune caught his breath and turned his attention to the apes now silent in the trees. His entire body ignited in flames as his passive was used at full throttle. The ground caught fire and began to slowly spread.
ALARM!
Critical Hit!
Critical Hit!
Critical Hit!
Critical Hit!
ALARM!
You've inflicted the burn status!
ALARM!
Congratulations player! You've defeated the punishment boss Grigaz!
Time Remaining: 29min
The apes in the trees faltered as they saw Jaune's face. His eyes deadly and focused.
"I can barely move after all that…so do me a favour…and BURN."
Their fur was black instead of red, which meant they probably didn't have the same protection against fire that Grigaz had. So Jaune let loose. The flames exploded from Jaune, turning everything a few inches from him into cinder. Jaune could feel his fire…and knew it growed weaker the further away it got from him. But Jaune wasn't depending on the flames his passive expelled. No, instead he focused on the terrain. Often in his porter days Jaune watched heroes use the terrain to their advantage. Jaune was a living flame amidst a vast and dense forest. There was no way Jaune could fight the apes that surrounded him. He beat their alpha and barely had a quarter of his health left remaining. So instead of fighting them head to head, Jaune instead ensured their demise another way.
The trees ignited quickly and the fire spread. Already a few apes fell dead, their fur only giving a resistance to fire. Ordinary fire would take time to properly become so ferocious and deadly. But Jaune's own passive ignited anything quickly and that included fire born from his passive. While Jaune lost all control of the flames eating away at the trees, they still had the properties most important to him. Quick ignition and his own immunity to it. Thankfully from what Jaune could see the red trees were perfectly fine.
He blinked as he noticed the normal trees were…moving?
The plants screeched in agony as their trucks opened to reveal massive rows of teeth.
Jaune felt his jaw drop at the sight. Without even meaning to his eyes activated insight.
MALAGORA, THE MAN-EATING TREE!
These things eat people. They use their roots to ensnare unsuspecting travellers and devour them whole! They also eat anything that moves, they aren't really that picky. However, they are cowardly and prefer to avoid direct confrontations!
P.S They're weak to fire.
Jaune felt his MP tap out and exhaustion creep in.
"…..wait? muttered Jaune "Status Recovery?"
A golden light surrounded Jaune as all his pain and woes disappeared. His health and MP brought back to full. Jaune clutched his fist and narrowed his eyes at the space he normally found the alarm boxes.
"Thanks for letting me know status recovery heals EVERYTHING."
ALARM!
You're welcome!
Jaune grumbled as he kicked a random rock into the distance. He kept walking and ignited his passive once more, to ensure he got everything. He noticed that everywhere he could see was nothing but fire…but that the flames were being eaten by the red trees, directly absorbed by them after they killed off everything around them.
The once small and unnoticeable crimson trees began to expand and grow.
ALARM!
"Oh what now" muttered Jaune.
You have cleared hidden objectives!
You have begun the quest "Punishment? What punishment?"
Can you clear all the punishment zone levels and live to tell the tale?
(0/5 cleared! Reward and quest markers are given upon killing all enemies within the zone and leaving intact!)
ALARM!
You have cleared hidden objectives!
You have begun the quest "Save The Crimson Forest!"
You have completed the quest "Save the Crimson Forest!"
You have assisted the forest in its growth! Higher tier reward chance +50%
You have cleared the forest of the parasitic Malagora! Higher Tier reward chance +50%
You have cleared all possible objectives! 100% higher reward chance!
The Great tree wishes to give you something.
The ground in front of Jaune split open, revealing a long branch of crimson wood. It was as thick as his arm and twice his height, but the branch thrummed with magic. Even for the magically inept like Jaune, the amount of energy pouring from the branch was almost nauseating.
ALARM!
You have been given a "Branch of the Great Tree!"
INSPECT!
"Branch of the Great Tree, Gea Durga" (Rank A)
Trees are normally not sentient in any form, however that does not mean it always remains so. The great tree of the crimson forest, Gea Durga (Gay, Durg, A) is an example of a spirit residing within such a tree. Old and wise, the spirit of the forest is also incredibly powerful. Infused within this branch is a fraction of the mystical might that Gea Durga can bring forth. As such this branch has the ability to bolster Fire based Magic by a great deal! The wood itself is insanely strong and flexible, capable of withstanding great force and use.
ALARM!
By clearing all Objectives for the Crimson Forest and using your own flames to ensure its growth back to health, you have gained a unique understanding of the element of Fire. You have earned the "Fire Potency" enchantment. Its strength is dependent on you and the strength of your level and skill level.
"Wow, this is almost wor-"
ALARM!
By killing all the Malagora's you have earned a unique understanding of the element of fire! You have learned the "Ignition!" enchantment! Imbue your weapons and armor with the essence of fire, granting destruction and protection to your arms! The greater the understanding of enchantments the greater the power you can draw out.
"…..You done?"
…..
"Ok go-"
ALARM!
Due to clearing all objectives and your intense affinity with fire, you have started a new Class specific quest! You have begun "The Path of Fire" quest line! Testing for compatible flames…You have two specific paths you can go down! Be warned the path of this quest cannot be chosen, only undergone. Which will you choose, and which path will choose you?
THE PATH OF FIRE:
Many a fire mage has walked this path, each to their own ends. Some pursue fire as a tool for destruction. For combat and nothing more. Yet, you choose a different path. In the right hand, a flame birthed in combat. In the left hand, a flame born for creation. A path one must take, but which path would it be? Your choices and use of your natural affinity to fire will dictate what properties your flame will have. Due to the various conditions of your body and the titles you have there are many possible paths. Current progress: 2%
"…Can I….can I leave now?" asked Jaune.
ALARM!
….Yes fine. The option to leave the punishment zone has been granted!
P.S You're buck naked by the way.
"Wait what!"
Jaune looked down and noticed that he was indeed, nude as the day he was born. While Jaune's immunity to heat and fire was inherent, such immunity did not in fact go towards his clothes. In the heat of combat Jaune's unfortunate clothing had died a heroic and tragic death.
"Wait a minute!"
ALARM!
The player wishes to leave! Exiting Punishment Zone in 5,4,3
"WAIT! I gotta have something, anything! Just wait a moment!"
ALARM!
All untouched rewards and items are being transferred to inventory! Congratulations player!
You Won.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
ALARM!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! XD.
-One Second Later, Back in Beacon's Orientation and Announcement Hall-
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Jaune's voice echoed in the now very empty orientation hall. He quickly patted his chest and found, mercifully, that the blue tunic and pants that he wore, were now back in place.
ALARM!
All damage and items used up in the Punishment zone are restored back to full percentage!
"Oh thank the Gods" muttered Jaune "You can be a real piece of work you know that?"
"JAUNE!"
Jaune turned to see Ruby at the doors of orientation.
"There you are! I've been looking all over for you! Quick come with me!"
Jaune was soon dragged off his feet by Ruby, who's excitable disposition gave him a small smile.
"Hey" chuckled Jaune "Where are you taking me?"
"I just wanna sleep" thought Jaune.
"I wanna get you before anyone else does!"
Brain rebooting. EXE JAUNE ARC, back online. Executing Response Protocol.
"….What?" asked Jaune.
Ruby blushed a little bit.
"Sorry! I know I'm being kind of forceful about it, but you were so nice and we really need an eighth member."
Jaune looked genuinely confused. Ruby stopped dragging him and deposited him in front of a small group of people, one of whom Jaune was already well aware of.
"Pyrrha?"
"See" said Ruby "I told you I knew Jaune!"
Pyrrha chuckled.
"I guess you do! Sorry about doubting you."
"What's going on?" asked Jaune.
"Oh Right! You escaped orientation! How did you do that anyway? I tried and some of the teachers stopped me. Anyway!" chuckled Ruby "We're here….to form a guild!"
"A TEMPORARY GUILD!"
Ruby cowed a little but nodded.
"yea that."
Jaune blinked. Suddenly a white haired woman sighed as she rubbed her eyes.
"I don't blame you for leaving that horribly orientation, but do please try to keep up. We need eight people to form a temporary guild and complete an D rank dungeon as a group. If we do so, we are than allowed to attend Beacon Academ…..Ruby."
The girl nodded enthusiastically.
"Why is an NPC here?"
Jaune rose an eyebrow while Ruby looked morified.
"This is Jaune! He's a prestige class like I said Weiss!"
Weiss sighed. Jaune tried to calm down. Truly he did. But the looked all day were really starting to get annoying and if this bitch was gonna go of.
"I'm sorry" said Weiss "I don't mean to be rude. It's just there's only eight of us for this test and preferably it would be in our best interests to have eight people ready to fight. As a prestige class I'm sure Ozpin will give you some leeway, but I don't wish to endanger everyone's chances by partnering with someone who cannot fight and lowers our overall combat potential".
"….huh…..that's actually a fair point...still pisses me off though" thought Jaune.
"Uh…no worries" said Jaune.
The poor boy was too tired to fight.
"I don't mind" said Pyrrha "I'll join you all if Jaune does."
Jaune blinked in surprise, while Pyrrha seemed overly surprised herself. Yet, she quickly nodded, a small smile spreading across her face.
"….Truly" whispered Wiess.
Pyrrha nodded.
"Yes, besides we all have to join a guild after the tests anyway. I'd prefer if we kept it small. Some of the offers from the older guilds have been…."
The only other male, armoured in a set that was foreign to Jaune, spoke up.
"I get you" muttered Ren "It's not unusual for small guilds to form after the test and so far you all seem alright people. The big guilds have been incessant with recruiting abnormal classes for some reason and preferably I'd like to stay away from it."
"Did I miss something?" asked Jaune.
"Don't worry about it."
Jaune jumped a little and noticed a raven haired beauty suddenly exist beside him. Above her head was the name Blake and the class Assassin.
"I've only been able to follow this conversation for the last couple of minutes. The blonde one dragged me here the same as you. Seems they really are sisters."
Jaune turned to who she meant.
Yang, class Warrior.
The blonde bombshell grinned.
"Ah come on, it's not that bad! Besides its only D Rank! Nothing to worry about. Way I see it, we run a dungeon together and see what happens after that!"
"YEA!" yelled a ginger woman "Me and Ren came here to learn and relax! None of this guild war stuff!"
Nora, Class Berserker. Ren, Class Samurai.
"Wait there's a war going on?" asked Jaune.
Weiss sighed, her class a shimmering blue Sorceress.
"No, it's just a term for the competition between guilds in this school. They're a large part of Beacon's internal economy and serve as a part of our education."
Jaune seemed to contemplate before answering.
"So…kind of like a practice run? For when you heroes have to go out and join a guild?"
Weiss seemed surprised at his knowledge and gave a small smile.
"Yes. Exactly that. Once we've completed orientation, we have to either join a guild, or make our own. Each have their benefits for us students."
"I just wanna sleep" chuckled Jaune.
Nora looked at Jaune with big cheery eyes.
"ME TO!" yelled Nora "Sadly we have to get a small guild ready to go for tomorrow or we get kicked out of Beacon for failing!"
URK!
Jaune gave a weak smile.
"I see. Well I'm down for joining. I doubt any other guild would bother entertaining the thought of me joining anyway."
Weiss looked around and sighed at the lack of people in the hall.
"Not like we have much choice. Everyone who was free has already left. It would appear we are stuck with each other."
Jaune gave a hapless shrug. Pyrrha moved closer and gave a comforting smile.
"Come" said Pyrrha "I know where the registration office is for guilds."
Jaune smiled.
"Still got it huh?"
Pyrrha shrugged.
"I told you I memorised it. Now come, we have to be quick if you want the rest of the evening to rest. I hope I don't come across as rude Jaune…but you look extremely exhausted."
Jaune nodded. It would seem that Status Recovery healed him of all wounds and fed his MP back to full, but it didn't remove the mental exhaustion that Jaune felt. Which was really a bummer all things considered.
-The Registration Office-
The entire walk to the office was nice. He got to know Ren, Nora, Yang, and Blake better. Ruby remained an energetic person, with Nora as her sidekick in that regard. It seemed all was well. That the group could function well enough to work together…until this came up.
"I should be leader!" muttered Weiss "I have the credentials!"
Yang rolled her eyes.
"No it should be me! I have the most experience! I've been in an actual dungeon, not some copied knock off."
The two women were currently enrolled in a fierce debate over the role of leadership.
"Does it change anything if I remind you all that this leadership is a temporary thing, since you'll likely go of to join the established guilds?"
The poor noble class receptionist sighed as the two girls ignored her. Her name, Sharron, was in a bright green to signify her caste. Her class was Judge.
"If I may" said Ren.
"NO/SHUT IT!".
Ren sighed as Nora patted his shoulder.
"Are those two together or?"
Jaune chuckled at Ruby's question.
"No" said Blake "But I think they like each other."
"I think "They" can hear you" chuckled Jaune.
The two in question had a dust of a blush on their cheeks as they did their beast to ignore the peanut gallery.
"It should be me!"
"No! Me!"
"Ok that's it" said the judge.
The judge hit her mallet and incited a word.
"ORDER."
A small wave echoed through the room and all the noise ceased to be. Weiss and Yang looked at the receptionist in shock.
"Now" said the receptionist "I'm normally a very patient person, but I may be late for an engagement if you two don't stop fighting. So rather than let this farce continue, I offer a solution. I'll look through each of the records and choose as leader the individual with the most applicable experience. This will be decided on dungeon experience. Agreed?"
The two women, still skilled into silence, nodded to agreed.
"Good. Now Blake Belladonna?"
The assassin nodded.
"Hmm…you've experienced eighteen E Ranks and five D Ranks with your parents in the White Fang Guild?"
Blake nodded.
"An impressive number! Now, Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie? Unusual that two applicants have one transcript but…if Ozpin allowed it very well. The two of you combined have accomplished 12 D Rank gates. Well done."
Nora and Ren nodded in appreciation; their volume still mute.
"Let's see, ah Ruby and Yang Branwen. While Young Ruby has accomplished only three E Ranks to her name, Yang has accomplished 21 E Rank and 23 D Ranks."
Ren gave a silent whistle as Yang nodded along. Weiss even begrudgingly gave her a respectful nod, but she seemed overly annoyed.
"Now, Pyrrha Nikos, a whopping 1…..oh my. You've already accomplished a B Rank Gate? But….ah I see. Nevermind than dear, congrats."
Pyrrha blushed horribly at the stupefied expressions of everyone involved. Jaune was the only one to raise an eyebrow.
"Now Weiss Schnee…21 E Ranks and….oh for the love of, 23 D ranks are you kidding me?"
Weiss blushed and looked to the side.
"Well we all know now that Pyrrha is best to lead."
Everyone sighed in relief as the volume came back.
"Makes sense, I didn't even touch a C Rank gate much less a B one. Dang that's incredible Pyr."
Pyrrha seemed to grow more uncomfortable at the praise but smiled nonetheless.
"Now" said the Judge "for Jaune Arc….well that's unusual. Most Labor Caste Members I know do not have last names."
Jaune shrugged.
"It's from my mother."
"Ah. Well in that case your record."
"Is there any point?" asked Weiss "Pyrrha has been nominated."
The judge rolled her eyes and pointed a finger at Weiss.
"This is not Atlas young lady. You were unable to make a decision before I got involved. Now I will make the decision based on those whose credentials best fit the case, a decision I refuse to make without all the information, however unlikely it may be."
The judge smiled sweetly as Weiss conceded.
"My apologies" muttered Weiss "I didn't mean….I."
The girl seemed to retreat into herself. Thankfully the Judge spoke up once again.
"Enough of that. You did nothing wrong. Questioning is not wrong, enforcing is. Now let me finish. Let's see, yes Jaune Arc…."
She looked at Jaune, than back at the record, than back to Jaune. She narrowed her eyes.
"Who made your transcript?"
"Umm…Ozpin did Mrs."
The Judge snapped her fingers, her eyes glowing a green glow as she held the mystical tablet in the air.
"Hmmm…its authentic. Very well than. Mr. Arc has accomplished 54 D ranks, 72 C Ranks, 33 B Ranks, and 7 A rank gates."
Everyone looked at Jaune.
"….what?" asked Yang.
"Ah, there it is" muttered the Judge "honestly Ozpin needs to write bigger. It makes more sense since you were a porter. My apologies for the suspicions Mr. Arc."
"Uh, none taken. So what does this mean?"
"It means you, Mr. Arc, are acting guild leader for this temporary guild. Now we only have a few gates left to choose from. The earliest D Rank gate I can bring you to is one in two days. So you have tomorrow off. Quite a boon for some. Congratulations Mr. Arc and company. Now if you so choose to stay a guild after the orientation, please just see me."
"Uh, thank you ma'am."
"Please call me Sharron."
"Jaune. Uh, I'll let you know how that goes Sharron. Thank you for the help."
Sharron chuckled and shooed them out. She snapped her fingers, her eyes glowing green, and the door closed behind them. It shimmered green before a loud locking noise echoed behind them. Now left alone in a hallway, Jaune was left with a team staring at him.
"So…..we ready for the test?"
Weiss's eyes narrowed.
Jaune swallowed and gave a weak smile.
"Ah nuts" muttered Jaune.
For the life of him Jaune swore that he heard a familiar throaty laughter in the back of his mind. The feel of a small tingle travelling down his spine echoed through his body.
-End-
Chapter two came out far sooner than expected! Thanks to the plot delay of Ultimate Weapon I was able to bring this out. It didn't sit right with me NOT to have a chapter come out before Christmas. Hopefully I get the chapter back and revised before Christmas comes out for a double wammy so to speak. Anyway thanks for the support guys!