The Arcane Craftsman

by The White Wulf

The class system was rigid. Everyone has a role. A hero fights, a noble leads, and the laborers work. But there existed a class above all others. Since the dawn of history the prestige class was filled with heroes, warriors of unparalleled might and exceptional growth. Until a laborer got stuck in a dungeon. Behold the Arcane Craftsman, the first prestige labor class.

7. Chapter 7

Updated: February 2021

Arcane Craftsman Chapter 7: A Journey begins with the first step.

When Jaune had fallen asleep with his guild mates he felt satisfied. The fight wasn't as dangerous as they all thought and all ended well. The first step to getting his mother out of Uther's clutches had begun and his place in Beacon secured.

Considering how easily the first step was taken…Jaune had little doubt the rest of the way would be as easy. But as he slept it felt…weird. His vision was filled with darkness, yet he was wide awake. He even felt himself blinking, yet he couldn't move. At first, he thought he was with Salem once again. But that wasn't the case as the darkness receded, showing a realm filled with white sand and dead trees. A large black tower existed in the distance as numerous figures shuffled across the sandy dunes. The sky was just pitch black, no stars and no suns. It felt…dead. A woman suddenly appeared in Jaune's face, her purple hair a striking contrast to her beautiful but stern expression. Her eyes steeled into him, judging him. She wore what had to be the weirdest purple body suit Jaune had ever seen, but to each their own he supposed. He would have yelled out in surprise but…well.

Jaune couldn't speak, he couldn't even move. It was like he had sleep paralysis. In Salem's realm Jaune could move, talk, and interact. But here? Here he had no power whatsoever. But unlike Salem, this woman lacked her overwhelming presence. Her gaze softened as she looked at the left of Jaune then back to him.

"….So you picked up the spear?"

It took Jaune everything to grunt. The woman rose an eyebrow, but smiled. She seemed to look deep within him.

"Interesting, your soul burns like fire yet…runes have made their mark on you?"

She looked up and rose an eyebrow.

"An Arcane Craftsman…but something remains buried. Runes perhaps?".

She flicked her finger, and a single rune burned into Jaune's mind.

The rune of Ice.

Another flick.

A rune that spoke to the wind.

Another flick.

A rune of earth.

The disturbing grin that spread across the woman's face grew.

"Instant recognition and understanding?"

She patted his arms.

"Strong body."

She sniffed his neck.

"The blood of dragons."

She tapped his head with something that looked exactly like Gae Bolg. He felt sick in its presence, but when it tapped his head it felt a hundred times worse. He inspected it, wondering what on earth it was.

INSPECT:

Gae Bolg (Original) Rank: EX

The weapon of the warden of Dun Scath, the land of shadows. An otherwordly weapon whose origins cannot be dechiphered, only the Warden Scathach knows the true nature of this spear. While it's unusual nature grants it the EX rank, it is in truth a B+ weapon in terms of utility and A rank in power. She has crafted two other copies of this weapon for "students" that she had taken under her care. As such while they bare the name Gae Bolg their power and functions differ greatly from the original. This spear has tasted the blood of Gods, Demons, and even elementals. This is a weapon that pierces straight to the heart without fail, even reversing cause and effect to do so. It also has a unique secondary attack function when thrown at large groups of enemies.

Weapon Skills:

GAE BOLG (ANTI-UNIT) (A)

ATTACK: GAE BOLG (ANTI-ARMY) (B)

"The heart has been pierced, as such the spear must have been thrust".

Effects: Cause bleed (B+) with every attack causing 400 damage per second for 4 seconds. Anti-Divine (B) deals an additional 80% damage to "Divine" type enemies. Anti-Demon (B) deals an additional 75% damage against "Demon" type enemies. Anti-Humanoid (A) deals an additional 125% damage to "Humanoid" type enemies. The spear head has the "barbed" property, ripping and tearing flesh when torn out of the enemy causing additional laceration damage (B), this damage can be nullified. Rune Craft (B) increases runic power by 75% when equipped. {Information Blocked}.

Jaune's head near split from the power of the weapon and the information it wielded. It may have been B rank in utility but the amount of Mana surging through it made Jaune's world spin like any normal A rank. She smiled and nodded. She tapped his head with the spear, causing Jaune to near vomit at the sensation it brought once again. Yet, Jaune survived. The grin that spread across Scathach's face made Jaune swallow in fear.

"You have incredibly potent mana for one so young, already C rank. Although it's not that rare to be fair. The fact you have mana resistance and can analyze my spear without dying is what intrigues me. Excellent, I'll take you on as a student."

…..wait what? Jaune's eyes bugged out of his skull at the absurd declaration. The woman smiled.

"I give my spear only to my students; you have the spear and as such must become my student."

"I don't think it works that way" thought Jaune.

"Cu was one that earned my spear. The other shared you name. So Artorias, do you accept my offer?"

He still couldn't speak. Wait, how did she know his name?

"Ah right"

A snap, and Jaune's power return to his body.

"Oh that wasn't good" muttered Jaune.

Jaune bent over, his hands on his knees as he tried to relax the near overwhelming sick feeling. He felt the warmth of his fire echo through his body, easing his sickness slightly. The combination of mana resistance (C) and his draconic traits was enough for Jaune to live, but that didn't mean he was feeling that well. He felt weak but he knew it was temporary.

"Annnd I'm stuck in another dream dimension great" muttered Jaune.

The woman chuckled.

"Oh that's more the spear than you. It is bonding to you unusually quickly."

Jaune looked to the left and noticed his Gea Bolg, the one he had picked up. It looked near identical to the one Scathach was carrying around, but the amount of runes was noticeably less along the shaft. The head of the spear was also a tad longer and thinner. Red trails of energy were connected to Jaune's arm, flowing over and over into his arm.

INSPECT:

Gae Bolg (Alternative) Rank: B-

Forged for a beast of a man who once fended off an army for seven years. Due to the years of abuse being used as a conduit for a spell, the spear has lost most of its power. Damaged but not broken, the bloodlust of its previous user remains strong. With a history dating back several hundred years, this spear has ended the lives of countless men and women. The wood is made from a tree that fed on the corpse of a god. This spear was also infused with a fragment of said god's skull. This is the "Gae Bolg" closest to the original, but lacking all the same. Either way, the nature of its crafting has given this spear potent Anti-Demon properties. Due to the damage this spear has sustained it has lost its Anti-Divine properties. Due to the damage this spear has sustained it has lost its unique attack skills. The "Barbed" spear head has "Worn out", removing the bleed and laceration effects. Information destroyed, impossible to understand lost information, unknown traits permanently lost.

Current Effects: Anti-Humanoid (D) deals an additional 8% damage to "Humanoid" enemies . Anti-Demon (C) deals an additional 20% damage to "Demonic" enemies. Anti-Spirit (Can affect incorporeal bodies to a wide range of effect). Some effects have been degraded and others are no longer active. Perhaps repairing the spear can revive these effects?

Durability: 124/5,500

"It likes you" she smiled.

The spear pulsed and behaved oddly. For some reason Jaune had the image of a hurt little puppy, smiling away at a new owner.

"Uh…good boy?"

The red exploded out with the spear flying out into Jaune's hand. It thrummed with power, more so than any weapon save one. His mother's spear. For some reason the entire Knighthood of Atlas's weapons never gave Jaune the sickness that he had. In fact he distinctly remembered them walking around with them in the open.

Scathach smiled as her weapon's overbearing presence disappeared.

"What the?" muttered Jaune.

Scathach rose an eyebrow.

"You do not know how to reign your weapon in? Something else to teach you when you grow strong enough. If I remember distinctly most of your high levelled species are capable of restraining their weapons in public."

Huh…something to ask Oobleck about. Although it wasn't that important it really hit Jaune just how little he knew of the actual laws of his home. There were of course the basics such as don't kill someone, but the rest? The intricate laws built up over time?
"I'm starting to see why Oobleck has his class" muttered Jaune.

Gae Bolg thrummed in Jaune's hands once again, content in its new master's presence. Jaune smiled at the spear, using reinforcement to repair the spear slightly. Suddenly Gae Bolg started to leak a deadly torrent of red energy. Jaune jumped a bit as the energy seeped into his arms, tying the two together even further. Scathach scowled at the spear as it ignored its maker.

"Hmm, likes you a little too much…my name is Scathach, or at least…I think it is? Regardless, I am the warden of the land of shadows. Thank you for returning the escapees."

Jaune watched as the words above Scathach's head rearranged themselves and became understood. He hadn't noticed at first, probably due to his experience with Salem. Before the woman's name had been…blurry while her class was a bunch of symbols he couldn't understand. Above Scathach's head was her name and her class suddenly became readable. Probably Scathach allowing him to see it in the first place.

THE WARDEN OF SHADOWS

Yet when Jaune looked at her he also noticed that her class…flickered for the lack of a better term, switching to

IMMORTAL GUARDIAN.

Two classes were bullshit in Jaune's opinion but all things considered anything was possible here. What was more interesting to him at the moment was that Scathach's name was written in purple and read as follows.

SCATHACH(?)

What kind of a person had a question mark beside their name? Well no time for mysteries, Jaune got straight back into the conversation.

"Uh…no problem. So what exactly am I doing here?"

Scathach smiled and gestured to herself.

"The spear has brought you here for one reason. To kill me."

"Not gonna happen" muttered Jaune.

"Of course, not" smiled Scathach "you are far too weak for that dear student…for now anyways".

"I never agreed to that" muttered Jaune.

"No, I will train you so that you may finally end me."

"Oh you're ignoring me, that's nice" sighed Jaune.

"I've lived in this world as its master and guardian since my existence. After so long maintaining this land I wish for my torment to end."

Jaune couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. She seemed so…disinterested in the topic.

"Um…if I may?"

Not a chance in hell he'll come off as impolite to this beast of a woman. She'd probably kill him for it.

"I actually would too" smiled Scathach "and ask away."

"OH COME ON!" thought Jaune "STOP READING MY THOUGHTS!"

"Anyway" he coughed "why do you want to die?"

"I just do."

"…I'm sorry what?"

"It is a desire that has been mine since the day I was born. I have no idea why, but since the moment I awoke I knew many things. I was a fully matured adult, my name, my spear, language, knowledge, the runes, power, yet…I held no true memories. The only thing I held was an intense desire to die. I would connect to people like Cu quite quickly, but he was so far the only one."

Scathach smiled.

"The one that bore your name before you entered here to assist me with dying as well. To finally die…he was the closest to bringing that desire to fruit…he would have killed me to if he hadn't faltered. The idiot doing something I didn't see coming."

"Really and that would be?" asked Jaune.

"The first lesson will focus on the fundamentals. On your stance and knowledge of the spear."

"I guess I'm just doing this now".

Scathach waved her hand and a deluge of runes filled the air. Jaune wondered how she could do that, but absorbed the runes before him. So many that…he actually couldn't read a few of them.

"Ah, so there is a limit to what you can now for now" nodded Scathach "interesting. Your very class filters the runes you learn. Simple one worded runes are your limit for now but the longer sequences that can grant even greater power are beyond you at the moment…oh ho!" she smiled, a small glint to her eyes lighting up "That scythe you made was an inspired creation with what little you truly knew at the time. I'll have to reconsider your limits. So, sequences are not beyond your grasp, but rather must be made by you to truly understand them…such an odd class."

"How do you…you read my mind."

"Of course. If I am to train you I must know you intimately, understand where you are strong and weak."

"…How long with this training take? I can't stay here long just doing what you want."

Scathach chuckled as she shook her head.

"Be careful with that attitude. If you ever see yourself before a god, they will not take kindly to such actions."

Jaune rose an eyebrow. Did she not see Salem in his mind? She didn't react to his thoughts anymore if the confused expression on her face was anything to go by. Suddenly her expression turned serious as something filtered into her mind. His most recent thoughts probably.

"….You have attracted a very dangerous being" scowled Scathach "something even I can't kill. It's hold on you I can see clearly now."

Jaune shrugged.

"I'm good."

"….I don't think you understand the severity of what exactly holds you."

"I honestly don't think you do either" smiled Jaune "Apparently I'm her little entertainer, so whatever happens happens. So long as I can save my mother, I'll handle whatever is thrown at me."

"….You…"

Scathach began to chuckle as she shook her head. Jaune felt a tingle, probably Scathach rummaging through his brain. It was an unpleasant feeling. At least Salem didn't feel this gross.

"You share Cu's stubbornness and Artorias' honor. You will be difficult to train I see that now. Very well let us begin. Our connection is weak so our time is short. I'll do this the quick way. Most tend to die when subjected to this, but you seem strong enough to withstand a synergy."

"A wha-"

Jaune's head proceeded to explode.

The information that was rammed down his skull was unlike anything he'd ever felt. Actually he'd been feeling a lot of things that lately. Suddenly the system alerted him to what was happened.

ALARM!
RUNIC SYNERGY HAS BEEN DETECTED!

RUNE FILTERED BOND ESTABLISHED.

FORCIBLY DOWNLOADING INFORMATION!

PLAYER HAS LOST 756 HEALTH!

…

PLAYER HAS LOST 200 HEALTH!

…..

DOWNLOAD…COMPLETE!

You have learned basic runes! ALL RUNIC SKILLS HAVE LEVELLED UP!

You have learned "Rune Spear Arts!"

Parameter unlocked "Spear Arts".

"Spear Arts" and "Rune Spear Arts!" are evolutionary skills. Merging occurring. Feeding Spear arts into "Rune Spear Arts". Anomaly detected.

Parameters scanned. Mentality scanned. Stats scanned. Titles scanned. Passives Scanned.

All qualities present. Basic skills have merged together.

The result is the "Runic Spear Arts" (B)

"Runic Spear Art" evolution occurring.

ERROR! INTERVENTION OCCURING!

Jaune was sweating as his body felt like it was being invaded by something. Scathach blinked, while the presence known as Salem watched in avid interest.

The Abyss, the concept of darkness itself had arrived. So the boy would be altered-

CRACK!?

The darkness fled as Jaune's soul burned bright. Jaune scowled as he felt that presence in his mind, a seductive whisper. It wasn't evil, nor was it Salem, that Jaune knew. But it wanted to change him, to make him different, to make him bend to its will…to make him theirs. Whatever it wanted, Jaune didn't care. HE WOULD NOT BEND. But that didn't mean he would simply banish the presence. The darkness had been a companion of Jaune's lately, it was through Salem's power that he was reborn, given this second chance. Instead Jaune let it linger, not fully banishing it, showing that he would not reject the darkness. The darkness was his friend, an ally in his fight against Uther. He was not its puppet, nor its champion.

He was its friend.

He would not reject it purely because of what it may or may not have been. It stayed, much to both it and Jaune's surprise. The connection was formed.

ALARM!

You who has risen from the Abyss. You who has walked the Valley of the death. Your will remains undeterred, your soul unchanged. Yet, the Abyss remains connected to you regardless.

New title has been earned:

"The Abyss Walker"

Parameter title uncovered:

"Beloved of the Sun"

New unique skill has been earned!

Prestige skill "SOL SPEAR ARTS" (A) (Lv 1):

Effect: Damage with spears +60%.

"Sweet" thought Jaune in the midst of his pain.

WARNING USER IS A NON-COMBAT CLASS, REDUCTION IN BONUS (-55%) NEW EFFECTS ARE AS FOLLOWS

Effect: Damage with spears +5%. This unique skill comes with a unique tree that can grant you attack skills. How you wield your spear will dictate the direction your attack skills will go.

NEW SKILLS ARE EARNABLE, CHECK SYSTEM FOR MORE INFORMATION!

New title granted!

"Knight of the Sun".

New Skills are earnable! Increase your level and learn new skills to discover more.

Review of new titles and skills:

Title: "Abyss Walker"

UNLOCKED/EVOLVED: Skill: "Runic Spear Arts" "Sol Spear Arts"

Title Uncovered: "Loin sin of Pride"

Title Uncovered: "Beloved of the Sun"

Title Unlocked: "Touch of the Gods".

Parameters decoded to 90%

Check system for more details.

"Wait touched by what?" asked Jaune, utterly exhausted. Jaune's head felt like it was splitting apart. The information, the new skills, the new titles. Some of them he knew very well thanks to the systems help, but a lot of it was glossed over, something for him to look at later, especially since there was more than what he saw.

"Hmm…it would seem your class boosts crafting and magical abilities immensely…but it comes with a cost."

Jaune rose an eyebrow.

"Any passive buffs for weapons you acquire seems to get reduced, not that raw numbers overly matter much, but it is an advantage you won't have that others do. However…your aptitude for physical and magical power is astounding." smiled Scathach.

Jaune shrugged in thanks, not really caring what she thought at the moment. He was however confused on how she knew about the reduction he just received. Maybe she read his mind? He didn't know.
Scathach smiled.

"A strong body is the best quality in a student I can ask for."

Jaune started to disappear and he sighed in relief.

"When you are stronger" said Scathach "The spear will bring you here and I will train you again. Hopefully next time I can train you the proper way instead of that cheat method."

Jaune sighed in apprehension. Would be nice not to constantly train over and over, but from the information he had forced into his skull he knew the reason why. If one didn't train and become accustomed to the skill naturally, their movements would be clunky and odd. Depending on the skill alone would just get him killed. He also didn't want to come back here.

"Got it" he muttered.

Scathach smiled as she waved goodbye, the sweet smile that promised even worse pain to come. As darkness filled his vision, Jaune felt a sense of peace.

"Oh thank the Gods I'm out of there."

"I HEARD THAT" echoed Scathach.

-The Guild's Basement-

"Shit" muttered Jaune as he woke up.

He looked around and noticed that Ozpin was staring at him.

"You're awake?" he whispered.

"Uh…am I not supposed to be?" asked Jaune.

"I'm just surprised. Anyone who touched that spear died instantly. We found you unconscious and I assumed the worst. You all have pushed through the mana of this building and it took its toll on you. Weiss was the first to awaken."

Jaune looked down and noticed that his new spear was cuddling into him, nooked under his arm.

FWOOSH!

Jaune turned around and noticed that Ruby was still sleeping, resting her back on a post. Her scythe however was billowing petal like embers constantly. Anyone could sense the anger in the weapon. Jaune's own spear was slowly leaking out its own crimson energy, taunting the weapon across it.

"It's been doing that since we got here" smiled Ozpin.

Jaune tilted his head.

"We?"

It was true, only Ozpin was visible at the moment. Jaune now had a chance to look around the area. He was shocked at how much room was here, and the fact that there were doors in the basement, alluding to even more rooms. One of said rooms reeked of magic, Jaune's draconic nature giving him a sixth sense of such a thing, unbeknownst to the boy.

"Glynda and Oobleck took Miss Schnee and are taking down the defenses of the guild. Can't have its members constantly under siege by the raw mana now can we." he smiled.

"Is that what it was?"

"Yes. The Phantom Guild was famous for its…rather paranoid defense systems. Everyone in the guild required to have Mana resistance of sufficient strength to live comfortably. Most of it has eroded as you as I'm sure you noticed."

Jaune could tell what Ozpin meant. The small pressure the group had been dealing with the entire time had caused them to become tired far more quickly than they normally would have. Without the portal and the mystical defenses that were inactive but functioning…well the atmosphere in their new guild got a lot more comfortable. The discomfort was part of the reason the group just fell asleep so easily and were currently having a tough time waking up. A quick shot of inspect and Jaune breathed a sigh of relief.

All of them said unconscious but what intrigued Jaune was that a few of his guild mates were developing mana resistance. Must have been a skill that was naturally gained if Jaune had to hazard a guess. Jaune refocused on Ozpin as the man continued talking as he sat on a fallen beam. His cane between his legs as he gestured to Jaune to sit across from him. Jaune was having a hard time paying attention with his headache, but he tried his best.

"With the defenses removed you'll be able to do with the building as you wish. Feel free to contact a few of the mason businesses we have available here at Beacon. Now onto more important matters…your punishment."

"Our what?"

"You honestly think we don't let students know this building is off limits? The signs on the way to the building that states, BANNED, over and over again? There's a reason that most students avoided the place even if there was cheap mana stones to be found here."

Jaune pretended that he didn't ignore those signs. They had all noticed them and the entire guild chose to ignore it. Ozpin was not impressed.

"If it wasn't for the fact that you actually succeeded AND were pushed to this extreme…you'd be expelled."

Jaune swallowed.

"Instead, you'll be having a three month detention, all of yo-"

Ozpin's eyes twitched a bit as he noticed the rest of the guild still sleeping. He had been so focused on Jaune that he had assumed the rest of them had woken up.

"Fine" he sighed "or…you can create another B rank weapon in a week."

Jaune rose an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Godfrey" muttered Ozpin "the noble that is in charge of the duchy of Arc is calling for your immediate expulsion. It makes sense, since you yourself are supposed to be in charge of said Duchy. If that becomes public knowledge along with the fact that you are Artoria Pendragon's son…well let us simply say Godfrey has a lot to lose…to much even."

Jaune swallowed.

"You uh…figured that out."

"That you are the son of Arturia Pendragon? Yes, it took some digging but we found out. How you changed your name is still a mystery but I have some ideas."

Ozpin scowled.

"None of them good. But that is for another time, for now you should rest. If you can make a B rank weapon next week to shut Godfrey up, then I will waive all detentions for your entire guild."

"Of course" said Jaune "that shouldn't be a problem…but why next week exactly? Wouldn't you want this as soon as possible?"

"Next week is when Godfrey goes to the King over this matter. The man is delusional but annoying. The King and Queen won't take any action against , however having more recent proof of you crafting a second B rank weapon will nip this in the bud and save me a lot of paper work. The reason I am asking for next week is because we want as many witnesses as we can for your feat."

"My feat?" asked Jaune.

Ozpin nodded.

"The meeting is being held here. Godfrey has quite a bit to answer for but the King and Queen can't afford to let Godfrey sit in the castle with all his supporters. Instead, they allocated to here under the pretense of also meeting with me for a budget meeting…that is also happening" grumbled Ozpin.

"Oh so that's why" thought Jaune "he probably wants to really sell the need for more money. By using me he thinks he can garner that extra support".

Ozpin smiled, laughing internally at Jaune's lack of a poker face. The boy probably thought he was using him for the budget increase or something. It was honestly to avoid paper work as much as he could. But he'd let the young man have his delusions. All that mattered was the week of no work that was coming up. The idea of work made Ozpin remember something.

"I almost forgot" he muttered "unfortunately the quests are still depleted for the time being, not to mention that new Gates simply don't appear frequently to raid. We can anticipate when one will open, but that information will always be public knowledge…I'm sorry we can't help you further. However, I will give you the money all new guilds are given to build their base, hopefully it would prove sufficient to repair this place enough to be livable but it is up to you all to come up with the monthly property tax."

"I think we can manage without doing mu-"

CRACK!

A wooden beam the size of Jaune fell beside him. Jaune glared at it and back up the ceiling.
"Really?"

Ozpin just shook his head with a small smile.

"I think you'll be fine" he smiled "before I go, I do want to say this. Regardless of what the Mercenary and the Merchant guilds may believe Jaune, you are not restricted to them. If you have any further troubles beyond what you have seen thus far, contact me."

As Ozpin walked away, he couldn't help but smile. The forging that Jaune was going to do next week in truth had little to do with Godfrey. At first, Godfrey truly was a concern. This was mainly due to the Arc Duchy being an archipelago of small and medium islands that connected to the main lands of Vale near their eastern seaboard. These numerous small islands contained rare and valuable resources. That translated directly into power for a Noble such as Godfrey, for it gave him the money needed to hire some rather dangerous people.

But as it turned out Godfrey knew next to nothing about any black market or assassination groups. Why?

Because a "Paladin" by the name of Lancelot Du' Loc had single handedly decimated every single criminal organization within the Arc Duchy within the span of two weeks several years ago. It wasn't that Godfrey wouldn't hire assassins.

It was that he couldn't.

In the first week the Paladin had eliminated every single visible speck of illegal activity within the Duchy. The second week he had brought the assistance of a pair of half-brothers from Atlas. The Stern faced "Dark Knight" Agravain and his half-brother the "Knight of the Sun" Gawain to root out the unseen roots. After that…well the destruction that was wrought was of such a nature that even after they left for years the Arch Duchy was never infested with organized crime again.

There was of course the occasional theft and murder, but it was never organized crime. It proved that even a single one of them was arguably a monster in their own right. A monster that was in the service of Atlas. Each a symbol of why Atlas, while mainly being an academic nation catered towards the magic classes, was considered one of the strongest militaries in the world. The Magicians and scholars would say that it was "Atlas Academy" and the work of their illustrious mages. But the people?

The people believed solely in the Knights of the Round Table, led by Arturia Pendragon herself. That it was them that kept the citizens of Atlas safe. Ozpin had learned all of this from a combination of files but discovered Jaune's parentage from Agravain himself. The man had simply walked out of the shadows of his office, glared at him, and demanded to know why he held the "Prince" as he called Jaune, in his school.

After a quick exchange of information, Ozpin learned a great deal, especially about why Atlesian Knights were trespassing into Vale. None of it was good though. Apparently, the situation within Atlas had grown incredibly bleak over the years.

The Knights had become divided. On one end were the "Sentinels" protectors of the mages of Atlas who followed their master's commands. The other was of course the "Round Table", a group of Knights and compatriots dedicated to protecting the masses. Uther's allies were also running amok almost unchecked. It took the knights of the round table all they had to contain the chaos within the walls of Atlas Academy and keep the citizenry and common noble and mage classes safe. The people loved them dearly for it but it had cut into the time the Knights could check in and make sure Jaune was safe.

It had been years since any of them managed to get out of Atlas unseen to check on him. After thanking the Ozpin for taking care of both the boy and his father, Agravain disappeared, leaving Ozpin with one disturbing fact.

Atlas was in the midst of a civil war, contained only by its own military. It was ludicrous, but it was the truth. Ironwood was losing ground. Ozpin hoped that by letting Jaune prove his worth as a mystical breakthrough, it would give Ozpin the opening to send the boy to Atlas and with him a group of "Escorts" that would keep the boy safe on the journey there and back. These escorts would of course be allowed to leave the boy unattended during his stay in Atlas…after all…

The boy was home wasn't he?

There wasn't much Ozpin could do to help Arturia's situation though. As Agravain explained the Giess compelled her to protect Uther from all threats physical and magical, making her an overpowered body guard for the sick man. In other words?

Assassination was impossible.

But upsetting the balance, and removing Uther's political power? That was an entirely different scenario.

"This is a mess" muttered Ozpin as he walked up the stairs. He slowly made his way out of the house, praying that life would go back to normal soon. The poor man couldn't help but chuckle at himself. Normalcy was an illusion after all. As he left he failed to notice the utter horror that spread across Jaune's face.

The young man stared at the blue screen in front of him, shaking in irritation.

ALARM!

Only 34 minutes remain to complete the "Daily Quest Tier 2".

New Daily Training requirements:

0/85 pushups

0/85 situps

0/50 crutches

0/75 lunges

0/100 pullups

Possible Rewards for Tier 2: 3 stat points (Medium), One-time Status Recovery Spell (Medium), Good Fortune Box (Cannot gain due to having on in your inventory), Ill-fortune Box (Cannot gain due to having one in your inventory), One-time drop Lightning-based spell (Extremely low), Pass card (Medium).

Congratulations!

You have completed the quest the quest "Haunted Guild!"

You have earned the following rewards: "Guild House" and Medium XP

Congratulations!

You have completed "From the Shadows it Watches, Step 1

You have earned the following rewards: Medium XP to all skill trees (Distributed equally to all skills), Massive XP. (1) Good Fortune Box. (1) Ill-Fortune Box. (1) Store Coupon. Store is now Available!

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have levelled up!

You have levelled up!

You have levelled up!

You have levelled up!

You have levelled up!

Jaune (Artorias) Pendragon: Lv. 26

Jaune blinked as he stared at the options. It would seem that going up to the next tier of daily missions increased the reward. Not only that but he levelled up a stupid amount as well and unlocked the store! The difficulty went up slightly for his daily quest but Jaune wasn't expecting too much of a problem. If he was to go about the ranking of the daily quest by the rank of the punishment zone…than this one would have to be?

"If the dungeon boss from the punishment zone from last time was E rank…than this has to be D rank if it progresses like that. If it follows the ranking system progression than the difference between E to D is noticeable but small." Jaune concluded "I better get started now than. Can't afford to waste time if just to be less awkward, I can check the store later".

As he started to work out on the pushups Jaune noticed immediately that there was an issue. It was like the world worked against him and all of a sudden.

"What the!?" thought Jaune.

TIER 2 restrictions have been activated!

Stats, skills, and buffs have been restricted for the duration of this work out! In return the drop chance for Status Recovery becomes guaranteed.

"So the difficulty itself goes up" grunted Jaune "fine then, lets go."

As he worked out, at a slower pace than he was used to, Jaune's thoughts began to wander. While the work out itself was now more difficult, Jaune's Draconic body was more than capable of handling the entire work out in a brief ten minutes. He decided that he was going to push the system and see how many that he could do of each and see what that brought him, if anything. But first…first was all the shit that had gotten shoved down his brain. What Scathach had done was in stupid terms, a mental download. She had shoved into him the basics of her wild style of spearmanship, resulting in the style he knew being...merged with her own. Rather than levelling up spear arts, the resulting information gave way to the requirements for upgrading the skill outright. If that much was true than that meant that skills could be upgraded to better and more powerful forms, each capable of levelling up to achieve even greater power.

"Sword arts…and probably bow arts as well are a couple of the only combat skills I truly have. Can they level up and evolve too? Or do they need certain conditions as well…not to mention titles."

Ah yes, the title system. For a time Jaune had thought it useless. A quirk that gave some cool effects at best…yet what he had learned today told Jaune what little he truly knew. The titles that Jaune had access to did more than give small and helpful effects. They had the ability to open up the opportunity to gather more skills from those outside his class. It was probably due to the title system that Jaune was capable of learning the "Ignition Burst" skill…or perhaps not. And the mastery system? What was that?

Certain items carry unique attack skills. If the user can master the weapon and create a bond with it, it becomes possible to inherit the skill and use it with other weapons. Be warned, only certain actions can increase the bond between master and weapon and the SYSTEM cannot tell what those actions are. The system can alert you when a bond has been formed however.

"Well that was helpful" grunted Jaune as he shifted to pushups.

So, skills were learnable, that much Jaune knew. His mother drilled him in combat until he had obtained the "Sword Art", "Spear Art", and "Bow Art" combat buffs. Jaune didn't know how but he had lost access to those skills after his escape from Atlas. Was it because of his mentality? His mental place? The feelings of unworthiness? Honestly it could be neither or all of the above. Either way Jaune planned to gather them back. It would seem that Arcane Craftsman debuffed any physical combat skill once it went past a certain measurement. The "Sol Spear Art" skill that he had evolved to had a major -55% debuff…yet the 60% extra damage was only reduced to 5? Did that mean it reduced it from 100% by over half, or that the reduction was simply -55%.

The Arcane Craftsman debuff only applies to skills earned with the class equipped. Because "Sword Art" was learned before the Player's classup and was resealed, the skill remains unaffected.

"What happens if I evolve the skill?" asked Jaune with a grunt.

The evolved skill will be subjected to the Arcane Craftsman debuff. The Player cannot choose to evolve their skills. All skills develop alongside their user and evolve at their own pace. However, offensive magic does not fall under the Arcane Debuff…or it shouldn't at least.

"Are you keeping something from me?" asked Jaune, now doing lunges

Anomaly had been detected since the System Installation. System cannot understand nor classify this anomaly and as such has not brought it up to the player

"Could you elaborate on that?" thought Jaune, having now switched to crunches. Lunges were unexpectedly easy.

The Player is a non-combat class. While magic is learnable, the ability to retain combat art skills such as "Sword Arts" or "Slash" should not be possible with any labor issued class, regardless of level. Why the Player is capable of learning combat skills are unknown. As such the System cannot properly analyze the reason for why something is fighting the combat debuff. As such the System cannot ensure the debuff is permeant nor if it would spread beyond physical skills. There are certain possibilities that exist that can explain this anomaly. List includes: Divine Blood, but unlikely. Sub-class interaction, but unlikely. Interference from divine beings, rather likely due to the player's interaction with the Goddess of the Abyss, Knowledge, and Magic, Salem.

"Wait what!?" thought Jaune "explain now! Is something happening to me!?"

No. This anomaly is non-threatening nor does it destabilize the Player's existence. It is simply fighting against the debuffs of the Arcane Craftsman class. The amount of power this influence has is currently weak. The power originates from the player and is sustained weakly by the player. This logically concludes a Sub-Class interaction; however, Subclasses cannot be developed until an individual has achieved A rank levels of magical power. Only then can an individual gain a secondary sub class and ascend to A rank fully. This process takes many years even after the individual has obtained the appropriate levels of power. Divine blood is impossible, due to the player's ancestral tree lacking any such ancestor. Salem's interference is the likeliest possibility, but it too remains unlikely.

"Why" demanded Jaune.

Because the Goddess is the one who helped create the System. If she wished to alter you in some fashion it would not be detected by the System in the first place. As an admin any such alterations would simply be considered "optimal" and "standard" of the player, rather than something outside the System's understanding.

Jaune stilled.

"Salem…created the system" he whispered.

No. Salem's expertise was used to create the system's algorithms and functions, but she herself is not the sole creator of the system. Each deity that is currently worshipped by your species as a whole assisted in the creation of the system. The system existed before the gods and all living things are empowered by the system in some way. The gods as you know them mearly update and evolve the system. Due to this, each god is capable of allowing a "Player" of their choice to access the system in its entirety, rather than just unknowingly use it.

Jaune swallowed as he began to do his pullups.

"How many has Salem given this access to?"

NONE.

"…What?" whispered Jaune.

Player designated as "Jaune (Artorias) Arc" is the first player chosen by Salem. The unique "INSPECT" variation and the increase of the hidden "LUCK" stat are her unique contributions to her variation of the "SYSTEM".

"Why would she give it to me?" he asked.

Because you were interesting. Nothing more.

Jaune just smiled, reinvigorated. Of course. That was all it was. Well if the weird goddess wanted a show?

Who was he to deny her?

"System" whispered Jaune "show me all the new titles I've earned. Just give me their effects though. Also, what are those learnable skills?"

Jaune desperately wanted to know what was up with hid body, but if the system couldn't figure it out, it was unlikely Jaune would.

Understood!

New titles:

"Abyss Walker" (Active)

Effect: Immunity to "Dark Invasion". Immunity to "Dark" environments. Can see in the dark. It is possible to learn "Abyss" magic. The player can equip weapons and use items that have the "Abyss" trait without any repercussion.

"Knight of the Sun"(Active)

Effect: This title gives a boost to all stats by 10 once activated. This skill allows for the player to learn "Sun" and "Holy" attribute magic. WARNING: due to the Player's affinity and interaction with the Abyss, "Holy" magic is impossible to learn. To use Holy magic requires the complete rejection of its antithesis, Darkness. The Player can equip weapons and use items that have the "Sun" attribute. Warning: The Player takes increased Holy Damage by 15% due to their affinity to "Abyss".

"Beloved of the Sun"(Active) Rank:….EX!?

This title gives a boost to all stats by 10 once activated. This is a title given to all those who have felt the touch of the mother of stars and the keeper of lost souls but the rank is absurd. The answer may lie in the past, in a time when memory is at its most blank.

When the Player was born their heart had ceased functioning, unable to handle the absurd magical power their mother Arturia possessed. Their breathing stopped. Their skin turned cold. As your soul drifted to the other side, the Mother of stars and children took you in her arms, sad at the loss of your young life. She would care for you as she had the others whose lives were cut short. Calm you until your soul settled and was ready to try again. Yet, the cry of one's mother is hard to ignore. Most human souls cannot "Hear" once they've moved on, but the soul of a dragon is different. Your breed of existence felt the tears of your mother, her pain and anguish, as your cold body was taken from her arms. Your father's tears echoed in your soul as he rested his head against the side of the bed. Anger filled you and with a cry and a burst of fire you rejected the arms of the sun itself. Screaming through the void your soul reentered your body in a pseudo reawakening, removing your original class that had yet to be shown to the world. The doctor stared at you as you twitched and moved, opening your beedy little eyes, searching for them. You blinked…then blinked again. You proceeded to glare at the man that was neither your father nor mother. The doctor rose an eyebrow as you gave the worst stink eye a baby could muster. You took your first true breath, deep and true…

and proceeded to break every bit of glass within the room with the disturbing inhuman cry that left your mouth. Your body ignited into flames as you burned anyone who wouldn't take you to her, the one whose cries you felt across the void. Your Father grabbed you, the flames never harming his flesh. You felt his face, wet and cold, warm up against your skin as he nuzzled you in relief. You patted his face in irritation, reaching towards the sound of muffled cries. When you finally rested within the arms of your Mother Arturia, you used what little strength you had to bat away her tears, before falling asleep, content against her bosom. The Gods have killed for far less disrespect, baby or not.

But the Mother of Stars was unlike most of her brethren. She did not reject you. She did not look at you with anger.

For what kind of mother could hate a child such as you? Who had screamed and raged against the void of death, spurned on by naught but a mother's tears and a father's anguish. Such courage for one so small had earned the affection of The Sun itself. For it was not her power that let you live again, but your own. For such a feat she gave you her love, a love that only a mother could possess, resulting in the absurd ranking you have garnered from this title. She watches you, hoping that you live your life to the fullest.

Jaune felt some tears in his eyes as he finished his workout. It was a flash, a face that smiled so kindly. A face that looked at him with a few tears of her own, whispering words he couldn't comprehend. She smiled as he drifted from her. She was not his mother…yet she felt like she was. There could only be one Goddess that fit the description by the system.

"…Enya" whispered Jaune.

Enya. The Little Flame that sparked all of creation and made the stars themselves, the oldest of all her kin. She was the mother of all and cared for the souls of unnamed children, circumventing the cycle of death to ensure they lived again. She was the only goddess in all of Remnant to be respected by all religious beliefs. Jaune's eyes closed as he felt a presence so unlike Salem. Salem was cold yes, but aloof and sarcastic with a bit of wit and humor mixed in. Wild and untamed. But this was….Jaune bit his lip as he basked in the feeling, the heat reminding him of only one.

"Mother".

It was a tiny hole in the basement ceiling, just a small ray of light poking through. But it was enough. The light burned bright as it touched Jaune's face. What felt like a small womanly hand caressed his face, singing the tears away.

"Do not worry" she whispered "she waits for you, wishing every day you were with her. Wishing every day that your father was with her. She has never forgotten you. So, go my little loin and roar, for who decided that your mother couldn't be saved?"

Jaune's eyes opened, seeing nothing. But he smiled none the less. The words that stuck with him since his birth. The words that he had been spouting since he was small. He clenched his fist, ignoring the three stat points he got from completing his daily training. He looked up, seeing nothing but the ceiling. But if he closed his eyes…well…

He could feel the sun.

The Loin's Sin of Pride (A)

The title bestowed upon you by the Goddess Enya herself. It allows for the user to wield the sword "Escanor" and the axe "Rhitta". But it is up to the player to find such items.

"Touch of the Gods" (A)

+10 to all stats. The player has had the unexpected life to have been subjected to both the Light and Dark goddesses in his lifetime. While this title gives no Buff aside from the stat boost, it does give the player the right to wield certain "Divine" weapons. Can you find these legendary weapons? Or perhaps will you create them? This was the hidden title the player had when the System first activated. Now that the title has been activated, the stat boost has been added.

Gae Bolg (Lv 1): Level requirement 30 and ?

Strike at the enemy's heart and deal an additional percentage of damage. Damage + additional damage increases as the skill levels up. Additional effects may be discovered as the spear skill is increased.

Runic burst (Lv 1): Level requirement 28

Increases the effect of runes while equiped by 5%. ERROR ERROR. User has a complimentary class. Increases the effect by 45% due to "Arcane Craftsman" bonus. Bonus can increase as the skill levels up.

Be warned, these skills are only usable while equipped with Gae Bolg. Runic Burst can be "Mastered" and transferred to the Player after a certain level is reached.

The Player has discovered attainable skills due to new titles:

Cruel Sun (Magic) Required level 36

Burn your enemies to ash with the power of the Sun. Certain conditions and enemy types can increase the power of Cruel Sun. Base damage is determined by level, INT and WIS stats, and {Information Unavailable}. Unlock skill to learn more.

Abyssal Burst (Attack Buff) Required Level 42

The power of the Abyss enhances all offensive actions. The power of the Abyss is determined by the level of the player and the connection with the Abyss itself. Minimum Buff is +25% to both physical and magical attacks for 30 seconds.

Numeral of the Saint (Dragon)(Passive) Requirement: Level 25 and "Beloved of the Sun". Passive Unlocked, Requires one day worth of rest for effects to take place.

The blessings of the sun but contained within the body of a dragon. This difference along with other factors alters the typical power of this passive. The player currently cannot access the power until dawn tomorrow and thus must wait till then to learn more.

Sol Spear Arts Lv.1 (A)

Reduced to a mere 5% bonus, this is a spear technique that reveres the sun itself. To pierce the darkness and bring forth the light, that is what this skill imparts. For the sun itself becomes your weapon against your enemies. Simply having the skill gives you the ability to bring forth the "Dawn", how that works and what that is, is for the player to discover. The skill also imparts its beginner technique "Sunlight Spear". This can infuse a spear with solar light, burning anything in its path. The strength of this light is dependent on the player themselves. Next Level: It becomes possible to hurl a spear made purely of magical energy, allowing you to use this attack spell with any weapon or none at all thus granting an attack skill. Infusing this within a spear can increase spear damage by an additional 5% percent. Level up this skill even further to hone it and increase the damage.

Jaune's lips turned into a straight pissed smile as he stared at the system alert.

"You really don't have the best sense of timing, do you?"

There was of course no response. Jaune rolled his eyes and rolled his shoulders. He was sweating a new one and his body was a little sore.

"Status Recovery" stated Jaune.

A golden light suffused Jaune's form and all his physical fatigue went away. Jaune rose an eyebrow at the still sleeping form of his guild. To be fair, Jaune doubted they had experience suffering through Mana sickness, so he'd cut them some slack. Unlike Jaune, his guild mates never had to work through several A rank gates. Jaune knelt on the ground, placing the palm of his hands on either knee.

"I thank Enya, the Goddess of stars for the life that was given to me" he muttered "I thank Salem the goddess of Magic, for the chance that I have earned."

It was a simple prayer, nothing elaborate nor flashy. But the two goddesses that Jaune had experience with cared not for such pleasantries. Unbeknownst to Jaune was how his shadow suddenly spike in shock, while the sun outside flared brightly. It was one thing to receive a prayer from those seeking power or assistance. It was another to receive a thank you from out of nowhere. The shadows, unlike their master Salem, licked at Jaune's back. For those that prayed to Salem always called her a trickster, a liar, and the keeper of secrets. They demanded knowledge and spoke the price they would pay.

She was never prayed to as a proper goddess. She looked from her domain and stared at Jaune in confusion, wondering what in the hell had brought that prayer out of him. She than shrugged and continued watching. Even on his boring days he was entertaining. The small smile on her face went unnoticed by Salem.

Outside of Salem's control the shadows at Jaune's back reached out to him, touching his arms and back. But Jaune did not veer away, mostly because he did not feel them, but that was beside the point. The shadows curled around Jaune's arm…basking in the warmth it brought.

For existences that had no concept of "heat"…it wasn't much to say that it was addicting. The "Cold" they always felt was seared away, basking in something their existence could never truly understand but enjoyed nonetheless. For Salem was not the only thing watching from the Abyss.

As Jaune's eyes remained closed he never noticed the system giving him an alert, for he had removed the annoying audio feature of the pinging.

ALARM!

The Player's Companion function is reacting to unknown presence.

The shadows dispersed though as Pyrrha grumbled awake. But instead of retreating to the darkness where they once belonged, they instead retreated into Jaune's shadow.

"My head" she whispered "Jaune?".

"Hey there" he smiled "how are you feeling?"

Pyrrha shook her head.

"I am fine" she muttered "but I was not expecting the mana to become worse as we went down. I would have prepared myself more if that was the case. But I am fine".

Pyrrha smiled as she rose, rolling her shoulders. She looked at Ruby with worry, the poor girl looking like a fever had passed through her.

"Is she?"

"She's alright" said Jaune.

"how would you know?"

"My inspect skill tells me she's developing mana resistance. Hell, all of them are. Weiss woke up before all of us though."

Sure enough the White haired mage was no where to be found.

"Where did she go?"

"Probably with Headmistress Glynda and Doctor Oobleck right now but who knows. They came along with Ozpin to check in on us…they weren't exactly happy."

"Oh no" whispered Pyrrha "what happened?"

"Nothing major" chuckled Jaune "just have to make a B rank weapon again. Which means I'll need materials."

"Materials probably cost quite a bit" muttered Pyrrha awkwardly. She wasn't afraid to admit she knew nothing of what life for the labor caste was like.

"They can" admitted Jaune "but that's not our main concern. For now, I say we relax."

"…Are you praying?" asked Pyrrha.

Jaune blinked as he stood up from his position.

"uh…yea, what gave it away?"

Pyrrha smiled.

"The meditation position you were using is common in Minstral. I don't pray much myself though."

Jaune shrugged.

"I don't pray at all. I just mostly thank whatever god helped me. Seemed rude not to."

Pyrrha rose an eyebrow.

"Who were you thanking?"

"Salem and Enya."

Pyrrha stared at her friend and blinked.

"um…isn't Salem?"

Jaune shrugged.

"If she was, would I be alive right now?"

Pyrrha blinked and to Jaune's surprise she actually seemed to think on it.

"That's…a rather good point."

Pyrrha shrugged while Jaune smiled and told her to relax.

"I don't think you'd like my form of relaxation" chuckled Pyrrha, her spear appearing from her own inventory.

"…..You relax by fighting?" asked Jaune.

Pyrrha blushed as she looked away.

"Sorry" she stressed.

"No it's just…suprising" chuckled Jaune "We were planning to practice anyways right?"

Pyrrha perked up at Jaune's subtle invitation.

"You want to train? Now?"

"Might as well" chuckled Jaune "besides I got a few skills I never bothered using".

A white lie…one that kind of sucked to say if Jaune was honest. He wanted to believe that he could tell his guild mates anything…but the system? That sounded like something out of a fantasy, and Jaune was living it! Best to keep it to himself for now, at least until he had some proof for his…odd circumstances.

The duo separated from themselves, but rather than go outside they simply moved to a further portion of the basement. The place was massive in size, at least to Jaune. There were numerous doors leading to other rooms, while the one they were in was easily the size of an acre, at least!

"Wouldn't it be better outside?" chuckled Jaune.

"I want to be here when they wake up" smiled Pyrrha "To celebrate as a guild. Weiss usually has a reason for going off, so hopefully she'll be back soon."

"From what Ozpin told me she's helping Glynda removed the security systems. Probably keeping the designs or something."

Pyrrha shrugged. She drew her shield close to her, and through a nook in the shield, placed her spear. It was a style Jaune had never seen before.

The same could be said for Pyrrha as Jaune drew his spear and settled into a stance. His feet awkwardly found their footing and he placed his left hand near the spear head and angled the spear towards the floor.

It was a wild and unusual stance, not rigid and firm like Pyrrha's own.

"Ready?" she smiled.

Jaune smirked and nodded. Without warning Jaune rushed her. Pyrrha noted that he was a tad faster than he used to be, probably having levelled up. Jaune inspected Pyrrha's spear for the first time. It was black with a silver spear head. Two gold colored bands wrapped near the head of the shaft near the spear head. But aside from that there wasn't anything overtly special about it.

Orion's Hunting Spear (Rank:?)

Current Effects cannot be discerned. User is not strong enough.

Jaune looked at Pyrrha in surprise. What kind of weapon was she using?

Pyrrha blushed heavily as she looked away. Yet, even looking away she parried Jaune's spear with her shield and stabbed at him with her own. Jaune's instincts took over and he crouched to the ground. He rose up, the spear following his momentum, flowing up to try and cut through Pyrrha's cheek. When it missed Jaune took the opening and used his momentum to push forward with his left hand, directing the momentum and his charge through the spear, aiming the butt end at Pyrrha's stomach. The girl simply pushed into Jaune's guard and shield slammed him away, too fast for the man to react. Jaune felt his lungs deflated from the blow as he was fired away a fair distance.

"SORRY!" yelled Pyrrha.

Jaune coughed.

"What are you sorry about" he chuckled, coughing all the while "that was a good hit."

Jaune rested the spear in both hands, directing the head at Pyrrha's stomach this time. His body thrummed as magic flowed through the spear. Sunlight began to pour through Gae Bolg. The unseen cracks within the weapon leaked golden light as Jaune smiled.

"Let's see how strong this is."

Pyrrha blinked in surprise. Jaune thrust the spear and a golden light smashed forward. The aim was wonky as the now golden light couldn't maintain its straight path, but Pyrrha blocked it with her shield all the same. She withstood the blow quite well, blinking at the unexpected attack.

"A new skill?" she asked.

"Something like that. I don't know much about it" admitted Jaune "but its like a skill within my Sol spear arts."

Pyrrha blinked before smiling widely.

"A unique art skill! That's fantastic Jaune, those are hard to evolve too. Weapon skills start off weak but can become a lot stronger once they're inherited."

Jaune blinked staring at the spear.

"Huh…I hope you don't mind if I ask you question every once in a while. I'm not exactly well versed in combat skills."

Pyrrha smiled.

"Not at all."

Blood began to leak from a wound on Pyrrha's cheek, while a few cuts that Jaune hadn't even felt much less seen from Pyrrha began to bleed from his arm and side. Pyrrha felt her cheek and blinked in surprise. She felt the blood between her fingers looking at it with surprise.

"Might be a good time to settle down huh" chuckled Jaune.

"I wish our aura wasn't so low" admitted Pyrrha "I would have loved to battle for a bit longer!"

"So, what did you think?" asked Jaune, depositing his spear back into his inventory.

Pyrrha took a calm expression as she stared at her guild mate.

"Honestly? Your techniques were somewhat lacking, you hesitated more than once as well. It felt like you were trying to fight in a few different ways. I think you just need to practice a bit more though, it's a common problem for people just starting out with new skills."

Jaune smiled.

"Good to hear."

Jaune blinked in surprise at the fact that only Ren was starting to wake up. Blake was already wide awake, simply enjoying the atmosphere of the lessen mana within the building.

"Welcome to the land of the living" chuckled Jaune.

Ren narrowed his eyes at the blonde.

"I'm not in the mood for dead jokes right now, we just cleared a haunted house. Please don't jinx it."

Jaune rose an eyebrow as he stared at Ren. Ren simply rubbed his eyes.

"It's a long story."

"A lot of your stories seem to be like that" chuckled Blake "By the way, Weiss left with Glynda to finalize the deed. Apparently Ruby just flew into their office with it and bolted out."

"How fast is she?" asked Jaune.

"Apparently fast enough to prevent older teachers from catching up to her."

"Damn" muttered Jaune.

"Hmm" muttered Blake.

"…"

"…"

"…so" muttered Ren "we made it?"

"We did" smiled Jaune "although not without issues."

"Oh by the gods themselves what is it now?"

Ren turned to notice Nora looked at them all irritated. Her eyes seemed duller though.
"So, you finally calmed down" smiled Ren.

Nora looked a little embarrassed but nodded.

"Yea. Sorry about that, I get a little erratic when I don't fight often."

Jaune rose an eyebrow, while Pyrrha smiled in understanding.

"Of course, I understand. Berserkers are not exactly meant to be still after all."

Jaune looked around confused.

"Can uh…someone enlighten me here?"

Nora gat up, yawning as she stretched. She smacked her lips as she walked towards Jaune, her movements far calmer than usual.

"Just the Berserker status effect. The longer I go without combat the more erratic I tend to act. I also get kind of lippy" she muttered.

"…Huh. I get a deduction in all my combat skills thanks to my class."

Nora blinked and frowned on Jaune's behalf.

"Really? That sucks man. At least you got the whole fire thing going for you."

Jaune just shook his head and laughed. But Nora quickly cut him off, patting him on the shoulder.

"Hey man I'm laughing to but seriously, what's the issue you were talking about?"

Jaune sighed.

"I just have to make another B rank in a week that's all. I'm stronger now than I was, but I'd like to get another few levels in before I attempt it."

"Shit, didn't you blow up the last forge you used?"

"Apparently?" muttered Jaune "didn't exactly stick around when I woke up with Ruby's scythe."

"So you need a forge?" asked Blake "because I doubt the merchant guild will let you use their other ones."

"I didn't think of that" grumbled Jaune.

"….follow me" sighed Blake.

The group that was awake followed her, with Jaune walking in line with the assassin.

"What's up?" asked Jaune.

"While you and Pyrrha were sparring, I was looking through the rooms here."

"We sparred for like a few minutes at most?" asked Jaune "how many rooms could you have possibly inspected in that short time."

Blake just looked at her friend and smiled.

"There's a lot of resources here. I think they're mostly broken but I think you could make use of most of it. Also here."

Blake took out a small black shard from within her robes, handing it to Jaune.

"This is" he whispered.

Inspect

Shard of Dun Scaith (A)

An A rank material, this shard is filled with the primordial essence of Dun Scaith, the land of shadows. As befitting its origins, this shard is overflowing with dark power. However, the unique composition of its material make-up prevents the energy within from escaping the confines. Normally an erratic material, such a shard is impossible to use in crafting due to the chaotic nature of the energy within. Yet, within the hands of the player the shard's energy remains calm and stable. What wonders or horrors can you make with this? Shards like these are excellent catalysts for same attribute runes, alchemic solutions, or rituals.

Jaune swallowed.

"Where did you find this?" asked Jaune

"When the portal closed, there was a shard left over. It didn't react to my presence at all. Not to mention when I inspected it all I got was that it was a rare crystal that was impossible to use."

"The energy is normally chaotic" admitted Jaune "but if I do this."

The crystal began to glow an eerie black, releasing a familiar energy to the group. Jaune's own mana interfaced with the crystals, agitating it awake.

"Thought as much" muttered Blake "seems well have to run by all the drops by Jaune."

"Indeed. If our own inspect would call such an item useless…I wonder what else we've missed out on in the past?"

"Not like we can use it as it is" muttered Pyrrha "do you think you can make something from this?"

Jaune smirked.

"Oh definitely. I want to get a bit stronger so I can retain more of the mana in this shard. If I tried right now, I'm pretty sure I'd lose at least two…probably three ranks worth of power from this. Not to mention everything needs to match up properly to synergize well."

Blake walked to a door, opening it to reveal a room stinking of magic.

"I think this may be what you need for the future."

Jaune blinked as he looked in.

The room was colossal. The runes littered across the walls altered space. Too rigid and formless to be the result of something like Jaune uses so it was likely this was a skill of some kind. Either way was irrelevant, because the contents of the room was littered with weak materials and vials of all sorts. At the furthest wall directly across from the group in this perfect square room, was a table.

"An alchemist table" smirked Jaune.

He took a step forward and jerked back at the crunching sound. Littering the ground was dust, colorful dust. Inspect told him exactly what it was.

The remains of materials that broke down from the ravages of time and the mana of the gate.

"SO much lost" muttered Jaune "I would have loved to have seen what was once in this room."

"Can you use it?" asked Blake "as a forge?"

Jaune smiled in thanks but shook his head.

"No. The smoke alone would suffocate me in a sealed space like this…although it would work beautifully as a storage place. Not to mention a place to practice alchemy."

"You have alchemy skills" muttered Ren with a raised eyebrow.

"I have an alchemist, tailor, blacksmith, and enchanter tree."

Ren blinked. Then Nora narrowed her eyes.

"I'm sorry you have FOUR skill trees."

Jaune nodded.

"I do as well" muttered Pyrrha "it's a pretty common trait for prestige classes."

"Oh I know" muttered Nora "what I need to know is one thing…can you make clothes?"

"uh…not yet?" smiled Jaune.

"…LEARN!" begged Nora "for the love of the gods please learn! You know how much clothes we run through in the dungeons! It sucks!"

"…Ah right the monsters."

"AND THE ENVIROMENT! I'VE LOST THREE PANTIES FOR GODS SAKE!"

"NORA!" begged Ren.

"WHAT!? I DID! I'M GETTING TIRED OF PAYING FOR THOSE REN!"

Jaune chuckled as he shook his head.

"Well Nora's back to her usual energy. Although I doubt I'll ever make um.."

Nora grinned.

"Aww, can't say it?"

Jaune pursed his lips and turned his head.

"It's just inappropriate that's all. Thanks Blake."

Blake nodded.

"Not a worry. I was hoping we could save some money…but we might have to splurge on a high end forge. I mean its an investment in the end anyway but we can't afford to splurge on much."

"I keep forgetting that" muttered Jaune "I know we're getting the same amount of money to build the guild that all the others do…the issue is I have zero doubt the merchant guild will jack the prices as high as they can for any renovations we have."

Jaune blinked as he dug around his pockets.

"Hmm.." muttered Jaune "actually…"

"What's that?" asked Pyrrha.

"A business card I got from a tailor. From what I read off it they handle anything from masonry to furniture. I'm hoping we might get a fair deal if we go through them."

"GUYS! I FOUND THE BOOZE!"

Jaune and the other turned around and noticed that Yang was laughing while holding a glass bottle.

"Dude! They seriously have a bar upstairs!"

"When did you wake up!" laughed Jaune.

"Like five minutes ago" she shrugged.

"Oh god, the brawlers a drunk" snickered Blake "isn't that typical."

"Hey!" smiled Yang "all I meant was that its time to celebrate! We're too broke to go to the inns so might as well party it up here!"

"You woke up five minutes ago" groaned Ren.

Nora's face turned dark as she locked eyes with Yang. Yang turned serious as well. Darkness covered their eyes as they dramatically walked towards each other. Jaune swore it was all in slow mo to. When they reached each other the two energetic women just grabbed each others shoulders and grinned ear to ear.

"Party time is all the time!" they chanted.

Their laughter began to wake the others, with Ruby looking at her sister with horror as the last to wake up. Weiss came down haggard and stressed. Yet, when she looked at the scene she saw before her…she couldn't help but laugh.
"…what did I miss?" she chuckled.

The road ahead would be hard, that was for certain. There was still so much mystery to uncover and things to learn. But Jaune knew that whatever happened, however it happened…

It was going to be one hell of a ride.

-Chapter End-

I hope you enjoyed this break chapter! There was a lot of information stuck in this chapter with some foreshadowing and some past reveals from Jaune's own circumstances! I've left some hints for future systems that will come into play and have finally introduced the evolving skills (Solo Levelling has this). Jaune begins next chapter brokering a deal with the Beacon underworld, finding out that his building crew has some unusual requests, and what the hell a store coupon is and what store its used for! The Ill-fortune box doesn't exactly sound inviting but either way he's opening that sucker! Find out more in chapter 8! Now, fully included below all this is an up to date list of all of Jaune's bonuses, skills, and future developments that have been included in this chapter and the previous ones. With all included stat bonuses and skill increases, and all buff's active at once Jaune is officially….Rank: C+ with the plus accounting for his unusual ability to use B rank weapons before he is B rank himself. Surprised? Remember that while Jaune has access to the system, he can merely interact with it. Everyone around him has the same access to titles and blessings, they just don't get notified for system quests nor get the rewards for them. While Jaune is growing to be a power house, it will be a long while before he can truly be considered a monster amongst men. Each of his guild mates are unique and special in different ways that make them just as dangerous as Jaune or even more so. The number of skills does not matter if the person you are facing can kill you easily with just one. Jaune will be powerful eventually, but that's part of the Journey. For now, here is Jaune's full list below of his current abilities, with some future skills as well.

Jaune (Artorias) Level 21-26.

Class:

Arcane Craftsman

? ?:

(What the cinnamon toast fuck is this!? Get a hint for what this may be next chapter. Can you figure out what this is before it is revealed in the future?)

STATS (from level 21-26):

STR: 218-268 (A)

CON: 235-285 (A)

DEX: 105-130 (C) (+6 from daily training)

AGI: 105-130 (C) (+3 from daily training)

INT: 140-190(A)

WIS: 140-190 (A)

CHA: 115-150 (B)

RES: 139-199 (EX)

Health: 6,013

Mana: 5,580

Aura:2,799

PASSIVES:

"Factor of the Dragon" Rank: A+

The flesh and blood of a dragon in human form. Those born from such a lineage have a chance of becoming a dragon in human form. The higher the rank, the greater the bonuses and the more draconic the individual. Current Bonuses are as follows:

Mana A = MASSIVE INCREASES PER LEVEL, DOUBLING THE GROWTH.

Dragon Hide C = -10% physical damage and -15% magical damage

ANTI-DRAGON = Player takes 150% extra damage from all Anti-Dragon weapon and spells.

"Numeral of the Saint" (Dragon) Rank: A (Currently Not Active)

The power of the sun and the roar of flames flows through you. A variation of an additional passive, currently in use by Gawain, that has been altered due to the numerous factors within the player. Due to the Player's strong Draconic blood and EX connection to the sun, this skill has evolved to better match the player and their personality. Rather than turn the player into a juggernaut of pure power, this skill now introduces a massive XP boost and power-up to all "SUN" based spells and attacks. This skill also effects the Player's with bonus stats. Certain conditions will increase the stat bonuses. Certain conditions can remove the stat bonuses.

+25 to Strength

+ 30 to Constitution

+35 to both Intelligence and Wisdom

+10 to both Dexterity and Agility

+50% extra damage with "Sun" attribute items/spells.

+50% extra damage with "Holy" attribute items/spells. ERROR this bonus has been lost due to the affinity with the "ABYSS"

+100% extra damage from "Dark" attribute items/spells. ERROR. Due to certain titles and passives this has been reduced to 0%.

Spellcaster's Blessing!

The Spellcaster's blessing is a spell-based passive that was earned by the player. The combination of blessings found within this passive ensure an explosive increase to recovery while the player sleeps. Other blessings include Longevity which gives the player long life. Immunity to poison. Immunity to Diseases. Strong resistance to Status Effects with some being outright ineffective against the player.

Stoke the Forge (PRESTIGE!)

The Passive that the Player expressed first in life. This allows the Player to bring any material to forging materials and ignite ANY material. This includes gases such as AIR! Activation Cost 10 MP per use no continuous cost. Combat Cost: 100 MP per second, the closer the flames are to the user the more power they retain and the hotter they burn. This passive can undergo an evolution if certain conditions are met.

Current/Future Skills! (future skills will show the requirements to unlock them):

Tree: Blacksmith (Master )

Can learn any "Master" class blue print for any weapon and armor designs. Any "Blacksmith" skill now be levelled to their final form if applicable. New skills can be obtained.

SKILLS WITHIN TREE:

Reinforcement (B) (Inherited) Lv. 5

Fill in the structural gaps of an item, strengthening its power and durability. When used on an item it can repair durability by 50% and increase durability by 10%. When used during crafting increases potency of the item by 25%. One of the few skills whose level limit surpasses the level 3 cap.

Cost: 150 MP per use (Due to the increase in stats and the higher level of the skill, cost has been reduced.)

Grind (C) (MAX)

Sharpen a weapon to perfection. Not much else it does…or does it? Who the fuck knows.

Structural Grasping (A) (Inherited) Lv. 5

Intuitively understand the structure of an item. Understand how and when it was created. Can recreate the blueprint of any "ADVANCE" weapon design and below at current level. Can also be used to feel and direct the flow of mana. Can be used with Reinforcement to further both skills effects by an additional 10%. When used during item creation the potency of the item is increased by 20%. Currently requires the player to physically touch the target. One of the few skills whose level cap surpasses the limit 3.

Quench (D+++) (MAX!)

Cools and tempers metal while strengthening by 25%. The skill Quench is now fully upgraded and can be further enhanced with special catalysts. For instance, using certain magical regents can affect how quench works, allowing for greater or lesser results in the over all potency of an item. No regents bonus: +35% to weapon/armor potency. Regent bonus: 40% and above. Experiment with new materials to discover the best resources. Due to the regent system, evolution is not possible with this skill.

Dismantle (A) Lv. 3

Destroys an item completely with some restrictions. Small chance of one material used in the item's creation being salvaged. Current chance: 15%. Originally a Tailor based skill, the Player's action of using a sword has transferred the skill to the Blacksmith tree, allowing it to gain the bonuses of the metal working class. One of the few skills whose level cap surpasses level 3.

Tree: Enchanter (Intermediate +)

Increases the effectiveness of runes by 30%. Runes cost 10% less. The Enchanter tree allows for the manipulation of raw magic and as such is the most mysterious of the current skill trees available to the player.

SKILLS

Enchanting (A) Lv. 4

Enchanting allows for the ability to imbue runes into weapons and armor. Can currently use 85% of the power within single word runes. Can currently use 30% of the power within simple runic sentences. Arcane Craftsman bonus unlocked! Extra 15% bonus added to all runes. One of the few skills whose level limit exceeds the level 3 cap.

Rune Sight (A) (MAX)

Rune Sight is a passive ability that allows for the instantaneous understanding and retention of runes seen by the player. The amount of runes they can understand at one time and how complex of a structure of runes they can understand is dependent on the Player's knowledge, level, and stats. This skill can evolve if certain conditions are met. Requirements: Level 45 and ?

Rune Crafting (C) Lv. 3

A unique class skill. Allows for the creation of runes. Plus 10% to all runes at Lv. 3. Can currently use all Single word runes and create simple runic structures. This can allow for the player to innovate and gain access to runes and enchantments of a higher level than the player may be at the time of creation while giving a boost to runic power as well. Is one of the few skills whose level breaks the level 3 cap.

Effect: all Single words 100% success rate. All simple runic sentences 56% percent rate. Practice more to increase the odds of success. Cannot currently use advance runic sentences or above.

Tree: Tailor (Beginner +)

Alteration (A) (Inherited) Lv. 4

The Alteration skill is in truth a tailor-based skill that can be unlocked by an experienced blacksmith. This skill allows for the player to alter the characteristics of an item. The higher the level the more absurd changes the user can make. Currently can alter the size of targeted item and enhance the properties of any given material. Increase the level of this skill to find out more of what it can do. This skill alters fabrics more easily than metal. When used during item creation it can increase potency by 20%

Salvage (E) (MAX)

NEW SKILL! Salvage allows for a 100% return of the base materials of any given item. However, unlike dismantle, the salvage skill requires certain conditions to fully function. The item in question MUST be a full rank below the user. All materials salvage suffer degradation in quality. In essence if the player was S rank and used this on a A rank material the result woul rank item. A meh skill for the tailor class…but can the player find a useful avenue for this skill?

Tree: Alchemist

LOCKED!

Tree: title/weapon/learned Skills. Any explained titles, weapons, or learned skills in the chapter are not explained here, merely listed. Much like weapons, titles too can come with ranks.

TITLES:

Abyss Walker (A(+?)) (NEW)

You've walked the abyss between life and death and came back...like twice? Damn.

Beloved of the Sun (EX) (NEW)

A symbol of Enya's affection for you. It has a motherly tone.

Sun Knight (A) (NEW)

?

He who Overcame Adversity (EX)

You have overcome even death itself! Every obstacle that stands in your way must perish, for you refuse to back down and cower in the dark, nor bow to the light. Stats will increase by 1% for every 1% of health lost. THE TITLE MUST BE EQUIPPED FOR THESE EFFECTS TO TAKE PLACE

Solo Player (A)

You do everything by yourself, the concept of a team means nothing to you. +10 to all stats when fighting alone.

Interest of the Abyss (C)

A title earned by completing the accomplishment "Into the Abyss". This title is earned when garnering the interest of Salem and maintaining it for more than one week! This skill evolves as the relationship with Salem improves. The title has upgraded from D to C! Salem's interest effects your very life, resulting in an increase of LUCK based events. Effects: +45% chance for rare quests and odd situations. +10% for better drops while in a dungeon!

Touch of the Gods (A++) (New)

You've been touched by the gods! Additional increase to...unusual situations. (Yikes)

The Poor Bastard (B) (NEW)

The poor bastard title increases one's luck and represents the "Luck" stat of the Player. While most wish to be lucky it's not as nice as you'd think. The rank of the title is the rank of the Player's luck. While luck can allow for the Player to survive impossible odds, it also creates impossible situations and incredibly bizarre and usually dangerous circumstances. The higher the luck the worst your screwed, but at least your one hell of a gambler!

Unbreakable Resolve (A)

A title earned from completing the "Unbreakable Resolve" accomplishment. Due to the various means of acquiring this title, there is no exact method of acquiring it. Even in death your soul remained your own, you remain unchanged, stubborn as you were in life. For you, nothing is impossible. Instead, it is simply something that hasn't been done yet. You prefer to do everything with your own two hands, even rejecting power given to you by others. If it is not earned…than it is not worth it. This unshakable resolve has given rise to two effects: +25% potency to all crafting. +25% to combat efficiency, but the title must be equipped for this effect to be enacted.

UIndomitable Will (A+)

In the face of death, you retained your sense of strength. You truly are the incarnation of Indomitable! Nothing and no one can chain you down! Effect: -15% to all bindings, physical or magical. Immunity to all charisma based spells, both negative and positive!

Title Collector!

A nice little title to show off how many you've acquired! (10 or more)

No Kill like Overkill! (A)

Deal additional damage to defeated enemies! + 200%

Dream Maker (D)

You've made someone's dream a reality (Ruby). This title currently gives no benefit…but it feels nice to have doesn't it?

The Lion Sin of Pride (NEW):

A title inherited due to your connection with the son and that of lions.

Inheritor

A little bonus title for inheriting more than two skills from your parents!

Tragic Hero/Greek Tragedy

The beginning of your heroic tale began in tragedy! Let us hope your ending is not the same. This title gives The Player a dramatic flair!...well that's it, what else did you want?

Little Miracle

As a child the Player played a pivotal role in a "Miracle".

Hero

The player had performed a heroic deed that saved more than 100 people. But what exactly was this deed you ask?

Salem's Champion (EX?)

You couldn't care less about being her champion. Salem couldn't care less about even having one in the first place. The reason you have this title is beyond the Systems understanding and it gives no benefit to the Player.

Momma's Boy (A++++) (For Mother's Day)

You respect your mother like you should. For those who don't have such a title.

Fucking Shame on you XD

Weapons:

Gea Bolg (Alternative) Currently Damaged Rank: B-

Kraine's Longsword Rank: C

Tools:

Them Shitty Arcane Craftsman tools Rank: C

FUTURE and CURRENT SKILLS OUTSIDE THE SKILL TREES (THE BEST FUCKING PART XD)

So long as the requirements are met, the Player can learn these skills!

Sword Skills:

"Sword Arts (D) Lv.2"

The most basic sword skill for any aspiring melee fighter. The current effect at Lv.2 is: +6% to all damage with a blade. The basics of sword play dwelling within the skill is "Atlasian Sword Techniques" and "Round Table Knight Techniques". The origin of the Player's training can affect the evolution of the skill.

Bow Skills:

"Bow Arts" (Locked)

Spear Skills:

Gae Bolg (B) (Lv 1): Level requirement 30 and ?

Runic burst (A) (Lv 1): Level requirement 28 (NEW)

Dawn Spear Techniques (A) (Lv.1) (NEW):

A spear that praises the sun! It's power is vast and potent and will expand as the skill level increses. Current attack skill is "Sunlight Spear" an energized form of sunlight that deals bonus damage against undead and demonic enemies.

Magic based Skills

Cruel Sun (Magic) Required level 36 and "Title Already Acquired" (NEW)

Abyssal Burst (Attack Buff) Required Level 42 and "Title Already Acquired" (NEW)

Ignition Burst (Fire Buff) Lv.2 Rank: B

Ignition Burst is a Pyromancer Skill. A buff Skill that increases the potency of all fire magic by 20% percent. The Buff lasts for 4 minutes due to the increase of Wisdom.

MP Cost: 125 MP per use.

Skills can evolve and the ranking simply refer to the rarity of a skill. EX skills are unique and thus cannot be quantified. Ranking refers to the quality/rarity of a skill. A higher ranked skill normally performs better than a lower ranked counter part.

There you go guys; I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please leave your reviews and critics and buckle up for the first release of "Fate/Shield". Stay Safe during these trying times and I hope you are all healthy!