"Aura, the manifestation of one's soul. The power that makes brave huntsmen and huntresses able to withstand crushing blows and come out unscathed. Do note that Aura can shatter, either when a hunters reserves are depleted or when subjugated to overwhelming force." Jaune read, tired eyes skimming over the paragraph. Having read the same again and again in five other books.
Every book he had found on aura was either going on this or that. Aura was a force field that could take damage, allowing the user to shrug of hits that otherwise would be fatal. When aura is unlocked, most will discover something of a doubling of their physical attributes. But that wasn't a hard constant as some would notice quadrupling in some attributes such as strength but nothing in terms of endurance or constitution. Fluctuating extremely from person to person. Not to even mention how activating ones aura moved the human limiters.
Allowing them to cultivate physiques that could be straight up ridiculous.
Then there were mentions of techniques such as using Aura like a radar, and external weapon coating. But there was no mention of how to actually do it!
Letting out a long-suffering groan, Jaune dropped the book he was reading and felt the familiar urge to give up. Still not having found mentions of things that could disrupt aura.
After eating multiple rife shots to the face by Yharnam's deranged inhabitants, he was more than a little miffed that nothing seemed to mention it. Even if the duration for the disruption was becoming shorter and shorter, just as his aura seemed to become more 'viscous' or stubborn. What had once taken a single bullet now needed three bullets to get the same result.
But that didn't help when he found not a single mention of it anywhere. 'Not to mention my semblance research was going nowhere.' Jaune sighed as he rubbed his eyes. Bloodshot with large bags under as waking up in the Dream night after night took its tool.
He was grumpy, tired, needing to deliver his topic tomorrow, and was having no luck whatsoever. 'Not to mention, if something could disrupt aura. It would either be heavily regulated or downright banned.' He mussed, idly looking at the tower of books by his side.
Aura and you. An idiots guide to Aura. The ABC's of Aura, Ethereal Energies: Unravelling the Mysteries of Aura and Semblances. Semblances through the Ages: A Historical Analysis. Semblances: Harnessing Your Inner Power. The Ethical Boundaries of Semblances: Balancing Power and Responsibility, Semblances and the Moral Quandary: Seeking Virtue in a World of Powers.
From beginner friendly books to heavier topics, diving into the philosophical quandaries of aura. Exploration of the ethical and moral dilemmas of aura, taking up the differences and rifts between huntsmen and civilians.
And while they were all interesting reads, also serving to give him a much more stabler foundation when it came to aura. He didn't find anything of what he really wanted. No mention of aura disrupting things outside of stray mentions of how some semblances could do it, no mentions of semblances that forced to you wake up in a nightmare to kill and die repeatedly.
"Ughhhhhh." Jaune groaned loudly as he introduced his face to the table. Sitting deep in Beacon's library no angry librarians were around to shush him. Gathering himself, he sat the book together with its brethren. Instead looking over his training regime he had written up.
It was basic. Extremely so. But it would work, hopefully. 'I'll run it through with my team. See if they can help flesh it out more.' Cringing slightly when he took in all the endurance training. It trailed behind in his 'physical trio' of Vitality, Strength and Endurance.
Skill, Bloodtinge, and Arcane wasn't something that could be trained quickly, so it was them he would infuse his Blood Echoes into as the others would hopefully be raised by good old exercise. 'Now, if only I could figure out how Blood Echoes works.' He sighed, wondering if he would actually get time to do everything. Especially with his looming research assignment.
"Fuckkkkk…" Jaune groaned into hands. "I haven't even started at what topic I want to write about, and I to give it tomorrow. Fuck… I should have just taken the extra-long essay like Weiss. She's already done."
"Ah Jaune! Finally, I have been looking for you." Pyrrha melodiously called out, breaking him out from looming deadlines and nightmares. "What are you reading?"
"I'm working through some aura books. I'm already trailing behind, so I want to catch up." Jaune said softly as emerald, green eyes seemed to brighten. And it was the truth, he didn't want to stay weak scrawny 'Vomit Boy' forever. 'Not like Yharnam would let him.' He grumbled before shaking away any dark thoughts.
"That's great! If you need any help, be free to ask." Pyrrha smiled sweetly. Glad that Jaune strived to improve himself.
"Now that you mention it. I created a basic training regime for myself. I wanted to take it up with everyone later, to see if you could help flesh it out some more. But since you are here, would you mind looking over it?" Jaune asked as he sent her a text with his entire training regime. Anxiety churning in his gut as Pyrrha frowned and hummed.
"It's… it's good. Its basic, but sound. Emphasizing endurance and strength is good if you want to catch up quickly as dexterity and flexibility can be harder to train while taking longer time to show proper results if you don't have a constitution for it. Not to mention it will help build a solid base should when you start more advanced exercises." Pyrrha explained sweetly, before frowning slightly. "But why did you write down stats?"
"Well…" Jaune scratched the back of his head while blushing. "Well… it just made it easier to visualize and help find where I'm lacking. I know for a fact that my weapon skills and marksmanship is abysmal, so I need to work on that. I'm lacking a proper knowledge base, so I will need to work on that as well. The only thing I really got going for me is a large aura pool, but that will only take me so far."
"That's smart, but why Vitality, Endurance, Strength, Skill, Marksmanship and Knowledge?" Pyrrha asked as her eyes returned to the regime. Ignoring how Jaune seemed to wince and cringe at the same time. Face looked in an ugly half cringe.
"I didn't want to overcomplicate things. Sure I could add in Aura Level, Weapon Proficiency, Speed, Strength, Agility, Adaptability, Stamina, Tactical Acumen, Hand to Hand, Defence and all that. But that just felt like too much, you know?" Jaune cringed as he blushed as Pyrrha looked at him sweetly.
"And so you boiled it down to six 'core' stats?" Pyrrha asked, idly humming as she went over them as she nodded. While not applicable to everyone, if it helped Jaune visualise and find areas he was lacking. Then she was all for it.
*Bring ~ Bring*
Ren called as realisation settled over Pyrrha like a heavy blanket. Answering she was greeted to wild pink eyes as Ren staunchly held the door with all his might. Erratic knocking growing more and more frantic as the fear grew in his eyes.
"Pyrrha! What's going on! Nora got the jackhammer! Please tell me you have found Jaune!" Ren frantically called out as an overexcited Nora called out "Renny dear! Be a dear and move! Moma want's bunk beds, and you are not getting in my way!"
"Oh." Pyrrha said calmly as she shot Jaune a hopeful look.
"Pyrrha. I have had nightmares since day one, I'm sleepy and grumpy, and my patience is thinner than that monstrosity Weiss call coffee. Should I see a grimm I'm going to break down and cry so bad even the grimm will feel pity. Not to mention I haven't even started on a topic for my research assignment." Jaune hysterically laughed with crazed bloodshot eyes. "I'm ready to fight the brother gods or die trying for half a bagel!"
Jaune quickly got up and sorted the books back to their places. No reason to leave them scattered around after all. "But let's hurry back to our room before Nora gets really creative."
Quickly walking and almost but not really running down the halls. They hurriedly made their way to their dorm. Stepping into the room only to see a sleeping Nora wrapping around Ren like he was a stuffed teddy.
"What happened?" Jaune whispered, never taking his eyes away from how they suddenly seemed to have an entire tool shop in their dorms. Jackhammer, drills and bits, saw, hammer and nails, rope. Blinking stupidly before turning to look at Nora and exclaim "Did she raid a tool shop? You know what. Don't answer. Unless somebody asks or unless it's on the news. Let's just say that Nora got a new woodworking hobby to help her burn of her excess energy."
'Who would have thought my morals would be so flexible when drop dead tired?' Jaune thought to himself as he quickly and expertly began to sort all the tools. Giving Nora a clean workplace should she keep the tools instead of returning them. While he didn't think she was one to steal, who knew, maybe she bought them. And while he was no expert, having a hobby was all well and good.
"What happened?" Pyrrha asked, curious at what happened as she sat down on her bed and looked over to the duo. Not sharing her tired partners doneness. Not that she could fault him really. Suffering from nightmare four days in a row, she didn't envy him.
"Nora got a sugar high. Nothing world ending, but her decision making becomes somewhat muddled. With logic taking a backseat to emotion and momentary interests." Ren explained patiently as he ran his fingers gently trough Nora's hair. Making a smile blossom on her face as she snored away in peace. "Then she saw Ruby and her teams bunk beds, not that they can be called that. And let's just say she got… inspired."
When he was done, Ren gave Pyrrha a look and gestured with his head towards Jaune. It was clear as day that he wasn't doing good. While he followed along in classes, giving it his all. Bloodshot eyes and dark bags told another story altogether. And they were worried.
Pyrrha shook her head before something flashed in her eyes and her head snapped towards Jaune. "Jaune… do… do you have any ideas where you nightmare's come from?" She asked bitterly as she remembered what he had been reading up on in the library. Not to mention how it wasn't normal to have the same nightmare time and time again. It didn't paint a good picture. And she hoped she was wrong.
"Huh? Yeah." Jaune absentmindedly answered as he fought down a large yawn. "Think it might be connected to my semblance. At least that's the only proper idea I have. If it had been from schoolwork I would be chased by books, not wandering the streets of Yharnam."
Recognition lit up in Ren's eyes as he turned to Jaune. Looking horrified at his blonde friend. "So, that nightmare you told me about. The one where you died. You actually died?"
"Yup. Got my throat and entire neck ripped out. Not something I can recommend." Jaune chuckled weekly as he went pale. Turning to give both a harsh stare as he drastically paled and looked fit to puke. "Just promise me something. Always… always have a bullet left. Promise me that. Now, excuse me."
With that Jaune hurried to the bathroom where the unmistakable sound of someone spilling their guts out echoed out. Followed by flushing of a toilet and a canister of air freshener being sprayed out.
When Jaune came out he still looked sick and pale, dressed in his monstrosity of a pyjama he shambled over to his bed. Looking more than a criminal on his way to his execution than someone going to bed.
As he crashed down into his bed, he placed his scroll on his nightstand. Touching his old flare gun. Blue eyes flew open as he grabbed the flare gun, almost leaping out of his bed as he hurried towards his old bell. Ignoring the surprised looks from his teammates as he rang the bell and a paper cartridge appeared before him.
"No, No no no no." Ren whispered hoarsely as he saw the manic light in Jaunes eyes as he loaded the old flare gun and fired before he or Pyrrha could do something about it. Even if Pyrrha sat with her hand out towards the old flare gun with her mouth hung open.
A loud quiet bang rang out.
And nothing happened. No flare, no boom, not even a quiet bang. Just a loud and deafening silence that suddenly hung over the room. Muffling all sound leaving only tranquil and serene silence.
In this silence, Jaune happily dove into bed and fall asleep but a second afterwards. Not caring about the hearth attack he had almost given Ren.
####
Jaune woke up with a wide smile as he took in the Hunters Dream. Glad that for a single night he wouldn't have to wander the streets of Yharnam. Giving him a brief, if needed, respite from what would otherwise be another nightmare.
Getting up he hurried over to Gehrman. Not angry, just tired that the key to a good night's sleep was hidden from him. "Why didn't you tell me about the Silencing Blank?" He asked desperately.
"Because it wasn't something inside my purview of duties. I tend to the dream and guide the hunters within. Items or outside influences from your world is not something I know of, nor care about." Gehrman said aphetically as he turned to Jaune. "But don't get your knickers in a twist. You haven't learned the proper cost of using the Silencing Blank."
"Cost?" Jaune hollowly let out as all colour drained from his face. Going white from sheer terror as his mind tumbled down into darker and darker places.
"Yes, cost." Gehrman rasped out in a dry laugh as he took in Jaune's expression. "But it's not a cost like you are imagining. Just each subsistent use will cost double, should you want to seek reprieve from the Dream. Today it cost a single quicksilver bullet, tomorrow it will cost two, the day after it will cost four and so on and so on."
"Is there any way to reset or otherwise circumvent the cost?" Jaune sighed weekly. It was like everything pointed him toward Yharnam. Be it for a proper night's sleep, answers, or anything else. Everything pointed towards Yharnam.
"Quick as always lad." Gehrman nodded. "But yes, you just have to hunt proper prey."
"Prey? What about the mad men? Don't they count?" Jaune pleaded desperately. He hated killing, even if the act itself had become frighteningly easy after wadding trough mob after mob of mad men. His aura was pulling a frightfully amount of weight. Allowing him to take hits that would otherwise be fatal.
"Those? They are nuisances at best, inconveniences at worst." Gehrman said nonchalantly. "But prey. Real prey. They are different. They are the nightmares that stalks Yharnam. Sources of despair and misery that must be properly dealt with."
"So that's all? Just hunt terrifying monsters?" Jaune asked hollowly as he looked at Gehrman. All happiness at getting a good night's sleep ruthlessly crushed before him.
"Well, there is another way." Gehrman cautiously said as he looked at his charge. "Explore the deep dungeons and catacombs under Yharnam. However that's not something I can recommend in good faith as you are now. You will either need to find an entrance in the waking world or produce a chalice that will serve as a medium for you to wake up in the deep."
"Tell me where I can find these chalice's." Jaune pleaded, ready to beg should it be required of him.
"They are often guarded by monsters, monsters you are in no shape nor form ready to face. Spare yourself that anguish and instead sharpen your skill." Gehrman sharply crushed any hope once had. "If you are so desperate in your foolish search, I will tell you what I know. In Old Yharnam there is a church named 'Church of the Good Chalice', it might have what you need. However, be careful. Be extremely careful."
"Thanks." Jaune said thankfully, while less than he would like. It at least was something. And it gave him a clear clue to where he wanted to go now.
However he had something important to do now. With no need to go out and hunt. He was free to explore the without the gentle coercion that forces him out to hunt. The bookshelves were calling him. Knowledge was half the battle, and he was dangerously under prepared. He would like to not die as often as he did. Because who wanted to die again and again? Madmen, that's who.
Making his way into the workshop he hurried towards the bookshelves. They weren't the largest, but he knew that Gehrman wouldn't have any pointless books laying around. Given what he knew of the old man, he knew that Gehrman was a man who valued practicality and efficiency above all else.
Cleaning up the desk furthest in, closest to the statue. Needing only to turn slightly to look at the haunting beauty of the dream. Going over the bookshelves, Jaune found six books that stood out to him. Four that would immediately be useful, Hunters' Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Weapons and Techniques, Medical Herbs and Tinctures, Hunters Codex: Creatures of the Night and lasty An Unnamed Hunter's Journal. His mark having lit up when his fingers brushed past the journal.
The two last books were the ones who really piqued his interest. Tome of Blood Rites and The Arcane Arts: Unleashing the Power Within. Two books that pointed to something more. His Arcane stat already pointed at it. But having concreate proof was something else entirely.
The other books were quickly pushed to the side as Jaune broke open the Tome of Blood Rites. The nerd within him laughing manically with glee inside. Because it was magic! Blood magic exactly, but tomato to~ma~to. He would take what he could get.
"Chapter 1, Blood Rites, what are they and how can they be of use." Jaune smiled like a giddy schoolgirl that just got asked out by her crush. Vibrating in place in his chair as he devoured the book with wild abandoned. Scribbling notes as he read along.
Before he knew it, he had flied trough the book. Giddy with excitement he grabbed his notebook as he flew around the workshop. Furiously looked for something that would fit the bill for a 'Sacrificial Dagger'. In the end he bought the dagger from the Bath Messengers for the cheap price of five hundred Blood Echoes.
Not knowing, nor caring if it was a bargain or he got ripped off. Too caught up in his excitement of magic. Sitting down on the stairs up to the workshop, Jaune smiled as a little group of Messengers appeared. Looking at him with large curious eyes. Sensing the excitement that rolled of him in waves.
"Ok Jaune. Remember, cut the palm, lick the blood, bite your tongue until it bleeds, then exhale." Jaune whispered to himself in a vain attempt to quell his ever-growing excitement.
Carefully he slit his palm open, only winching slightly as the pain bit into him. Taking the blood-stained dagger to his mouth he licked of the blood. Powering trough the familiar taste as he bit his tongue hard. Eyes watering in pain as his tongue bled.
Then he exhaled.
A dense mist of dancing blood exploded out of his mouth. It was thick to see trough even for him, it moved at a snail's pace, it would take too long to perform in combat, not to mention that stench of blood was overpowering. But none of that mattered to Jaune as he watched in amassment at his first ever Blood Rite.
"YES! I DID IT!" Jaune shouted from the top of his lungs in pure jubilation as he looked at the slowly moving mist. Not at all minding how pungent the stench was. Far to overjoyed by the fact that he had performed magic. Feeling a bit faint he quickly cancelled the rite. The longer it was active, the more of his vitality it drained. And Jaune would not die in the dream. Already imagining how Gehrman would never let it go.
The faint sound of applause rang out, making Jaune frown as his eyes scoured over the area. Furiously searching from where the clapping originated from. His suspicion was quickly pushed to the side by sheer jubilation. Quickly leaping to his feet Jaune ran with all his might towards Gehrman who sat under a tree and sighed when he saw the bull rushing Jaune who ran with wild abandon.
"Well done and congratulations." Gehrman said before Jaune could open his eyes. But blue eyes flew open, not thinking Gehrman to be one to give out praise. "While I'm not the fondest of blood rites and arcane spells, favouring to use my trick weapon of choice instead. Casting your first blood rite on your first try is a good indication of talent."
"Any recommendations on what blood rites are best? Or should I try learning some arcane spells instead?" Jaune asked. Eyes shining on excitement as he looked at Gehrman. Already loosing himself in grand fantasies of casting flaming fireballs or smiting the unclean.
"None. While blood rites have their place in any a hunters arsenal, and so have the rare spell. Before you go dreaming of grandeur, you need to build a solid foundation, if not physical, a solid knowledge base will do." Gehrman calmly lectured as he casually shattered Jaunes dreams with hard cold logic. "You would do good by reading and learning from the four other books you picked out. Start there, then explore topics of interest as you know more. If you have a weakness, either remove it completely, or make sure it can't be exploited."
"And my lack of formal training and skill are weaknesses to be removed." Jaune answered dourly. Not happy in the slightest but understanding the logic for what it was. Gehrman nodded grandfatherly at him. "Your lack of training is something experience will take care of. After all, a flower raised in the greenhouse might look beautiful. But remove its protections and it will quickly falter. Somethings can't be taught, only experienced. That's the purpose of the dream, to allow hunters such as yourself to make mistakes and learn." "
Jaune looked at Gehrman before sighing. His aura did a lot. And was also the sole reason why he had died ten times instead of twenty, or more. But that didn't mean he could rely on it forever. He wanted to be good. Wanted to earn his place at beacon academy. And that required sacrifice.
Sacrificing a good night's dream of goofing and lazing around for extra hours and time that he could, would use, to be better.
'Is that the core part of my semblance? Sacrificing rest and dying again and again for experience and a vein hope of catching up to my team? What more am I to sacrifice?' Jaune mussed as he made his way back to his desk.
"And you would do well to read The Gentleman's Manners and Etiquette. It might do you some good." Jaune heard the taunting voice of Gehrman behind him. Cracking open Hunters' Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Weapons and Techniques, Jaune expertly ignoring Gehrman's taunts and instead focusing on the book.
#####
"As we are all gathered, let's go over this year's first years. They have been here a week, so we should have gotten somewhat a grasp on who will be difficult and who will need to be looked after." Ozpin calmly explained as he took a sip of coffee. Looking out at his fellow teachers and educators as they sat around a large wooden desk.
With a flick of his writs the picture of their first student came to life before them. A one Jaune Arc smiling nervously at the camera.
"Really Ozpin? You want us to start with the fake?" Ann Greene, Head of Stealth and Security of Beacon asked. A militant woman, sporting a black pixie cut and harsh brown eyes.
"We have been going through these in alphabetical descending order for years. First names then Teams." Glynda said curtly, even if she was sending Ozpin a harsh look. Not liking the idea of someone as unqualified as Jaune was here in the least. Letting in Miss Rose two years early was already stretching it thin. Jaune was untrained and unqualified, not to mention he had no idea of what a Huntsman lifestyle would require.
"I for one think Mister Arc here will go far." Professor Port said with a mighty laugh. "He did manage to stop a Boarbatusk's charge dead on, only being pushed back a few two meters. Not to mention how he managed to follow along in my lectures."
"Wait what?"
"Really?"
"I don't know what of those two is most impressive." Professor Oobleck said at his usual speed. "But if the topic is Mr Arc, he did accept the extra research assignment. Even if he didn't grasp the entire scope of what he accepted in his chance to get out of a simple essay."
"What research topic did he choose?" Ozpin asked, smiling slightly behind his cup. Glad to see that young Arc was doing his best to improve, having noticed the boy in the more secluded spots in the library once or twice. Beacon was a combat school after all. They were here to learn. And if they properly applied themselves, they would find that Beacon had everything and more to forge mighty weapons and even mightier huntsmen or huntresses.
"Comparative analysis of historical Huntsmen and Huntresses." Professor Oobleck said with a smile. "He wants to investigate the historical records of so called 'Legends' in the profession. Wanting to identify common traits, effective techniques and potential lessons that can be applied to modern combat training."
"All things Mr Arc himself is lacking." Professors Port nodded. "The boy has shown himself to have a good head on his shoulders. It's good to know that he is using it. How did he fare in combat class? I must say I find myself interested in his development. It's not every day we have a diamond in the rough such as this."
"And that's because everyone else have retrieved proper training, or at least some form of guidance." Miss Goodwitch said as she pushed away any irritation to pure professionalism. "If I were to give a summary, it will be that he has the mind of a huntsman. Only lacking the skills of one. A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one."
"Compared to the most of our students were its opposite." Ozpin sipped on his coffee.
"Mr Arc have proved himself to be quick to spot openings, and even quicker when it comes to punishing them. Quickly analysing his opponents and reacting accordingly. He is lacking hesitation, most of his blows are lethal should it not be for aura, while also willing to take a hit to punish any mistakes. But that's about it, he is either extremely aggressive or extremely passive, nothing in between. His skill is clearly subpar, any strike while powerful, is clearly telegraphed." Glynda rattled off, as she listed out her observations. "He will have a long way to go before he is equal to his classmates; however I will applaud him for his footwork. He must clearly have been trained in dance or another sport and translated those skills into his fighting style."
"How does he compare to other students?" Ann asked curiously. While she never interacted with students, she did like to have a finger on the so-called pulse of the academy.
"Better than I would have dared hope, worse than what's needed." Glynda said with finality. Laying the matter about Jaune's skills to rest once and for all.
With a swipe of his hand Ozpin brought up another screen. This one depicting a wildly grinning Nora who was giving a wild grin to the camera.
"Oh h oho! A lady of my own heart." Professor Port bellowed out with a mighty laugh. A bright smile on his face.
As the teachers were holding the first of many meetings regarding the year. Something was wrong in the Beacon cafeteria.
Jaune Arc hadn't eaten a single of his dinosaur chicken nuggets.
Instead he appeared lost in thought as he sat and idly poked at them. Much to the dismay of his teammates and friends. Who was glad to see that he looked awake instead of a half dead for once. Bloodshot eyes and bags but a distant memory.
"Jaune, are you alright? You haven't touched any of your dinosaur chicken nuggets." Ruby asked sweetly. Earning a huff from her partner Weiss "Good riddance really."
"I'm not dissing that thing you call coffee Snow Princess. So please keep Reptar and his friends out of your mouth unless you are planning on eating them." Jaune said frustrated. Breathing out a long sigh before looking over at Weiss. "Sory, that was uncalled for. It's… I'm just a bit frustrated about how my fights went."
At that everyone winced, clearly remembering how his fights went down.
Jaune had did his best, but that hadn't been enough. He was quick, dancing out of most strikes and using his shield when necessary. Not to mention how every one of his hits were dangerous. Crocea Mors was dangerous, something Yang could attest to after eating a solid hit to her ribs and losing a sizeable chunk of her aura. Having underestimated her fellow blond. Something she hadn't done again.
But none of that mattered when his strikes were so clearly telegraphed. Nor when he was incapable of closing the distance properly. When all his opponents had ranged options and he had none. It was no surprise that they had drowned him a hail of bullets.
'It felt like all my time in Yharnam was wasted.' Jaune though before furiously shaking his head. 'No. Don't go comparing deranged mad men to trained huntsmen and huntresses in training. They have been taught to fight since they were eleven. A week in Yharnam can't make up for a seven-year-old martial education.'
"I need a firearm." Jaune eventually settled on. While not seeing prominent use, he did miss his hunter's pistol. Just having it offered him a ranged option. Something he was clearly needing. If he could whip out a pistol or any sort of firearm his opponents would be forced to be more careful.
"Oh! This is going to be so good." Ruby exclaimed in glee as silver eyes lit up before she grabbed her notepad and smashed it open. Showing design after design, upgrade after upgrade for Crocea Mors. Jaune swore he even saw upgrades for Ember Cilia, Myranister and all their weapons.
"See here, a gun blade upgrade for Crocea Mors. Or maybe a shotgun shield." Ruby excitedly prattled on, having gone completely into 'weapon nut' mode. Jaune smiled endearingly even if he was inwardly cringing. "Uh, Ruby. I don't plan to get any upgrades for Crocea Mors. I planned on just getting a handgun or something. To give me a ranged option, or the threat of one."
Ruby wilted like her namesake. All excitement evaporating as she gave Jaune a giant pout. "But that doesn't mean I couldn't use your help. The only thing I know about guns is pull trigger and things go boom."
Silver eyes lit up as Ruby looked at him with her big silver eyes. Smiling brightly as she opened up a blank page and looked at him. "This is going to be so great! So, what do you want? A lot of bullets or some serious 'Ommph'? A shotgun could be helpful, maybe an smg or a rifle?"
"I was thinking either a pistol or revolver." Jaune said as he looked his friend as he ate. Cracking open his notebook and reading of his requirements. "Something strong that's easy to reload, but also solid enough to be used as a makeshift club. Beginner friendly but dangerous. Nothing to complex when it comes to maintenance, while also being reliable and sturdy. It will need to be able to take a beating while still shooting true."
Ruby nodded seriously as dozens of designs already flashed through her mind. Quickly settling on multiple solid designs. Drawing some rough sketches as she looked at her friend. "Do you have any plans for dust?"
"Huh?" Jaune eloquently asked as he turned to Ruby. Who did her best to not facepalm. "Dust! Fire and ice in a bottle! You know? What every huntsman and huntress use, or is at least somewhat proficient in?"
"No, not really. Bullet is bullet, right?" Jaune chuckled nervously as Ruby looked at him like he was an idiot. Weiss didn't and snorted. "No you dofus. A standard fire round explodes in a burst of fire upon hit, a gravity round can create a localized gravitational field, ice freezes an area. Not to mention all the personal dust mixtures that are out there."
"Yes? That does sound amazing. But also not like something I need to worry about right now." Jaune shrugged, ignoring Weiss's scandalised look. "I have next to no training in using firearms, and while dust is cool and amazing. It's also a money sink. I can't afford to waste over twenty, maybe thirty lien with each miss. Instead I should focus on just getting somewhat reliable with a gun and take it from there."
"That… that is surprisingly insight full coming from you." Weiss eventually settled on. Brow raised in surprise as she looked at Jaune like he had grown a second head.
"Just because I dove headfirst into that extra research assignment? I'm not stupid you know. Just… selectively smart?" Jaune whined like a kicked puppy as Weiss looked at him. Doing his best to not cower or flinch under her stare. He had seen worse. So much worse.
Compared to the mad men of Yharnam, or Gehrman's angry glares, Weiss's glare looked and felt like a literal beacon of sunshine, rainbows, and lollipops. Weiss didn't want to kill him, and neither did she want to feast on his still beating hearth. And while a bit bitchy and snobbish, she had a kindness to her that none in Yharnam seemed to possess.
"Ok, so normal combustion bullets, with horizontal potential for elemental dust rounds should you ever feel the need to branch out." Ruby nodded as she bit her pen, thinking of designs. "Any other design requirements?"
"Well, I was thinking five bullets instead of six for a bit of added 'Oompff'." Jaune said as he thought back to his 'Sacrifice health for bullets' ability. Did that count as a semblance? It ticked all the boxes, but it also seemed to little compared to what his entire semblance was. For he had honestly no idea where his semblance began or ended. Was it the Dream? Yharnam? Was it what gave him his 'stat' reflection? The blood rites or magic? Jaune had no idea.
As Ruby got started on some basic designs, Jaune smiled and took in their friend group. Yang was flying from conversation to conversation, Blake had a book up. Nora and Ren were discussing games together, managing to draw in both Pyrrha and Weiss. The later who did her darndest to not look as interested as she was. 'But how often had the two of them been allowed too simply be themselves?'
"So what kind of designs do you want? Sleek and stylish? Maybe some white and gold? Do you want to steal some designs from some games? Or do you want something more original?" Ruby asked, having already mapped out some simple blueprint's regarding each individual parts.
"I'm not sure, didn't think that far." Jaune chuckled good naturally. "But I want the gun to feel hefty. I also want a more rugged design, like an early Webley."
Ruby seemed practically vibrate in place by pure excitement as her eyes shone silver. As Ruby dragged him into a weapon discussion. Jaune smiled at her excitement. And as he saw his gun come to life on her sketch board, he felt confident. That he could bravely take on what the Dream and Yharnam had in store.
He should have known it was a delusion.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Jaune screamed.
The cleric beast roared louder.
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Notes: Aura is a defensive forcefield. While some like Ren can use it for offense, that is through trial and error, and rare. While some will notice improved physical attributes when its active, they are small, enough to notice, but not enough to go from zero to hero. Instead they have to actively train until they can perform the feats seen in the series. Even if their aura passively helps them have an easier time reaching those heights.
Note: Thanks for all the reviews and constructive criticism. I can admit to being a bit careful with how I have handled aura. Given that it allows Jaune to survive situations that would otherwise see him dead. So it's been a careful balancing act to not make it to strong, while also not making it too weak. Quicksilver bullets disrupting Aura is a temporary measure to make sure each area is a threat.
Not to mention how having ones aura constantly disrupted isn't all doom and gloom. With Jaune taking a couple of benefits out of it.
Note: We are also introduced to the more mystical and spiritual arts of Bloodborne. With how much the blood and arcane is hyped up in the lore, it's almost criminal how little of it is explored. Just know that Blood Rites, Arcane Spells, Hunters Tools all will serve their purposes.
Blood Rites will all require a sacrificial element, a blood cost, and can carry sacrificial consequences.
Arcane Spells require insight, and will require a catalyst, not to dissimilar from DnD. They are also more time consuming as it is basically DnD Wizard Spells. Requiring dedicated study, not to mention how Arcane Affinity will be needed for some spells.
Hunter Tools is a middle ground. Losing power, but are spells grafted onto a tool. So they can be used more often and don't require as much study. They are enchanted items, or reusable magic scrolls.