Oh yeah! Back with chapter three! I 100% did not think that I'd be able to pump out another chapter so soon but hey! I did it! Also! Thanks for all the reviews! I'll answer a couple of em at the bottom so make sure to read all the way till the end! On with the show!

"Talking"

'Thought'

Scroll Call

'Memory/Flashback'


[Beacon Academy Guest Dorms, Morning, Present Day]

The following morning was a blur for Jaune. After the events of the previous few weeks, especially yesterday, this seemingly mundane morning came as quite the surprise. Ignis woke the other three members of Team JASP shortly after the sun rose much to the chagrin of the other boys.

"The early bird does get the worm Highness"

Grumbling at the hour, and Ignis' cheek, Jaune nevertheless dressed as quickly as he could before making his way with the rest of his new team, and wasn't that a wild thought, down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

The Great Hall was already bustling with students by the time Jaune and his team arrived for breakfast. The scent of fresh bread, sizzling bacon, and warm syrup filled the air, and despite the ever-present chatter, Jaune found the familiar morning routine strangely grounding. It was as if, just for a moment, things were normal.

But they weren't.

As Jaune picked up a tray, he could feel the occasional glance in his direction. Whispers, just quiet enough that he couldn't make out the words but loud enough that he knew what they were about. It was nothing new—ever since the truth about his transcripts had come out, he had gotten used to being the subject of hushed conversations. But today, those murmurs carried something different. Speculation. Curiosity. And, in some cases, disbelief.

Team JASP found an empty table near the center of the hall. Gladio, already piling his plate high with eggs and sausage, took the lead in their usual dynamic.

"Hope you guys are ready to move," he said between bites. "We've got a long road ahead of us."

Ignis sipped at his tea, as refined as ever. "I expect our supplies are ready?"

Jaune nodded. "Yeah, everything's packed. Just need to make sure we don't forget anything."

Prompto, ever the bundle of energy despite the early hour, leaned forward. "You know, this is technically our last meal at Beacon—for a while at least. Kinda makes you think, huh?"

Jaune paused, his grip tightening on his fork for just a second. "Yeah… it does."

Despite everything, despite the way things had gone, he had found something here. A place where he belonged, even if it had taken an unexpected turn. And as much as he was looking forward to what lay ahead, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was another goodbye he hadn't been ready for. Before he could dwell further on that line of thinking his scroll buzzed in his pocket. It was a message from the headmaster letting him know that they were ready for his departure.

The blonde shook his head in an attempt to clear the melancholy he was feeling and stood before turning to address his team.

"Well, time's a-wasting! We better get moving before we're late. The Headmaster's expecting us at the edge of the Emerald Forest, and since that's on the opposite side of the school, we're probably already cutting it close."

Prompto was the first to jump up, pumping a fist in the air. "All right! Team JASP is on the move!"

Gladio groaned as he pushed himself up from the bench, grabbing his tray. "Prompto, if you don't shut up…" He dumped his tray in the trash with a sigh. "It's way too early for this."

Ignis, mimicking Gladio's actions, adjusted his glasses. "Jaune's right. We should get moving."

As Jaune stood to return his tray, a familiar, moderately unwelcome voice cut through the clatter of dishes.

"Well, well. Look who's making a grand exit."

Jaune turned to see Cardin Winchester leaning against a nearby pillar, arms crossed. His usual smug grin was absent—replaced by something more neutral. Calculated.

Jaune kept his expression unreadable. "What do you want, Cardin?"

Cardin shrugged, pushing off from the pillar. "Just thought I'd stop by to wish you luck. Guess I should be honored—I used to be the guy making your life miserable. Now? You've got way bigger problems, don't you, your highness?"

There was no malice in his tone, just an odd mix of amusement and… something else. Not quite respect, but not outright disdain, either.

Jaune's eyes widened a bit at that. H-how? How could he know?

As if reading his mind Cardin said, "It's kinda hard not to put two-and-two together with your little entourage.

Jaune exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "If you're trying to get a rise out of me, it's not going to work."

Cardin smirked. "Relax, Arc. I meant what I said. Whatever you're about to do—wherever you're going? I hope you don't screw it up."

Jaune narrowed his eyes. "Why do you care?"

Cardin's grin faltered just a bit. "Because if you really are who they say you are? Then maybe… you were never the guy I thought you were."

With that, he turned and walked off, leaving Jaune standing there with far more questions than answers.

The walk through Beacon's courtyard was quieter than Jaune expected. The early morning sun bathed the academy in a soft golden glow, and the usual bustle of students was subdued—most either still asleep or just starting their day. Birds chirped lazily from the treetops, and a light breeze rustled the banners lining the pathways. It was peaceful.

Too peaceful.

Jaune adjusted the strap of his bag, his boots crunching lightly against the stone path. Prompto hummed some offbeat tune under his breath, hands behind his head as he strolled without a care in the world. Gladio, ever the warrior, kept his gaze ahead, looking like he was already mentally preparing for their departure. Ignis walked beside Jaune, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings like he was expecting something.

And, of course, something—or rather, someone—was waiting for them.

Standing just ahead on the main path, arms crossed and expressions unreadable, was Team RWBY.

Jaune sighed. Here we go.

"Looks like you're finally getting the boot, huh, Arc?"

Weiss stood at the front of Team RWBY, arms crossed, her icy gaze locked onto him. There was no warmth in her tone, no hint of civility—just pointed disdain.

Before Jaune could respond, Gladio took an easy step forward, his broad frame casting a shadow over her.

"Got a problem?"

His tone was casual, but the way he squared his shoulders made it clear—he wasn't in the mood for games.

Yang stepped up in response, her eyes flashing red for just a second. "We might."

Prompto whistled low under his breath. "Oh boy, here we go."

Jaune clenched his jaw. He wasn't in the mood for this. Not today. Not after everything.

Then Ruby stepped in. "Guys, come on, let's not do this." She held up her hands, trying to diffuse the tension. "Jaune, we just—we wanted to talk before you left."

Jaune's gaze flickered to Ruby's face, seeing the genuine concern in her silver eyes. He almost—almost—let his shoulders relax.

But then she added, "We just want things to go back to how they were."

And that's what broke his restraint.

His expression hardened, his grip on his bag strap tightening. He let out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head.

"Back to how they were?" His voice was quiet but edged with something bitter. "Ruby, you do remember how things were, right? Because I do. Pretty clearly, in fact."

Ruby's face fell slightly, realization setting in too late.

Jaune exhaled sharply, looking away. "We've got somewhere to be." He stepped around them without another word, Team JASP following close behind.

The moment lingered for a second before Weiss scoffed, arms still crossed. "Let him go. He'll figure out soon enough that running away isn't a solution."

Yang, watching Jaune's back as he walked away, muttered, "Yeah, well… he sure as hell isn't the same guy who left."

Blake, who had been silent the entire exchange, simply nodded in agreement.


[Edge of the Emerald Forest, Early Morning, Present Day]

Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch stood at the edge of Beacon's grounds, the early morning mist curling around their feet. Glynda Goodwitch stood with her arms crossed, her foot tapping impatiently against the stone pathway. Huffing, she checked her watch for the fifth time in as many minutes before turning to the man standing next to her.

"Where are those boys, Ozpin?"

The older man looked entirely unperturbed as he took a slow sip of his ever-present coffee. He glanced at his deputy with a faint, knowing smile.

"Patience, Glynda. They'll be here soon. Besides, I imagine saying goodbye is more complicated than they expected."

Before Glynda could retort, the distant sound of footsteps echoed down the path. Moments later, Jaune and his team emerged from the morning fog, walking in perfect stride.

Jaune stepped forward first, straightening his posture as he stopped in front of the two professors. "Sorry for the delay, Professor. We had… a few stops along the way."

Ozpin gave him an unreadable look before nodding. "Understandable. Leaving behind what is familiar is never easy."

Jaune swallowed but said nothing. He knew what Ozpin was getting at.

Ozpin took another sip of coffee before continuing. "Before you go, I want to remind you, Jaune. This path you walk is not just about reclaiming what was lost. It is about earning what lies ahead. There is much to learn, and your companions—" He gestured to Team JASP. "—will be invaluable in shaping the leader you are meant to be."

Jaune nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, sir."

Glynda, arms still crossed, sighed and adjusted her glasses. "See that you do. We expect to see you return better than you left."

Before the moment could grow too heavy, Prompto slung an arm around Jaune's shoulders with an easy grin. "No pressure or anything, right? I mean, worst-case scenario, we get some amazing travel photos."

Gladio rolled his eyes. "Prompto…"

Ignis smirked slightly. "I'm sure that's exactly what the Headmaster was emphasizing."

Jaune chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, we'll do our best to stay in the frame."

Ozpin took another sip of coffee, his eyes twinkling with something like amusement. "See to it that you do, Mr. Arc."

With that, the conversation came to a close. Team JASP turned toward the road ahead, stepping into their journey—one that would shape the future of not only Jaune, but the world around him.


The first day of Team JASP's journey passed by relatively quickly. As they walked, Jaune learned much about his new travel companions. Prompto, ever the bundle of energy, had an infectious enthusiasm for photography, snapping candid shots of their travels whenever he got the chance. He could talk for hours about chocobos—which Jaune now knew were rare in Vale but wildly popular in Vacuo, where Prompto had grown up. His love for classic video games rivaled his passion for X-Ray and Vav comics, which he still collected whenever he could.

Ignis, in stark contrast, carried himself with the elegance of a noble but had the heart of someone who genuinely cared for others. Hailing from Atlas, his refined nature extended beyond his impeccable manners; he was an exceptional cook, constantly experimenting with new recipes and taking it upon himself to ensure the team was well-fed. He rarely raised his voice, but when he spoke, it was always with purpose.

Then there was Gladio, a walking embodiment of strength who had grown up in Mistral. He lived for the thrill of battle and the discipline of training, and when he wasn't working out, he could usually be found talking about his younger sister, whom he adored. Despite his intimidating stature, he had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, claiming that there was nothing better than a good night under the stars. Between Prompto's endless energy, Ignis's calm wisdom, and Gladio's unwavering strength, Jaune was starting to feel like he truly belonged with them.

In response, Jaune told them about himself in more detail. He shared his love for video games and X-Ray and Vav, which immediately earned him a dramatic gasp from Prompto, who declared them "official nerd brothers for life." However, when the topic of chocobos came up, Jaune could only blink in confusion, admitting he had never even heard of them before. This revelation horrified Prompto, who insisted that they had to find a way to fix that someday. On the other hand, Jaune found common ground with Gladio when the subject of camping came up—growing up, he had spent plenty of nights out in the wilderness with his family, and despite how much time had passed, he still found something peaceful about sleeping under the stars. He also mentioned his interest in cooking, though he admitted, with some embarrassment, that he wasn't exactly good at it. Ignis, ever the mentor, had simply adjusted his glasses and promised, "We'll have to work on that." Talking with them, laughing about the little things, Jaune realized just how easily they had accepted him into their group. It wasn't just that they were strong fighters—they were friends, and for the first time in a long while, Jaune felt like he was part of something that truly mattered.

As the sun began its descent, Ignis called for the group to set up camp for the night. While Gladio and Prompto set out to gather firewood, Jaune helped Ignis pitch the tents and prepare the grill. The steady rhythm of setting up camp, the simple actions of securing poles and hammering stakes, felt familiar—comforting, even. Camping had always been something Jaune enjoyed, but now, it was less about relaxation and more about preparation for the journey ahead.

Once the fire crackled to life and the scent of searing meat filled the air, Ignis wiped his hands on a cloth and turned to Jaune with his usual measured expression.

"Now that the first day of our journey is complete, it is time to begin your lessons."

Jaune, already poking at the fire with a stick, looked up, confused. "Lessons?"

Ignis nodded. "That is correct, Highness. If you recall, Professor Ozpin mentioned your rather… distinct lack of experience in both combat and leadership."

Jaune winced, shooting him a dry look. "Way to hit where it hurts, Iggy."

"Apologies," Ignis replied, though there was no real remorse in his voice. "But we don't have the luxury of time. Your duty is fast approaching, and if you are to rise to it, you must be prepared. My goal is to instill a lifetime's worth of knowledge into you by year's end. Tonight, we will begin with something foundational: the Grimm Classification System."

Jaune blinked. "The what-now?"

Ignis exhaled, his fingers adjusting his glasses as he shifted into lecture mode. "Surely you were taught the basics at Beacon?"

Jaune scratched the back of his head. "I mean… sort of? We learned how to fight them, not so much about how they're ranked."

Ignis nodded, then gestured toward the fire, as if the flickering flames represented the creatures they were discussing. "Grimm are classified into five primary ranks: D-Rank to S-Rank, based on their strength, intelligence, and the level of threat they pose. These rankings determine the number of Huntsmen required to eliminate them effectively."

Jaune furrowed his brow, trying to recall anything like this from his short time at Beacon. "Okay, so what qualifies as what?"

"D-Rank Grimm are the weakest and most common. Beowolves, Creeps, and unpossessed Geists fall into this category. They're dangerous in numbers, but a single skilled trainee can handle them."

Jaune nodded slowly, remembering how those had been the primary Grimm they had faced during initiation. It made sense.

"C-Rank Grimm are more durable and often require teamwork to eliminate effectively—Boarbatusks, Lancers, and Alpha Beowolves. These creatures are smarter, stronger, and much deadlier in groups."

Jaune grimaced. He had fought an Alpha Beowolf before. They weren't easy, even when working with a team.

"B-Rank Grimm are formidable threats," Ignis continued, stirring the food as he spoke. "Ursa Majors, possessed Geists, Griffons, and Beringels. These require a full team of trainees or a skilled Huntsman to engage safely. Their strength, endurance, and intelligence far surpass those of lower ranks."

Jaune's grip tightened on his knee. This was the tier of Grimm he had fought during initiation.

Two elder B-Rank Grimm.

Ozpin's words from weeks ago echoed in his mind.

"During initiation, you, someone with no combat experience, brought together a team of people with next to no knowledge of each other and their skill sets to successfully bring down two elder B-Rank Grimm. It was something that not many people could do and quite impressive if I do say so myself."

He hadn't thought much of it at the time. In hindsight, he had assumed he was just lucky, that it had been a fluke. But hearing Ignis lay out the classifications in clear terms… it put things in perspective.

Ignis continued, unaware of Jaune's internal musings. "A-Rank Grimm are exceptional threats—Nuckelavees, Goliaths, Death Stalkers, and Manticores. These require multiple teams of Huntsmen to deal with and often pose a threat to entire settlements."

Jaune swallowed. He had fought a Death Stalker once. And survived.

"Finally, we have S-Rank Grimm," Ignis concluded, his voice taking on a solemn tone. "These are the rarest, most dangerous, and oft touted to be legends, Grimm known to Remnant. Creatures like the Leviathan, the Wyvern, and the Apathy. These Grimm do not simply attack—they destroy."

There was a moment of silence as the weight of Ignis' words settled.

Jaune sat back, letting the information sink in. He had never thought of Grimm in terms of rankings before, only as monsters to be killed. But now? Now he could see the clear distinction between what he thought he had known and what Huntsmen had to prepare for.

Ignis, observing his contemplative silence, added, "Your ability to identify and understand the Grimm you face will determine not only your survival, but the survival of those you lead."

Jaune nodded slowly. "Right… No pressure, huh?"

Prompto, who had been listening in while setting up bedrolls, snorted. "Man, I am so glad I don't have to be the one in charge."

Gladio returned with an armful of firewood, catching the last part of the conversation. "Well, you better learn it anyway. You don't survive this long by ignoring what you're up against."

Jaune sighed, running a hand through his hair. He had a lot to learn. But at least now, he had people willing to teach him.

The rest of the evening passed quickly and with minimal conversation. It had been a long day and the group needed their rest, especially Jaune. As he curled up into his sleeping bag for the night he couldn't help but wonder what adventure awaited him tomorrow.


A sharp kick in the ribs from a hard boot is what awaited the young prince it seemed. Groaning in pain, he rolled onto his back and cracked one bleary eye open to see Gladio standing over him, hands on his hips, a wide grin stretching across his face.

"Whyyyyyyy?" Jaune groaned, clutching his side.

Gladio laughed, loud and unbothered. "Ha! You got your nice little lecture from Iggy last night, but today we start the fun stuff." He slammed a fist into his palm. "Physical conditioning."

Jaune groaned again, rolling onto his stomach in an attempt to delay the inevitable. But before he could protest, he felt a large hand grab the back of his shirt and, with no effort at all, haul him bodily out of the tent.

The morning air was cold, the sky still cloaked in pre-dawn gloom. Jaune blinked against the chill, shivering slightly as he looked around. "The sun isn't even up yet," he mumbled, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

Gladio let go, dropping him unceremoniously onto the dirt. He crossed his arms and looked down at him, unimpressed. "You think the Grimm wait for sunrise? You think the enemies of Vale are gonna say, 'Aw, poor little king hasn't had his beauty sleep'?" He crouched down, bringing himself to eye level with Jaune, his voice dropping into something more serious. "No. No, they won't. And it's my job to make sure you're ready for that."

Jaune swallowed hard.

Gladio stood back up and rolled his shoulders. "Here's the deal. Three-mile run through the forest. Mile and a half out, mile and a half back. Then it's one hundred push-ups, one hundred sit-ups, one hundred squats, and then—" his grin turned almost predatory as he cracked his knuckles, "you get to be my personal punching bag for an hour."

Jaune's face paled. He looked up at the much taller teen and whispered, "Is it too late to quit and open a coffee shop?"

Gladio's expression was completely deadpan. "Yes."


Jaune was dying.

Or at least, he was pretty sure he was dying.

The three-mile run was brutal, each step feeling heavier than the last. Gladio kept pace beside him the whole time, offering absolutely no sympathy. Whenever Jaune slowed down, he got a swift smack on the back or a gruff "Move it, Highness!" to keep him from falling behind. By the time they made it back to camp, Jaune was drenched in sweat, his legs trembling.

Then came the real suffering.

One hundred push-ups, one hundred sit-ups, one hundred squats. Every rep burned. Every muscle screamed. Jaune, face planted in the dirt after his fifty-third push-up, did not feel like he would manage.

And then, just when he thought he was done—when he thought, Finally, it's over—Gladio cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Alright, kid. On your feet. Time for the fun part."


[Emerald Forest, Vale, One Hour Later]

The sounds of metal crashing against metal were what finally woke up Ignis and Prompto. Peeking out of their tents, they were greeted by the sight of an utterly one-sided beatdown, courtesy of one Gladiolus Amicitia.

Jaune barely managed to keep Crocea Mors steady as he staggered backward, breathless and already bruising. Gladio, unarmored but just as imposing as ever, cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders. "Come on, Jaune, move! You think the enemy's gonna wait for you to catch your breath?"

Jaune grit his teeth, pushing forward with a desperate swing. Gladio sidestepped effortlessly, catching Jaune's wrist and redirecting the momentum. Before Jaune could react, a sharp elbow to his ribs sent him sprawling into the dirt.

"Gah!" Jaune gasped, clutching his side.

"Lesson number one," Gladio said, standing over him, "never overextend if you don't have a way to recover."

Jaune groaned but forced himself back to his feet, determination burning behind tired eyes. He knew he wasn't going to win this fight. He knew Gladio was leagues ahead of him in terms of strength and experience. But that wasn't the point.

The point was endurance.

The point was learning how to take a hit and keep going.

So, Jaune adjusted his stance and raised his sword again. "Come on, then," he huffed, wiping sweat from his brow. "I can take it."

Gladio grinned. "That's what I like to hear."

The next hour was hell.

Jaune didn't land a single meaningful hit, but he kept getting back up. Every time Gladio knocked him down, Jaune forced himself to rise again, no matter how much it hurt. He blocked, he dodged, he learned—bit by bit—how to move under pressure.

And when Gladio finally called it, Jaune collapsed onto his back, panting hard but grinning just a little.

"Not bad, Highness," Gladio admitted, offering a hand to pull Jaune up. "You survived."

Jaune wheezed. "Barely."

"That's all that matters."

From the side, Prompto leaned toward Ignis. "You think he's gonna be able to walk tomorrow?"

Ignis took another sip of coffee. "Doubtful."

Prompto winced. "Oof."

Jaune, sprawled on the ground, just groaned.


After packing up the camp—much to Jaune's chagrin—Team JASP once again set off into the wilderness, the dense forest stretching endlessly ahead of them. The morning air was crisp, the scent of damp earth and pine mingling with the distant sound of a river somewhere off the path. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy above, dappling the trail in shifting patches of gold and shadow. Their pace was steady but not hurried, their boots crunching against fallen leaves and uneven ground as they moved deeper into the wilds.

For Jaune, the journey was both a challenge and a quiet moment of reflection. Traveling with a team that moved in sync was a stark contrast to the chaotic missions he'd had with JNPR and RWBY. Gladio led from the front, ever watchful, his eyes scanning for any sign of danger. Ignis walked beside Jaune, occasionally breaking the silence with bits of geographical knowledge or tactical observations. Prompto flitted between them all, sometimes walking ahead, sometimes lagging behind to snap pictures of the scenery, whistling some offbeat tune to himself. The atmosphere was calm, almost peaceful, but Jaune knew that if a threat presented itself, this team would switch into combat mode in an instant.

After a few hours, Ignis raised a hand, signaling them to stop. "We'll take a break here. It's as good a spot as any for lunch." They had reached a small clearing, the edge of which overlooked a sloping ridge with a decent view of the valley below. Jaune sighed in relief, rolling his shoulders as he set his pack down. Gladio plopped onto a fallen log, already digging into his rations, while Ignis busied himself inspecting their supplies.

Before they had a chance to eat, however, Prompto clapped his hands together and called out, "Alright, Fearless Leader! Time to earn that lunch." He grinned, motioning for Jaune to step forward. "Today's lesson: not getting your butt kicked."

Jaune groaned. "Didn't Gladio already take care of that this morning?"

"Pfft, that was just warm-up," Prompto teased, tossing Jaune a spare practice sword and shield. "Now, let's see if we can make you a little less… hittable."

Jaune caught the weapons and sighed. "Why do I feel like I just got scammed?"

"Because you did," Gladio called from the side, smirking as he tore into a ration bar.

Ignoring the peanut gallery, Prompto took up a stance, shifting his weight effortlessly. "Alright, first thing's first—let's work on your form. A good stance is the difference between staying on your feet and eating dirt."

Jaune mirrored Prompto's stance as best he could, feeling the weight of the shield settle against his arm. Prompto corrected his posture, making small adjustments. "You wanna stay balanced. Shield up, sword ready—not too tight, but not too loose either."

For the next several minutes, Jaune followed Prompto's lead as they went through basic sword and shield maneuvers. The motions felt familiar, but with Prompto's guidance, he started to realize just how much he had been relying on instinct rather than proper technique.

Once Prompto was satisfied, he switched things up, setting aside his own training sword and picking up a small firearm. "Alright, now let's see how you do with this." He handed Jaune a standard sidearm. "Ever fire a gun before?"

Jaune shook his head. "Beacon didn't exactly have 'ranged combat 101' on the syllabus."

"Well, good thing you've got me," Prompto said, grinning as he guided Jaune through the basics—stance, grip, trigger discipline. "It's not about just pulling the trigger. You gotta control your breathing, steady your aim, feel the weapon."

Jaune nodded, adjusting his grip as Prompto pointed toward a tree with a faded mark on its bark. "Alright, take a shot."

Jaune exhaled slowly, lined up the sights, and squeezed the trigger.

The shot rang out, kicking harder than he expected. The bullet landed just shy of the mark.

"Not bad, but you're still tensing up," Prompto noted. "Try again, but this time, don't fight the recoil. Let it move with you."

Jaune adjusted, took another shot. This time, he hit closer.

"Hey, progress!" Prompto clapped him on the back. "Keep this up, and we might just make a sharpshooter out of you."

Jaune smirked, lowering the gun. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

Gladio, watching from the log, chuckled. "Better than I expected, Blondie. Guess we won't have to worry about you shooting yourself in the foot."

Jaune groaned. "I hate that I can't even argue."

Ignis, having finished setting up their rations, called out, "I believe that's enough training for now. Come, let's eat before the food gets cold."

Jaune rolled his shoulders, shaking out the tension in his arms before finally settling down with the others. He was exhausted, but he couldn't deny it—he was learning. Slowly, but surely.

And for once, he felt like he was actually getting somewhere.


And so it continued. Day in and day out, for the next week and a half, Team JASP pushed further into the wilderness, leaving the towering spires of Beacon far behind. The deeper they traveled, the more untamed the landscape became—dense foliage gave way to winding game trails, streams cut through ancient rock formations, and the quiet hum of nature replaced the distant murmur of city life. The path was uneven, requiring constant adjustments, and more than once, Jaune found himself tripping over stray roots or misjudging the depth of a step. Every evening, they would set up camp in clearings just off the beaten path, taking turns on watch while Ignis prepared meals that somehow made trail rations taste gourmet.

Jaune could feel the days wearing on him. His muscles ached from the relentless conditioning and sparring with Gladio, his fingers were raw from adjusting to the finer mechanics of swordplay and firearms, he'd even begun to learn how to use a spear and dual wield swords, and his mind buzzed with everything Ignis drilled into him about tactics, survival, and Grimm classifications. Yet despite the exhaustion, there was something deeply satisfying about the routine—about pushing himself further than he ever had before. He no longer felt like the untrained boy stumbling through Beacon's initiation. Each day was a lesson, and with each lesson, he felt more like the warrior he needed to become.

On the twelfth day of their journey, the group finally spotted their first sign of Grimm—a set of large, clawed footprints embedded in the dirt near the edge of a dried-up creek bed. Jaune instinctively tensed, his grip tightening on Crocea Mors as he scanned the area for any movement. Yet, despite the fresh tracks, there was no sign of an immediate threat. The forest remained still, the soft rustling of wind through the trees the only sound accompanying their footsteps.

It was here that Jaune's confusion set in. They had been traveling for nearly two weeks, deeper into unpatrolled territory, and yet, this was the first real sign of Grimm.

"We're still in the Emerald Forest," Ignis explained, adjusting his glasses as he crouched to inspect the prints. "A prime training ground for aspiring Huntsmen and Huntresses. It's not abnormal for third- and fourth-year teams to spend time here culling the Grimm before and during the semester. The further we go, the more Grimm we'll encounter before they inevitably taper off again as we near Ansel."

Jaune exhaled, nodding. It made sense—Beacon wouldn't allow students to train in an area teeming with unchecked threats. But still, seeing the prints, knowing what lay ahead, sent a shiver down his spine. They hadn't even seen a Grimm yet, and already, his instincts were on edge.


[Emerald Forest, Vale, Late Evening, Two Days Later]

The crackling of the fire was the only real noise as Jaune sat at the edge of camp, his back resting against a fallen log. The others were asleep, their steady breathing barely audible beneath the chorus of chirping insects and rustling leaves. The moon hung low, bathing the forest in a pale silver glow, illuminating just enough for Jaune to see beyond their immediate surroundings.

Then he saw it.

A shape, just at the edge of the clearing, barely more than a silhouette against the trees. It was distant, unmoving, but unmistakable—the jagged, shifting form of a Grimm.

Jaune's breath caught, his pulse spiking. His fingers twitched toward his weapon, every instinct screaming at him to do something—wake the others, call for Gladio, prepare for a fight. But before he could act, a hand clamped down on his shoulder.

"Steady."

Gladio's voice was calm, even. Jaune hadn't even heard him approach.

Jaune swallowed hard, whispering, "There's a Grimm. Right there."

"I see it." Gladio crouched beside him, peering into the darkness. "It's not moving. Just watching."

Jaune's grip tightened. "So what do we do?"

"We don't panic." Gladio shifted slightly, keeping his voice low and measured. "That thing? It's testing us. Checking if we're worth the effort. Grimm aren't mindless—they know when they're outmatched. If we don't give it a reason to attack, chances are it'll move on."

Jaune forced himself to exhale, trying to ignore the way his muscles were locked up with tension.

They sat there for what felt like an eternity, Jaune's heart hammering in his chest. Then, as if bored of waiting, the Grimm melted back into the treeline, vanishing into the darkness.

Jaune let out a slow breath.

"Not bad," Gladio murmured, standing up. "Didn't scream, didn't bolt. That's progress."

Jaune ran a hand through his hair, still trying to settle his nerves. "Didn't feel like progress."

Gladio smirked. "Fear never does. But handling it? That's what matters."

Jaune glanced back toward the trees, where the Grimm had disappeared. It wasn't a fight, but it was a lesson.

And he had a feeling he'd need to remember it very soon.


And done! That's chapter three complete! Like I said at the top AN I really did not think I'd get another chapter out so soon but I am definitely not complaining! Anyway, on to the reviews!

0804wolf: Here ya go! I'm gonna wait for the big reveal on Jaune's heritage for a bit but rest assured, it's gonna be awesome! As for the Kingsglaive I'm not really sure how/if I'd implement them. Lemme know if you've got some ideas.

daemon452: You bring up some really really good points. I don't want to spoil anything but that whole thing is definitely gonna be present throughout the story.

Sir Lone: As far as romance goes I'm not really sure if that's something I want to do mainly because I have no clue how to write it. However! The Lancaster in me resonates with you lol. We'll just have to see where it goes.

sand0921: To piggyback off the response above, I'm not really sure if I'll do a pairing here, but it'd be really funny to see the look on Weiss' face when Jaune shows back up with Winter as his bride.

Augustus Arc: You my friend were the first reviewer on this story! I'm not sure if you're still reading this but I took your suggestion to heart and rewrote some of the Pyrrha parts to be a bit less OoC but still fit within the worldbuilding I need.

Thanks a ton for all the reviews and PMs! I try to get to all of them but between college and work...ugh. Anyway thanks a bunch! See you next time!