Beacon Academy's combat class had always been one of the most anticipated events, and today was no different. The large, open space of the sparring area was filled with eager whispers and excited glances as everyone awaited the announcement.
Professor Glynda Goodwitch stood tall at the front of the battle area, her sharp gaze silencing the room with a single tap of her riding crop.
"Today," began Professor Goodwitch, ""we will be conducting a team-versus-team sparring exercise. Two teams will be selected to compete against each other."
At once, murmurs of excitement spread through the crowd. Most of the students leaned forward eagerly, eyes bright with anticipation. Some stood on their toes, silently praying to be chosen for the bout. Yet, amidst the buzzing energy, one figure remained disconnected from the enthusiasm around her.
Blake Belladonna sat near the back of the arena, her eyes fixed on a book, but her mind wasn't on the words she was reading. There were dark shadows under her eyes, and her posture was slightly slouched as the weight of exhaustion pulled her down. She flipped a page while the world around her seemed so far away. In her mind, she replayed scenes of the White Fang's gathering.
Ruby Rose, sitting with her team, bounced excitedly on her feet. "I wonder who's gonna get picked!" she whispered loudly to Yang, her silver eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Hope it's us," Yang grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Could use a little workout."
Weiss stood beside them, arms crossed, hiding her eagerness. "It doesn't matter who's selected. We're all capable."
Blake's teammates seemed to be on edge with excitement, but Blake herself remained detached, her eyes lowering further into her book.
Professor Glynda cleared her throat, pulling everyone's attention back to the center of the room. "The stipulation for today's sparring match will be simple: Four one-on-one fights. I will select the order in which each student will fight." She looked at her students and continued. "The teams will be selected randomly," lied the Professor. "Please, the teams selected change to your battle outfit as soon as possible."
As she spoke, the lights dimmed slightly, and a large screen lit up at the front of the arena. It displayed images of all the students, cycling through them rapidly like a roulette, the photos spinning in a blur of faces. A few students let out excited gasps while others held their breath, waiting to see who would be selected.
The images on the screen slowed down, creating an air of suspense. For a brief second, the photo of Ruby appeared, making her hold her breath in excitement, but it quickly spun away, continuing to randomize. Ruby slumped slightly, pouting in disappointment.
Weiss gave her a side glance. "Don't get too upset, Ruby. It's not over yet."
The screen came to a halt. First, the image of Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha, and Ren appeared. The crowd let out a collective sound of approval. People did not know if it was luck or if the Professor had something against team JNPR after what happened to Cardin. Their team has been selected on multiple occasions, and although Jaune has lost in all his combats, students have noticed that he is getting better in every fight, learning something from each opponent.
"And the second team to compete," Glynda announced as the screen began spinning again, showing student profiles in a blur. Finally, the roulette slowed, and the image of a team nobody expected popped up. The face of a girl with eyes that would pierce your soul, a doll face with an eyepatch, an angry blonde with red eyes, and a brown skin girl with a playful smile. "...Team NCCL."
At the front, Jaune Arc turned toward his team, excitement and a bit of nervousness flashing across his face. "Looks like it's us!" he said, trying to sound confident but giving off a sheepish grin.
Ren gave a calm nod while Nora practically bounced on her feet, fists pumping the air. "Oh yeah! We're gonna crush them!"
Ruby, meanwhile, couldn't hide her disappointment. "Aww, I really wanted to be picked!"
Yang placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder, offering a comforting smile. "Maybe next time, sis. We'll get our chance."
Ruby shrugged and then drew a smile, "Ooh, maybe we can finally see cousin Clementine fighting."
At that Weiss will react, "cousin?"
Yang will start to brush her hair with her hands, "well, yeah. We just discovered that she is our uncle's lost daughter, but she is not very keen about the family thing."
"I can't blame her, thought," said Ruby.
"What you mean?" asked Weiss.
"RUBY!" Yang stopped her sister from talking more. Yang then sighed, "It's a sore spot for her, and I don't think we should be talking about it."
Weiss nodded, "I understand."
After a few minutes, team JNPR re-entered the arena, fully equipped and ready for the match. Pyrrha, Ren, Nora, and Jaune moved confidently, their gear gleaming under the arena lights. Pyrrha's golden armor shone with its usual brilliance. Nora's hammer, Magnhild, rested against her shoulder as she grinned widely, making most of the students look in their direction. Ren, however, was more subdued but confident nonetheless. Jaune, however, looked slightly more nervous, Crocea Mors sheathed at his side. He tried to exude confidence, but his unsure smile hinted at his lack of experience compared to his teammates.
The crowd cheered for the well-known champion, her reputation preceding her. Yet, despite the excitement, something else stirred in the air, curiosity. Team NCCL had yet to make their proper debut, and the murmurs grew louder as the anticipation mounted.
Finally, the doors opened again, and the unfamiliar team strode into the arena. Team NCCL was composed of four girls, each with a distinct and striking appearance, and unlike Team JNPR, they wore their school uniforms, an odd contrast to the weapons each carried.
At the front of the group was Neia Baraja, wearing her visor. Neia's hands were wrapped around her large longbow, which hung loosely across her back, but the only piece of battle gear she wore was her brown leather trousers, which replaced the skirt of her uniform, as she was clearly not accustomed to fighting with it, and above her white shirt, instead of the school vest, she had Buser's magical armor.
Behind Neia was Chizu, who held a massive rifle in her hands, though it was deceptively silent at her side. Clementine walked as if the battle was a bother, and at the back of her hip was her Stilettos.
At the end was Lupusregina, and in her back was a big Crosier, an imposing black and silver scepter slung across her back. It looks like an oversized religious symbol.
Professor Glynda raised her eyebrow slightly as she watched the team approach. Her eyes swept over them, pausing as she noted their lack of formal battle attire. She adjusted her glasses before addressing them directly.
"Team NCCL," Glynda began, her voice even, "do you intend to compete while still wearing your school uniforms?"
Neia stepped forward. "Yes, Professor," she replied without hesitation. "In a real battle, we won't have the luxury of asking our opponents to wait while we change into more comfortable attire. We prefer to fight as we are."
Ruby, watching from the sidelines with her team, thought for a moment. "That's…. true, very realistic on their part."
Glynda raised an eyebrow at Neia but gave a small nod of approval. "Very well. Your decision is noted." Her voice held no judgment, only a slight hint of interest in their practicality. "Team NCCL, you may proceed as you wish."
Lupusregina grinned mischievously, casting a glance at the audience. "Don't worry, we'll make this quick. No skirt will go up." Some guys then turned away as Lupusregina looked at them.
Meanwhile, Jaune stood at the other end of the arena, his eyes flickering with uncertainty as he studied his opponents. His nerves were palpable, and as the rest of Team JNPR gathered near him, he glanced over at Pyrrha, who offered him an encouraging nod.
"You've got this, Jaune," Pyrrha said, her voice soft yet firm. "Just remember what we've trained for."
Jaune swallowed nervously and nodded. "Y-Yeah. No problem."
Yang grinned while leaning toward her teammates. "They better be good if they're gonna fight in school's skirts."
Weiss remained quiet, but her ice-blue eyes looked closely at them, trying to learn the best she could. Blake, still quiet and detached, lowered her book just slightly to glance at the arena, especially to Lupu.
Once Glynda had taken her place at the side of the arena, she tapped her riding crop again, signaling for silence. The crowd hushed, the tension thick in the air.
"The first match," Professor Glynda announced, her voice cutting through the quiet like a sharp blade, "will be between Jaune Arc of Team JNPR and Clementine Branwen of Team NCCL."
The giant screen overhead shifted, showing the faces of Jaune and Clementine as they flashed onto the screen with a dramatic flourish. The contrast between the two couldn't have been more stark. Jaune, in his armor, looked determined but anxious, while Clementine's face was of boredom.
Neia went close to Clementine and whispered to her, "You better restrain. In fact, this could be a good exercise to do that." Clementine just clicked her tongue and walked to her side of the arena.
Jaune gulped audibly. "Oh… great," he muttered, trying to gather his courage. Jaune then breathed deeply and walked to his position. He unsheathed my sword and grabbed his shield in his left arm.
The crowd tensed in anticipation. All eyes were on the two as they took their positions, each step a slow build toward the imminent clash. Jaune took another deep breath, raising his shield and preparing himself. He knew he'd have to rely on all the training Pyrrha had given him.
Professor Glynda's voice echoed across the arena once more, her tone final.
"Begin!"
Jaune stood at the center of the arena, gripping his sword and shield tightly, trying to maintain his composure. His heart pounded in his chest, and his palms felt damp as he stared across the battlefield at Clementine. But Clementine just stood there without doing anything, her arms crossed in front.
Jaune narrowed his eyes and decided to be the first to attack. He ran after Clementine, using his shield to push her and make her lose her balance. But suddenly she wasn't there anymore. The arena was dead silent. Jaune's mind raced. He had expected Clementine to attack first, just like all the other opponents he had in the past, but she remained perfectly still. Jaune's eyes turned to his teammates on the sidelines. Pyrrha gave him an encouraging nod, but that only increased the pressure. 'You can do this, Jaune. Just remember your training.'
"Why isn't she moving?" Jaune muttered under his breath, adjusting his grip on his sword. His eyes flicked to Clementine again, but she stood there, still with her arms crossed.
Jaune gritted his teeth, steadying himself. He narrowed his eyes and decided to be the first to attack, "All right," he muttered, "I can do this."
Jaune rushed forward, sword raised. He kept his shield in front of him, ready to block whatever Clementine might throw at him. As he closed the distance, he swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for her midsection.
But Clementine was quick, way too quick. She stepped to the front and grabbed the wrist of the hand with the sword, and with her other hand, she grabbed his chest plate, and with great force, she threw him.
The force of the throw sent him flying, and for a moment, everything seemed to move in slow motion. His feet left the ground, and his sword slipped from his grasp as his body sailed through the air.
The crowd gasped in shock as Jaune was flung toward the edge of the arena. He hit the ground hard, skidding along the polished floor until he rolled to a stop near the other students, just a few feet from where a young man with gray eyes and gray hair was, together with a girl with medium-brown skin and dark red eyes with green-mint hair.
"Whoa!" the boy exclaimed, taking a casual step back as Jaune landed with a heavy thud. The girl crossed her arms.
"That looked painful," said the green-mint-haired girl in a friendly tone.
Jaune groaned in pain, clutching his side as he tried to push himself to his feet. His body ached from the impact, and he felt the heat rising to his face. He could hear the murmurs of the crowd and the whispers of his fellow students.
Professor Glynda's sharp voice cut through the arena. "The match is over!" She waved her riding crop, and a shimmering barrier materialized around the arena, signaling the end of the fight. The crowd's chatter quieted down as all eyes turned to Professor Goodwitch.
Clementine, who hadn't even broken a sweat, stood in the center of the arena, her bored expression still on her face.
Jaune, still struggling to stand, finally managed to pick up his shield and sword, his face red with embarrassment. 'This has to be a new record.'
Professor Glynda approached the center of the arena, her expression stern as she addressed both fighters. "Mr. Arc," she began, her tone sharp, "you showed initiative by taking the offensive. However, you underestimated your opponent's agility and ability to counter. A frontal attack without properly gauging your opponent's skills leaves you vulnerable, as we have just witnessed. You must learn to observe and adapt to your opponent's tactics before making such bold moves."
Jaune nodded, his face flushed. "Yes, Professor."
Turning to Clementine, Professor Glynda continued, her tone neutral. "Miss Clementine, while your abilities are certainly impressive, it's important to remember that overconfidence can be a dangerous flaw. You had control of the battle from the beginning, but in future matches, I suggest taking the battle more seriously."
Clementine rolled her eyes. "Sure. I'll try to be more… serious next time." The way she said it made it clear she wasn't planning on changing her approach anytime soon.
Satisfied with the feedback, Professor Glynda stepped back, her voice ringing through the arena once more. "And now, for the next match."
"Lie Ren vs Chizu Delta"
The crowd gasped softly as the match-up appeared. Team JNPR's Ren, known for his calm and collected demeanor, was now set to face Chizu, the quiet, stoic doll face member of Team NCCL.
"Weiss," said Ruby while leaning toward her partner. "You and Chizu are from Atlas. What can we expect from her?"
Weiss thought for a moment before answering, "I would expect to be a highly disciplined combatant and relaying in strategic."
Ruby's eyes brighten, "do you think they will be fighting in the shadows as ninjas?"
"Ren is the ninja, not Chizu," corrected Yang.
"Then, what's Chizu?" asked Ruby.
"An assassin?" said Yang, "a sniper?"
"Oooh, so something Mistralian against something Atlesian!" said Ruby.
Weiss wanted to correct her, but due to the information given to them, the assertion was close.
Meanwhile, sitting on the sidelines was Nora, who shot Ren with a wide grin. "Go get 'em, Ren! Show them what you've got!"
Ren, composed as ever, nodded and stepped forward, his twin pistols transforming into blades as he took his place in the arena. His eyes were focused, already analyzing his opponent. He knew very little about Chizu, but from what he had seen, she wasn't someone to be taken lightly. Her silent demeanor and the massive rifle she carried suggested that she would be a formidable opponent.
"You can do it, Chizu," said Neia to the gynoid, who only nodded before walking to the arena, taking her place opposite Ren. Chizu stood perfectly still, her rifle slung across her back, her face with no emotion.
Professor Glynda looked between the two fighters, her voice steady. "The second match will now begin."
Ren and Chizu locked eyes. Ren radiated calm yet intense energy, while Chizu was calm, but no energy was felt from her.
Everyone knew this fight would be a different kind of battle. Where Clementine defeated Jaune so easily. Surely, the battle should have been longer.
Professor Glynda raised her riding crop once again. "Begin!"
As the fight began, Ren sprang into action, his agility on full display as he darted towards Chizu. He reached into his sleeves and drew StormFlower, the twin machine pistols with sickle-like blades, ready for close-quarters combat. However, despite his best efforts, Chizu remained unfazed, her poker face never wavering even as bullets whizzed past her ears.
Chizu then turned her gun in sniper mode. She took aim and fired a quick, precise shot.
Ren dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and unpredictable. He closed the distance rapidly, firing bursts from StormFlower to keep Chizu on the defensive. Chizu switched her Magic Gun to rapid-fire mode and unleashed a hail of bullets. Ren twisted and turned, narrowly avoiding the barrage, his Aura bar flickering but holding steady.
Ren could feel the tension building within himself as he continued to push forward, desperation creeping into every movement. He knew he needed to find an opening soon if he wanted any chance of victory. Yet, try as he might, Chizu seemed always one step ahead, dodging attacks and countering with precision and accuracy.
Finally, Ren spotted an opportunity. Chizu had momentarily lowered her guard, giving him just enough time to close the gap between them. With lightning reflexes, he lunged forward, aiming to strike a decisive blow.
Chizu calculated Ren's movements with machine-like precision. She anticipated his next move, aiming her gun just ahead of him. As Ren leaped to the side, she fired, the bullet grazing his shoulder and causing his Aura bar to dip slightly.
Ren gritted his teeth and activated his Semblance, Tranquility. His negative emotions were masked, allowing him to maintain a cold, calculating mindset. He moved with increased precision, closing the gap between him and Chizu. With a swift motion, he swung one of his blades towards her.
Just as Ren approached, she raised her guns, firing off a volley of shots that sent debris flying everywhere. Ren leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the hail of bullets, only to find himself trapped against the edge of the fighting area.
Ren tried desperately to think of another move, but there was nowhere else to go. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched Chizu approach, weapons trained steadily on him.
Chizu switched her Magic Gun to Full Burst mode. She reloaded, the weapon humming with energy. Ren's eyes widened as he realized what was coming. He dashed to the side, trying to escape the imminent barrage. But Chizu was prepared. She activated her ability, Contact Engage, causing an area of effect damage that hurt and knocked Ren off balance.
Chizu unleashed a torrent of bullets. Ren's Aura bar plummeted as he desperately tried to dodge. He managed to evade most of the shots, but a few found their mark, depleting his Aura significantly.
Ren's face showed strain, but he refused to give up. He charged at Chizu with renewed vigor, his movements a blur. He launched a series of rapid strikes with his blades. They engaged in a fierce close-quarters duel, their weapons clashing and sparking with each hit.
Despite Ren's best efforts, Chizu's calm, tactical approach began to show its advantage. She predicted his moves, countering with precise shots and calculated dodges. Ren's Aura bar dwindled, and it became clear he was running out of time.
Just then, an idea struck him. Ren feigned a retreat, hoping to lure Chizu into a trap. She took the bait, advancing towards him. Ren saw his chance and lunged, aiming to disarm her, and everyone saw Ren colliding head-on with Chizu's attack. Chizu raised her Magic Gun, now in sniper mode, and aimed it directly at Ren.
For a split second, everything froze. The sound of a single, precise shot of gunfire echoed loudly. Then, with a loud crash, both fighters hit the ground hard, Ren above Chizu.
Silence fell over the crowd as they waited to see who would rise first. Slowly, Chizu pushed herself up, dusting off her clothes before checking her weapons. Seeing that they were still functional, she nodded.
The screen behind her showed Ren's Aura bar dropping to red while hers was still green.
Ren lay motionless on the ground, his face pale and sweaty from exertion. Despite his defeat, there was no shame in his expression, only pride for having given it everything he had. As Glynda announced Chizu as the winner, Ren slowly rose to his feet, offering a small smile of acknowledgment to his opponent.
"Thank you for the battle," said Ren with a smile. "I learned a lot today."
Chizu only nodded at him.
A round of applause from the students was heard. Professor Glynda strode to the center of the arena, and as she approached the fighters, the crowd quieted.
"Mr Ren," the Professor began. "You demonstrated excellent agility and adaptation throughout the battle. Your ability to evade and counter was commendable, particularly given the barrage you faced." She paused, allowing the compliment to remain with him. "However," she added, her tone changing, "you must be more mindful of your positioning. Allowing yourself to be cornered limited your options and ultimately led to your defeat. Relying on a single strategy will only take you so far."
Ren nodded solemnly. "Yes, Professor. I understand."
Satisfied with his response, Glynda turned her attention to Chizu. "Miss Delta, your tactical precision and use of area control were impressive. You demonstrated a clear understanding of your opponent's weaknesses and exploited them effectively." Glynda's expression softened ever so slightly, though her voice remained firm. "That being said, it would benefit you to engage more dynamically in battle. Relying solely on calculated movements can leave you vulnerable to unpredictability. Flexibility will make you a more formidable fighter."
Chizu gave a simple nod in response, her expression unchanged, "Understood."
With the formalities complete, Professor Glynda stepped back, allowing the fighters to return to their teams. As Ren approached Team JNPR, Nora rushed forward to greet him. Her wide smile was beaming, and her bright eyes did not look like someone watching the loser.
"You were amazing out there, Ren!" Nora exclaimed, giving him a playful nudge on the shoulder.
Ren couldn't help but smile at her energy, "Thank you, Nora. I did my best."
"You did better than your best!" she insisted, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "And don't worry, I'm gonna avenge you and Jaune. Just you wait."
Ren chuckled softly at Nora's unwavering support. Her words made him feel lighter, even in defeat.
Meanwhile, on Team NCCL's side, Lupusregina was the first to speak as Chizu returned to her team. "Nice one, Chizu! You had that guy running around like a headless chicken." Her laughter was infectious, though Chizu's neutral expression barely shifted.
Neia, standing nearby, gave Chizu a firm nod of approval. "You fought well as always, sempai."
Chizu simply responded with a soft nod, "Thank you."
Ruby and Yang enjoyed every moment of the fight. "Wow, that was amazing."
"Correct," said Weiss. "Chizu demonstrated my previous points. She clearly showcases that she is a strict, militant fighter with advanced technology and carefully rehearsed strategies."
"But she is not an Atlas student," said Yang. "In that case, you should also show those traits. I have never seen a military member wearing a skirt."
"Quiet, you," replied Weiss to Yang while Ruby giggled.
The arena grew quiet once more as Professor Glynda returned to the center. Her voice rang out over the crowd as she announced the next match. "The third one-on-one battle will be Nora Valkyrie versus Lupusregina Beta."
A collective murmur spread through the students. The faunus girl that tore the ear apart of another student was finally going to fight.
Nora grinned widely, her grip tightening on Magnhild, her beloved rocket launcher hammer. "Finally!" She exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of her feet. She shot a determined look at Lupusregina across the arena. "Don't worry, Ren, Jaune. I'm gonna avenge both of you!"
Ren smiled softly. "Just be careful, Nora."
On the other side of the arena, Lupusregina stretched her arms, her movements casual and relaxed. She turned to Clementine, a playful glint in her eye. "I'm going to end this quickly. Faster than you did," she teased.
Clementine was with her arms crossed and only rolled her eyes.
Lupusregina smiled as she cracked her knuckles. She turned back toward the arena, her eyes locking onto Nora with excitement.
Once both students were standing on their respective sides, Professor Glynda raised her hand, and the arena fell into silence once again. "Begin!"
Before anyone could blink, Lupusregina was already on the move, sprinting toward Nora with inhuman speed. Her agility was staggering, and the crowd gasped at her while witnessing her speed.
Nora quickly turned Magnhild into her rocket mode. With a confident smirk, she pulled the trigger, launching a powerful explosive round directly at her opponent.
The rocket shot through the air, but Lupusregina, with a fluid leap, soared over the projectile, and her feet landed gracefully atop the rocket for a brief moment before she sprang off again.
Nora's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't have time to react. At the next moment, Lupusregina appeared behind her, her Crosier in her hands. With a grin, Lupusregina swung it like a bat, the force of the blow hitting Nora square in the side.
The impact was devastating. Nora was sent flying across the arena, her body flying through the air with incredible speed. She landed just outside the boundary, tumbling to a stop in front of Team RWBY.
Ruby gasped, rushing forward to check on Nora. "Nora! Are you okay?"
Nora landed with her head down and feet up, showing her white slip shorts. She groaned, pushing herself up slowly. "I want… more pancakes, Rennie," she muttered. She fell again but was aided by Yang.
Back in the center of the arena, Lupusregina rested her Crosier over her shoulder, a wide grin plastered on her face as she looked back at Professor Glynda. "Is it over already?"
Professor Glynda composed herself after witnessing Lupusregina's strength. She waved her hand to signal the end of the match. "The winner is Lupusregina Beta."
The crowd was astonished by the sheer speed and power displayed in the fight.
Nora stood up and walked back to the arena.
Professor Glynda Goodwitch stepped forward, her face calm, but she was perplexed by what had just happened. The match had been so brief and decisive that even she struggled to gather enough material for a comprehensive critique. She adjusted her glasses, her gaze moving between Lupusregina and Nora.
"Miss Valkyrie," she began, her voice firm but lacking its usual edge, "while you demonstrated impressive reflexes and a willingness to strike quickly, you failed to anticipate your opponent's speed. Over-reliance on sheer power is not always the best course of action."
Nora, still groggy from the hit, nodded. "Yeah... I noticed."
Professor Glynda turned to Lupusregina, pausing for a moment. "Miss Beta," she continued, "your speed and precision were commendable, but the match was too brief to draw much else. Your decision to end the fight quickly was sound, but remember, overconfidence can be a liability."
Lupusregina grinned, twirling her Crosier playfully. "Don't worry, Professor. I am a wolf faunus, not a rooster faunus; I won't get too cocky."
Glynda gave her a poker face before stepping back. Only a blonde student snorted at that joke. The next match was already determined, and there was little suspense left. The final battle would be between two of the combatants that haven't fought yet for each team: Pyrrha Nikos and Neia Baraja.
The arena buzzed with whispers and speculation. Ruby leaned in toward Weiss and Yang. "Do you think Pyrrha will win?" she asked.
Yang laughed, folding her arms. "Come on, Ruby. Pyrrha's undefeated! Of course, she'll win. She's the Invincible Girl, remember?"
Weiss nodded. "It's practically a given. Pyrrha's strength and her skill with a spear means there's no way she can lose. Neia seems strong, but she is still not at Pyrrha's level."
Ruby bit her lip. "I know, but… I mean, she is their leader. How can she not be good if she is able to lead Clementine and Lupu? And after seeing what Chizu can do, I'm not so sure anymore."
"Come on, Ruby. Pyrrha's a total powerhouse!" Yang added confidently. "Neia's good, but she's no Pyrrha."
Weiss looked at Ruby as if she had understood something. "I see what you mean, Ruby. Team NCCL is impressive. And the way the students were selected to fight."
"What do you mean?" asked Yang.
"We are talking about Professor Goodwitch," Weiss replied while turning to Yang. "She selected who will fight against who. And I can assure you that she has been trying to find a good opponent to challenge Pyrrha." Weiss paused and turned to see team NCCL. "And obviously, she was going to find an appropriate challenge for Jaune."
"Ah… you lost me," said Ruby.
"It's what you were referring to, dolt." Said Wiess, "or at least what you were implying."
Ruby nodded, just to not look bad, as she was still at a loss. But Yang is the one who asked, "I still don't understand what you are talking about."
Weiss sighed, "I am saying that Professor Goodwitch matched from strongest to weakest to match with both teams."
Yang frowned, "wait, so you are saying that Clementine is the weakest from team NCCL, and Neia is the strongest?"
Weiss nodded, "it seems that way." And with that, the whole team was more attentive for the next match. Even Blake, who heard everything while her face was still in the book, listened, and her eyes also went to the center of the arena.
Meanwhile, Nora had made her way back to Team JNPR. She was greeted by words of encouragement from Jaune and Ren.
"Don't sweat it, Nora," Jaune said. "You fought well. That Lupusregina is just crazy fast."
Nora chuckled, rubbing the back of her head. "Yeah… she caught me by surprise."
Ren smiled softly at Nora. "You gave it your all, Nora. That's what matters."
Nora returned the smile, but Ren could see through it. Behind her grin was disappointment. He saw it in the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her eyes didn't quite match her cheerful smile.
"Thanks, guys," Nora said, her voice bright but just a touch hollow. She quickly changed the subject, looking toward Pyrrha, who was preparing for her fight. "At least Pyrrha will win for us, right? She'll bring home the victory."
Jaune nodded, a relieved smile on his face. "Yeah, Pyrrha's got this. No one can beat her."
Ren remained quiet, giving Nora a knowing look, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he glanced at Pyrrha, whose calm and focused demeanor hadn't wavered.
Pyrrha, overhearing the conversation, smiled warmly at her team. "Of course. I'll do my best."
On the other side of the arena, Lupusregina was positively glowing with excitement. She walked back to Team NCCL, where Clementine, Chizu, and Neia stood waiting. With a smug grin, she turned to Clementine.
"I beat mine faster than you did," Lupusregina teased, her amber eyes gleaming with mischief.
Clementine rolled her eyes. Lupusregina laughed, tossing her head back. "I'm not even worried about the next match. Our faceless leader got this."
Neia, standing quietly with her longbow strapped across her back, gave a small nod. Despite Lupusregina's confidence, Neia's expression remained calm as if she were analyzing the battlefield before the fight even began.
Chizu stepped forward and placed a hand on Neia's shoulder. "You will win, kowhai," she said simply, her tone cold but certain.
Neia didn't reply immediately, but there was a spark of determination in her eyes. "I'll do it. I represent His Majesty, after all," she said quietly while her grip on the longbow tightened.
The anticipation in the arena reached its peak as both combatants made their way to the center. The contrast between them was striking. Pyrrha, the famed Invincible Girl, stood tall and regal in her armor, her shield and spear gleaming under the lights. Neia, dressed more modestly with only her leather pants, the green scale armor, her sword, and the longbow, seemed almost subdued by comparison. But her eyes… her eyes betrayed a fierce, calculating intensity.
Professor Glynda looked between the two fighters, her voice ringing out across the arena. "The final match of the day: Pyrrha Nikos versus Neia Baraja."
The crowd buzzed with excitement. Everyone knew Pyrrha's reputation, and just a few believed Neia stood a real chance against the undefeated champion.
Weiss folded her arms, her eyes fixed on the two fighters. But Ruby remained silent, her gaze locked on Neia. She couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't be as easy as everyone thought.
Professor Glynda raised her hand, signaling the start of the final bout. "Begin!"
Pyrrha exploded into action, her weapon Miló shifting seamlessly from a javelin to a sword. She swung at Neia with precision, aiming to test her defenses. Neia swiftly blocked with her sword, their weapons clashing with a resonant metallic ring. Pyrrha's follow-up strikes were relentless, but Neia parried each one with some problem, her keen senses helping her know what she should do.
Pyrrha leaped back, switching Miló into its rifle form, and fired a volley of shots. Neia skillfully dodged, and then she retaliated by drawing the Ultimate Shooting Star Super and nocking an arrow. With a quick release, the arrow flew toward Pyrrha, who clashed with her shield, Akoúo̱. The impact, however, was stronger than Pyrrha had predicted, and she was pushed back, her Aura bar dipping slightly on the screen.
Pyrrha charged again, Miló morphing back into a sword. She engaged Neia in a fierce close-quarters duel, their weapons clashing and sparking with every strike. Pyrrha's mastery of her weapon allowed her to switch between forms effortlessly, keeping Neia on her toes. Despite Pyrrha's skill and the few hits that landed on her opponent, Neia's keen senses and unpredictable movements kept her from landing a decisive blow.
Neia suddenly leaped back, creating distance. She fired an arrow that produced electrical shocks on impact and aimed straight at Pyrrha's shield. The impact sent Pyrrha skidding back, her Aura bar depleting further. Pyrrha responded by flinging her shield like a discus, using Polarity to guide it toward Neia. Neia dodged with a swift roll, firing another arrow mid-move.
Pyrrha barely managed to deflect the arrow, her Aura flickering. She gritted her teeth and switched Miló into its javelin form, hurling it with all her strength. Neia anticipated the attack, her keen senses alerting her to the trajectory. She sidestepped and shot another arrow, this one exploding on impact and sending Pyrrha sprawling.
Despite the battering, Pyrrha stood up with determination burning in her eyes. She activated her Semblance, using it to pull Miló back into her hand and immediately shifting it into rifle form. She fired a rapid series of shots, each one aimed to corner Neia. Neia moved, dodging and sidestepping through the barrage.
Seeing an opening, Neia nocked an arrow and fired. The arrow curved mid-air and struck Pyrrha's rifle, disarming her. Pyrrha's Aura bar dipped dangerously low. Desperate, Pyrrha threw her shield, using her Semblance once more to control its paths. Neia evaded the shield, but the distraction allowed Pyrrha to close the distance.
Pyrrha tackled Neia, both of them rolling across the arena floor. They separated and stood, breathing heavily. Pyrrha's Aura was almost depleted, while Neia's still had a decent buffer. Pyrrha knew she had to act fast.
Neia stood fast and aimed her bow point-blank at Pyrrha, who activated Polarity in a last-moment effort to throw her out of balance. Neia resisted the movement on her legs, and with a final surge of strength, Neia fired an arrow that shattered Pyrrha's remaining Aura, the impact sending her sliding across the floor, making her aura bar reach red.
The place was in silence.
Professor Goodwitch stepped forward, her voice cutting through the quiet arena.
"The winner of the match is Neia Baraja," she declared clearly, formalizing the outcome.
Neia stood tall, calming her breathing as she placed her bow on her back. Pyrrha, lying on the ground, felt the exhaustion of the battle, looking to the ceiling.
Neia approached her opponent, offering her hand. Pyrrha looked up and, without hesitation, took Neia's hand, allowing herself to be pulled to her feet. Though her body ached, there was a lightness in her steps as she rose, and a sincere smile crossed her lips.
Professor Glynda then addressed the two combatants. She began with Neia, "Miss Baraja, your instincts and adaptability served you well in this match. You demonstrated a remarkable ability to read your opponent and respond in kind. However," she paused before she narrowed her eyes and continued, "you took several unnecessary risks that could have cost you the fight. While your combat awareness is excellent, there were moments when a more cautious approach might have benefited you."
Neia nodded, acknowledging the critique without defensiveness.
Glynda's attention then turned to Pyrrha. "Miss Nikos, as always, your skill and precision were evident throughout the match. Your adaptability in switching between offensive and defensive tactics was commendable, but there were moments where it seemed you hesitated to fully commit to certain decisions."
Pyrrha nodded, her expression composed, but she felt lighter as if a heavy weight had suddenly left her shoulders.
Professor Glynda nodded at them, and both fighters walked to their respective teams.
Pyrrha rejoined her team quietly, and Jaune welcomed her, trying to lift the mood. "Hey, Pyrrha! You put up a great fight!" he said
To the surprise of his teammates, she smiled brightly. "Yes," she nodded, "I did my best." Unknown what to say, they remained in silence while Pyrrha looked at the Professor, turning to see Neia a few times.
Meanwhile, Team NCCL gathered after storing their weapons. Lupusregina flashed a playful grin toward Neia. "Told you you'd take her down."
Neia smiled nervously. "It's all because of Ainz-sama's help," she said while touching the bow slightly.
Once both fighters were back with their teammates, Professor Goodwitch addressed the whole class.
"Today's class was about quick understanding of your surroundings and opponents. There are different ways to approach such difficulties, such as not letting your opponent know enough of you, looking at your opponent's movements, and learning how to attack them. As huntsmen and huntresses, we would find ourselves with missions in which we don't have too much information, or where different unknown factors may occur.
InIn those situations, you may want to relay what you know about yourself more than what you know about others. But never underestimate your opponents." She looked at her students before announcing the end of the class, saying, "Class dismissed."
With that, the students began to file out of the arena. Their voices buzzed with excitement, many still processing the fact that Pyrrha had finally been defeated.
"I didn't think I'd ever see Pyrrha lose," one student whispered, still in disbelief.
As the students exited, Professor Glynda lingered behind, her eyes still on the arena. She walked and tapped on her notepad, bringing up the footage of the final match. Satisfied with what she saw, she saved the video and sent it to General Ironwood without further comment.