Chapter 4: Aura Unlocked

Codex Entry: [Aura]

No matter which societies we may live in, there will always be a hierarchy between those who are gifted and those who are not. A fine line that separates into ranks in the military, as well as priorities in their daily life

In Remnant, that thing is Aura

"Bless us, Oh Lords

And these, Thy gifts"

- Church of the two Brothers

A manifestation of a person's soul. In times of old, Aura is believed to be the gift to which all was given through their faith of the Brothers. It possess the ability to shield one from the most harmful of injuries and accelerate their healing to a noticeable degree when injured. This property was considered so sacred and miraculous that an entire religion has been born revolved around it

With the right training with Aura one could unlock a plethora of abilities others would consider unnatural. (See Codex Entry: [Semblance] and [Reinforcement]). This allows skilled individuals to achieve greater power through intensive manipulation of their soul energy, leading to the birth of legends all around the world

For years, humanity prosper upon it. With the power of Light they drove back the world's Darkness. Kings and warriors bloom on the battlefield, bringing with it an age of peace that held for millenniums under their leader's watchful eyes

But not all things last. Records have shown a sharp decline in recent decades regarding the rate at which people are able to unlock their Aura. Huntsmen and Elite soldiers become scarce. In the period before the Second Great War, Grimm attacks outside the Kingdom are a common sight, leaving behind a trail of dead bodies to rot in their wake

When conflicts broke out, the entire system was reorganized into more militaristic purpose. Aura is the deciding factor for one's rank in the army, determined through a protocol designed to estimate how many percent of them are able to unlock them.

90% was unable to activate or only activate a partial amount of them, making them be deployed on the frontline as nameless soldiers. The remaining recruits was divided into two categories. People who can unlock 10 - 40% of their Aura are formed into Elites, higher-functioning soldiers used for vital operations outside the Kingdom

The last, only constituting a miniscule amount of them, who can unlock more than 50% of their total Aura reserve are instantly and (quite possibly) forcefully conscipted against their wishes to serve their Kingdom. In return, they receive higher wage and privilages compared to their lower, more inferior brethren

Though quite simple in detail, this would actually become a widespread system adopted by many Kingdoms to bolster their forces. The lack of Aura, while a tragedy on its own, can be considered a merit in some way

Can you imagine the destruction a war fought between Aura users could cause?

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Wait. What?

The journal clacked close, revealing my frowning face behind it

The sun shone down on us as we walked along a desolate path along Vale's outskirt. The bandit took the lead as per my request, his body sweating heavily either from the heat or just anxiety, I cannot tell

That can't be it. This entry doesn't even let me know how I'm even supposed to unlock my Aura

Obviously, to learn the way to acquire it was already my intention from the start. This kind of power could benefit me in many ways in comabt situations, immortality aside

Increased defence. I could ward off smaller attacks such as shrapnel, barbwire, and potentially explosions from unspecialized grenade. Though I can simply commit suicide and revive myself free of any handicap gained before. Let's just say doing that is...painful to me. It's better to not get hit by the sword than heal from the sword after all

Boosted offense. Based on my fight with Cardin and Russel, I can enhance my combat capabilities with Aura to the point of being able to move at unseen speed. And, from the way Cardin was wielding his mace, moving things easier as well

Now the only thing I have to worry about is whether Raven herself possess Aura if it was so rare. If

It's a miniscule chance. A one in a thousand, seeing as she is...well, motherfucking Raven. A part of team STRQ back in the day. Though that too is subjective to change, it will not hurt to try to see for myself if that is true

Jaune

I frowned. The boy did not unlock his Aura just like in the show. A part of me that is a selfish bastard could care less about what happened to him. Another smaller part was worried for his safety. From what I've heard, the front we're previously in is exceptionally vulnerable for aerial attacks and concentrated charge. If he doesn't switch unit in the next several days, it's likely that he would get himself killed

I really should have brought him with me, huh?

Shaking my head, I decided to pay attention to the road we're traveling. Right now we're in a forest, with no Grimm or other animals in sight except for the dense foliage surrounding us. It makes sense the bandits would choose this location as their hideout

Regardless, I came with peaceful intention.

There's no way they could be hostile toward me, right?

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The bullet pierced through the lead bandit's head as I pulled him in front of me, effectively altering the projectile's path enough for them to only whizz by my face

This is not how I imagined it would go

"Shoot him!" I could hear one of the bandits yelled out heatedly to his comrade amidst the gunfire "Make him regret ever stepping foot in our territory!"

Cursing, I threw myself toward the nearest bush. Behind me the bullets rained on the ground, creating deep holes before being followed by minor explosions afterward

My horse neighed behind me. I spared him a glance as a plan started forming in my head. Right now I'm trying to meet their leader, but the guards were already giving out hostile exchange right off the bat. I'll have to go through them to get their gate opened

I jammed a knife in my neck. As I fell the class screen was presented again. This time I chose the [Scout] class. One of the more reliable class when it comes to mobility and precision.

Why? Since I still have a need for them and their settlement, it's best to take these bandits down in the least destructive way possible. Coincidentally, a bullet through the head do just that

Choose your class weapon

[Steam Rifle] (Free)

[Bolt-action Rifle] (Free)

[Semi-automatic Rifle] (300 points)

[Heavy Rifle] (450 points)

[Anti-Aura Rifle] (800 points)

.....

I chose the default bolt-action one. An antique, outdated wooden rifle appeared in my hand that would have been rather hard to use if not in the hand of a war veteran. I was fine with it since I've had training with these kind in my old world

Beside, I don't like spending my points on better equipment unless they're absolutely necessary. Something about spending money just rub me the wrong way

I carefully set the gun in position and took a deep breath. I peeked out of the tree to see that the bandits are lined up against the wall of their camps, all too ready to snipe me down the moment I got out of my hiding place

With a mental command, my horse neighed. One of my class skills enable me to give my mount given orders as long as they are simple enough, and I gave it a simple one

"Go wild"

It's eyes shone with rage as the animal started charging through the frontline. Instantly the bandit's attention was drawn toward the horse as they opened fire on it. Yet - to my slight surprise - he can actually evade them very well, leaving only few bullets able to graze his skin

Not letting the chance goes, I raised my rifle and took a shot that cleaved through the bandit's head. The bullet was ejected as I pulled back the bolt, instantly loading it and taking another shot that pierced through another's chest

"Get No Scoped, you damned ruffian"

I managed to take down another three of them before they started to notice my presence. Yet by then it was too late as the flash grenade I threw just moments before already activated, causing a blinding white light to envelope the surrounding area

Most of the bandits were stunned. Other closer to the explosion radius screamed in pain while clawing at their eyes, allowing me to take quick shot of them across the plain

Enemy Killed: 8 (160 points)

Headshot: 6 (120 points)

A sharp noise drew my attention to the camp's main gate. Somehow my horse had been able to ram the heavily fortified entrance open by ramming into it. Taking the chance amidst the chaos I walked into the now busted settlement.

As the dust cleared, my grin soon faded. I gazed upon the line of bandits pointing their firearms at me. The cocking of hammers could be heard as they readied to fire off at a moment's notice

For a group of lawless individuals these bandits are well-organized. It seems as thought there's a hierarchy here

My finger twitched. A rebellious, and possibly downright stupid thought surfaced in my mind

A hierarchy. That's right...There can only be order among thieves when someone took the reign as the Alpha. Someone who proves themseles superior to their brethren and has full capability to lead the pack would be the optimal choice

In that case...

"I challenge your leader to a duel!" My voice rang out in the clearing. Loud as thunder, crisp as lightning, which immediately set the bandit's backs to straighten on instinct.

Silence reigned. Not a sound can be heard uttered in the ensuing stare off between us. Some of them were sweating, while others were shaking for reasons I can't comprehend.

Don't tell me...they are afraid of me?

That was unlikely. I haven't made any threats toward them, merely made an offer they couldn't refuse. That does not count as scaring them, right?

The thought made me paused. Yet I still stand strong. Soon enough, a soft chucklke can be heard from behind the backline as an armored figure walked forward.

Like the sea before Moses, the crowd of bandits split into a clear path, allowing her to walk to the front in her intimidating glory.

A red skirt, protective gears clad in crimson leather cover her upper body, trailing down to the blood-colored gauntglets by her side. Beneath the ivory mask, a pair of chilling eyes gazed back at me as the woman caressed the blade by her side

One look at her, and my instinct was already screaming danger

Raven Branwen and I stared down each other. I reigned in the feeling of pure anxiety rushing through my heart, letting my exterior a perfect poker face for her to see

"To think someone would barge in here and demand to fight me" She whispered, taking off her mask and for once showing me her face "You are either the bravest man I've met, or the stupidest"

My eyes blanked. I gazed into those crimson orbs that adorned her smooth pale face. This woman, this...fourty-something woman possess a look that would put even the most famous of model back on Earth to shame

Oh my dick, she's actually beautiful. Dangerously beautiful, but beautiful nonetheless

I mean even Jaune and the rest of the soldiers on the battlefield look attractive by Earth's standard, which is already an indication of this. I just never expected the female to be...well...

Let's just say I has some pretty little crush on these characters when they're still two-dimensional figures on the screen. Little miss raven here is pretty high on the list of my fanboying list back then due how edgy she look

"And what if I am both? Would you fight me, then?" I lost my composure at the end. My voice cracked slightly, making it so that it seems as though I'm mocking her. Before I could correct myself, Raven narrowed her eyes in coldness

"Preposterous. I can tell with a glance do not have your Aura unlocked. It would be far too simple for me to kill you right here and be done with it" Her hand gripped tightly around the sword's hilt, before it loosened and she walked away

"Vernal, take care of this intruder. If he lose, simply discard his corpse outside for the maggots to feed on"

"And what if I win?"

The Branwen paused

"Then I will face you myself. It's always up to the leader to deal with those who wants to challenge their authority"

But I'm not trying to challenge your authority. Who wants to lead a bunch of bandit with their amateurish gunplay? I want to unlock my Aura and just get on my merry way damn it

"Well well, looks like leader had left the prey with me" From the crowd emerged a girl of petite stature, with rough-cut brown hair and mismatched clothing befitting of a scavenger

"I hope you don't break too often, outsider"

My instinct flared in danger as I took a step back just in time for her to slash at me. The cut still managed make contact with my skin, drawing a trail of blood in its wake

The wound was shallow. But I know she's not even serious about fighting me

Unsheathing my knife I raised it up as the second slash come. Sparks flew as we made contact. My hand trembled, steel grinding against each other as the pressure from the girl overpowered me

My other hand grabbed the revolver from its holster and unload the cylinder at her at point blank range. This successfully depleted her Aura by a little. Vernal stumbled back with a snarl, grasping at her chest

"You're dead, fucker"

With a look of rage, she walked forward. As soon as her feet touched the ground the bandit disappeared from my sight.

I let out a faint growl as Vernal's footstep sounded behind me. Before I could turn around the little fucker jumped on me with a scream and slammed her knife against my skull. The next thing I know I was dead

And then I'm not dead

You know the drill

Watching as my killer walked away, I quickly purchased some skills for the [Scout] class

Scout 1st Skill: [Focused Aim]

- Rifle's accuracy is increased by 25% when standing still for over 3 seconds

You have purchased this skill for 600 Points

Scout 2nd skill: [Piercing Shot]

- Every fourth shot from your rifle pierce through multiple enemies. Piercing Shot does more damage against enemies with protection

You have purchased this skill for 800 Points

Next are Perk that increased shot velocity. Perk that increase armor penetration. Perk that enhance accuracy. I bought more of them using points and continuously strengthen myself

The sound of the bolt being pulled out rang out, before a shot impacted against Vernal's unprotected back. She stumbled, turning back to glare at me who calmly reloaded the rifle in preparation for another shot

BANG

Another bullet hit her shoulder, but Vernal was already in front of me. The third shot missed her as she tilted her head to the right. The bandit grabbed me by the head and slammed it toward the ground, breaking it into craters from her enhanced strength

My consciousness flickered. I tried to stay focused on the action of reloading the rifle once more. Utilizing the moment when she raised me up for another slam, I jammed my gun-gun under Vernal's chin and pulled the trigger

There was a loud yang as the fourth shot was fired. The piercing shot, designed to break through protection of all kinds while enhanced by my three perks, impacted against Vernal's skull at point blank range

Even with Aura, she's not walking away unharmed from that

The bandit flew back and crashed to the ground. There was only silence afterward as the young girl laid there unmoving, her twitching finger the only indication she's still alive

For such an agile fighter, her endurance is surprisingly shit

My conscience is telling me to just put a bullet on her. But seriously considering that it might make me get kicked out of here, i'm not willling to take the risk

Putting the rifle back on, I turned around, only to be greeted with the remaining bandits staring at me in shock and...awe?

"I can't believe it...that guy defeated Vernal. The Vernal who's been trained by Raven herself"

"He doesn't even have Aura. He's just like us. But how..."

"He is challenging Raven. He's going straight to the leader's seat"

"Ah, Mr. Wanderer" A crisp voice rang out between the bandits, silencing their conversations. A nucsled elderly man walked forward from the crowd and addressed me "Raven had just sent words. She wants to meet you at the other side of the camp"

Some of the bandits split to the side, clearing away a path for me to take. They straightened their backs as I walked by, a strange sense of respect in their eyes

Bruh. What did I do?

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I calmly walked out to the back of the camp. The old man from before bowed at Raven before excusing himself from us

Idly. I took a glance around. The soil beneath us were hardened dirt mixed with nothing but stones and pebbles. The camp was hidden in the forest, but at this angle it would seem those inside have more of a vantage point than others.

A nice strategic hit point, but not ideal for a settlement

Then again, I would hardly call a bandit hideout as a settlement

At the edge of my eyes I saw Raven standing alone, gazing out past the forest and beyond. My feet carried me as I walked toward her and stopped by the woman's side

"Your fight against Vernal is...impressive" She said, slender hand once again holding onto the Odachi at her side. It's name is Omen if memory serves me right "I've underestimated you. For that I apologized, let us settle that with this-"

"Hold it there. You know I never intend to fight you right? That's just a way for me to get to you without fihgting through half the camp to get to you"

Raven's hand left the hilt in disappointment

"Is that so? Very well. " After a moment she said. I only nodded, knowing she has more on her mind "Then I have something to say"

"For the past few months, we've been fleeing from Mistralian soil to arrive here at the outskirt of Vale. We lost many men and women on the way. They were family to me" The Branwen started monologuing, I simply sat back and listen

"When we went here our numbers have already been reduced to less than half due to the army's clash. The tribe have to deal with guard Specialist and other dangers along the way, dwindling us down even more. As such, we are in need of new members"

"So you want to recruit me for the tribe?"

"Exactly. You are strong" She nodded "While not in possession of Aura, you somehow took down one of my more elite members with normal equipment after you've broke the initial sniper line. I think you will be a fine addition to our family, perhaps even a good leader if you manage to defeat me in combat"

Disregarding the fact that I just took down a dozen or so of her men. All this milf care about is my skill. How very...her

"Tempting offer, but I refuse"

"Even when that means you won't starve like the farmers who have to give up ther sons for war?"

Again, I shook my head

"I'm sorry, a bandit's life just wasn't for me"

"Then...why did you come here?" She asked

"I want to unlock my Aura" was my reply "Or alternatively, how to unlock it"

They might have done that to me in the military protocal examination. The fact that I'm deployed in the frontline is enough indication to tell me that my Aura failed to activate

But a theory presents itself to me. Since Aura, as the Codex had mentioned, in essence is the manifestation of a person's soul. And that their following abilities are entirely dependent on the properties of that soul...

What if my soul swap with the previous (Y/n) will actually help me to unlock my Aura? It's a possibility worth looking over

"Hm, very well. I see you have a strong conviction to improving yourself" Raven smirked, crimson eyes gazing at me "That's a rather attractive quality for a man, I'll say"

I only nodded

"But, what do you have in return? Aura activation costs a lot of effort to initiate, and I'm not going to do it for free"

"You said you're lacking supplies like food and gears" I held out a hand "I can help with that, but only if you agree to accept my offer"

She looked at me. Eagerness and curiosity were hard to hide

"Very well"

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Raven set her hand on my chest. A warm glow came from it, enveloping my body

"Peace is a lie, there is only passion"

I felt something moved inside me. Not in the physical sense, but as if my entire being is being affected the more that light spread across it

Every vein was filled with energy. Every inch of muscle, every cells revitalizing

"Through passion, I gain strength"

I gritted my teeth as a sudden pain enveloped my chest. The air in my lungs boiled as I struggled to breathe

"Through strength, I gain power"

The feeling of suffocation increased every second. Blood started pounding in my ear as her chant faded into the background

"Throgh power, I gain victory"

Fight it. Deny its claim. I will triumph. My fist clenched tightly together

I refuse to fail here

I refuse to be weak

"Through victory, my chains are broken."

I will never be weak

Something snapped inside of me. As if my body had reached its breaking point

"Through my hand I free you from the frailty of men"

All at once, I could feel every restraint on my body were opened.

I let out a growl as the rush of power nearly overwhelmed me. But such feelings didn't last long as they soon forcefully suppressed under my will

"By my words, let your souls howl on death and carnage. For that is where you belong"

No longer was there the intense rush of power coursing through my vein. The raging flame from before has now settled down into a simmering sense of strength. No less powerful, but much more dangerous

"That's the end of it" Raven put down her hand and exhaled in shock. Sweats gathered on her brow as she tried not to pant from exhaustion "Oum, the amount of Aura you have..."

I staggered backward but managed to balance myself

Right now, my body felt...lighter. It felt as if I can move much faster than before

"Did I do it?"

"Yes, it was a success" She groaned "You got 43% of your Aura unlocked"

Aura had been acquired (43%)

- All Elite class has been unlocked

- All Elite weapons have been unlocked

- Skills to each Mundane class is increased by 5

- Skill window for each class is increased by 2

- All Elite Perks unlocked

- Perk window for each class is increased by 2

- Equipment Load increase to 70Kg

- Projectile Damage decreased by 30%

- Explosive Damage decreased by 30%

- Codex Entry: [Semblance] unlocked

- Codex Entry: [Reinforcement] unlocked

That's...not bad actually. Even if its not a complete one hundred, this should place me somewhere between a high-class Elite and low-class Specialist in terms of combat potential.

"Ahem" Raven's cough frew me back to the presence. I looked over to see her raising an eyebrow at me "Now I've unlocked your Aura, I hope you will keep to your end of the deal"

Ah, yes. I did promised her  to provide the clan with supplies...

[Open Shop]

[Consumables]

Choose the items you want to buy

- [Loaf of bread] (4 points): Stall Hunger for 3/2 days

- [Bottle of Water] (3 points): Stall Thirst for 1 day

- [Raw Beef] (10 points): Stall Hunger for 5 days. Increase Aura regen

- [Raw Pork] (10 points): Stall Hunger for 5 days. Increase Aura regen

- [Raw Human Meat] (6 points): Stall hunger for 4 days. Chance of suffering from guilt and disgust

"Let's see" I purchased the supplies as they appeared on a nearby table. Raven gaped "There's meat, there's flour, rice, bread, some more meat, fresh water...maybe some more vegetables to balance their diet"

A clutter of food clattered onto the table. As the last of the items I purchased touched down, there was silence between us

...

...

"What are you gaping at?" I rolled my eyes and walked past her "Consider out deal done, miss Branwen. Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere else to go"

"B-bu-but" She stuttered "B-b-b-b-bu-but...."

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It's not hard to retrieve my horse from the bandit camp and and get out of there

Now I'm walking along the road to central Vale, contemplating on my next destination

If there's anything I learned. It's that points contribute to a major part of my progress in getting stronger. To earn points, one needs to kill

But who said it have to be human I kill? Maybe it also works with Grimm. The Grimm

I'll stay from killing human for a while. I'll need some time to train myself before tackling the war again. Possibly I'll ally myself with Ozpin to stop Salem from completing...whatever her plan was

Something tells it's not going to be easy once I came back to the frontline