Arc of Chaldea

Chapter 17: Clash on the Mountain

Team JNPR stood at the base of a particularly imposing mountain, their gazes sweeping over the rugged terrain as they strategized for the upcoming challenge. Across the field, their opponents Team BRNZ mirrored their stance, their expressions determined and focused on the task ahead. The air crackled with anticipation and excitement as both teams prepared for the ultimate test of skill and strategy.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Team RWBY and their companions had gathered to watch the match unfold. The energy in the air was palpable, a buzzing mixture of excitement and tension. The rustle of clothing and murmurs added to the lively atmosphere. Yang, always one for playful teasing, nudged Bazett with her elbow and a mischievous glint in her eye. It was clear that everyone was eager for the battle to begin.

Yang couldn't help but let out a chuckle as she recognized Bazett. "So you're the one that Vomit boy used as a lap pillow during the breach," she quipped.

Bazett's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment as she remembered when Jaune had used her as an impromptu lap pillow and how it had been broadcast live. She still couldn't live it down at Chaldea. Mash, meanwhile jerked a bit and gave Bazett a betrayed look filled with envy. This caused Fou who had been nesting atop her head to reposition and tap her head in light irritation at being moved.

Ruby resisted the sudden urge to pet Fou and found herself wondering just what kind of animal he was.

At the same time Cinder and her team were also watching the match preparations with great interest. Cinder's eyes honed in on Jaune seeing one of the greatest threats to her plan. "See if you can uncover which two members will advance to the doubles round." She ordered

"Use your friendship with team RWBY if you have to. While Nikos's sembelence is known to us we are in the dark about the rest of her team. We can't plan accordingly if we are in the dark about this.

Mercury leaned forward eagerly, a sly grin playing on his lips. "This should be entertaining. Let's see what the golden boy and his team are truly capable of."

As the beginning of the match neared, Cinder's team readied their scrolls to record and analyze every move and tactic used by both teams. With each bit of information gathered, they knew it could prove invaluable for their plans.

With the countdown coming to an end, team BRNZ wasted no time and sprang into action with practiced ease. Seeing that JNPR was seemingly still in the middle of their discussion Brawnz surged forward intent on eliminating them in one strike. Unluckily for him, Jaune had seen him coming from the corner of his eye. After giving his team a series of hand signals, he pulled out his P90 and gave Brawnz a brief lesson on the consequences of acting without thinking. Moving forward while keeping up a stream of fire he then engages the rest of the team in close-quarters combat. Mindful of the fact that he would be at a disadvantage in a prolonged fight with three brawlers.

"I need to hurry up and deliver their surprise before they overwhelm me via sheer momentum."

Jaune moved with fluidity and precision against his three opponents, his sword a blur of silver steel. Each strike was calculated and deliberate, seamlessly transitioning into the next as he simultaneously strategized his next move.

The brawlers were overconfident in their numerical advantage, rushing in with reckless abandon to overwhelm Jaune. But amidst the chaos of battle, Jaune deftly planted a grenade on one of the members of BRNZ without them even noticing. A sly smirk graced his lips as he taunted, "Hold onto this for me, would you?" before swiftly disengaging and rolling away.

The grenade detonated with a controlled explosion, sending shockwaves through the air. The targeted BRNZ member's aura flared brightly before quickly diminishing, while the other two were thrown off balance by the blast, their coordination shattered momentarily.