[6/12 (Thursday) - Afternoon]
[Vale — Forever Fall]
The forest was far redder than he had imagined.
Stepping out of the Bullhead alongside the others, Clerval silently took in the sight before him. He had done some light reading on Forever Fall beforehand, and already knew that the unusual coloration came from the unique sap produced by the trees native to the region.
Still, seeing it in person was entirely different from simply reading about it.
"Yes, students. The view of the forest of Forever Fall is a sight to behold. But, however beautiful it is, we have a task to complete."
"Each of you will individually retrieve a jar full of sap and place it into the collection containers Beacon has provided," Professor Goodwitch instructed, holding up a sealed jar filled with thick crimson sap as an example. "Professor Peach was rather insistent on acquiring a large batch of samples this time around, so additional academic credits will be awarded for every extra jar your team manages to collect."
She lowered the jar before adjusting her glasses.
"My role here is to ensure all of you return alive and unharmed. Forever Fall is inhabited by numerous Grimm attracted to the sap—particularly species with an affinity for sweeter scents. Exercise caution and remain with your respective teams at all times. If anything occurs, notify me immediately."
Her expression hardened even further. "And please refrain from using any form of combustion while fighting within the forest. We wouldn't want one of Vale's import revenue streams to be up in flames now, would we?"
Glancing at her tablet, she turned her attention back to her students. "We will rendezvous back at the Bullhead in two hours. Remember your tasks... And have fun sightseeing."
============================================
Waiting for the sap to slowly fill the jar was one thing...
"Mmm~ Slurp!"
"Nora..." Ren's voice echoed with a sigh, though it lacked real surprise.
Waiting for the sap to slowly fill the seventh jar because someone kept drinking the samples was another matter entirely.
Clerval sighed as he watched Nora happily sampling the collected sap while Ren periodically handed her another container with the resigned patience of someone who had already accepted his fate.
... Just in case Team Juniper ended up short on samples because of one Nora Valkyrie, he quietly took the next empty jar, placing the fully filled one in his hand farther away from Nora's reach.
Perhaps it was due to him settling near the edge of a small cliff behind him; Clerval was about to refocus back on the task at hand only to pause when a faint rustle came from above.
Without reaction, he subtly raised his head, his attention locking onto the cliff edge above him.
"—Payback." Cardin's voice spoke in a low murmur.
"... Clerval?" That one belonged to Jaune, confusion clear in his tone. "What are you—?"
"That's him. Stupid blondie that's a teacher's pet. Humiliated Sky on the first day with that weird Semblance of his." A sharp click of the tongue followed. "Suicidal prick."
While it was difficult to see what was happening without revealing his position, Clerval could distinctly hear armor shifting and clinking as Cardin likely stood from a crouch or prone position above the cliff edge.
"Alright boys," Cardin said, his tone carrying a satisfied edge. "Last night, good ol' Jaune here managed to round up an entire box of Rapier Wasps." A cardboard container was lightly patted for emphasis. "Nothing too dangerous—only X-rank on the Grimm danger scale—but perfect for what we need."
"According to one of the essays Jaune wrote for me last week, these things looove sweets. So I figure it's time we teach him where he stands."
He continues. "And then? We hit Pyrrha. That red-headed know-it-all. Might be fun watching her get knocked down a few pegs."
A few seconds later, the sound of someone clapping a hand onto his back rang out.
"And you're going to do it."
"D-Do what?"
A heavy sigh.
"Seriously... not the brightest, are you, buddy?" Cardin chuckled darkly. "Hit him with the sap."
A sharp clink of armor against glass sounded.
"Either that, or I'll have a chat with Goodwitch. That'd send you out on the first airship out of Beacon in a second."
Silence stretched as footsteps moved closer to the cliff's edge.
Clerval tilted his head slightly further upward. And for a brief instant, his eyes met Jaune's. A jar of sap was already raised, ready to be thrown straight down onto his back.
A flicker of hesitation passed through Jaune's eyes.
Clerval didn't move. He didn't run.
He believed in Jaune and his judgment.
Instead, he deliberately shifted his attention away, presenting his back fully exposed to him.
Internally, he felt his Courage strengthen greatly at the display of full trust, becoming more earnest in the process.
Above him, the silence deepened.
"No," Jaune declared after a brief, strained pause.
"... What did you say?"
"I said... No!"
The sharp crack of shattering glass reverberated.
"... Oh, you've done it now." Cardin chuckled darkly.
Hearing Jaune being dragged deeper into the forest, Clerval slowly rose to his feet, quietly sealing the jar in his hand before slipping away from Team Ruby and Juniper to track his team leader.
============================================
SOCIAL STAT RANK UP!
KNOWLEDGE — 2 / 5 (Educated)
REPUTATION — 1 / 5 (Pushover)
COURAGE — 1 / 5 (Timid) → 2 / 5 (Earnest) [UP!]
PROFICIENCY — 1 / 5 (Klutzy)
KINDNESS — 1 / 5 (Civil)
============================================
NEXT UPDATE: 11 June, Thursday
A/N: IT'S REALLLL! PERSONA 6 IS REALLL!!! RAHHHHHHH!
AND PERSONA 4 REVIVAL LOOKS AMAZING; IT'S A DAY ONE PURCHASE IN MY EYES! WOOOOOH, WE ARE BACK!
============================================
Please consider supporting me on my Patre0n where I post chapters in advance and new story ideas not on any websites yet.
Your support, even if it's only for a month or even a whole year, helps me dedicate more effort and resources to writing more of my work!
patre0n.c0m/damaine_n
(change the zero to "o")
Advanced Mastery Tier - 3 Advanced Chapters and more (Fully Implemented!)
Ultimate One Tier - 5 Advanced Chapters and much, much more (Fully Implemented!)
============================================