Chapter 2: I Scream*

On top of the mountain edge before the barren borders of the land of darkness lay a towering gothic castle covered by a thick layer of fog, barring entrants that may be enticed by the marble castle's allure. 

Inside it sat a man on a golden throne. He wore an ancient white Robe, But beneath it were chiseled muscles that were pulsating with pure power.  His face obscured by a mask. Underneath it was a frown for he sensed a disturbance in his territory.

The meteorite like thing that pierced the atmosphere didn't escape his golden eyes that observed the trajectory of the object. He smiled revealing an alluring smile fatal to whomever sees it.

"Eris." He muttered lightly. A few seconds later A female figure appeared right in front of him. She quickly knelt down and paid courtesy. "You called for me my liege?" She answered with her melodic voice without any trace of emotions.

"Did you feel that? I felt a surge of Mana that don't belong to this world." He said as he finished his drink. Her beautiful blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail swayed as she shook her head. Her beautiful face had no change in expression. Her entire countenance was cold as ice.

"Forgive my ineptitude my liege." She answered as she gripped her fist tightly. He chuckled softly, "Perhaps, I couldn't delay my plans any longer." He stood up and pristine white wings sprouted from his back. "I shall go to both Sloth and Greed to discuss our next step. In the meantime train that child Envy picked up." 

The beautiful woman named Eris bowed her head, "Your will be done my leige." 

With a flap of his wings he disappeared from his previous spot. Leaving a trail of white feathers that gave off an unsettling presence. She picked up the nearest feather admiring it's beauty. She then proceeded to crumple and crush it underneath her balled fist. She threw it aside and started walking away while wearing a manic smile.

Meanwhile, Haruki woke up groggily. He looked around and all he saw was a large crater and a dense forest. It's reddish leaves gave an archaic vibe to it as a whole. He whistled as he admired it's beauty.

He stood up slowly as he looked down he realized that he woke up at the center of the large crater. "How am I alive?" He said as he felt around his body to find out the bullet wounds were healing faster than normal. He then gave a look of surprise towards the metal strapped on his arm.

"Any plans on telling me where we are?" He said as he climbed out of the crater. "Judging from these trees I think... I have no fucking clue." He said in all seriousness.

(It is an alternate reality. Perhaps I was pulled here by an outside force or I was influenced by your psyche. In any case this has never happened before. Usually I'll only transport my wielders to the safest place in the quadrant.

It almost drained the blood essence I have gathered for a really long time. That's why I can't even give you a proper landing. What an interesting situation.) 

It said as it wallowed in its own thoughts. Haruki on the other hand scratched his head, "So this ain't my reality?" He said as he chuckled and shook his head.

"So what is this reality called? No... scratch that what is this place called?" He asked as picked up the oddly familiar leaf that blew his way.

(We're in Remnant.)

"That's a weird name for a plane- -" His eyes widened as he looked around once more. He dashed madly at a random direction. He frowned as the dense forest view never changed. The same reddish view never left his  eyes that looked like the dark abyss.

He sat at a nearby large rock. Overlooking a nearby river. "I need to calm down. I'll wash up first." He said as he washed the bloodstains and dirt from his body.

(I sensed an increase in your heart rate. Are you alright?)

It asked him quizzically. He showed a lonely smile towards his reflection in the water. "Yeah... I'm surprised is all."

(I see, I thought it might be interdimensional madness. I was worried for a second I lost another wielder from it.)

"Hah. Nice one." He said as he washed his handsome looking face. However Ars Magus quickly refuted him.

(It's not a joke. It happened when we hopped dimensions, he went crazy.)

Haruki felt his back grew cold. He gave a wry smile and reminisced. 'Remnant huh? Are you jealous of me right now? Haha... I bet if you were in my shoes you'd be jumping in glee.' 

 'However, It doesn't make any sense. How in the hell could I exist here? No, nothing makes sense. I made a deal with an unknown entity.

In retrospect this is just probably just a regular Wednesday to them.' He thought to himself as he chuckled. "It's kinda wild... If she we're here she'd be screaming that she's got clout or something." He dried himself as he wore the torn and ragged clothes he had.

He momentarily set aside the pain and sadness he was feeling, as he reminisced about how he used to watch it on the weekends with her. However Ars Magus interrupted him.

(Since this is another reality you need to blend in with the locals. As I scanned the planet, I have found that the people here have an inherent ability to gather Mana and turn it into an aura that they emit.

Also they could use that very same Aura to turn it into their personal magic or as they call it on this world 'A Semblance'.

Haruki was momentarily stunned. "You're gonna give me a fucking what now!?" His hands shook as he raised his hand that Ars Magus was strapped on. His eyes blinked multiple times.

(But first I need to turn your body into a suitable one. A wielder need to be in an optimal state.

I'm going to say this now, but your body has been polluted by years of smoking and alcohol. I'm surprised you lasted this long when you're living so recklessly.) It said as it scanned his body. Haruki chuckled but stayed silent as he let Ars Magus do it's work.

(Besides I'm detecting a dangerous alien substance flowing through your bloodstream. For how many years have you consumed this?)

He scratched his head in puzzlement, "You mean the Shura Blood Flower? Since I started training under my adoptive father. He gave it to me to use a deadly art that consumes my lifespan."

(You continuously devoured this for years? Without any side effects?)

He sat down on the tall rock as he stretched his upper body as he conversed with Ars Magus. "Intense bloodlust, Unquenchable Rage, Inhuman Strength and Godly Senses. The Path of Shura makes use of all the flowers side effects and turns one into an unstoppable killing machine. Maybe He and I grew reliant on it over the years.

(That's exactly what happened, That's why I have to revert your body where the irreversible damage wasn't still there.)

It said as Haruki was covered in a combination of red and black swirling torrent of Mana. He howled in pain as his entire body felt like it was being engulfed in hellfire. His body was being continually being broken down and rebuilt. The soul crushing pain didn't last long but the sensation would perhaps linger in his head longer.

His breathing grew ragged as he didn't even have the will to stand up. He lay face up on the flat Rock. As his chest rose and fell he tried to wipe the sweat and blood on his entire body.

"You... could've...*Haaahhh* done... this earlier? When I haven't taken a fucking bath!? Now I'm covered in grime and blood...Again!" He sat up all exhausted. He glared at his weapon and planned on straight up jumping down to the river.

(I...I forgot. I was so busy gathering more information this world. It is an interesting find that this place shares more things with your world.

Except for the wildlife that roam this world. Monstrous Entities that are made up of darkness and fueled by negative energy roam this world. They have no soul and have no other purpose other than to take life. They have no capability of weilding aura nor do they have any semblance. They might serve as a good energy source.)

It said as Haruki jumped down the river once more. He saw his reflection in the water, He saw a younger version of himself, A handsome boy filled with the aura of youth. A perfectly lined nose and chiseled body made him wear a cocky grin as he nodded. As he was busy appreciating his newly regained youth. Multiple rustling of leaves were heard. As if someone or something was running towards his general direction.

(Detecting multiple hostiles proceeding to phase 1 of inheritance.)

Haruki was surprised by the sudden alarm. He climbed out of the river and stood fearlessly butt naked. Waiting for his enemies to arrive.

(Surely you're not facing them like that now, are you?)

Haruki frowned, "What the fuck do you want me to do? My clothes are dirty as fuck!" He said but Ars Magus wasn't having it.

(Nope, Here's some clothes based on the clothes of this kingdom.)

He was covered in swirling red Mana as clothes wrapped around him. Brown cargo shorts, an orange shirt and a pair of white shoes. His mouth twitched, "Was this a mish mash of some shit on the discount aisle? Why the fuck is it orange!? Why cargo shorts!? Fucking hell..."

(Proceeding to Phase 1: Tutorial mode.)

"Hey don't fucking ignore me man! At least give me black jeans or something!" He tried to bargain with his weapon.

( This tutorial's purpose is to teach you how to wield me. An efficient way of passing on his inheritance. Unlike my brother Nova who's a reckless idiot and only knows how to run his mouth.

Materializing Weapons as you may have noticed is my main function. I can also use magic but, unlike my brothers and sisters my magic capabilities are quite limited.

The more tiers I unlock the more powerful weapons I can create. So devour them and stand at the top.)

"Holy Shit! You have exceeded my expectations. Very well I shall accept your trust and become the strongest . Excalibur!!!" He screamed as he raised his hands up. A large torrent of Mana swirled around him. After a few seconds a blinding glow illuminated the dense forest. A Large Golden Longsword appeared on his hand. It's Sheath was made from wood that was painted white and blue with golden engravings.

He grinned as he attempted to pull it out from it's sheath but it's not budging. He kept trying, he even used his full strength but it was only drawn halfway. Veins popped on his head, "Magus! Can I call you that? Why the fuck ain't it working?

(Affirmative you can call me that. It's simply because you're not the chosen one. All weapons have legends tied to them. Legendary feats by their wielders, if the weapon doesn't seem you worthy then you won't be able to wield it.)

He inhaled a deep breath to calm himself down. He grit his teeth and went near a boulder half his size. He screamed and stabbed the rock embedding the sword along with it's sheath. "Fine... You wanna play ball!? I'll play along! Raaaaaaaaarrrghhhh" He tried pulling the sword from the stone but to no avail. The only thing he did was to lift the boulder using the sword.

He was screaming in despair as he held the sword in the Stone. It quickly disappeared as he realized he could create even more powerful weapons than Excalibur if he unlocked more tiers. He grinned as he saw the monsters come out of the bushes.

They looked like werewolves with obsidian like fur. Their red eyes glowed with fervor as they eyed their prey. Their body had bone like spikes coming out of them. Their head was covered with their skull with red lines running across it in complete symmetry.

In this world these abyssal creatures were called Grimm, and this specific type was one of the common ones. Called the Beowolves.

They growled as they threatened Haruki. He however just frowned. He wielded the sword in the Stone like a hammer. He dashed and slammed it on the nearest one. Aiming at it's skull he let gravity do it's work.

When it connected it buried the beowolf down on the ground. He stepped back to see how much damage it did. However the Grimm quickly stood up unscathed. He stared in complete puzzlement, but it was quickly clarified by Magus.

(Since it hasn't acknowledged you yet. You can't draw it's full potential. I suggest this weapon. The Skoll and Hati claws. A weapon of fire and ice. The wolves that chase the sun and the moon.)

A pair of black and white gloves with claws at each fingertip gave a sharp glint. They each had a symbol of both the moon and the sun. A surge of Mana swirled at his hands. He could feel it's power. He closed his eyes and saw two large imposing wolves staring down at him.They both huffed and bowed their heads. His head ached as information entered his head. They taught him how to use the weapon's power. However when he looked at the two wolves he saw a faint silhouette of a towering gray wolf behind them. It's red eyes glowed menacingly.

(Synchronized Perfectly, Materialization complete. Time to Harvest their blood.)

Haruki smirked revealing his sharp canines. He lunged at th beowolf nearest to him. He punched it in the chest and the Grimm was sent back by 1 meter.

It howled in rage as it lunged towards him trying to bite his neck. He held it's mouth in place and tore it apart. He dug his claws in it's chest and kicked it away. Tendrils extended from the watch and wrapped around the corpse to absorb it. Haruki could feel himself being filled with vigor. It was as if he took in the physical prowess of the Grimm the Ars Magus just devoured.

He clawed wildly towards the Beowolves like a mad man. He mounted the nearest Grimm and held its skull crushing it. He Jumped towards another and slashed downwards ripping apart the face of the Grimm angering it further. Flames gathered on his claws named Skoll. He tore through its chest creating a fist sized hole.

The Beowolves charged at him as well slowly pushing him back. Yet he fought recklessly, not implementing any technique. He was wounded by their claws. He was laughing the whole time. As if he reveled in the battle, bordering on death's edge put a big smile on his face. He materialized a smoke bomb as he threw it on the ground.

Hiding in the smoke he proceeded to eliminate the beowolves, as quick and as efficient as possible. As he was about to deal the finishing blow to the last Grimm. "AOWUUUU!!" He heard an earthshaking howl as he was kicked in the chest, sending him flying towards the river. The Alpha Beowolf appeared. It was covered in bone like armor and has more bone like spikes around it than the regular ones. Glaring at Haruki for killing it's minions. Soon after it's howl more of the same Grimm came from the forest.

He stood up and ran towards dry land but he was surrounded by Grimm. His mind raced to think of a solution for his conundrum. He smiled and gathered both ice and fire on both his hands and slammed his fists together. Creating steam that obscured their vision.

They mindlessly charged in as they heard him Making big splashes. What greeted them however were sharp spikes made of ice. Multiple of their brethren were impaled instantly. They were quickly devoured by the Ars Magus.

He froze the area around the river in a 30 meter radius. He made it their battleground. Haruki created more steam. Making the ice a little slippery. Hiding within it Haruki waits. The Alpha cautiously approached the thick layer of steam. Trying to sniff out haruki. He materialized a bottle of nitroglycerin threw it at the Alpha, sensing the approaching attack the alpha slashed towards it, He froze half of the alpha's body. Haruki ignited his claws and threw it at the alpha. Creating a strong explosion clearing the fog that surrounded them. No matter how much damage he has done it still wasn't enough to kill it though.

The alpha limps towards haruki with a low growl. Telling him it can still kill. He then broke the Ice spikes and threw it at the alpha, the alpha used it's mangled arms to block hindering it's vision, as it was about to dash madly at haruki he has already disappeared. When the alpha looked up it was already too late.

Haruki summoned a Blood Red Katana with a black handle. A katana that absorbs the aura of both the owner and the enemy. Slashing diagonally, It cut off the head of the Alpha.

The Life Reaping Blade, it was called. He closed his eyes only to see a puddle of blood. It then swirled and gathered into a tiny bead and landed on his hand.

He was exhausted so he laid directly on the ground. "Hahahaha!! So this is the power of the 'Ars Magus'... Not bad, Not Bad at all." He said wearing a manic smile. The adrenaline from the battle gave him enough juice to shamble towards the nearest human habitat.

As he was walking on the dense forest he heard the Ars Magis say,

(Enough Blood essence to give you a Semblance that will help you blend in this world.)

"Finally, now what do I get?" He asked with absolute anticipation.

(Acquiring Mass Manipulation and Lightning Form.

20%...30%....50%...80%....100%

After scanning your body I have deemed these to be your most suitable semblances. Your mastery of the sword and proficiency on multiple weapons has also made my job easier as weapon mastery is necessary to wield me perfectly.

I have bestowed you the ability to be one with any weapon you materialize or hold. That is Absolute Weapon Mastery.

Lightning form is the ability to turn into a bolt of lightning as well as manipulate electricity to a certain extent. Your lightning quick reflexes is what gave me this idea.

Mass manipulation is to make any weapon you carry lighter or heavier creating an impact on your every strike.

As you grow more powerful these abilities grow with you, and perhaps even more. Now become strong enough to achieve what you want. It is my duty as The Ars Magus to help my wielder achieve their wish.

Perhaps even in the future when you stand at the top, you could help me fullfil my wish as well.)

Although he was stunned by the strength he acquired. He was more drawn in by Magus's cryptic words. However he didn't ask, he figured he wasn't that strong yet. He dragged his wounded body that was healing fast but not on a visible rate. His body was healing but his old scars remained. It could've been removed but he didn't want that so Magus just left it. It was as much of him as his personality. It's what shaped him to be who he is now.

He saw the entrance towards the town. It was bright. He covered his eyes with his uninjured hand and saw the people running about their busy lives. He couldn't help but show a faint smile.

He was a wandering vagrant on a desolate planet, decimated by countless wars. To him this kind of atmosphere was new. He has seen countless worlds ravaged by monstrous aliens, it was devoid of hope. Yet this place had people smiling. Bravely facing whatever this cruel world throws at them. He smiled and turned around, "I'll hunt the Monsters around this area a little more. To make myself stronger." He said making an excuse towards no one.

Haruki continuously slew monsters activating his Lightning Form he zipped towards them with skoll and hati, since he already has Absolute weapon mastery the way he weilded skoll and hati made him an Apex Hunter.

Slowly but steadily he is inching on unlocking the first two skills of the claws .

[Reflecting Moon] which counters the attack then reflects two times of the damage it received, then combines it with a counter. [Exploding Star] A straight punch which destroys the inner organs of the target burning them from the inside out. These skills require massive amounts of aura, so for now he could only use both once per day.

Without even noticing it he has spent 5 straight days hunting down Grimm. He has absorbed enough blood essence to help him open an interdimensional portal twice.

Since He has hunted a lot, he thought to himself that it's enough and he deserves a rest. Covered in various wounds, and exhausted to the brink of fainting. He garnered stares from everyone. *pant pant* "Shit I overdid it a little... *cough* I still haven't recovered yet..."

The rain made it even harder to approach the wounded boy. He dragged his exhausted body to slowly sit down, leaning on an empty crate. while the rain continued to crash onto him. 'Am I going to drown to death? fuck... hahahaha' He thought to himself as his eyelids grew heavier. As he was about to faint he saw a shadow of a young girl with an umbrella trying to block the rain away from him.

As clarity came to Haruki he stared at the young girl, with eyes that don't match, her hair had 3 different shades, like ice cream. A very cute young lady. The girl just smiled at him as she held the umbrella.

Haruki was startled for this was 'Neo' A twelve year old Neo. So he was sent to the past of RWBY he thought. 5 years ago to be exact. The girl gathered aura on her free hand and an object appeared out of thin air. It was a wooden sign. She held up the sign that said. (Where'd you get those wounds?) Haruki smiles at her and says "I tripped" Neo smiled knowingly, (We're you beat up?) She asked him. He shook his head as he leaned his head on the box, "Nah, those punks can't handle me." He said as Neo giggled giving Haruki a chance to hear her angelic voice. (Where are your parents?) She asked as she tilted her head.

Haruki answers with "I haven't seen them, they abandoned me when I was young... so I can only fend for myself." Neo empathized with him as she's in the same situation but lucky for her Roman Torchwick Mentored her on how to steal and she was trained how to fight for herself. She considers Roman as a father figure, albeit Roman was a thief he was nice towards her at least.

(That's the same for me too... why don't you come with me? I can take you to Roman.)

Haruki smiles and says "I - ...m fi...ne" as he slides down towards the wet ground and faints. She waited for the rain to stop before finally dragging the wounded boy to a shelter.

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Author's Notes:

Sorry for the delay of the update. Our internet was down. Besides I honestly thought I was just going to do a light editing but holy shit this is a complete fucking rewrite.

Anyways I upgraded a lot of things. I wanted Ars Magus to have an actual personality. An Intellectual Airhead unlike his brother Nova (He loves Bloodshed and Chaos, he likes to play around with the randomness of fate.)

If you're new then I probably should let you know I won't be following the story. I'd go along with the timeline but I'd make major changes.

The second one was a complete revamp of Haruki's powers and weapon summoning ability. It was like a system when it functioned so I buffed and balanced some things.

Lastly was the villians, they need to have an active role. So the word count on this volume will be higher than the old one who only had 1,400 words per chapter. They play a bigger part on the story as a whole rather than appearing randomly at the end.

Anyways hope you enjoyed the chapter. I bid you adieu.