3rd Pov

We open up to a couple of weeks later to Cardin Winchester with The Executioner perched on his shoulder and Jaune Arc opposite him with Crocea Mors drawn, leaning on his weapon as if exhausted, in the spotlight shining on the Beacon Academy auditorium stage.

He looks at Cardin, who laughs at his opponent's tiredness, and Jaune gathers his strength to charge forward and swing his blade at Cardin, only for him to jump out of the way. Jaune looks back, surprised, as The Executioner sends Jaune's shield - and himself - flying back. Now only armed with his sword, Jaune continued to try and attack, but is blocked by the mace's hilt. Their weapons locked, Cardin forces himself up, towering over a struggling Jaune.

Cardin: This is the part where you lose.

Jaune: Over my dead-!

Jaune is cut short as Cardin knees him in the gut, making Jaune drop his sword and fall to the ground in pain. Cardin raises his mace and is about to slam it down on a worried Jaune just when the buzzer rings and Y/n's gray Dragon wing blocks the mace. The lights come back on, and Y/n's voice causes him to stop.

Y/n: Mr. Winchester, that's enough!

Y/n's voice sounded as though he was mad. Which he was and he dislikes it.

Cardin relents and walks away as Glynda comes onto the stage, tapping her tablet.

Glynda: Students, as you can see, Mr. Arc's Aura has now dropped into the red. In a tournament-styled duel, this would indicate that Jaune is no longer fit for battle, and that the official may call the match.*to Y/n* And if someone interrupts-

She stops talking as Y/n gave her a stare dads use when their child is about to say something they shouldn't.

Glynda: Nevermind.

Jaune still lays on the floor in defeat and Pyrrha looks sad. While Y/n has a look of worry for him. Glynda turns her head to look at the losing warrior as he pulls out his scroll with his low, blinking stats and that of his entire team.

Glynda: Mr. Arc, it's been weeks now. Please try to refer to your Scroll during combat. Gauging your Aura will help you decide when it's appropriate to attack, or when it is better to move to a more... defensive strategy. We wouldn't want you to be gobbled up by a Beowolf, now, would we?*sees Y/n giving her that 'look'* I didn't mean in a bad way, but a truthful way.

Cardin: Speak for yourself...

Y/n:*stern look* Mr. Winchester, behave yourself.

Cardin just sucks his teeth and walks away while murmuring 'Giant gray lizard'.

Glynda speaks to the seated and standing students, such as: Yang Xiao Long, punching the air in anticipation; Weiss Schnee, shaking her fists with an excited smile; and Ruby Rose, shaking her entire body with enthusiastic energy while squealing softly.

Glynda: Remember, everyone, the Vytal Festival is only a few months away! It won't be long before students from the other kingdoms start arriving in Vale, so keep practicing! Those who choose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale!

The bell rings, and students start leaving while Pyrrha continues to frown sadly. Jaune, still sitting on the floor, hangs his head in shame as Y/n pats his back in comfort.

Y/n's POV

I watch as Glynda gives her final remarks to the students, encouraging them to continue practicing for the upcoming Vytal Festival. The atmosphere is filled with a mix of excitement and determination. However, my attention is drawn to Jaune, who still sits on the floor, defeated and downtrodden.

I walk over to him and place a comforting hand on his back. He looks up at me with a mix of disappointment and frustration.

Jaune: I'm sorry, Professor L/n. I just... I can't seem to get it right.

I give him a reassuring smile.

Y/n: Jaune, don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone has their struggles, especially when it comes to combat training. But what matters is that you keep pushing forward and learning from your mistakes.

Jaune sighs, clearly feeling discouraged by his recent defeat.

Jaune: But I feel like I'm letting my team down, especially Pyrrha. She's an amazing fighter, and I just... I can't seem to measure up.

I kneel down to his level, looking him in the eye.

Y/n: Jaune, being a Huntsman isn't just about raw skill and strength. It's about heart, determination, and the willingness to learn and grow. Pyrrha believes in you, and so do I. It may take time, but I have no doubt that you'll find your own strengths and become a valuable member of your team.

Jaune looks up at me, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and renewed hope.

Jaune: Thanks, Professor L/n. I needed to hear that.

Y/n: You're welcome, Jaune. Just remember, failure is just a stepping stone on the path to success. Use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. I have faith in you.

Jaune smiles, a spark of determination returning to his eyes.

Jaune: I won't give up. I'll keep pushing forward and do my best for my team.

Y/n: That's the spirit, Jaune. Keep that mindset, and you'll go far.

As Jaune gets up from the floor, I offer him a hand to help him stand. He takes it, his grip firm with newfound resolve.

Jaune: Thanks again, Professor L/n. I'll make you proud.

Y/n: I have no doubt that you will, Jaune. Now, let's head to the cafeteria. Eat up, Rest up and recharge. Tomorrow is a new day, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to improve.

Together, we make our way out of the auditorium, the echoes of Glynda's words and the students' excitement still lingering in the air. I walk beside Jaune, knowing that he has the potential to become a great Huntsman. With guidance, support, and his own determination, he will find his place among the heroes of Remnant.