POV: Aether Lux*
The sharp echo of heels striking polished stone filled Beacon's combat hall.
Aether Lux stood at attention alongside his teammates, the vast training arena stretching before them. Sunlight poured through the towering windows, illuminating the polished floor and weapon racks lining the walls.
Today marked their first official combat class.
And their instructor was none other than Professor Glynda Goodwitch.
"Students," Glynda began, her voice crisp and commanding, "combat is not merely about strength. It is about discipline, precision, and control. A Huntsman who lacks these qualities endangers not only themselves—but everyone around them."
Her gaze swept across the room, lingering briefly on each team.
Aether met her eyes calmly.
*She's even more intimidating in person.*
Behind him, Thorne leaned in slightly. "She looks like she could bench-press a Beowolf."
Riven replied flatly, "She would not need to."
Luminara sighed. "Please try not to embarrass our team on the first day."
Aether smirked. "Let's focus."
Across the hall stood Team RWBY. Ruby bounced lightly on her heels, Crescent Rose gleaming with excitement. Weiss stood poised and elegant, Blake watched quietly, and Yang wore a confident grin.
Ruby caught Aether's eye and waved enthusiastically.
He returned the gesture with a warm smile.
Glynda tapped her riding crop against the floor.
"Today's lesson will test your adaptability. Teams will engage in controlled sparring matches. Aura monitors are active—do not hold back unnecessarily, but maintain discipline."
She paused.
"Our first match will be…"
The room fell silent.
"Team RWBY versus Team ALTR."
A ripple of excitement spread among the students.
Yang cracked her knuckles. "Oh yeah. I've been waiting for this."
Thorne grinned. "Try not to cry when we win."
Weiss scoffed. "Confidence without refinement is merely arrogance."
Luminara stepped forward. "We welcome the challenge."
Ruby smiled brightly at Aether. "Let's make this fun!"
He nodded. "Wouldn't dream of anything less."
---
*The Match Begins
The teams took their positions on opposite ends of the arena.
"Combatants ready," Glynda announced. "Begin!"
The instant her crop struck the floor, the battle erupted.
Ruby launched forward in a swirl of rose petals, Crescent Rose slicing through the air. Aether intercepted her, Solstice Edge flashing into sword form with a metallic ring.
Steel met steel.
CLANG!
Ruby beamed. "Hi again!"
Aether chuckled. "Hello, Ruby."
She spun gracefully, her scythe sweeping toward him. He parried and stepped back, golden eyes gleaming.
"You've improved," he said.
"You noticed!" she replied, glowing with pride.
Nearby, Yang charged Thorne with explosive force.
Their fists collided with a thunderous boom.
"Now this is a fight!" Yang laughed.
"Couldn't agree more!" Thorne grinned, activating his gauntlets in a burst of flame.
Across the arena, Weiss and Luminara engaged in a dazzling duel of elegance and strategy. Glyphs and radiant shields shimmered into existence as their blades clashed with precise grace.
Blake and Riven moved like shadows, their silent battle unfolding in flashes of steel and motion.
---
## **Light Against Petals**
Ruby leapt into the air, using Crescent Rose's recoil to propel herself forward.
"Petal Burst!"
She dissolved into a storm of scarlet petals.
Aether's System chimed softly.
**[Combat Analysis Activated]**
**Opponent: Ruby Rose**
**Threat Level: High**
**Recommended Response: Evasive Maneuvers**
He smiled.
"Let's try this."
Aether activated his Semblance for the first time in combat.
A golden aura ignited around him.
**Radiant Acceleration.**
Time seemed to slow as he darted forward, evading Ruby's strike in a flash of light.
He reappeared behind her, stopping just short of contact.
Ruby blinked in awe. "Whoa! You're fast!"
He deactivated his Semblance, breathing steadily. "Still learning."
Her eyes sparkled. "That was amazing!"
Their brief moment of admiration ended as Glynda's voice rang out.
"Focus, Miss Rose!"
Ruby straightened. "Right!"
She grinned. "Round two?"
Aether smirked. "Anytime."
---
## **Teamwork Decides the Battle**
Yang's fiery punches forced Thorne backward until Luminara projected a radiant barrier.
"Now, Aether!" she called.
He fired a precise Dust round, creating an opening. Riven emerged from the shadows, disarming Blake with swift precision.
Ruby vaulted toward Aether—but Weiss launched herself with a glyph, striking his blade aside.
The clash ended in a dazzling display of coordinated teamwork.
Glynda struck the floor.
"Enough!"
The combatants froze.
"Well done," she said. "Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill, adaptability, and restraint. This match is a draw."
Yang laughed. "Aw, I was just getting warmed up!"
Weiss adjusted her posture. "A satisfactory performance."
Luminara inclined her head. "Likewise."
Thorne wiped sweat from his brow. "That was awesome."
Riven gave a silent nod.
Ruby approached Aether, her eyes shining.
"That was so much fun!"
He smiled warmly. "I couldn't agree more."
She hesitated before speaking softly.
"You're incredible, Aether."
"And you," he replied gently, "are inspiring."
A faint blush colored her cheeks.
Yang's voice cut in playfully. "Okay, that's adorable."
"Yang!" Ruby protested.
Laughter rippled through the class.
---
## **After Class**
As students dispersed, Glynda approached Aether.
"Mr. Lux."
He straightened. "Professor."
"You possess remarkable control and tactical awareness," she said. "However, power without discipline is dangerous. Continue refining your abilities."
"Yes, Professor."
She gave a curt nod before departing.
Aether exhaled slowly.
A soft chime echoed in his mind.
**[Aura Ascension System Update]**
**Quest Completed: First Combat Class**
**Reward: 300 EXP**
**Semblance Mastery Increased**
**Team Bond Level: Increased**
He glanced toward Ruby, who waved at him from across the hall.
He smiled.
*This is where our journey truly begins.*