Qrow waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing aside the weight of what had just been discussed.
"The expedition won't be anytime soon," he said.
They wanted Jaune on their team. They had seen enough to know that he might be an asset when the time came.
But that time was not now.
"The expedition won't be anytime soon," Qrow explained, voice intoning casually "And if we're calling it an expedition, that means it isn't just the three of us walking into the dark and hoping for the best."
The note was clear. They would need more members.
"We want you with us, Jaune," he added calmly. "Both of us do. But this mission will require more than potential. It will require numbers and Specialists."
And if they were going to gather those members, there was only one realistic opportunity on the horizon.
He exhaled slowly. "The Vytal Tournament."
Qrow's grin widened just a little. "Bingo."
Jaune knew exactly what Qrow was referring to.
Within LUCID, once every decade or so, a special tournament was held among the various kingdoms. It wasn't open or known to the general public, but within the structure of LUCID, it was one of the most significant recurring events.
The Vytal Tournament.
This tournament wasn't about spectacle or diplomacy, it was about power. More specifically, access to power.
The Vytal Tournament was special because of what it granted. The kingdom that emerged victorious wouldn't receive trophies or symbolic honors. Instead, it gained something far more valuable. It gained access to one of the most vital powers within the Dream Realm.
Research power.
The true prize of the Vytal Tournament was access to the Supreme Rune known as Creation.
Jaune had once seen Arthur Watts and his father take away the mimic creation rune from Atlas while it was revolving around a disaster. But that Creation rune was very limited in it capabilities and couldn't be used on the same scale as the real Relic and Supreme Rune, Creation.
Creation, being a supreme rune was perhaps the most used Relic among the four. It was a construct of immense complexity embedded within from Dream Realm's structure. Jaune himself didn't know much about its capabilities, but what he did know was that LUCID bases in the dream realm only existed because of Creation's influence.
While it could probably be used as a weapon. It's true utility was far beyond that.
The kingdom that won the tournament would be granted temporary access to Creation for research purposes. The duration was limited and apparently the supervision was strict. But even a short window of access was enough to catalyze breakthroughs that would take years to achieve otherwise.
Advancements in defensive systems. Refinements in dream technology. New runic forging methods. The ripple effects of prior tournaments had shaped the internal balance between kingdoms more than most realized.
Yet for all its importance, much of the knowledge surrounding the Relic's capabilities were wrapped in veils of secrecy.
Information regarding them was sparse among general awakened, meant for protection against internal and external threats. What was known, however, was that the Relics were housed in a very special location. Jaune didn't know much else about it, but speculation led him to believe that the Supreme Runes were likely guarded by multiple Rank 3's.
That was another thing. Apparently, not all information about Rank 3's were available to the public. Many things such as the exact number currently in the world as well as their locations were kept secret.
What was known however, was that each kingdom, generally had two Rank 3s stationed there at all times.
Jaune had tried to inquire about the information multiple times but each attempt had met the same wall.
Only Rank 2 clearance granted access to that level of information. And even then, the details were not absolute. Certain aspects were further restricted and compartmentalized—even among Rank 2 operatives. Knowledge was divided carefully, ensuring that no single leak could compromise everything.
It was frustrating, but it was deliberate. The Dream Realm was not a place where loose information was harmless. Especially with Sleepless running around. Not to mention the other loose awakened groups.
What made this upcoming tournament particularly noteworthy, was its location.
This time, the Vytal Tournament would be held in Vale.
Hosting the tournament carried implications. It meant Vale would oversee preparations within the Dream Realm, construct the competitive environment, and coordinate security measures alongside neutral oversight. It was an opportunity to demonstrate capability and discipline.
More intriguing still, was who would preside over the event.
Two Rank 3s.
And not one affiliated with any kingdom.
That detail alone added weight to the situation.
A Rank 3 was exceptionally rare and their authority extended beyond simple oversight. Each of them operated at a level where strategic decisions shaped the long term direction of LUCID itself. For one of them to preside over the tournament signaled its importance, let alone two.
The fact these two beings were not aligned with any kingdom ensured neutrality. Though how that was the case was uncertain to Jaune.
Information about them was sparse, after all.
With Sleepless still at large, LUCID could not afford complacency. The rogue threat had already proven capable of infiltration and manipulation. If hidden agents existed within LUCID's bases, individuals with motivations similar to Arthur Watts, then open access to sensitive information would be disastrous.
If details regarding the Supreme Runes, or the presiding Rank 3 were readily available, they could possibly be exploited and compromised. Used to undermine LUCID's entire structure from within.
Information control was not paranoia but a necessity at this point.
Jaune understood that, even if he didn't like it.
When everything was distilled down to its essence, the upcoming Vytal Tournament would serve two clear purposes.
The first was obvious.
The kingdom that won would receive temporary access to Creation. Why temporary? Jaune didn't know. Personally he believed that having access to the Supreme Rune for a long time would probably evolve LUCID tech in greater and greater directions, but perhaps there was a limitation somewhere when using the rune. At any rate, thinking about it was only speculation, and speculation without true knowledge was useless.
In any case, that access would allow focused research and development. New technology could be designed and existing systems refined. The balance between kingdoms could subtly shift depending on how effectively that access was utilized.
Now, the second purpose was more personal.
It would provide the perfect opportunity to scout potential members for the expedition into the Shadow Realm.
High level competition within the Dream Realm would reveal strengths and weaknesses clearly. Those who excelled would demonstrate more than raw power. They would show control, resilience and adaptability under pressure. Qualities essential for an expedition into unknown territory.
Qrow, Raven and Ozpin would be watching.
Not merely for victory but for capability.
The tournament offered visibility and it would also gather the most promising awakened from each kingdom into one controlled environment. Rather than searching blindly, they could observe candidates in action.
Two objectives aligned within a single event.
Jaune felt the weight of it settle in.
While the expedition was not imminent, it would be best for him to be prepared ahead of time. The right people had to be chosen and the right foundation, laid. Rushing into this Shadow Realm without a proper plan would be reckless.
Jaune didn't feel the urge to end up like that first Darkness meta rune user.
The Vytal Tournament would provide structure to that preparation.
It was efficient and strategic.
Two birds with one stone.
.
.
AN: Sorry, shorter chapter today.
Now, we have the Vytal Tournament Arc and the Shadow Realm Arc after that, which honestly isn't going to be too long and the last small arc which Jaune will reach comprehension in Plunder.
Afterwards, it will be his Rank 2 journey. Originally I believed that the story would end at around 300 chapters, but it looks like it might be a bit longer. Perhaps 350. I'm not certain.