(POV - (Y/N)

A loud thunderous roar filled the air as a tree trunk was propelled towards, forcing me to leapt aside to dodge the giant projectile as I continued jumping over every single sticks and stones in order to avoid tripping onto the ground and get torn apart.

The large dark shape charged at me and it quickly closed in the distance between us, I threw myself backwards to avoid another attack but not before attempting to cut my sword down into the black fur and white bone plates.

Nothing effectively happened, my blade was too sleek and though it managed to slice off some fur and nick the creature, it didn't really do any lasting damage but only managed to piss of my target more as another roar blasted towards me.

I quickly stretched the sword handle in my hand into its polearm form before taking a stab at the beast's neck, it simply tanked my attack as my weapon was embedded into the dark flesh whilst the target thrashed around with me holding onto it.

So far, fighting this Ursa Major was definitely not going the way I wanted, perhaps I should switch tactics and go physical on it, sword and spear didn't pierce its hide since the edge wasn't lethal enough to slice into the Grimm.

Oh, right- why am I fighting an Ursa Major in the forest which I just left after I found the village of Magnolia? Well, it's not really a long story but in short, I need money or in this case, Lien.

Lucky for me, there was a guild in that village... I don't recall guilds or mercenaries and adventurers ever being a thing in the entire RWBY series but if I guess this just one hell of a butterfly effect once I fell into this world.

===================================

[Approximately 1 hour earlier]

===================================

My first impression of the village was... both underwhelming and overwhelming, the former because of how simple it appears to be, there wasn't even a set of guards in front of the entrance to the place but I should be thankful since I can just walk in.

The latter was because of just how simple it appears, it was clean, lush and held quite a sight to behold in all honesty, few places back in my old world matched the same aethestics as this place so admiring this entire location was a must in my opinion.

There was a single major dirt street that extended downhill and all across to the side of the mountain where various houses were built on, either sides appears to have certain stores and other types of establishments but what I wanted was one that sold food and supplies.

Villagers to what appears to be hunters and armed individuals walked in and out of the place, to the forest or the mountains or down to the wharf to catch a boat out into the ocean, the entire place was mildly bustling with activity.

Of course, I hadn't forgotten about my lack of currency so my next step would be to at least get pointed in a direction to earn some extra dime, that or I can ask for some freelancing jobs.

The little bell of the door of one supply store jingled quite rhythmically but I simply took a glance around the place, quite neatly arranged with various goods stocked up in the shelf, not too much but enough to fill up the aisles.

However, I wasn't interested in any of them as I walked up to the counter where an adult man sat there while reading a newspaper, must be a boring job to do if there isn't enough customers.

"Excuse me." I called out as he lowered the paper, the man looking at me before one of his brow rose in bemusement which quickly disappeared.

"Oh, you must be new... an outsider? What do you need?" Judging by his voice, it wasn't accusatory but rather just a matter of fact type of tone.

I suppose this village is quite tight-knitted if he could instantly tell... that or it could be my outfit is vastly different in quality and appearance as compared to the receptionist's own.

"I don't have money so is there a place where I can work at or earn some?" I bluntly asked as the man hummed, scratching his chin before pointing out.

"You a Huntsman? You should know there's a guild near the middle grounds of the village, just walk down the hill and you'll see it." He answered.

A guild? Like those you see in all those anime, manga and stuff? RWBY had those?? Or did I misremember??? No, the series definitely didn't have such things such as mercenaries or adventurer guilds but it did focus more on the main cast than worldbuilding.

Or perhaps its a butterfly effect? The chaos theory that happened when I awoke?

"Not really one... but thank you either way." I replied, walking out the store as I peered down the hill, most of the buildings looked similar but one stood to me as the man had said.

A small number of people entered and left the building and each of them were armed with some simple swords to bows and arrows, spears to hammers and donned in armors.

That place just screams adventurer's guild.

I quelled my growing anticipation as I stepped down the hill and then reached the building, it wasn't anything grandiose, just a huge structure built up with wood, stone and tiles with a small symbol of two swords clashing over a shield. Simple yet unique.

As another small group of what I assume are mercenaries rather than adventurers or Huntsmen opened the door, I walked though from the edge of my eyes, I caught them glancing at me with intrigue... have I overdressed for kind of place? Maybe I should consider getting a cloak.

The inside of the building was definitely your stereotypical guild, there were countless people either sitting down at tables and their seats drinking and talking, making payments at the front desk and others standing by what appears to be the bounty board.

There was another floor above the ground, it led upstairs to an open bar with other people drinking their sorrows or joys away but I ignored that, I needed something big and rewarding.

Again, most of the bounties stamped onto the board were quite typical; gathering herbs or hunting animals to hunting and killing Grimm of course, most of them were quite easy, one Beowolf to a group of them but I was more interested in the one with the Ursa Major.

The payout was good and by looking at the position of the paper, it was stamped at the back with other newer bounties covering it up which meant no one had chose it yet... odd. I don't think or expect Ursa Majors to be this dangerous unless people here are incompetent.

Perhaps there were other factors that made this bounty more dangerous? Eh, I'll ask.

I walked to the short line of mercenary or adventurer or Huntsman, waiting before finally the last one left was me which I walked up to the counter and then silently placing down the bounty in front of the guild receptionist.

"Are you sure want to take this bounty?" She asked... is she trying change my mind?

"What's so bad about this Ursa?" I questioned, incompetent or not, should multiple people band together against one single Grimm like this, it wouldn't be hard to take it down.

"While an Ursa or even a single Major shouldn't pose too much of a threat to a skilled mercenary or Huntsman, this one is particularly aggressive due to reasons unknown."

"Several groups or people going alone tried to eliminate it, but most of them came back heavily injured, there were a few cases of some dying." Replied the receptionist.

"How long has it been there?" I asked again, maybe this will be a good target for EXPs.

"For quite some time now, strangely enough, it doesn't leave its territory but I don't know if it's good or bad news for us." Sighed the receptionist.

"...Hm... I'll take it then." Was all I responded with as the girl flinched before looking at me incredulously as she exclaimed.

"Huh? Did you not hear what I said?" 

"Oh, I did and since no one's taking it, that Grimm is going to be a problem so here I am."

The rest of the conversation only turned into that of where and how I should intercept the Grimm, direct confrontations are ill-advised and would most likely increase my chance of losing so it means I'll have to take baby steps and be cautious with my every moves.

After the confirmation of the general direction of my target, I left the building before walking on a path back into the forest for what I assume is almost an hour until I reached a small opening with a waterfall that would have been quite a sight to see alone.

Behind the waterfall however, was a dark cave which I used [Shadow Shift] to infiltrate and what soon greeted me or my ears specifically was a thunderous sets of chuffs and snores belonging to the massive Ursa Major that rested within.

I did contemplate stabbing it right in the head but the chances of my blade piercing through the armor and doing any lasting damage wasn't as optimistically high as I want it to be, especially when this Grimm is supposedly dangerous enough to force skilled Huntsmen to run away.

Either this Ursa Major is truly a force to be reckoned with or those people that tried to kill it were far too incompetent at their jobs, resulting in their injuries and deaths.

I returned back outside the waterfall before conjuring forth a [Shadow Orb] but this time, I continued allowing it to grow larger and larger, taking away my [MP] by five points every time until it became the size of a basketball whereas the usual size is that of a baseball.

Increasing it to this size takes away at least ten times the usual points but it the potency should also increase so it may be worth the shot... so long as I actually make the shot.

I reeled my arm back with the orb in hand before I threw it with all the strength I have at disposal, the black ball sailed through the air with seemingly gathering speed before it entered through the waterfall and a second long silence happened.

Then a sudden pained roar erupted from the cavern so loudly that the waterfall actually churned and flow apart for the briefest moment, the intensity was enough for me to instinctively cover my ears as I winced at the sound.

===================================

[Present time]

===================================

When I found the Ursa Major, it looked to be even bigger than the one Jaune had fought in the Forever Fall forest, hell there was even more bones and armor stuck to its body than its regular variant so if I had to assume, this one's probably old. Why it stayed in this area of the forest, I don't know but it's better if it doesn't move out.

I was not prepared for the giant Grimm to barrel towards me and it was only in the nick of time did I manage to avoid a blunt blow from the Ursa Major, only scratching my sides by the slightest which I retaliated with a sword slashing down at the Grimm.

To be more specfic, I was aiming at the part where the [Shadow Orb] managed to tear off at the back, leaving behind a gaping wound that shaved off the dark flesh and fur and leaving behind the remaining flesh still attached to the skeleton inside.

My target was certainly in pain but not enough to fully be eliminated, I can try to use another [Shadow Orb] with the same power level but I highly doubt this thing will let me...

Another swipe of its wide claws tore off the trees behind me as I ducked down again, I slammed my feet into the dirt and then leapt aside before the Ursa Major could crush me with its body.

I quickly activated [Shadow Lock] on the Grimm, immobilising it as the shadow around the creature seemingly constricted its limbs but from the looks of it... it won't be for long- this thing is really struggling hard against me!

I took a peek at my [MP].

[Mana Points] - 1365/1800

Still enough to last several skills, good.

Through [Shadow Arms], I easily materialise a handful of throwing knives or what I think are throwing knives, they look more like kitchen knives than anything else.

However, my attention was soon taken by a sudden alarm and warning blaring in front of me as the Ursa Major broke free of the shadowy restraints and is now charging at me again.

[Enemy's resistance is too High - [Shadow Lock] is cancelled!]

The name was dark red now that I remember, should make sense for it to shrug of a large [Shadow Orb] like nothing and break free. I shook away my thoughts before throwing the knives in the hands, the Grimm itself was still rushing towards, ignoring the dark knives sent at it.

Unfortunately, the knives simply bounced off the fur and platings though I spotted two or three of them lodging deep into the gaping wound but that didn't do much either since the Grimm was still charging at me without any indication of pain.

At the speed it was going towards me, it would definitely smash me into a pulp should it catch me so the next viable thing I did was activated [Shadow Shift] once more, disappearing and then reappearing from the darkness, now behind the Ursa Major which just slammed into a tree.

Perhaps it was the fact that one of its eyes was also shaved away so its vision is far more lopsided than ever but I quickly took this chance to conjure up another [Shadow Orb] and this time, I'm going to pour more [MP] into it, see how big I can get it to be.

Last time I increased by ten times, this time let's try using even more [MP]..!

Sadly and obviously, the Grimm isn't just going to let me conviniently charge up my attack like any other villains would do as it proceeded to barrel towards me once again, once again making me activate [Shadow Lock] even though it will break apart in a few seconds.

However, a few seconds is all I need and to add that with me continuously spamming the skill, I can at least delay the Ursa Major until the ball in my hand becomes potent enough.

[Mana Points] - 1320/1800

I activated [Shadow Lock] again as the Grimm broke out of it, the [Shadow Orb] hasn't yet reached its peak, just a few more seconds which I've activated [Shadow Lock] once more.

[Mana Points] - 1295/1800

The restraints broke, it was expected but I simply took several steps back, gaining a distance between me and the Ursa Major, repeatedly spamming the skill to hold it in place... not long left.

[Mana Points] - 1260/1800

Another booming roar and another broken set of restraints... am I tripping or is it gaining more resistance against the skill? This time it broke faster than before..!

[Mana Points] - 1215/1800

Almost there..! I really need to invest more into [Luck] because I just tripped on a damn root or rock when I tried to back off again so now I'm on my ass watching this giant Grimm run at me with its mouth opened wide and its fangs ready to bite my face off.

Oh shi-! It's all or dying! Those were my thoughts before I threw the [Shadow Orb] at the Grimm's face, not even realising its size has grown drastically into that of a small car.

...

I wasn't even sure if there were any noises made from the contact of my attack to the Ursa Major but by the time I got my bearings straight, I was still rolling on the ground with a whole mess of leaves, dirt and dust floating in the air as the wind blew by me.

My eyes blinked away anything that may have gotten into it before I got up as quick as I can, remembering that the Grimm could possibly still be alive from that blast though the lack of roars or movements rushing towards me could say otherwise.

I materialised another set of dark swords via [Shadow Arms] in case the creature ambushes me but it wasn't until one notification appeared that I dropped my guard as I saw what remains of the Grimm, just a lower half of its body that was slowly fading away into dust.

[You Leveled Up!]

"...That took a while..." Was all I commented before slumping down against a tree and then idly added all my new points into [Luck], god knows I need that badly.

===================================

[Name] - (Y/N) (L/N)

[Title] - (N/A)

[Race] - Human

[Level] - 19

[Health Points] - 1975/1975

[Mana Points] - 2150/2150

[Fatigue] - 56%

-------------------------------------

[Strength] - 45

[Endurance] - 25

[Agility] - 25

[Intelligence] - 15

[Sense] - 25

[Luck] - 10

[Available Points] - 0

----------------------------------

[Player's Mind] (Passive) - MAX

[Player's Body] (Passive) - MAX

===================================

...Hah... this is my life now, I guess...

From dying to living in a life of a game, risking my life to gain EXPs to level up and proceed on with the main quests or side quests, this still feels all too surreal to admit.

Well... no point in denying reality anymore, this is real, this is happening and this is a matter of life and death, if [Luck] or any other stats can help me out in a pickle then investing into them is the right choice if I am to continue living.

I need to get stronger too... up until this point, all the Grimm I've fought were either weak or dumb or both with the exception of this Ursa Major, although I didn't get hurt too badly but my weapons and the attacks made with it didn't do anything lasting to it.

Either the swords aren't enough to cut into a beast's fur or I'm still too weak to properly cut deeper down into the Grimm but I'd wager on the latter.

For now, I'll just return to the village since the bounty is done.

===================================

Walking back to the settlement wasn't anything difficult since it was just an hour walk away from the location of the formerly alive Ursa Major but the entire trek felt longer than I remembered, especially when he felt like he'd almost died.

The sun was still up and near the middle of the sky which meant the entire procedure of me hunting down the Grimm didn't take too long but that wasn't anything importent to know right now, I just need to mark my bounty as done and get the reward, that's all it matters now.

When I opened the door to the guild building, there hasn't been much changes other than the number of people checking out the board for targets while some stood at the counter waiting for their rewards to be confirmed and handed over.

There was quite a line at the counter so all I did was wait at the bounty board, pretending to sift through each of the targets and their rewards while in reality, I was taking a look at the [Store] and what it had to offer.

At the moment right now, I obviously had zero currency to even make a purchase but I can see that the [Store] categorised its items by how common or rare there were. Right now with my level, I can only gain access to the [Common] and [Uncommon] sections.

Both categories mostly sold subpar items with less than decent stats but nontheless useful to a beginner of the [System], ranging from weapons to armors to consumables and even other categories such as books, appliances, technologies and food or ingredients for them.

...I'm going to buy some after I somehow earn money, roasted and smoked rabbit meat does not taste good at all, especially as an aftertaste and my water flask is running low.

I took my eyes off the [Store] and then glanced at the counter, the line was smaller so it was enough for me to finally head for the queue, the people in front of me were either making small talks to the receptionist girl or boasting about themselves or just waiting for their payments.

...

My turn at last though from what I catched on the girl's expression, she must be surprised at my return... is that Ursa Major really that dangerous of a target? Even though I managed to disintegrate it with a charged up shot from [Shadow Orb].

"You... you came back..?" She asked, certainly surprised.

"Should I not?" I retorted lightly, earning a rapid shake from the receptionist as she replied.

"N-no, it's just that... the target Grimm is just too aggressive for other Huntsmen and mercenaries to take head on so the bounty had been on there for a while now." 

"Is that so? Well, it's done." I answered, placing the bounty paper on the counter as she picked it up before responding again.

"Then I'll have to consult with the other staff members, we'll reward you right after the scouts verify the place is free of the target." 

"Got it, when do I come back?" I questioned, preparing to grab another bounty.

"An hour would be the maximum but we'll try and finish this as quick as possible, I apologise for any inconvinience." Said the receptionist.

I simply waved back at her apology, no need to sweat the small stuff but now... what do I do to kill time? Maybe hunt some Boarbatusks that were encroaching a bit too close on this village or perhaps I can go deal with another pack of Beowolves similarly nearby.

I don't think I saw a limit to how many bounties one can take but I'll just stick with three of them, eliminate the pack of seven Boarbatusks, a lone Alpha Beowolf and another pack of Beowolves that has an unconfirmed number of members.

Sounds simple enough as long as I keep a straight head... oh, right. I need a map, preferrably one of this region and one of the entire world, a guild such as this should hold several copies.

"Do you have a map of this area and the world?" I bluntly inquired as the girl looked up from her paperwork in surprise once more.

"Map? Do you not have a Scroll?" Questioned the receptionist as if it was the most obvious answer in the world, correction- it is not.

"I don't, hence why I'm asking." I responded curtly.

"We do have maps but... most of them are now redundant in terms of data and topography so the details may not be accurate." She replied.

"It's fine, I just need the general location and the map itself." I answered before the girl opened a drawer from the lower cabinet to pull out a rather aged piece of paper.

"Unfortunately, this is the only up-to-date map we can provide with you, decades of independence and fending for ourselves have left us rather withdrawn from interaction with the outside world."

...Goddamn, so it's not a fusion of worlds or a mere coincidence...

"For the location on the map... I can only say this is the approximate area our village is in." He said, circling a small area on the western coast of Mistral.

Welp, I'm in the world of RWBY and now I have no idea what is my next move.

I could go and make a reason to join up with the main characters of this world, join an academy perhaps Haven or Beacon- preferrably Beacon but that's the problem, give a reason to join a prestigious academy with almost no proof of identity or validation of residency.

Also, I'm stuck all the way on Mistral so I'll have to either sneak onto a ship heading for Vale or just pay the fees and board a passenger ship but unless I'm desperate to go join the casts then I'll consider the former option, if not then the latter.

However, another thing I should take in consideration is the timeline, is this before Ruby or even the start of the main story? Or am I too late for enrolment into any academies?

Honestly, I don't know, I dropped the show after two or three seasons and from the rumours I've continuously heard, the entire series is going downhill fast and don't even get me started on its community or the can of worms that is shipping.

Back to this map and something interesting I've heard earlier.

"Independence?" I repeated curiously as she began explaining.

"Magnolia Village isn't directly affliated to any of the Kingdoms around the world, we may be on Mistralian soils but we kept our independence thanks to funds provided by our predeccessors, our specialisation in mariculture and the services provided." 

"Rather then joining up with other cities and culture, we kept our traditions as it is for decades but..." She trailed, looking slightly despondent.

"But what..?" I asked, was there something wrong with this place nowadays?

"The increase of Grimm activities and the growing dangers, many Huntsmen and mercenaries alike aren't seeing the need to risk themselves to help a small village in the middle of nowhere."

"Even now, we are receiving less and less help as the Grimm population grows, if this keeps up then we will have no choice but to abandon this place before we are swarmed."

"That's... quite unfortunate... this place is your home, right?" I asked only to shut my mouth up immediately, realising the stupidity of the question.

However, the receptionist only smiled albeit sadly as she answered me.

"Yeah... this place is filled with memories, good and bad but mostly good and the idea to leave it all behind... it's honestly jarring." 

"I can imagine..." I admitted, knowing the feeling of leaving a former home behind.

My case was far more tame obviously, my family and I had to move out from our old home because we managed to snag another one at a good price but the memories of that place will forever stay in my mind.

Whether or not she believed my words, she didn't say it but smiled again.

"Let's not dwell on this for now, is there anything else you need asides from the map?" She asked as I placed the bounties on the counter.

"I'll be taking these targets." I stated.

"Understood... well, anything's better than that Ursa Major." She remarked, confirming my selection before I asked another question.

"How am I suppose to prove that I've eliminated the Grimm? Do not they not just disappear?"

"That is indeed the case, while we shouldn't be against trusting the people hunting down the Grimm and keeping this place safe, we still need to confirm the targets through our scouts."

"So the same method..." I muttered, somewhat disappointed.

"I apologise again, without any viable technologies- something Magnolia lacks, we will have to use the old fashioned way." Said the receptionist, equally understanding.

"Well... can't do anything about it." I agreed before grabbing the papers, preparing to depart.

"Good luck on your hunts." I heard the girl call out from behind and as for me? I simply waved back without turning around.

Edgy and cliche but hey, my life is already edgy with what I've got.

=================================

So first thing's first, the combat in this chapter was a bit too lackluster in my opinion so I apologise for that, secondly as I've forgot to point out in the previous chapter, the RWBY Arc for this remake of [The Solo Gamer] will be drastically different and I mean EXTREMELY different, mostly because the plotlines are too similar to all the other RWBY stories I've seen out there and I also got deeply inspired by [Wolves That Walk Alone], a Halo X RWBY crossover story on Fanfiction.net so this "guild", "bounty hunting" and "mercenary" idea mainly came from that, if any of you are interested then go check it out on the website though I don't know if its discontinued or on a long hiatus.