RWBY: The Dark Hunter

Chapter 9

"Lockdown"

[June 2nd, 2558]

[Beacon Academy, Dorm Rooms]

[7:32 AM, Two days later]

It has been roughly two days since Ruby's somewhat friendly encounter with Deimos in the industrial district and as of their return back to Beacon, they've informed Headmaster Ozpin and General Ironwood of the likely threat on the academy itself, and Ozpin has taken it upon his duty to ensure the safety of the academy and its students by giving Ironwood permission to deploy troops and do whatever deems necessary in making sure the SPARTAN would never arrive on Beacon soil.

Ruby was the first to wake as usual, sitting up and giving her arms a big stretch accompanied by a long yawn, before she climbed out of bed and looked out the window to see students heading off to their morning classes and Atlesian soldiers marching in squads of six, four human troops with two Atlesian Knight-200s following them from behind, ensuring the safety of the students at all times.

"Still bustling with military activity I presume?" BB whispers out of the silence.

She whispers back "Yeah . . . Ironwood doesn't play around, though it's bit overkill . . ."

"Nonsense, the good general is merely doing his job to ensure all residents of Beacon are safe. Plus with the aid of several veteran hunters and huntresses, even someone by the likes of Deimos will think twice before attacking."

Yang slowly awoke from her sleep after hearing the two talk for a moment, she sits up with a good stretch and yawn before asking tiredly "What's up . . ."

"Oh you know, another day at class, foot soldiers marching about, a sociopathic arsonist most likely trying to find a way in."

That comment made Ruby think about Deimos and what happened the other night, then she remembered what he said to her 'You're hardly SPARTAN material, not even close to shock troopers, but I'll admit I'm impressed.'

She then turned towards ORACLE-N scope and asks "BB, what's a SPARTAN?"

Yang glanced at her little sister with a confused expression "SPARTAN? What kind of name is that?"

The two turned to the scope waiting for an answer, the AI sighed "Well . . . I suppose informing you wouldn't break protocol- no it certainly wouldn't. A SPARTAN is a genetically engineered, cybernetic augmented super soldier created for the task of serving the UNSC to an efficient and damn near hyper lethal capacity. They are the best of the best, and they're not shy to show it."

"What else is there?" Blake's voice asks, the two huntresses looks up to see their third member awake and paying attention.

"The SPARTAN Branch spans over four different generations, each with a jump in technological advancement and training."

"What generation is Deimos from?" Yang asks.

"Fourth generation, the latest class of SPARTANs in the UNSC, they've been given superior armor that is flexible in design and extremely durable while maintaining overall mobility and are equipped with top of the line weapons and devices. I suppose you're all lucky to be dealing with him than any other generation."

However Ruby waves it off with a smirk "Nah if they're that high-tec then everyone else should be easy right?"

"Oh no Miss Ruby, as a matter of fact, the third generation were numerous as they were strong. Numbering at around a few hundred, they were regarded as fearsome and malicious in combat operations during the war, sadly almost all of that generation has been wiped out during said war."

Blake was quick to ask "Wait, there were SPARTANs fighting in the Great War? How come we haven't heard about them?"

The AI at this point realizes that the girls were thinking of a completely different conflict rather than the Human-Covenant War that erupted in the galaxy around them nearly three decades ago, he had almost forgotten the sessions in Dr. Oobleck's class regarding the great war that ended eighty decades ago, over twice as long ago than humanity's war with the alien aggressors that was the Covenant.

Despite this he begins to go along with the conversation "Yes well, the SPARTAN-llls performed mainly in covert special operations rather than full scale battles. Many battles were won on every side because of these soldiers."

"So they weren't on anyone's side from the start, just like Deimos today . . ." Ruby comments.

"Indeed, the UNSC has existed for many decades before the war started."

"Third generation SPARTANs don't sound that bad, if they just need a few hundred to do special operations then they have to suck" Yang exclaims with upmost confidence "Heck I bet second generations are a joke."

"That's where you're dead wrong Miss Long, the SPARTAN-lls was the UNSC's most drastic accomplishment to this date. Their kill record far surpasses any known military unit in history and their numbers were so few, they were considered by many as walking legends. In fact I'm afraid that if you had encountered a second generation SPARTAN the night you engaged Deimos, it would be certain that none of you would have survived."

"Do they still exist today?" Blake had to ask.

"Yes but their numbers are uncomfortably thin, they are only to be deployed under the most extreme circumstances. And god help you if you ever find yourself in a fight against them."

Ruby also had one question "And their kill record, how many?"

". . . little below a million . . ."

That sent a chill down everyone's back, a handful of soldiers capable of killing a little under a million people, true monsters indeed, "And what about the first generation?"

"Practically non-existent, a vast majority of the SPARTAN-ls have all died out with maybe a handful remaining in service but even then age is getting to them at this point. Despite being failures to become what the UNSC had hoped for, they did pave the way in technological science and biochemistry for the SPARTAN-lls and llls."

Blake figured since they were talking about numbers she had to ask "How many are in the fourth generation?"

"Twice the number of llls, all in active service as of today. Though normally the UNSC would deploy them in fireteams of four, and yet Deimos is alone . . ."

Yang smirked as she sat back in her bed with her hands behind her head "Huh, guess the bad boy doesn't play nice with others."

"Quite . . . the time is 7:45, I suggest you all get dressed and prepared for class."

Yang makes a snarky remark "When did you become our mom?"

"Since you brought back home the night of the pizzeria! And since I can't just walk out like I want to, I might as well make myself useful. Now go get dressed or you're going to miss breakfast."

"Ok mom!" the two sisters chirped loudly followed up with joyful laughter.

[9:55 AM, Ozpin's office]

The headmaster stood alone, silently taking sips from his coffee mug as he spectates the bustling activity down below, students heading off to classes and soldiers marching about, and despite being opposed to military restrictions and doctrine he needed Ironwood's help in making sure the students and faculty of Beacon Academy is safe. He watched as soldiers and androids move in routine patterns, militarized Bullhead VTOLs and Atlesian gunships slowing gliding through the skies above the campus, and Ironwood's personal warship looming just a mile away, brimming with additional troops ready to act should Deimos find a way inside.

It saddened him to take such steps but he knew what was at stake and he wasn't about to gamble it on presumptions and confidence, not this time, and that was the moment when he heard the doors open and close behind him followed up with a steady set of heavy footsteps. Each step didn't miss a beat which signified order and routine.

Without turning around the headmaster asks "I take it things are now in effect?"

Ironwood's voice called back "Yes. Everything has been put in place to make sure this academy is a fortress. I have troops and aerial surveillance on routine patrol patterns throughout the campus grounds, I doubled the guards standing post at the airdocks ready to inspect every ship that lands there. I should also note that I warned them about Deimos's ability to cloak himself so they'll be more vigilant. I've also enacted a curfew for the students, no one should be outside their dorms beyond six o'clock to seven in the morning. And my warship is ready with additional reinforcements should Deimos somehow break inside."

"I asked you to make sure this place was protected, not make it feel like a prison . . ." Ozpin sighs.

The good general frowned "I hate to know you see it that way, but this is a very dangerous situation right now, and you're lucky this isn't my academy otherwise I'd have everyone wear body armor."

"And I appreciate what you are trying to do for the students. But to see them under so much military supervision, I'll admit it's quite unsettling."

"I'm sorry you feel that way . . . but sometimes we have to do what must be done for the sake of others."

The headmaster slowly turns back around to see James standing there flanked by two soldiers equipped with standard issue armor, with yellow trimmings, and assault rifles.

Ozpin subtly raises an eyebrow prompting the good general to explain why armed men are standing in his office, "They're your security detail, picked from my finest, we can't rule out the possibility of you being Deimos's target."

"And what of Team RWBY and JNPR? The kids that engaged Deimos and may have most likely branded themselves as targets?"

"I have two patrols standing guard near their rooms, it's quite fortunate that they live across from one another."

"Good . . ." Ozpin replies as he looks back out to the city.

Ironwood couldn't help but get the feeling that, despite pulling out all the stops to make sure Deimos wouldn't even dare to break in, Ozpin still felt concerned and he understood why "You're worried for the other students . . ."

"Yes. I am."

"Well if what Ruby said was correct then I'm sure Deimos wouldn't bother to go after them. He is definitely military so he'll stay strict to orders and attempt to go after RWBY and JNPR or you, the fact that he's been off the radar since the police incident and that he unwillingly complied with young Rose's demands to spare the White Fang in the industrial district proves that theory."

The headmaster took a moment to offer a slight grin, showing that Ironwood's theory eased him a little, and asks "I get the impression that you're rather impressed by Deimos's feats so far . . ."

James chuckled "While I don't respect what he's done so far, killing law enforcement and destroying public property, I have to hand it to him for his efficiency and independence to complete his tasks. I just wish I can have a few words with him before I arrest him or otherwise."

"Be careful what you wish for General, you might just get it . . ."

"Please . . . the academy is in good hands for the time, there's always the chance that Deimos would be discouraged and back away.

"There is . . . but it took you a little over a day to shore up our defenses, time that he could've already made his move."

"I had to ensure we had troops safeguarding the city as well so I pulled squads that weren't needed in the field or were in reserve, and after the train incident a two weeks ago I'm afraid most of our forces were occupied in securing the underground hideout as well as the old ruins."

"I understand the need to protect the city and the academy, I'm just afraid we might be too late . . ."

James waved his soldiers off to take their posts by the door and walked over next to his old friend "Ozpin, there's been no reports of fighting yet, no gunfire, no casualties. If Deimos was in the campus by now then those reports would've been entirely different, if he realized how little time he has in Beacon without being spotted then he would've struck sooner, almost instantly as a matter of fact while there were few troops to begin with."

The headmaster saw truth in those words, it's logical to think that Deimos would've struck while there were so few troops inside the academy, minimal resistance for him to deal with and he would be able to complete his objectives with little difficulty.

"Thank you General . . ." he takes another sip from his coffee to calm his nerves "I think it's time that we resume our respectful duties."

"I couldn't agree more, I'll come back before the day ends to see how the troops are doing."

On that note the general starts to walk away without another word, leaving his two men to guard Ozpin while he stood silently at the window with his coffee mug, but when James was nearing the door it opens up letting Ms. Goodwitch in. The two shared brief glances before heading on their separate ways, the general heading out the door and the huntress making her way over to the headmaster.

Ozpin turns to see her and gave a small grin "Glynda . . . it's good to see a face that doesn't belong to a military."

Glynda however gave no kind gesture back , maintaining the usual straight face, before she started on what she came here to do "I've already spoken with Oobleck and Port, if the time comes, they'll be ready to help."

The headmaster nodded to that with relief as he returned to his seat "That's good . . . I have much more faith in my own staff than in Ironwood's men."

One of the soldiers standing guard looked over at Ozpin with a disconcerting look to which he puts kindly "Not that you two are bad, you're doing great . . ." prompting the soldier to resume his duty.

Goodwitch continued "As I was saying . . . with Oobleck and Port we'll stand a much better chance at protecting the students, especially teams RWBY and JNPR."

"Thank you Glynda . . . that's all I needed to hear" Ozpin replies as he sits back comfortably in his chair.

The huntress had nothing more to say at the moment and decided it was best to leave letting Ozpin to think quietly to himself.

[12:18 PM, Mess hall]

"I wonder why you even bother to bring me along to lunch . . . I find this a complete misallocation of resources" BB moans as he watches team RWBY and JNPR eat.

"Are you always this whiney?" Nora asks with a mouth full of food, small pieces flying out and hitting against the scope's optical lens.

"Only when I'm at a useless capacity, and please, swallow your food before speaking . . ."

Pyrrha pays no mind to the AI's misery and asks the other team "So Deimos is something called a SPARTAN? Did you tell Ozpin and Ironwood?"

"We will when we get out of class today" Xiao Long answers.

"Why would someone go through augmentations and enhancements? It sounds a little inhuman."

Blake answered "He's loyal to the UNSC . . . anybody would do it for their cause."

Yang adds "Maybe he wants a real challenge, like me" pointing her thumb to herself with a confident grin.

It was then when Jaune and Pyrrha noticed Ruby was unusually quiet, silently stirring her spoon in her bowl of soup, and Jaune asks "Ruby?"

Rose's eyes looked up into his, caught out of her deep thoughts, and asks "Oh sorry, you were saying something?"

"I didn't say anything . . ."

"Oh . . ." she moans as her eyes fell down.

Pyrrha had to ask "Are you doing alright Ruby? You look a little out of it . . ."

Ruby then decided to speak what was bothering her "That night when Deimos and I fought the White Fang, we were attacked by one of those paladins when it knocked him into a shelf and knocked his helmet off. Eventually we destroyed it but when I looked into his eyes . . . he looked hurt."

"That's what happens when a paladin hits you, they're tough" Yang chimes in as she takes a bite out of a chicken drumstick.

"No not that kind of hurt, something more personal . . . like he lost something . . ."

"Or someone . . ." Ren adds.

"Yeah . . . guys I don't know how to put this but- I don't think Deimos is the monster we all think he is. He had the same look Yang and I had when we lost my mother . . ."

That gave everyone some pause to rethink who they were dealing with, originally thought to be a man with no hint of humanity whatsoever inside, no soul, something that was considered by many as a monster even by himself. But now with Rose's new discovery, this was something rather different and on a sadder case.

Each one of them glanced at one another, sharing the same concerned expression they all had, until all their eyes came to a rest on BB "What?"

Ruby asks "You're UNSC, you should know something about Deimos's past right?"

"I'm only on a need-to-know basis, SPARTAN Deimos's psychological profile and background history is beyond my authorization, the only way I'd know is if my creator forwards the files to me."

"So what do we do now?" Yang asks.

Everyone gave each other curious expressions until Pyrrha answers "We try and reason with him . . ."

Jaune was quick to point out "Uh before or after he tries to kill us?"

"Preferably before, but if it comes to that then we'll have to make sure he listens one way or another . . ."

"So all we have to do is wait till he strikes again . . ." Blake adds.

"Ugh I'm tired of waiting . . . I still want my rematch after our first date."

Ruby looked over to Yang "You call the fight you had a date?"

"Well yeah, it was fun and we both enjoyed it. Might as well have been something right?"

"He threw you into the pavement . . ." Belladonna remarks.

Long couldn't help but maintain that playful grin of hers "And I threw him into a car, we both still had fun in a weird way."

Blake decided not to argue with Yang any further and eat the rest of her food, Jaune still couldn't grasp the idea that Deimos wasn't alone in this world "And to think there's a whole army of those things, hopefully not like Deimos . . ."

"Maybe they have a better sense of humanity than him" Pyrrha hopes.

"Well we can't think about that sort of thing right now . . . Right now we focus on one day at a time."

"That's probably for the best" Ren added.

[2: 17 PM, Dorm rooms]

"Here? You're sure? Cinder asks as she sets calmly on her bed with her scroll in hand.

"No doubt about it, Ironwood is pulling all of his boys here to protect the academy, they're more afraid of this freak than we thought" Mercury explains.

"And for good reason, this soldier is definitely unlike anything we've seen. And I'm rather impressed, if only we had that sort of power on our side . . ."

Emerald, currently laying on the floor reading a magazine, suggests playfully "Hmm maybe you should ask him when you get the chance."

However Cinder actually took that somewhat seriously as she looks down at her scroll, displaying a close up image of Deimos back at the night of the police attack "Maybe I will . . ."

She eventually looks up and finds Black looking out the window, he was rather focused on something as his eyes narrowed, "What is it?" she asks.

"Thought I . . . it was nothing. My eyes are messin' with me."

"That's what happens when you stay up late" Emerald comments as she continues to read her magazine.

She looks back down at her scroll steadily examining every feature of the armor and helmet, showing a menacing intent from his posture. Then with one swipe of a finger she hides the photo away to bring up detailed police reports regarding the recent attacks on White Fang holdouts, she had already read through them before but she felt she was missing something from it all so she was willing to read through them again. They all shared the same M.O.: high body count, gunshot wounds to chest and heads, broken necks and stab wounds, solid metal projectile rounds rather than the traditional dust ammunition, use of thrown grenades and flashbangs have been confirmed, and every scene was torched and burned before first responders ever arrive on scene. The only time something different happened was during the latest attack in the industrial district, most of the soldiers were incapacitated rather than killed on the demands of Ruby Rose, 'Well . . . at least he's able to listen to orders . . .' she thought to herself with her usual sinister half-sided grin. Now if only she could obtain that sort of edge for her own agenda . . . if only.

Her train of thought was eventually broken when she hears Emerald's voice ask "Think he'll get in with all these soldiers?"

"Oh don't worry . . . I'm sure our guest is quite resourceful. He'll find a way in."

She silently flips back to the photo and brought the LOCUS-Variant helmet up close, her mind now wondering what sort of person is hiding underneath it, she could only imagine.

[5:28 PM, Unspecified location]

Sitting high in the thick branches and leaves of trees that concealed him from the public eye SPARTAN Deimos was making the final preparations for his operation, currently running one last maintenance check on the GPMG M247 that lay across his lap. He was meticulous when it came to weaponry, believing that even the slightest malfunction can easily result in death, or worse a mission failure in his case, a mindset he shares with the legendary SPARTAN-lls. Everything was in place and ready for action, the only thing he didn't account for . . . was Obadiah.

"SPARTAN Deimos, what in god's name on Heaven and Earth do you think you're doing?" the major's voice crackled through his helmet, sounding extremely agitated for some apparent reason.

"Completing my objective, by the end of the next planetary rotation those huntresses will no longer be a problem for us. Sir."

"Not anymore you're not, after you defied my explicit orders to not arouse any more attention and ended up blowing up half the city, I'm pulling you out for immediate debrief and reassignment."

Deimos was confused, "They were necessary actions, I needed to acquire the tools in order to conduct this operation. Who would've cared for the deaths of extremists?"

"Obviously everyone does, they also cared for the fact they you destroyed public property. You are to report to the designated rendezvous point where a pelican will be ready to take you back to High Up."

The SPARTAN wasn't ready to pull out now, not while he so close to completing his task, but he couldn't defy the major's orders . . . it was who he was, a soldier that never disobeyed an order regardless. But, not anymore.

"No. Sir."

"What was that SPARTAN?"

"Cancel that bird Major, I'm completing my mission whether you like it or not. I'm not about to abandon the mission because of a few misunderstandings."

"Misunderstandings!? Adam are you listening to yourself right now!? Pull back now! That is an order!"

"Too late to stop now, the charges have been set and there's no going back to deactivate them."

"You what!? Adam this has gone too far! You're stirring up some serious trouble in ONI right now and if you don't exfil this instant! You will be considered an enemy of the UNSC."

"I am not straying from the mission. That is final."

"Fine. Have it your way. Major Obadiah, out" and like that, there was silence.

Deimos sat there silently, not even working on his machine gun, waiting for something to come back to him but there was no point. He had been deserted by the UNSC and was now alone in a world of monsters with no clear objective in sight, he begins to laugh 'They left a monster in a world of monsters . . . oh ONI, you never disappoint. If Obadiah is no longer my commanding officer then I'll make my own directives. My own goals. My own score to settle . . .'

His mild laughter subsided into a small chuckle that eventually fell into a sigh of relief "Finally . . . I get to do this my way with no one to tell me otherwise."

He looks out through the branches and leaves to see the evening sun slowly nearing the horizon to the west with the Beacon tower next to it, he then went back to his M247 and finishes up his work before sliding the box of ammunition in under the receiver, takes the chain-link belt of 7.62mm Full Metal Jacket Armor-Piercing rounds feeding it into the weapon's receiver, and pulls the charging bolt back loading the first round into the chamber. He flips the safety back on and looks out to the setting sun and the tower next to it, thinking, it's been a while since the last time he's seen a sunset like the one before him, decades in fact. The only thing missing was someone, someone he longed for since he last saw them, he quietly looks over to his side believing for the single moment that that person was sitting next to him enjoying the sunset with him. But much to his misery no one was there to accompany him, and that made him bitter inside, there was no one to be by his side, there never was, and the only thing he could call company was his enemies whether they were alien or human. His sadness turned into anger and he knew who to direct it all upon now, 'Those damn kids inside the academy . . .' he thinks to himself while clenching a right fist.

It was then at that moment when he looks down at his left arm to see the tac-pad displaying the time which was 5:36 in the afternoon 'Only a little longer . . . and then it'll be all over'. With his equipment primed and ready to go, the SPARTAN-lV stands up to his feet and leaps off the branch falling down to the forest floor below, ready to begin his assault on Beacon Academy.

[8:49 PM, Ozpin's office]

"An AI . . . somehow I shouldn't have been surprised" General Ironwood comments as he frowns at the ORACLE-N Variant scope that sat in Ruby's hands.

"Yes. But what I find unusual is why you haven't told us until now . . ." Ozpin inclines as he sat calmly in his chair.

Ruby had already came up with an explanation, an honest one at that, "We . . . we're afraid that if you knew about him, then his creator would kill him."

"You mean erase?" Ozpin corrects her.

"Yeah . . . sure."

Team RWBY and JNPR were present at the moment along with General Ironwood, Ms. Goodwitch, Mr. Port, and Mr. Oobleck, this was indeed a serious time if everyone was attending this meeting.

"Hmm very odd" Oobleck quickly puts.

The headmaster glances over to his colleague and asks "Doctor Oobleck? Is there something you like to note?"

"Hmm yes indeed. AI technology was first created by the Atlesians about- several decades ago yes- but despite years of technological advances over the years ours still have their faults, no special thought processes, limited intellect, and quite obviously the ability to copy other AIs" he takes a swig from his mug as he approaches Ruby and stares into the lens of the scope "But this has none of those faults . . . showing that this AI is decades beyond what we're capable of- centuries perhaps."

"Thus showing how much more dangerous this UNSC is, but over the thousands of years of expansion and colonization across Remnant, how could there be no word of another faction besides the four kingdoms?" Ironwood states with concern behind his voice.

Goodwitch adds with the same feeling "Whoever these people are, it's more than likely that they present a bigger threat than the Grimm themselves, could we be facing a superpower unlike any other?"

"It's possible . . . but once we find the location of their base, the Atlesian military will swiftly bring their might down upon them like a hammer."

"Oh please General" Ozpin scoffs "What could your men do against a SPARTAN? A single fourth generation has been able to kill nearly a hundred armed soldiers of the White Fang with little to no survivors, what'd you expect the results to be when you're dealing with armies worth? I'll admit even our hunters will have difficulty dealing with them."

The general knew that was a dangerous predicament "While . . . they do have a superior ground force compared to our own. Don't deny the fact that we have the numbers and the ships to help control the skies."

"And what if this UNSC has something in stored for them as well? I have no reason to believe they poured their sweat and blood all into creating the greatest soldier the world has ever known. It's likely they've made advances in other fields as well, we must keep an open mind as of now."

"I . . . I see your point . . ."

Pyrrha steps forward and asks "Why are we talking about war like it's an inevitability? There are diplomatic solutions isn't there?"

That made the adults catch themselves, they were talking about a war when they should be coming up with a way to prevent one in the first place, Ozpin composes himself "Sorry, but as the general would put it, this is a First Contact Scenario with a whole new group we know very little of other than what they have. We don't know what they want, we have no ideas as to where they may be, and we cannot ascertain the full strength of their sovereignty both civilian and military."

"But there's a way of not starting a war right?" Yang asks.

"Well we could always try to open diplomatic communications with the UNSC but, judging from the fact that one of their agents is inside our kingdom causing havoc, I don't think they're in the mood to talk" Goodwitch mentions.

Ozpin then thought of something "Well then, if the UNSC won't come to speaking terms then we'll have to make them. And that means capturing Deimos."

Ironwood was dumbstruck "You want us to capture him!?"

"I'd like for your troops to do their best to incapacitate him with whatever means necessary. If we have him in our custody, that might be enough to bring them into light. I'm sure teams RWBY and JNPR will be more than happy to bring him in to justice."

The hunters and huntresses nodded in agreement, but the headmaster then shifts his eyes to the scope "Ruby? Could you please come over here for a moment?"

Young Rose calmly walks over to Ozpin's desk with little hesitation until she was practically standing in front of him with BB in her hands, he leans in and stares into the lens "You seem awfully quiet for an AI that likes to talk . . ."

There was a moment of silence until the scope chimed and a English voice emanated from it "I'm not entirely comfortable with meeting new people . . ."

"That didn't seem to stop you from introducing yourself to Rose."

"She seemed harmless . . . enough."

The headmaster chuckles "So I see."

General Ironwood comes to Ozpin's side and asks in a voice of respect and authority "What's your mission here in Vale?"

"To merely study dear General. I have no intentions to see anyone hurt or worse, and if you wondering then no, SPARTAN Deimos is not aware of my existence so far. So it stands likely that he will not bother to retrieve me unless he's notified by his commanding officer."

"Well let us hope that it hasn't come to that. For now let's focus on ensuring the safety of the academy an—"

Out of the darkness several bright orange lights bloomed into the night sky all around the campus ground without warning. Everyone inside the headmaster's office quickly rushed their way to the large windows and looked down at the devastation below. Atlesian soldiers and fireballs scattered about the plazas either moving to respond to the attacks or burning away.

General Ironwood was dumbstruck by such an attack on this scale, he quickly turns to Ozpin who was slowly getting up from his chair and asks "How could've he gotten in!? We took every precaution into ensuring the safety of the Academy!"

Ozpin was already up on his feet and cane and started to walk over to the windows stating with his usual calm self "That's because he didn't have to . . ."

He finally reaches the window and looks down at the fire raging on near the Cross Continental Transmit tower, the blaze slowly burning at the side, before he looks to the other areas that had been hit as well.

"He's already inside . . ."

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