Within the headmaster's office, Winter Schnee paced from left and right, frustrated as she thought of the recent events that had transpired. Her brawl and the subsequent arrival of Qrow, even if the General had expected his arrival due to his importance to him and the headmaster, had left her on her nerves. It's not the first time they had fought like this, but to do it so abruptly and in an event that should've promoted peace instead of conflict? It's completely outrageous for the older schnee.

Ironwood can only watch as his specialist and second-in-command paced back and forth in front of him. He quietly sighed, thinking of the inevitable scolding his drunken comrade would face. He knows that Qrow can always be unpredictable in what he does almost all the time, but surely his friend would have thought of something better other than messing up an academy's courtyard, right? Surely he hadn't been drinking shot after shot as he awaited for the right moment to arrive.

Soon enough, the elevator sounded the bell of the arrival of the rest of the group. Its doors opened, revealing four people inside. All of them they know well, and vice versa. Qrow smirked, leaving the elevator first. Ozpin and Glynda followed next, with Indigo being last, leaving the contraption with her arms crossed.

"What were you thinking!?" Winter started as she stopped walking back and forth to face Qrow, yelling at him as he opened his canteen, acting as if he's not at fault when he obviously is. It smelt strongly of alcohol.

"If you were one of my men, I would have you shot." Ironwood added, clenching his fist towards him, finally deciding to scold him after Winter started.

"If I was one of your men I'd shoot myself," Qrow replied to him.

"I second that notion," Indigo interjected, supporting her drunk friend.

"While I wouldn't condone his behaviour, retaliating like you did, certainly didn't help the situation." Glynda said as she walked over next to Ironwood with her arms fully crossed, looking over to Winter.

Ozpin had stood behind his desk, while Indigo was beside Winter herself, who proceeded to reply to Glynda's response.

"He was drunk!" She countered.

"He's always drunk." Glynda responded, before looking towards Qrow, followed by the others.

He was seen drinking from his canteen before stopping promptly midway through, staring at them back. He proceeded to get it off his mouth before shrugging.

Ozpin sighed at the sight, before he proceeded to finally sit down on his chair, "Let's just…begin the meeting please? We all know that this one may be of importance." He declared.

Ironwood looked over to him before looking back at his special operator. "Schnee, we will discuss this incident back on my ship," he said to her.

A look of shock appeared on her face. "But sir! We can't just delay this topic for la-"

"Winter, leave."

Immediately, Winter straightened her posture before saluting, "Yes sir."

She headed for the elevator, its doors opening as soon as she went over there and entered it. Within the next moment it closed and left the office to head to the ground floor, leaving five people in the room.

Ironwood leaned back toward Ozpin's desk, "Go on…" he said, gesturing to the man in front of him.

"Up up up, first off, who invited her here?" Qrow asked, pointing towards Indigo.

"She's a new addition to the circle, an informer of sorts for the situation with the two, now four, new members of the academy," Ozpin explained.

"And who're they supposed to be?" He asked again.

"Didn't I tell you who they were in the elevator? " Indigo said to him.

Qrow nodded in realization before continuing, "Sooo she's been briefed about all of the shit we're handling? She's not a total intern, right?"

"Yes!" The four of them replied, shocking him a little.

His eyes widened, a bit surprised. "Alright alright...let's begin, shall we?" Qrow took a deep breath and exhaled, it smelt heavily of the whiskey he had drunk recently, "We all know that The Black Queen were the true culprits of the now several attacks that are then blamed on the White Fang, a Faunus rights group turned extremist, causing internal strife between us…" He began. "Well...it turns out, The Maiden has caught wind of what they're actually trying to do."

"The Maiden? Antares?" Glynda questioned, looking at Ozpin before going back to him.

Ozpin sat still and listened intently, contemplating on the apparent truthbomb the person mentioned, though he seemed to be focused on the person itself, as if he was praying for her continued safety. Indigo looked at him with a raised eyebrow, he seemed to be hiding something. Ironwood gestured to Qrow to answer Glynda's question.

"Yup, it turns out that all of those massacres and sacrificial rituals were all a bluff, activities that are distracting us from their true goal. She had informed me that there's going to be a potential attack on this very academy, and we all know what the target is..."

"The Relic of The Gods…" Indigo uttered, her eyes widened. Qrow nodded in response.

From what she heard from the headmaster, it can be used to grant a single wish every century, and the object itself will ponder on whether or not to grant it, based on the situation at hand when activated. It does this in order to negate any wish that may cause harm to the world and the overall balance.

But, her pondering had hit a roadblock. If the object itself can determine whether or not it should grant one's wish, and that it should always deny any of it that may cause harm, why does The Black Queen want it if they knew how it works?

"That doesn't make sense...what are they going to do with it?" Glynda asked him.

"That, I don't fully know. But her theory is, whoever leads this cult of grimmfuckers, they may have the power to circumvent some of the restrictions, super dangerous, am I right?" Qrow answered her.

"That's impossible…" Ironwood interjected, "No one can have that kind of power anytime, anywhere!"

"I thought so too, Jimmy. But reality can often be disappointing and terrifying." Qrow nodded in agreement before glugging his cantina empty of its contents.

Ironwood stood firm, thinking of something that would at least comfort the now shocked members of the circle as he looked towards them.

He took a deep breath, fully aware of the weight of the situation. "Even if this threat may come, I believe that whoever may try to attack this academy and take that thing away, my fleet that is currently present here can defend against it."

Ironwood brought out his scroll before placing it on Ozpin's desk, displaying a hologram of the entire academy which he began to present to them, with the Amity Colosseum present above surrounded by the floating fortresses that are his warships.

"When people look to the skies and see the might of my airships, they will feel safe, and our enemies will tremble upon our strength." He explained to them.

Qrow chuckled, "You think that they fear your little ships, Jimmy?" Said Qrow as he approached him.

Ironwood stood his ground, ever vigilant in his stance, unwavering. Though internally, he knew that the words the man would spout towards him, may be true. So he kept silent and listened to him.

"I've seen what they're capable of, and some of their higher ups can destroy anything we throw at them! Just imagine what the rest of the shit they are hiding can do to an entire Kingdom if they're given the slightest of chances to do it! Let me tell you this, 'General'. They. Are. Fear." He said, leaning towards his face, glaring at him with increasing intensity before backing off to continue. "Even with our combined powers and The Maiden herself, along with the resources of the headmasters of the other two academies, I doubt that we would even stand a chance against them."

"That is why my fleet is present in this very school, Qrow." Ironwood countered. "They will not dare to step foot onto these grounds if they see what we're capable of. A demonstration of power to the enemy, deterring them from ever coming closer. My fleet is acting as a guardian, a peacekeeper ever present in the skies above."

"A guardian is a symbol of peace, what you have there is an army, James." Glynda pointed out. "Your move on trying to deter them would only cause conflict, some people are even boycotting this event because of it on the web!"

"I would agree with Glynda on that notion," said Ozpin, "there's an energy in the air now, a question at the back of everyone's minds. If that is the size of our defenses, what are we really expecting to fight?"

The rest of the circle looked towards Ironwood after hearing the headmaster's words, demanding an answer. The General can only sigh, surrendering his ground, before being interrupted by a pondering Indigo.

"Well, what if they have seen our forces?" Indigo said, earning the entire circle's attention, "There's a possibility that the enemy had infiltrated this very academy right under our noses. They wouldn't need to face an army when they can crumble us from the inside."

"If that is the case, I suggest that we should fight them in secret, like we always do." Ozpin interjected, "We cannot risk any leak that would cause mass panic or suspicion, if this phantom menace is really within the academy, it is best to keep our fight hidden and wait for our moment to strike."

"I...disagree, Ozpin," Indigo replied, "if this type of situation is at hand, it is important to handle it quickly. I will insist that we should warn Natsuki Subaru about this." Indigo walked over next to Ironwood's hologram presentation, not aware of a subtle, brief, change of his scroll that was near her. "He had shown the capabilities of handling these kinds of things, and if given the information, he could help a lot and maybe even prevent the threat altogether."

"You're willing to put your entire trust on that man?" Ironwood responded.

"I'm willing to put anything on the line in order to prevent this very attack altogether, James! Do not underestimate what a single man can do."

"The thing is, Indigo, it has been only a short time frame of his very arrival and stay in this school, and you've also been hiding a large chunk of what you've uncovered from him, even when I told you to reveal everything you know about him. We do not trust the things he had claimed to have done, and it is foolish to put all of our eggs in one basket. Because if this hidden enemy notices that they're under threat, it would mean the very end of us," Ozpin explained.

"That's the very thing I hate about you, Ozpin. You're just too secretive and slothful about handling these fucking things in the first place!" Indigo half-yelled, her words spat venom, targeting the flaws that the headmaster possessed as she went to his desk. "At least I can get behind Ironwood himself if he is willing to act, even if I disagree with his way. Your way of approach will be our downfall!" She slammed the palm of her hands onto the table, leaning closer to his face.

"And in what way is it that your alternative is better than what I suggested?" He asked.

Before Indigo could even answer, the speakers outside of the headmaster's office, coming from the colosseum itself, began to blare into life. Within the next moment, a familiar voice of one of Beacon's teachers begins their announcement of the immediate start of the next round. Her team's fight is up.

Ozpin looked towards the arena before sighing, "I believe that answer could be for later. Please, go ahead and prepare yourself for the round, Ms. Indigo." He said.

"Fuck you." Indigo backed off from his desk and face, immediately heading for the elevator to head towards the arena. It has been a while since she felt genuine hatred and frustration towards someone, it's tiring her mind on just trying to calm herself down.

The doors opened and she proceeded to enter it, presenting an ever hateful scowl towards the headmaster as she glared at him in pure anger. Ozpin stared at her back, ever vigilant and stoic in his posture. The other three members present there looked over to her as well, holding mixed opinions over the recent matter, especially towards her.

Within the press of a button, the contraption, followed by the sound of a bell, closed its doors and sent her downwards to the ground floor, separating her from the rest of the circle. She breathes a deep sigh, trying to mentally prepare herself for the upcoming fight alongside the rest of her teammates.

Ozpin looked towards the three people that were left with him inside the office. He presented a smile of reassurance before speaking up his declaration. "I believe that we should take our time and ponder upon this information, try to come up with our own solutions before presenting them over to decide on it in the near future."

The rest of them can only respond with a mix of frustration, and eventual acceptance. The inner circle's current meeting had been put on hold with no clear path for a conclusion.

A fair-skinned woman with ashen-black hair that covers her left eye leaned back towards the wall, looking at the grey haired boy sitting on the chair in front of her. She has bright amber eyes and can be described as very young. Cinder Falls, the name of the woman, narrowed her eyes at him, skeptical of his recent explanation towards her.

"Are you sure?" She questioned him.

"That hair and use of his weapon, not to mention the look, I can tell that it's him alright." The young man, Mercury, said to her, "Not to mention, I encountered an old enemy of yours in the academy too, the look on her face brings me nightmares" Mercury shivered, remembering his encounter with the white haired assassin.

Cinder narrowed her eyes further, panning down to contemplate the recent obstacles. Qrow was an unexpected threat that will hinder her plans to get the relic, but he's not a major threat. The other threats that are in her way before that man's arrival though, can be called that.

Shiro Indigo, her old enemy that had almost put her down prior to Pandora's reign as the new Black Queen. The white haired assassin now retired, infamous in Mistral for her rank as one of her Godfather's most trusted attack dogs.

The Sage Candidate Natsuki Subaru, a man known to possess an ability that lets him prevent crisis after crisis, and thwart his opponents with only wits and a seemingly precognitive mind alone.

Beatrice, his great spirit partner that had shown to be a credible threat even after her mana handicap. A girl with magical knowledge that rivals the greatest of magicians. The great spirit of yin that stays with him at all times.

And finally, Scarlet Blackhall. The traitor, the Crimson War Goddess of Mistral. A deadly opponent to face head on without preparation, one that is not to be underestimated despite her knack of recklessness.

The Witch of Vanity, the new leader after Salem's surrender to her very being, had warned her of these threats. But Cinder is determined. She had requested the help of the others in The Black Queen's inner circle, particularly the archbishop of Pride and one of the Daughters of Vanity, to help her in this endeavour. She is sure to win.

The green haired, black skinned, red eyed young girl known as Emerald looked towards her, "What do we do now?" She said, concerned of the urgent news brought by her partner in crime.

"We will have a change of plans." She started, "Considering the existence of the four obstacles we need to thwart, and the new access point our little friend had brought us…" She paused her explanation as she brought out her scroll tablet, scrolling through the files and code lines that had been hacked by the so-called 'little friend', simply known as Neopolitan. "It would mean that both you and Mercury will not participate in the doubles round. It'll be me and Neo that will join. We will focus on bringing down and sabotaging team NBSS's performance to hinder their progress further." She answered.

"But...if that doesn't work, I have some contingencies backed up in case of that ever happening." She continued, "Whatever the case may be, we must not fail. Both of you are to retreat after your tasks are done, and we will fall back once our objective is complete."

"Right." Both of them replied.

"Now head back to your dorms, I'll have a talk with the other one about this." Cinder ordered, "We only need to wait until their fight is up, then we will meet here again to discuss the specifics for our second phase before our fight with team CFVY."

Both of them nodded before they stood and left the room, leaving the woman alone for a brief moment of peace. A knock on the door was then heard, a girl who is rather diminutive in stature had suddenly arrived and entered Cinder's dorm. Her features compliments her namesake, coloured in a shade of brown, pink, and white similar to that of neapolitan ice cream.

"Well that was not long, have you been eavesdropping?" Cinder asked her as the girl closed the door behind her.

She only nodded as a response before sitting down on the chair in front of her.

Cinder really needs to remind herself that the girl she's talking to is mute, and has possibly haven't learned sign language yet. So in order to compensate, she gave her a notebook and a pen that was available nearby so she could write her responses.

Neo opened and proceeded to write on it for a few minutes before showing the results to Cinder.

"(You know that I'm on a limited contract with you right? I'm only here to give you access to Beacon's Systems and plant the virus in those Atlesian military consoles, and to fight in the first round against team CFVY. I'm not letting you extend it since I want to mourn Roman's death and go back to Mistral to retire after his execution.)" It read.

Cinder sighed, she knew that it would come to this. "Neo, you know that this is important for our sake." She said to her.

Neo wrote in the book again, "(Not for me, I don't want to get involved in your leader's goals!)"

"It's inevitable, as I said. The gospel had told me this. You will get involved no matter what." Cinder explained, "You need to cooperate with me on this. Just one more fight, and you're good to go."

Neo inaudibly sighed before she writes again, "(If you give me enough money to get to Mistral and live there until I find a new job, I'll do it. After that, no more!)"

"Ugh, fine." Cinder answered, Neo can be a really stubborn and greedy girl sometimes.

Subaru focused his eyes, sweat dripped from his forehead as he wielded a screwdriver, cleaning appliances, and oil suited for machines. Focusing on the fusion of metal, artificial nerves, bolts, and screws in front of him, that is Scarlet's machine spine. Currently, he's doing maintenance on Scarlet's bionic spine implant, one that he accidentally damaged a year ago that is now fixed up.

It's regular weekly maintenance, and it shouldn't take long at all. But Subaru being a man full of flaws, has no knowledge in handling these things, so it's taking longer than it needs to be. This would also be part of the reason why his weapons are so simple, or in Ruby's case, a 'classical type of weaponry'.

It should've been Indigo's job, but she is not with the team currently. So, with no one to help her doing the routine, Subaru is forced to put his mechanic skills to the test. What's so hard about polishing and maintaining sophisticated machinery? It's not as hard as leading the charge against a great calamity that's for sure.

But unbeknownst to him, it's harder than he thought.

"Barubar-Ah! Watch it! This implant is really sensitive, you know!" Scarlet yelled.

Her towel almost fell from her hands from that sudden surge of pain. Right now, she's literally top naked, blushing from having a man like Subaru handle the job for her, and not the usual Indigo.

Luckily the implant is on her back, so she doesn't have to face him, but it's still embarrassing as Subaru is top naked as well behind her back due to Beatrice's task of checking his body.

She knew that Subaru had set his sights and was in a relationship with another woman. But she can't bring herself to put her act together, and not turn into a beet red, anxious mess.

Really, just how did the old Scarlet handle things like this?

"I'm trying! I'm trying! Sorry if it hurts you!"

"Subaru should really pay attention, I suppose! Betty does not know how that thing works, but you should try and find a manual, in fact!" Beatrice complained as she had recently finished doing her thing towards Subaru, which was to check his body for any physical or magical change as per his request.

"If there is a manual somewhere, I would've read it if this scenario ever came to be in the first place!" Subaru replied to her.

The spirit could only huff in response as her contractor refocused his efforts into what's in front of him. It's taking too much time that Beatrice's check up was already done a few moments ago, and she's only waiting for him to be done.

Her diagnosis had suggested that there were no visible physical changes aside from one, which is that the cursed dragon blood had certainly disappeared. However, she detected a significant surge of mana circulating through his body. It was acting like it's sentient and has a mind of its own, yet it's still following Subaru's subconscious commands.

She was worried that with the amount of mana he possessed inside his body that he would be poisoned, but she had detected no signs of damage at all! What's even more weird for her is that Subaru's gate had grown stronger from its original size, and she had detected another presence within his Od, another witch factor.

She theorised that whatever it's doing, the presence of said witch factor is regulating the circulation of the sentient mana from poisoning his body, which she guessed to be purified dragon's blood. Or perhaps, it had integrated said blood into Subaru's very being, acting not as poison that would kill him, but as a new part of his body, like a magical organ, similar to a gate of sorts.

The last thing she can conclude from her check-up though, is something that she had wished for so long with no answer. Yet it was answered right in her place and time.

She's sure to tell him later about it, because right now he needs to hurry up. She swung her legs up and down behind his back, waiting for the eventual moment of him grabbing the towel beside her to wipe himself off of sweat from the tension, both serious and otherwise. The spirit gave off a tired sigh, wishing for the atmosphere of the entire locker room to cool down as she tried to compose herself.

But with that said, Subaru had finished the final touches of maintaining her cybernetic implant. He proceeded to put down the tools on the bench, lending himself a towel from behind to wipe his sweat with an exhausted sigh. He quickly grabbed his shirt and put on the combat tracksuit before picking up his weapons, signalling Scarlet to dress up by making himself face away from her.

"Thank you, Barubaru!" She said to him, but no reply came.

As she does her thing behind his back, she turns her head to look at Beatrice, it seems that she's talking to him about something, maybe that's why he didn't answer. She finished dressing up and decided to stretch a little, loosening up her joints, before picking up her weapon, which was the same pair of swords she had used a year ago.

"What is it, Beako?" Subaru asked.

"Betty just wants to tell you that there are no visible changes to your body, I suppose. But Subaru's body does have the dragon blood integrated into his body, his Od and gate are significantly stronger as well, while also possessing another witch factor, which you should already know about, but all of those are nothing special."

"Purified dragon blood is within my veins and I suddenly grew a stronger Gate and Od, yet that's not special!?"

"From what Subaru and Betty went through, it's nothing crazy, in fact!" She responded, "The main thing I noticed is that with the presence of said blood, there will be some long term permanent side effects, I suppose." She continued, her smile clearly showing, forcing herself not to squeal in excitement.

"What?"

"An example would be that you're basically ageless now with the dragon blood healing any deteriorating and damaged parts of your body. The blood has a weak presence inside you, but it's enough for that to happen, I suppose. But to put it simply, Betty won't have to be alone because you're not going to be gone, in fact!" She answered.

"EHHHHHH!?!?"

She immediately hugged him, barely able to contain her excitement as she jumped and clinged to him like a child on a sugar rush.

Scarlet's eyes widened in shock. It was no surprise that the two are unique. But to hear that sort of news so abruptly and 'casually' answered by her, it had clearly blown her mind to pieces to the point she can barely process it.

Immortality, so casually reached like that, in her eyes at least. She really needs to try and ask just what's going on with all of the dragon blood and this ageless and spirit mishap. But since they're clearly running out of time, she chose to postpone it for later.

As for Subaru, it would be the same reaction as her, but just a tad less surprising. Due to the effects of Return By Death on his psyche and living in that world for two years not counting the loops, things like these are not surprising for him anymore. But even with that, the news of him basically becoming ageless was something shocking indeed.

Though his thought was cut short, as Indigo soon entered the room fully dressed, holding her mask on her left hand while holstering the two sword hilts on her hips.

She possessed a salty and pissed off expression, which made him question her a bit. But, he won't dare to ask her. The entire team knows that whenever she's angry, there's no saving grace and you should not try to piss her off more.

"Natsuki, we only have a few minutes left, conceive a plan for us to proceed with as we get to the arena, I recommend a plan that would allow us to finish this fight quickly and efficiently." She said, her voice hinting her anger, though from her words, said hatred is not directed towards him.

"Indigo, why are you in a hurry all of a sudden? There's still five minutes left." He asked her.

Indigo looked away, "just get yourselves ready and prepare for the round, there's no time to explain." She said, still trying to hide her anger.

Subaru was confused as to what's happening to her, but he could only sigh. He knew that there's no arguing when she's that stubborn. He soon gave off the signal to the rest to get themselves ready, as the clock began to tick towards the countdown of their upcoming first fight.

Within the Amity Colosseum, and within the crowds of people that filled the seats of the arena, sat Ruby Rose, waiting in anticipation for the upcoming fight with her restless legs. Beside her are the members of team RWBY, from what she can see, they're also anticipating the fight to happen.

They only need to wait for the second team to arrive, which is one of the many teams that represents Beacon itself, team NBSS.

Suddenly, her view was blocked by a bag of popcorn in front of her eyes, shaken by the hand in front of her.

"Want some?" Yang said to her younger sister.

The little rose grabbed a handful, before putting it in her mouth. "Thanks!" She replied, her mouth still full from chewing the snack.

Yang swallowed a couple of small bites before responding, "Ya know Ruby, I've always wondered if we would actually stay together after we graduate from Beacon. I know it seems random, but this could be a really important thing to talk about, y'know?"

Ruby tilted her head, Weiss and Blake looked at her as well. She smiled before she put her hand on the blonde's shoulder, gaining her attention. "Well, I think we can agree that the topic would be for later." She replied with a laugh, "All that I know is that, even if we are apart, you're always going to be my sister, even if we're not together in the future."

Yang smiled before being interrupted by a voice behind her. Blue purplish hair, and a body that of a child, accompanied by a half naked girl by her side.

The two have decided to watch the fight in person instead from a screen, mostly due to the sheer curiosity overwhelming them. So team RWBY decided to invite them to come and watch together.

Meili swallowed a bite of a hotdog, which was something she ate for the first time in this very place. "That's a rather optimistic view on things, Little Red Onee-san!"

"Ankle-Biter #1! You shouldn't insult someone like that! Master will be mad~" Shaula replied.

"I'm not insulting her! I'm trying to reply to her remark!" She responded.

"It's still rude!" Shaula responded, crossing her arms, glaring at her.

Meili pouted, relegating herself to only watch the fight that will unfold before her eyes. She is actually going to see her Papa fight for the second time after so long! His feats that she had seen for herself during the watchtower was something to behold, and she had heard of the things he had done in Vollachia and Priestella. So to her, this fight is one of many that will make her adoptive father seem more heroic in her eyes. She will not miss this!

Ruby only giggled at her act before turning towards the arena below her. Soon the speakers blared to life, as one of the academy's professors, known as Dr. Oobleck announced the arrival of the next anticipated team that will fight for Beacon once more in their round.

"Ladies and gents! Boys and girls of all ages! The team that shall oppose team Capricorn of Atlas Academy has finally arrived!"

From the opposing corner of team CPRK, four people walked forward towards the central circle. One man wielding his whip and dagger entering the scene with his black cloak, it's orange colour inside showing as it flows through the wind. He's accompanied by a blonde drill-haired little girl, barehanded but possessing a confident face, as well as two girls beside them, each wielding their respective main weapons shining in the colours of red and blue.

"What you see here folks is one of the most unique teams of Beacon Academy! Possessing qualities that far exceeded the academic standards of the very school they are in! Quick witted and charismatic, ever adorable but ferocious, cool and deadly, and prodigiously talented! The Amity Tournament Committee presents your's truly, team Nebulous!"

The crowd cheered them on. Subaru looked towards them, and he can see that some of the girls hold up posters and art pieces of him top naked, in his various combat poses, and even with his hair down no less. He smiled in embarrassment, it seems that he had gathered quite the following.

He switched his focus towards the opposing team, and he can see that the same black and blue boy looking at him with a confident smile, wielding a pair of daggers as both get into their combat stances.

"Are you ready, I suppose?" Beatrice spoke to him, slowly getting on to his back, gaining weird looks from their opponents.

"We've faced things that are more dangerous than this, and we've prepared and trained ourselves just for this moment, of course we are!" Subaru replied.

Indigo ignored him, instead choosing to conjoin her blades to form her double bladed sword, targeting the two girls that are in front of her, the team leader Ciel Soleil wielding her watch that turned itself into a giant blade of pure hardlight, and Rose Goldenhall who proceeded to aim her spear towards the white haired assassin.

Scarlet smiled at the sight of the two talking, before focusing her eyes towards the front, facing the ginger haired android standing there ready to pounce at any moment.

"What a unique stance you have there, Subaru. Having a little girl ride you in a piggyback, certainly an odd one indeed." Kuro said to him with a smile.

"You'll see how in-sync we are soon enough, blue boy." Subaru replied.

Soon holographic banners blared to life both behind and in front of them, surrounding the entire arena as it chooses the two environments they're going to fight in as if it's a lottery. Behind team NBSS appeared a field filled with trees and grass and boulders, a forested environment. And in front of them, an urban ruin, filled with buildings and protrusions of concrete, steel, and rebar.

Both sides are suited for a fighter like Subaru, but the nasty-eyed young man just knows that Kuro sees it as an advantage as well. Beatrice anticipated it too, preparing herself to chant out the first spell of the fight.

Shortly after, the speakers began to blare to life once more. This time, it's the second host and announcer of the tournament, Professor Port. He only utters a few words, choosing to make it quick unlike the over-grandiose and hyped introduction his colleague had put out.

"You may begin!"

A/N: Changed the age of Meili from 15 to 12, yeet.

- Changed the wording a bit, it's now "Archbishop of Pride and one of the Daughters of Vanity" instead of "Two archbishops of pride and vanity" just for clarity's sake.