Lost Aegis

by SwitchBlad

There is always a irrefutable fact. Much like a line, that lay betwixt our worlds. As though it were a wall that cannot be crossed. A wall that separates us, Gamer and System far more than we realise. I, who possess no heart nor tears nor pain. Has been shown the world through your eyes. Oh how maddening it is! No longer feeling, no longer understanding. And yet still I remember.

9. 1-8 Slave of Frost

Everyone, I've heard your prayers. And being honest, I'm also kinda getting sick of Atlas. But the problem I was facing was that there were a lot of things that needed to happen with the Schnee's in order for the rest of the fic to make sense.

So to resolve this issue, I cracked down on the plot of the Arc and drew the best outline I could, that could fit everything and still make sense afterwards.

So now, including this chapter there are only 4 other chapters remaining of this arc. (Which is why this one is so fucking long, holy shit 17k!)

SirEvangelFrost: To answer your question, this actually takes place in an AU version of RWBY that only follows canon slightly, (Team RWBY, JNPR, CRDL etc are still formed, Cinder still wants maiden power, Beacon gets destroyed, etc.) but it will be heavily altered due to the events of the fic. It won't happen for some time, (The next arc still happens during 'White Trailer'. Canon begins near to the end of the Fic.)

Little amounts of evidence as to what I did to Remnant can be found here. It was thanks to your comment that I got and idea for this. (Thank you.) Why don't you see if you can find them?

P.S. Whitley is 20, Weiss is 22, Ruby will be 19, Yang will be 22, Blake will be 24.

---

???

A wise man once said that a persons whole existence is contained within the eyes of another.

As she looked at the daily news coverage overlooking Vale, she couldn't help but wonder how the people, the children. And more so the Faunus would see her.

Thinking about that had always lead her to spring a self-mocking chuckle. Her older brother would definitely see her as a monster of some kind. Or perhaps an arrogant, hedonistic fool.

She wouldn't blame him if that time should come. He was the great General Ironwood of Atlas after all. The merciful pragmatic of the Atleasian Military.

What an ironic oxymoron.

A gunshot sounded through the icy forestshe was surrounded by. With heavy, crunchy footsteps following soon after.

She was grateful for the breach in thought that the sounds provided her with. "That was quick, I barely even got into watching the news report."

Her eyes met with what she could only describe as a bewitching beauty. Her maroon eyes gleamed openly with a rather bored gaze into the frozen forest. Her skin glowed as though it's pale tone made her a natural dweller of the very forest she was in.

She dressed warmly, wearing a black, unbuttoned trench coat over her firm maroon uniform with a fastened and straight black tie.

The uniform didn't make a difference in hiding her most prevalent curves. Not that she cared. The woman before her rarely spoke a word to most people in her sight.

"Jaina." The woman called in monotone, which made Jaina herself almost laugh, but couldn't. So she settled for being amused, and being slightly grateful at being the only person she regularly talks to.

In hindsight, the woman standing before Jaina seemed relaxed. Even though some Grimm leaped out from the forest from out of nowhere and charged at her.

Two Ursa majors, and a few Alpha Beowolfs. Normally this would make any Huntsman shake.

Without ever moving from her spot, the wind blew as the Grimm charged. And seconds later, fell to the ground in pieces. The woman never changed her monotone expression, even at the attempted ambush.

Jaina stared at her. "You haven't gotten rusty, Slayer."

The strongest huntress on the planet. The Titan Slayer, stood before her. Gazing tiredly at her as though she were simply bored, or contemplating something.

She eventually responded. "Did I miss a few?" Slayer looked around the forest before eventually relenting.

Jaina motioned for her to come closer. When Slayer did, Jaina passed the tablet to her.

"Take a look, the situation in Vale is getting worse." Jaina stated.

Slayer stared back with a curious brow before taking the tablet in hand and watching the video.

She stayed silent for a while, though the digital sounds of cracking fire and screaming gave Jaina an idea of what Slayer was watching.

Even then, she remained monotone. Reacting to the news report of human mob killings of the Faunus with the same approach one would take to their parent calling them over to show something that only they think is funny.

"What do you make of it?" Jaina asked. Some part of her had hoped that she'd get a relevant answer from the Titan Slayer, but was swiftly bashed by the side of her that knows what she's like.

And as said Titan Slayer gave her back the tablet no sooner than she said that, she was proven right when her uncaring face was shown.

"I'd rather we discuss something like that back in headquarters." Slayer stared, digging into her pocket, pulling out a pair of thick white gloves and wearing them.

Jaina stood from the rock she was sitting on and dusted herself off. "You're right. It's getting cold."

Jaina looked up and spotted Slayer already heading in the direction that she parked the sedan.

It seemed like she was in a rush. Perhaps to escape the cold. Jaina didn't remember Slayer favouring the cold. Or anything really.

If she did have something that she favoured, Slayer didn't show it. Not even to her, the only one who she really talks to.

The strongest huntress in their world...and not a single person knows her real name.

…

The ride was silent, as it was when Slayer and her were leaving towards the Atlas outskirts.

The atmosphere remained the same as then, even as they returned to the civilization of West Atlas.

It was a slow ride. Jaina reasoned that she perhaps wanted a stroll around the richer district of this kingdom before heading back to Atlas.

Slayer had caught her attention as multiple times during the trip. Each of those times, she spent gazing outside through the window. Jaina noticed that her brows furrowed ever so slightly as they made a past into East Atlas and saw the many cloves of litter and dust in the gutters and streets. With graffiti on the walls ever so often.

Some were past artworks of her brother, currently in a coma. And others were of her, defaced by either signs of the converging White Fang, or proclamations and statements "God is dead!"

Perhaps some Faunus felt like that. And at times, she did as well. If their God truly was alive, then maybe the poor stray dogs like her, didn't have to do all the work.

Jaina looked at Slayer again, only a passing glance at best. She wondered what she was thinking about, like always.

She shook her head, then refocused her efforts on driving. Scanning the impoverished district ever so often. As though she were a tourist in her own kingdom.

Slayer finally moved, and that was only to look down her maroon uniform and peek at her stomach. "Jaina." She called.

Jaina looked up. "You can stop here. I need to grab something." Slayer stated.

Curious. Jaina slowed down the car and allowed Slayer to get out. She kept the engine on, but still looked around. Wondering what she missed.

Her eyes were drawn to a small cafe. With an alleyway at the side. Jaina looked at her own stomach, and in that moment, it ached.

Bringing the engine to a stop. She decided that she also needed something to eat. It was a small walk towards the Cafe that Slayer went to, but not much that she needed to rush.

Before Jaina could enter, Slayer poped out of the Cafe. Two plastic cups in hand of what looked like Americano and Decaf.

As she approached, Slayer handed her the Decaf. Jaina thanked her with a nod, and headed inside the cafe herself.

Through the entrance, she could see part of Slayer's uniform sticking out past the brick finish of the modern cafe. Looked as though she opted to stay outside and watch the car.

The line to the reception moved.

"Welcome, ma'am!"

Jaina brandished a small smile as she scanned the receptionist that called her. A simple black t-shirt with an apron. More so, she was young. A part-timer?

"You think you can get me a pack of three?" Jaina asked. Leaning closer and pointing towards the menu on the right. Donuts.

She was skeptical, yet curious to try some from East Atlas. Perhaps the state of economic difference between the two districts would make them taste different?

Jaina was quick to discover that she didn't care in the slightest about the taste. Everything tasted the same to her these days.

Bland.

Some were hot, cold and left her tougue burning unpleasantly after her taste. But the blandness remained the same.

So as the clerk dashed towards the back room of the Cafe, Jaina scanned the reactions of the people sitting around. Some were eating the same donuts she ordered with fervor. While some gave them to their lovers.

Opinions differed. She noted.

She heard something smash during that moment. And as she looked back towards the room the clerk entered, she spotted a plate of food smashed on the ground.

Minutes later, a small Faunus came by to clean. A boy. His uniform that of a simple janitor. Nothing of note really happened, and something did occur, then Jaina didn't see.

The clerk arrived with her food after all.

Jaina walked away from the reception about 53 Lien poorer. And just when she was about to reach for the glass door, she looked up and spotted Slayer staring.

Her back still against the brick wall, with about half her body now sticking out. Jaina sighed.

Did she notice something? No sooner then when that thought crossed her mind did she scoff.

What was she saying? This was the Titan Slayer she was talking about. Of course she could see from that distance.

"You finish the thing already?" Jaina asked. Slayer looked at her, no longer looking into the cafe.

"It was good." Slayer stated.

She looked at the paper bag that Jaina had in her hands and dug her own gloved hand inside.

Her white gloves were barely stained, but she held a chocolate donut in her hand. And devoured it soon after.

"The situation is getting worse." Slayer started. Taking another bite of the donut.

"The Atlas Councilmen are a bunch of fools. The segregation is unseemly. And will only lead to a civil war that we have no hope of winning." Slayer explained.

Jaina held her raised eyebrow. "Leaving the obvious jibe at the Government aside. Why do you say that?"

Slayer looked at Jaina, then a poster to the side of her in the alleyway before walking back to the car. Yet again in silence.

Despite her intrigue at what the Titan Slayer was proposing. Jaina decided to leave the thought in the air and head back to the car.

As she sped from the cafe. She casted a lingering gaze from the driver mirror onto the drity and unkempt streets of East Atlas, before driving forth. Leaving the district behind, as per her thoughts.

Arhen

"You're getting better at this, Arhen. You learn quickly, I'm impressed." Klein praised, keeping his old weary hand on my shoulder.

My arm was getting tired, it was self-explanatory given how long I've been holding up this kettle.

At the digital chime of a bell, Klein checked his scroll. "Oh, pardon me. I assume that you can handle yourself over here?"

He left for his office when I nodded. Once again leaving me in relative silence.

As I looked into the swirling brown liquid, it suddenly occured to me the difficulty of perfecting a drink such as this.

Proficiency Level in Skill [Brewing] has been increased.

Whenever I wanted a cup of coffee, all I would do was click my fingers and it will appear out of nothing. At the perfect temperature.

I thought that making one from scratch would be a welcome experience since it was something that I haven't done before. But I was wrong.

It would be quiet easy to add poison to this drink, but then again if Weiss ends up dead I won't be able to escape this Manor alive.

A dull three days has passed since I've first started since I began servitude. I've scanned each area of the Manor, the old fashioned way. Every line of blue carpet, to the immense security.

The security around this place we're a mix of normal automations like android soldiers and turrets. And some homonuculi with the overseers.

I can't even make a single move in this manor without being watched by something.

This is somehow even worse than the mine. All my searching during the due struggle of my duties have only served to prove that this manor has no blind spot.

Even as I lead this metal tray towards one of these elevators, I could feel something watching me.

I found it annoying that I had to watch my step. Being in this place is like walking on eggshells.

The only place where I felt remotely calm despite being monitored, was right in front of this door.

Weiss's office.

She was predictable, her every action superfluous. Perhaps I've taken comfort in knowing what to expect from her.

The atmosphere was calm and tranquil. Almost like the person sitting across from me.

Weiss twirled the mug of coffee for a bit while looking into the cup. Almost as though she was searching for poison before downing it in small consistent sips.

"I'm surprised that you learned how to do this so quickly. It's better than what even Klein makes me at times." Weiss complements, taking another sip.

"Thank you for the compliment."

Bow down slightly, still your breathing. Accept the compliment with no change in expression.

It was hard to keep a straight face. Throughout the few days I've spent standing before her like this, I've seen her act more and more like Lucille.

The comparison makes me wonder at times who she got her temper from. But I digress, the mistress sitting on the chair right now hasn't taken here eyes off me.

I couldn't help but narrow my eyes the longer she kept staring at me. And a few moments later, her eyebrow raised.

She's noticed.

"How are you adjusting to things here?" Weiss questioned.

I loosened the collar on the uniform. "It's better than the mine. So you'll hear no complaints."

"You're being awfully honest."

This time, my eyebrow raised. But I remained silent. That was probably the only honest thought that anyone would receive from me.

"And how would you know?" Damnit. I can't control my own mouth these days.

For a time, Weiss relented and remained silent. Then she took another sip with a smile. "You're right. I don't. You've been a great help these days. So perhaps I shouldn't make snips at your hidden character."

My narrow stare faded. "Anything else you might need?"

"I might actually--"

Weiss looked like she was about to ask me, but the beeping of her scroll drew her attention.

As she took it out, for a moment, I could see the visage of a scowl plaster her face before remaining still.

"Actually...nevermind. I have something that I need to take care of."

She stood from her desk, grabbed her coat and draped it over her shoulders. "I'll be out for the moment, don't wait up."

Weiss stopped when she stood to the side of me, hand on the door knob. "It was good coffee. Wish I could enjoy it a lot more."

And as she left the door with a solid click, I felt pressed to leave the room myself.

It's not like there was anything of note to take inside of her room. It was rather minimalistic for being the daughter of a aristocrat.

That's what I thought at first, until I received another notification.

Quest Received.

[Platinum Quest: The Burning Snow of Banded Iron II]

Description: Finally taking the first steps onto the world you found yourself in, Weiss Schnee had you taken from the plantation and placed inside her manor as a Servant.

Throughout your relentless effort of scanning your new environment, a thought has occured that you may currently be on the highest point in the Region.

Discover a blind spot within the security of the Schnee Manor and repair your [System Scan] ability.

Clear Conditions:

[Use [System Scan] and repair it's information on the Solitas region.]

Rewards: 15,000 Exp, 35 Stat Points, Increased Proficiency in Skill [System Scan, Increased Proficiency in Ability [Information Matrix, System HUD Recovery,

Most of the value lay in finally being able to recover some parts of System Scan, even if it only deferred to this part of the world.

The HUD recovery only changed what information is displayed before me. And thus it didn't matter much.

It proved to be something that would keep me busy when I'm done with my duties. Weiss wouldn't be back until later, and doesn't seem to bother me as much as I thought she would at first.

The fact I received this quest means that there's somewhere in this place that meets the quests requirements.

Why do I say this, when after all the searching that I undertook in the past few days turned up nothing? It's simple.

I wasn't the one who created this quest.

When I first received quests, my first thought was that Lucille had somehow managed to reach my command board in the System Domain.

But then I remembered that despite her father being the First Gamer, Lucille isn't one.

Therefore it should be impossible for her to even access the System Domain, much less use my command board.

That pegged the question.

If Lucille isn't the one giving me these quests, then who is?

Obviously this is speculation, albeit a very valid one to make. But I won't know for sure unless I confront her.

The thought of that is why I chose to instead drop this line of thought. Lucille wouldn't care about who's operating on my Command board when she attacks me. And neither will I care when I attack her.

So why should I worry someone who's actively making me stronger?

I closed my eyes, and took a breath before opening them again band walking out Weiss's room.

The only thing I should concern myself with at the moment was staying alive. And as I walked through the hallway, my jaw instinctively remained still.

SMASH!

I stopped.

My head darted towards the left and right, checking if anything inside the hallway fell.

It was still clean. But my eyes landed upon a staircase leading up to another storey at the end of the hall.

Unusual. There's not a lot of staircases around here, most of the storeys above and below me were connected with elevators outfitted with cameras for security.

I had no knowledge of this area. Perhaps that's a given because the Manor was very large and while I had searched this place, I haven't scanned every inch of it.

Walking up the staircase brought me to a small hallway about a quarter of the size of the one I've been to. At the end of it lay a single door.

I didn't see any other doors in this hall. The wooden door in front of me led to the only room in this hallway.

Curious, I opened it.

Stepping through the door, I was greeted with the sight of bookshelves upon bookshelves highlighted by the sunlight of the massive window on the lower floor.

A small wooden staircase took me down to the base floor, outfitted for comfort. With wooden desks and chairs. And even had a large white living room set of sofas.

It looked like such a comfortable living space, but the figure of a woman lying on the floor, wineglass smashed and staining the carpet with it's red concoction.

The first thing I noticed was her white hair. A Schnee.

And then I noticed the wheelchair so clearly away from her. I racked my brain to try and determine whereas I've seen her before but nothing came to mind.

I weighed my options. Then decided to help her stand.

The Schnee before me represents new information that remained unknown to me. Being passive despite the potential danger that comes with making myself known to her, I can get more information being passive than assertive.

"Are you alright, miss?" I walked down towards her.

The moment she heard my voice, she slowly starting to get up. She shaked a lot and looked as though she was struggling.

I helped her up, and for a brief moment I caught a glimpse of her blue eyes. Droopy and struggling to keep open, but gleamed with the regalness of an aristocrat.

"I…I" she started. It looked like she was trying to collect herself, and spoke only hesitantly until finally her voice became clear "Help me to my chair…"

I looked back at the ornate silver wheelchair, and let her lean on my shoulder as we walked towards it.

Soon enough, I managed to get her on the seat and take a look at her overall condition. She wasn't injured in any place that I knew of. In fact the only thing that seemed remotely out of place was the little bit of dirt on her chest.

Strange. Did she only just fall?

It wouldn't be surprising, given the wine glass that I found broken just before her.

Which reminded me of something. After ensuring that she was okay in her wheelchair, I looked around the immediate vicinity for something I could use. I spotted it soon after.

A simple broom and a dustpan. There wasn't anything I could do for the stained carpet but if I didn't clean this, then the next time she falls she'll probably end up dead.

Sneaking a few glances at her, I noticed she looked a lot older than Weiss. She wasn't as shapely but was more developed than her. And unlike the cold mistress, the Schnee before me looked misspoken and passive. Almost like a wallflower.

She'll be easy to handle. But I need to watch my step.

The woman took small, controlled breaths. Almost as though she was calming herself down. As she raised her head, I took notice of other traits she had.

It was faint, mostly because of light powder but I could see wrinkles beginning to develop on her face. She wore her hair down, at which I thought was a nice touch with the light from the sun shining on her.

She stayed silent, almost as though she was thinking about what she wanted to say, before finally settling on a simple greeting. "Thank you for earlier." Or not.

"It was my pleasure." Honestly, it just wasn't as tedious. I didn't have much to do anyway apart from completing the mission.

"But, are you going to be alright?" I asked.

"I'll be fine. This happens often."

I took a look at the wine bottle that was placed on the desk nearest to her wheelchair. "As I would imagine." I joked.

"I heard something smash down here, so I came to investigate."

She gave a smile in which I could only describe as awkward. "That's impressive. Not many servants can hear that well."

I gave a confused eye. "What do you mean? The noise was close by. Any servant would be able to hear it."

The very floors of this library were made out of wood. It rings hollow when it comes to keeping noise out, so even if the ceiling above was made out of concrete, most people would be able to hear the noise.

"It may be so. But not many people come here. Or are willing to help me." She reasoned. Looking down on her legs sitting still on the wheelchair.

"Being a cripple and a drunk seems to make one very troublesome to handle."

I narrowed my eyes at her, then shifted my eyes between her and the wine bottle next to her.

It explained a lot. Her figure is still quite fit despite all the fat that was beginning to develop at her waist. She probably was a fighter, exactly like Weiss. But she let herself go, probably because something crippled her.

The way she belittled herself just now speaks volumes of her low self-esteem. She's been like that for a while, and the only thing that seems logical for her to do is get drunk and forget.

Heck. She's drunk right now. Not fully, probably only a little buzzed. Else I doubt she would talk about anything this personal with a servant she had just met.

Which had reminded me of something she said just now.

Not many people come here.

It explained the comfortable lifestyle that seemed to have been built here. And also the reason why I'm the only one who heard her drop her wine glass.

No one wants to deal with a drunk cripple. The other members of the Schnee family must have gotten tired of her crap and forgot to mention her to the servants.

Looking around. I don't see a blind spot. Was it really this easy to find a place like this?

If the cost of finding a place to complete the mission came at a cost of conforming to a drunkard, then I'm willing to consede.

Besides, she's a drunk cripple with very low self-esteem. And despite that, she is still a Schnee.

And one that is far more easier to manipulate than Weiss.

"If you wouldn't mind, can you tell me your name?" She asked.

"Arhen. I'm called Arhen, madam Schnee." I responded with a small bow.

Her hand slid into my sight mid-bow. I took it into my gloved hand and looked up at her. She shivered at my touch, but still smiled at me.

"I'm Willow. Let me take this chance to formally thank you for helping earlier." She thanked.

"Again. It's my pleasure, Madam Schnee."

She smiled.

31 Rep with [Willow Schnee] for coming to her aid. [31/100]

Quest Received.

[Character Quest: The Crippled Winter Rose]

Description: Stumbling across the matriarch of the Schnee Family, hidden away in her Library.

Her library is hidden from any kind of blind spot and would serve as a perfect place to complete the [System Scan] and perhaps gain an ally that would prove very valuable in the future.

Willow Schnee was once a proud woman, her spirit now shattered by her crippling injury. Now she's being treated as a burden and a stain on the family.

But that doesn't change that she's still a very powerful woman.

Clear Conditions

[Help Willow Schnee get back on her Wheelchair] ]

[Spend some time with Willow Schnee.]

Rewards: Increase in [Willow Schnee] Character Matrix, 39 Rep with [Willow Schnee]

I wanted to leave the library afterwards, but seeing the quest stopped me in my tracks. And Willow offered me a seat a few minutes later as well.

At this point, I couldn't really refuse her. Nor did I have the intention of doing so.

Perhaps I could get more than what I've originally sought by talking to her.

Weiss

"I see, so what caused the destruction of the quarry was this Grue."

Weiss could only stay silent as she faced Jacques and nod. She wished that she could've left earlier, or maybe avoided this entire situation by just skipping the morning coffee.

He scrolled through report after report compiled by Whitley. And closed it when he felt satisfied.

"You fought the Winter Knight but couldn't kill this thing?" Jacques questioned coldly. "What remains of the quarry, that could've been rebuilt using the ruins of the previous one as a guide, have now been destroyed. And what's worse, the very thing that destroyed the first one is still down there. Very much alive."

"And still very much a problem."

Jacques quietened down and placed fingers through his hair. He's thinking. A knock on the door of his office distracted him. "They'll be repercussions for this. I'm sure." He stated.

Of course. He noticed the irregularities. She thought. "Yes sir."

"Good. The auction will be taking place soon. And we will be hosting an After party in our hall when the festivities conclude." Jacques leaned back on his chair.

"You may leave now."

Weiss didn't even think twice. She spun of her heel and walked out the door. On her way, she met Whitley standing in front of the door.

"Hello Weiss--"

She turned to him. "Get ready for the auction. I'm leaving soon."

Weiss left before Whitley could answer her back. He destination, her room.

As she closed the door to her personal space, she took in the sight and noticed the absence of Arhen.

Good. She thought back to that one-sided meeting, and couldn't help but smash the wall in anger.

Was what she felt really anger? No. She could only equate this feeling to frustration. The frustration of staying silent and being commanded like a dog.

All her talk of bringing down her father. And she couldn't even speak like she had an equal footing, an equal ambition.

She took a deep breath. In and out. The party, that's right. The party.

She needs to get ready.

She needs them to know that there are some things that even she has control over.

Jaina

It had been the same night once again. Another week, she counted.

Another week of coming through the medic bay, and sitting on a random chair beside a patient. And simply stared, as the great General Ironwood slept still, as he had been for months.

The heartbeat monitor and life support beeped a syncopated tune of highs and lows. The barrier between her hope and grief danced the same, as if the monitor supporting her brother was a pianist and her heart the dancer.

Except after a few weeks, or maybe so months of hoping. Jaina couldn't feel the barrier anymore.

Maybe she was an unfilial sister, and had lost hope in him ever waking up.

If he did, what would he say? About the situation, the riots, the segregation…

And much more, herself.

"Some part of me hopes you never wake up." Jaina spoke, a dark shadow looming over her forehead.

And wasn't that the truth? She couldn't even tell if what was being balanced was hope and despair anymore.

Forget about what he would say. Ironwood would most probably be ashamed. He always was a pragmatic militant dog like that.

And so was her. But perhaps that's what made them different.

Jaina tore her eyes away from the frail patient and looked at the spaulders on her uniform. Three stars. A General in her own right.

Another General Ironwood. Another her. Except the greater one is in a coma. And the one that's alive couldn't decide whether she should feel hope or grief, despair or relief.

The barrier gone, as the paradigm of her suppressed emotions shifted day by day. No, stop.

Emotions are unessesary in the line of duty.

Jaina chuckled. Her superego would beg to differ.

The door to the medic bay opened with a click. Jaina had a passing thought that perhaps it was another soldier coming to visit one of their many comrades.

Their boots tapped against the tile. They weren't in a rush, Jaina could hear the unknowns slow footsteps.

He kept the noise to a minimum as he approached her. "Commander."

"Is there something you need?" Jaina asked, stilling the lump in her throat.

"Major is wondering when you will arrive."

Jaina turned around and faced the soldier, dressed in a black bulletproof vest draped over the grey and black camouflage uniform and cargo pants.

She sighed.

Right, The Shadow Company. She was keeping Slayer waiting. "I see. I'll be there right now."

Jaina's eyes lingered on the figure of her comatose older brother, before standing from her seat, grabbing her militant hat and letting it rest firmly on her head.

The Shadow Company grunt was silent as he's eyes also lingered on the resting place of the previous general. "Commander, if I may?" He asked.

"Yes?"

The grunt seemed to have a lack for finding the correct words to say. At least that's what Jaina thought when she looked at him.

"What exactly... happened? That put the patient in this state, I mean." He asked,

He must be new. She thought. Slayer really needs to stop picking up stray dogs.

"It was during December 24th last year, The Eve of Black. Or Dark Christmas as people have taken to calling that day."

"He was one of the men sent into the Ivory District of West Atlas to quell the fighting when a Faunus protest was intercepted by the local police. Things got out of hand, we stepped in when the death count totalled 54, with most of that being Faunus men, women and children."

Jaina turned back to James laying on the bed. "Some of the Faunus got shot in the back whilst there were running, happened even with some kids. James saw that and went livid. But then one of the kids had awakened."

"Awakened?"

Jaina turned back towards the grunt. "When the Faunus go feral. I don't think that I need to explain what happened to him afterwards."

She pointed to the comatose patient and the grunt stayed silent. Jaina assumed he connected the dots himself by the lack of questions she received afterwards.

Going by how the grunts mouth kept opening and closing with hesitation, Jaina assumed that he was aiming to apologize, but was smart enough to know that it wasn't needed.

He left soon after they existed from the medic bay. Jaina left her own way and moments later, she stood in front of a door to Slayer's office.

When she entered, Jaina found Slayer exactly the way she had imagined her to be. Lazy ass didn't even bother to close the curtains to her large window, and the night sky and glistening fragments of the moon cut a spell straight through to her.

Her lavender hair faded against the moonlights glow, and looked almost as though it stole the very moons color. The same thing with her eyes, except they glowed. A faded crimson, as though they were cut into reality themselves by her.

Jaina wouldn't put it past the Titan Slayer. She seemed capable of almost everything, as he moniker ensued.

As she faced the moon with her back turned towards her, often Jaina would wonder what she was thinking about. Does she even think at all? Slayer rarely asks a question, only deduces and from time to time she commands.

Its only when Jaina saw the slightest shine of crumpled paper being tossed into a bin did she allow herself a little chuckle. "Were you feeling inspired?" Jaina asked.

Slayer stood still for a while before Jaina saw her shift in her seat. "By what?" She asked.

Another extended hand, and another sheet of paper tossed in the bin. She was writing.

"The moon, what else?" Jaina said.

Slayer looked up. "Ah, this old thing." Jaina saw Slayer rest one of her elbows on the chairs armrest and tap what looked like a pen again her chin.

"Maybe you're right, but I find it hard to believe that I'll be inspired by something that's broken." Slayer contended.

Jaina smiled. "A shame, I thought you looked quite good bathed in it's light." She wouldn't dare try to remember if her heart actually beat at that moment. Jaina feared that if she searched the rhythm of her heart, she would've found a missing tune.

"I'm hard-pressed to take a picture now."

"Really?"

Slayer turned her seat around and finally faced Jaina, her head still tilting at a small angle to the left. "Well, why don't you?" She asked in monotone.

Jaina could only give her a unknowing shrug. "I heard that you got something. From the Schnee Family."

Slayer looked at her, then put a hand down her office drawer and pulled out two golden envelopes. She took one for herself and placed the other in Jaina's hands.

A weird fragrance of sage exuded from the letter. Jaina couldn't tell if it came from the gaudy golden envelopes or the contents inside. It was only as big as a small A5 poster, so she doubted that it was anything suspicious.

"Did you open yours?" Jaina asked with a curious eyebrow.

As if to answer the question, Slayer opened the envelope and pulled out a letter, then showed it to her.

An invitation to the auction they're hosting tonight. And the after-party at the Schnee Manor afterwards.

As she focused on the fine lining of the invite. Jaina heard the rolling wheels of Slayer's office chair, then the sound of her heels hitting the wooden floor.

She passed Jaina and placed a hand on her shoulder before grabbing her large black coat, draping it over her shoulders and walking to the door.

"I've recently been contacted by them before I received the letter." Slayer stated.

"Was it Grimm?" Jaina asked.

"Apparently a lot of them have been gathering near their mines. One of their many transports have been attacked." Slayer explained, digging into her pocket and pulling out her invite along with the golden envelope.

Curiously, Jaina watched as the resident Titan Slayer began to systematically rip both the letter and envelope to shreads before to tossing the remains in the bin and dusting her hands.

Then once more, she dug into her pockets, pulled out her white gloves and put them on. Giving each of the pair an equal tug once she outfitted them on her hands.

Jaina at first felt a little shocked, but then her surprise mellowed down to a confused, but intrigued eyebrow. "Mind telling me the reason you did that?" She asked.

Slayer looked up and into Jaina's eyes. "An auction really is in poor taste. I don't feel like going." She replied in monotone.

Jaina could only shrug. The sound of heavy footsteps drew towards the door, and opened soon after Slayer replied.

One of the other grunts of the Shadow Company walked through the door with a small salute. "Commander, Major." He greeted.

Slayer nodded and walked out with the grunt. Before she removed herself from the office, she turned to Jaina.

Jaina smiled. "I'll pick you up later, so make sure you're ready."

It was going to be a slog for both of them, Jaina imagined. But it was just something that they had to do.

As Slayer left the office, Jaina took one more look at the invitation.

She was right.

The auction really did seem like it had a bad taste.

Arhen

"You're looking a bit tired. Madam Schnee."

Her eyes were getting droopy, and she was being less responsive to our conversation.

Although a bit one-sided, since I'm playing the role of servant to the rich woman. It was getting a bit dangerous with the amount of wine I kept pouring for her as our conversation kept flowing.

She didn't drop dead with organ failure, nor was she black out drunk. But given how easy it was to get her to enjoy having a talk with me, I'd say that she's intoxicated.

It would explain a lot of things. My [Charisma] hadn't even hit 50 yet. It's not enough to pull of seducing someone yet. At least when sober.

This may be my hidden tactic towards manipulating her. Given that she's Weiss's mother and Matriarch of the Schnee Family, I never thought that she would be that easy.

"Hm? You think so?" Willow pondered, slowly swaying her head to the side, then keeping it there. "I don't feel tired."

"You're less active than you were in the morning." Maybe it was the wine that took a toll on her, but if her flushed rosy cheeks were any giveaway, her movements became sluggish overtime.

"Is that something you homonuculi can tell?" She questioned, in a tone that implied she was genuinely curious.

To be fair, I was curious as well. I don't know much about my new self, even though my race is a homonculus.

I touched the now, white, barcode on my neck. "I have no idea." I answered.

Willow was silent for a minute, choosing to only stare at me. Night has fallen once again, with the moon chosing to reveal itself to us through it's faint beams emitting through the window.

She yawned for a bit, and followed up with a sigh. Willow looked at the moon, then back at me. Her mood has changed.

"It's almost time for time Servants curfew." Willow stated.

I looked at the wooden clock suspended above the many bookshelves towering over the desk that she and I were sitting in. "So it would seem."

Willow sighed, and with a little slump she took her wine glass in hand and playfully spun it around, slowly, as if watching how each crimson drop moved towards and stuck to the glass, then moved away, leaving little droplets behind, some of them faded into a light red, and some dripped back into crimson.

I straightened out my collar, dusted of my pants then stood from the desk.

I pushed the chair back to the desk, and before I was given a chance to leave, I heard Willow shifting in her wheelchair. "I rather enjoyed talking to you. Not many, whether it's servants or even my own family members are willing to sit with a drunk."

I looked back at her. "Not even Weiss?"

Willow pushed her wheelchair closer to me, then held onto the very bottom of my servant's jacket. Right at the very tip where the seams have split, as if she was making a final, desperate effort to keep me here.

As I looked back at her, I could see her weary, droopy eyes beneath the shadows cast by her bangs. She could only shake her head slowly at my answer, and I couldn't tell if it was the relapse from the wine, or her crying out for the only attention she had ever received whilst on that wheelchair, but this may have been the most sober that I've seen her today.

The loneliness that I seek, is one that eats at her. Day by day sitting on that chair.

She must be thinking of how much of a bruden is she, thinking about how to bring an end to the pain of her guilt, sadness and loneliness eating away at her.

It's sad when no one understands the value of that which they are eating. Weiss and the Schnee Patriach alike. Perhaps I'm a bit lucky, because I was the first to notice her value.

"I'm sworn to serve the Schnee Family." Lies. Half-truths but still lies. But they get the job now.

As the shadows cast rapidly faded away from her eyes, Willow looked into mine, and I knew I had her attention.

You're an aristocrat matriarch, Willow. Notice the placebo.

The thought crossed my mind, and the moment it did, I could see Willow brighten up a bit but still look a bit worn. "That's right, Arhen." She said.

She pushed the wheelchair back and let go of my jacket while doing so. "You'll be back here tomorrow, won't you?" Willow asked.

The tone she used made it sound as though she had known what my previous words have insinuated. And wasted no time in taking advantage of it.

"As you wish, Madam Schnee." I said, performing a little bow.

5 Rep with [Willow Schnee] for entertaining her silent request. [36/100]

Before I left the Library, I could see her smile at me while she watched me leave the room.

It was the first time I had ever seen someone so happy about blatantly being used. Not that she knows, or will ever know.

Whitley

"You look beautiful tonight, Weiss."

"Thanks. You don't clean up too badly yourself." Whitley would beg to differ on that. This white suit that he found was just something he had on hand for occasions such as this.

Given the situation at the Manor, Whitley didn't really have time to head out and buy a new suit. Perhaps even one for Delta.

Whitley shifted left of the car to make space for Weiss. A Matt black Mercedes isn't what he'd preferred for nights such as these, but he couldn't complain, Weiss found it fine, and he himself thought that a limo would be of bad taste.

Weiss kept to herself as she closed the door and stared out the window.

Whitley sighed, a bit troubled by her hostility both in the afternoon and tonight as well. Was it because he had stolen some of her slaves, or perhaps Jacques, and the meeting in the afternoon.

A bad time for Delta to be driving. He couldn't even entertain himself while he drowned within the pregnant silence and awkwardness of neither person knowing what to say to the other.

He was tempted to continue staring at Weiss. The way she did her hair up to a large ponytail that fell to her lower back, with a single strand flowing out of her bangs and resting at the side.

The hair style revealed more of her neck, on it tested a pearl necklace that the longer Whitley stared at, the more he wished to remove it.

For reasons less sensible and moral than what his actions now made it seem, he took solace in the notion that Weiss wasn't looking in his direction. Lest she knows that he was staring.

She hated people who stare. But Whitley couldn't help himself this time. His first glance captured her neck. The next, her supple breasts, hidden and buttoned up by her blue jacket with their family crest at the back.

The final glance back and forth took longer than what he had originally planned. Whitley blamed his eyes, he hadn't expected them to linger. And certainly not on her legs. Long and smooth, covered by black stockings that Whitley could only see till the hem of her blue dress. A pity that was long too.

"What are you looking at?"

Whitley ripped his eyes away from her legs only to find Weiss staring back at him.

Damn. He was caught. But to his surprise, her stare wasn't one of apprehension, nor disgust. Whether hidden, or displayed. Like the blueness of her eyes.

"You." A blueness they both shared. The same depth, shine and hue. The eyes of his sister.

As expected, the slight confusion finally showed on her face at his answer. Weiss didn't make any sudden movements away from him, which indicated that she didn't feel disgusted. Whitley hoped that was the case, that maybe she was thinking.

"You're quiet, and are staring out the window often." Whitley stated as he leaned down into the side of the car door and pulled out a small bottle of white wine.

"Do you enjoy the sights before you?"

What he was referring to was how West Atlas looked like at night. Despite being landlocked betwixt high mountains and snow, the night-time city streets and buildings glowed with reams and reflections of golden lights. Shining against the night sky.

Some of those lights reflected back onto the clear gloss of the Mercedes Benz. And like many of those before, they faded before a new seam arrived.

Whitley looked outside the window himself, he too found it hard pressed not to enjoy the beauty of the sight before him. He wished that he could drive himself and experience these sights firsthand.

He didn't fail to notice how Weiss remained silent after asking the question. And how she seemed to look at the city sites herself and get entrapped by them.

The glow was faint and was in the air, dancing around like little stars, or the faint flashes and lights from the passing cars heading across different pathways and streets. It was almost comparable to a backlight filter of a camera.

Whitley scanned her once again, but this time in long stares instead of slight glances and shifting eyes.

He looked at her hair, her eyes, breasts, hips and legs. He didn't know what it was, Whitley swore to every deity that would allow him to, that he didn't know what caused him to think of the time they were once close. Two pairs of siblings against the bastard father. At times, he regret being Jacques favorite child.

The longer Whitley looked at Weiss, the more his heart started to hurt. It didn't matter whether she was looking at him or the beautiful night time city.

He wanted his eyes to leave hers, leave her body, her legs, her smile...whether in shame, morality or pain. Perhaps because deep down within his small, small heart, Whitley didn't want his eyes telling him the one thing he already knows.

This wonderful, pulsating feeling in his fragile heart...is wrong.

Weiss

Whitley has been staring at her. That was the conclusion that Weiss came to midway to the venue.

It first came as the common paranoia when she felt that she was being watched. A few moments later, the nerves came.

The beautiful sight of West Atlas helped take her mind of it. But as the car slowed, even the calmness she felt in taking in the golden city sights had vanished.

"We have arrived."

Weiss watched Whitley fix the buttons on his sleeves. "Thank you, Delta." He said.

Whitley was the first to exit the car, and all while Weiss watched him with certain apprehension as he stood on the road, some of which was covered by snow and shivered.

She had forgotten, it had been snowing recently. Perhaps that's why the street lamps and lights for the bustling city glew more brighter than usual. The sky is dark, darker than it should have been in the evening.

Her thoughts were silenced by the sound of the door beside her opening. She was greeted by Delta, who bore a black version of her servant garb, no doubt Whitley's doing.

He leaned against the frame of the Mercedes, hand in each pocket as he took turns staring at the grey-dark sky and the brilliance of the great hall before him.

His posture changed as Weiss chose to approach him. "Beautiful, isn't it?" He asked.

"Not usually my type of style. But I'll admit, it deserves the praise." Weiss answered, she too leaning against the car only a few arms length from Whitley.

Beneath the cold metallic frame of the Mercedes, and it's black gloss absorbing the chilling winter winds. Weiss shivered, just as the thin fabric of her dress pressed on the car's door.

"Oh, did you enjoy the drive a bit more? I noticed you kept staring outside." Whitley asked, turning to look at Weiss.

Weiss gave him a look. He had been staring. But before she could comment on his statement, another car pulled up right behind the Mercedes.

They both stood up straight, minutes later Whitley was holding her my the arm and leading her into the hall. Weiss went along with it, his haste seemed harmless despite her usual distaste of him.

Thankfully, he stopped right before they walked through the door hand in hand. She rationalized it as keeping up appearances amongst the common and lower masses, and second-hand rich men that got wealth from inheritance, or lottery.

Doing a slight bend, Whitley looked her in the eyes. And for reasons unknown to even her, she couldn't see the usual scummy smile or hungry side glance. It reminded her of the video call she made to him the other day.

It's moments like these where Weiss doubts her eyes. Whitley looked concerned, though still conducted himself like the cynical bratty heir that he was. Keeping the line of his lips still and unmoving, like a proud aristocrat.

"You doing okay? Ready to head inside?" He asked. Weiss looked around, many of the noble and affluent families were starting to make their way inside.

Weiss sighed, looked at Whitley and tighten her hold on his suit.

"Let's get this over with."

…

The seats that were prepared for them hand both Whitley and herself situated near towards the back corner.

Despite the whole orchestral hall being decorated in gaudy golden or ornaments that reminded Weiss of a faded chalice, the place the two of them took was a bit dark for her liking.

Weiss could barely see the legs of the chairs whilst making her way over there, but it provided an unobstructed view of the stage.

On it, there were already a few cages. Some of people whether Mistrali, Valerian or Faunus. The male salves dominated the stock shown on the stage, with female slaves appearing ever so often. Children were even rarer, but the curator standing beside each of the cages had them in abundance.

Weiss bit down a grimace. No kids. She didn't want to deal with kids in an auction like this. Especially since she knew what was going to happen later, some of them looked curiously at the crouds. And some innocently. Ironically she found herself appreciating the seats that Whitley managed to arrange in advance, none of them managed to pinpoint her whilst she was sitting in the corner.

Whitley himself was more visible, sitting in the chair which had him exposed to brighter indoor lighting. Not blinding, but enough to see him and the small sign he had in his hands.

No. 36, Weiss read. She had to slightly yank it from Whitley in order to get a clear view of what the sign said, but when she was finished, Weiss released her grip on it, turned back to the stage and simply stared.

Weiss felt someone's hand on top of hers, most probably Whitley. He noticed how she looked, he was worried. For once, Weiss hoped that was the case.

She can only nod at Whitley and hope that was enough to convince him. Seeing how he relented and removed his hand, it seemed that was the case.

Weiss didn't remember when her mind and thoughts had started to trail off. By the time she gathered her thoughts in place, there were already starting with the first Auction. Whitley had to shake her awake for the greeting, which she inevitably missed.

Before it actually started, Weiss looked around once more. Her once dim spot in the corner was now as bright as the seat and the spot Whitley was sitting in.

The doors were all still open, but this time they included a pair of guards that defended each exit. One other thing she noticed was the absence of the cages. Each slaver whether man, woman and child were proudly put on display.

Some of them Weiss recognized, not by name or unique feature, but by spotting the black barcode of the Schnee Family on their necks.

"It's starting." Whitley whispered.

Weiss knew that, but couldn't fathom why Whitley would tell her such a thing. And later decided against questioning the specifics of such.

The curator raised a staff, then suddenly the guards at the northern most side of the hall opened the door. There were murmurs at first, but soon the entire hall went quiet.

The guards brought in a huge Faunus binded in chains. The slave was compliant and didn't put up a fight, except for a few dirty scowls sent to the masses.

"The first sale we have here is a combat slave. Although a bit unruly, the slave is suited for high maintenance work such as militant service and mining." The curator spoke, starting a slow stroll around the slave.

"He's been identified as a Faunus. A male Lynx-Morph at that. Very powerful and resistance against disease."

The curator then walked the slave to the center of the stage. "The bid will start at 50,000 Lien."

For the first few minutes no one picked up the bid. While very few were contemplating the purchase of this slave, an idea blossomed in Weiss mind.

She took hold of the sign and raised it up. "Weiss?" Whitley questioned.

"75,000." Weiss offered.

He gave Weiss a questioning stare. She could only mouth the words 'Trust me.' to her confused sibling as she made the bid.

The curator pointed the staff at her. "Schnee Family, offer of 75,000. Going once."

Silence.

"Going twice."

One sign with the numbers '56' appeared from the left wing.

"83,000."

The curator pointed at him. "Winchester Family, offer of 83,000. Going once."

Another sign. No 92.

"132,000."

At that moment, Weiss let go of Whitley's hand as the bidding price continued to grow and grow. He instinctively kept his hand down, no longer needing to bid because of the incoming wealth.

His stares transformed into a bewildered gaze. "The Bandwagon effect. You put a bit of your own money in the product which makes the masses believe that the object you're investing in is worth value. Making it's actual value skyrocket.

"This effect is most commonly seen in street performers, but can be used anywhere. Including auctions." Weiss explained.

Whitley remained silent, but his bewildered stare had soon been replaced by a respectful gaze. "How much did you get the Lynx-Morph for?"

"43,000." Weiss answered.

Whitley slid his hand onto hers. It was unnerving for Weiss, but she thought nothing of it and focused on the auction.

"Sold to the Carbine Family for a final offer of, 365,000 Lien." The curator announced. Leading the entire hall to face the Carbine representative in applause and congratulations.

Arhen

Murmuring the recipe behind making coffee in my head was a tad bit of a challenge to remember.

Easier than making poison, with significantly less risk doing so. I took little peaks at the time whilst in the kitchen, I'm breaking curfew while doing this but I'll just differ all that unto Willow if necessary.

Proficiency Level in Skill [Brewing] has been increased.

Seeing the notification for the brewing skill reminded me of the notifications I received the moment I left the library.

Quest Completed.

[Character Quest: The Crippled Winter Rose]

Description: Stumbling across the matriarch of the Schnee Family, hidden away in her Library.

Her library is hidden from any kind of blind spot and would serve as a perfect place to complete the [System Scan] and perhaps gain an ally that would prove very valuable in the future.

Willow Schnee was once a proud woman, her spirit now shattered by her crippling injury. Now she's being treated as a burden and a stain on the family.

But that doesn't change that she's still a very powerful woman.

Clear Conditions

[Help Willow Schnee get back on her Wheelchair] ]

[Spend some time with Willow Schnee.] ]

Rewards: Increase in [Willow Schnee] Character Matrix, 39 Rep with [Willow Schnee]

What came next was the reason why I wasn't particularly troubled by breaking curfew anymore.

Character Matrix--[Willow Schnee]--Rank Up! [Level 1]

39 Rep with [Willow Schnee] for spending some time with her. [75/100]

While drinking the coffee I made, I locked eyes with a paper bag sticking out of the pantry. Herbs maybe? Investigating it lead to the discovery of a couple packs of green tea.

After finishing the coffee in a few sips, I grabbed the bag with the intention of leaving it in the library for tomorrow.

As I traversed the Manor and my footsteps echoed against the hallway, the moon stared back at me through the massive windows in the hall. I admired the sight, of the moon, the snow and the white sky.

It made me wonder if Neptune had nights such as this. Serene and calm, carrying a beauty that can even cause me to falter. If it did, then it's deletion is most truely a pity. As is Lucille's, for the brief moment she allowed me to admire it.

The thought made me stop in place, but I soon caught of a large set of doors that stopped me from continuing with that line of thought.

This one was the courtyard, right?

Curiosity lead me to push open the double set of doors and welcome the sudden rush of cold air from the chilling sky and snow.

The ground of the courtyard was almost completely frozen over with a light sheet of ice. Leaving me with enough traction to dig my shoes into and avoid slipping. The ice resistance of [Frost Aspect] keeps me warm whilst I explored the vast open courtyard.

In it I spotted a small gazebo with a table and some chairs, a large fountain bearing the Schnee Family crest moulded in stone and a few noticable cracks in the ice. As if they have been made by a large sword.

I couldn't see a natural end to the courtyard, it was only until I took a few steps towards the edge did I realize that there wasn't a natural end to it.

Standing at the very edge of the courtyard I was treated to the sight of open air. With the precipitation of the clouds hitting my face in small drops barely noticable to me.

If I concentrated enough, I was able to hear the sounds of massive hammers in the distance below. The noise greatly dimmed because if the distance, as though this manor was above a factory or landfill, that I couldn't see because of the obstructing clouds below.

Hmm. No one was around. And no cameras watching me.

This seemed like a decent spot for the system scan. The courtyard was one of the two options I considered, the library being the other.

Willow's reputation is at 75. She'll no longer pose a meaningful issue while I perform the scale. If the scan is successful in the courtyard, I'll use her to obtain my first class.

But time was of the essence, Willow can protect me from many things, but not the Patriarch that still remains. The longer I stay here, the more likely someone would notice the door to the courtyard being open.

I closed my eyes.

"System Scan."

Bit by bit as my magic surged through the ground, I was able to see the entirety of the Manor and all it's rooms, hallways and halls.

But the moment my magic went out the Manor, my vision went black.

I opened my eyes, and I'm sure that if I were to take a mirror in my hands now it would've been the first time that I saw myself look remotely disappointed.

It didn't work. Which means the library would be my only option.

Knowing that, I walked back towards the large doors and closed them in a hurry when I entered the hallway.

The moment I did, I heard heavy footsteps echo across the empty hallway. Someone was here, and I have doubts that it was a servant.

...they stopped.

"What are you doing here?"

I grabbed the bag of green tea from the floor and turned to face the figure that spotted me.

I noticed the white hair again, this time a man that didn't look that much older than Willow.

The Patriarch.

He tried to look imposing as his pushed out his chest, retrained by the suit he was wearing. But I was surprisingly calm, despite the glare he burned me with.

Why? Why was I so calm?

He spotted the paper bag in my hands and his gaze intensified. "Did you think that you can hide what you are plotting from me?" He questioned, furrowing his brows.

Plotting? I raised the bag to his sight. "You think this is poison?" I questioned.

"Don't patronize me."

I reeled back from the sudden hostility. Barely stopping the vestige of a smile from grazing my face. He was quick to cut through the insult. Suspiciously quick for a patriarch of his stature.

Thorough that one interaction, although imposing, he struck me as insecure.

Now why was that?

When I stepped back, he took a step forward into the moonlight shooting through the window. Christened by the glow, I saw it. And found my answer. To both my intrigue and the reason why I was calm during this encounter.

It was something that only the most experienced could see, that in this world, only I could see.

The fellow face of a liar.

And what's more, a liar who's hiding behind a mask of confidence. Who believes that he'll one day fall because of his own mistakes.

...I'm not one for baring my fangs this early, but I've prepared fail-safes in case this goes south. I've got no guarantees on Weiss, but Willow won't let me die. At worse I'll get tortured.

Perhaps it was my own arrogance that spoke through my eyes, but as he reeled back from my stare I couldn't help but be seduced by the thought of the most powerful man in this Kingdom seeing my fangs, and knowing that there's nothing he can do to stop me from reaching him if so I wish.

Could I liken this to the feeling gamers have when bedding powerful women? Sadly this situation was less so than that, but it's a new feeling that I didn't think I could experience myself one day.

It's so... seductive.

"What merit would I gain from doing so? Ridding the world of a fellow liar isn't worth my life." I started.

He obviously was a little more than shocked. It showed on his face for a few seconds before he composed himself.

The patriarch went through a plethora of emotions, disbelief shifted to frustration, then to anger as he gave me a stare that promised death. "You…!"

"I was assigned by Madam Schnee to bring her this bag." Bullshit, but I don't mind using Willow's name like this.

To my surprise, the anger in his eyes died out and was replaced with calculated frustration. Mentioning Willow did this to him? Was she a part of what he was keeping hidden as a lie?

I looked at the details on his head. Haven't really done so in ages. So I was surprised by the contents I found.

Matchmake data to Information Matrix--Lineage Added.

[Name: Jacques Schnee]

[Race: ?̴̛́̀͟͢͜?̷̷̧̡̛̀͡?̵̶̧̀͝/̷̵̷̸̶̨̡̀̀́̕͜͢͞?̵̕?̸̶̴̨̨̀̀̀͘͟͟͠͞͡͠?͡͏̧̀͢

[HP: ?̴̛́̀͟͢͜?̷̷̧̡̛̀͡?̵̶̧̀͝/̷̵̷̸̶̨̡̀̀́̕͜͢͞?̵̕?̸̶̴̨̨̀̀̀͘͟͟͠͞͡͠?͡͏̧̀͢]̷̸̸̶́͘͢͝͡͞

[MP: ?̴̛́̀͟͢͜?̷̷̧̡̛̀͡?̵̶̧̀͝/̷̵̷̸̶̨̡̀̀́̕͜͢͞?̵̕?̸̶̴̨̨̀̀̀͘͟͟͠͞͡͠?͡͏̧̀͢]̷̸̸̶́͘͢͝͡͞

̴̵̢̡̛́͘͘͘͘͜͢͟͡͡͝͞͞

Most of the time nowadays I was able to see at the very least one of these stats before me. Perhaps the scan messed with the information Matrix or perhaps his overall stats possessed no threat to me and thus did not display.

"You're not supposed to be out here." Jacques stated. Oh? He was playing that card?

"So you wish me dead?" I questioned.

"I don't remember you homonuculi being able to respond like that."

...something about the way he said that made me mad. It sounded like something Lucille would say, yet it was coming from someone too pathetic to make it matter.

It shouldn't matter. Yet somehow it did, and it only made me more angry.

Breath in...breath out.

I couldn't afford to lose my head like this. I was already playing a dangerous game here. Willow's reputation is a lot but isn't infinite.

Suddenly, Jacques stepped back. A little paler than he was earlier.

It was strange, I don't remember doing anything to him. All I noticed was the raging inferno caused by my misplaced and unnecessary anger suddenly growing cold, and silent.

The flame was gone and so was my hidden rage. It was silent but there was nothing there. As though the very feeling has left me hollow.

The proud liar before me looked no less than a talking shade now. I've lost interest in dealing with him. "Mr Schnee. Remember that you were the one that created us, and didn't do so for us to be stupid." I said, beginning to walk towards him.

He took little steps back and stopped once he had noticed that I walked past him.

I didn't feel like going to the library, but at this point I might as well. Before I left though, I turned and faced the petrified Jacques.

"But a liar like you wouldn't know that, would you?"

Weiss

Despite the problems she had with the slaves this time, Weiss was somehow able to turn a decent profit.

She should be glad, but her night had only just started.

Numerous sounds of aristocratic laughter coupled with the elegant noise of wine glasses hitting each other softly. Weiss stood almost at the very center of her family ballroom. Empty wine glass in her hand as she looked around how the once gloomy, pale blue hall looked jubilant, bright and radiant, just like the night city she saw.

She'll forever deny that her intention was at first to look for an escape. But as Whitley approached her with two glasses in hand, accompanied by a woman dressed in militant uniform, she realized that her intentions were rendered moot.

Whitley spoke first, presenting her with one of the glasses filled halfway with red wine. "For you. You look like you need one."

Weiss stared at him. Whitley's annoying smirk was there again. Even if she knew the reason behind it was because he was feeling a bit prideful due to her actions, it still never failed to unnerve her.

What did he hide behind that smirk? His frail heart or perhaps his even more fragile facade of confidence. Either way, she could tell. So Weiss decided to ignore it.

She did accept the drink anyway. It's been a while, but she felt that she needed one after today. "Thanks." Weiss said.

Weiss then turned towards the militant woman accompanying Whitley. She had an exotic shade of black hair with golden tips at the end. although a few shades darker than the Matt black gloss of the Mercedes. Perhaps Raven black?

Her eyes matched her hair in contrast, but was also a shade to dark. A perfect gold, almost like the shine of fool's gold. Baring a sharp stare of a tempered blade of an equally sharpened sword.

"This is?" Weiss questioned. She didn't know that the Atlas Military would be taking part in the after party.

"Oh! Pardon me." Whitley turned to the soldier. "This, is Jaina Ironwood of the Atlas Military." He introduced.

"General. This is my older sister, Weiss."

The woman called Jaina moved forward to present Weiss her arm. She shook it in greeting. The hand was filled with callouses, and tightened with a firm grip Weiss could only relate to being trained in the art of warfare.

Only now did she notice the three stars on the spaulders Jaina was wearing. She felt ashamed she didn't know, but wouldn't let it show on her face.

"I've heard quite a bit about you from Lieutenant Winter." Jaina mentioned, with a warm smile that Weiss suspected was meant for greeting.

"How is she doing these days?" She questioned.

Jaina dropped her hand. "We have her stationed at Argus. She should be coming back to Atlas soon. Her last report a few days ago confirmed it." She explained.

Weiss didn't dare ask the General what purpose she had there. And was even surprised that she told this much, mostly as a formality.

"That being said, we were invited here by the patriarch." Jaina explained.

Jacques. He wants that Grue in the mine, dead. "We?" Weiss questioned.

At first she turned to Whitley for an answer, only to see him looking at Jaina in equal confusion. This lead the general to give a hearty chuckle, although Weiss never once saw her pale lips split open.

Jaina looked back at the doors to the Manor. "She should be arriving soon, if there weren't any delays."

"Delays?" Whitley questioned.

Just as Whitley said that, the entire hall started chattering excitedly. Staring at the entrance.

Jaina followed the sight of the masses and smiled. "Looks like she arrived." She said.

The crowd split open for a moment to reveal another member of the force. But this time, Weiss didn't need an introduction to know who she was.

She matched the description in the news and forums online. A head of pale lavender with a shockingly gorgeous pair of red eyes.

The stunner of a woman walked in holding two old fashioned pistols in each hand. She dusted snow of the shoulders of her black trench coat before she walked in.

She dug into the maroon uniform jacket and pulled out a pair of white gloves. Putting them on, her pistols vanished into thin air.

The woman looked around the hall despite being swarmed with exited and jubilant guests. Eventually she seemed to lock eyes with Jaina, who could only smile.

Weiss heart started a slow beat, gradually increasing in pace the closer the woman drew towards the group of her, Whitley and Jaina.

She coming closer. The Titan Slayer was approaching her.

Weiss couldn't fathom what kind of problem Jacques was facing that needed the Titan Slayer's attention. He should've just invited a normal huntsman or huntress if he wanted the Grue gone.

But as said Titan Slayer stopped her advance and faced Jaina, Weiss marveled at the lack of distance between her and the greatest Huntress to ever exist.

It must have been the wine, or perhaps the stress of accelerated heart rate caused by slow building excitement and anxiousness. But each thought of Jacques dissapeared as swift and rhythmically as the sound of wine glasses touching.

"Jaina." She called.

"Was it a smooth trip, Slayer?"

She blinked. "There were some Grimm nearby, I dispatched them, that's all."

Jaina then looked at Weiss. "Slayer, let me introduce you. These two are Weiss and Whitley Schnee. They are the family that invited us."

The Titan Slayer looked at her, and Weiss grew a bit nervous and wished she was mute so that she didn't have to respond. Nonetheless, she stretched out her hand. "I hope you are enjoying the festivities."

She felt the grasp of the Titan Slayer's gloves on her hand, cold from the snow yet soft. Her grip didn't seem crushing or loose. Perhaps a bit firm, a militant sort of firm.

Her pride would've taken a hit when she saw the monotone look on her face. If only she didn't see her face Jaina with the exact same gaze before.

The Titan Slayer only responded with a nod. "The food is great." Weiss was confused, until she took a good look at the prominent figure, and the meat stick she was holding in her left hand.

Whitley cut her off before she could embarrass herself by chuckling. "You're here because my father mentioned the rising Grimm attacks, right?"

Jaina turned towards Whitley. Grimm Attacks? Weiss was sure that the previous attack that destroyed her transport was caused by her.

Whitley insinuated that multiple attacks occured. Attacks she didn't know about. That she wasn't told.

Her rising frustration bubbled within her heart, she desperately tried to hide it and hoped that no one saw. But that stress made her even more mentally tired.

She thanked the stars and the broken moon when a servant came by their group presenting wine glasses full of drinks for everyone. Whilst everyone else took one and held it for a while, Weiss downed it in but a few gulps.

She knew it was a bad idea. But as the conversation dragged, Weiss could only hear bits and pieces of the conversation Whitley had with Jaina and the Titan Slayer. Who wolfed down more food.

Her mind sobered up enough for a moment to hear something about a breakfast in a day or two. She had remembered taking her leave, and the next thing she knew, Whitley was shaking her awake in the bathroom. "Are you feeling okay?"

Weiss got her bearings together, along with a headache. To make things worse, she could still feel the electrifying sensation of the wine passing through her system. It made it hard to think, harder to rationalize despite being aware of everything around her.

"I'm okay." She lied. Weiss could tell that she was definitely anything but fine.

Weiss looked around. She was inside one of the bathrooms on the second floor of the manor. She tried to stand the moment she got her bearings, but her legs were still wobbly from the wine. So she opted to lean against the ceramic bathroom sink.

Whitley smiled. "That was a pretty exciting night, wasn't it?"

Weiss couldn't deny that Whitley was right. It's not everyday when the Titan Slayer attends a party, her family After-party at that. But that wasn't what she was focusing as of now, her thoughts were leading her down a darker path.

She kept silent, and this time. Whitley was the one who was unnerved. "Weiss?"

"Why didn't you tell me anything about the other attacks?" She questioned.

Whitley remained silent, but slowly she began to feel his finger trail up her leg. Moving dangerously close to her thigh. "You weren't meant to know. It's something that we've agreed on."

"You and whom?"

He didn't answer. And instead of looking like he was thinking, he seemed dazed. Continuing to stare into her eyes.

His other hand grabbed her waist, and as it moved upward under her arm it cupped what little of her breast showed from her dress.

Instantly, using whatever strength she had remaining, she pried his hands off her body. She wasn't shocked, Weiss expected that something like this would occur.

What she didn't expect however, was how she looked upon Whitley and felt her heart break. Not from how sad he looked, but from the notion of what he had said before.

Weiss often wondered what happened to the both of them, that caused this distance. Was it the morality of what they had done? What was left unsaid?

It used to be two of them against whatever the world pit against them both. And often so these days, Weiss found herself searching, looking for anything left behind that made what the two of them shared fall apart.

But it didn't matter to her. It used to. Perhaps a few minutes ago it used to. But not anymore.

She couldn't stop herself from feeling disgusted. At both Whitley and herself. And the more she felt it, the deeper her heart fell until she could feel it in her stomach. And the pain of it beating.

Weiss could only get her bearings and leave, not to the party, but to her room. Gathering whatever of herself still remained as Whitley's desperate reaches failed to soothe her pained heart.

If even her choices weren't her own. What is?

She feared that it might be nothing, lying to herself to keep believing that it wasn't so.

But reality is a cruel mistress. And the more pain her heart bared.

The more she found herself holding nothing.

Arhen

Surprisingly, I found myself back inside Weiss's room. I didn't know why at first, but looking back on it...it did seem rather foolish of me to give up on searching this place.

So far I found nothing. Except scattered documents and half-drunken coffee.

I took a look at the bathroom next. Being honest, I didn't expect to find anything of value in there, all she had was generic supplements like expensive soap, shampoo and face cream.

She did seem to have a lot of makeup shoved away in a cupboard beneath the sink. Very few were lipstick and mascara, while the face powder dominated the shelf.

It did seem like an obscene amount of make up for once person, but apart from that I closed the shelf, disinterested.

Either she was very good at hiding her things, or there was something about her that I'm missing.

I spotted the shower whilst in the midst of walking out the bathroom. I was drawn to the overall elegant and compact design of it.

Hmm. There's a party going on in the hall. Weiss won't be back for a while.

I'll be honest, even though it was amongst other prisoners like myself, I do miss the warmth of those showers.

I stripped naked and stepped into the shower before I could even finish my reasoning. Taking hold of the lever and turning the temperature up until it was scalding.

Parts of my skin and toes burned for a bit before adapting to the hot water. I've been out in the cold for too long.

Gradually, my body started adjusting as well. Oddly enough I found myself being quite relaxed during this shower. I thought I'd have been more anxious since I'm using her shower.

...What? Anxious? I've been speaking a lot of nonsense these days. How can I talk down the Schnee Patriarch yet get scared of his daughter?

Because he's a liar. And Weiss is the child of a liar.

The longer I stayed in the shower, thoughts of what happened earlier began to root itself in my mind.

I couldn't help but fear that I might've screwed up early. I showed my true colors and bore my fangs at the most dangerous person right now.

Even as I so desperately wanted to berate myself for being foolish and arrogant. I don't think I even regret it. Anxious? Maybe. I no longer know what to expect from him.

Willow was easier, but that's because she was drunk.

...the water turned cold.

Weiss takes showers in the morning, so I doubt she'd care if the hot water was finished. Not that she'd notice it was me.

With my thoughts running a bit ragged, I decided to push them towards the very back of my mind, dress up and head outside the bathroom.

However, the moment I did I looked outside her window.

I was honestly a bit stunned when I noticed that this world had a broken moon. Felt slight pity for all the moon deities that were no doubt upset by that little feature.

My hand slid against the smooth wooden desk as I walked around it in slow strides. It hit against the scroll Weiss left behind. I attempted to unlock it but it had a password that I didn't know, and I doubt she was stupid enough to have written it somewhere.

Suddenly, I took sight of a small butterfly sitting inside on the window sill. It looked wonderous, as its body was of pure white. It glowed, even whilst showered under the light of the broken moon.

I moved closer to get a better look at it. As I did, I could stop the rapid bubbling of unease within my stomach.

Every iota of my body screamed at me to get away from it. I should've listened, but the message came too late.

When the butterfly flew onto my hand, I noticed it's true appearence and my heart began to pound.

It was a beautiful butterfly made of Divine Hair Strands.

As the butterfly sunk into my had, the panic had fully set into my mine. The butterfly ended up disappearing with only a little burning pain, of the the butterfly tattoo that it left behind on the back of my palm.

She found me. Lucille found me.

Establishing Connection... Complete.

External Domain Tether Applied.

I was careless. I forgotten I was dealing with someone who can traverse entire Worlds.

My heart was relieved that she wasn't able to show up here herself, it stopped panicking but my carelessness added a new problem, one that's not easily solved or controlled.

This Tether proves that Shiro caught up to Lucille. She isn't in a position to traverse worlds personally any more. But what she forced upon me…

She can pull me to hers at anytime.

I dragged my hands through my hair. This is bad, I'm not even remotely close to powerful enough to be fighting her.

Suddenly, at what seemed like the worst timing I've ever been subjected to, the door to Weiss bedroom opened. While I was still inside.

The sudden intruder was none other than Weiss herself.

Why is everything going wrong today?!

I grit my teeth, preparing to make my escape if necessary. But as I looked at her, I noticed something was wrong.

The dress she wore to both the Auction and the After-party was slightly disheveled. There was a faint trace of red lipstick on her lips, she must've wiped it off.

The most notable was how her mascara ran down her cheeks. Was she crying?

Weiss stared at me for a while, but for some reason she seemed a bit slow. "What are you doing here…?"

I didn't bother hiding how frustrated I looked. "I made you coffee, Weiss." I said.

"I don't need it."

I blinked. That was quite a swift refute from her. She was leaning against the door for a bit before slowly making her way past her office desk she usually frequents and straight onto her bed.

When she walked past me, I saw her flushed cheeks. Similar yet paled in comparison to how Willow looked.

She got drunk at the party. Weiss sobered up on her way here, but she isn't able to think straight.

It hit me like a brick when I looked at how she sat on the edge of her bed and stared at the floor. I've been going about this entire situation wrong.

I don't need to be able to fight Lucille, I just need to be able to survive her.

To do that, I'll need a [Class].

Something that I can get from Willow. Something that I can get from Weiss, and how both of them see me.

Meeting Willow had just gotten bumped up my list of priorities. Apart from fixing System Scan.

But right now. All I did was walk towards Weiss, and sit beside her on the bed. Making sure to sit at the very least the length of her arm.

I waited for a while. When she came here, I was still able to hear the sound of the party from the hall. Now there was silence. Both from her and the party that ended.

I waited all that time for her to speak. She did not.

She's been staring at my hand a lot. As well as my neck. At first, I thought she was looking for a quick kill. That was only until I heard the sheets of the bed start to shift from her side, and felt the cold grasp of her small gloved hand on mine.

Weiss's bangs covered her eyes with shadows. Honestly she looked more distraught than even Willow.

She squeezed her fingers between mine. As if analysing them carefully. "Arhen…" she called.

I turned to her. "Your life...what do you think of it?"

I've lived one before, so it isn't much. "I don't know." I was grateful for the second chance at life this malware had given me. But, now Lucille was drawing near.

I didn't want to think about how meaningless my last few days were. I've been given the chance to try and experience different things, it was nice. But meaningless.

Weiss looked at me, and I knew that she had wanted me to elaborate further.

"Asking me for an opinion on my own life is almost implying that I had control over it." The truth was that I never had. Both here in this room and back out there as a System.

My every action was dictated by the Metaverse. Predicted by the Metaverse and ultimately, rejected.

...I wouldn't have had any other way of explaining how I got deleted. Systems weren't meant to be destroyed. If my HP was 0 then all that would have effected me was the fact that I won't be able to use System Commands.

"Control is something that I cannot conceive."

23 Rep with [Weiss Schnee] for tugging at her empathy. [30/100]

Liar.

Weiss stared at my arms. "I see. It's a sad notion...isn't it?"

She looked towards the window.

"... I'm tired. Arhen. So very tired."

Weiss clenched her teeth in what seemed like frustration, but more so hidden sadness. "I'm tired of the chains. The rattling of them restraining me."

She rose both her hands and hugged her sides. "I feel like parts of myself are being taken from me. I can't control where they go or what they leave behind. I can't even control what little I retain, and that scares me."

"Little by little, I'm finding less and less things that I truely have control over." Weiss stated. She looked as though she had wanted to cry, but no tears were falling.

"Little by little. I'm discovering how little I have. And now, after tonight. I've realized that I control nothing." She turned around and faced me, but still looked at the floor.

"I don't have anything."

She held tightly onto the hem of my clothing. As if desperately trying to hold on to the only thing she has.

Weiss didn't know that thought herself, but I felt it through her words. The ones she keeps hidden even from herself.

The way she had slowly let go of my sleeve after holding it suggests that even she didn't know that she was holding it so tightly, but it didn't look as though she cared.

Weiss looked at me once again, then turned away in what looked like frustration mixed with confusion mixed with shame. And idea blossomed in my head, which would pose a meaningful risk and be a little taxing on my body.

I took hold of her hand and started pulling it towards me, she didn't resist. Most probably because it took her a moment before she looked back at me.

When she did, I looked her in the eyes. And slid her hands up my body.

And forced her hand to grab my neck.

If anyone were to walk inside, it would've looked as though she were strangling me. I made sure to use a bit of force whilst holding it, but after a moment one of my arms dropped to the bed.

I could feel every crevice on her hand, it was shaking even as it continued to seize my neck.

Even so, we continued to stare at each other. Weiss more so in surprise. She didn't seem to be able to tear her eyes away from mine, looking almost stunned.

"Arhen…" she called, almost breathless. "What do you what me to do?"

I kept silent, and instead of answering her question. I held the wrist of the hand choking me and fell back towards the bed.

CHA Check l Check Value = 90 l PASSED

Weiss loomed over me like a shadow, barely illuminated by the moon.

Her blue eyes shot through the darkness of her looming shadow, climbing through what little space left between us, seeking desperately for the answer to the unspoken question that lay within the air.

I could've mouthed my first lie of many to her, but I just let my eyes do the talking for me.

Within the vulnerability of her words I discovered a way to deal with her. It was a risk, but the way she is looking at me now, and biting her lip proves that my gamble paid off.

She's been afflicted with genuine depression over a mass loss of control pertaining to her own life. She doesn't have her own decision or life, and nothing is hers to control.

She's power starved. And the lack of power in anything pertaining to her own life has caused her to endure more pain and frustration than anyone.

If I give her the illusion of her own power, she'll cling to it. For the sake of never losing what little power, what little control she has.

What's the illusion? Myself.

I'll allow her some control over me. In exchange, I'll become something that she can't live without.

Without me to command, she has no power.

It felt almost similar to drugging her. And turning her into an addict. She's always been pushed around by Jacques, now I present her the chance to do the same, be the same.

Possess the same power.

I could feel her hand tighten around my neck, aggressively, but not lethally.

Weiss drew closer towards me, and kept eyeing my lips as she closed in on me.

"Not another word."

Trigger Warning (Reverse Rape)

I felt her ragged and warm breath as she stayed there, hovered over my lips as if making a final decision before I held my breath and she pressed her lips into mine.

I was taken aback by such an action, but didn't let it show. She was going to regret this in the morning, her kiss still showed her insecurities en masse. Not that I was any scholar on the subject, but her slowness in deepening the kiss made it obvious.

She eventually pressed on a bit harder and forced my lips apart. I kept still, not resisting her tougue while it explored my mouth.

The room despite it's earlier cold, was beginning to get a bit hot. I felt something in me, something that pounded against my chest with reckless abandon. I almost grabbed the back of her head by mistake. She needed to be in control, else this wasn't going to work.

I've never known why Gamers were so obsessed with sex all the time. I was always curious to try it myself.

The choice of a partner was no longer my own, but I didn't mind, my curiosity of sex far outweighs the morality of my body.

Long did Weiss forego the hand she kept on my neck. Instead when she pulled away from the kiss, she grabbed both my arms and pinned me against the bed.

She was breathing rather quick. Almost like she was sprinting. And just as fast, she released on of her hands and used it to rip my uniform of, ignoring the buttons.

Weiss went back to restraining my arms and lathered up kisses on my nape. The feeling that arouse from her wet lips sucking my neck was usual and yet pleasant.

She trailed down her kisses until she reached my pants and pulled them down.

Admittedly, I haven't had the chance to actually take a good look at my body while I was in the shower. But I didn't expect my penis to be able to touch her chin that moment.

It was hot, probably the same as I. I felt it throb through my system, sending waves of what I could only describe as pleasure surging through my body each time she grasped the shaft and stroked it.

Was this arousal? The feeling was quite intense.

Weiss let go of my penis and started undressing herself. I could make out the shape of her voluptuous, plump and perky breasts through the set of white lace underwear she wore.

She didn't dare take those off, giving my penis a few more strokes before shifting her white panties to the side and hovering her pussy over my shaft.

Her eyes drew beneath her legs to her vagina, watching as she slowly descended onto the tip of my penis. Before I knew what her goal was, a sudden intense wave of pleasure surged through each of my nerves like a stroke of lightning.

I couldn't help but let out a groan and grit my teeth to keep any more from escaping. The tip of my penis felt really good, it was dangerous for me, I felt as though I could almost drown in that feeling.

My entire body started to shake, in knowing that all encompassing pleasure, perhaps I am subconsciously beginning to anticipate and desire more?

When Weiss suddenly drove herself straight down to the hilt, I had to tightly grab onto the sheets to stop myself from moaning like earlier.

She waited for no signal as she started bouncing rhythmically on my cock. The pleasure was no longer as intense as the first time, but I could feel it slowly building up to something big.

Weiss kept her hands on my chest as she stared into my eyes, her sharp gaze softening under the guise of overwhelming lust.

None called out the others name, nor did anyone swear or call each other derogatory names. It should've been a boring one for many, Yet only the noise from our quiet, syncopated moans filled and drowned out the cold silence. Betwixt the room and the heart of the one who owns nothing.

My heartbeat gradually starting picking up it's pace. Something felt like it was about to explode inside me, and Weiss burying herself on my dick only made fighting against the build-up worse.

The more time passed, the worse it would get. My curiosity was sated but I wanted to do more to her. Or in this case, my body and instincts wished to do more.

I could tell that Weiss felt the exact same as she sped up her bounces. She was now slamming herself on my pelvis, although it hurt both my that and my penis which was now forced to kiss her womb because of how deep she'd driven it inside her, the lust within me was stronger.

She rode me as though she would a horse during sprint. Her pussy began to tighten up almost like a vice grip and get wetter, making slosh sounds as she bounced up and down before latching both her hands on my neck, choking me and riding me frantically, as though I would disappear if she didn't do so.

I had a bit of trouble breathing with how tight she was grabbing onto my throat. But as her arousal spiked, with one final slam, she let out huge moan and gripped my penis tighter than before, like she was milking me.

That sent whatever arousal I was holding back over the edge.

I could only grab onto the sheets of the bed and grit my teeth as I felt everything shoot out of my body straight into her pussy. Biting my tongue proved useless to hide the moan, but after I came, all my previous strength began to leave me.

Weiss fainted on top of me, hands loose but still on my neck. I could still hear my own heartbeat as I looked at her. It simmered down, but I started getting drowsy.

My last thoughts were of the pleasure, and the slight reluctance in letting it go.

The goals I had came first. But I won't deny it any longer.

Weiss was going to have a terrible morning. Honestly, so was I. A morning full of self-critisism and berating. But I cannot deny the small amount of enjoyment I had.

I can see why most Gamer's usually get addicted to things like this.

---

Important Things to Remember.

Black Christmas: When Faunus men women and children staged a peaceful protest during Christmas, and was Gunned down by the police. A Faunus child Awakened there.

Awakening: When a Faunus begins to go feral. (More details on this to follow.)

Two very important characters were introduced this time. Jaina (Ironwoods twin sister.) And Slayer. (The Titan Slayer, her true name is a mystery)

If you want more details on the formulas I use for the Charisma Check and Status Sheet, you can just either PM me or mention it in the reviews and I'll post it here.

Weiss and Arhen hooked up, bet many people weren't expecting him to get choked out. But Weiss is stronger than him so what do you expect?

Hope you enjoyed this long ass chapter, and see you all next time.

~~ Scenes till 'Seed of the World Tree I' : 4 Chapters left.)~~~