Hey, RGQC here, and we are back with another chapter! So, work is getting increasingly tedious and exhausting thanks to it approaching the end of the year. But I won't let that stop me anytime soon.
But enough about what's happening at my side, let us begin after addressing comments, yea? Which is not much. Oh well, I guess…
Nova1233: Thanks! It took a while to figure out how I wanted Alpha's entrance into the ruins of Mount Glenn, and I'm happy with the result. Rexlent, he never disappoints, and I enjoyed his no-hit runs. Related to your question, I won't spoil it, but you'll see.
Zekken182: I have plans for Lamia in the future, and I won't reveal my plans for her just yet. Just know that once she reveals herself, well… death will follow after her.
Guest: I was thinking only a handful to prevent things from getting too out of hand. But time will tell. As for adding in male constructs, don't worry. We'll see one soon. I hope.
CriticaofRandomness: Perhaps? Not saying a word.
And with the comments addressed, we can officially begin this chapter. Like before, I hope you all enjoy the chapter.
I do not own any of RWBY or their content. They all belong to their respective owners. Nor do I own any content belonging to Kuro Technology and their series Punishing Gray Raven.
A day had passed since Lucia had conducted her reconnaissance of Mount Glenn, and she made some new and disturbing discoveries that she must report to General Ironwood with haste. First, however, she had to undergo maintenance checks as a precaution due to exposure to multiple EMP pulses that scrambled her systems.
And a day later after initiating system maintenance, Lucia's eyes opened again on the operating table to see that she was missing parts of her torso, which exposed her inner workings, including her dust core and aura generator. Both vital systems pulse with life right as Lucia then noticed something else. They looked like literal hearts shape-wise, how interesting.
While that was happening, numerous surgery table arms were operating on Lucia's frame while wires and cables were attached to the back of her head and neck. Lucia also lacked all her limbs, which were removed from her body for refurbishment and maintenance.
Lucia's eyes widened in shock before recovering when the emotion suppressors in her system activated. Seconds passed as Lucia turned her head slowly to the right after recovering from the rude awakening of seeing herself in literal pieces. She could see her default clothing on a hangar which was on a black rail, among other hangars.
Lucia's eyes flickered with a tired sigh while she simultaneously sent a transmission to General Ironwood, informing him that she would arrive in Beacon hours from now. Then, turning her head back forward, she connected herself to the operation table and ordered the surgery table arms to reassemble her back together.
With the commands issued, the table arms began to complete maintenance checks before putting her back together limb by limb. The process took about 30 minutes, but Lucia soon had all her pieces back together before she sat up from the operating table. Although she was naked again and looked like a doll without any clothes except for black articulation joints seen between segments of her skin. Mostly located on her abdominal and lower chest. Lucia's arms also now looked human and not mechanical as they always were.
Staring at her hands for a second, Lucia muttered to herself. "Good to be back in one piece again." She paused for a second upon processing what she said to herself. "Never thought I'd be saying that out loud."
Lucia then stood up and walked towards the hangars on the rail before asking herself a question. "Now then, what is the appropriate attire for my visit to Beacon?" Lucia rubbed her chin for a moment before her gaze landed on the mini laser-powered nano-assembler not too far away.
A smile then appeared on the construct's lips upon an idea appearing in her head. She knows what to make and wear for the occasion.
Lucia POV
I could only smile to myself as the Griffin brought me ever closer to Beacon by the second. And even though it has been months since I have been on Remnant at this point, I still find myself in awe at how beautiful and massive some of the places are. Beacon was one example.
It was like a mighty silver spike thrust into the earth, with glittering green rooftops and gleaming marble walls that looked expensive to maintain. The only thing that was out of place in the scenery was the CCTs beacon right in the middle of the Academy.
Right. The CCTs. The very same CCTs that fell in the fall of Beacon Academy in the web show.
The question is, what will change now that Watts is on Atlas's side? My thoughts wander for a moment. How would Salem destroy Beacon without Watts hacking Ironwood's machines?
"…Would she?" I wondered before shaking that thought out of my head. I can worry about it later. I'm more or less at Beacon and soon to disembark from my ship.
But before that, I took a quick glance at my chosen uniform to introduce myself to the headmaster of Beacon. What I wore consisted of a plain white shirt with bell sleeves, black pants that go all the way to my ankles and a simple black magnetic belt around my waist.
That wasn't all of it. My footwear consisted of simple red high heels, black gloves for my hands and a black suit that I rested over my shoulders with a silver string to prevent it from falling off. I should also mention that I lacked the mechanical bits attached to my head and covered my left cheek with artificial skin over the metal bits.
And so hopefully, if anyone were to look at me, I would look like an average woman with white hair and heterochromatic eyes. As to why I chose this kind of outfit? It's closer to something I would like the chance to wear back on Earth, but thanks to dressing standards in the office, I couldn't have my suit over my shoulders.
Also, the articulating arm that was attached to me had been removed to make me look human and less machine upon first impression. Of course, I have to be aware that Faunuses would see me as human at first glance, but they would no doubt notice that something's off about me eventually if I say too close to them for long periods.
One more thing, I will be taking Benizakura alongside me on my journeys in Beacon.
For security's sake, I swear.
Soon, there was a rumble as the Griffin landed on the docking bay before its tail opened to the sight of several confused students on the airship pads and a familiar face waiting for me. Also, a Hud appeared in my optics during that time.
[Scanning…]
[User identified.]
[Glynda Goodwitch. Teacher of Beacon.]
[Estimated biological age: 43 years old.]
[Height: 6'5 foot or 1.96 meters while in heels]
[Semblance: Telekinesis]
First of all, how the fuck did I estimate Glynda's biological age? Secondly, that's incredibly rude of me to scan her just like that! But did I do it because she was essential and closely acquainted with Ozpin?
And she looks accurate at the show in terms of looks. Despite being middle-aged, Glynda still looks beautiful. Another thing was her height, and why is everyone in Remnant so tall? Or am I just short because of my father?
No matter.
As I stepped out of the Griffin and toward what will be my escort. Glynda watched me like a hawk as I pulled out sunglasses and wore them, much to the surreal look she gave me as I made my way towards her.
Hehe.
"Glynda Goodwitch, it's a pleasure to meet you," I spoke up once I was close enough to her. "Under the assumption, are you the one who will escort me to Headmaster Ozpin and General Ironwood?" I asked as Glynda slowly nodded as she laid her eyes upon Benizakura in its sheath and attached to my hip via the magnetic belt.
"You are correct, Ms Lucia," Glynda confirmed as she continued. "Though you look quite different from what James had shown us about you." She admitted as she glared at some passer-by who got too curious about who I was and tried to get closer. I watched as the students realised that Glynda was staring at them before they scampered off somewhere.
"I'll explain the reason for the different look upon our arrival at our destination," I answered Glynda's question. "Let's not waste any more time here. We're attracting unwanted attention by remaining here." I said as Glynda nodded her head in agreement.
"Follow me. I'll take you to Ironwood and Ozpin."
And so, both of us left the airship pad as the Griffin took off and flew away, much to Glynda's confusion. "Do not worry about that. I have ordered it to take off and remain in the air until I am ready for pick up." I explained to Glynda while she gave me a curious look in response. I must be more than her expectations of me.
'I see…" Glynda softly hummed as we walked through what I could guess was the main avenue. Hundreds of students walked by us while giving curious looks, mostly at me, but they couldn't get any closer thanks to Glynda's stern stare at their attempts. There was also plenty of gossip that I picked up thanks to my audio sensors.
"Who's that lady beside Ms Goodwitch?" A female student spoke up as I picked up several more along the way.
"Looks like a special guest?"
"Then why haven't we known who that lady is?"
"Is she single? Cos she hot."
Ok, what the fuck was that comment?
"For some dressing up for business, she does carry a large ass sword in a sheath. I mean, look at that thing."
A flurry of comments went by as we walked on for a couple more minutes and into a building. During this trip to Ozpin's office, I didn't expect to run into team RWBY this early on since I spotted them on the opposite end of the hallway, we were in.
"Good morning, Professor Goodwitch!" Ruby was the first to greet Glynda, followed by the other.
Weiss, Blake and Yang followed soon after. "Good morning, Professor."
All that greeting got was a nod from Glynda as I followed her silently. But then I was noticed first by Ruby, followed by the rest of team RWBY. "Uh, Professor Goodwitch, who's that beside you?" Ruby asks as I notice that Glynda is about to ask them to leave, but before she can do that, I interrupt her by resting my hand on her shoulder.
I want to give a good first impression to the show's protagonists.
[Emotion suppressors disabled.]
"It's ok," I said as Glynda paused to look at me as I pulled my sunglasses out and kept them. "If you wish to know who I am, call me Lucia. I'm a guest from Atlas, and Ms Goodwitch is bringing me to see your headmaster. It's a pleasure to meet you, team RWBY." I said before giving them a bow as Glynda raised an eyebrow at me.
No doubt that she didn't expect my personality to change that quickly.
Ruby gasped as the rest of her team responded roughly the same way. Except for Weiss, who looked proud and Blake, whose eyes widened in surprise. "You know about us?" Ruby enthusiastically asked as she started hopping on the spot.
That earned a light chuckle from me. Oh, how cute she can be. "Yes. Before I arrived here, I researched every team in Beacon and came to one conclusion. Out of the rest of the year one teams, yours show the most potential." I admitted as I could tell they were not expecting a compliment from a stranger. I was not lying, out of every single year-one student, team RWBY shows the potential to be even better than even the year-four students.
Glynda coughed into her hand as she took back the conversion. "While I'm not one to interrupt a conversion, we should continue on our journey Lucia," Glynda explained as I nodded while she looked at team RWBY. "Besides, you should be heading for Dr Port's lesson. You only have 5 minutes left before he starts."
"Uh, right!" Ruby rapidly nodded her head upon realisation. "We should get going right now. Will we see you in the future, Lucia? Because I want to see your sword!" Ruby points at Benizakura on my hip as Weiss grabs Ruby by the arm and begins dragging her away.
"Hey! Weiss! Don't pull my arm!" Ruby yelped as Weiss took over.
"My apologies Ms Goodwitch for holding you back but allow me to deal with my partner later." Weiss apologised to both of us as Yang and Blake followed their leader and her partner.
As team RWBY left both Glynda and me behind, I muttered softly. "Perhaps Miss Rose. Perhaps." I muttered.
"Children." Ms Goodwitch rolled her eyes as we resumed our journey to Ozpin's office.
[Emotion suppressors enabled.]
The rest of the journey was somewhat quiet, minus the occasional gossiping by students as we walked past them. And as we reached the elevator that would take us to Ozpin's office, Glynda paused as she looked at me once nobody was nearby.
"What was that, Lucia?" She asked, as I already had an idea as to what she was asking me.
"If you're referring to my sudden change in behaviour, it is due to a programme that would allow me to mimic a human's emotion 99.9 percentile." I explained as Glynda had a look of interest on her face. It wasn't wrong, but it's pretty close since, if active, it locks my emotions away instead of switching my personality.
"I see… It is uncanny… it almost makes you look like you have multiple personalities. Or you have bipolar disorder with how fast you can change your mood."
"Understandable." I said as there was a ding, followed by the doors leading into the elevator opening up.
We then entered the lift as Glynda pressed the highest-level button; the door closed, and the elevator took us to Ozpin's office. In the meantime, I tapped into the cameras of Beacon and began exploring the academy's interior system. That was until one of them led me directly into the Beacon Vault.
How interesting that there are cameras in there. It would allow Ozpin to keep track in case there are any intruders infiltrating the Vault. Returning to reality, I could see that we were almost at Ozpin's office, and I could sense in my system that Glynda was currently cautious about me.
The elevator doors soon opened to reveal Ozpin's chair and desk facing away from the main room window, which was also a giant clock. Another thing of notice was that the chair, table, walls and ceiling all featured intricate clockwork mechanisms consisting of many interlocking cogs and gears.
And in the middle of the room was the old wizard reincarnate himself, Ozpin. Alongside General Ironwood, who was standing to the right. When Glynda and I walked into Ozpin's office, Ironwood was the first to notice and turn his head towards the elevator, followed by Ozpin, looking at us both.
Seeing that we had their attention, I immediately ceased my movement and performed a military salute as protocol demanded of me. "Lucia reporting." I said before bringing down my hand as General Ironwood landed his gaze upon my choice of clothing before commenting.
"At ease Lucia, I see that you've arrived," Ironwood muttered. "And you have changed your outfit and looks." He gave me a top-to-bottom glance as I explained my reason for the modification.
"It is necessary to ensure that my mechanical origins are not revealed yet to the public. If so, the negative feedback would be tremendous." I glance at Ozpin, who was silent the whole time. I think he is trying to get a read on me. "Minor modifications can be applied to my frame if needed. However, significant changes cannot be applied without assistance."
"I see." Ironwood rubbed his chin as Ozpin finally spoke as he stood up.
"Lucia Alpha. It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time," Ozpin held his hand up for me to shake as I glanced at Ironwood. Knowing what I wanted to ask, Ironwood nodded, approving my silent request.
Resuming my movement, I strolled towards Ozpin and took his hand into my own with a shake. "Headmaster Ozpin. The information on the CCTs had said much about you." I said as Ozpin nodded. I wasn't kidding. Reading through all the stuff Ozpin did in this life was impressive as he was a child prodigy, which enabled him to become one of the youngest headmasters appointed to an academy.
However, I suspect he rigged the system in his favour since he designed the Academies as the King of Vale and has all the knowledge from his previous lives.
"Hope only good things come from it?" Ozpin asked as I nodded.
"More than enough," I said as I broke off from the handshake.
"I must admit," Ozpin muttered as he rested both hands on his cane. "When James told him of your return after 25 years, I expressed my concern that you are a potential threat to everyone. However, he told me otherwise, and I am willing to trust his judgment to offer you a second chance."
"Thank you, headmaster," I said as I swore, I saw Ironwood giving a smile. "With introductions out of the way, I have news of high concern and requiring immediate attention." My expression became serious as I explained.
"Permission to use holograms, Headmaster." I turned to face Ozpin. "It would be easier to show you and General Ironwood the evidence I've gathered so far."
Ozpin glanced at his friend, who nodded back at him. "Very well then, Ms Lucia." Ozpin said as I approached his table and rested my hand on it. Seconds later, the transparent glass walls in Ozpin's office became opaque. I then turned around before the hologram projector from my chest emerged and displayed the entire map of Mount Glenn.
"As ordered by General Ironwood, I have investigated the ruins of Mountain Glenn for any strange happening," Lucia explained as the holograms showed her exploring the ruins of Mount Glenn. "Upon further investigations, I have come across a White Fang patrol group approximately 3.6 hours after arriving at the operation area."
"The White Fang have a presence in Mount Glenn?" Ironwood's eyes rose in alarm as the hologram screen changed to show Lucia stalking the first patrol group she ran into and listening to their conversations.
"Affirmative," Lucia confirmed. "However, their conversation confirmed that they have a mole in Atlas and are hiding because of my awakening." She continued explaining as Ironwood began rubbing in his chin.
"Are they the ones who are responsible for the suspicious movements in Mount Glenn Oz?" Ironwood asked as Ozpin shook his head.
"No. I don't think so, James. But, if so, why did Lucia come to us with serious concern that required immediate attention?" Ozpin points out. "I believe we're dealing with something bigger. Am I correct, Lucia?" Ozpin asks as Lucia nods her head.
"Affirmative. The White Fang operation in Mount Glenn is not the main concern here. But to cripple and delay their operations here for future raids in the future, I have engaged in deception and sabotage actions against them." Lucia explained as the holographic screen changed to show her blowing up a dust deposit with a sniper rifle.
Then it changes to show Lucia destroying everything relevant in the White Fang hideout, including the trains before leaving. While it wasn't ordinary, Ozpin noticed one thing from the android in front of him. She avoided killing anyone as she destroyed all their equipment despite her record of killing everyone in the facility that housed her.
"If I may ask Lucia," Ozpin spoke as the video paused as everyone looked at the headmaster of Beacon. "I noticed that you went out of your way not to harm a single member of the White Fang, care to tell us that Lucia?" He asked with curiosity while everyone turned their heads towards the construct.
"Upon further investigation of the terrorist group White Fang. Most members are mainly disgruntled Faunuses that wished for better rights, even if they prefer to achieve them violently. Killing them serves no purpose but to antagonize families and friends of every single member of this group." Lucia paused for a second.
"This would result in a cycle of revenge between Humans and Faunuses as they seek to avenge their friends or family's deaths. Every reprisal is itself an act of aggression, and every act of aggression triggers immediate reprisal. During my reactivation, I learned that responding to violence with violence solves nothing. But there are times when it will be necessary to preserve the peace."
"I see… how interesting." Ozpin hummed as Glynda and Ironwood turned their heads to Ozpin who then gestured his hand to Lucia. "Carry on."
"Understood," Lucia said as the holographic screen resumed as she explained. "While the outpost still functions, it has been severely crippled and rendered unusable for the White Fang for years. Calculations suggest that what remains of the outpost can be dealt with easily with a strike squad within 2.6 years. Any longer, and the outpost will regain full strength."
Lucia explained as she fast-forwarded the video from her investigation to show Merlot's abandoned facility. "Soon, I detected a power source emerging from this abandoned facility and investigated it. However, it happened to belong to a rouge scientist called Merlot."
As soon as Lucia uttered Merlot's name, everyone was shocked and for a good reason. For that man was thought dead after his obsession with the Grimm brought the downfall of Mount Glenn. Now here was Lucia standing before Merlot's facility.
And whatever she found there is of significant concern since Lucia herself stated that the White Fang present in Mount Glenn is not the primary concern. And all could conclude that it was Merlot that Lucia believed was the more significant threat.
"Merlot… I know him." Ozpin's eyes narrowed down. "To think that you still lived."
"Unbelievable. It must be serious if he still lives." Glynda added her thoughts on the matter as Ironwood remained silent until he finally spoke.
"Lucia, did you execute him?" Ironwood asked as Ozpin and Glynda looked at their friend. Of course, James would act rashly again.
"Negative. He wasn't physically present in the facility. But his creations make it my priority to inform all of you." Lucia said as the video showed numerous machines shuffling out of the facility before one of them pointed in her general direction and screeched.
"What is that you encountered?" Glynda asked as her expression cracked for a second. To see machines act no different than Grimm. It's uncanny, to say the least.
"Unknown. I have chosen to nickname them corrupted. But they are minor to what I fought at the end." Lucia closed her optics for a second before opening them again. The video then fast-forwarded again to show her prying a door open as lights in the room sprang to life to reveal some sort of pod and black vial, and Merlot himself on a massive screen.
What happened next was Merlot introducing himself to Lucia. Unfortunately, everyone watched as a wall of hard light dust split the room the next second and separated Lucia from the black vial and the pod. That was quickly followed by merlot mentioning a friend before the video glitched and static as Lucia's agonised scream could be heard.
"Lucia, what happened there?" Ironwood asked in alarm at the scream as Lucia gave an uncomfortable look. For the first time, Ironwood had seen her give such expressions since she reawakened.
"EMP. Electromagnetic pulse. A partner working with Merlot gave him this tech to counter me. What you saw was the effects of it on me. It… was… excruciatingly painful on my system and body."
"EMP?" Glynda gasped in shock as all three watched Lucia push herself back to her feet before Merlot released several Mutant Beowolves.
"A tech that we in Atlas did not have many studies put into it," Ironwood muttered. "To think someone else put further thought into it to deal with you."
"But the question is who?" Ozpin added in as he sipped his drink of hot cocoa.
"That's what I've been trying to process. I have some potential theories, but the worse thing is that father's nanomachines tech is compromised."
…
"WHAT!?" Ironwood roared.
"James. Please calm down. I'm sure Lucia can explain the situation here." Glynda rubbed her head.
"Care to explain it, Lucia?" Ozpin then asked, his expression colder as the construct agreed.
"Understood, what Merlot made with it was an abomination." Lucia's body tensed for a second as she showed everyone what she had fought. And understandably, Ozpin, Glynda and Ironwood were horrified by what they'd seen.
"By the Brothers…"
"A monster made of man, machine and Grimm." Ozpin muttered as he turned his gaze to his friend Ironwood, who looked no better than he was. To think Merlot could have gotten even lower than before after causing the fall of Mount Glenn.
Lucia narrowed her eyes as the holographic video changed to show Remnant's map. "During my investigation into Merlot's facility, I've managed to come to several conclusions. First, Merlot managed to create a Grimm extract that utilises father's nanomachine creation. We require a sample of it to understand what we're dealing with."
"Secondly, I've managed to piggyback off Merlot's bandwidth and tracked his exact location to the middle of the sea far south of Sanus. I have a theory that he has an underwater laboratory there somehow." Lucia continued her explanation as a ping appeared on the map far south of the continent of Sanus.
"An underwater laboratory? How did he?" Ironwood muttered while baffled. How did Merlot set up a laboratory far south of Sanus? Even more so, he can't exactly send his fleet there as it would violate the Kingdom of Vale's airspace and sea borders. Politics are so annoying and a pain to deal with.
"Answer. Unknown." Lucia answered honestly as the hologram projector from her chest disappeared, and Ozpin's office walls became transparent to allow light into the office. "I am preparing a report on the investigation of Mount Glenn as we speak, General." Lucia said as that got a nod out of Ironwood.
"That was enlightening," Ozpin muttered. "Thank you for investigating Mount Glenn Lucia. Both Ironwood and I have much to discuss later after today." Ironwood just nodded his head in agreement.
Lucia then stared out the window before looking back. "All objectives completed. What should we do about Dr Merlot and his partner?" Lucia asked. "It is clear that whoever Merlot's partner is, they are familiar with father creations. How else did they gain access to father's nanomachines and countermeasures?"
Ironwood then let out an annoyed sigh. "As much as I wish we could deal with Merlot and his partner, we must make the necessary preparations. But thanks to you, we now know that Dr Merlot was the one responsible for the suspicious movements. As for the White Fang outpost..."
Ironwood paused as he thought it through. "I believe Ozpin can take it from here." Ozpin could only nod in agreement as he continued. "By the way, Lucia, how did your new construct body perform in your investigation?" Ironwood then asked as both Ozpin and Glynda gave curious glances at him.
"System efficiency has increased by 41.532% upon retrofitting. There are no side effects to report, and I will update you if that changes." Lucia replied as Glynda raised an eyebrow with suspicion at her fellow member.
"Are you hiding something from us, James?" Glynda asked as Ironwood seemed to be at a loss before Lucia made a recommendation to her superior.
"Suggestion. We should tell them about the construct frames. They are not aware of father's works." Lucia stared at Ironwood before he let out a sigh and brought his hands behind his back to the side as he gave the authorisation to tell them.
"Very well then. Do tell them about it."
Lucia gave a nod at her superior before she began explaining. "Understood. Headmaster Ozpin and professor Goodwitch. General Ironwood is referring to my recent integration of a new exoskeleton frame called constructs. These construct frames are unique as they give an almost accurate imitation of the human body. Allowing me to consume food just like any Human or Faunus could."
As Lucia explained, Ozpin and Glynda were intrigued and curious about why Ironwood failed to bring it up to them. "James, I'm curious as to why you did not inform me of this development. Care to explain why?" Ozpin asked as Ironwood walked up and stood next to Lucia.
"I was planning to Ozpin." He sighed. "But I have to take precautions to ensure that Dr Kurt's work doesn't fall into the wrong hands. But unfortunately, that clearly did not work from what we saw just now."
Ironwood took a breath as he continued. "That includes the construct programme. What Lucia failed to mention here was that those exoskeleton frames can house a human's consciousness and aura." Ironwood explained as it rendered his friends silent.
"I see…" Ozpin rubbed his chin.
"This is ethically immoral. To take someone and transfer their mind and soul into a mechanical body. Then what happens to the body?" Glynda voiced her thoughts as Lucia answered her question.
"Their organic bodies will be in a prolonged state of unconsciousness until their aura is returned to their body."
"I'm glad that it is not permanent." Ozpin lets out a sigh of relief as he turns his attention back on Lucia. "Is it possible I can have a detailed report on the construct frames?" Ozpin then asked as Ironwood and Glynda stared at their leader.
As for Lucia, she already had an idea of what he was thinking about. "Are you seriously considering putting Amber into a construct's body even though she's comatose, Ozpin? Talk about doing it without consent. Actually, will that even work in the first place since she's brain-dead at the moment?"
The room was dead silent as Ironwood stared at his friend before letting out a sigh with closed eyes. "I'm not happy about this, Ozpin, but I will give it to you in a week."
"Thank you, James." Ozpin smiled as his friend while Lucia tilted her head.
"If there is nothing else, I make my departure back to Atlas." Lucia spoke up only for Ozpin to prevent her from leaving.
"Lucia, please hold on for a moment."
Confused about what Ozpin needs of her, Lucia asked back at the headmaster of Beacon. "Is there something I can be of assistance to you, headmaster?" She asked as a smile crept on Ozpins face.
Lucia POV
"How did I get myself into this situation again?" I wondered to myself as I walked in a hallway with Glynda Goodwitch. In short, what happened was that Ozpin wanted me to attend Beacon's classes as an observer and spend some time in Vale. Believing that that will help me grow more as an individual instead of a weapon.
He does have a point, though. Since my awakening, I haven't left the laboratories and visited the streets of Atlas itself. Most of the time, I was undergoing maintenance checks, sparing against combat droids or either Penny or Luna. Or performing missions for General Ironwood and killing Grimm on the outskirts of the city alone.
Ironwood was understandably against the idea for fear of my awakening leaking out to the broader public. But Ozpin assured him that someone would be my escort during my time here in the next few days.
In hindsight, I should have seen that coming soon as Glynda and I reached a hallway with doors on both sides of the walls. What was clear to me was the number of noises I heard through the walls. Using X-ray filters in my optics for a split-second revealed students in their seats and teachers teaching them.
Right. Ozpin wants me to observe the students in Beacon in their lessons. Strange request, but I'll comply with it.
Soon, Glynda reached for the door and opened it before walking in as I slowly tailed after her. And inside were tens of students in their seats. But that wasn't all. A familiar pudgy man could also be seen at the bottom of the lecture room, with grey hair and a grey moustache, a double-breasted burgundy suit with gold piping and buttons. His pants he wears were tucked into his olive boots. Only one person fulfils that look in Beacon.
Professor Peter Port. And he's in the middle of his story lectures. Remind me how this is supposed to teach the students of Beacon to become Hunters and Huntresses again.
"And with that, I slammed my trusty weapon upon its diabolical head! Killing the beast that saw me as prey!" Professor Port could be heard telling his pointless stories as everyone turned their attention to Goodwitch walking in.
"Professor Port, can I borrow your attention for the moment?" Glynda called out her fellow professor, who responded to her call.
"Ah! Professor Goodwitch, what can I do for you?" Port asks as Glynda steps aside to reveal me.
"Headmaster Ozpin wants you to allow our guest to observe your classes." Glynda said as I could hear various whispers in the background from the students sitting in their chairs. As I turned my head slightly to the left, I could see all the students giving me curious looks.
And among them, I spotted four familiar girls I had encountered a while ago, all looking surprised at my sudden presence in their class. Also, amongst the crowd, I also spotted the rest of JNPR all looking curious at me. Nora looks ecstatic as Ruby was while Ren tries to reign her in.
"A guest joining us? Welcome, welcome!" Professor port smiled as he walked towards me, took my hand, and began shaking it as I stared at him. "I am Professor Port, and I teach our students Grimm Studies! Care to introduce yourself as a guest of ours, young lady?"
Port asks as he lets go of my hand while I glance at Glynda, who looks annoyed at the scene in front of her. Then, giving a slight shrug, I turned and faced the students as I introduced myself with a formal bow.
[Emotion suppressors disabled.]
"Hello, students of Beacon. I am Lucia, a guest from Atlas who visited your headmaster a while ago for a talk that I can't reveal." I gave my greeting. "Please, call me Lucia. I'll be participating alongside all of you for today." I smiled as Professor Port stepped in from the edge of my sight.
"Wonderful! Professor Goodwitch, I'll take it from here." Port says as Glynda nods and turns her attention to the rest of the students in the lecture room.
"As Lucia had said, she is a guest in Altas. Do treat her well during her time with us students." Glynda says to everyone with a stern tone as every student acknowledges her.
"Yes, Professor Goodwitch."
"Good. I'll leave the rest to professor Port." Glynda finished off as she walked out of the lecture room. As she left, I turned my head towards Port as he spoke.
"Ms Lucia, are you alright sitting at the back of the lecture hall?" Port asked as I shook my head from side to side.
"Where I sit doesn't matter to me."
"Excellent!" Professor port smiled at me before patting my back like I was his friend. "Then please hurry to your seat at the back so I can continue with my lesson." He instructed me as I made my way up, and as I did, I gave a small wave at team RWBY. Ruby looked ecstatic seeing me again. Weiss had a curious look on me, and so did Yang. As for Blake, she was cautious about my presence here.
Not sure whether it is due to me saying that I'm from Atlas or she could tell that something was off about me.
As I made my way up and soon sat on a chair while resting Benizakura on the chair next to me, Port resumed telling the stories of his feats. I observed that most of the students in the lecture hall weren't even paying attention to him but were gossiping mainly about my presence in their class. As if to make it more obvious, several of them glanced at me for a second before looking away.
But I noticed them anyways.
[Emotion suppressors enabled.]
As class resumed, I made myself look like I was paying attention, but in truth, I was not giving a damn about Prot's lesson. Why? Because I decided to call Luna, as talking to her was worth more of my time than the stories about professor Port when he was younger.
[Calling Luna. Please stand by…]
Seconds passed before Luna picked up my call.
"Lucia?" I heard Luna's voice in my head as I glanced at Pyrrha, who paid attention to Port's story.
Right. Her semblance is Polarity. A Hud appeared in my optics to point out Pyrrha's semblance was dangerous to my metallic body. Despite the fact I'm aware of it already.
[Notice. Beacon student Pyrrha Nikos's semblance of Polarity poses a significant danger to Lucia Alpha. Recommendation, extreme caution if engaged in battle.]
At least it didn't suggest that I kill her on the spot.
"Lucia here," I said as a small smile crept on my stoic face. "Good to hear from you again."
"Likewise." Luna sounded glad that I still function. "Query. How did your mission for General Ironwood go?" Luna asked as I began explaining what happened and how I would not be returning to Atlas anytime soon for now. Surprisingly enough, Luna doesn't sound concerned about it.
The next thing I knew, Luna sounded impatient about whether I'd tested the ability to consume food as a construct.
"Query. Did you test the frame's ability to ingest organic material?" Luna asked. I didn't forget it, but food consumption testing was currently set to low priority on my objectives.
Also, that's quite a strange way to ask whether I've eaten any food yet.
"Negative. The mission takes priority over trivial functions. Will find scenarios to test out the feature."
"Understood." Luna dryly responds to my answer.
The next thing that happened soon after was professor Port's voice throughout the lecture hall. "Before we end of today's class, how about we have our guest Lucia come down and show us a demonstration if she has the skills to defeat such beasts!"
"Eh?"
"Lucia, what's wrong?" Luna asked me with concern when she noticed my response, and I answered her back while taking a quick survey of everyone.
"This call will have to end now. My attention is required right now."
"Understood. Till we talk again later, sister."
"Likewise, Luna." I said as I ended the call before reaching for the string that prevented the suit on my shoulders from falling off.
"Of course, Professor Port, the honour's mine." I said as I pulled off my suit from my shoulders. "Please give me a moment. I'll be down soon enough." I rested the suit on the chair I sat on while reaching out and grabbing Benizakura with one hand.
Walking down the steps, I heard gossip from every student in the lecture hall. And by filtering them out, I pinpointed team RWBY's conversation, particularly among the other voices from the others.
"I wonder how capable Ms Lucia is in a practical test..." Weiss wondered as Ruby leaned in on her while pointing at Benizakura with her hand.
"That sheath is large and cumbersome, and the katana should be around a meter long. I think she can block with it, and it won't get destroyed."
"Really?" I heard Weiss responding. "This is strange, for I never heard of her in my life. It is almost as if she appeared out of thin air."
"Whatever the case, I want to see her fight!" Yang yells out as I can sense Blake intently staring at me. My fighting style does mirror her ex, now that I think about it, minus the gun part.
Everyone watched as Lucia made her way down the stairs and onto the base of the lecture hall. And once she did, professor port offered a smile. Lucia only nodded as she took out her high heels, much to everyone's confusion.
"Taking off your heels, I see," Port observed. "Not one to fight in them?" Port asked as Lucia confirmed it.
"Yes. While I have seen people fight with heels on effectively, I prefer not having them on as they hamper my skill with the blade." Lucia explained as she placed her high heels near the wall before walking into position.
"Alright!" Port announces as he lifts his shotgun/axe into the air. "Let's see how you perform, Lucia! Begin!" Professor Port then swings down and breaks the lock, releasing two Boarbatusks within the cage as Lucia casually rests her hand on the pommel of Benizakura while staring at the now-released Boarbatusks.
Cheers could be heard from the crowd while Boarbatusks huffed, snarled and looked around before they spotted Lucia silently staring at them. And once they did, they charged at her with no hesitation or fear. In response to their reckless charging, Lucia got into her stance with one hand on the sheath and the other on Benizakura.
While most people don't seem to notice anything of interest to her stance, Blake does because she recognises Lucia's fighting style. It is almost the exact same as Adam Taurus, her ex-boyfriend. The thought of him sent shivers up her spine while she and everyone watched on.
One of the Boarbatusks leapt into the air with full intentions of goring the white-haired woman while the other rolled into a ball and charged directly at her. Seeing them coming for her, Lucia pushed Benizakura out of its sheath with her thumb as she dashed forward and slashed the Boarbatusk jumping at her through the belly.
Killing it instantly.
The Boarbatusk lets out a death squeal before it crashes onto the ground, while Lucia could be seen meters ahead with Benizakura in hand and crackling with power. As for everyone, they were in awe at how fast she slew the Boarbatusk with a single strike. But that wasn't all.
"Wow! An amazing display of skill right there!" Port announces out.
They were also amazed by the looks of Lucia's katana as it brimmed with power. All of them voiced their awe in their ways, while Ruby was the loudest as she squealed at the sight of it. Potentially deafening the ears of her teammates sitting near her.
Lucia sheathed Benizakura before turning around to see the other Boarbatusk missing her completely. It lets out an angry huff as it charges at her as it did earlier. Lucia just gave an apathetic look before stepping aside as the Boarbatusk missed her again.
"Is it me, or does Lucia look so detached about the whole spar?" Yang points out her teammates agreed. They could tell that she wasn't taking it seriously and didn't look fazed at all as the Boarbatusk continuously failed to gore her due to her dodging it with no effort.
"It is as if fighting is natural to her. She's not even winded at all." Pyrrha points out.
"Yea! I mean, she killed a Boarbatusk with one hit! How cool is that Renny!" Nora adds in as she begins shaking Ren, who responds dryly.
"Nora, please calm down. But yes, it was amazing."
The Boarbatusk let out a furious squeal as it curled up into a ball and spun rapidly before it launched itself at Lucia again. However, Lucia didn't move to avoid it at all. Instead, all she did was brace her legs and raise Benizakura in its sheath to block the Boarbatusk's attempts to run her over.
Sparks emerged as the Boarbatusk clashed against Benizakura sheath, but Lucia didn't budge an inch and as the clash went on, Professor Port could be heard observing from the slide lines.
"Ha ha! Such a bold move to do right there!" Port laughed as Lucia clenched her free hand and sent a mega punch at the Boarbatusk still clashing against her sheath. As her fist made contact, the sheer force catapulted the Boarbatusk back into the air.
The Grimm let out a squeal as it flew into the air uncontrollably. As Lucia, with haste, got into her stance and leapt after the Boarbatusk in the air. In a blink of an eye, the Boarbatusk was sliced cleanly into two.
And Lucia could be seen meters away from it with Benizakura already drawn and made its kill.
"Marvellous! Such a display of skill right there!" Port declares as enthusiastic claps can be heard before Lucia does a three-point landing on the ground with Benizakura still in her hand. Lucia then stood up and slowly began sheathing Benizakura.
*Click*
"Once slash. One Kill." Lucia chuckled to herself as she turned and faced Professor Port, smiling the whole way smugly.
"And that's all we have for today's class, students! While I normally would give assigned readings and homework for the weekends, I am proud to see such a performance from our guest that I decided I won't give you anything for you to do. So, enjoy the weekends' students!" Professor Port announced that cheers of joy could be heard and even more clapping.
"Thank you, professor!" Every student in the lecture room thanked professor Port while Lucia put on her heels. She then walked up the stairs to retrieve her suit.
"Oh, do not thank me, students," Port denied the appreciation given to him. "Thank her for that stunning performance! I've never seen such skill for a long time!" Port extended his hand to Lucia, who had already begun wearing her suit over her shoulders.
As for Lucia, while she smiled and took in the appreciation openly while internally, she felt guilty thanks to the uttermost power difference between her and everyone in the lecture room. At this point, she felt that what she had done wasn't fair at all.
"To be honest, what I just did was plain cheating. I doubt anyone here could do that unless they're a veteran Huntsman or Huntresses." Lucia thought to herself as soon as Ozpin himself made an appearance. For he was intrigued by the situation Lucia got herself into.
"Am I interrupting something, Port?" Ozpin wonders as everyone shuts their mouths in the presence of the Headmaster of Beacon in the lecture room.
"Ah, headmaster Ozpin!" Port greeted his superior. "You're not interrupting anything, friend; we've just finished classes after witnessing our guest's performance!"
Port explained as Ozpin turned his head with interest at the construct in hiding approaching him. "I see… remind me later that I need to speak to you alone. I have some news I wish to share with you."
"Of course, Ozpin." Port smiles as he looks at his students now leaving the lecture hall.
"One more thing," Ozpin suddenly spoke, a cheeky grin appearing on his face. "Do inform team RWBY to come over after dinner. I have a request to make of them."
And we are done with this chapter. So, what do you think of this chapter so far? Like Lucia's introduction to Beacon so far in this chapter? And what do you think of her disguise? Nothing too fancy but enough to blend into society.
And Ozpin. Good old Ozpin plotting some stuff behind the scene for Lucia. Oh yeah, how do you find the meeting between Ozpin, Ironwood, Glynda and Lucia? I hope I expressed the situation seriously enough and did not make them look like fools in the process, but I guess time will tell.
I also got No 21 recently! She is small and must be protected. Then again, I guess I won't have to worry about that when she goes on a rampage and kills everything. One more thing. That psychotic laughter. So good!
With that, I have nothing much to say either than a request for you to follow and favourite me if you enjoy this story! Do also leave a review of what you think of this chapter, as I enjoy reading it and giving replies to it!
And with that, I will see your wonderful people in the future!
RGQC out!