Chapter set in between the time skip and Jaune's first meeting with Patty.

"Such wasted potential. To think that you had a hand in all of this... My verdict has been reached. You are here by charged with unlawful, inhumane experimentations, the premeditated murder of countless children, breach on the code of moral ethics, and countless other crimes. How do you plead?"

"...Guilty, your honor."

"Very well. Then I declare you as such. GUILTY!"

Achroma sat in his prison cell quietly in the darkness, his eyes sunken of any sort of life. He had been wasting away in this place for only a short few years, but he was internally happy. This was the best fate he could hope for.

What else did a sick bastard like him deserve? He oversaw the experiments on the poor children, either robbed from their homes, or tricked into joining due to the sudden loss of their parents. Either way, he had a hand in the sick, and twisted tests that led to many deaths that deprived the kids of any future.

He could've actively shut it down. He had the power to do so...and yet he didn't, because he was too afraid and far too curious for his own damn good to discover the true source of power.

Well, those didn't matter now. He was going to be forever stuck in his prison cell, wasting away until his days were numbered. The former scientist woefully chuckled to himself, wondering how much disappointment he brought to his parents.

"Prisoner BW2-6-23, get up. You're being released." Noir announced as she walked into view, holding a file in her hand.

Achroma blinked, processing the statement. He looked at the soldier in disbelief, his eyes wide as dinner plates. "W-what?" he croaked out, his voice was a bit hoarse and rough from years of misuse. "T-that can't be right... I was told I had twenty years to life. It's only been two years!"

The commander quirked a brow, a slightly amused smile tugging at her lips. "You're complaining about getting released early? You really are an interesting man. Besides, you ratted out those scum, confessed their every misdeeds and let us get our hands on some pieces of technology that can be put to better use for the people. In all honesty, you being imprisoned is more of a formality than anything."

As to further emphasize it wasn't a trick, Noir unlocked the prison cell, the glass door sliding open. Achroma still couldn't believe it. He...was free?

"N-no! I don't want to! I should be kept locked away for my crimes. I'm nothing... I'm a monster!" he insisted.

The First Daughter sighed in slight irritation, turning to look at the approaching figure. "Sometimes, I hate it when you're right."

A man with well-kept, charcoal black hair stepped into the light, wearing the uniform of the Dawn's Cross' highest ranking, its founder and general. The man was carrying a duffel bag and a glass of water. He threw the first one to Achroma's lap while he handed over the second one. The former scientist stared at the glass for what seemed to be hours before he snatched it out of her hands and greedily drinked the liquid.

The man sighed, letting out a sigh of gratitude. He looked into the duffel bag with curiosity, and found his outfit inside, along with some of his valuables. A part of him desperately wanted to reach out and don them once again. But...he just couldn't. He tossed aside the duffel bag, shaking his head.

"Achroma Colress." started off the man, speaking with a voice that just grabbed your attention. "I'm sure you know who I am. I'm Cole Sky, the leader of the Dawn's Cross, and we want to make you an offer. We've looked in and examined all of the projects you've worked on, and it's impressive, to say the least."

Noir nodded in agreement, standing beside her superior officer. "It may have ultimately led to some unfortunate events, but the fault really lies on those scum who cared less about morals. If you had a better setting, you could have done more good like you wanted... Which is what the Dawn's Cross want to offer."

"Pardon?"

"You heard us right." Cole confirmed. "If you are so inclined to stay because of your belief that you are a monster, then what about a chance of redemption? We're willing to give you a facility of your own and a group of scientists to work with, as the head of our RD division."

"What? That easily? You're willing to trust me immediately to that extent?" he asked, not believing the offer that was being given to him. It seemed too good.

Once again, Noit could only shake her head in amusement at how the former scientist reacted. "You really are an interesting person. Most people would jump in for a chance like this, and here you are, doubting every word we say. What reason would we have to even lie to you?"

Achroma remained silent, staring at the two soldiers in front of him. He sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"Just what exactly do you people want from me?" he finally asked.

"For you to stop acting as if you're to blame, and instead to dedicate your heart and soul for this noble cause!" Cole said fiercely as he stood, thumping his fist against his chest. "Your work could do so much good in the right set of hands. Now that you are no longer bound by corruption, you're free to do what you've intended from the very beginning - help the weak to stand on their own! So, will you forsake your mission, or will you see it through?"

This certainly grabbed his attention. That was the very reason on why he joined, even if involuntary, Agnus with his experiments. To find a consistent source of strength for everyone to share. So that no one will ever feel helpless, like his family did when he was young.

Achroma thought it over very deeply. If he stayed here until he withered away into nothing, it will serve as his first penance for the darkness he had helped create, but if he were to remain here, then the weak will remain trampled by the strong, unable to climb up and become stagnant, powerless...like pawns in a game of chess.

He looked up at the two and asked a question. "If I were to accept, may I have a request?"

The two soldiers turned to each other, hints of a smirk on their faces as Cole answered. "As long as it's within reason, I don't see why not."

"My old facility... If it's still standing, I wish to be placed there and be repurposed into the R D department for the Dawn's Cross."

"So, you're in?" posed Noir.

Achroma reached out to the duffel bag and took hold of his old clothing. The two gave him some privacy and stepped a few paces away. He unrobed himself of his prisoner's garb and got to work of putting them on. It's been years since he last wore them, and it still fit like a glove. Pushing back his coat, he slicked back his hair into its natural style.

Cole and Noir turned around, just in time to see Achroma walk into the light, framing his glasses onto his face. He smirked, adjusting his gloves as his eyes shone in determination.

The fire that he had easily lost years ago was just as easily regain, stoked and renewed with purpose. This time... his intelligence wouldn't be used for the benefit of the greedy megalomaniacs. Instead, it'll be used to help those who cannot stand on their own. To equip the defenders of right to better help them.

He had been given a second chance, and he wasn't going to squander it!