January 9, 20XX, Day 136/365
It's been about a month since the expedition in Atlas. And ever since then, I've been thinking about recent events over the part four-six months I've been here. I was now and official threat and enemy in the White Fang's eyes, considering me and Weiss just put one of their commanders in jail for life!
But, I highly doubt it that the White Fang of all people were behind the security incident in the Emerald Forest a while back. Speaking of which, both Professors Port and Oobleck have been investigating the return of Merlot Industries while I was gone. They said that they would inform me on any details or any possible leads regarding the re-emergence of Merlot Industries
Grimm Studies
Now, I'm sure all of you want to know more about the different creatures of Grimm that walk the world of Remnant
First, we have are the Lancers, a species of Grimm that resembles giant wasps. They tend to travels in groups and their sting is worse than their bite! Now, there are two types of Lancers, one of them are Lancer Drones. Lancer Drones can fire its stinger out while keeping it attached to their body with an organic tether like a harpoon
Swarms of Lancers can used their harpoon-like stingers to immobilize their prey in all directions and is stronger enough to piece through metal. Their primary responsible to the destruction of multiple ships in Mistral
Then, there's the Queen Lancers, which are as big as an Atelsian cargo ship. The Queen Lancers also have an added ability to shoot spikes from its face. But unlike sot Grimm, they are quite intelligent, outmaneuvering ships and even coordinating attacks
Secondly, we have the Blind Worm, a species of Grimm that burrows through the sands of have a singular red eye and a giant fanged mouth. These Worms can range from six to one-hundred feet in height and despite their size, they can travel fast in the sands. It tends to use suprise and blindsiding tactics when attacking
Like King Taijitu's, they have a head on each body. They have armoured plating, acidic blood, and hook-like teeth which is also capable of spitting acid! But whenever you cut one in half, the two halves will eventually regrow to become their individual Blind Worms.
Then, finally we have is the Ziraph, a species of Grimm that resembles a giant giraffe. It had three heads, and each head has two horns. They are about five-stories tall and have razor-like plates on their legs. But what makes them dangerous, is that they have long, prehensile tongues that they use to capture their prey and swallow them whole. These creatures are so powerful, that you'll need an entire team of Huntsman and Huntresses just to take one down!
History
Now, let's move onto History. And today's subject is a dark one, Mountain Glenn and the fall of Mountain Glenn. Now as some already know, Mountain Glenn was the Kingdom of Vale's first attempt at expanding the Kingdom
The Kingdom had developed an underground tunnelling system that allowed settlers to travel to and from the main kingdom and the new territory. Because of this, settlers were able to bypass the dangers of Grimm while also setting up an aggressive perimeter defence, keeps thousands of the city's residents safe in their new home...but that didn't last very long.
Unlike the Vale, Mountain Glenn did not have any natural barriers, and because of this, there has been a constant increase in Grimm attacks until they eventually overwhelmed the city's defences through sheer numbers! And most of these attacks occurred because of Merlot Industries
You see, the founder of Merlot Industries, Dr. Merlot gained a mad obsession towards the creatures of Grimm, believing them to be the "superior species" due to their unbridled raw aggression and lack of sentience that would make them the perfect vessel. They began on experimenting on the various creatures of Grimm, turning them more into demons than monsters.
But as Merlot ran low on Grimm as test subjects, he began to use various methods to attract them to Mountain Glenn. According to earlier reports, Merlot had gotten his hands on the same necklace that Javi Pastel had when he controlled the Sabyrs about a year ago. I spent the last few days, trying to find what kind of Sacred Array it was, and I believe I found it.
Apparently, it's called "The Demons Pendent", a Sacred Array that has the power to control any kind of Grimm, but at the cost of their sanity and their soul, almost as if they would become a Grimm themselves.
Using the Demons Pendent, he began to attract Grimm from all across the kingdom and eventually, the combined numbers of Grimm began to overwhelm Mountain Glenn's defences.
What kind of person is willing to sacrifice hundreds of lives...just for power...just for..."protection"...it really reminds me of war back on Earth...and A specific someone...and that really pisses me off!
To save themselves, the citizens of Mountain Glenn took refuge underground and used the tunnels they had initially made for transportation, eventually converting it into an underground city
But like Mountain Glenn, that didn't last very long. The underground city was eventually compromised when an explosion opened the mouth of another cavern that was filled with subterranean Grimm, creating Val's largest tomb of over one-hundred and fifty-four people. Eventually, Vale sealed off the tunnels permanently. And to this day, Mountain Glenn still stands as a dark reminder of history to reflect on
Most of the citizens within Mountain Glenn would've died, if it wasn't for a woman, who had warned most of the citizens of about what was to come! The woman worked as an old fortune teller, rumours said that she was using Destiny Karma, one of the Thirteen Artifacts, capable of telling possible futures. However, there is a twenty-to-thirty percent chance of the event of actually coming true, so it isn't truly reliable
Beacon Academy, Beacon Tower (My POV)
Now, I'm just standing in the elevator, all the way up to Professor Ozpin's office. Apparently we now had some sort of lead with Merlot Industries, though...there have been a few cases where those "leads" have led multiple people to a dead end
I guess most news sources aren't reliable, just like the ones back on Earth...I'm looking at you Buzzfeed!
ut before I could continue my thoughts, the elevator dinged, meaning I have arrived to the top of the tower. The doors to the elevator opened, revealing Professor Ozpin who was once more sitting at his desk...does this guy move...like...at all!? But to the side of him, was Doctor Oobleck, just standing to the side of the desk
"Ah! Mr. Pendragon! Glad that you could make it! Come, sit! We have much to talk about!" Oobleck said in rapid unison
"Yeah, just say my name and I magically appear" I said "Anyways, what's the current situation on Merlot Industries? Did you find something?"
"Yes. While you and Peach were in Atlas, Doctor Oobleck has been researching some potential ares to further the investigation with the re-emergence of Merlot Industries" Ozpin explained
"Yes, Professor Port has informed me that you have encountered some of the remnants of Merlot Industries' technology that was interfering with our security network. Whether or not this is a big deal, or just simply coincidence, is what we need to find out! We believe that investigating the old Merlot Research Facility would be the best course of action!" Oobleck said
"Alright, well, where is this research facilty?" I asked
"In the centre of Mountain Glenn of course!" Oobleck said
.
.
My heart immediately sank as he said "Mountain Glenn". The very same place that is known as THE largest tomb in all of Remnant! That place is crawling with the most dangerous species of Grimm! Including the Wyvern!
"O-Oh..." I muttered
"That's where you come in, we need you to go to the old research facility to investigate, and find out what they're going to do next" Ozpin said
"Let me guess...most of the Huntsman and Huntresses are currently undergoing mission of their own?" I said dryly
"Unfortunately, yes, most of our most experienced huntsmen and huntresses are on missions of their own, and will be out of the kingdom for the coming weeks. Which means, you'll have to undergo this investigation alone" Ozpin said
"Of course..." I muttered "Come to Mountain Glenn, we'll have some laughs, maybe share a few drinks..."
"Do not fret, Mr. Pendragon! For I, Doctor Oobleck will help you guide through Mountain Glenn!" Oobleck said
"But...you won't be there physically to help me fight, right?" I asked
"Yes!" Oobleck said "I'm sorry, but Ozpin needs my services here!"
Great...
"I'm sure you'll be fine" Ozpin reassured "From what Venessa told me, you had acquired a new enchantment while you were in Atlas"
"Yeah...but its an enchantment that's only useful if other people are fighting with me!" I yelled "Not only that, it only works on other peoples semblances, something I don't have!"
Ozpin took a very long sip from his cup of hot cocoa before setting ti back down on his desk "I'm sure you'll be fine. You've been showing incredible progress during your time here" Ozpin said "If you were able to fight off the White Fang, then I'm sure you will be able to take care of all the horrors Mountain Glenn has"
"But...I had someone to help me" I said "Which basically proves my point"
I mean, at least send someone I know with me! Like Team CFVY!
But before we could continue, the sudden appearance of a Bullhead landing on one of the landing pads cut us off, its engines roaring throughout the courtyard
Ozpin smirked "Oh, would you look at that. The Bullhead that's going to take you to Mountain Glenn had just arrived. I'd suggest you get ready and head down"
"...If I survive this...I'm gonna do something more than just spit in that mug" I muttered as I walked out of Ozpin's office, the elevators doors closing behind me
Beacon Academy, Beacon Tower (3rd Person POV)
"Well...let's hope that the young man finds something" Oobleck said
"I'm sure he'll be fine" Ozpin said
"But, I still don't understand why you would send him online on missions like these" Oobleck said "I can understand the Emerald Forest, but isn't Mountain Glenn a little extreme? Especially for someone his age and experience?"
"if it were any normal student, I would have sent one of the available Huntsmen and Huntresses ro investigate this matter. However you and I both know that Mr. Pendragon is far from normal"
Oobleck sighed "Yes, he is a very rare kind of person"
"More so than others" Ozpin said "Besides, he would have to learn how to execute missions on his own sooner or later"
"I guess I can't argue with that" Oobleck agreed "Well, I should get prepared to guide Mr. Pendragon through Mountain Glenn. Good day, Ozpin" Oobleck said as he left the room at his usual fast pace
"Let's hope that this isn't a big deal. I already have enough on my plate as it is." Ozpin sighed as he took a sip from his cup of cocoa
Mountain Glenn (My POV)
After making my way down from Ozpin's office, I had made my way towards the Bullhead that's going to drop me off somewhere near or in the centre of Mountain Glenn. Considering its going to take about an hour to actually arrive, I took the time to look over various maps that Oobleck had sent to my scroll. So, if I somehow came across an entire horde of Grimm, I'd just hide in one of the buildings. But, unfortunately, it wasn't going to help me mentally prepare going into Mountian Glenn
I mean, I was always uncomfortable passing graveyards, knowing that there were bodies just mere feet below ground...but I'm actually going to step foot INTO a massive graveyard. I bet anyone else would feel uneasy just thinking about it. But the sooner I get this mission done, the sooner I'll be able to get out of this place and never return!...But knowing my luck...it's bound to happen sooner or later
But before I could continue my thoughts, I was cut off by the sound of the pilot...who was conciendentalhy the same one who dropped me off at the Emerald Forest "Hey, kid! We'll be arriving at Mountain Glenn shortly! Are you ready!?"
"As ready as I'll ever be!" I shouted. The Bullhead's doors opened as it descended to the ground
"Jeez kid, you must be something special! First the Emerald Forest, then Mountain Glenn! You're really are going places, kid!" The pilot shouted
"Yeah...going places" I muttered in a dryly voice
"Try not to die out there! I've heard that Mountain Glenn has had reports of more dangerous Grimm recently!" The pilot warned
"Yeah! Thanks for the warning!" I shouted back as I jumped out of the Bullhead and onto the ground. I looked around the area to see that the Bullhead had dropped me off in a small forest with a large hill in-front of me
With no where else to go, I ran up the hill and as I made my way towards the top, I saw a clear view of the Mountain itself. The city itself was composed of destroyed, incomplete and toppled buildings.
The entrance led to a small part of the city. Most of the buildings were rather run down, destroyed or incomplete. The pavement was stained with dirt and was covered by trace amounts of vegetation.
The entrance also had a small set of stairs that led into the city, a quarter of the stairs were coated in a dried shade of colour...almost as if something bled there long ago
...I might as well contact Oobleck.
But before I put the earpiece in, I remembered what happened the last time I did that. I turned down the volume on the earpiece, then placed it in my ear and contacted Professor Oobleck "Ah! Mr. Pendragon! I assume that you've arrived at Mountain Glenn!" Oobleck saod through the scroll
"Yeah, I made it" I said "Where to, doc?"
"That's Doc-oh...you said it that time!" Oobleck said through the scroll, as he cleared his throat "If my old maps are still accurate, it should be located somewhere near the centre of town. I'm sending you the coordinates to the Research Facility"
["Map Updating"] Fliss said through my scroll
"Okay, I got them" I confirmed
"Excellent! Contact me if you have any further updates!" Oobleck said through the scroll "Oh...and just do your best not to end up like the brilliant men and women who worked there..."
"I'll be careful" I said as I ended the call.
As I ended the call, I stared off towards the ruined city. But with every second, I felt more uncomfortable. It's almost as if you could still feel all the dread in the air before the city's collapse...no wonder this place still draws so many Grimm. Then again, this is the world's largest graveyard, I guess that feeling would still linger to this day
But despite my uneasiness, I slowly made my way towards the city. As I continued to walk around, I could notice more of the damage on the buildings. Most of them seemed to be run down as others seemed to be covered with what appeared to be scorch marks
But what stood out was a sign that said "Welcome To Mountain Glenn". However, someone had spray painted over the original sign. So now it said "Keep Out"
"Keep out...that's a brilliant idea. Why didn't I think of that?" I muttered sarcastically
["Warning! Incoming Hostiles!"] Fliss warned through the scroll
A series of growls could be heard coming from behind me. I turned around to see a small packs of Creeps approach from one of the buildings
"Well...I starting to get bored" I muttered as the gauntlet appeared on my right arm. The blade made a small "shink" sound as it popped out
The Creeps roared in unison as they charged, with half of the group jumping in the air and burrowing underground. One of the Creeps started running at a faster pace then the others. It lunged with its claws out. I ducked underneath before the attack struck and sliced the Creep's head off
Just as another was about to go in for another attack, the jewel glowed red as I activated the Buster Enchantment, stabbing the Creep through the mouth. I felt the ground begin to shake under me just as the two Creeps from before bursted out of the ground. But before it could make contact, I rolled out of the way and got in-between them. Then in one circling-motion, I sliced both Creeps in half
After dealing with the Creeps, I began to run even deeper into the city, climbing over damages structures and a few bits of rubble here and there. But the more deeper I walked into the city, the more uncomfortable I got
It's almost as if all the fear, anger, loneliness, dread, every single negative emotion still lingered in the city, in every building, in every alleyway, and even in every streets...it was almost unbearable
Eventually, after a few minutes of more walking, and climbing, I had made my way towards another open area and just as before, it was surrounded by damaged or destroyed buildings
I jumped down from the rubble as walked towards the middle of the open area. I looked around to see if I could find any opening. After a few minute of searching, I eventually found an old stone wall that looked like it was about to topple over with the slightest hit
I was about to use my Blast Enchantment, that is until I realize I might attract every single Grimm from Mountain Glenn to this small area
Yeah...I don't really feel like being mauled today so...
I began to look around the area, trying to find anything that could be useful. Eventually, my eyes settled on a small pile of crates. I mean sure, these crates might've been looted before, but it's still worth to check out at least
As I got closer, the blade popped out of the gauntlet. I then drove my blade in between the cracks of the lid and the main container. I began to puch downwards, trying to pry the lid off
After a few seconds, various cracks could be heard coming from the crate itself, and with a little more force, the lid to the crate flew off, splinters of wood flying across the small area
But as I looked in the containers, expecting something useful to come out of it like a ladder, or even another map...only for something to immediately shoot out of the container
"SHIT!" I screamed, swinging my blade out of control, attempting to hit whatever flew out.
But after a few seconds of non-stop swinging, I turned towards wherever the thing that shot out was going...only to see a small flock of tiny Nevermores fly off towards the distance
I took in a deep breath as I sighed heavily, I walked towards a nearby wall and sat down "Fool me once shame on you...fool me twice...shame on me..." I muttered
["Warning! Incoming Hostiles!"] Fliss warned through the scroll
I whipped my head up back and forth as there were another series of growls that echoed throughout the many buildings, making it hard to pin-point where the Grimm are going to come out!
I whipped my head towards one of the buildings, noticing a few shapes shifting around in darkness of the interior of the buildings. But as they made it out, a pack of Beowolves jumped down
The Beowolves began to circle around me, waiting for an opportunity to strike. The blade sprung out of my gauntlet once more as I got ready for anything that they may throw at me
One by one, the Beowolves began to charge at me. The guantlet's jewel glowed a red colour once more then diminished quickly. I was about to use that charge for the Buster Enchantment, but that would leave me open for the others
I was about the blast the ground with the Blast Enchantment, but I knew that my aura would shatter in one blast, considering it completely destroyed a Deathstalker
As the Beowolves got closer and closer with ever step, with no other options, I retracted the blade back into the gauntlet. I then reeled my arm up in the air, my hand taking the form of a fist as I waited for the Beowolves to get into arms reach.
"This is gonna hurt like hell" I muttered
Just as the Beowolves lunged, I slammed my fist towards the ground, creating a massive shockwave that blew all the Beowolves back, slamming most of them into the buildings wall as some skidded across the ground
Fuck!
Shit!
Fuck! Shit!
Fucking! Fuck! Shit!
I was desperately holding my arm in pain, while trying not to scream as many profanity's as I can. It felt like my arm was being run over by a bunch of elephants. But thankfully, my arm didn't break that time, considering I only used one charge instead of three like I did on my first day at Beacon
But my train of thought was cut off when I saw that most of the Beowolves began to get up. But noticeably, most of the Beowolves that flew backwards started to limp. Any pressure that they out on their paws caused them to growl in pain. Using that opportunity, I charged towards the injured pack of Beowolves. One of them noticed and tried to reeled back it's injured claws, but flinched in pain
The blade popped out of my gauntlet as I suddenly cut in it half, killing it instantly. Just as another was about to take a swipe, I rolled under it and stabbed my blade through its mouth, then through the Beowolf's body towards two others before it dissipated, knocking both of them down
Just before both of them got up, I leaped in the air and kicked one of them in the face, making it stumble backwards. Then I drove my balde down towards the other fallen Beowolf through it's abdomen, killing it instantly. But before I was able to deal with the other one, it pounced towards me when my back was turn, nocking me to the ground
But just as I turned over on the ground, the Beowolf pounced towards me when was down. I barely had enough time to lift my arms up and held the Beowolf's jaw open with just my hands "Down boy! Heel! Heel!" I yelled
The longer I continued to hold it's jaws open, the more my arms began to shake, and it didn't help when I injured one of my arms beforehand!
I began to look around, trying to find something to at least pry the Beowolf off of me...that is until I stared at one of my legs...which was directly under the Beowolf's crotch
...I mean...Coco did it to a Beowolf before...so why cant I?
I closed my eyes as I brought my foot up and slammed it in between the Beowolf's...essentials. All I heard was the Beowolf whining in pain as I saw his legs start to shake
"Huh...well...alright then" I muttered as I pushed my gauntlet upwards, pushing the Beowolf off of me. Using that opportunity, I brought my blade down and sliced its head off. I then looked around, to se if there were any more stragglers, but there was nothing
"Phew..." I muttered "Well..that takes care of t-"
["Warning! Incoming Hostile!"] Fliss warned through the scroll, cutting me off
The ground suddenly start to shake, as I whipped my head around, trying to locate whatever was coming my way. All of a sudden, a nearby wall bursted open, dust and stone began to fly throughout the area. And as the dust settled, it revealed a massive Ursa Major that bursted through the buildings walls
The Ursa Major roared out a challenge as it charged towards me, with every step shaking the ground, implying of how powerful it really was. It brought of of its massive claws up as it got close, only for me to roll out of the way at the last moment. I then stabbed the Ursa Major in its abdomen, making it shriek in pain as it stumbled backwards
It tries to slash at me once more with it's left claw, but I rolled out of the way once more. It then swung it's right arm at me, but this time I jumped onto the Ursa'a arm. It began to shake it's massive body back and forth, trying to shake me off, but I dug my blade into it's arm to keep myself from falling off. The Ursa then began to spin around while also shaking its entire body, making if more difficult to hold on as the blade began to slide out of its flesh.
Then with one fianl turn, the Ursa Major managed to fling me off off it's back, slamming me towards a nearby wall "This is why...I fucking hate...the spinning rides..." I wheezed as I got up
As I did the Ursa Major charged once more as it reeled one of it's massive arms in an attempt at another strike. The jewel in my gauntlet glowed red once more, I used the charge on my Buster Enchantment, Blue sparks could be seen emitting from the blade as I reeled it backwards
The Ursa Major goes in to strike, but I had managed to roll out of the way. The by using my Buster Enchantment, I jabbed my blade in the Ursa Major's abdomen, sending it flying towards the old stone wall. As the Ursa Major's body struck the wall, it immediately crumbled down, burying it in rubble while also allowing me to continue my trek towards the old facility
"Well...that's, that I guess" I muttered as I ran towards the newly made hole in the wall. I looked at the map containing my scroll. It told me to head towards a nearby bridge that would take me straight towards the abandoned facility...only for the bridge to be completely blocked off by rubble
...It feels like someone's mocking me
"Oh, for fucks sake!" I muttered, as I pulled out my scroll and called Oobleck "Hey, doc! The bridge that leads to the research facility is blocked off!"
"Well, that' an issue. Fret not, Mr. Pendragon! According to my map, you should be able to take a detour through the city's old waterway system" Oobleck said through the scroll
"So...I have to go through the shitters...grrrreat!" I said dryly
"Well, this is the second quickest way to get to the research facility. As for the third, that way is known to be crawling with Grimm! I'd suggest you get going" Oobleck said through the scroll as he cut the connection off
...So...It's rather getting my ass chewed off my a horde of Grimm...or crawling through a literal shit path...
.
.
"Oh, fuck it!" I sighed as I jumped down towards the open sewers. I began to run through the waterway, while also being careful not to step in any puddles...what? Wet socks are a bitch to deal with!
Eventually, I had made my way through the sewers and was now at the waterway...which was also closed off.
I sighed as I contacted Oobleck once more "Hey, Oobleck. The door leading towards the waterway is closed"
"Worry not! I think there should be a switch near the entrance. Pull that switch to open to lock!" Oobleck instructed through the scroll.
I shrgged as I walked over to the lever. And upon further examination, it looked very rusty and old. Then again, so was the lever in the Emerald Forest and it still worked! I reached my arm forwards...but there was a bit of hesistation...but why?
I shrugged it off as I grabbed the lever and pulled. The door began to open up very slowly
"Alright...just need to walk through here and I'm home f-" I tried to say
["Warning! Incoming Hostiles!"] Fliss warned, cutting me off
...Okay...NOW I remember why I was hesitant
"Great..." I said dryly, as I turned to see a pack of Beowolves in-front of me
The blade sprung out from my gauntlet, and without hesitation, charged towards at the pack. The pack of Beowolves howled and charged at me. One reeled its arm back and went in for a swipe, only for me to roll out of the way. As I got up, a second Beowolf pounced at me. The jewel in the gauntlet glowed as I used the charge on the Buster Enchantment and swung at the Beowolves, cutting a few of them in half, while also making the others stumble backwards
I lunged at the first one, cutting it clean in half before it could get back up. The next one tried to slash at me, but I quickly swung my blade at its abdomen, finishing it off.
Two more Beowolves charged at me. The first one lunged as it tried to slash at me, only to block the attack with my blade. I swung the blade upwards and sliced the Beowolf's arm off
"Need a hand?" I said with a smirk as I quickly stabbed it in the abdomen, before ripping my blade through the rest of its body, cutting its whole body in half! As another trie to go in for another pounce, I stabbed my blade through it's mouth, the tip of the blade coming out of it's head
Another one charged at me, only for me to duck down and sliced it open through its abdomen. Then the jewel in the gauntlet glistened with red light. I smirked as I activated the Buster Enchantment, but this time, I extended the enchantments range by swinging my blade in a circular-type motion. finishing off a majority of the pack
The remaining Beowolf charged at me, just like the others, I rolled my eyes as the jewel in the gauntlet glowed once more. I activated the Buster Enchantment and sliced the Beowolf in half. As I killed the last of the Beowolves, I could hear the door behind me finish opening
"Ah! The door's opened! Quickly, to Merlot's Research Facility!" Oobleck said through the scroll
I nodded as I ran towards the facility
(Timeskip) Mountain Glenn (My POV)
As I made my way towards the facility, I had a few more run-ins with Beowolves, Creeps, Boarbatusks and even Ursai. As I ran up a hill, I could see a massive, tall building in the distance. I narrowed my eyes a little as I saw the Merlot Industries logo
Yep, this is the place alright. But just to be sure, I'd better call Oobleck
I dialled Oobleck on my scroll "Hey, doc, is this the place?"
"Yes! That's the facility! I can't believe how well it's withstood over the years...a shame, still...Dr. merlot would never let something like this hinder the progress of his work. I can only imagine what we'll find inside" Oobleck said through the scroll
["Warning! Incoming Hostiles!"] Fliss warned ["Warning! Threat Levels Rising!"]
"That's not good" I muttered as my blade sprung out of the gauntlet.
The last time that happened, I had to fight a Deathstalker!...But how in the heel could I not see something that big in a small are like this!?
"Be very cautious Mr. Pendragon! I'm detecting a very powerful Grimm near you! Be on your-" Oobleck tried to say through the scroll. But he was sudenly cut off, when I felt something slam it's fist into my back, sending me flying towards a concrete building. I hit the wall with a loud thud, but as I got back up, I could see my attacker
The Grimm resembled that of a giant monkey. It was covered in black skin, with bone-like plates covering it's body like armoured plating. And in one of it's eyes was a red pattern or some sort of symbol resembling an eyes was preset on its back
"A Beringel! Be careful Christian! These things are very aggressive in combat!" Oobleck warned through the scroll
"Oh, joy!" I sarcastically said as the blade popped from my gauntlet "Then again, so am I"
The Beringel roared as it slammed it's massive fists onto the ground, before jumping at me. But just before it could attack,I rolled out of its way and stabbed it in its abdomen. But to my surprise, the blade barely sunk into it's flesh at all. The Beringal whipped it's body around, grabbed me by the face before punching me in the abdomen, sending me flying towards another building
"Okay...that's gonna be a hard shell to crack" I muttered, as the jewel in my gauntlet glistened with red light "Let's give this a try" I said as I charged at the Beringel.
The Gorilla Grimm pounded its chest as it jumped in the air with it's arms raised. As it came down, I blocked it's attack with my blade, creating a shockwave around the area. Using that opportunity, I activated my Buster Enchantment as I ducked down and slashed at its's abdomen. The Beringel roared in pain as it reeled back
"Damn it!" I cursed under my breath "Not even Buster can't cut through it completely" I said, as we both circled each other, waiting to see who would make the first move.
My options were limited at this moment, Buster couldn't cut through it completely, and Boost won't help in anyway. My only option at the moment is the Blast Enchantment. Sure it's powerful enough to kill a Deathstalker, but I need build up enough power to fire a shot. Not only that, I need to have near-perfect accuracy! If I miss just once, it'll leave me drained and I'll be open to attack
So, once I build-up enough power, I'll need to get in close and blow him away with one shot!
The jewel in the gauntlet glowed red as I charged towards the Beringel first. It lifted its massive arms in the air as it brought them down in an attempt to crush me, but I rolled forward and lashed at it'b abdomen. I then rolled to the side as I rapidly slashed at it's back, making it stumble forwards
The jewel in the gauntlet glowed with a red colour once more as I tried to cut one of it's arms off, but to no avail. The Gorrilla Grimm whips around and tries to punch me with one of its massive fists, but I managed to block the attack, making my arm buckle in slightly. It then goes in for another punch, but I managed to block that attack as well. I then swung my blade at i's chest, only for it to block the attack with its arms.
I jumped backwards, then lunged towards its head, trying to cut its head off, but it managed to knock my blade out of the way. The Beringel takes another swing, sending me crashing towards the ground
Before I got up, the Beringel swing's its left arm, which I managed to dodged by rolling backwards. Seeing that swinging its arms weren't working anymore, it pounded its chest and roared before suddenly slamming its massive fists into the ground, creating shockwaves that shook the buildings while also causing me to loose my footing. I fell backwards from the aftershocks, as it suddenly slammed its massive fists at me, sending me once more at another building
"Okay...the hammer fist thing is getting old now" I wheezed out. I glanced to my right to see that the gauntlet's jewel glowed a red colour for a third time, meaning it was now time to use the Blast Enchantment. I charged towards the Beringel once more, this time, with a blue orb of pure energy forming in my palm
The Beringel lifts its massive arms up and slams them back down, only for me to roll out of the way. I lunged towards the Beringel's back and slashed my blade at it's legs, tripping it in the process. As it got up, I reeled my arm backwards as I then fired the Blast Enchantment from my palm
The orb of energy only flew a short distance, before striking the Beringel in the back, causing an explosion that shook the very buildings. The Gorilla Grimm let out a roar of agony as its body was shot towards the Research Facility and went through the building itself, a trail of smoke following wherever the Beringel had died
After a few minutes, I sighed heavily has me knees shook, eventually collapsing to the ground in exhaustion
"Mr. Pendragon, are you alright!?" Oobleck asked in concern through the scroll
"Y-Yeah...just need...a...few minutes" I wheezed out
"Well, excellent work! Head inside the facility when you're r-" Oobleck tried to say through the scroll
However he was cut off by the sound of a very loud crack. I whipped my head towards the source of the noise...which was coming from the Research Facility. The cracks in the buildings became bigger and longer with every second, and it was coming from the large hole I blasted the Beringel into
Then with another loud crack, the building began to slowly collapsed, and was falling in my direction
"...Oh come on!" I yelled as I picked myself off of the ground and began to ran the opposite direction where the tower was falling.
I quickly ran to my left, just so that way I wasn't under the tower when it fell. Pieces of rubble began to fall off of the tower as it crumbled to the ground, causing the very ground to shake as the ground under me began to crack open. My foot suddenly sank into the ground, before eventually falling into the earth
As I was falling, I could see pieces of the rubble fall into the hole...as darkness eventually took over
(Timeskip) Mountain Glenn, Subterranean City (My POV)
Before passing out, all I could remember seeing was the hole being plugged up by the most of the rubble, as rocks ad other stalagmites from the caves ceilings began to fall in unison.
I groaned as I slowly began to stir from my unconscious state, my head was pounding like crazy, almost as if someone was using a jackhammer on my head, probably from the fight with the Beringel. But as I opened my eyes, I noticed that I was covered by something. As I slowly picked myself off of the ground, whatever was covering began to unfold, revealing that I was now in some sort of underground cavern
I looked backwards to see a pair of spirit-dragon-wings from my back, they must've covered me while I was unconscious, protecting me from the falling rubble and the Grimm. But just like before, the pair of wings quickly dissipated, leaving me trapped in tis underground cavern
Then again, the way I came in was now blocked by rubble...so that doesn't help
But before I could continue my thoughts, I heard a slight static noise coming from my ear "*skirtz*Mr. Pendragon,*skirtz*please report in!"
I sighed as I pressed the button on my earpiece "Keep it down will ya!?" I yelled out as my head started to pound "Where am I anyways?"
I could hear Oobleck let out a sigh of relief on the other end of the scroll "Thank goodness...I'm afraid you're now in Mountain Glenn's subterranean levels"
"Great..." I sarcastically said "But...what can I do now? I mean, the facility is destroyed
"Do not fret, Mr. Pendragon! There is a chance hat some of the equipment might still be intact. I need you to explore this cavern and find anything that will give us an idea on what Merlot Industries is planning!" Oobleck said through the scroll
"Got it, doc" I said, as the blade popped out of my gauntlet
"Oh, and this area is bound to be even more dangerous...so be careful" Oobleck warned through the scroll as he cut the connection
After a few minutes of walking, passing through small sewage drains, I had made my way towards the subterranean city of Mountain Glenn. But as I walked into the city, I felt even more uneasy than I was on the surface. It looked like the way they described it, a massive graveyard. Other than more ruined buildings, skeletons could be seen in the ground, the walls were stained with blood and the chamber I was in smelled like how I described it. But on my way down here, I had a few run in with Beowolves, Creeps and Ursai, but they were all quickly dealt with
"Jesus...you guys weren't kidding when you said that this is the largest tomb in all of Remnant" I said
"Yes, even to this day, Mountain Glenn is just a dark piece of history for us to reflect uopon" Oobleck said through the scroll
"But, have any of you thought of taking it back?" I asked
"I'm afraid its not that simple, Christian. Even if we managed to clear out the Grimm in one part of the city, more would come to take its place. In other words, we attract what we fear" Oobleck said through the scroll
"Oh...then...I'm so scared of ten-billion lien!" I proclaimed
.
.
"Eh...it was worth a shot at least" I muttered
Oobleck chuckled through the other end of the scroll "Well, at least you still have your sense of humour, even in your current situation"
Well...I mainly make these wise-cracks for a deeper reason...
"But seriously, human and Faunus lives are more important that territory" Oobleck said through the scroll
"Yeah, I know, doc" I said
But before we could continue our conversation, I saw a very large Creep in the distance, but this one looked...off. This Creep was far more larger than an Alpha Creep and it had green crystals on it's back with also emitting some sort of green smoke
"Well...that's new: I muttered as the blade sprung out of my gauntlet.
I then charged at it and slashed it across its back. But to my surprise, the Creep ducked down and began to suck the green smoke around it...then it suddenly exploded. I was sent flying from the sheer shockwave the explosion had produced. As I got up, I suddenly gripped my leg wo see some sort of green-liquid that was eating through my pants. I uickly shook my leg, shaking the liquid off of my leg before it managed to spread even further
"What the fuck was that!?" I asked in shock
"It appeared to be a creature of Grimm, but modified...Mutated" Oobleck sad through the scroll
"Wait, wait, wold, hold on!? Mutated!? Someone experimented on that thing!?" I yelled in shock
"Yes. This will require further investigation. It's fascinating...but vey troubling. I suggest you go further inot the cavern and investigate!" Oobleck said through the scroll
"On it" I said as I ended the call. But as I did, more of those...Creepers popped out of the ground!
.
.
What? They're green and they exploded...so...Creepers...never mind
I charged at the two mutated Creeps and slashed one of them across the head. But as I did, it started to absorb some of it's green smoke. I immediately too covered behind a nearby rock as the mutated Creep exploded. I peaked over the rock to see that the other mutated Creep was gone as well
"Huh...must've taken it along with it" I muttered
["Warning! Explosive Device Detected!'] Fliss warned through the scroll
.
.
I-I'm sorry...can you run that by me again?
"Oh dear, it seems that there is some sort of bomb in these caves! Quickly! Head over to the bomb! I'm sending you the coordinates now!" Oobleck said through the scroll
["Map Updated"] Fliss said through the scroll
I nodded and ran as fast as I could towards the direction of the bomb. As I ran, a pack of Beowolves emerged from the smaller chambers and ran towards me
"Oh for-!?" I cut myself off as I continued on my path. Three of the Beowolves lunged in unison as they reeled their claws back. I ducked underneath them and slice all of them in half with one swing. The jewel in the gauntlet glowed as I used the charge on a small Blast Enchantment
The remaining Behoves then charged from all directions. They all lunged towards me with their claws out and their jaws wide open. A small orb of energy formed in my palm as I ducked under all of the Beowolves attack. I suddenly flipped myself on my back and fired the orb of energy at the cavern's ceiling
The ceiling of the cavern began to shake as the orb of energy exploded. Series of stalagmites and rocks began to fall from the ceiling, crushing most of the Beowolves that tried to get to me while I was down, while also trapping the rest of them on the other side
The remind Beowolves could be heard growling and howling in anger as they tried to dig through the rocks with their claws, but to no avail
"I'm in a bit of a hurry to go somewhere! Nothing personal, but you're just not very important!" I shouted as I continued to run down towards the cavern. Eventually, I had made my way towards where the bomb should've been...SHOULD'VE BEEN! All that I saw was a big, metal door right in front of me. But...according to the map, the bomb should be where I'm standing!
I contact Dr. Oobleck once more "Hey, Doc, I'm here at the coordinates you gave me. But, there's no bomb!"
"That's strange, the coordinates should be accurate. Hmm, trying opening that door! Maybe there's a clue that will lead us to the bomb's location!" Oobleck instructed through the sroll
I nodded as I walked towards the metal door, stuck my blade in through the cracks, and pryed it open...only to see a very big bomb on the other side of the door. But what made my heart sank was that the bomb was sitting in the middle of a cavern full of unrefined Dust! Meaning that the whole mountain will be blown to fucking kingdom come if the bomb explodes!
And now...I've come to a point in my life where I need stronger word than fuck
"Uh...doc" I said
"Yes, what's the matter?" Oobleck asked through the scroll
"...We have a BIG problem" I said as I took photos of the bomb and sent them to Oobleck
"Oh dear...this is not good" Oobleck said through the scroll with concern "That is a bomb and a very large one at that! Who would set a bomb here, and why!? Give me a moment..." He trailed off "Okay, so physically tampering with the device or the cart it's attached too could trigger an explosion. Luckily these tracks lead to a deep chasm and underground river, but the way the device is set up, you're going to have to power the cart's engine. Gather as many nearby Dust crystals from the Dust deposits as possible. Time is of the essence, but remember to remain calm"
But all of a sudden, a very loud roar echoed throughout the cavern. And whatever it was, it was very big...and close
"Right, FORGET THAT! JUST HURRY!" Oobleck shout through the scroll
I nodded and ran as fast as I could to the nearest Dust deposit. Thankfully one of the deposits was right next to the cart. I quickly ran by, grabbed the dust crystal with my bare hands and placed it into the cart. The cart began to move forwards as it's enigne started to raor at a semi-fast pace, but quickly stopped
"Great! Now, don't put too much in! The cart will go speeding forwards off of the tracks and blow the cavern to kingdom come!" Oobleck said through the scroll
"And you tell me this now!?" I yelled, as I placed a few more crystals into the cart. The cart's engines roared once more as it began to move across the tracks at a steady pace
"Excellent! Now, you'll probably have to go and get more Dust crystals to keep the engine running!" Oobleck said through the scroll
"I know, doc!" I said
["Warning! Incoming Hostiles!"] Fliss warned through the scroll
"You will also have to defend the bomb from any Grimm you see! Good luck!" Oobleck said through the scroll
"Give me a break already..." I muttered as the blade sprung out of my gauntlet.
(Timeskip) Mountain Glenn, Subterranean City (My POV)
As I made my way down the tracks, going to various Dust depostis while also killing as many Grimm as possible. But...what was strange is that most of the Grimm...were going after the bomb and not me. Almost as if something or somebody was luring the Grimm to the bomb, or at least telling them to go to the bomb
This made things a lot more difficult, I had to guard the bomb, while also killing Grimm, while also picking more Dust up at various deposits, some of which I had to go back to where I originally was! It had gotten to a point where I had to go to multiple deposits at once, just to keep at a steady pace before returning to the bomb!
Next time...I need someone to go with me, because this is getting to close for comfort!
But after several minutes of non-stop running and slashing, I had eventually made my way towards the final chamber where I saw the tracks leading into a very large hole. But the good news is that the tracks were leading in a straight line into the hole. The bad news on the other hand, I only had one minute to get the bomb into the hole before it explodes, taking the entire mountain with it!
"Alright Christian, just place the Dust crystals into the cart and-" Oobleck tried to say through the scroll
But he was cut off my the sound of a very large roar, the one from before. But this time, it was even louder. I whipped my head towards the direction of the roar, and on the bridge was a very massive Ursa covered in the same green crystals from when I fought the mutated Creeps.
"Uh...Doc...we have another BIG problem!" I yelled
"What is it!?" Oobleck shouted
"It'a an Ursa and a big one at that!" I shouted "Its also covered in that...green stuff just like the Creeps!"
"Oh dear, this is not good! Not good at all! Quickly, whats the timer at now!?" Oobleck shouted through the scroll
I looked over at the timer. My eyes widened as I saw that the timer was not at fifty-one seconds and counting down! "Fifty-one seconds!" I yelled
"This is very troublesome indeed! I was going to suggest you to kill the Ursa, but not even the most skilled Huntsman and Huntresses could kill an Ursa of that size in less than fifty seconds!" Oobleck pondered through the scroll
"Damn it! What the hell do I do!?" I yelled/asked
"Just give me a moment!" Oobleck shouted through the scroll
But before I could panic even further, I stopped myself as I looked at the Ursa on the ...why isn't the Ursa moving? Knowing the Grimm, they would attack anyoe in an instant. And considering I was wearing enough negative emotions like cologne, I would be attracting every single Grimm within a two-mile radius!
Is it waiting for something? It's acting strangely just like the Grimm back in the caves! It was waiting for the bomb! This behaviour is not like the Grimm at all! It would've tried to kill me by now!
I looked at the Ursa, then at the bomb, then back to the Ursa, then back to the bomb. And idea sparked into my head "Hey, Doc, I have a quick question"
"Yes? What is it?" Oobleck asked through the scroll
"You said that if I put enough Dust crystals into the cart, it would go speeding forwards, right?" I asked
"Yes, that is correct Mr. Pendragon. But I don't see wh-" Oobleck tried to say through the scroll, but cut himself off when he figured out what I was implying "Yes! That's brilliant! You can push the bomb into the Grimm, sending both the Ursa and the bomb down the hole!"
"Yeah, but hopefully this thing doesn't explode in my face!" I said
"We, we don't have time to think about that! Grab as many Dust crystals as you can and put them into the cart!" Oobleck ordered through the scroll
"You don't have to tell me twice!" I yelled as I dug my hands into my pockets, pulling as many Dust crystals as I can and shoving it into the cart's deposit. The engined began to roar as the Ursa finally began to walk forwards
"Now, as soon as the bomb takes off, run towards the nearest form of cover. This will be a big explosion!" Oobleck yelled through the scroll
"Done!" I yelled as I shoved every single Dust crystal I had left into the cart's deposit "Hey, Yogi" I yelled at the Ursa as it began to charge "Here's your gift! Hope you like it, because you can't return it!" I yelled as the bomb went speeding forward
Fortunately, the bomb didn't go off as it struck the Grimm. The Ursa could only roar in surprise as it quickly fell into the hole, along with the bomb. I quickly ran behind a small, damaged building to cover me from the blow
.
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Three...
Two...
One...!
The earth shook violently as the bomb exploded, taking the mutant Ursa along with it
"HA! HA! YES! TAKE THAT YOU SONUVABITCH!" I yelled
Oobleck let's out a sigh of relief from the other end of the scroll "Well... I'm glad that you were able to keep your cool... and not explode... that would have made for a very uncomfortable meeting with Ozpin. Still... who reprogrammed the security network? Who set the trap? And where in the world did that mutant Grimm come from? I have several theories... and none of them are good news. Well, we can discuss more about this topic when you get back to Beacon! I'll have a Bullhead come and pick you up. I'm sending you the exits coordinates" Oobleck said.
["Map Updating"] Fliss said through the scroll
"I'll see you back at Beacon" Oobleck said through the scroll
"Yeah, I'll see you there." I said as I made my way towards the exit.
So we've officially hit over forty favorites. I just want to thank everyone who has read the story up to this point. We would have never gotten here if it weren't for all of you. About the season finale, I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it, but I warn you, you the feels train will be hitting. HARD. But in a good way.
Sacred Array Encyclopedia
And, considering I'm planning on adding more Sacred Arrays into this story, I might as well make a sub section that explains what they are and what they can actually do. But as you can tell the Sacred Arrays were inspired by the Sacred Gears from High School DxD. Infact, the word "Array" is another word for "Gear"
And Statis Shatter is another word for Balance Breaker. The original story got its inspiration from Persona and Jojo. I got my inspirations from High School DxD and Blue Dragon with a small hint of Persona
Now, there are multiple kinds of Sacred Arrays. These will be divided into separate class
- Nicodemus
- Draconic
- Demonic
- Control
- Avatar
- World
And so on...
Sacred Array: The Blue Dragon King's Gauntlet
Type: Nicodemus/Draconic
Current User: Christian Pendragon
Description:
First State: It takes the shape blue gauntlet that covered the upper part of the users arm, while leaving the fingers and palm exposed. It has a large, red jewel that glistened traces of light and two golden spikes at the side.
Second State: ?
Third State (Liberation): ?
Summary:
One of the Thirteen Artifacts Of Nicodemus, the blue gauntlet is equipped with a pop-up wrist sword that is capable of slicing through steel. It has the power to give a "power boost" every ten seconds to it's user. It can rather be used to increase the user's physical strength, or it can be used to charge a variety of enchantments based on chess pieces. However, its only down side is that it requires a bit of time to charge it's immense power
The Dragon Spirit that resides in the gauntlet is able to manifest "Spirt-Dragon-Limbs" on the users body depending on the situation. They can range from claws, wings, even a tail and seem to carry a sentience of their own
Buster Enchantment (Pawn): The user can give a small power boost to any non-organic object that he or she is holding. The user can also overload the enchantment, causing whatever he or she is holding to explode
Sprint Enchantment (Knight): ?
Blast Enchantment (Bishop): The user can build up his/her power within the gauntlet, and then fire it in a concentrate blast of energy. However, its downside is that as its fired, it quickly drains the users power and stamina
Barrier Enchantment (Rook): ?
Boost Enchantment (Queen): The user can give a power boost to his/her allies semblances. The blade and the person is effecting is surrounded in a purple aura
Stasis Shatter: An ancient, forbidden technique. It is said that once it's activated, it can shake the very balance of this world. Hence the name Stasis Shatter
Sacred Array: The Demons Pendent
Type: Control/Demonic
Current User: Doctor Merlot
Description:
The Sacred Array takes the form of a silver locket with the outline of an Apathy's skull. There was a mixture of garnet that made up the skulls eyes, mouth and red markings. While the skull itself was made out of quartz. The locket was support by a silver chain that the user can wear around his/her neck
Summary:
One of the more darkest of the Sacred Arrays, the Demons Pendent can control any and all Grimm within a mile radius. Based on the users mental capacity, the user can control any form and number of Grimm as powerful as Beringels. However constant use of this Sacred Array will cost its user his/her sanity and soul, almost as if they become a creature of Grimm themselves
Well, that's about it.
If you liked what you read and want to see more, then leave a follow, fav or review.
See you in the next chapter.
Have a good one!
