Hey guys. Sorry for the long wait. I've been really, REALLY LAZY! And I was trying to figure out how the story for Ch 17 and 18 will be before everyone reunites. Ch. 17 will be coming soon. Still writing it. But getting there. But for now, here is a preview chapter for it. Enjoy.

BAR

In the lower cities of Atlas, where the lowest of the low reside in, mercenaries and criminals socialize in a bar. As everyone have a good time, the entrance doors open. The masked man enters, receiving the eyes of many of the patrons as he walks. He then walks to a table where a familiar face sits on the opposite side.

Watts chuckles before taking a sip of alcohol and setting the cup down. "That certainly was fast. I was expecting to see you around midnight."

The masked man throws a vial filled with blood. "I got what you wanted. One vial of blood from the freak." Sits down. "Don't know why her. But I don't ask questions."

Watts chuckles again. "Very good." Takes the vial and places it into a suitcase and closing it. "I also heard about the Schnee mansion blowing up. I suspect...your handiwork."

"...There were too many of them. I had to come up with something in order to lure her away. It worked. Now, then...my payment."

Watts then proceeds to reach into his pocket and take out a small box. He passes it to the man, who opens his, seeing the Lien in to.

"Oh. And as a bonus for the damage you did for the house...figure I'd be generous."

Watts then takes out and places rectangular-shaped metal plates onto the table. The man stares at the plates.

"There are Atlesian credits. Pretty sure they're not spendable."

"Oh, I know." Watts said.

"The Atlesian Empire ended 50 years ago. How you managed to obtain such rare currency, surprises me. Still, though. Can't spend them."

"But they are valuable to the right buyer." Watts said. "In fact. One plate itself could set you up good financially for a while. That is...if you'll accept them."

The man stares at Watts before taking the plates. "I'm ready for my next assignment."

"...Very well."

Watts takes out his Scroll and places it on the table. His ring starts to glow and the Scroll turns on. And then several holographic images appear, showing Weiss, Winter, Jaune and everyone else. Velvets has a black 'X' on it.

"Now feel free too choose your next target. And note: each target has its difficulties that'll require you to adapt."

The mans stares at Weiss picture for a few seconds, before giving an answer. "All of them."

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Coming from Watts, who shakes his head. "My dear lad. What have I taught you? Going after them altogether is very dangerous and unpredictable. But...going after them, one-by-one gives a better success rate. Now I'm not stopping you from picking all of them. But...I'm just giving you advice here."

The man then proceeds to look at every picture. After a minute, he points to one. Jaune. "Him. He's next."

Watts smiles. "Very good choice. Very good, indeed." Puts his Scroll away. "As before: Do whatever you need to get him alone, and get his blood. And bring the vial back to me. Just remember. We only have 2 weeks for every one of them. After that...well...you don't want to know until then."

The masked man then proceeds to stand up. "I will wait until tomorrow to begin. You'll have Arc's blood by the next evening."

As the man walks away, Watts finishes his cup and just smiles evilly.