General James Ironwood, decked in his military attire, observed the upcoming festivities from the windows of his private quarters.

Just as Ironwood was sipping his coffee, the door to his quarters slid open, and Glynda Goodwitch, assistant of the Headmaster of Beacon Academy, entered with a purposeful stride. Ironwood looked up, genuinely surprised by her unexpected visit.

"Glynda! What brings you all the way up here?" Ironwood said, setting down his coffee cup.

Glynda, with her usual poise, replied, "General Ironwood, may I join you for a moment?"

"Of course, but please call me James. Have a seat." Ironwood gestured toward the empty chair across from him.

As Glynda settled into the chair, Ironwood couldn't help but notice the seriousness in her expression. It was a rare sight, as Glynda was usually composed and collected. Intrigued, Ironwood leaned forward, curious about the purpose of her visit.

"James, we have a serious matter to discuss," Glynda began, skipping any formalities. "Ozpin, and I need your help."

Ironwood arched an eyebrow, his surprise deepening. "Help? What could Ozpin possibly need that he can't handle himself?"

This clearly surprises him because a while ago, they had expressed dissatisfaction with the way he brought a fleet to Vale airspace.

Glynda took a deep breath before revealing the gravity of the situation. "Raven Branwen is possibly the Spring Maiden, and she might be working with Salem. There have been disappearances in Mistral, and we fear she's involved. Ozpin believes that Leonardo Lionheart is in danger and if that's the case, and we need to act swiftly."

Ironwood's eyes widened, absorbing the information. "Raven Branwen... a Maiden? And working with Salem?" He couldn't hide his surprise, but there was a glint of excitement in his eyes.

"Yes, James. This is a serious threat, and Ozpin trusts you to help us handle it," Glynda said, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

A mix of surprise, concern, and determination crossed Ironwood's face. He stood up, a newfound energy coursing through him. "Well, Glynda, it seems like Ozpin is finally taking me seriously. I'm more than willing to help. Let's get everything in order. Tell me what you can."

Glynda nodded, appreciating Ironwood's commitment to their cause as she explain the complexities of the situation. Ironwood's curiosity deepened. He listened intently as she outlined the possibility of Raven's involvement with Salem and the potential danger to Lionheart. Glynda then delved into the origins of their knowledge about the Maidens, mentioning Amber's healing and the use of a student's Semblance that contributed this.

"Ozpin found a way to heal Amber using a student's Semblance," Glynda revealed, her tone serious. "Jaune Arc, a new student at Beacon, played a crucial role in this. Amber is now healed, but she's still missing half of her power."

Ironwood's eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "Jaune Arc? I've heard that name before." He leaned back in his chair, contemplating the information. "There was an incident in Vale recently. I received a visit from one of the SDC suits, insisting that I handle the matter of missing shipments and then there's also one of my stolen Paladins. Apparently, the student who took down one of our paladins ,stolen by Roman Torchwick, was Arc's doing. At first, we dismissed Torchwick as a petty thief, but after the accident on the motorway, the SDC and mine as well changed our opinion of this Torchwick. Those damages and skills aren't what a petty thief should have. Truthfully, some of my allies wanted Jaune Arc questioned for taking down the proto-paladin since he's unsanctioned, claiming he caused thousands of lien in damages and some fools were hoping to use the incident against Vale somehow."

Glynda then connected the dots herself. "But Ozpin intervened and invited Arc to Beacon to avoid any further complications."

Ironwood nodded. "It's good that Ozpin didn't want the incident to escalate. I heard, though, he practically made threats to him, seeing that he seemed to be wary about going to Beacon. Maybe I should have recruits him first? Though I also heard that a certain team of girls with serious connections were the ones who provoke the accident. I commend Ozpin for his dedication to protecting these girls, seeing the political downfall. I'd rather not add more ammo for the White Fang for their causes and the Schnee's poking me about jailing their heiress. Not to mention Qrow's reaction to it. But about the mess with Atlas… I have no excuses."

"James, there is no reason for you to explain the political games of others," Glynda sighed, acknowledging the complexities of the situation and her awareness of the deviousness of Atlas politicians compared to Vale. "It's a delicate balance we're maintaining, especially with the revelation of Raven being a Maiden. We can't afford any more missteps."

Ironwood, however, wore a determined expression. "We can't afford to lose track of our objectives either. If Ozpin needs me, I'm ready to assist.." Ironwood's expression turned serious as he considered the implications. "What about Qrow? How will he take this news?"

Glynda hesitated for a moment, her normally composed demeanor faltering slightly. "Qrow isn't around at the moment. Ozpin has sent him on a mission, and we haven't been able to reach him. It's difficult to predict how he'll react when he learns about Raven and the threat she poses."

Ironwood frowned, understanding the challenge of dealing with Qrow's unpredictable nature. "We can't afford any internal conflicts. Qrow has a history with Raven, and emotions might run high. And we're also still under the assumption that this is still a deduction. But I understand why Oz is operating under the assumption that this is true… You say that this information was based on a remark from the student. Have we checked Arc?"

"We ran background searches. He's clean, though there are gaps, which is to be expected since he remained a low profile and worked odd jobs when he went against his initial wishes of joining Beacon."

"And his reaction to Amber?"

"Apathetic. It was… like he's a spectator to the events unfolding. He's more animated when around his team… but that's it."

"We still need to watch him. Oz must have sensed something in him that made him go… overboard. You know how his instincts can be."

"I will not disagree with this," Glynda nodded in agreement. "We need to approach this carefully, especially given the delicate nature of Ozpin's plans and the potential danger we're facing. Qrow's reaction is just one more variable in an already complex equation."

Ironwood sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We'll have to keep an eye on Qrow and update him as soon as he returns. In the meantime, let's focus on preparing for whatever Ozpin has in store for us. I think we need a chat with Ozpin. I need to hear it from him."

Glynda sensed the smug satisfaction in James Ironwood and for once let him have it as they made their way to Ozpin's office together.

The door to Ozpin's office dinged open, and General James Ironwood entered, his military posture palpable even in this more relaxed setting. Ozpin looked up from his desk, a small smile playing on his lips.

"James, I appreciate you taking the time to discuss this matter," Ozpin greeted, gesturing for Ironwood to take a seat.

Ironwood nodded, returning the gesture. "Ozpin, I'm glad you've finally decided to involve me directly. It seems the situation has escalated enough that you need my help now."

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Indeed, James. The time for action is upon us. I believe this might be the opportunity we've been waiting for — a chance to draw some of Salem's pawns out of Vale."

Ironwood raised an eyebrow. "How do you propose we do that?"

Ozpin's eyes gleamed with a subtle excitement. "We have two Maidens, James. A tempting offer for anyone aligned with Salem. We'll use the festival as a cover, and with the promise of the Maidens, we may lure some of our enemies into the open."

Ironwood nodded thoughtfully. "But what about security? If we're orchestrating something this significant, we need to ensure the safety of the citizens."

Ozpin sighed, acknowledging the concern. "I've recently recalled all Vale Huntsmen available to reinforce the city. Security measures will be heightened, but with your fleet, we can control the situation more effectively."

Ironwood furrowed his brow. "Why the sudden need to reinforce Vale? What has changed?"

Ozpin's gaze turned serious. "A Huntsman who recently survived a dire situation came back from the hospital with troubling information. He mentioned seeing things in the Mt. Glenn area that demanded attention — White Fang activities and possibly a dormant Grimm Wyvern."

"White Fang again…" Ironwood leaned forward, the weight of the revelation settling on his shoulders. "A Grimm Wyvern? That's a significant threat. Are you sure about this information?"

Ozpin nodded. "I trust the Huntsman's account. Though I might add that this Huntsman survived because of Mr. Arc's Semblance. In fact, this Huntsman was at the cusp of death and was actually the one who informed me fully of Arc's abilities when he recovered from the hospital and thus lead me to be firm on recruiting him for his abilities to heal."

"Do you think it's true?"

"I've known this, Huntsman, and this is before I had to drag Mr. Arc into Beacon. Although my method of recruiting Arc into Beacon was desperate, but it bore fruit. "

"I will trust your judgement, then."

"We can't afford to ignore any potential threats. This is our chance to strike a blow against Salem's forces and protect Vale simultaneously."

Ironwood's expression grew even more serious as he absorbed the information about the Grimm Wyvern and the unsettling activities near Mt. Glenn. "That's troubling news, Ozpin. It seems Vale has become more vulnerable than I realized."

Ozpin sighed, a weariness in his eyes. "Yes, James, it appears so. The subtle movements of Salem's forces often escape our notice until it's too late. The situation has evolved quicker than I anticipated. And I owe you an apology. Your intuition was on point and although I still do not approve of you bringing a fleet into my doorstep, but I must relent for the greater threat."

"It doesn't matter now, and you were correct as well," Ironwood leaned back, his mind racing. "I propose allowing some men I trust in Vale. We can reinforce security, keep an eye on the Grimm activity, and provide additional protection for the citizens."

Ozpin hesitated for a moment, contemplating the suggestion. "It's a risk, James, but considering the threat in Mt. Glenn, it might be a necessary one. I need all forces I can get. However, be discreet. We don't want to draw unnecessary attention to our preparations since I'm sure both Councils of Vale and Atlas will not like the way we're going to act."

Ironwood nodded, acknowledging the delicate balance they were treading. "Understood. I'll make sure to handle it with the utmost discretion."

As they continued to discuss the security measures for Vale, Ozpin's mind was already working to connect the dots. "Before we knew it, Vale has become too vulnerable. I can't help but wonder if Salem's forces are behind these activities. The Grimm Wyvern may not be their only pawn in play with White Fang involved."

Ironwood furrowed his brow, considering the possibility. "You think they are planning something more significant than just stirring up Grimm and taking the Maiden's power?"

Ozpin nodded, a sage-like wisdom in his gaze. "Salem, or at least her agent, is strategic. She knows the festival is a symbol of unity, and if she intends to strike, it will be where it hurts the most. We should prepare for an attack during the festival. Vale will burn if we allow them loose."

Ironwood frowned, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Then we need a plan. We can't let the chaos unfold in Vale. Using the fact that Amber is healed enough to leave Vale, we can make it known that she's in my flagship, it should lure the enemies out of the city. Let them think that we're extracting her to Atlas while our real goal is Mistral."

Ozpin's eyes gleamed with approval. "That could work. Draw them away from the festival, into the open, where we can deal with them more effectively. We'll use Amber as bait, but with proper precautions. It's a risky gambit, but it might be our best chance to foil Salem's plans."

Glynda interjected, her concern evident in her voice. "While the plan to lure Salem's forces away from Vale has merit, we must be cautious. Making it known that we have Amber, we risk drawing Raven's attention. If she becomes aware of our intentions and deduces where the fleet is truly headed, she can use her portals to escape, and entrapping someone with that ability is a headache we can ill afford."

Ozpin nodded, acknowledging the validity of Glynda's point. "You're right, Glynda. Raven's ability to traverse through portals gives her a significant advantage. We need to be meticulous in our approach and ensure that our movements are not easily anticipated."

Ironwood furrowed his brow, contemplating the challenge. "How do we proceed, then? We can't abandon the plan, but we need to account for Raven's capabilities."

Glynda leaned forward, her gaze determined. "We can use misdirection. While the focus is on Amber, who will be seen with you, we should have another team discreetly track Raven, anticipating her movements without making our intentions obvious. If she decides to intervene, we'll be prepared."

Ozpin nodded in agreement. "A dual approach might be the key. Keep the majority of our forces focused on the festival and Amber's safety, but have a specialized team ready to handle Raven if she decides to make a move. We'll have to tread carefully, but it's a risk we might need to take."

Ironwood sighed, realizing the complexity of the situation. "Very well. Let's proceed with the plan. We'll coordinate the festival security, ensure Amber is adequately protected, and have a discreet team ready to handle Raven. The fate of Vale and the Maidens rests on our ability,"

Ironwood leaned forward, a new determination in his eyes as he continued. "There's another matter we need to address. Roman Torchwick and his accomplice. He's not a petty thief I thought we can ignore. I hope we can find out where he is and apprehend him. He might have valuable information, and if Salem or her agent saw potential in using him, he could become a considerable threat."

Ozpin nodded in agreement. "You're right, James. Torchwick's actions have become increasingly unacceptable, and they may use him to further their agenda. And from the report that I got from witnesses and the observations made. His partner, Neopolitan, is also a dangerous individual with a Semblance that can bypass security."

Glynda added, "I'll instruct Beacon's intelligence network to gather any information on Torchwick's recent activities. James, we should also collaborate with your military intelligence to increase our chances of locating him."

Ironwood nodded, appreciating the unified effort. "Good. Let's not underestimate the potential chaos Torchwick and his partner can cause. We need to be one step ahead and ensure that he doesn't become a wildcard in this already complex situation. And Oz?"

"What is it, James?"

James smiled genuinely while trying not to sound relieved by their trust. "I thank you… for willing to put your trust in me."

Ozpin's eyes became unreadable. He nodded. "It seems I've caused you doubt and fears."

The two shared an understanding.

The low-hanging sun created long shadows that covered Beacon Academy's training grounds. Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren stood at the edge of the sparring arena, their eyes fixed on the intense battle unfolding before them. Jaune Arc and Pyrrha Nikos clashed in a training session that had gathered a crowd of curious onlookers.

Nora leaned in, her eyes widening with excitement as Jaune unleashed a golden display of his semblance. "Did you see that, Ren? Jaune's semblance is like totally cheating! I mean, who thought it was a good idea to give him the power to recover in the middle of a fight? It's not fair!"

Ren chuckled at Nora's animated reaction, his calm demeanor contrasting with her enthusiasm. "It is his valuable skill. It's not cheating, and it's just a different aspect of combat. Jaune's semblance has its merits."

"You mean when he glows red, blue, and golden?" As Jaune parried Pyrrha's strikes, Nora crossed her arms, pouting. "Well, I still think it's cheating. I mean, he gets hit, and then poof! Good as new. Not everyone has that luxury."

Ren glanced at Nora and then back at the ongoing duel. "Speaking of getting hit, watch Pyrrha closely."

As if on cue, Pyrrha smoothly dodged one of Jaune's attacks, showcasing her incredible agility. Nora raised an eyebrow, waiting for Ren's point.

"She hasn't been hit once since that initial strike," Ren explained, his observant eyes focused on the battle. "You remember that hit Jaune landed on her shoulder? After that, she's been flawless, not giving him an opportunity to land another blow."

Nora squinted, scrutinizing the fight. "Huh, you're right. But Jaune's semblance is still so... handy. His semblance… it amps up and boosts an aspect of himself. If he wants more strength, he goes red, and when he wants speed, he goes blue. And then golden when he just wants to be defensive and heal himself constantly."

Ren nodded. "True, but Pyrrha's skill and precision are equally impressive. She's adapting and avoiding his attacks with remarkable agility. It's a testament to her training and combat instincts."

"What did you expect from a champion?" Nora said proudly.

Pyrrha and Jaune's sparring session filled the air with the echoing clash of metal. Pyrrha, ever the show woman, effortlessly switched between her various weapon forms, dazzling the onlookers with her grace and precision. Jaune, on the other hand, stood firm like a fortress, his movements focused and pragmatic. His slashes were calculated, his shield always raised in defense, and his attacks lacked the flashy flair that Pyrrha's did.

Nora watched with wide-eyed fascination, her Magnhild resting on her shoulder. "Pyrrha's like a one-woman spectacle! Did you see that spin? And the way she seamlessly changes her weapon? It's like watching a dance!"

Ren observed the battle, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "Pyrrha's style is certainly flashy, but Jaune's approach is more practical. He conserves his energy and focuses on defense and counters. It's an interesting contrast."

Nora grinned, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "But you know, all that flashy stuff must take a toll on Pyrrha's aura. At this rate, she'll run out of stamina soon."

Ren nodded in agreement. "True, Pyrrha's semblance is demanding, and constant weapon changes consume stamina quickly."

Nora shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "Well, Jaune will just have to fill her up again."

Ren turned to Nora, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Nora, that's a bit—"

Nora interrupted, realizing the unintentional innuendo, "Oopsie! I mean, you know, he'll replenish her aura. What did you think I meant?"

Ren sighed, shaking his head at Nora's playful innocence. "Never mind, Nora. Let's just keep watching the fight."

Jaune's pragmatic style and Pyrrha's showmanship continued to captivate the two, both displaying their unique strengths and approaches to combat.

As the fight between Jaune and Pyrrha intensified, the training ground crackled with energy. Jaune's defensive stance remained steadfast, but Pyrrha's attacks grew more relentless and unpredictable. Her weapon seamlessly shifted between forms, and each strike carried a calculated ferocity.

Nora leaned forward, her eyes sharp and observant. "Hey Renny, did you notice that diabolical grin on Pyrrha's face? And is that a tiny blush? What's going on there?"

Ren squinted, focusing on the combatants. "It's hard to tell in the heat of the battle, but you might be right. Maybe she's enjoying the challenge."

Nora grinned, her excitement clear. "Oh, she's definitely enjoying it. Look at her! Our team leader has always been quite the fighter, but having someone who can go toe-to-toe with her seriously is giving her so much joy. It's like she's having the time of her life!"

Although Ren and Nora sometimes saw how hard it was for Pyrrha to form genuine friendships because of her fame, they also knew that beyond the title, she was a wonderful person. It was probably why Nora would break legs for her. It infuriated her that someone actually DARED to touch her bestie. She and Ren had been staring down shallow bastards trying to capitalize on her fame, and although Pyrrha thought they were just running off and putting distance, they had to create that distance because Nora didn't want to find out how their team leader would react to her breaking a few more legs because of her.

Nora was glad that she had a partner to confide in. Being part of a trio under Pyrrha's lead was wonderful, but she also needed someone to watch her back — someone she could rely on, much like how she and Ren relied on each other. Seeing Pyrrha like this made her happy.

"Pay attention, Nor," Ren nudged her attention back to the fight.

Just in time for her to see Pyrrha press the offensive, her movements became more fluid, and a competitive fire burned in her eyes. Jaune, despite being on the defensive, held his ground admirably. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, and the training ground seemed to vibrate with the intensity of their sparring.

"There are few who match her in close combat, indeed."

Nora chuckled, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Our team's filled with amazing fighters. I can't wait to see how much stronger we'll all get together. We're sooooo going to kick butts in the festival!"

The intensity of the sparring session reached a peak as Pyrrha, with a determined gleam in her eyes, decided to bring out the big guns. Jaune braced himself for whatever was coming, his shield raised and sword at the ready. Pyrrha focused, her semblance activating as she unleashed a powerful force that sent Jaune flying backward as her hand glowed. The metal on Jaune being used against him.

However, Jaune wasn't one to stay down for long. As he soared through the air, his aura flared, and he landed with a controlled roll, dissipating the impact. Pyrrha moved in quickly, looking to disarm Jaune with her semblance. But he had other plans. Jaune's aura flared even brighter as he broke free from Pyrrha's hold, surprising everyone, including Pyrrha.

Though disarmed, Jaune didn't back down. He raised both hands in a boxing stance, weaving and rolling his shoulders. His armor seemed to take on a new purpose as he used it to shield himself from Pyrrha's rapid weapon forms. The fight had transitioned into a close-quarters duel, and Jaune was holding his ground with surprising agility, the blue hue of his aura clear.

Nora couldn't help but howl a praise. "Jaune's just ignoring those rounds Pyrrha's firing at him, and look at those quick deadly thrusts! He's not just a tank; he's like a freaking fortress on the move!"

Ren nodded, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Jaune's adapting well. He's using his armor effectively and finding openings in Pyrrha's offense. It's an impressive display."

Jaune lunged forward with a powerful right hook. Pyrrha displayed her agility once again. With a swift movement, she caught Jaune with her legs, attempting to maneuver him into a chokehold. However, Jaune, showcasing his strength, lifted Pyrrha off the ground and threw her away. Pyrrha, quick on her feet, mitigated the impact by kicking Jaune in his unguarded shin and rolling to regain her stance. In an instant, her weapon, Milo, took on the form of a spear, pointed menacingly forward.

The training ground fell into a momentary silence as the two warriors faced off. Pyrrha's diabolical grin sent chills down Nora's spine. The intensity of the battle had escalated, and Pyrrha was in her element, fully embracing the challenge. Her eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and determination.

Nora couldn't help but mutter to Ren, "Did you see that? That grin, the way she moves, it's like she's enjoying every second of this. I've never seen her like this before."

Ren nodded, his gaze fixed on the battle. "She's pushing herself to the limit, and it's a sight to behold. Jaune's not holding back, either. Pyrrha will send him flying with her Semblance if he loses focus."

"I mean, it's hard to fight her when she can control metal. Hmm, maybe someone with wood or glass weapons could easily counter her?"

The clash continued, both fighters exchanging rapid strikes and evasive maneuvers. Pyrrha's spear danced through the air, and Jaune responded with a mix of defensive maneuvers and calculated attacks as a response.

As the battle between Jaune and Pyrrha reached a pivotal moment, Jaune made a decisive move. Gripping Crocea Mors with both hands, he infused it with his aura; the weapon glowing with newfound power. With a neutral expression, Jaune dashed forward, closing the distance between them in an instant.

Pyrrha, ever quick on her feet, attempted to disarm him once more, but Jaune's amped-up aura defenses proved formidable. The clash of their weapons echoed through the training ground as Jaune relentlessly pressed the attack, each strike carrying the weight of his amped aura. However, Pyrrha didn't resort to shooting at him from a distance or utilizing her javelin from afar. Instead, she opted for a different strategy. Closing the distance, Pyrrha engaged Jaune in close to mid-range combat, her movements fluid and calculated. She kept him on the defensive; her spear dancing with precision as she unleashed a barrage of strikes.

Nora, watching with rapt attention, couldn't help but comment. "Pyrrha's not giving Jaune any room to breathe. She's keeping the fight up close and personal, constantly testing his defenses."

Ren nodded, recognizing the shift in Pyrrha's tactics. "It's a smart move. Instead of relying on ranged attacks Jaune's barely feels, she's using her close-quarters expertise to exploit any openings in Jaune's defense."

Jaune, with Crocea Mors in a two-handed grip, held his ground with determination, while Pyrrha's calculated strikes kept him on the defensive. Each strike from Pyrrha landing with precision but merely grazes the reinforced defensive wall that Jaune had become. Despite the barrage of attacks, Jaune showed no signs of pain or flinching. His unwavering focus allowed him to not only endure but also counter with each strike, turning Pyrrha's offensive maneuvers into opportunities.

Nora, watching the exchange, whistled. Pyrrha was exploiting on the weakness of Jaune's weapon, trying to find a way to dispatch him. And the way she manipulates him into making the mistakes she wants was just phenomenal. She's creating the rules for the fight and executing them flawlessly. Pyrrha's knows how to use both of her weapons to the best of their ability, both offensively and defensively. She adapts effortlessly and doesn't break a sweat when faced with attacks outside the rules she's set for the match. Pyrrha was incredible at defending her own space.

However, despite Pyrrha's exceptional skills, Jaune's defensive resilience proved challenging to breach. The constant assault on his aura seemed to have an impact, and Nora noticed Jaune's aura dropping to a whooping 34 percent.

"Hey, Ren, Jaune's aura is down to 34 percent! That's huge!" Nora exclaimed.

Before Ren could respond, Jaune took a single deep breath, and his aura surged back up to 74 percent, visibly recharging. Pyrrha, realizing the shift, strategically retreated, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation.

Pyrrha looked down at her own aura, which had turned orange. A smile graced her lips as she called off the match. "I'm spent," she admitted, acknowledging the limits of her endurance.

The training ground fell into a momentary silence as the combatants caught their breaths. As Pyrrha acknowledged her exhaustion, Jaune closed his eyes, focusing his energy inward. The surrounding air hummed with an unseen force as Jaune channeled his aura, recharging it to a remarkable 100 percent.

Nora, wide-eyed and amazed, couldn't contain her excitement. "Jaune just charged his aura back to 100%! He's like a walking battery. I'm so glad he's on our team!"

Ren, usually stoic and reserved, raised an eyebrow at Jaune's display. "Jaune, you call yourself support, but pulling off something like that goes beyond the typical support role you know?"

Jaune, still with his eyes closed, chuckled modestly. "Someone's gotta have your backs, right? Support isn't always about healing wounds; it's about making sure the team can keep going and kick ass without worry."

Ren, however, wasn't convinced. "Charging your aura to 100% is more than just support, Jaune. It's a game-changer."

Nora chimed in, grinning, "Yeah, Jaune-Jaune, you're like the second backbone of the team! Though in your case, if we get spent, you'd also be the backbone for breaking other backbones!"

Ren nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, what she said."

Jaune opened his eyes, meeting Nora and Ren's gaze with a grateful smile. "Well, if you say so, but I'm still sticking with the support role. I don't really enjoy fighting that much these days," Jaune admitted, his gaze focused on his teammates. "I'm fine watching you guys win battles. It's where I feel I can contribute the most. But that doesn't mean I'd watch you all get beaten as well."

Nora and Ren exchanged surprised glances. Despite his icy demeanor and stoic front most of the time, Jaune's words carried a weight of sincerity that touched their hearts.

Nora grinned, nudging Ren gently. "Did you hear that, Ren?."

Ren nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's good to know, Jaune. We appreciate what you do for the team."

Pyrrha chimed in, couldn't resist adding a touch of wit to the moment. "Well, Jaune, if you keep fighting like this, they might start calling you 'Invincible Boy."

Jaune chuckled at the jest, a light shrug accompanying his response. "Eh, 'Invincible Boy' might be a bit much, but I appreciate the sentiment, Invincible Girl."

Their sentiments, however, got cut off by Nora's hunger as her stomach growled as if on cue. "Alright, that's it! I'm starving! Can we eat now? Leader-bestie?"

Pyrrha chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Nora, you're always hungry. But sure, let's take a break and grab something to eat. Maybe we can discuss strategies over lunch."

Nora grinned, already thinking about her next meal. As the team gathered their belongings to head for the cafeteria, Pyrrha turned to Jaune, a thoughtful expression on her face. "By the way, Jaune, we haven't really had a chance to fully understand your semblance. How about we spend some time discussing it during our break? It might help us coordinate better in the future. To see what Aura Amp can do?"

Jaune nodded in agreement and made a crisp salute. "I'm always up for it, team leader."

As the group made their way towards the cafeteria, Pyrrha glanced up at the sky. Her eyes narrowed as she observed the fleet of Atlas airships above Vale. "Hey, guys, hold on a moment."

Curious, the team followed Pyrrha's gaze. She pointed towards the fleet, indicating the movements of the Atlas fleet above Vale. "Look, they seem to be preparing to move. Something big might be happening."

Ren, ever perceptive, studied the distant airships. "You're right. That's quite the mobilization. I wonder what's going on?"

Nora, temporarily forgetting her hunger, looked up at the sky in wonder as the fleet moves out of the city's airspace in a tight formation. "Um, is that good? Atlas moving their fleet out?"

Jaune followed the team's gaze at the sky and made a faint smile.

And thus the ignored Rook moves across the board.