Hey! RGQC here with another chapter for all of you to enjoy! And first of all, there will be a bit of time skipping happening in this chapter and for reasons I hope you understand. In other news, the new title, which has been pending for a while, is currently at a standstill between the two titles: Abyssal's Soul and Crimson Crusade.

Just leave a review as to which one will be the new title. And in the next chapter, I'll change the title because I find Polls a pain in the butt to deal with.

With my stuff dealt with, let us move on to the comments.

Two of my reviews appear to show disgruntlement with Lucia chatting with Blake. It could be better, but it fulfils my intention that talk is a way for Lucia to clear some of Blake's doubts about her. After all, you can't be friends or allies if you don't trust them. In Vol 1, Blake can be sceptical of people and tend to be biased against people from Atlas.

Especially if someone no one had ever seen or heard appeared out of thin air and was suddenly assigned to her team by their headmaster, I hope you can get where she's coming from.

Gadget boy: Glad that's the case! It's nice for me not to go into action all the time and to take things slow. I might add more of such things in the future, but as the plot develops, things will change. For better or for worse. As for your hope. I'm not saying anything yet.

Singular Ash: I admit, I laughed when I read your comment. She would probably do that if it weren't for the fact that she still had exposed mechanical parts underneath her clothes, especially on her upper and lower back. But one can dream about it. Hehe. Pervert kitty.

TalonScythe: Interesting… and you're correct. In-game, Lucia tends to be more open and friendly, while Alpha is what you describe as cold, numb and distant. I find this hilarious now that I think about it. SI Alpha behaves more like in-game Lucia. But who knows… that might change in the future.

FGOrider23: No plans for that. But it might change as the story develops. That is all I will say.

And we're done with the comments. So, let's get this show on the word.

Like always, I do not own any of RWBY or their content. They all belong to their respective owners. Nor do I own any content belonging to Kuro Technology and their series Punishing Gray Raven.


The time now is 1827, and I have spent as much time as possible with team RWBY and JNPR teaching them and giving suggestions to help them improve their combat capabilities. With what I had taught them, they should improve by 21.74% of their current skill level and strength.

As of that time, I was back in Ozpin's office for a final talk among ourselves before my departure at 1900. We talked with each other as I went into detail about what I did with team RWBY and JNPR in the morning, and I have a detailed report to transmit into his scroll for review. I also have to save a copy for General Ironwood, for he requested a report on what I'd done during my stay in Vale.

Strange request. But I will comply.

"I see…" Ozpin hummed as he sipped his cup full of hot cocoa. "What can you tell what you've taught them to me?" He asked.

"Understood. Let us take Yang Xiao Long, for example." I began to explain while uploading Yang's data into Ozpin's scroll. "Her semblance makes any engagement with her a threat. However, Yang Xiao Long has shown to be impulsive when enraged. And when she does, it becomes easy to predict how she would act and think."

I watched as Ozpin nodded at my explanation as I continued. "To improve her combat capabilities, I recommend Yang Xiao Long attend anger management classes to ensure her temper doesn't get her. I have also encouraged her to get creative and think about how well their opponent will react and what they will do to counter. The lack of long ranged weaponry is also a noticeable weakness. However, her teammates can deal with the lack of long-range weaponry. Most prominently, her sister, Ruby Rose. More data can be read on your scroll."

[Data package report on Yang Xiao Long sent.]

"This is quite the extensive report you have here of Miss Xiao Long." Ozpin hummed as he began scrolling through my report on Yang. "I assume you did this to the rest of team RWBY and JNPR from what you told me?"

"Affirmative," I said as my eyes closed for a moment. "All of them show substantial capability they can achieve should they work on their weaknesses. The weaknesses they possess varied from person to person. I recommend you read through the report I am sending now."

[Delivering remaining data package report on team RWBY and JNPR to Headmaster Ozpin's scroll.]

[Data Package delivered.]

"Thank you, Lucia. Your work here has been helpful." Ozpin gave me a genuine smile while I nodded my head. "I find it interesting that you only worked on team RWBY and JNPR. Is there a reason for that?"

Without delay, I answered his curiosity. "Team RWBY and JNPR are among the first few 'friends' I established in Beacon. Therefore, it is only logical to ensure that they are prepared for the future to reduce the probability of fatalities. Is it not?"

"That is so?" Ozpin hummed. "I find it interesting how you've grown attached to them. But I believe something else is bothering you to make all these efforts to prepare them for the future, is there?" Ozpin then asked as I paused for a moment to think.

Headmaster Ozpin is right. With Salem lacking a technical specialist, all system suggests that Merlot and his partner are the main threats for now. Even more, their laboratory is in the sea far south of Sanus. Merlot could endanger the outlying villages if he gets creative with his Grimm nanomachines. He might use them as some sort of bioweapon or something.

Even with my emotions suppressed. I can't help but worry about the future.

"We don't have to talk about that right now, Lucia. I observed something about my time talking to you," Ozpin's voice broke me out of my trance, and I could only watch as he continued. "I'm starting to believe you've become human even if you don't show it. How you react to meals and become alive in the sense, you smile around team RWBY and JNPR, and I sometimes observed tiny twitches of expressions on your face during our talks."

Makes sense. While I felt that I lost part of my humanity when I first reawakened months back, having the construct frames allowed me to feel human again to an extent. While I still question Father's intention in creating these frames, I can never be thankful enough for them.

"More time will be necessary to ensure system stability and familiarity with human aspects such as emotions. I indeed possess some sentient characteristics before my upgrade. However, not to the point of 'developing' fondness for team RWBY and JNPR. It feels… nice to watch them develop and grow." I admit as Ozpin watches me intensely before he picks up his mug and takes a sip.

"I see… there's no need to suppress these emotions when you're with me, Lucia. While I am curious about why your father would make such frames, I couldn't disregard their possibilities in creating something new. You are one example."

While it is strange for a mechanical being like me, I swore I had a warm feeling in my chest. But before we could continue talking, the elevator lift opened, and Glynda walked in with her tablet.

"Good evening, Professor Goodwitch." I stood up and greeted Beacon's resident strict professor.

"Lucia," Glynda nodded at me as she walked over to Ozpin, who looked curious.

"Glynda, is there something I can help you with?" Ozpin asked as she pushed up her glasses.

"Nothing of concern except Team RWBY and JNPR are at the lobby below waiting for Lucia. They wish to say their final goodbyes before she departs from Beacon." Glynda explained. "They are quite passionate about you, Lucia. You must have made a good impression on them." Glynda sounded impressed as she spoke to me. As for me, I could only blink with a hint of surprise.

[Calculating causes for Team RWBY and JNPR to stay behind.]

[Processing…]

[Ruby Rose is 85.62% likely to convince the rest to say their final goodbyes.]

"I am under the assumption that Miss Rose is one of the main reasons why they are below." I guessed as Glynda nodded her head.

"Miss Rose has proven to be irritatingly persistent in waiting for you below as the others are."

I could only let out an amused nod as I looked back at Ozpin. "That is all, headmaster Ozpin for today. I should make my departure to Atlas now." I said as I slowly stood up and walked towards the elevator lift both Headmaster and Professor watched me.

But before I entered the lift, I turned and gave both of them a final bow. "And I thank you both for offering your hospitality to me. It has been a journey during my stay here. May we see each other again in the future." And with that, I entered the lift before it took me down.

Upon reaching the ground floor, I was immediately greeted by team RWBY and JNPR, who happened to be waiting for me, just like what Glynda had said back in Ozpin's office. Oh, how I will miss all eight of those buggers when I get back to Atlas. I'm also impressed that they are mostly fine after training with me.

"Lucia!" Ruby called out to me as soon as the elevator doors opened.

[Emotion suppressors disabled.]

"Hello, everyone," I smile at everyone as they crowd around me. "I heard from a certain professor that you all were waiting for me." I let out a mirthful giggle as Weiss was the first to speak.

"Ruby insisted that we see you off."

"Hey!" Ruby suddenly protested. "You also wanted to see her before you leave, don't lie!"

As if she got caught unprepared, Weiss's face blushed as her friends giggled at her expense. "She got you there." Yang spoke up next.

What I guessed was embarrassed sputtering from Weiss; she snapped at her friends. "Shut up, all of you!" Yet her yelling made everyone laugh or smile at her. Upon calming down, Weiss turned her attention back to me.

"Miss Lucia, what time are you leaving? You've been vague with it." She asked out of amusement. I gave the Schnee heiress a head pat. So much to my surprise was for Ruby, and even Nora wanted head pats from me. In contrast, my unexpected move made poor Weiss red in the face.

"Seven pm. And I have around twenty minutes to gather all my equipment and head to the docking bays to take my leave, Weiss Schnee." I answered with a teasing smile before bringing my hand away from Weiss's head and walking through the hallways with team RWBY and JNPR behind them.

After gathering my stuff and watching everyone taking teasing pot-shots at Weiss, we soon made our way towards the docking bays. I could tell visually that everyone would miss me despite my training earlier. It has only been a few days, and they developed a close bond with me, huh?

I would miss their presence too since we had done much during that short period and had fun together. But I will see them again in the future. There is no doubt of that. And by the time we arrived at the docking bays, the skies were beginning to darken, and both team RWBY and JNPR looked around for my ride home.

"Soo… What's taking you back home to Atlas?" I heard Yang asking out, as there were no Bullheads or airships in the docking bay. "Because I don't see anything here.

"Oh! Are they late?" Nora was next.

"Perhaps? What do you think, Pyrrha?" Jaune asked as Pyrrha shocked her head.

"I do not know, Jaune. Perhaps there's a delay?"

[Griffin ETA 10 seconds]

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. It will be here soon." I smiled and looked up as everyone else did the same. Curious as to what I was looking at. All of them were rewarded with the sound of roaring engines as a grey-black jet could be seen shimmering in the sparking nights before zipping down towards one of the docking bays.

I watched as the wings of my jet began to face into the sky as it hovered over the docking bay. Taking a split-second glance at team RWBY and JNPR, I was rewarded with the lovely sight of every one of them with their mouths wide open and eyes as wide as plates. Walking forward, I commanded the Griffin to land as I turned around and faced everyone.

"May I introduce you to my ride, the Condor Mk. I. Or as I like to call it, the Griffin. My personal ride." I explained as my introduction to my jet broke everyone out of their amazement. And without delay, Ruby used her semblance as she zipped through the space between us and hugged me tight. Her eyes gleamed like stars in the night skies from sheer excitement.

"OHMYOHMWHATISTHATITISSOCOOLWHEREDIDYOUGETTHAT?!" Ruby began speaking at such excited speeds that I had my system slow it down so I could understand her. So, she's curious about where I got my jet.

A giggle left my mouth as I rubbed Ruby's head while I heard Weiss yelling at Ruby to get off me in the background. "Well, Ruby, due to my association with a classified organisation in Atlas, I was given an airship to assist me in completing my operations." I explained as the rest of team RWBY and JNPR walked up with me. Weiss quickly ran forward and pulled Ruby off me.

"I am so sorry about Ruby hugging you like that, Lucia. It is inappropriate of her to do that." Weiss apologised as I waved my hand.

"It's alright," I said as I turned and watched as a ramp appeared and came down before me. "But I know you still have much to ask, but we'll eventually see each other again." I explained.

"Really?!" Nora began hopping on the spot while the others looked intrigued at my words.

"Yup. I feel things will get more interesting in Vale eventually. What happens till then? Who knows?" I shrugged my shoulders as I began bringing my gifts into the Griffin and giving team RWBY and JNPR a final look. I waved them goodbye.

"And once more, I thank you, team RWBY and JNPR, for being my guide during my stay in Beacon. You all have been wonderful hosts, and I have enjoyed my time exploring Vale. May we see each other again in the future!" I announced as both teams gave their goodbyes to me as I ordered the Griffin to retract its ramp.

[New Destination. Atlas.]

My Hud reads as the Griffin begins to take off. Then, with a final look and wave at team RWBY and JNPR waving back at me, I smile as the back door of the Griffin closes. Leaving me alone inside.

"Well then, it was nice spending time with them, time to make my way back to Atlas." I mutter out my thoughts as I approached the cockpit and sat on its seat. And as soon as I did, my ship blasted off towards Atlas while I began cataloguing everything, I had done the past few days.

Time to see what General Ironwood wishes me to do.


6 hours later…

Ironwood stood by in the hangar as both Pietro and Watts stood by his side. Specialist Winter was also with Ironwood, as did Penny and Luna. He had recently received a notice from Lucia that she would be reaching Atlas in 30 minutes, and he gathered everyone to meet up with her.

During that time, Ironwood had received a notice from his friend Ozpin that Lucia had departed Beacon, and he had learned of some interesting developments on the first active construct. According to Ozpin, Lucia has begun to develop or show more complex emotions in her time in Beacon and has grown fond of two year-one teams: team RWBY and JNPR.

It was such an interesting development that both Pietro and Watts concluded that all of this was happening due to her new construct body. Both theorised that the new frame's ability to mimic the human body and mind allowed Lucia to behave more human despite her mechanical origins.

Yet to see if that theory is correct, they would need to run a system scan and observe how her system inside adapted to the new construct frame.

Ironwood shook his head to return to reality as the Condor Mk. I could be seen entering the hangar bay. Come to think of it. They should make a dedicated spot for the Condor to land in if they had the time. It's just small enough to squeeze into the hangar, and the only reason there hasn't been an accident is thanks to its precise auto-piloting.

Everyone could only watch as the Condor Mk. I began to land as a ramp emerged from it. The cargo door then opens up to show Lucia in her default outfit. But what was most surprising was that she was carrying several bags.

Lucia began to exit her jet and made her way towards Ironwood, and once she was in front of him, she dropped her bags and saluted." Lucia Alpha reporting." She spoke up as Ironwood raised a hand.

"At ease Lucia," Ironwood said as he gazed at the bags the construct was carrying. Only to see plushies in them. "What are those bags for?"

Without any source of hesitation, Lucia answered truthfully. "These bags contain gifts for Luna and Penny I have picked up in Vale. Calculations indicate that they are suitable for them." Luna and Penny's eyes widen as Lucia reaches down and pulls out a rabbit plushie.

"They are cute. Are they not?" Lucia asked as she tilted her head while holding the dog size rabbit plushie in her hands. In the background, Pietro and Watts did their best to hold down their laughter at Ironwood's bemused reaction. The same could be said with Winter, who maintained her expressionless looks but had a slight smile on her lips. Penny was openly giggling while Luna just stared at the rabbit plushie in her sister's hand.

"They are…" Ironwood's voice droned out as Lucia put the rabbit back in the bag.

"What are your orders, sir?" Lucia then asked as that snapped Ironwood out of his stunned state as he coughed into his hand.

"Yes, Lucia. Once you have dropped off your gifts, meet me in my office. I wish to see a report of what you've done during your time at Beacon, among others. Once that's done, Dr Watts and Pietro will need to see you run some tests and scans on your system." Ironwood explained as Lucia gave a salute.

"Understood, sir."

And so, everyone began to disperse except for Luna and Penny, who immediately walked towards Lucia. "Sisters. I am back with some gifts from Vale. I hope they are suitable for you." Lucia explained as she took out the rabbit plushie from earlier and handed it to Luna.

"This is for you, Luna. Unfortunately, I was inconclusive as to what I should get for you. Therefore, I hope this rabbit plush is to your liking." Lucia explained as Luna's hands slowly reached out and grasped her gift; she then brought it to her chest and began snuggling it.

"Thank you, sister. It is satisfactory to me." A nostalgic smile grew on Luna's face as Lucia gently patted her head as she faced her other sister.

"Penny, I've gotten you two gifts since I wish to make one for Luna later," Lucia explained as she removed her hand from Luna's head and reached down to grab a hamster plushie. "This one is for you." Lucia said as Penny shot up and hugged her sister.

"Thank you, Lucia! It is so adorable!" Penny exclaims with joy in her words, while at the same time, she grabs the hamster plushie from Lucia's hand and begins playing with it. "It's so soft and squishy! Where did you buy it?" Penny then asked as her eyes sparkled.

"I found them in one of the stalls in a shopping centre during my time with Team RWBY and JNPR," Lucia explained as Luna raised a confused eyebrow upon hearing it. Noticing her sister's confusion, Lucia looked at Penny. "You did not tell Luna about the purpose of my stay in Beacon?"

Penny began to look sheepish as she explained. "Well… I was so excited about receiving our gifts that I forgot to tell Luna about your time in Beacon…" Penny self-consciously began to wrap her hands around her plushie while looking away. Yet that doesn't seem to have bothered Luna as she spoke.

"It's alright, sister," Luna assured. "You did not cause any harm to me or anyone. It was a minor oversight." Penny's mood improved while Lucia explained to her other sister.

"I can explain to you the details of my time in Vale. And I have tested the frame's capability to ingest organic material. Will send data of it to you, Watts and Pietro later."

"Most appreciated." Luna nods her head, with eagerness brewing in her eyes. Lucia reached into her bag and pulled out a Cloverleaf key chain before passing it to Penny.

"I also got this key chain for you, Penny. I hope it is to your liking." Lucia uttered with pride at Ruby's choice of a key chain. Penny slowly took the key chain with one hand and observed it in detail.

"This key chain is marvellous, Lucia!" Penny says out loud as Luna agrees.

"I concur. It is a wonderful key chain, indeed." Luna's eyes then turned to the bag to notice one more plushie in it. With interest, Luna asked.

"There is one more plushie in the bag. Who is it for?" Knowing what Luna was referring to, Lucia reached down and grabbed a whale plushie and held it up for her sisters to see. Lucia then holds it close to her chest as she answers Luna's question.

"This whale plushie is for me," Lucia admits as she places it back in the bag. "That is all. Is there anything you wish to tell me before I leave for the General's office?"

Lucia asks as Penny and Luna shake their heads. They have nothing else to talk about. Lucia then smiled as she continued. "Very well then. I will meet up with Dr Pietro and Watts later." Lucia paused. "Is it possible for one of you to drop my plushie in my room? You will have my thanks."

And so, Lucia left, and so did her sisters to perform their respective tasks. Little did they know that the next few weeks would become more interesting.


Lucia POV

A week had passed since that day, and things had moved fast. The secret talks between Vale's council and Ironwood had been going through steadily enough that Ironwood saw it fitting to inform those close to him. As it turns out, Vale had been at first doubtful of General Ironwood's claims of a hidden underwater base far south of Sanus until he brought up Merlot. That immediately gained their attention, and cooperation began to proceed.

Ozpin was also brought into the fold as cooperation between the two kingdoms will be needed to deal with Merlot and his partner, who we're still trying to find out exactly. As for me, I ran through days' worth of testing and allowed them to study how my system adapts to the new frame.

It was tedious sure, but it eventually made Watts confident enough to petition General Ironwood for permission to upgrade Luna with the Construct Programme, as he calls it. Pietro, who I guessed also didn't want to be left behind in their friendly rivalry, also launched his own petition to allow Penny to receive an upgrade.

And it would be an understatement to say that General Ironwood was against both his co-chief scientists wishing to upgrade their androids to incorporate the experimental frame. But piling pressure from his chief scientists and my willingness to ensure the transference process occurs smoothly pushed through as Ironwood gave the go.

The process was tense to speak of. Most of us weren't sure if the transference process for both Luna and Penny would be successful or whether they would suffer any compatibility side effects. Nevertheless, both Penny and Luna voluntarily went through the procedure.

And to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, Pietro, Watts and I agreed to take it slow with the operation, and with my guidance, it took about two days and a half of constant watching for it to complete.

Around the afternoon at 1352, two and a half days later, the process was done. The pods beyond me housed Luna, and Penny began letting out hisses while many other scientists, Watts and Pietro observed while I walked onwards.

Time to see if anything is wrong with their new bodies.

[Upgrades for Luna Laurel and Penny Polendina successful.]

[Scanning…]

[Power level of Luna Laurel increased by 77.38%]

[Power level of Penny Polendina increased by 85.73%]

[In terms of strength level to Lucia Alpha: below par.]

[Scanning system stability…]

[System stability: No instability detected.]

"No system instability detected in Luna Laurel and Penny Polendina," I said aloud for the scientists to hear as Luna's pod opened first. Oh? Is she the first to awaken?

Rushing over to Luna's side, I watched as she slowly pushed herself out of the pod with wires still attached mostly on her arms, and the back of her head and back. She still looks roughly the same as before, with a white combat suit covering her body. Her facial features seemed more angular and sharper for some reason, but I doubt that matters in the long run.

"Luna, how are you feeling?" Watts asked as he tapped on his tablet.

"Powerful. System diagnostics completed. Luna Laurel ready for operation." Luna responds as I lend my hand to pull her up. And as I did, the wires on her back began to fall off with a hiss, while Luna began to float off the ground.

While that was happening the dress, which she usually wore in combat mode rematerialized back onto her. System indicates that her new frame allows her to remain indefinitely in combat mode, that upgrade alone increases her combat effectiveness by a large margin.

"Systems green and checked! Luna Laurel is ready for the practical testing phase!" A scientist yelled as Luna's spheres and swords materialised behind her. What I did not expect was for Luna to pull me into a hug in front of everyone suddenly! Thank goodness for long hair, or else everyone would see me blushing.

"Luna?" I could only ask, my voice barely a whisper, as I tried to understand what was happening.

"Thank you for watching over us, sister." Luna whispered into my ear as the sound of Penny's pod opening made her break her hug. As soon as Luna broke her hug from me, I rushed over to Penny's side as she began to emerge out of her pod with wires similar to Luna's attached to her.

And much to everyone's surprise, even mine, Penny's hair was now significantly longer and curled inwards at the tips. As crazy as it sounds, Penny takes the form of her human looks and body type at the end of Vol 8 before she gets shanked. Except she is now naked and has a barbie doll appearance with black articulation joints seen between certain segments of her body. A quick analysis indicates that her old clothes will not fit her due to her different body proportions.

"Penny?" I called out to my little sister, and she responded in a sleepy tone as her green eyes opened.

"Lucia? Is the procedure completed?" Penny called out to me as her chest rose and fell. Uhm… how do I describe her sudden physical changes? Wait a sec.

[Connecting to transference pod...]

[Connection established.]

[Penny Polendina's original frame is unsuitable and lacks the necessary components for integration into construct frame.]

[To complete construct frame conversion, Penny Polendina's original frame was reclaimed and repurposed. Combined with new construct frame, transference pod has rebuilt Penny Polendina's physical appearance to fit her new frame.]

Oh. That's new…

Huh… Yet Luna still looks the same, but Penny's frame must be scrapped and repurposed. I suppose an investigation is in order sooner than later. Shaking my head, I turned my attention back to Penny, who looked confused why I was staring straight into her eyes.

"Lucia?" Penny asked again as I took a breath in.

"My apologies for staring, sister," I said as I reached my hand out to Penny, who grasped it as I gently pulled her out. "Your frame has undergone physical changes. Have a look at yourself and systems." I said at the same time as wires disconnects from her back.

Understandably confused as to why I said that, Penny looked down and gasped at her new frame. "How perplexing!" Penny cried out as she began feeling up her long hair while observing her new body in detail. "I don't remember my body looking like this!" Penny looked intrigued at what happened while Pietro moved into my vision.

"Darling, how are you feeling?" Pietro asked as he moved in while I took a step back. I believe he is no doubt anxious about what happened to his daughter.

"I feel fantastic, father! Is this how it feels to breathe?" Penny could only smile joyfully at her father while Luna floated beside me.

"Penny, you look different," Luna observed as she seemingly sat in the air as her swords acted as makeshift armrests. I'm unsure why she's doing it, but I suspect I can blame her new frame for it.

"I do!" Penny cheerfully confirms. "I'm doing a system analysis right now, and the changes are extensive! I feel as if I was newly made yesterday!" Penny began describing while not bothered that she had no clothes on. Remind me to teach her about modesty when I get the chance.

[Reminder set: Teach Penny about dressing behaviours and clothing modesty.]

Ah, wonderful.

"I'm more curious about what exactly happened to Penny specifically," Watts spoke up behind me as everyone turned to look at him as he scratched his moustache. "Luna didn't go through any physical changes, nor did Lucia when they went through the transference procedure." Watts points out.

"So why was Penny the only one whose physical appearance changed during the procedure?"

Upon herding Watt's question, everyone paused to think as I decided to lend a hand. "I believe I'm in possession of a possible theory," I spoke as everyone turned to me. "Upon witnessing Penny's new body, my systems connect to the pod that housed her. And it accounted that Penny's original frame was unsuitable and lacked the necessary components for integration into construct frame. It resorted to reclaiming and repurposing her old frame to rebuild Penny's new body from the beginning."

"Oh… No wonder everything feels new!" Penny just gave me a big smile. Is she seriously not bothered that her previous body was recycled? Then again, this is my adorable little sister I'm talking about, but still, shouldn't she at least express some sort of concern?

"How strange," Pietro muttered as he began rubbing his beard while sounding fascinated. "That wasn't supposed to happen…"

"But it did." Watts chimed in. "Even so, both Penny's and Luna's transference are complete. All we need to do is to ensure that both functions correctly." He explained as both of my sisters nodded their heads.

As for me, I glanced at my little sister once again before adding. "Before we begin the next, I recommend we create Penny some new clothing and confirm if Floating Array still functions with her new frame. It would be… problematic for her to remain bare open."

"Of course, Lucia." Pietro nods his head in understanding.

Time flew like a breeze as Pietro and several others began working on creating Penny a new outfit while Watts performed essential check-ups on my siblings. As for me, I was with Pietro as I had recently offered the idea of using the laser-powered nano-assembler to help make Penny's outfit.

As it turns out, during my experimentation when making my 'formal' clothes on the way to Beacon, it is possible to produce clothing incredibly resistant to damage and wear and tear. And it brings the possibility of creating a Kevlar-like fibre that is both incredibly light and flexible that can be woven into clothes.

Because of that, and probably by chance, Pietro somehow created Penny, her Atlas outfit. Except the overall dressing code is more to the ground. Furthermore, we came up with black combat boots that fulfil the criteria due to Penny's inability to have thrusters directly attached to her body over the concern of revealing her mechanical origins.

And in the end, Penny looks combat-ready in her new outfit.

One more thing, it turns out Penny's new frame has more surprises in store for everyone. As she has an interior 3D printer inside her back and now uses it to create numerous copies of weapons. These glowing wires typically on her back are still attached to her, but now she can use her fingertips to control them more efficiently.

Moving on from Penny and to Luna, nothing of notice except now with her new construct frame, Watts immediately put through what he calls a 'stress test'. And by the time I arrived at his laboratory, everyone was watching as Luna controlled several Atlesian Knights through her network. And on the several screens were systems keeping track of Luna's system stability.

"Ah, Lucia, what brings you here?" Watts asked, his eyes barely moving as he continued overseeing Luna's progress while I walked towards him while the other scientists gave me space to move in.

"The situation with Penny has been resolved. Pietro can handle the rest without me. In addition, I wish to witness how Luna's performing with her new frame." I answer as Watts lets out a pleasant hum.

"I understand. The progress Luna's achieving right now is astounding." Watts says as I turn my head to watch Luna directing the Atlesian Knights to perform a breach and clear operation. Another noticeable thing was that the Knights seemed to have some sort of digital faces on their visors.

Is this what Penny meant: they are more effective and intelligent right now? The goofy faces on them might hint they are connected to Luna's network. Why the faces, though?

[Notice. Luna Laurel network function at 100 efficiency. Atlesian Knights gained parcel individuality and combat skills. Allows for critical thinking, complex problem-solving and cognitive flexibility.]

[Overall efficiency increased by 161%]

[Atlesian Knights, if equipped with the necessary gear, can take down Huntsmans or older Grimm with enhanced efficiency. However, they are reliant on the network connection to Luna.]

[Disconnection will result in severe efficiency drop and loss of advantage.]

Cool…

Now part of me fears if something goes wrong, Atlas will have a case of a machine revolt. Don't get me started on how the other everyone already has their distrust of machines, and I can't imagine their reaction to us will be positive for a long time.

After watching over Luna, I moved on to settle some trivial matters, such as daily maintenance and some training with Benizakura. And then, around 1800, I sent a private text to both Penny and Luna to meet up near the cafeteria for one thing they had been looking forward to for a while. Dinner!

Upon meeting them outside the cafeteria, I could read on their faces that both were excited at the prospect of eating for the first time. However, Luna was more noticeable as her eyes shone, and I swore they were sparking for a second.

"I see that we're ready to test your bioreactors." I said as Penny was the first to speak with sheer enthusiasm.

"This is so delightful, isn't it, Luna?" Penny turned to her older sister. "We finally get to taste food for the first time like how everyone had theirs! Oh, this is going to be amazing!"

Penny shot a fist into the air, and in return, Luna offered a small smile while I could feel her eagerness. "I concur. Let us not wait." She said as all three of us nodded before I was the first to walk into the cafeteria as Luna and Penny tailed me. And you can smell the aroma in the air!

"Whatever they're having right now, it smells tasty!" Penny voiced out happily as several of Atlas personnel could only watch as one while haired android in red, another white-haired android floating and finally, a relatively normal girl walking in.

"It does." I heard Luna mutter out as she was still floating in the air and without her weapons by her. And minutes later, all three of us had trays full of food before we found a place to sit and enjoy. At the same time, I picked up some gossip from everyone else in the canteen.

And they were speaking over each other. To streamline to process as to what they were talking about, they mostly talked about rumours about how all three of us got upgrades. Others were more intrigued that we could eat meals like them.

I won't lie. Several others were muttering disdainfully at us or straight-up spat out hostility as we ate.

I could see on Penny's face that their comments hurt her. Even Luna, at most, looked ticked off at their words. They kind of ruined the mood.

Perhaps we should have gone with ordering out instead…

Some harbour… Robophobic tendencies on us. But we're here with our trays. So there is no point to just leaving this place. (Author over here! And yes, it turns out Robophobia is a real thing that exists.)

"Ignore their words, sisters," I said as I cut grilled fish with a knife. "Don't let them affect you. It means nothing in the long run. Just let them be." I explained as Penny nodded as I bit into my meal.

"I know." Penny looked down at her plate as she grabbed her utensils. "But is their hatred and disdain of us justified?"

"Perhaps it is, perhaps it is not. But everyone's flawed, sister. Even us." Luna suddenly spoke up. "What Lucia had just said is correct, do not let their words affect you." Luna continued as I watched as she used her fork to pick up a piece of steak and ate it.

Luna's eyes shot open as she began to chew. Penny too quickly joined in and took a bite of her meal. I heard a satisfied moan coming out of Penny as she chewed her meal.

As for Luna, she caught me off guard with the way she ate. I don't know how she did it, but she shoved the entire steak into her mouth, and she reminds me of a hamster with its cheeks full.

Kind of like Sarah, now that I think about it. She was always the one who would try to shove an entire steak into her mouth when we were younger.

Could it be?

No, I refuse to believe for a second that she is somehow Sarah! It must be a coincidence that Luna does that. On the other hand, it was her first time eating, which might explain why she did that. My mind could only race on before Penny snapped me out as she let out another content moan.

"So flavourful!"

I could only let out a titter as all three of us enjoyed our meals as a family.


But like everything, time waits for no one, and a couple of days pass before I have to meet up with General Ironwood about something. Both my sisters will not be there as Pietro and Watts need to run more tests to ensure they adapt well to their new frames.

Understandable.

Ironwood had this strange look on his face once I entered his office, as if something was bothering him hard. Whatever it was, it must involve me somehow.

"Lucia reporting." I spoke up while saluting as Ironwood looked up from his table at me as he stood.

"At ease Lucia," Ironwood said as he turned and stared outside the window. "We received an urgent request for assistance from the council of Vale." Ironwood told me as I was honestly confused.

Why would the council of Vale need Atlas' help? Shouldn't they go to Ozpin first and get the local Huntsman to handle it? Unless…

Probably seeing the gears in my head turning, Ironwood continued. "One of the outlying villages further south of Vale has recently been destroyed by what we can speculate is Merlot's doing."

"Sir, is there any evidence to prove that Merlot's the culprit for the destruction of a village?" I asked as Ironwood nodded his head as he looked at me.

"There were plenty of survivors. And they reported the sight of mutated Grimm you fought a while back." Ironwood looked back outside as silence overtook the office. "However, they also reported someone else alongside the Grimm, actively disarming and kidnapping Huntsman and Huntresses alive and taking them somewhere."

But who's this someone among mutated Grimm?

"I've talked to Ozpin about the situation, and he allowed our intervention in this situation. But I could only speculate that Merlot's attempting to experiment on Huntsman subjects this time."

Ironwood looks back at me. "I want you to head to that village and investigate the ruins. See if you can find their tracks and rescue any kidnapped Huntsman you find. They couldn't have gotten far. I'll update you on its location as you leave. Dismissed."

"Yes, sir," I said as I turned around and left Ironwood's office. It must be problematic for Ozpin and the Valeian council to give us the green to deal with this problem. Funny. I'm acting as a covert operative, dealing with all the major issues behind the curtains.

I think.

I dunno. I'm not a covert operative. I was an office worker before.

[New Objective received. Investigate the ruins of the village Merlot's Grimm were detected in.]

[Map updated.]

Mm…

Well then. I got a job to do.


Dr Racher watched as that abominable machine left the General's office. Honestly, what was Merlot thinking using mutated Grimm on a village? Sure, he made them even deadlier for reasons beyond him, but is he serious? Using those Grimm to attack a town with his creation and earning not just Vale's but Atlas's attention as well?!

Unless this was Merlot's attempt to up him and lure Atlas towards them at a quicker pace, then he succeeded.

Honestly, at this point, Racher wonders why he bothered working with Merlot at all. That man's gone out of control with his insistence on experimentation. And all because he successfully made a 'perfect' specimen and needed more test subjects. And most of them expire quickly thanks to his insistence on exposing them to his Grimm serum directly without any safety procedure.

On the bright side, at least the construction of Lamia was done, and it proves incredibly suitable in aquatic engagements with the ability to manoeuvre underwater effortlessly. Should they come for him in his laboratory, Lamia will have the combat advantage underwater.

And then there is his discovery of Luna and Penny. Of course, those fools thought that they could salvage the original plan and pretend the past was nothing. Have they learned nothing? He wondered how long it would be before those free-willed machines turned on them.

"Master. Dr Merlot wishes to speak to you." Racher heard his creation call him out in a monotone voice. Right, he fiddled with Lamia's AI and restrained it heavily to prevent her from possibly rebelling against him. And as much as he deists it, Racher 'borrowed' a sample of Grimm serum to enhance Lamia further.

This had a side effect and made its skin greyish due to the integration of Grimm serum, but Racher did his best to purge the Grimm essence from the nanobots. But it bothered him, how did Merlot even make that to begin with?

"Let him in." Racher waved his hand to the side, unperturbed by Merlot's entry into his laboratory. "Now, what do you want?" Racher asks as Merlot circles around Lamia with curiosity.

"What an interesting creation you have there," Merlot observed. "A bit lacking on the intimidation factor, but that is what I can expect when it comes from you." Merlot shot a scathing comment, and Dr Racher rolled his eyes.

"Last I checked, I didn't ask for your thoughts. What is it?" Racher turned to face his partner, who chuckled.

"Oh, nothing much. I'm just curious about what our Atlesian friends are up to now. Are you going to tell me?" Merlot asks as Racher rolls his eyes and turns his back on him.

"If you insist, you got the attention of not only the council of Vale but the headmasters of Beacon and Altas. And now that abominable machine is on its way there, pray your creation lives to tell the tale because I doubt it will last."

"Oh really? Perhaps my original plans may have to change after all." Merlot began chuckling as he walked off. As a new idea reached his mind, perhaps he could use it to his advantage. And as soon as he left Dr Racher's laboratory, Merlot tapped on his ear.

"BPB-26. We got a special guest on the way to you. So, feel free to deal with her once our subjects are well enough to return to my laboratories."

Merlot orders his creation, who responds theatrically. "Ah, wonderful, my creator! And I thought the show was on its close-off. Your orders shall be done." BPB-26 lets out a soft laugh. "Then perhaps, will you be happy with the tool you created?"

BPB lets out a hum as Merlot orders. "Oh, I will be happy if things go as planned, my tool, see it done."

"Alright alright. I'll execute your orders to the letter. But you better keep an eye on me at the same time. I might get creative…" BPB-26 lets out another soft laugh as he cuts the line while Merlot is left alone to gather his thoughts.

This is the perfect opportunity to test his creation against an equal foe. But in the past few weeks, BPB-26 has been acting increasingly erratic that even he couldn't predict what's going on in its mind. So as much as Merlot wants to say things are going as planned, it is foolish to say it is.

For an unpredictable creation is both an advantage and disadvantage.

For better or for worse, Merlot will work with what he has in his hand to perfect his dream objective.


And we are done! As I stated earlier, you all can decide what the new title of this story is between Abyssal's Soul and Crimson Crusade. Do leave a review, and in the next chapter, the title that has the most votes will become the title!

We have several time skips and more wholesome moments between Lucia and her sisters. And we have Luna and Penny officially receiving an upgrade to their frames, and I was conflicted about letting Penny keep her Vol 1 body or take up her Vol 7 appearance. Still, after some time, I decided to have Penny look like her human counterpart from Canon.

And I hope I pulled them off well, having their first taste of food and a new job for Lucia to attend to, and it is time for some action again after a time of peace. So, in the next chapter, I assure you there will be some action! And I can't wait to get started on it!

With that, I have nothing much to say either than a request for you to follow and favourite me if you enjoy this story! Do also leave a review of what you think of this chapter, as I enjoy reading it and giving replies to it! And don't forget to let me know which title you prefer!

I will see you people in the next chapter!

RGQC out!