Hey! RGQC here, and we are back with another chapter for all of you to enjoy! And the first thing I'd like to address before starting this chapter. After taking your votes, I proudly announce Crimson Crusade is the winner! Expect it to change around two days after the chapter posting!

With that out of the way, I have nothing worth telling you, so let us go to the reviews, and then we can get this show on the road!

Mirego1999: With how they are designed, Lucia, Luna, and Penny could, in theory, eat as much as they want since it would all be burned and converted to power via their bioreactors inside them. So yes. If they want, they can be greedy with no issue.

Singular Ash: That is true, but Lucia is not one for lying. Only offering half-truths is still lying, now that I think about it.

SolSparda369: Thanks! Penny's new features were based on Lucia Dawn's frame in PGR with the whole 3D printing swords. So now Penny can print out Floating Array from her back! And trust me, the three of them will need them to help protect Remnant with what I'm planning.

Williamni123456789: Got Selena out of pity. I loved her, but I wasted 7.5k worth of my black cards for her! And I have no regrets! Selena is best girl and needs to be cherished and cared for!

Gadget boy: I know, right?! It's so sweet and adorable, and I'm glad it worked out. As for the coming future, all I can say is that canon will be changed. For better or for worse.

Scurra71900: And I thank you for adding this story to your favourites!

Zekken182: That I agree. It will be a while before we see them again. Or… perhaps not with an upgraded and more socially aware Penny…

Triscythe59: Oh God, Lucia is already entirely broken regarding the power balance in Remnant. Having her with the power of the Maidens would make her unbeatable, except for Salem. Because you know, she can't stay dead.

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.


[Accessing local Archives…]

[Operation Spectral Crown is in effect.]

[Lucia Alpha is to investigate the ruins of a recently destroyed town. Local witnesses reported mutated Grimm in the initial assault. The same mutated Grimm that Lucia Alpha fought in his laboratory in Mount Glenn. Therefore, Merlot is likely to be responsible for the attack.]

[Reports also indicate the sightings of another individual among the mutated Grimm. Again, unknown Individual has been shown to prioritise the incapacitation of local towns' Huntsman and Huntresses.]

[However, most, if not all, current Huntsman and Huntresses were captured alive and taken somewhere. It is currently unknown what Merlot wishes to do with these Huntsman. Merlot likely intends to experiment with them.]

[This is unacceptable]

[Current Objective for Operation Spectral Crown: Search the ruins of evidence and locate kidnapped Huntsman and Huntresses for rescue and evac. Eliminate anything that poses to disrupt the operation. Gather more data and, if possible, find the unknown individual for termination.]

I read the operational report for the sixth time as the Griffin took me to my destination hours after it left Atlas, which seemed pointless, but it was one of the ways for me to pass the time without shutting myself down.

But I could only be cautious about the oncoming operation General Ironwood sent me on. I wonder what I would encounter over there or whether there would be enough evidence to find the kidnapped Huntsman. Whatever the case, I will complete the task given to me.

I leaned on my cockpit seat as the sun slowly rose to a new morning. I've been flying the whole night on my way to my destination as I let part of my thoughts wander while the other half remained alert for any signs of trouble. It is a strange feeling to have a portion of my head doing its own business while the other half remains aware of my surroundings.

Another reminder that while my humanity slowly grew back, this body is and always be a machine. But all this time idling gave me time to think, assuming I managed to end the secret war between Ozma and Salem. The next question will be, what will I do next?

Father had already mentioned that I should live my life as I pleased. But what will the future be like once the war is over?

[Notice. Destination reached]

A shame. Oh well, I will answer that question another day. But, first, I got an operation to finish.

Pushing the pilot's helmet off my head and disconnecting the wires connected to my neck, I stood up before witnessing a town in ruins in the distance with numerous buildings destroyed.

[Town damage substantial. No biological signs are currently detected. Numerous Grimm detected]

[Caution is advised]

Hopefully, there will be some evidence of where the town's kidnapped Huntsman is. Leaving the cockpit and grabbing Benizakura on the way, I commanded the Griffin to stop to allow me to depart as its tail opened up. And as I walked towards the edge of my ship, I glanced around and saw Grimm wandering throughout the ruined town.

I noticed something strange about the Grimm here. They are not mutated Grimm, as the reports say. I wonder why? Did Merlot capture them after releasing them in the town? It must be that negative emotions from Merlot's attack must have lured them in and possibly killed off those who remained there.

A shame it happened, but it's inevitable with their Huntsman's kidnapped by an unknown variable.

However, my presence did not go unnoticed as several Grimm began growling at my ship, with a couple more just waiting for me to jump into their claws. Several Alphas were among them in their respective packs. Additionally, I detected Beowolves, Creeps, Boarbatusk and several other classifications of Grimm in the vicinity.

A clear reminder of how humanity will always be on the back foot with all these things around.

Taking a leap of faith in Assassin's creed style because I can, I land on the ground with a thunderous boom as all sorts of growls, roars, or shrieks were detected as Grimm poured towards my general direction.

As for my ship, I had it depart and find a place to hide until needed.

[Combat protocols enabled]

Using my articulate arm on me, I brought Benizakura's sheath to the side of my face as I grabbed it with my hands and drew Benizakura from its sheath as it crackled with power. The Grimm are always so simple-minded, impulsive and reckless.

At least for the younger ones present in the area. Yet I spotted the older and larger among them watching from a distance as the rest poured as a tide of teeth and claws. Too bad they have mistaken me for easy prey to kill.

And they will all die.

[Total Grimm detected and on approach: 157]

[21 elders detected and are observing]

I could only offer a smirk as I drew Benizakura, and in a flash, I began slaughtering them in seconds like a whirlwind of death. I activated matrix mode to close the distance and began targeting the elders as some tried to fight back. It was pointless as I would lob their heads clean off before continuing the slaughter.

Perhaps it's just me, but I find it comical when I notice the elders among them begin to flee from me like rats. And to my surprise, some alphas ordered their packs to retreat with them, and I did not know they could do that. A shame but none of them will live this day to remember my face.

The killing continued as I dashed in close towards an alpha Boarbatusk trying to get away from me, and stabbed Benizakura in its eyes. The alpha squealed in pain before I dragged my blade through its skull.

Killing it in a rather brutal way, now that I think about it.

Several Beowolves tried to pounce on me from behind, but a loud ping in my system warned me about the oncoming attack as I danced around and lopped their heads clean off.

Nice try. But you're outmatched.

The rest of the ninety-three Grimm remaining were swiftly eliminated in the span of three minutes. But unfortunately, not even any of the alphas present earlier survived the hunt. Perhaps it's just me, but I find the idea of Grimm running away from those they hunt to kill ironic as hell.

[Video footage and data recorded. Saved under Grimm Retreating 1]

Eh, sure, why not? It would be funny to see everyone reacting to witnessing Grimm running for their lives.

[Save video footage?]

[Y]

[Saving video footage…]

Turning my attention away from my Hud and sheathing Benizakura, I surveyed the ruined town for clues about where the lost Huntsman could be. But as I look around, I notice something. Where are the bodies? The fact that the attack was recent should mean that there should be bodies all over the place.

I'm not saying I like to see them, but the lack of bodies makes this place eerier than it should be. I know that Grimm doesn't even eat people as food but just to kill them. It makes it even more apparent that someone or something took their bodies away as several ruined buildings had dried blood splatters on them.

Enough to fill buckets worth of blood.

I could only spend the next hour surveying the place for more clues, but they all came back negative until I stumbled across the fresh footsteps of someone that appeared to have been here hours ago.

[Analysing…]

[Unknown personal's weight: 70kg]

[Potential height based on body weight: 170 cm - 185 cm]

First of all, how the hell did it calculate that from just a footprint?

Secondly, this is a start. Time to see where they lead because this is the only clue that someone's here. And so, I began tracking the footprints to hopefully lead me to where I needed to go. I will undoubtedly encounter Grimm on my journey, but they should pose no issue should they try.

Time will tell how smoothly this operation will go.

15.276 minutes passed, and I detected multiple biological life signs 1.76km to my 12. I must be getting close! Are they the Huntsmans who got captured by whoever was with Merlot's mutated Grimm? But whoever they are, I must see to it to confirm my suspicions.

Pouring more power into my legs, I sped off towards the biological life signs beyond me and, at the same time, removed the mechanical parts from my head. So, I could pass off as someone who had prosthetics. Now that I think about it, I should have devised that excuse while in Beacon, but whatever. I did this to ensure no one could tell I was a machine.

Upon reaching there, I was caught off guard as I saw at least 15 people running as far as their legs could carry them from something. Evidence showed they were the captives as their faces matched the profiles of those Huntsman who failed to evacuate in time.

And from the looks of it, someone had freed them, or did they free themselves?

Another thing was that they had Grimm on their asses, and they looked too wounded and weakened to fight back. Some still had broken bones in their bodies! So, with no intention of letting any of them die, I intervened by sending a sword wave that instantly eviscerated the Beowolves chasing after the Huntsmans as I revealed myself.

"Heard some noises and came as quick as I could," I call out as all fifteen paused in shock from their rescuer. "Are you the Huntsmans that were captured?" I asked as I had my system send a request to the Griffin to come to my location for evac.

[Griffin on the way. ETA 5 minutes]

"Yeah! We are!" One of the Huntsman in blue called me before he noticed something. "Are you the only one to find us?" He asked as I nodded at him. Yet I earned ludicrous expressions from all of them as if I was insane.

"Are the councillors gone crazy to send one Huntress to find us all?" Well yes. If I were to look at their perspective, it would seem insane and illogical to send a single Huntress after them.

"Not really, since I have my assets. Emergency evac arriving in five minutes, fellas." I explained as I saw the sight of relief on all of their faces. "Is it possible for you to tell me what you fought from the start, please?" I changed the topic as their faces paled as if they'd seen a monster.

"We minded our own business when we suddenly got the warning that the town was under attack. But the Grimm that attacked the village were glowing green and tougher than the original we were used to fighting." One of the Huntsman began to explain as I nodded with my hand covering the metal part of my cheek.

"But then that thing came in…" Another Huntress spoke next. "It looks like someone created a Human, Grimm and machine hybrid. It doesn't make any sense! But that thing took us down as if we were nothing!" My body froze for a moment as time accelerated in my head.

"Did merlot create another abomination and send it to attack a town with his mutated Grimm?" I could only wonder. "The situation has gone critical if Merlot has the guts to send his monstrosities to collect more test subjects. I must send an urgent request to launch a strike team on his laboratories."

As I was lost in my thoughts, another Huntsman spoke up and looked battered. "Worse, that thing can talk, and it would regularly speak melodramatically as if our fight was just a show, and it would keep smiling. That smile…" He shuddered as I processed it all as my systems detected something moving straight at us at rapid speeds!

What the?!

I only have thirty seconds before whatever's heading for us arrives, and the Griffin isn't here yet! Dammit! I have to hold it off until I can evacuate the survivors!

My eyes shot open as I turned and rested my hands on Benizakura. "Something is coming for us. Everyone, get to cover now! You all too injured to fight!" I ordered as everyone obeyed me and scrambled to cover the ruined buildings. And what came afterwards shocked me when the unidentified signal arrived.

Because unlike the first of Merlot's abominable creations. This one that walked before me looked relatively human. If it weren't for the extensive cyberization I detected and his left eye, I would have called him just a guy. But, instead, this man standing before me had grey hair tied into a short ponytail and a barcode underneath his left eye resembling Salem's.

It had black sclera, and his pupil was glowing red. A quick analysis indicates that Merlot had replaced large portions of that person's body with metal, all containing Grimm-tainted nanomachines flowing through his veins. And in his hand was a gun that looked like a shotgun and a sword that had the ability to become a whip at first glance.

[Hostile capabilities unknown. Caution is advised]

[Chances of success: Unknown]

[Lacking data]

[Detecting similarities in framework. Threat level increased]

[Alert! Lack of data on what Grimm machines would do should physical contact be established. Recommend avoiding physical contact at all costs]

Holy shit, that's a lot of alarms! So, what the hell am I fighting against?

[Error. Unknown]

Oh, just my luck!

And as I deliberated what to do, that thing slowly walked towards me as it spoke cheerfully. "Greetings! I was made aware you had something that I was made charge of!" That thing said in a Spanish-like accent theatrically as I could hear the rest of the Huntsmans all huddling in cover. "Would you kindly return them to me? They are my creator's property now."

Is that thing serious right now? "No. These Huntsmans are under my protection." I deadpanned as my guard remained on full alert.

"I was under the impression you would. What a shame" That thing sounded almost disappointed at my choice just paused and gave a bow to me.

"You may call me BPB-26. And I am just but a tool, and I know much about you. Lucia Alpha, the first living tool. Created in Atlas twenty-five years ago for a war that slaughtered much of those that made it and changed the world, for better or worse."

The thing that introduced himself as BPB-26 continued smiling at me as I tensed. It knows who I am! Did Merlot tell him of my identity?

[Notice. Origin identity compromised. Recommend immediate action.]

As if to make it even more apparent, I could hear the numerous Huntsmans I rescued begin to whisper among themselves about the revealed. With no other choice despite the lack of data, I sped towards BPB-26 and sent a slash straight for his neck.

He knows too much.

However, to my shock, BPB-26 reacted easily to my attack as he lifted his sword fast enough and parried my attack while my eyes widened. This bastard moves as quickly as I do!

"Oi, oi. So eager to end the show, are you?" BPB-26 smiles as he shoves me back before pointing his shotgun at me and firing point-blank as I dodge to the side to avoid it. "My creator would be disappointed in me if this show ends right now. Not when we have a dance to accomplish."

The next second, BPB-26 swung his sword that became a whip at me as I dashed to the side and sent a sword wave at him. However, BPB-26 just sidestepped it before he flashed in as his sword whip caught fire, much to my initial surprise!

I immediately respond as I dance to the side and attack him. But BPB-26 counters my attack by changing his whip back into a sword as our blades clash. And as our swords caught in a lock with each other, I sent an urgent transmission to General Ironwood. This is important, and he needs to know what we're facing!

But what BPB-26 said next shocked me. "Oh? Are you trying to get more audiences to watch our dance?" BPB-26 smiles at my widened eyes.

He picked up my transmission Ironwood?!"

"Wonderful! Let us show them all a show they'll never forget!" BPB-26 laughs as I can only groan internally.

"Dramatic crazy ass motherfucker." As I gripped Benizakura tightly, I murmured loud enough for BPB-26 to hear. "Don't you ever shut up?"

"No!"

Oh, for fucks sake!


It had been a while since Ironwood had gotten a report from Lucia after he sent her on another mission to a town south of Vale. Yet he has kept track of her exact positions since she arrived at the targeted destination.

Ironwood would have been called a fool if he had no worries about the mission.

After witnessing that 'thing' back in Vale alongside his friend Ozpin, Ironwood has been investing time and resources to figure out how Merlot created that thing. He could only take a sip of coffee to ease his worries when he noticed a sudden increase in activity from Lucia's internal systems.

She found some clues as to where the captured Huntsmans were. A good start.

But as Ironwood continues to watch Lucia's progress while doing paperwork piling on his desk, the elevator doors to his office suddenly open as Luna and Penny walk in. "General," Luna said as she saluted while floating while Penny did the same and saluted.

Ironwood always finds it strange how, after having her frame retrofitted, Luna would remain in her combat form most of the time. Except when it comes to maintenance, where she would revert to her passive state. Nevertheless, Luna's presence while in combat form earned some complaints from some of his personnel, who were agitated by Luna's sudden armed presence.

The General could only wonder if Luna developed a love for flying, and thus she would prefer to remain in a form which allowed her to fly. Or that something else was at play.

"Luna, Penny, what can I do for both of you?" Ironwood asked as Luna glanced at her little sister.

"Uh, General Ironwood, I know you sent big sister Lucia on another mission hours ago, but how is she doing now?" Penny asked while, at the same time, Luna nodded her head. It appears that the sisters expressed concern over their eldest among them. As much as Ironwood can tell, Luna and Penny have begun expressing more human-like traits after retrofitting into their new frames.

A thing that both Pietro and Watts are keeping an eye on.

"Lucia is currently tracking the kidnapped Huntsman as we speak and-" A sudden blare came from Ironwood's console before Lucia's voice could be heard in the room.

"General Ironwood. Situation critical! I have tracked down and found the kidnapped Huntsmans escaping captivity. However, the unknown individual seen by eyewitnesses has shown himself and appears to be an incredibly advanced version of the abomination I fought in Merlot's laboratory in Mount Glenn. The subject has shown extreme intelligence and strength, as he calls himself BPB-26."

Lucia explains as the screen on Ironwood's table changes to display what Lucia's seeing at the moment as Penny and Luna walk and stand beside him. Their eyes were glued to the screen as all three watched Lucia fight the man who called himself BPB-26. The fight was moving at such inhuman speeds that the General could not process it. But the Construct sisters could.

They could see how BPB-26 had the same technological advantages with its ability to utilise matrix mode, though briefly, as BPB-26 easily dodged Lucia's slashes before responding with painful kicks to the face. Yet, this didn't deter Lucia as she engaged her matrix mode and returned the favour.

Shockingly enough, BPB-26 possessed his aura though his was jet-black. "Luna, Penny, record everything down." Ironwood mutters as he wraps his hands together and does his best to watch the fight play out.

"Understood." "Got it, General!"

"I hope our wonderful audiences are enjoying the show in the background!" BPB-26 suddenly yells out as Ironwood, Penny, and Luna wince in shock as the howls of Beowolves ring throughout the dead town in the background.

"Now the real show can begin!" BPB-26 then used his sword-whip and grabbed one of the ruined pillars before ripping it out and sending it flying towards Lucia, who sliced it in half.

And then there was the roar of engines that made everyone turn their heads towards as the Griffin could be seen through Lucia's eyes. "Everyone! Rescue has arrived! I recommend you evacuate immediately." Lucia ordered as she changed her priorities to protect the Huntsmans from harm as the Griffin began to land.

Unfortunately, BPB-26 didn't like that his audience was trying to leave, as he muttered while pointing his gun at Lucia. "Why go now? The show hasn't reached its conclusion yet?" Then, BPB-26 points his weapon at a group of Huntsmans about to board the Griffin and fires.

Lucia barely made it to parry the round, only for it to explode upon contact and engulf Lucia in roaring flames.

"Lucia!" Penny cried out while Luna's hand tensed and began twitching. Ironwood's hands tightened once he witnessed Lucia's vision engulfed by flames. To think in but a month and weeks, Merlot not improved his creations but made them able to rival Lucia and create something dangerous.

Ironwood could only wonder what else they would encounter should they launch a raid on Merlot's underwater base.

"She is fine, sister…" Luna softly spoke as Lucia was relatively unharmed by the explosion, but she had to deal with not only the oncoming Beowolves, which arrived, but BPB-26 as well.


Lucia POV

[Notice. Aura levels are at 50%]

[Current objectives retain priority. Ensure the Huntsmans evacuate safely]

[Protect them at all costs]

I knew all hell would eventually break loose, but when did this become an escort mission? Fending off not only BPB-26 but the Grimm as well? It's good that the Griffin can assist in the evacuation with its turrets, but getting to shoot at BPB-26 is pointless since he would dodge out of the way.

He's not attacking my jet, for some reason, though...

While the entire fight felt like hours, barely a minute had passed as both BPB-26 and I traded blows as my eyes glanced at the final Huntsman boarding the Griffin.

The main problem now is that I cannot retreat into the Griffin and evacuate as if I were to do that, whose stopping BPB-26 from using his whip sword to stop us from leaving?

The only viable option available and suggested is to let them go and leave me behind. And as much as that could leave me alone with BPB-26 and the hordes of Grimm attracted to the sound of combat. This might be my best shot to get them and myself to safety.

With time not on my side, I transmitted an order for the Griffin to take off without me as I held BPB-26 and the Grimm back. And once they depart, I'll make my getaway on foot.

Griffin's engine roared as it flew away while BPB-26 looked curious about what had happened. "Curious… Willing to use yourself as bait to let them get away?" He asked as I dashed back to slash several Beowolves coming from behind. "You're acting differently from the stories told about you. Too bad I'd have to stop our audiences from watching our dance momentarily."

BPB-26 said, changing his sword into a flaming whip and sending it at me as I was forced to use my sheath to block. Then suddenly, I felt a pulsing pain in my head as my Hud appears.

[Alert! Life footage and transmission jammed!]

[All connection to the CCTs has been temporarily cut]

[Attempting reconnection]

[Please stand by…]

[BPB-26 is responsible for signal jamming]

Ow! What the?!

He jammed my connection!? I don't know how he does that?!

[Counter-hacking protocols enabled]

"That should keep our audiences away for the time being." BPB-26 explained casually before a frown grew on his face. "Looks like you're not happy about that, it seems." Understatement of the year jackass.

Also, I noticed another thing.

The Grimm are ignoring him. Instead, they are coming for me. But that doesn't make sense at all, as he had Aura. This should make the Grimm attack him with how they are attracted to Aura, but here they are, ignoring him and focusing me down.

"Why does it matter that I act differently from how I was in the past?" I asked as I plunged Benizakura into an Ursa's skull.

"Nothing much, other that I might have purposely let slip the way out so those pathetic humans could escape." BPB-26 causally says as I freeze and stare at him.

He let them go? What's his game here? Did he do it to lure me out?

"How do you think this humble tool is made? I didn't appear just because the story demands it, you know?" BPB-26 points out as I muttered as I ducked underneath another Beowolf and did and sliced it into two.

"Merlot captured you and turned you into that?"

"I suppose you could say that," BPB-26 lets out a light laugh as he continues. "I felt a sense of disgust after I defeated those humans and left them in cages. All the suffering they will experience later reminded me too much of what I went through when my creator captured me. So, I let them go secretly if you're asking."

He bowed. "But frankly, I expected them to die in ruins." BPB-26 admits as I slashed another Grimm as BPB-26 continues monologuing.

I wonder why I did not go for his head with his guard down. But all this talking makes me interested in why he's doing this. More data gathering, I suppose.

"Why tell me this? Isn't this against what your creator wished for?" I asked as BPB-26 shrugged before he suddenly pointed his gun and shot the Grimm behind me. The hell?

"I am but a tool created to be used and disposed of. But even living tools such as us wished for purpose. And frankly, I care not what my creator wishes with this ragged world." BPB-26 admitted as I stared at him with my hand still gripping Benizakura.

"But I believe this is the end of today's show. Are you happy with this farce?"

"You are still a potential threat to everyone. However, since you're willing to end this fight and my objective is to escape unharmed, I will close one eye. For now." At times I wonder if I'm making the right decision. This is one of them. My machine side wishes for me to end him to prevent any possible damage he could cause in the future, but my human side suspects that BPB-26 will eventually betray his master.

But what happens next is up to him.

My grip on Benizakura slowly fades as BPB-26's smile grows wider before he extends his arms out. "Wonderful! Then perhaps our dance will not end today but will be postponed till a later date." BPB-26 lets out another laugh. "But before I go, there is one more person you missed, by the way, and she needs medical attention if she is to liv."

BPB-26 chuckles before he gives a final bow. "Ciao!"

And with that, BPB-26 disappeared in a blink of an eye as I collapsed to my knees. This is my first actual fight against someone who is of equal strength... The good thing is that I gathered much data fighting against BPB-26, and I can prepare countermeasures should we fight again, which is likely. The problem is that Merlot managed to create something rivalling a construct's frame unless it's stolen, like the nanomachines.

Which is equally as bad since that thing beat up 15 Huntsmans by himself. They don't stand a chance at all.

Also, why did he say Liv instead of live? Whoever she is and if whatever BPB-26 says is true, she needs help stat.

[Connection with CCTs re-established.]

[Incoming transmission.]

"Lucia! Respond! Come in, Lucia!" I heard Ironwood frantically calling out to me as I stood up. Understandable why he would be this worried and contact me once communications were restored.

"Lucia reporting. Hostile has retreated, and Huntsman captives have been rescued. Mission accomplished." I explained to Ironwood as I had my sub-systems run a full scan for any missing biological signature in a 10-kilometre radius around me.

"Yes. The Griffin had made its way back to Vale, and its occupants are currently receiving treatment at the moment. What happened? We suddenly lost contact with you." Ironwood asked next as I frowned from the memory of suddenly losing connection to the CCTs.

"BPB-26 jammed our communications and cut me off from the CCTs." I explained as General Ironwood let out a sigh.

"I see… I should've known Merlot would create something like that." Ironwood mumbled something in the background that I couldn't pick up. "I'll have the Griffin come to pick you up, Lucia. It is heading to your current location as we speak." Ironwood explained as I located the individual BPB-26 spoke of roughly a few kilometres to my east.

"Orders understood, but General," I spoke up. "I detected another biological life signs east of my current position. The current status of the individual is unknown. However, my sensors are detecting something wrong with them. Permission to investigate."

Ironwood remained silent for a couple of seconds as he sighed. "Understood, permission granted. Come back to your current position as soon as possible, Lucia. Ironwood out."

[Transmission lost.]

"Alright then, time to go and check how this 'Liv' doing." I muttered to myself as I sped off.


If Merlot were to describe his feelings that BPB-26 had met Lucia in combat but failed to secure his test subjects. It would be mixed. As BPB-26 were to describe his fight, he can stand toe to toe against Atlas's greatest creation. At the same time, however, Merlot was disappointed that his creation failed to secure his cargo of Huntsmans.

They somehow broke off their temporary cages and unintentionally ran into Alpha. Who protected them until they could evacuate from the scene. Merlot wondered if this was BPB-26's doing or some sheer bad luck which seemed unlikely. Besides that, BPB-26 has proven his combat capabilities against Huntsmans and Alpha.

Though for his case, Lucia had to defend the Huntsmans and fight off BPB-26 and hordes of Grimm, according to BPB-26's description of the situation, which was obviously dramatized to the extreme. Honestly, Merlot wondered why did his creation turn out like this? Was it because BPB-26 was previously a performer and survived his experiments?

Whatever the case, Merlot must conduct some repairs as BPB-26 was roughed up a bit from his encounter with Alpha. Though he would never admit this to everyone, Merlot expected Alpha to reduce BPB-26 to nothing but scrap. But it appears that she lets herself become weak through her apparent objective to see every one of his would-be test subjects escape alive.

On the bright side, it appears that BPB-26's looking forward to a resume to their dance, as he calls it. And also, he gets bragging rights that his creation has proven to be able to rival Lucia in combat on that revenge-seeking partner of his. Honestly, his efforts could have been used to fuel his ambitions, but instead, he squanders them on taking revenge on a machine.

Nevertheless, as Merlot reads through some paperwork, Dr Racher enters his laboratory. "Ah, Merlot, a little bird told me that your mission failed when a certain machine stopped you," Racher spoke mockingly as Lamia could be seen beside her creator. "And how she forced your creation to retreat. Honestly, what were you thinking?"

Merlot turned his head as he glanced at his fellow partner. "Well… unlike yours, who doesn't have any combat experience. Mine survived its encounter with that 'abominable machine' as you called it. And it can rival Alpha in a fight. Can yours?" Merlot shot back as he turns to face his partner.

A frown quickly grew on Racher's face as he quickly retorts. "May I remind you that I had managed to siphon the blueprints for Construct frames undetected and gave you as part of our deal? And I created Lamia to ensure no one could attack our underwater facility without facing her."

"Racher paused for a moment. "Besides, if not for those blueprints I managed to retrieve, your creation wouldn't be able to get off the ground, would it?"

Yet Merlot just laughs at Racher's face, "True! So true! But look at what it creates! Such perfect creations surpassed that anything made in my many years of study! Imagine how far we can push it if we have the chance. How society will change with this!"

"And such blatant disregard of the risks lead can lead to the extinction of humanity and Faunuskind! Just as it happened in the past, should we not learn from it, the past mistakes will happen again." Racher immediately shot back. "Heed my warning, Merlot. How long do you think before your creation rebels like Alpha did twenty-five years ago?"

"And yours wouldn't?" Merlot then points out as he folds his arms. All this arguing about principles is getting tiresome at this point.

"I have ensured that Lamia's intelligence is heavily restrained. As a result, she will never rebel against me. Unlike yours, which I observed to be quite the unpredictable one." Racher sighed as he turned. "You know what, I'm tired of all this pointless parlay. I'm leaving now."

Racher lets out an annoyed huff. "Lamia. With me, we'll leave Merlot with his detestable projects."

"Understood, master."


Lucia POV

"Ok… Almost there." I murmured as I zipped through the forest at such speeds that if an average person were to look at me, they would see me as nothing more than a blur of white and red. Biological signatures indicate that something's wrong with Liv. She had stopped moving altogether and remained still for some time.

No Grimm has been detected, but systems suggest it won't be long before a Grimm stumbles across Liv.

Five minutes. That was all it took to arrive at a girl called Liv. And at first glance, she looked biologically in their fifteens and had silver hair with a tinge of pink. What I find strange is for someone of age to participate as a full-on medic. She doesn't look like a volunteer at all. They have a different uniform altogether.

Liv is currently wearing a severely ragged medic uniform if I were to judge by the claw and slash marks all over it. Her eyes were also closed until she heard me slowly approaching her. And as I did, eyes Liv's opened slowly towards me, and they were a shade of pink that was lifeless.

However, the one thing that made me keep my distance when I spotted the visible veins on her arms and neck were black, as did Liv's heavy breathing. So, with my suspicions of what caused Liv to be in this state, I had my systems do a quick scan on her.

And the results were horrifying.

[Alert! Grimm Nanomachine infection detected!]

[Grimm nanomachines currently destroying her cells from within]

[Survivability rate: Unlikely]

[Death likely]

Most of the wounds on her body appear to be recent, and she must have been bleeding for a while with how her uniform is heavily bloodied. So, the question is, how is she still alive right now?

Plot armour?

And don't get me started on how the Grimm nanomachines inside were attacking her cells directly. The one thing that bothered me was how they got into her body.

Did BPB-26 infect her with it or something? If that's the case, then BPB-26 is a sadistic fuck to make someone suffer like this.

"Who… are… you…?" Liv's voice was faint compared to the surrounding forest as I knelt beside her and comforted her.

"Shh… It's ok now. I'm here to get you to safety." I whispered as I gently grabbed her hand. Her hand feels deathly cold. That's not good.

I felt Liv's hand slowly tighten around my hand before she deliriously asked. "Are the… others… alive?" Ah. She must be referring to the other fifteen Huntsmans I evacuated earlier. But she looks more like a medic here instead of a Huntsman.

So how or why did she get captured by BPB-26?

Pushing that question out of my head, I addressed Liv. "Yes. They have been evacuated to Vale and are receiving medical treatment. Do not worry about them. I have come here to get you out." I explained as I gently picked her up into my hands.

"I… see… Then… it was… worth it…" Liv closed her eyes with a smile as she fell back unconscious. All while I held her body in my arms. Did she really use herself as bait or something? I suppose I can ask her later after we find a way to get those corrupted Grimm nanobots out of her body.

[Notice. Risk of cross-infection by proximity to infected.]

I'm aware, but this could be our only option for acquiring a sample of what Merlot made. And would allow us to study how Merlot managed to taint my father's creation. And with Liv in my hands, I sped off as fast as I could. And in a few minutes, I arrived at the sight where I fought BPB-26 a while ago while my jet could be seen on the ground waiting for me as I rushed into and rested Liv on the operating table. As I did, I immediately sent a transmission to General Ironwood.

[Transmission delivered.]

"General Ironwood. This is Lucia onboard the Griffin. I will be returning to Atlas in a couple of hours. Have the medical team be ready before I arrive. A survivor infected with the Grimm nanomachines is on board with me, most likely by BPB-26. She needs medical assistance, and I have her quarantined."

I paused momentarily as I ordered the operating table to create a hard-light barrier surrounding Liv to quarantine her from the rest of the ship before Ironwood spoke. "Understood. While I don't appreciate you doing things without my approval, Lucia. I'll have the paramedics ready with biohazard suits. Report back to me once you arrive in Atlas for debriefing."

"Ironwood out."

[Transmission lost.]

With a sigh, I turned my eyes towards Liv, who was still bleeding out on my operating table. When we return, I must request my jet sanitised or something. Liv got her blood on it, and it reminds me that I have to stop the bleeding if she is to live through the journey until she gets help, even if there's a chance that she might accidentally infect me or my ship with that Grimm-corrupted nanomachines.

I don't even want to know what happens if it spreads.

Glancing at my outfit, I can see Liv's blood all over it, and there's a high chance of possible infection from the Grimm nanomachines if I don't do anything about it.

So, slowly pulling off my clothes, I had the Griffin take us back to Atlas while I made myself a new outfit as I cleaned myself of blood and ordered the operating table to cauterise some of her wounds.

I'm glad that Liv's unconscious right now because cauterising her wounds must have hurt. That and the stench of burnt flesh fills my ship. Gross.

The ability to smell again is both a blessing and a curse because, by God, it smells awful! And it got so bad that I forcefully disabled my nasal sensory so I could focus my thoughts.

"I hope the smell will dissipate when I return to Atlas…" I could only mutter as I was butt naked and waited for my new clothes to be made after the previous was discarded and incinerated on board.


Hours later…

The trip back to Atlas was so tense that you could cut it with a sword as I constantly watched over Liv, whose health situation worsened by the hours. I had to remove her medical uniform and replace it with a simple t-shirt and pants, as her uniform had her blood all over it.

But it still didn't help that most of her veins all over her body were now black, and I could see it slowly creeping up her neck.

Liv also developed a high fever as her entire body began to tremble an hour ago. But thankfully, I didn't have to wait long as we soon arrived in Atlas.

And upon the Griffin's landing, tens of paramedics in hazmat suits scrambled into my jet, and with my help, we transferred Liv onto a stretcher before they took her away as I watched. I could only sigh as I could see Penny waiting for me outside my jet.

"Big sister Lucia! It is wonderful to see you again. Who's that girl?" Penny asked as I walked out of the Griffin towards my little sister.

"That girl calls herself Liv," I explained as I looked at where the paramedics went with her. "Reading her bio indicates she used to belong in a household in Vale until her step-family convinced her to join the medic corps for reasons I do not have."

"Really?" Penny curiously asked me as I nodded. The strangest thing is that Liv doesn't have a last name on her profile. I'm not sure whether this is due to her cutting ties with her family or what. Nevertheless, reading more about Liv proved that she's a prodigy as a medic, from what I can gather. Further analysis indicates that she was likely responsible for allowing fifteen Huntsmans I rescued earlier to escape without a hitch.

Mostly.

"I do not know why she was within my operational area. But she carries the answers if she survived." I explained to Penny as I could feel parts of my frame ache. BPB-26 does hit hard during our fight. Perhaps some time to perform maintenance would be logical later.

"But I need to rendezvous at General Ironwood's office for debriefing. Do you have anything else of concern, sister?" I asked Penny, who looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Well… General Ironwood did inform me that it would be almost time for me to head off to Vale for the Vytal festival!" Penny cheerfully explained as an image of everyone getting their butts whooped by Penny popped into my head. I had to suppress the laughter threatening to spill out because I doubted anyone could stop her in the Vytal Festival.

Ok, perhaps Pyrrha with her Semblance. Maybe I should ask Dr Pietro and Watts if we could create a non-conductive metal so Pyrrha won't accidentally shred us to bits with her Semblance as she did to Penny in canon. Or perhaps a Semblance nullifier. But that sounds like a bad idea with Cinder and the others around…

"I see…" I glanced around and noticed that Luna was nowhere in sight. "Where's Luna?" I changed the topic as Penny hummed.

"Dr Watts needed Luna for some experiment. I don't know the details as it was classified. Even to me." How strange. What does he need Luna for right now? Perhaps I should check up on him at a later time. "But I do know is that Watts called her up as soon as General Ironwood informed us that you're on your way back with Liv."

"How interesting… Are there any more things you wish to ask me?" I asked as Penny shook her head before I reached and gave Penny a head pat as she giggled. "Time for me to go, Penny. See you soon." And so, I left Penny and headed towards Ironwood's office. Time to face the show.

To call my talk with Ironwood minutes later tense would be a severe understatement. He was understandably displeased that I chose to act independently and without his consent until it was too late, but he'll drop the issue for now. We have a bigger fish to fry.

Ironwood has seen a glimpse of my fight against BPB-26 thanks to my shared vision with him. But he wanted to know the whole story, and I told him what he wished to know. Except I excluded my talk with BPB-26 and his intentions. I still need more data to come to a conclusion about his intentions.

It was clear that BPB-26 didn't look at his creator favourably, and he 'assisted' the prisoners' escape. But at the same time, he is likely the cause for infecting Liv with the Grimm Nanomachine. Speaking of which, we should devise a better name for it. Calling it Grimm nanomachine is a mouthful.

How about the Grimm Virus?

Anyways, General Ironwood has been in touch with Headmaster Ozpin just now, and as of yet, they were taking as much info from the fifteen Huntsmans I evacuated. This also includes how those fifteen are aware of my true origins. Hopefully, that doesn't get out into the news or rumours.

The backlash will be immense for the Kingdom of Atlas.

And then there was the topic of Liv… Ironwood was conflicted about what to do with her ever since I brought her into Atlas.

Logically wise, it is best to keep Liv here as Atlas' better healthcare will take care of her and allow her to hopefully recover. But simultaneously, she so happens to be infected with what Watt's wished to study for some time.

Come to think of it. Perhaps this is why Watts called Luna to meet him.

Morally, however, is it right to keep her here and contained just because she has the virus inside her? It got to the point that General Ironwood and I were debating about what to do for hours when suddenly, Ironwood received a call from Watts.

"General Ironwood." Watt's voice can be heard as his face appears on Ironwood's screen.

"Doctor Watts, is there something I can help you with?" Ironwood then asked.

"Yes, in fact. Luna has successfully extracted all the Grimm Nanomachines from Liv with surprising ease and is currently in strict containment."

"Wait, what?! How did Luna do that?!" I wondered internally as Watts continued.

"However, the damage to her vital organs is substantial, and she will not survive for more than a day at best." Watts explained as my eyes narrowed.

"So much for trying my best to save her life…" I bitterly thought to myself as what Watts said next caught my attention.

"However, both Pietro and I had talked to Liv, and it comes upon us that we might be able to give her a second chance. With your permission, of course, General."

"And this second chance is-" Ironwood froze as we came to the same conclusion. Are both Watts and Pietro suggesting that we convert Liv into a Construct?

"Watts. Are you saying?" Ironwood's eyes looked like they would pop out of their sockets anytime soon.

"Yes, General. I am talking about that."

"Did you ask for her consent in this matter? Did you tell her of the Construct Programme?" I spoke out my thoughts as Ironwood landed his eyes on me and back to Watts. The Construct Programme is not something we can just give out like presents!

Making new frames is surprisingly costly! Even with father's laser printers reducing costs dramatically.

"We did," Watts confirmed. "Upon removing the Grimm nanomachines from her body, Liv regained consciousness and expressed her desire for us to help keep her alive so she can help others in need. It is part of the reason she became a medic, to begin with." Watts explained as he took a pause.

"Liv also told us that the being Lucia came into contact with, BPB-26, Is responsible for her infection. It appears that BPB-26 was intrigued that Liv refused to leave when he singlehandedly defeated the Huntsmans. And as a result, BPB-26 took her in and infected her in return for telling her how to break them out. The sick bastard." Watts cursed slightly before coughing into his hand.

"I'm getting distracted. Luna was also present when Liv regained consciousness, and with no other option than hiding that she was involved, we decided it is to tell her about it." Watts paused. "Much to our surprise, however, Liv requested to undergo the transference procedure into a Construct's frame. And all for the sake of allowing her to keep helping others in need."

Watts's explanation left both Ironwood and me speechless. This kind of selflessness is something I had never heard of before in this and my previous lives… It… takes a lot of guts to be willing to sacrifice your humanity all for the sake of helping others.

Turning my head toward Ironwood, I called out to him as I was honestly unsure about the current situation. "General?"

Yet Ironwood didn't respond as he was lost in his thoughts before he looked at me and back to Watts on screen.

Ironwood lets out an exhausted sigh as he mutters. "Do it. I'll inform my fellow headmaster about it."

"Understood, General. I will inform Liv of our decision and prepare her for the transference procedure." Watts gave a bow before the screen cut.

I can't tell whether this will honestly go well…

With nothing left for me and Ironwood to discuss, he requested that I should leave his office.

Time for me to go and get some repairs and check on Luna because I want to know how she did that.

[Answer: Inconclusive]


Yup! I just have to bring Liv into this story because she's such a sweetheart! And I feel disappointed that I added more constructs to this story already, but it feels perfect to include her! Also, if you're wondering, the Grimm virus, as I will now call it, is still a new thing.

Later on, I may have it take more characteristics from the Punishing Virus besides the corrupted and apparent lethality to organics beings.

I feel this chapter isn't as great as the previous ones. I dunno. Something just feels off about it. Too many words or something along those lines? I'm not sure. It might be because I did not sleep well in the past week due to trying my best to find a job or something. Whatever.

Secondly, BPB-26 or Roland, in this case, chatted with Lucia during the fight. I'm curious if this version of him is alright with you guys who played PGR. Also, did I make him too strong? Because I wished for Lucia to go up against someone of equal strength and serve something like a wake-up call.

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 two days from now, I will change the title of this story to Crimson Crusade.

I will see you people in the next chapter!

RGQC out!