Atonement VI: Part 1

"The gift of knowledge must be tempered with wisdom. Otherwise, you risk becoming destroyed by your own hubris."

Ansem Schnee's Report
Subject: Semblance

For the past month, I have engaged in a series of tests regarding the evolution of Semblances. It started with the Ace-Ops under the personal command of General Ironwood, beginning with Miss Harriet Bree and Miss Elm Ederne first for their unique Semblances. Miss Bree's competitive nature made it easy to convince her in engaging in this test and even more so when I presented a challenge to her of running around all the city of Mantle, just outside the outer walls. When she was not on a mission, she would take up my test and run around Mantle as fast as she could for as long as she could.

Miss Bree's Semblance has the highest record of speed-based Semblances on Remnant which is an impressive feat. The question is if she can push beyond her limits and move even faster than thought possible. Drones monitoring her have shown a slight increase in speed, no doubt from the constant training and her record for running around the entirety of Mantle has increased from eight to ten full times before she reaches her limit and becomes tired. So far, nothing similar to what I would call a Limit: Break but there is progress.

Miss Ederne on the other hand has managed to walk up a fall wall and halfway across the ceiling before losing control. Given her straight forward nature, I surmise it is difficult to be concentrating so much when she primarily uses her Semblance for keeping herself stationary. This new brand of focus is likely coming from the support of her fellow Ace-Operative Vine Zeki. His Aura Vine Semblance is somewhat basic but that's what makes it so versatile for attacking, defending, movement and utility.

Therefore, I am proposing a test for Mr. Zeki next, seeing how his Semblance can possibly evolve and possible anything similar to a Limit Break. However, I fear soon I will have to try a different approach as I have learned the evolution of a Semblance is not just based on physical training, but also psychological stress. It is not intention to cause harm, but I also must consider in the world we live in, it might be necessary to give its warriors a push in the right direction.

I only hope this does not lead to past mistakes being repeated.

Xxx

"Why exactly are you wasting your time in this matter?"

Ansem the Wise was doing a routine check on the main power generator for Mantle. A form of revolutionary technology but in reality, it was actually the very same source of power that had been built in his original home, Radiant Garden. The reactor was powered by the constant flow of water from the ice processing and water treatment facility on the far edge of Mantle. The city's water supply came from ice that was extracted from the cold arctic lands the kingdom rest in, pumped into the water supply and treated before entering the city.

The hydro reactor would take the reactor and provide power while the water was dispersed all throughout the city, providing fresh and clean water for all.

"Studying the evolution of Semblances. Seems rather below a man of your stature, Ansem." The man next to him mused.

This was Arthur Watts.

Another genius to live in the Kingdom of Atlas and someone who has made a name for himself. While Ansem developed the water treatment and purification system and the hydro-reactor, Watts designed Mantle's security system, environmental Dust controls and was a contender for creating the newest weapon to defend Atlas.

A brilliant man but an arrogant one as Ansem had come to know.

"Arthur, you know as well I do that the Huntsmen have been Remnant's primary line of defense against the Grimm but we know so little of how Aura came to be other than it gives us the power to fight and even defeat the Grimm and a Semblance is born from that Aura. A projection of the soul." Ansem looked over the latest report on Mantle's hydro-reactor and was pleased to see it was working perfectly. "If we learn more about it, perhaps we can learn if there are ways to evolve simply beyond what has been only a defense mechanism against the Grimm."

"How funny you should say that while I and the rest of this kingdom's scientists are working on projects to actually defend this kingdom." Arthur rolled his eyes as he followed Ansem down the hallway. "Of course, you and that charlatan Polendina would display the same interest in Aura."

"Aura is a form of energy which has been proven to be true, Arthur. Why should the idea of transferring that energy be so confusing to you?" Ansem asked calmly.

"Confusing?" Arthur's eyes flared. "There's nothing confusing about it! It's pure science fiction!"

Seeing his temper causing workers passing by to look at him, Arthur took a deep breath to calm himself down.

It wasn't that he considered Ansem to be a fool. In fact, he was very interested in the man's works such as the hydro-reactor and the many other ideas he had come up with that were advancing both Mantle and Atlas.

Water as a source of power instead of Dust?

Watts would have laughed his head off at the concept, but he had been proven wrong when Ansem not only presented his idea to General Ironwood but even allowed Mantle to be the testing ground. With the ice brought in, melted and pumped through the Water Purification Station, an unlimited source of power had been provided to Mantle along with clean water. Arthur and Ansem were actually fellow scientists and students at the Atlas Military University, having several doctorates in computer science, mechanical engineering, anatomical engineering, and security systems to go their diplomas and Arthur had a somewhat grudging respect for Ansem, especially since Ansem is the head of the Schnee Dust Company and has the resources to fund any project in Atlas.

Except military.

Ansem had made it clear he would not fund any military projects in any way.

"The fact is, Ansem you are pursuing this crazy theory of Semblances evolving into something more powerful than any form of weaponry on the planet. Yes, Semblances evolve but nothing has ever proved this 'Limit Break' theory of yours." Arthur continued once he had calmed down.

"Perhaps because no one believed in pursuing such an idea before." Ansem mused. "We know the soul exists thanks to the presence of Aura. We know that one's Aura can be strengthened and even increased even if it is somewhat impractical and can be used to enhance the effectiveness of their weapons. But we don't know for sure what the exact limits are and if those limits can be broken like my theory suggests."

"I am sure that would come in handy for the armies of Grimm or even Atlesian Paladins that could easily take down one man." Arthur rolled his eyes.

"You sound confident that the General will pick your project, Arthur." Ansem noted as they stepped into an elevator.

"Considering I practically built Atlas and its military from the ground up, James would be smart enough to know who to back." Arthur said confidently.

Ansem had to suppress the urge to sigh in exasperation of Arthur's confidence or rather his arrogance. While Arthur Watts was indeed a genius, he had an enormous ego that made him a rather difficult person to interact with.

"Arthur, as your friend I must caution you on your confidence. While your contributions are noteworthy you are not the only scientist in Atlas." Ansem as the elevator took them up from the sub-basement.

"I am the only who seems to be actually doing any work." Arthur retorted. "Perhaps if you funded us a little more, we could have finished a great deal by now."

"I do not believe a strong military of soulless machines is the only answer to keeping our homes safe." Ansem calmly rebuked.

"And yet they are able to fight longer than ordinary beings, won't get tired and much more durable. The Paladins are the next step in revolutionizing how we can fight on the battlefield and save lives." Arthur pointed out.

"An army with no loyalty, no spirit, only programming can be more susceptible to corruption than even an ordinary man. A simple change in their programming and the so-called next generation of soldiers would be easy to defeat with a simple flick of the switch." Ansem remarked as the door opened.

This was how it was between the two.

Arthur Watts and Ansem Schnee were both brilliant men, but they were also philosophically different from each other to the point their conversations ended in almost heated debates. Arthur was a man of science, always studying any new topics that popped up and even though he had unlocked his Aura due to working out on the field he has never bothered to unlock his Semblance, believing his time was better spent on his research. Ansem also believed in science but also believed that with wisdom was just as important as the knowledge of science, choosing to delve into the studies of the heart and the soul of human being, believing the key source of strength they needed to defend their worlds was located in both of them as well as the human mind.

Hence why Ansem sought to study the evolution of Semblances, looking to see if any of them would reach the form of this 'Limit Break' and become something else entirely than what they had originally been.

"Then it's a good thing no one will be smart enough to know how to do." Watts simply said as they stepped out of the elevator, confident that his programming would be impenetrable.

Ansem had to suppress the urge to sigh again as they stepped out and walked down the hallway leading to his office. They passed by various workers who gave them breathing room, respectful of their CEO while Arthur Watts was simply next to the man.

"At the very least, I can commend you on your new drone project. Creating a new batch of drones to search out for new Dust mines in places too cold even for us to work in. A simple yet practical approach." Watts admitted as they entered his office. "Let me guess, you were inspired by your father-in-law."

"He had a dream of being able to save his kingdom from falling because of the lack of resources and he had the drive to carry out this dream." Ansem said as he sat down. "A chance to find more Dust deposits in the rest of Solitas would be a boon for us."

"Indeed, it would be." Watts sat down.

Near Ansem's desk was a cooler for his personal stash of Sea-Salt Ice Cream which he opened, taking two out and offered one to Arthur.

"No, thank you." Arthur waved his hand in reply. "Your obsession with these sweets, Ansem…"

"Are no less than the indulgence of our colleagues." Ansem put one away and unwrapped the other. "I find they help calm my nerves, especially when I am dealing with the troubles of running a fast corporation that has become as large as the kingdom itself."

"I suppose you have a good excuse there." Arthur conceded. "And you stayed ahead of the competition when it came to courting Willow."

Ah, his wife.

In his old life, Ansem had come to accept he would never have a traditional family, mostly because he had spent so long studying and perfecting Radiant Garden that he had missed his chance. At best, the closest he would ever have to children would be his own apprentices. His scholarships had allowed him to rise, becoming the wise sage-king he had been known back then but he could admit even to his apprentices back then it had been a lonely struggled. When he had been reborn in this life he had thought he would have to struggle as he did before.

And then by a stroke of either pure coincidence or perhaps a gift from Kingdom Hearts itself, Ansem had met the Schnee family.

Nicholas Schnee, strong and imposing but had a joyful heart and a deep wish to bring people together that reminded Ansem of himself.

His old friend, Aqua who had been known as Aqua Schnee of all people at the time, beautiful and compassionate as ever with a great amount of wisdom to help balance Nicholas' ambitions.

And their daughter, Willow.

They had become good friends back then, especially after she had tried one of his homemade Sea-Salt Ice Cream cones. She fell in love with his invention and so did her father when he had tried one as well, practically dragging Ansem up to the Schnee mansion and adopting him in all but name. He had studied as hard as he did back in Radiant Garden but now he had some friends, specifically Aqua and Willow. Aqua had surprised him the most with the way she had seemingly the lifestyle of a rich woman, but her heart remained the same and Willow…

She was ambitious as her father but looked up to her mother, aspiring to be like her.

Both had become good friends with Ansem even confiding some of his ideas in Willow who kept them secret as he showed his ideas to her. As they grew up, they came to rely on each other since Willow had few friends and Ansem had been there for her almost half of her life, especially when her mother…

It would be bad to believe that event helped cement their future union but Ansem being there for Willow when she needed it hadn't hurt his chances.

Of course, Ansem knew Willow had her share of admirers and would be suitors coming her way. She had complained enough times about her father trying to set her up that one day the craziest idea had come to her…

Ansem shook his head, knowing it was not the time to dwell on such matters. "I was good friends with Willow for a long time before we were engaged. While my chances were the same as anyone who were interested in her, a good friendship can be the foundation for something even greater."

"Yes." Arthur mused as he seemingly examined his fingers. "By the way, did you ever figure out how Jacques managed to smuggle that bomb aboard your airship?"

Ansem raised an eyebrow at the seemingly unexpected topic. "I presume he bribed certain elements in the Atlas military or even Amoncio Glass to smuggle the bomb onto my ship. The investigation never revealed who Jacques' supplier was since they were all done by anonymous messaging and code names."

Amoncio Glass, a member of the Atlas elite with direct tie into the criminal underworld of the kingdom, involved in many shady businesses. Ansem had more or once had to carefully check to make sure none of the SDC's subsidiary companies accidently made contact with any so-called businesses that Amoncio had set up. It was pretty clear that Amoncio would do anything to get his hands on the near limitless resources of the SDC, but Ansem kept a careful eye on Mr. Glass and those he associated with.

"Of course." Watts nodded. "Mr. Glass would be a possible subject."

"I am curious to suddenly bringing up this topic, Arthur. Did you perhaps find something to suggest otherwise?" Ansem asked curiously.

"No, just mere curiosity on my end. It speaks pretty clearly for the security of Atlas if a bomb can easily be smuggled past military inspection and how we must be careful." Arthur answered as he lowered his hand. "Atlas would suffer great loss if you had indeed been killed that day."

"I am glad that I received the warnings before I boarded that craft." Ansem nodded while finishing his ice cream.

"Speaking of this 'DiZ' who helped you. It's clear he must have contacts not only here in Atlas but in the SDC as well if he was able to anticipate the attempt on your life. Have you found any leads on who he might be?" Arthur asked.

"None." Ansem shook his head. "General Ironwood has voiced his displeasure against DiZ several times when speaking with me and he has looked to into possible leak in the military. Everyone was afraid that he would look at them so much if they even forgot to finish off everything on their lunch plates."

"Yes, that does sound like James." Arthur nodded in agreement. "And what did you plan to tell him about the next phase of your 'Limit Break' theory?"

"I was actually going to propose a test for the General himself."

Arthur raised an eyebrow.

Xxx

"A test for me and Clover?"

Ironwood had been going over the reports of Ansem's tests on the Semblances of the Ace-Ops. It seemed Harriet's speed was improving, and Elm's own training had allowed her to literally walk across the ceiling. At the very least, it showed the Ace-Ops were improving themselves a great deal and he was glad for that, allowing Ansem to continue his research.

"Yes, but different from the tests I have been giving Miss Bree and Miss Ederne." Ansem nodded, sitting across from the General's desk with Watts sitting in a chair next to him.

When Ansem revealed he was going to propose a test for the General's own Semblance Watts just had to come along.

"Why would you wish test me?" Ironwood raised an eyebrow. "Aren't the Ace-Operatives enough?"

"Truthfully, General I have made requests to several other Huntsmen in Atlas to see me about special kinds of training for their Semblances, to see if they can evolve. Of course, they are allowed to refuse, as are you." Ansem stated. "I started with Miss Bree and Miss Ederne because frankly their Semblances are where I could the obvious room for improvement. If Miss Bree could train constantly with her Semblance, perhaps she could not only reach new levels of speed but perhaps unlock a new ability as you know, given the possible evolution of constantly training. As for Miss Ederne, her Semblance can only be used from her feet, but it is likely that should she break her limit, then her Aura Roots would perhaps not be limited to her feet any long, hence the exercises I advised to her. I have come with a possible new method of training for Mr. Vine Zeke, if he is open to the idea."

"And now you say you wish to test mine and Clover's Semblance?" Ironwood remarked. "You know, my Semblance is not something that I can use like the others."

"I am aware, James. The test I have in mind, is more a psychological test than the kind of physical tests that the Ace-Operatives have undergone." Ansem nodded and explained. "It's much different and not something I would usually do."

Ansem produced his scroll and handed it to Ironwood, allowing him to read its contents. "A holographic simulation?"

"As part of the test, if you would ever accept it would be placing your mind in a series of virtual simulated scenarios. Thanks to the assistance of Dr. Polendina with the use of Hard-Light Dust, we can now create fully interactive holographic imagery, right up to the point you can touch and feel any holographic image created" Ansem explained, taking a deep breath. "Since your Semblance is meant to be form of hyper-focusing, I cannot simply create a test when you can simply focus on something, and I know you are a busy man. At the same time, Clover's Semblance is always bringing him good fortune, even when he is not on duty so I could devise a test for him like I did for his comrades."

"What would you hope to gain from this?" Ironwood lowered the scroll on the desk.

"As I said before in my theories, I believe it's possible for Semblances to not simply evolve and gain new abilities, but to essentially break past the limits of only being capable of one ability and becoming something entirely different than before." Ansem took the scroll back. "Miss Bree and Miss Ederne's Semblances are the most physical of the Ace-Operatives while Mr. Zeke's is the most versatile and I needed more time before I could come with an appropriate test for both his Semblance and Aura control. Yours and Mr. Ebi's, on the other hand General are both passive Semblances and perhaps almost always active, or at least active in times of great stress. If you wish to try, the holo-imaging system can be used as a new kind of training simulator and also as a way to help soldiers cope with mental issues."

Ironwood had already looked over the designs and the proposal for Ansem's holographic simulator and though skeptical, he had seen results from the man's previous work, so he didn't immediately discard the proposal. Ansem had proposed the creation of this holographic technology for therapeutic purposes but could also be used as a training simulator which Ironwood had considered, both for the mental well-being of his soldiers and to help keep their skills sharp.

"And what would you have in mind for testing my Semblance?" Ironwood questioned.

Ansem took a deep breath and sighed. "Well, James there is no easy way for me to say this, but I would introduce a combination of scenarios both meant to test the physical senses. There would be scenarios meant to be physically calming and make you feel...peaceful for the lack of a better word while there others would be seen as training scenarios, creating possible situations that you may or may not have deal with in your time as a general of Atlas and what you might eventually face down the road. You have admitted your Semblance can be a burden at times. Perhaps we can find a solution where it can be more than just helping you focus on any dangerous situations."

Ironwood brought his hands together as he considered the idea. "These are meant to physically gauge how I might act under certain situations and see how my Semblance will react to them."

"Essentially yes." Ansem nodded and sat back in his chair.

Ironwood brought a hand to his chin, deep in thought. "And of course, these sessions would be strictly confidential?"

"Of course." Ansem answered. "I have made sure all of the training sessions of the Ace-Operatives are confidential and I would give the same courtesy to you. I don't offer this out of some morbid curiosity, James. I do this because I want to believe my theories can help us all become better versions of ourselves and sometimes it might mean taking a path, we are rather…uncomfortable walking, even if it is with help or even alone."

Ironwood was silent for a few moments as he considered the proposal. "…I'll do it."

Ansem and Arthur were honestly surprised to hear his answer.

"Really?" Arthur asked, surprised that the general would actually agree to something like this.

"Under the condition, the staff chosen to operate this test are chosen personally by me." Ironwood continued.

"Of course." Ansem nodded. "You would trust only people in the Atlas Military to oversee this."

"I would prefer we keep it small. Dr. Polendina and Specialist Schnee will be enough." Ironwood answered.

Ansem's eyes slightly widened from hearing Ironwood wishing his eldest daughter Winter be brought in to supervise this test but nodded. "And you wish Pietro to look over all the systems?"

"If you would be so kind, Ansem." Ironwood nodded.

"You doubt mine and Ansem's work, James?" Arthur asked. "He showed me the idea for this holographic invention back when we were students."

"That would explain how you would know, Arthur." Ironwood replied, not sure why Watts had been present.

"We and Pietro discussed many things during our time together at Atlas Military University." Ansem admitted, glancing at Arthur for a second. "I am sure Pietro will remember this when you inform him."

"Good to know. I'll leave that to you, Ansem. I have some things to discuss with Arthur." Ironwood replied, looking at Watts next. "Classified. You understand, of course."

"Of course." Ansem nodded and turned to the door, glancing at Watts for a second before leaving.

When he was down the hallway, he heard Watts shouting from Ironwood's office. "WHAT?!"

Ansem paused for a moment, looking back and watched as Arthur stomped out of Ironwood's office and came his way with an infuriated look on his face. "Arthur-?"

"THAT WRETCHED EXCUSE OF A MAN!" Arthur practically smashed the elevator button with his fist. "HOW DARE HE?!"

"Arthur!" Ansem placed a hand on Watts' shoulder. "What's wrong?"

Arthur batted Ansem's hand away as he spun around, glaring at the Schnee CEO. "He chose that fat imbecile's project over mine!"

Ansem's eyes widened and he looked stunned, even as he followed Watts into the elevator. "He did?"

"Yes!" Arthur barked. "And he's already decided to direct the funding for the other projects, including my own over to Pietro's! He did it before we stepped into his office and told me so only after it was done!"

Ansem stepped back, feeling that Arthur's rage made him too volatile to try and calm down, considering what he had just been told and was no doubt feeling quite the blow to his ego.

Watts turned and glared at Ansem for some reason. "Did you know about this?!"

"What?" Ansem gaped in shock.

"DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS?!" Arthur shouted even louder this time.

"No, I did not!" Ansem raised his voice as he raised both hands. "Arthur, calm down! I give you my word, I did not know anything about this."

Arthur glared for a second before turning away. "…The Paladin Project is to be put on hold and I am to be transferred over to Pietro's division to help him with his project: P.E.N.N.Y."

The way he spoke the name of Pietro's project…Ansem could practically feel the venom in Arthur's voice.

"Was Pietro in agreement?" Ansem carefully asked.

"Agreement? He suggested that my project be put on hold and for my transfer!" Arthur barked before the elevator doors opened.

Any students nearby wisely moved out of the way, literally sensing the angry aura around Arthur as he and Ansem made their way to main entrance of Atlas Academy.

"He keeps his mouth shut about what he is working on aside from possibly transferring Aura and when he tells the General, he sidelines me without any notice!" Arthur raged as they walked out of the academy. "I had already had the necessary equipment shifted to my department and had a working prototype almost ready when James and Pietro blindsided me like this."

"Perhaps we should wait and see what Pietro's project is before we make our judgements, Arthur. When he shows you what it is, perhaps it will be something worth your time." Ansem suggested, trying to calm his friend down.

"Oh, that'll be the day." Arthur rolled his eyes. "I was designing the next defender of this kingdom. What Pietro, a man who is as much a pacifist as you have to offer?"

Ansem frowned. "Pacifism is not a weakness, Arthur. Please, withhold your judgement until you have seen what Pietro is creating before you decide it's worth your time or not."

Arthur threw a side-glare at Ansem but took a deep breath and sighed. "Seems I have no choice in the matter so I suppose I shall do as you say, Ansem and wait until after Pietro had shown me this grand new defender he has shown to James before making my views known."

Ansem watched as Arthur walked away, leaving him standing in front of the Atlas Academy. Ansem turned around and looked up at the very top of the Academy where Ironwood's office was and sighed.

If there was one thing he missed about his original home, it was that people were much more respectful to each other in Radiant Garden then they were in Atlas.

He wished his work had reached a point where people learned to appreciate each other but that was still a long way off from how things were now.