Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.


The city of Mantle went dark, the heating units that once illuminated the streets with an orange light suddenly turned off and the temperature in the city began to drop drastically.

In the beginning, people didn't even understand what exactly happened, initially they went to the Dust developer to complain, but the robots and workers there couldn't do anything either, since there was nothing wrong with the heating system and it wasn't the lack of Dust that was the problem. It was simply a command from Atlas to turn it off and it wasn't possible to turn it back on without the proper permission. There was nothing they could do.

- Hey, what happened?! - Roman, who supervised the construction of the wall with Robyn's Happy Huntresses, got out of the jeep and cut through the outraged crowd to the heating system.

- Turn the heating back on! - Joanna shouted to the Atlas robots, who came to maintain order.

- Did you lose your mind! - Even May raised her voice.

- That's what she's planning, right? - Fiona, looking over the angry crowd ready to riot, realized something. - That Salem you were talking about?

- Yes. - The picture came together quickly for Roman as well. - She wants Mantle and Atlas to fight eacother. I'm afraid she does it very well.

- This makes no sense! - Joanna could hardly believe it.

- If you want to take Atlas, why kill everyone in Mantle? - May tried to reason.

- This is what you misunderstood. - Roman corrected the Huntresses as they retreated into an alley so no one could hear them. - Salem doesn't want to occupy Atlas, only destroy it and kill everybody here.

- But this... - The Huntresses looked at each other confused.

- Madness? - Roman knew exactly what they were thinking. - I would have said the same thing before I met her. - A frozen and terrified silence reigned among the Huntresses, but not because of the growing cold. - She's not interested in money, power or even people. This creature has a single purpose. The destruction of the world.

- We have to do something! - Joanna didn't want to sit idle.

- And what about your spy? - May tried to think of something.

- All she said was that one of them was a professional hacker who planned the whole thing. - Roman also felt helpless. - I'm sure he rigged the election, he sent that crazy guy and Neo to kill Robyn and I'm sure he's responsible for turning off the heat.

- And where is he now?! - Joanna would have given a lot to get her hands on this hacker.

- I don't know. - Roman lowered his hat in shame. - Ever since I joined to you, I've been searching constantly, but it's as if the earth has swallowed him.

- Why didn't you tell the truth? - While Joanna and May just stared angrily at Roman, Fiona tried to remain understanding.

- This isn't something you can just say. - Roman explained. - I was worried that you wouldn't believe me or would reject me.

- You didn't trust us. - May crossed her arms.

- No. - Roman raised his head. - I don't trust anyone, because I couldn't trust anyone in my whole life. I became who I am alone. I lost everything because of Salem and I only came to Atlas so that she wouldn't hunt on me. - The Huntresses just looked at him indifferently. - I'm sorry if I sound like an *ss, but it's the truth. I helped you only for myself and I still work with you only for myself.

- I think, - Fiona saw that her companions were about to leave Roman, but she stood between them. - we should forget about that now and focus on protecting Mantle. - May and Joanna weren't that optimistic about the man and didn't seem like they were willing to work with him. - What do you think Robyn would do?

- Anything to protect Mantle. - May gave the answer.

- Yeah. - Joanna nodded.

- Then you know that Roman can help a lot. - Fiona explained. - He can still save Mantle in Robyn's absence.

- I have an idea, - Roman assured them when he suddenly received a new message on his Scroll. - but you have to help me and do exactly what I say. - Joanna and May looked at each other again and, since neither of them had an idea, their answer was clear.

- We are listening. - May answered.


- General, - Councilor Camilla and the entire Council lost faith in Ironwood. - ever since we appointed you headmaster, there were people from Atlas who were skeptical about you, because your methods are downright cruel.

- Yes, - Ironwood did his best to maintain his position. - but they were always effective! It's the same now! Atlas is in danger because of Salem and so...

- And when would you initiate us?! - Said Councilor Sleet took over. - You passed through everyone and made unilateral decisions without us!

- Counselor, - Ironwood felt more and more cornered. - I never intended to...

- What a person intends and what he does aren't always the same, General!

During the discussion, a male waiter, vole faunus came into the room and whispered something in Jacques' ear, which completely shocked him.

- What?! Since when? - Jacques wanted to know the answer right away, before the faunus man started whispering in his ear again. - With my authority?! Check again! - The faunus waiter bowed and left the dining room.

- Counselor Schnee? - The scene didn't remain unnoticed by Councilor Sleet's attention.

- Um... - Jacques turned back to the table, a little confused. - Whatever their problem is Ironwood's fault! I'm glad you saw it and agree with me!

- I'm not done yet. - Robyn wasn't satisfied and stood up angrily. - And until Mantle gets the Dust supply it needs, nobody's done.

- Ms. Hill, please... - Ironwood tried to calm her down, but to no avail.

- No! - Robyn slammed the table. - The embargo can only be lifted by the headmaster of Atlas! And if you aren't willing to do it yourself, then you must be replaced! Here and now! - Ironwood looked at Robyn's angry, Sleet and Camilla's strict eyes and seeing Jacques' sly grin, he knew he couldn't get out of it. Today, the Council will take his position as headmaster and he'll be removed from the leadership of the army.

- Wait! - The dining room door slammed open and Weiss ran through it. - You're questioning the wrong person! I know who framed Ironwood! - She walked all the way past the table and stopped next to her father. - Who cheated in the election and my father knows very well! - She stared sternly at her father, who pulled away angrily because of the insult. - Because he works with him. - She put down her Scroll and projected a recording of Jacques and Watts talking together.

- It's... - Camilla and Councilor Sleet turned white at the sight of Watts. - Arthur Watts?!

- This is impossible! - Sleet got up from the table indignantly. - Dr. Watts died in the Paladin incident years ago!

- What is the meaning?! - Jacques desperately tried to take his daughter's Scroll from the table, but Ironwood, who was staring at him with full severity and anger, stood up and ordered everyone to order with a single sentence.

- Play it.

Weiss started the recording.

- Phew, those two cost me a lot of money, every day! Ironwood with the stupid embargo and Robyn with her hypocritical justice activities! - Jacques, listening to the recording, began to nestle nervously, rubbing his face and stroking his mustache in agony. - I'd be willing to give decent payment and health insurance to all my workers at Mantle for one more year, even the faunus, if I could get their votes! Despite all my threats and attempts at bribery, many people are still pulling for Robyn and there's a good chance I'll lose the election!

- What if I said you can have your cake and eat it too.

- What's on your mind?

- James Ironwood never recognized my genius. After giving him so much, he still shamed me and made me destitute. I'm simply returning the favor.

- And what's in it for me?

- A seat in the Council. I only need your permission for the Atlas network. You promise to make Ironwood's life to a living nightmare and I guarantee your victory in the election. From the folks at Mantle with a little... digital pressure, if you will. - Robyn also found out who made her lose the election.

- I always knew you were a good scientist, Arthur, but not such a good salesman.

The two men just had a good laugh, while Jacques poured Watts and himself a glass of drink and toasted their agreement.

- Enough. - Ironwood signaled and Weiss turned off the recording.

- This... this... - Jacques turned completely pale, jumped up from his seat, was gasping for air and could only stutter from fear. - I can explain! - He cleared his throat and adjusted his tie and tried to sound the most official. - It's... Ironwood's fault. - Nothing came to his mind, only the words of his official propaganda.

- Jacques, - Sleet lost his patience and glared at the cheater Councillor. - take a seat!

Feeling cornered, Jacques turned and ran for the exit, but as soon as he opened the dining room's double doors, Weiss' giant ice knight stood in his way.

- Weiss... - Jacques watched back with his sad, disappointed face as a last desperate attempt to see if it would affect his daughter.

- Jacques Schnee, - However, Weiss wasn't fooled, she was fed up with her father's manipulations and lies and just withheld her Hunter's license. - you're under arrest! - For a moment it occurred to her that maybe the newest Huntress didn't even have permission. - Can I do that? - All her doubts were swept away by the confident smiles of Ironwood and her sister.


Watts couldn't help but delight in his increasingly successful plan, which was already so simple he almost felt sorry for the people of Mantle. The wind and snow howled harder and harder, bringing more and more cold with them, making the people of Mantle angrier and angrier.

In their anger and desperation, they didn't shy away from breaking the windows of Dust shops and looting as much Fire Dust as they could carry.

- Atlas turned off the heating on purpose! - One of the rebels yelled as he threw the Fire Dusts into the fire lit in the middle of the street.

- They will do anything to control us! - Another rebel who threw a chair and more wooden furniture into the fire.

The people's anger, like the fire burning in the middle of the street, kept growing.

- We can't control the situation here! - One of the soldiers reported on his radio. - I'm asking for advice!

The helplessness of the soldiers and the growing hatred of the people all contributed to the plan of Watts, who was only watching the events from an alley. With a soft thud, Tyrion landed at the end of the alley and with a flash of pink and white, Neo appeared behind the doctor.

- Excellent work. - Watts was satisfied with the performance of his companions.

- Our mistress will be more than pleased. - Tyrion giggled, like a small child, was waiting for the next bloodshed.

Neo just smiled confidently with her hands on her hips.

- Unfortunately, your mistress will be disappointed! - Roman, spinning Melodic Cludgel on his finger, stepped in front of the alley.

- You! - Tyrion's excited joy turned to maddened anger and he activated the blades on his wrist. - You betrayed our mistress!

- If you knew how many women's hearts I broke. - Roman just waved and smiled confidently.

- You were foolish to come here alone, Torchwick. - Watts warned and took out from his coat pocket a fancy, multi-shot revolver pistol with a gold grip, light gray barrel and magazine that glowed light blue and pointed it at Roman.

Neo picked up Hush and pointed it at Roman.

- It's foolish to not look behind your back. - Roman just clicked before three clicks were heard from the back of the alley.

Tyrion was distracted by his anger towards Roman, though his faunus hearing and smelling didn't and sensed the danger behind them. Three arrows flew straight at Watts, but the faunus man was quick, blocking two arrows with his blades and the third with his mechanincal scorpion sting.

- Four against three, - Watts didn't lose his cool when he saw Robyn's Huntresses appear from behind the invisibility shroud lowered at the back end of the alley and all pointed crossbows at him. - not the worst ratio.

- I thought you were a scientist, Mustache. - Roman leaned only on Melodic Cludgel and leaned forward. - You can't even count?

- What are you... - Before Watts could continue, a hand grabbed his shoulder and a sharp blade stopped a few inches in front of his throat. It was Hush' tip as Neo caught him. - You little...

- What do you think, - Roman replied smugly and motioned for Watts to put the gun down. - from whom did I know where you are? - Watts quickly realized that Neo was the one who could constantly be feeding information to Roman. - You're not the only criminal mastermind in this town.

- Another traitor! - Tyrion's mad and angry gaze wandered back and forth between Roman and Neo. - You shall pay! - He started panting quickly and who knows what he's up to.

- Tyrion, - Watts tried to warn his crazy companion. - careful! I'm here too!

- Be wise and surrender. - Roman raised and pointed Melodic Cludgel at the faunus man.

Tyrion didn't accept defeat and immediately charged at Roman, who waited until he was close enough and opened fire with his cane, which hit him with a firebomb and knocked him back. The three Huntresses shot more arrows at the man, but he dodged one and parried the other two.

She lunged at the Huntress closest to her in her anger, but May was faster, transforming her crossbow into a battle staff and parrying the blow, and Joanna punched him in the face, sending him crashing to the wall. Fiona and Roman pointed their weapons at him at the same time, but Tyrion roared in anger.

Fiona shot and the arrow, scratching Tyrion's left cheek, pierced into the wall and that was enough for the mad faunus to realize that he couldn't win this battle.

He made a big jump, grabbed hold and pulled himself up on a windowsill, then, accompanied by a backflip, jumped to the balcony on the opposite wall and from there jumped over to a fire escape.

The Huntresses kept shooting arrows at him, but Tyrion dodged them all with the robot scorpion's sting. Roman reversed Melodic Cludgel and fired his grappling hook, but Tyrion parried that as well and pushed him back.

- You cannot prevent the will of the mistress! - Tyrion shouted one last warning after reaching the roof and running away.

- Get him caught! - Joanna shouted, while May and Fiona were already ready to follow him.

- Leave him! - Roman stopped them as he retracted Melodic Cludgel's hook with a click of a button. - We have the main target. - He turned back to Watts, who was still being held captive by Neo.

- It's too late. - Watts just laughed. - The Grimm, who were drawn here by the anger of Mantles, will soon destroy this city.

- Then we'll do everything we can to save it, - Roman started to take everything out of Watts' pockets, his Scroll, his wallet and for Neo's warning, he also removed his tech-rings. - and if you want to keep your miserable life, you turn the heating back on in the city. - Joanna was already clenching her fists that she was ready to beat him to death.

- Hm, - Watts was still just smiling as Roman handed him back his Scroll. - heating no longer matters. - He started pressing the buttons before the lights of the city got stronger again and the heating was switched on.

Suddenly, they heard screams and gunfire nearby. They looked out into the street and saw a group of soldiers and robots trying to hold back a larger pack of Grimm, to no avail.


Jacques Schnee, proven to have sold the security of Atlas to win a political election, but now the time has come to face the consequences of his actions. He felt that his wealth and political influence had always provided protection and superiority in his life, but now the point had come when neither his money nor his influence was worth a penny. He felt helpless and weak.

- I knew you'd do anything to get what you wanted, Jacques. - Ironwood would have liked to beat him to death on that spot. - But this?

- Isn't that an exaggeration, James? - Jacques tried to play the victim and simply didn't take responsibility.

- No, - Ironwood wasn't impressed, however. - it's very simple. - Things were already arranged in his head. - Now that I know Arthur Watts lives and works with a madman like Tyrion Callows, it's clear that he easily planned and coordinated an event as complex and unimaginably horrible as what happened in the warehouse. - He turned to the others to explain. - Watts engineered Mantle's entire security network and used his old access to hack the surveillance system and framed someone else. - He turned to Penny, who still felt bad that people were so quick to believe the rumors about her, but Ruby placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. - While he rigged the election. - He walked slowly and menacingly towards Jacques, who tensed up more and more after each step. - And as soon as you became a Counselor, your newly granted permission gave him a back door to Atlas' security systems! - He angrily leaned on the two arms of the chair and was directly in front of Jacques' face and looked contemptuously into his eyes. - But you didn't even think about that, did you?

- The blood of the people who died that night dries on your hands. - Robyn was disgusted by the man.

- Jacques Schnee must be condemned, - Councilor Sleet was also outraged. - not only for election fraud and betrayal, but for participation in murder!

- This is outrageous! - Jacques now went on the defensive. - I only wanted to win the election! I had nothing to do...

- ONLY?! - Robyn's thread broke and in her rage she threw a chair to the ground and could barely bring herself not to beat Jacques to death on the spot, who was like a child who didn't understand the gravity of his actions.

- What else can he do with the access Jacques gave him? - Councilor Camilla rather changed the subject and got to the point.

- In time... - Ironwood was forced to tell the painful truth. - anything he wants.

Suddenly, Jacques, Sleet, Camilla, and Ironwood's Scroll all started ringing at the same time.

- Wait... - Sleet could hardly believe what he heard. - wait, what?! What do you mean the heating is off?!

- You have to believe me! - Jacques was still trying to apologize, but he was already beginning to understand how much trouble he had caused. - I didn't know he's planning this!

- You shut your mouth now, - Winter, who had been harboring anger towards her father for a long time, angrily slapped the arm of the chair and stared at her father's face. - and turn the heating back on!

- I... - Jacques ran out of words and lies. - they informed me that we cannot get into the system. It's... closed.

- Without heat... - Sleet knew well what it meant when the heat was turned off in Mantle. - people will die down there.

- General Ironwood? - Ruby, hoping that the general had some plan, looked at him questioningly. - How bad is it? - The general thought for a while, then he took out his Scroll and started typing.

- He uses Jacques' credentials. We can track your activity through the system. - He panicked for a moment. - If he found his way into the Amity system... - Everyone watched and waited for the general's results in tense silence, since the Amity Project is the secret tool that means hope in the war against Salem. - No, - The general and everyone else sighed. - the secret is safe. For now. - He started walking up and down thinking. - But if he finds out what Amity is, Salem will find out too.

- Couldn't we close him out from the system? - Weiss brought up the idea.

- It's too late. - The general swept away this opportunity. - He already closed us out.

- Can't we track him? - Blake guessed. - Maybe find out where he's hiding?

- He's constantly moving. - Ironwood couldn't do that either. - We would need the entry point. We have to take it out of circulation.

- And how do you plan? - Suddenly Robyn, who had been silent until now, spoke up. - Yes, guess what, I'm still here. If this is Salem that has a disgraced scientist and a crazed serial killer working together and you're being targeted, maybe you could tell people the same way you could tell about the Amity Communications Tower!

- You... - Ironwood was completely shocked now. - you know it? How? And about Salem...


The riot at Mantle was thankfully quelled after Watts turned the heat back on under pressure from Roman, Neo, and the Happy Huntresses, but the damage had already happened. Alarms went off and red emergency lights went on, signaling that a larger horde of Grimm was approaching the city.

- Atlas, Manta Delta team, start first strike. - The army sent more fighter jets and bombers to repel the horde. They fired several rockets, machine guns and bombs and, although they destroyed many Grimm, they almost did nothing due to their superior numbers.

The dark, red-eyed Megoliath Grimm didn't care about people's weapons and the deaths of their comrades, the negativity in the city was so high that they waded through the small smoking craters straight to Mantle without a problem.

Mantle's wall was in no condition to withstand an attack of this level as it was still full of holes, the energy shields weren't working and the soldiers who were doing everything they could to protect the city were too few and their equipment was far from the best.

The Sabyr Grimms, who were the forerunners of the horde, broke through the ranks of the robot soldiers like a knife through butter and ran unhindered, deeper and deeper into the city. In the air, Razorwing Grimms, which can best be described as winged monsters, were flying and every now and then they snatched a soldier from the walls.


After Jacues Schnee was arrested and taken out of the mess hall, Robyn and the General calmed down enough to speak frankly with each other.

- General, - Robyn understood that Ironwood was acting for the benefit of the entire Remnant. - I understand, you kept so much secret because you want to protect the world from Salem. The last few days, but especially today, made me realize that there is something much bigger behind it than Mantle and Atlas. Now I understand that you want to protect us. Not just Atlas, but maybe all of Remnant and you're afraid of what might happen if you tell the truth.

Ironwood could hardly believe his ears, one of the people he was most afraid of learning the truth about his most feared secret actually understood and accepted everything he was doing for the greater good.

- General, - Suddenly, Clover came into the dining room with bad news. - the Grimms have overrun all of Mantle! - Robyn was completely terrified, worried about her friends. - The air fleet is doing everything they can, but they can't do anything against the Grimm in the city without civilian casualties.

- This... - The general clenched his fists. - This is what I was afraid would happen. - He stroked his beard all the way and started to think again, pacing up and down.

- Sir, they absolutely need ground support! - Clover warned.

- No, - Robyn knew that the city of Mantle was beyond saving. - the city must be evacuated! If it is completely overran, it's no longer safe! Use the fleet to...

- If I move the fleet, Atlas will be unprotected! - Ironwood realized that this was exactly what Salem wanted. - I... I was trying to keep the kingdom safe. - He rubbed his forehead and leaned against a wall in frustration and bowed his head. - And now we lose everything.

- General. - Oscar slowly walked next to Ironwood. - You asked for my advice earlier.

- I wanted Ozpin's advice.

- And I think his advice would be the same, to keep it a secret. When we first got here, you already knew it wasn't the right decision. You had a new plan.

- Time to give up on that plan. - Ironwood straightened up and walked past the boy. - Everything fell apart.

- Were you worried about the panic? - Oscar tried to encourage the general. - It's happening right now. The secrets you kept were revealed. It's time, - Ironwood turned to the boy. - to tell the truth.

- You're not alone. - Joined by Ruby. - We can do it together.

- Hm, - Ironwood smiled at the youths' bravery and confidence, which gave him new strength. - thank you. Oscar, you go back to the academy.

- I think you're right. - Oscar agreed.

- Ms. Hill, - Ironwood felt it was time to introduce everyone to the existence of Salem. - Councilor Sleet, Councilor Camilla, it's time for me to explain who Salem is. Let's figure out how to help Mantle... together.

- I already called the carrier. - Winter spoke with her Scroll in hand.

- What about Watts, Tyrion and Neo? - Yang was worried about Salem's people.

- Leave them to me. - They were provided by Ironwood. - You are needed downstairs now.

- Alright, everyone, - Ruby called out to the others and almost all of them looked at her as a leader. - time to do what's our duty! - She looked at the team member and Penny. - For all of us.

- As she said. - Clover also supported it. - Let's do our job like true Hunters!

Team RWBY, Penny, and Clover left the diner to gather Team LLMM, Team JNR, and the Ace Ops to join forces to help Mantle.

To do what they swore to do.

Ruby and Oscar wanted to exchange a few quick words before they parted ways.

- Oscar. - Ruby excitedly addressed the boy, who was happy to have her company.

- Oh, sorry!

- You first!

They spoke at the same time, unintentionally interrupting each other.

- I didn't mean to interrupt...

- You didn't...

- I just wanted to...

- I was thinking...

They simply couldn't stop and kept interrupting.

- We should tell Ironwood the truth! - Finally they finished at the same time and laughed nervously.

- Then, - Ruby crossed her arms nervously. - are we thinking the same?

- I think so. - Oscar was proud, not only of themselves, but also of the general. - Finally, he chose the truth over fear. We must do the same.

- I'll tell him. - Ruby promised. - Originally, I decided to keep it a secret from him.

- Hey, - Lance appeared behind Ruby and started pulling her. - the Grimms are too happy, so they won't kill themselves!

- Of course, - Oscar understood. - you're needed elsewhere.

- Will it be a problem? - Ruby was worried.

- Don't worry, - Oscar was confident. - I'll take care of it.

- Come on! - Lance just started to push the girl, but she still looked back at Oscar.

- Good luck! - Ruby and Oscar said to each other at the same time.

- Kissing for later! - Lance laughed. - What was it about?

- Tell Ironwood the truth. - Ruby replied.

- So, do we trust him now?

- I think so.

They didn't delay any longer, they just boarded the troop carrier, which took off and headed for Mantle, where they were most needed.


From the window of the plane, through the clouds, you could see the red emergency lights in the city of Mantle, which indicated that the city was overrun by Grimm and that more and more people were dying every second.

- Alright everyone, - Clover stood up and gave a speech. - I must emphasize to the new Hunters and Huntresses that our primary goal is to protect the citizens and not to destroy the Grimms. - It was important for him to clarify this, because knowing the RWBY and JNR teams, who found pleasure in executing the Grimms, the protection of the people was the priority. - Is it clear?

No one answered, although some nodded, but everyone understood what Clover was saying and the gravity of the current situation.

There was a tense silence, everyone was nervous and worried about the upcoming battle, but the majority tried to draw strength from each other. Nora gently held Ren's hand, who was still unsure if he would dare to cross the line with Nora and be more than best friends.

Being friends was easier than being a couple, but Ren, as he gently squeezed her hand, felt that love was a much more pleasant feeling than simple friendship. He wanted Nora to be there with him, he wanted to hold her hand and he would have done anything to protect her.

Seeing this scene, Yang turned to Blake, who she hugged and the faunus girl reciprocated the gesture, hugged her back and snuggled up to her. Yang sniffed Blake's black hair, then kissed the top of his head and stroked one of the cat's ears.

Weiss also experienced the current situation as a serious stress, Atlas is her home and its inhabitants are now suffering because of her father. She felt it was her duty to protect her home, even at the cost of her life.

Suddenly she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, she turned to the side to find herself facing Jaune's kind smile and soothing deep blue eyes. She remembered her mother's words about how it was clear to her that Jaune really cared about her. The girl just hugged the boy and they exchanged kisses.

- Okay, - Lance was the one who broke the silence with an excited gasp. - who is a little nervous?

- Maybe I'm. - Mike raised his hand.

- Oh, - Lance feigned surprise. - just a little? Because I really am. - The others laughed a little, which relieved the tension.

- Come on guys, - Ruby just waved, she was the only one who wasn't upset. - we've done that before. Grimm invasion in Beacon, only now there are a little more of them.

- Nothing gets you down, right? - Lance just shook his head at her eternal optimism and confidence.

Suddenly the whole plane started to shake as if they had crashed. As soon as they turned around, the cockpit window was covered by a Razorwing Grimm that crashed into them and attacked the plane.

- It has a chance. - Ruby added quietly.

- Hold on! - Clover shouted to the team as he, Qrow, and Vine simultaneously held on to Elm, who using her Semblance sent an energy root from her feet into the floor of the machine.

Harriet, who was driving the plane, did her best to shake the terror off the nose of the plane. In the air, she tried to shake off the obnoxious passenger with a spinning left turn, a sudden ascent and many other crazy stunts, but the Razorwing simply didn't give up and didn't leave the plane.

Among the passengers, you could feel that all this speeding was really wearing them out. Jaune mustered all his strength to swallow back the vomit, because he didn't want to empty the contents of his stomach onto the lady of his heart who was embracing him.

Suddenly, the Razorwing slid back onto the plane's fuselage and slashed its claw through the metal wall, almost catching Yang and Blake.

- I can't shake it! - Harriet yelled, who was already very annoyed by this persistent Grimm.

From above, a second Razorwing raced towards the plane, plummeting and crashing directly into the plane's right wing, which damaged it, the engine on it burst into flames and the entire plane began to sink.

- I don't think we can stay in the air for long! - Marrow, who was sitting in the co-pilot's seat, felt that something was wrong.

- Time to go! - Qrow wasn't bright either.

- Then you have what to do! - Clover didn't look scared, he just stroked his shiny badge and headed towards the door, behind which he stood with his back. - Come on! - He hit the door with his fist, causing it to open, but a Razorwing's head was behind him and roared at him, but he didn't seem to hear him, because, luckily, the flaming engine that broke off the wing of the plane hit it right in the head and roared as it fell deep. As soon as the road was clear, he signaled to the others that it was time to jump.

- Harriet, - Elm gave the pilot one last piece of advice. - don't stay too long.

- Wow, - Harriet just rolled her eyes. - thanks for the tip.

The entire crew headed for the exit and one by one they all jumped out of the plane. Elm and Clover still shook hands in a friendly way, then Elm jumped out, following the others.

The window of the cockpit was broken, Clover quickly looked there and saw that Harriet had broken it herself, who wanted to leave the falling plane by an alternative route.

- Try to keep up, kid. - Harriet just looked at Ruby with a confident smile, who was smiling at the Huntress with sparkling eyes.

Using her Semblance of Speed, Harriet jumped up and ran along the plane's body, all the way to the end, then jumped off. Ruby followed with her Semblance, turning into a pile of rose petals, flying after Harriet as she circled the plane several times.

Only Clover and Qrow remained in the falling machine, which was already dangerously close to the surface.

Clover just confidently placed two fingers on his temple and jumped out of the plane with his back.

- Show off. - Qrow just smiled and shook his head, then followed.


The reception was over at the Schnee mansion, but the army, which also served as the police, had just arrived to drag the host, Jacques Schnee, out of his own home, handcuffed and taken away in front of the departing guests.

- How dare you?! - Jacques, who still claimed to be innocent, tried to resist, but in vain, when two armored soldiers violently dragged him towards the transporter. - This is unnecessary!

Confused and scared, Whitley sat at the bottom of the huge, dark blue carpeted white marble staircase as he watched his father, the man he respected the most and tried to make him proud, now being dragged out of their home in handcuffs like a common criminal.

His father meant everything to him, since his alcoholic mother was never with him, drank herself unconscious almost every day and didn't participate in his upbringing at all. His two sisters, Winter and Weiss, left Atlas and went to Beacon as soon as they saw the chance.

When Winter left, he was still too young and barely knew her older sister and could only rely on what his father said about her.

However, when Weiss followed Winter's example, it caused more serious trouble. Even though he and Weiss never got along, he had no other relatives to turn to besides his father.

Since both Winter and Weiss rejected the title of Schnee heir, their father infected Whitley's mind and did everything to turn the boy against his sisters. Whitley felt he could make his father proud as a worthy heir and every time his father praised him, he felt he had succeeded where his sisters had failed him and the family.

This dream image was shattered in the blink of an eye when the boy saw his father being dragged away by the military police and arrested. Confused and frustrated, he couldn't help but run to his room.


For Mandy, watching that filthy Jacques Schnee was a special treat. That man made the lives of many faunus miserable or ruined, including her. She would have liked to shoot an arrow through his chest, but she was content with being exposed, arrested and if Cinder's plan succeeds, he and all of Atlas will lose everything that is dear to him.

She went down to the staff quarters with the other faunus workers, with whom she easily mingled, then separated from them, to the garbage storage, where she hid her clothes and weapons in a trash bag. She thought it wiser to leave the waitress uniform and the bag that contained her equipment with her, as if she was just taking out the trash.

She went out through the staff exit ahead of all the other faunus, the body of the female soldier guarding the door still lying in the corner where she had hidden it. No one noticed it and no one looked for it.

She made it out of the Schnee Manor area without a problem, as all the soldiers and robots were ordered to Mantle to repel the Grimm invasion.

She made it back to the Glass Unicorn area, where she signaled to a sentry watching from an upper floor window that she was back. Genna was the sentry who, as soon as she saw something approaching, took aim at it with her telescopic assault rifle, but as soon as she saw that only Mandy had returned, she lowered her rifle and told the rest of the team.

- You came back soon enough. - Cinder greeted her as she entered.

- I see you are having dinner. - Mandy looked at Adam sitting at one of the dining tables, who was drinking his tea and eating his fast food. On the rest of the table was a half-eaten pizza, some wrapped hamburgers, and several soft drinks. - You ordered it for me too, didn't you?

- Of course. - Cinder just assured her with a smile. - But first, did you find what we were looking for?

- The Relic of Knowledge? - Mandy began. - A yellow and blue lighted lantern hanging by that peasant boy's side? I think I found it.

- Anything else? - Cinder waited for more results.

- Ironwood's Amity Project consists of transforming the arena into a communications tower that not only informs the entire world of Salem's existence, but also unites it against her.

- Hm, - Cinder's face was slightly concerned. - I see, the little tin man started to use his mind.

- And he commands his entire army to Mantle. - Mandy finished the report, hoping that now she could sit down at the dining table and eat her dinner.

- You did an excellent job, Mandy. - Cinder smiled evilly, looking out of a window where she saw the entire fleet of Atlas leaving the academy, like a flock of birds, heading towards Mantle. - Our time will soon come.


- She... - Ironwood was almost shocked by the information he received from Oscar. - can't be killed? - Only he and Oscar remained in the dining room and the boy initiated him into the secret that the Relic of Knowledge showed him. - Did Jinn say that?

- She showed it to us when we asked about Oz's secret. - Oscar assured.

- Why? - Ironwood lowered his head in disappointment, feeling betrayed. - Why did Oz keep this from us? - Grief and anger raged in him at the same time. - From those who trusted him?

- He was worried that you would lose hope. - Oscar tried to explain and comfort the general, who buried his face in his hands. - We're sorry we hid it from you. We didn't know who to trust. I thought you should know about it before you make any...sacrifices. - Ironwood still buried his face in his hands, didn't move or speak, which worried Oscar a little. - Sir? What will you do?

- I... - Ironwood raised his head, feeling at a loss. - Anything we can do to save Mantle. - He was regrouped and purposeful. - This is what we will do.

- He would be proud of you. - Oscar calmed down and smiled that the general was doing the right thing. - You bring the hope inspired by Atlas. A city in the sky with an idyllic life.

- You say, - Ironwood felt like he was talking to Ozpin. - as if you were there... - Suddenly his Scroll beeped. - Our transport has arrived. We have to go. - Oscar just nodded, stood up and headed for the exit. - Oscar. - The general spoke afterwards and the boy turned back curiously. - No more surprises. - He sighed tiredly. - I'm not sure I could stand it.

- None of us.

They left the dining room and made their way out into the hallway, where the two Councilors and Robyn were waiting for them.

- Can we get started now? - Robyn, who was nervously pacing up and down, burning with the desire to help Mantle, impatiently awaited the general's plan.

- Ms. Hill, - Ironwood clasped his hands behind his back. - I think it's time to have a speech together.


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