The air above Vale was thick with tension, the weight of the diminished kingdom pressing down on the soldiers of Steel Squadron as their airship cut through the clouds. Below them lay the remnants of what was once one of the most prosperous cities in Remnant, now reduced to ruins and haunted by the ever-present threat of the Grimm. Jaune leaned against the viewport, staring at the jagged remains of Beacon Academy in the distance. The Wyvern, frozen in place atop the broken CCT tower, loomed like a dark sentinel over the wreckage, drawing Grimm to the city like moths to a flame.
"Shouldn't we kill that thing?" Jaune asked, breaking the silence in the cabin, his voice laced with frustration.
Gray, sitting across from him, glanced up. "Can we kill that? Sir?" She directed the question to Steel 1, Lieutenant Carson, seated near the front.
Carson's gruff voice came over the comms. "Under that thing is the CCT of Vale. Personally, I'd love to bomb the shit out of that thing, Second Lieutenant, but we can't."
Gray's eyes narrowed. "And they're just letting that Wyvern attract Grimm? Sir, respectfully, that's fucking retarded."
Carson sighed, his voice tinged with resignation. "To kill a Grimm like that, we'd need enough ordinance to level the entire city. And even then, it's a big IF whether it would work. The council doesn't want us pointing our guns in Vale's direction. Remember, just weeks ago, our machines were gunning down civilians. Command doesn't want another PR disaster."
Jaune clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. The thought of that Wyvern sitting there, acting as a beacon for more Grimm, gnawed at him. It felt wrong to leave it untouched, but Carson's point was valid. The people of Vale had already lost so much, and their trust in Atlas was nonexistent. Bombing the city wasn't going to help with that.
"So, where are we dropping?" Jaune asked, trying to shift focus to the mission at hand.
"Near the tunnel leading to Mountain Glenn," Carson replied. "Tunnel breach opened again. This time, we're sealing it for good. You and Steel 4 are on explosive duty. Trip the foundations, set the charges, and then we pull back. No messing around."
Jaune nodded, checking the explosives secured to the back of his Paladin. The tunnels to Mountain Glenn were infamous. A failed extension of Vale, it had been overrun by Grimm and sealed off long ago. But now the Grimm had found another way in, threatening the safety of the surrounding regions. It was their job to make sure that breach stayed closed for good this time.
"This is Bull to all Steels," the pilot's voice crackled over the comms. "We've reached the drop-off point. On your mark, Steel 1."
"Alright, people," Carson barked, his voice sharp and commanding. "You've got jobs to do. Now do them. Steel 2, you're up."
Everyone climbed to their Paladin. Powering them up.
Lieutenant Scarlet was the first to drop, her Paladin detaching from the belly of the airship and plunging toward the ground below. Jaune watched her fall, her retro rockets engaging just before she hit the surface, slowing her descent and landing with a satisfying thud.
"Steel 3, dropping now," Jaune said, bracing himself as his Paladin followed suit.
The G-forces hit Jaune like a punch to the gut as his Paladin hurtled toward the surface. The ground rushed up to meet him, the broken landscape of Vale's outskirts blurring beneath him. His retro rockets engaged, softening his landing as he hit the ground with a heavy crunch. Dust kicked up around him, obscuring his vision for a moment before it cleared, revealing the ruined streets.
"Steel 4, dropping," Jaune heard Gray's voice over the comms, followed by the familiar sound of her landing just behind him.
They had arrived at the mouth of the tunnel. The massive concrete structures of the old underground transport network lay in ruins and littered with debris. The opening that led down into the breach was jagged, freshly torn apart by the Grimm that had broken through. Jaune saw attempts to seal the entrance, but it was a patchwork.
"Move!" Carson ordered. "Scar, take point. Jaune, Gray, with me. Let's make sure this breach is sealed for good."
Jaune and Gray followed Lt. Scarlet as she led the way into the tunnel. Their Paladins moved with a roar of its engines, through the darkened passage, the hum of their engines and the occasional distant rumble from above. The tunnel was long, winding deep beneath the surface, the walls lined with crumbling support beams and rusted metal and railing. It was clear that this place had been abandoned for a long time.
Jaune's optics flickered as he scanned the tunnel ahead. "Foundations are placed here, here, and here," he said, highlighting the key points on his HUD. "We set the charges, collapse the tunnel, and then get the hell out of here."
"Got it," Gray replied, already moving toward the first foundation.
Jaune followed her lead, his Paladin's arms unfolding as he began to set the explosives. His movements were practiced and precise, the result of training drilled into him. But there was something about being back in Vale, being in these ruins, that made it feel… heavier. Like the ghosts of the past were watching him.
As he placed the last charge, Jaune's thoughts drifted to the fallen students of Beacon. He had come to Vale as a hopeful boy, ready to become a Huntsman. Then he got kicked out before initiation and now he was back as a soldier, a man shaped by the war and the weight of responsibility. He didn't know if it was what his younger self would have wanted, but this was who he was now.
"Charges are set," Jaune reported, shaking off the lingering memories. "Ready to collapse."
"Steel 1 to all units, fall back to the surface," Carson ordered. "We detonate when we're clear."
The Paladins turned and began their ascent back through the tunnel. As they moved, Jaune kept his optics trained on the dark corners of the passage. He knew better than to think the Grimm wouldn't be close. The faint scent of sulfur and decay hung in the air, a telltale sign of their presence.
And sure enough, as they neared the exit, Jaune's HUD lit up with multiple contacts. Beowolves. A whole pack of them, snarling and clawing their way toward the Paladins from the darkness.
"Contact!" Jaune shouted. "Beowolves, coming in fast!"
"Engage and clear them out!" Carson barked. "We need to get out before the explosion."
Jaune's Paladin spun on its heel, his 36mm chain dust rounds already firing before the first Beowolf could get within striking distance. The rounds tore through the Grimm, their black, skeletal forms crumbling into smoke as they were hit. But there were too many of them, and more kept pouring in from the shadows.
"Steel 4, take the flank!" Carson ordered, his own Paladin engaging the pack with brutal efficiency.
"On it!" Gray replied, her Paladin unleashing a barrage of dust rounds that sent the Beowolves scattering.
Jaune gritted his teeth, switching to melee as one of the Beowolves closed in. His Paladin's arm unfolded into a massive blade, slicing cleanly through the creature's neck, its head rolling across the ground before it dissolved into black smoke. But more were coming, their glowing red eyes and snarling jaws closing in from all sides.
"Too many of them!" Gray called out, her voice tense but focused.
"We've got this," Jaune grunted, slamming his Paladin's fist into the ground, creating a shockwave that sent several of the Grimm flying. "Just keep moving!"
They pushed forward, their Paladins cutting through the Grimm like a wall of steel. The tunnel shook with every step they took, the foundations groaning under the weight of the impending collapse.
"Almost there!" Carson shouted, his Paladin blasting a hole through the last of the Beowolves as they reached the surface.
The moment they were clear, Carson gave the order. "Detonate the charges!"
Jaune hit the switch on his HUD, and the ground beneath them rumbled as the charges went off in a series of deafening explosions. The tunnel collapsed in on itself, sending a cloud of dust and debris billowing into the air.
They had sealed the breach.
Jaune exhaled, his heart still pounding from the fight. "That should hold them… for now."
"Good work, Steels," Carson said, his voice steady.
They moved to the streets.
It was strange seeing a once bustling city filled with life and culture was now a desolate ruin, haunted by the ever-present threat of the Grimm. Buildings lay in ruins, many of them gutted by fire or torn apart by the feral claws of the creatures that had overrun the city. The streets were littered with debris — broken glass, twisted metal, and the occasional abandoned vehicle. The echoes of a city that had once been full of life hung in the air, a haunting reminder of what had been lost.
Jaune's Paladin moved silently through the streets, its heavy footfalls creating small tremors with each step. His eyes scanned the wreckage, his HUD flickering with data as he checked for any signs of life or danger. Tension lingered in the air, a heavy silence that foreshadowed an imminent attack.
"Looks like a damn ghost town," Gray muttered over the comms. Her Paladin was flanking Jaune's, her optics sweeping the street for movement. "Hard to believe this was once a thriving city."
"Yeah," Jaune replied, his voice distant. "It wasn't like this when I visited."
Gray glanced at him through her visor. "You were? What was it like?"
Jaune hesitated, the memories of that time swirling in his mind. Beacon Academy, the crowds of people from all over Remnant, the joy and excitement that filled the air.
"It was... different," he said finally, his voice tinged with sadness. "Back then, it was full of life. People from all the kingdoms visiting. It felt... hopeful."
Gray was quiet for a moment, sensing the weight behind his words. "Must've been rough. Watching it all turn like this.."
"Yeah," Jaune said quietly. "It was."
Ahead of them, Steel 1, Carson, was leading the squad as they moved deeper into the heart of Vale. Their mission now was simple. Clear out any Grimm they could find and locate any survivors or Atlas soldiers still stranded in the city. After sealing the breach at Mountain Glenn, they had been redirected to sweep through the streets, kill as many Grimm as they could.
"Steel 1 to all units," Carson's voice crackled over the comms. "Stay sharp. We've got reports of Grimm lurking in the area. No civilians have been sighted, but that doesn't mean they're not hiding. Keep your optics open."
"Copy that, Sir," Jaune replied, his focus returning to the mission.
As they moved through the streets, Jaune couldn't help but notice the damage to the buildings. Many of them had signs of battle — scorch marks from dust-powered weapons, bullet holes in the walls, and claw marks from the Grimm. This wasn't just a Grimm attack. There had been fighting here.
"Looks like some people tried to hold out," Jaune remarked, noting a barricade that had been torn apart, likely by a Beowolf.
"They didn't stand a chance," Gray said grimly. "Grimm, don't give up once they catch the scent of fear. They thrive on that shit."
The squad continued forward, their Paladins moving carefully through the narrow streets. The occasional gust of wind would send debris skittering across the ground, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The whole city felt... abandoned. Hollow.
Then, something flickered on Jaune's HUD.
"Contact," Jaune said, his voice low but alert. His optics zoomed in on the movement—something had darted into a nearby alley.
"Grimm?" Gray asked, already adjusting her stance.
"Possibly," Jaune replied, tightening his grip on the controls. "But I don't want to assume. Could be survivors."
"Stay in formation," Carson ordered. "Steel 3, you check it out. Gray, cover him."
Jaune nodded, guiding his Paladin toward the alley. He switched to thermal optics, scanning the dark space for any signs of life. His heart rate quickened slightly, the adrenaline kicking in as he prepared for whatever lay ahead.
The alley was narrow, cluttered with trash and rubble. At first, there was nothing, just shadows and the remnants of the city's decay. But then, his optics picked up movement—a figure, crouched behind a pile of debris, barely visible in the low light.
Jaune raised his Paladin's arm, switching to the external speaker. "This is the Atlesian Military. If you're a civilian, come out slowly and identify yourself."
For a moment, there was no response. Jaune's finger hovered over the trigger, ready to engage if the situation turned hostile. Then, slowly, the figure stood up.
It was a young woman, her clothes torn and dirty, her face gaunt and pale. She held her hands up, trembling with fear.
"Please... don't shoot," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Jaune exhaled, relieved. "You're safe now," he said gently, lowering his weapon. "We're here to help. Are there any others with you?"
The woman shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "No... everyone else is gone. The Grimm... they killed them. I've been hiding here for days."
Jaune's heart clenched at her words. "Alright. Stay with us. We'll get you out of here."
He signaled to Gray, who moved her Paladin closer, keeping watch as Jaune carefully helped the woman out of the alley. The rest of the squad remained on high alert, their optics scanning the surrounding buildings for any signs of movement.
"Steel 1 to Command Post," Carson reported. "We've located a survivor. Requesting extraction for civilian, over."
"Copy that, Steel 1. Skies re clear so Bullheads are en route."
Jaune kept a close eye on the woman as they waited for the bullhead to arrive. Her fear was palpable, and it was clear that she had seen things no one should have to endure. But for now, she was safe.
As the bullhead descended from the sky, its engines whirring softly, Jaune helped the woman aboard, watching as she was taken to safety. One small victory in a city filled with loss.
But the mission wasn't over.
"Alright, Steels," Carson said, his voice as steady as ever. "We've still got ground to cover. Stay sharp. Let's move."
They continued deeper into the city, weaving through the ruins of what was once the commercial district. The shops that once catered to Vale's diverse population were now gutted and abandoned, their windows shattered, and their goods scattered across the streets. Occasionally, Jaune's optics would pick up movement in the distance — more Grimm, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the scent of fear to draw them out.
As they moved through the district, Jaune couldn't help but feel a growing sense of dread. This city.. This was Vale. This was where Beacon Academy was. These streets had once been filled with the hope of a better future. Now they were filled with nothing but death and decay.
"Jaune," Gray's voice cut through his thoughts. "You alright?"
He nodded, though his grip on the controls tightened. "Yeah. Just... this place. It's hard to believe it's the same city. Fuck, I guess it's not really hard to turn a city into a shithole."
Gray gave him a sympathetic look. "Yeah, it's not when Grimm's involved."
Jaune nodded again, pushing his emotions aside.
The squad pressed on, moving through the ruins with practiced precision. Every corner, every alley, every shadow was a potential threat.
And then, from the distance, Jaune heard it — the guttural, low growl of a Grimm.
"Contact!" Carson barked over the comms. "Multiple Grimm incoming!"
Jaune's HUD lit up with red markers as the Grimm emerged from the surrounding ruins. Beowolves again, their glowing red eyes locked onto the squad, their claws scraping against the broken pavement as they charged.
"Engage!" Carson ordered.
Jaune's Paladin spun into action, his 36mm dust rounds tearing through the first wave of Beowolves with brutal efficiency. The creatures disintegrated into clouds of ash as they were hit, but more kept coming, drawn by the negative emotions that lingered in the city.
"Steel 3, on your left!" Gray shouted, her Paladin firing off a volley of missiles that exploded in a shower of debris, taking out a cluster of Grimm that had been flanking them.
Jaune swung his Paladin's arm, the melee attachment slicing through a Beowolf that had gotten too close. The streets were quickly becoming a battlefield, the sounds of gunfire and explosions echoing off the buildings as the squad fought to hold their ground.
After that fight, the advance through the ruins of Vale continued.
Jaune's Paladin moved with purpose, skimming the cracked streets as its boosters propelled it forward. The streets were growing narrower as they approached the Vale City Library, the last known base of operations for the Headmistress Glynda Goodwitch. The mission was simple. Secure the area, clear out any remaining Grimm, and ensure the library's perimeter was free of threats and make contact with the Headmistress. But as they got closer, the tension in the air thickened. Something felt wrong.
"Steel 1, this is Steel 3. I've got eyes on the library," Jaune called over the comms. His optics zoomed in on the towering structure. It was mostly intact, a stark contrast to the crumbling buildings surrounding it. The library stood like a sentinel, seemingly untouched by the chaos that had consumed the rest of the city.
"Roger that, Steel 3. All units converge on the library. We need to check the perimeter before making contact," Carson responded, his voice calm but commanding.
Jaune guided his Paladin down the main road, Gray flanking him. Their footsteps reverberated off the walls of the empty buildings, the quiet unsettling after the battle they'd just survived. The silence was almost suffocating, broken only by the hum of their machines.
As they neared the library's entrance, Jaune's optics flickered with motion. A small cluster of Grimm — mostly Beowolves and a few Creeps — were gathered around the steps of the library, sniffing at the air, searching for their next prey. But before Jaune could issue an order to engage, the scene before them changed in an instant.
The Grimm was lifted off the ground as if by an invisible force, their bodies flailing in the air. Jaune watched in awe as the Grimm were torn apart piece by piece, their limbs and heads separated from their bodies, suspended like puppets in midair. Blood and black mist filled the air as they were crushed and ripped asunder by a force beyond their control.
"What the hell…?" Jaune muttered, his hands tightening on the controls. It wasn't until he looked closer that he saw her.
Glynda Goodwitch.
The now-Headmistress of Beacon Academy stood at the top of the steps, her riding crop raised like a conductor's baton. Her eyes were cold and focused as she manipulated the Grimm with her Semblance, telekinesis on a scale Jaune had never seen before. Each flick of her wrist sent another Grimm crashing into the ground or splattering against the walls of a nearby building.
In a matter of seconds, it was over. The Grimm were gone, reduced to nothing but mist and ash.
"Uh, Sir?" Gray's voice crackled through the comms. "Are we sure she needs our help?"
"Seems like she's got it handled," Jaune replied, his voice tinged with unease.
Carson's Paladin moved forward, stepping in front of the squad. "Steel 1 to all units. We've got the Headmistress in sight. Let's make this contact."
Carson dismounted his Paladin, approaching Glynda with his hands raised, clearly trying to look as non-threatening as possible. Jaune followed suit, climbing down from his Paladin and using the boarding rope to descend to the ground. His feet hit the pavement with a thud, and he adjusted his helmet before walking towards the imposing figure of the Headmistress.
"Glynda Goodwitch," Carson began, his tone professional. "Lieutenant Carson Steel, Atlas Military's Paladin Squadron. We're here to ensure the area is clear of any threats."
Glynda's stony gaze flicked to Carson, then to Jaune and the rest of the squad. Her expression remained impassive, but there was a distinct edge to her voice when she spoke. "The area is secure. There's nothing here for you, soldiers"
Jaune shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of her disdain. It was clear that Glynda wasn't pleased to see Atlas soldiers in her city. Her eyes lingered on the Paladins for a moment, as if they were an unwelcome reminder of the events that had torn Vale apart.
Carson remained unfazed. "We've been ordered to sweep the city for any remaining Grimm and secure SDC assets that were left behind."
"SDC assets?" Glynda's voice hardened. "So that's why you're here. Not to help the people of Vale, but to protect the Schnee Dust Company's precious resources."
Jaune winced at her words, but he couldn't argue. It was true. Their orders were to secure the SDC assets, not necessarily to save civilians. He could see the frustration in Glynda's eyes, the resentment she held towards Atlas for its perceived coldness and prioritization of business over people.
Carson met her gaze evenly. "We're here to follow orders, Headmistress. And to ensure the safety of any civilians we encounter, as well as ours, who have remained to hold the line for the people of Vale."
Glynda's eyes narrowed, but she didn't respond immediately. Instead, she gestured to the people standing behind her. Huntsmen, their weapons drawn and at the ready, were watching the Atlas soldiers with clear hostility. It was obvious they weren't fond of Atlas-types, as Jaune had come to expect.
"You've done your job," Glynda said finally. "Now leave. This is Huntsman territory, and we don't need you here."
The tension in the air was palpable. Jaune could feel the eyes of the Huntsmen boring into him, the weight of their judgment pressing down on him like a lead blanket. He swallowed the lump in his throat, resisting the urge to say anything that might escalate the situation.
Carson nodded, keeping his voice steady. "Understood, Ma'am. We'll finish our sweep and be out of your way."
Glynda didn't respond, turning her back on them and walking up the steps into the library without another word. The Huntsmen followed her, casting one last glare at the Atlas soldiers before disappearing into the shadows of the building.
Jaune let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The interaction had been brief, but it left a bitter taste in his mouth. They were supposed to be on the same side, fighting for the same cause. But it didn't feel like that. Not here. Not in Vale.
"Come on," Carson muttered, turning back towards his Paladin as then he received something from his comms. "We've got new orders. Let's move people."
Jaune climbed back into his Paladin, securing himself in the cockpit as the boosters hummed to life. He glanced one last time at the library, its towering structure casting a long shadow over the desolate streets. For all the power Glynda wielded, it felt like there was an unbridgeable gap between them — between Atlas and the rest of Remnant.
As they moved away from the library, Gray's voice crackled over the comms. "Guess they don't trust us."
"Can you blame them?" Jaune replied, his voice heavy with resignation.
"Not really," Gray admitted. "I mean... we all saw what happened. The world saw what happened. Even if it wasn't our fault that they got hacked."
Jaune's grip tightened on the controls. The memory of Atlas forces gunning down civilians during the Fall of Beacon was still fresh in everyone's minds. It didn't matter that those orders had come from Command, or that they were under strict instructions to defend strategic points. To the people of Vale, it was betrayal. And to the Huntsmen, it was unforgivable.
"Let's just focus on the mission," Jaune muttered. "We're not here to make friends, anyway."
Gray snorted. "Yeah, no kidding."
It didn't take long for them to arrive at their destination.
The air over Vale's port was charged, the salty, fishy scent of the nearby ocean mixing with the smoke and dust that still lingered in the city. Jaune's Paladin moved steadily along the cracked roads leading to the port, the large mechanical suit gliding smoothly as its boosters propelled it forward. Beside him, Gray and the rest of Steel Squadron flanked the sides, their weapons primed and ready.
Their objective was clear. Secure the SDC assets stored at the port. The port was one of Vale's most important commercial hubs before the Fall of Beacon, but now, it was in ruins like the rest of the city. Intelligence had indicated that Grimm had overrun most of the warehouses, but there were also reports of Atlas soldiers who had taken refuge inside the port and were trying to protect the assets from both the Grimm and looters.
"Steel 1 to all units, eyes sharp. Intel says the port has pockets of resistance. Grimm might not be the only threat here," Carson's voice came through the comms, calm and focused.
Jaune checked his HUD, the map of the area blinking as they neared the port's massive gates. The docks were usually busy with ships and cargo, but now it was eerily quiet. In the distance, the sea waves crashed against the shore, the sound a reminder of the normalcy that had once existed here.
"Grimm is always a problem," Gray muttered. "But something tells me we might find more than that."
"Stay sharp," Jaune replied, gripping the controls as they approached the gates. The massive steel doors were battered and rusted, but still stood tall, blocking their path.
"Steel 2, breach the gates," Carson ordered.
Gray nodded, her Paladin moving forward. She positioned herself in front of the gate and activated the hard-light blades installed on her Paladin's arms. With a swift motion, she slashed through the gate's locking mechanism. The heavy doors groaned before finally swinging open, revealing the interior of the port.
What they saw inside was a scene of chaos.
Several SDC cargo containers were scattered across the port, their contents spilling onto the ground — dust crystals, equipment, and even vehicles. But what drew their attention were the makeshift fortifications set up around some of the warehouses. Atlas soldiers, dressed in worn and tattered uniforms, manned turrets and barricades, their weapons trained on the port's entrances as if expecting another attack at any moment.
"Hold up," Jaune said, his optics zooming in on the soldiers. "Looks like we've got survivors."
Carson let out a breath. "Steel 1 to Command Post. We've encountered friendly forces at the port. Requesting confirmation of survivors in the area."
"Command Post to Steel 1, roger that. Survivors confirmed. Proceed with caution."
"Copy that. All units move in slowly. We don't want to spook them," Carson ordered.
Jaune guided his Paladin forward, the massive machine moving with slow, deliberate steps. The soldiers manning the turrets tensed as the Paladins approached, their fingers hovering over the triggers. For a moment, Jaune thought they might open fire.
Then, a voice crackled over an open radio frequency. "This is Sergeant Miles of the Atlas 88th Infantry Division! Identify yourselves!"
Carson responded immediately, his voice calm and authoritative. "Lieutenant Carson Steel, Steel Squadron, Atlas Military. We're here to secure the SDC assets and extract any survivors. Over."
There was a brief pause before the radio crackled again. "Steel Squadron? You're the first backup we've seen in weeks. Hold your fire, men. They're friendlies."
Jaune exhaled, relieved that they wouldn't be dealing with an accidental firefight. The soldiers lowered their weapons, and Carson gestured for the squad to move in.
As they entered the port, Jaune could see the exhaustion on the soldiers' faces. They looked like they'd been through hell — scrapes, bruises, and tattered uniforms told the story of their struggle to hold this position. The makeshift fortifications around the SDC containers had been hastily thrown together, using whatever materials were at hand to create a defensive perimeter.
Sergeant Miles approached, his face grim but relieved. "Good to see some fresh faces. We've been holding this place for what feels like forever."
"Glad to see you've made it this far, Sergeant," Carson said. "How many men do you have?"
"Not enough," Miles replied with a shake of his head. "Started with thirty. We're down to twelve. Been holding off the Grimm and looters for weeks. Lost a lot of good people."
Jaune frowned, taking in the state of the soldiers around him. These men had fought hard to protect the SDC assets, but it was clear that they were running on fumes.
"You're lucky we got here when we did," Gray said, her voice softening. "We'll get you out of here."
Miles nodded gratefully. "Appreciate it. But first, we need to secure the rest of the SDC containers. There's still a lot of dust left, and I'd rather not let it fall into the wrong hands. No, I'd rather not give them to these ungrateful fuckers."
"We'll take care of it," Carson said, turning to Jaune and the others. "Steel Squadron, spread out. Let's make sure this place is secure."
Jaune moved his Paladin toward one of the warehouses, scanning the area for any signs of Grimm. The port was eerily quiet now, but he knew that could change at any moment. Grimm were always drawn to negative emotions, and the fear and exhaustion radiating from the soldiers were like a beacon.
As he neared the warehouse, Jaune heard a low growl. His heart rate quickened as he turned his Paladin toward the sound. In the shadows of the warehouse, he spotted movement — Beowolves, their glowing red eyes fixated on him.
"Grimm inbound!" Jaune shouted over the comms. "Beowolves in the warehouse!"
"Engage!" Carson ordered. "Steel 3, take point!"
Jaune didn't hesitate. His Paladin surged forward, the auto-cannons whirring to life as he opened fire on the Beowolves. The rounds tore through the creatures, their bodies dissolving into black mist as they fell. But more came, pouring out of the shadows like a black tide.
"Gray, cover the left flank!" Jaune called out as he pivoted to take out another wave of Grimm. Gray's Paladin moved into position, her dust rounds cutting down the approaching Grimm with precision.
The Grimm were relentless, but the combination of Jaune's firepower and the soldiers' turrets held them at bay. Every few seconds, Jaune's optics would light up with new contacts — more Grimm coming from the surrounding area, drawn by the fighting.
"We've got to seal this warehouse!" Jaune shouted over the comms. "They'll just keep coming if we don't!"
"Copy that," Carson replied. "Seal it and regroup at the central storage area!"
Jaune moved quickly, using the Paladin's melee armament to knock over debris and create a makeshift barricade at the entrance of the warehouse. It wouldn't hold forever, but it would buy them enough time to secure the rest of the port to allow them to extract their people.
"Let's move!" Jaune ordered, pulling back from the warehouse and joining Gray and the others in the central storage area.
As they regrouped, Jaune's eyes scanned the containers. The SDC logos were clearly visible, and the containers were packed with dust—valuable, but also dangerous in the wrong hands.
"Steel 1 to Command Post," Carson reported. "Port is secure. SDC assets intact. Requesting evac for survivors."
"Command Post to Steel 1, roger that. Bullheads en route for extraction."
Jaune exhaled, feeling the weight of the mission beginning to lift. They had secured the assets, saved the soldiers, and held off the Grimm. But as he looked around at the ruined port and the weary soldiers, he couldn't help but feel the emptiness of it all.
This wasn't a victory. It was survival.
As the bullheads descended from the sky, their engines roaring softly, Jaune helped the soldiers load the SDC containers onto the transports. Using the arms of the Paladin as a power loader. The soldiers, relieved to be finally leaving, exchanged weary nods with Jaune and the others.
"Thanks for the assist," Sergeant Miles said, clapping Jaune on the shoulder. "We wouldn't have made it without you."
Jaune nodded. "We're just doing our job."
As the last of the soldiers boarded the bullheads, Jaune took a deep breath and climbed back into his Paladin. The roar of the engines filled the air as the transports lifted off, carrying the survivors and the precious SDC assets away from the chaos of Vale.
"Mission accomplished," Carson said over the comms, his voice steady. "Let's get back to air port."
Jaune stared out over the ruined city as they moved back towards their extraction point, the streets of Vale stretching out before them like a broken, forgotten relic of a time long past.
After securing the port and ensuring the SDC assets were safely extracted, Jaune and the rest of Steel Squadron regrouped near their Paladins, the massive machines casting long shadows over the broken streets of Vale. The once-bustling port for airships, now quiet and desolate, was a stark reminder of how much had been lost. The Grimm may have been driven back for now, but the city was far from safe.
Jaune leaned against his Paladin, wiping sweat from his brow. The weight of the day pressed down on him, but it was more than just physical exhaustion. The sight of Vale's ruins, the constant tension, and the knowledge that the Grimm was still out there, lurking in the shadows, gnawed at him. This wasn't the place he remembered, and every moment in the city reminded him of that.
Gray, her auburn hair slightly damp with sweat, kicked a loose piece of rubble across the street. She'd been unusually quiet after the mission, but now that the adrenaline had worn off, the frustration bubbling under her skin finally erupted.
"This city is fucked," Gray spat, pacing back and forth in front of her Paladin. "Look at this place. Grimm in the streets, people hiding in crumbling buildings, and the Huntsmen? Those damn Huntsmen are only protecting the area around the damn library and only certain places."
Jaune looked up at her, unsure of what to say. He could see the anger in her eyes, the frustration and helplessness that came with knowing how bad things really were.
"They're supposed to be the protectors, right?" Gray continued, her voice rising. "The shining beacons of hope or whatever. But where are they? Holed up in their little sanctuary, along with Glynda Goodwitch, like good little dogs who can't fucking think for themselves. Heh, so much for their 'individuality'. Meanwhile, we're out here, busting our asses trying to as many Grimm as possible."
Jaune pushed himself off the Paladin and crossed his arms, his mind racing as he tried to process Gray's words. She wasn't wrong. Since arriving in Vale, it had been clear that the Huntsmen were focusing all their efforts on a few key areas while leaving the rest of the city to rot.
"They're doing what they can," Carson said, stepping forward to join them. His tone was steady, but there was a weariness in his eyes that matched Jaune's own. "But it's clear their priorities aren't the same as ours."
Gray scoffed, her frustration spilling over. "Of course, they're not the same! They're supposed to be huntsmen, not glorified babysitters! We've got Grimm crawling through the streets, Vale's people left to fend for themselves, and the best they can do is to fuck around inside a fucking library?"
"Gray, they're stretched thin," Jaune said, trying to calm her down. "There's only so many of them left, and they can't be everywhere at once. We've got the military—"
"Yeah, and what good's that doing?" Gray snapped, cutting him off. "We secured the port. Great. We got the SDC's precious dust out of here. Fantastic. But look at what's happening out there, Jaune." She gestured wildly to the broken city around them. "Look at it. This isn't just some isolated incident anymore. This is the start of the Fall of Vale. City is gone. Fuck. And they don't even try to get rid of the fuckin' giant Grimm attracting other Grimm to this city!"
Her words hit Jaune like a punch to the gut, the full weight of the situation settling in. It was true. Vale wasn't just damaged — it was decaying. The Grimm had torn through its heart, and the people who were supposed to protect it were doing what they could, but it was never enough.
"We're trying to do something," Jaune said, quieter now, almost to himself. "At least we're here."
"But is it enough?" Gray countered. "Think about it. What happens when we leave? What happens when the Atlas military pulls out of Vale completely? Do you think the Huntsmen are going to fix this? No, they're going to keep hiding in their little sanctuaries while the rest of the world burns. Because I'm pretty fucking sure that we haven't seen a single Huntsman when we were sweeping the villagers on our way to this city. What was that shit again about having a Militia? God, all that boasting about Vale's Huntsmen being the best and surprise, surprise, turns you can't cover an entire fucking kingdom without a fucking organized army. Bah, don't even fucking mention that shitty militia of theirs that we haven't seen at all."
Jaune slowly nodded. The Huntsmen, for all their skill and power, weren't the saviors they had been made out to be. And now, when the world needed them most, they were nowhere to be found. An individual can't cover a land all by themselves, and it takes many hands to protect a vast swathe of land.
"Sir, with all due respect," Gray turned to Carson, her frustration unabated. "How long are we going to stay in this shithole? We're cleaning up the messes, securing the assets, but for what? Vale's dying, and we're just putting band-aids on bullet wounds. So unless we bombed the shit out that Grimm on the CCT, nothing will change here."
Carson stared at her for a long moment, his eyes betraying a depth of understanding. He exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck as he considered his response.
"We do what we're ordered to do," Carson said, his voice calm but firm. "That's the job. We secure what we can, protect who we can, and we follow through. I get it — this place is falling apart, and it's hard to watch. But we're soldiers. We don't get to make the big calls. That's not our role."
Jaune saw the conflict in Gray's eyes, the way her jaw clenched and her hands balled into fists at her sides. She was angry, frustrated, and feeling just as helpless as the rest of them. But Carson was right — there was only so much they could do. They were cogs in a much larger machine, and right now, that machine wasn't built to save Vale.
For a moment, no one spoke. The weight of the city, of their mission, hung over them like a heavy cloud.
Then Scarlet's voice crackled over the comms, breaking the silence. "You guys seeing this?"
Jaune turned, his heart skipping a beat as he saw what Scarlet was pointing at. A group of Huntsmen, silhouetted against the setting sun, were making their way through the ruins, their weapons drawn and their faces grim. They moved with purpose, sweeping the streets for any sign of the remaining Grimm.
"Are they finally getting off their asses?" Gray muttered.
Jaune watched the Huntsmen for a moment, his emotions swirling inside him. There was no denying that these were the same people who had once been heroes to him — the same people who had trained at Beacon, who had fought to protect Vale. But something had changed. They weren't the beacons of hope they once were. Now, they were just survivors, like the rest of them.
"They're doing what they can," Jaune said softly, almost to himself.
Gray scoffed, but she didn't argue. Instead, she shook her head and turned back to her Paladin, her frustration still simmering beneath the surface.
As they watched the Huntsmen move through the streets, Carson gave the order to mount up. "Let's finish the sweep. We've still got to secure the western sector. Looks like the White Fang ain't here either. If we're lucky, we get to go after them."
Jaune nodded, though the weight of Gray's words still hung heavy on his shoulders. He climbed back into his Paladin, the cockpit sealing shut around him. As the boosters engaged and the machine lifted off the ground, Jaune couldn't help but steal one last glance at the surrounding city.
The ruins of Vale stretched out as far as the eye could see. Broken, abandoned, haunted by the specters of what it once was. The Grimm may have been culled back for now, but they weren't gone. And as long as the Wyvern atop the CCT tower remained, they would keep coming.
Gray was right. The city was fucked.
"Steel 3, moving to the western sector," Jaune reported over the comms, his voice steady despite the storm inside him.
"Copy that, Steel 3," Carson replied. "Stay sharp. We're not done yet."
As the Paladins moved through the desolate streets, Jaune couldn't help but wonder how long they were going to stay here.
It was strange.
He thought coming to Vale would stir some emotions for him.
But then Jaune realized he had spent so little time in this city.
Compared to the time he spent in Vacuo with his Company… Vale… Beacon… seems to hold little meaning to him.
It had kicked him out.
It didn't give him a chance.
And he found another place that did.