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

The thick, dark clouds provided perfect cover for the flying car to easily maneuver around the swarm of gigantic Grimm whales. It had to be careful, because one wrong move is enough for one of the whales to smash the car to pieces, and of course, it also had to be careful with the red lightning bolts and the winged Grimms.

Mandy maneuvered delicately, dodging one whale after another, but it didn't help her concentration when Cinder dragged her left Grimm's claws along the leather seat. It felt like claws were running across the inside of her head, making her shiver.

Adam sat in the front seat and just silently stared out the window of the car, although he couldn't see much because of the black clouds. Genna sat next to Cinder and waited for them to land.

- Over there. - Cinder finally broke the silence after instructing Mandy to steer the car towards the biggest and scariest Grimm whale.

- It inspires confidence. - Mandy, though she didn't like this situation, was in no position to object.

Mandy got to the side of the Grimm whale and was surprised to learn that there were rock platforms built into the side of this specimen where planes could land. There was no way to tell if this something was a living being or just a highly advanced station. Either way, they were already sure it was Salem's hideout.

Mandy put the car down on one of the landings, then the team got out and started walking up a set of stone steps with a red stripe running through them. Arriving, they found themselves in an incredible spacious hall, Mandy, Adam and Genna couldn't help but stare at what only their eyes could see, since in this whale you could see for several kilometers, but you could only see a dim red ceiling, gray walls and black extensions.

In the center of the hall was a throne carved out of rock, with its back to the team, with red lights lining its back and the red stripe that was on the stairs leading to it, along with several other stripes.

Mandy's heart skipped a beat when she saw someone sitting in that throne, Adam had a firm grip on Wilt and Genna was aiming her rifle. Fear didn't hold either of them back from standing next to Cinder, who only knelt down with a horrified look.

- Mistress. - Cinder greeted as she placed her right human hand on her chest.

The figure stood up and it turned out to be a woman, her dark evening was like covering her body with a shadow, she was wearing a black cloak on her back, which also seemed to be made of darkness. Her skin was white as lime, her arms had red vein-like lines, she wore her long, white hair in a huge bun, but six smaller but longer buns grew out of what looked like spider legs in six branches. Her eyes were red, like blood, but the whites were actually black, a tiny black gem was embedded in her forehead, and the same red vein-like lines running from her temples to her chin were the same as her arms.

Salem surveyed the newcomers one by one, her gaze could almost kill, but she addressed only one of them.

- Cinder. - She pulled her mouth into a slight smile when, after so much time, she finally appeared in front of her. Her voice was quiet, yet eerie, like a knife being raised in the dark. - When I chose you to obtain the Maiden Powers, - She slowly began to walk towards Cinder. - I put a lot of trust in you. - She finally stopped in front of her, who was still standing on her knees with her head down. - So, I trust you wouldn't dare come back empty-handed.

- The Relic of Knowledge. - Cinder hung the Lantern from her belt and offered it to Salem. - I snatched it right in front of Ironwood's nose.

- We did a little... - Mandy tried to speak, but one look from Salem's dark gaze was enough to silence her.

- Outsmarting the general isn't fit for your thinking. - From the other side of the hall, Cinder heard a familiar male voice, along with slow applause. - More like for his. - Tyrion emerged from the shadows with an evil grin on his face. - After all, - He continued to circle around Cinder and her company. - those kids outsmarted you first.

- According to the radio broadcasts, - Cinder didn't lose her head, stood up and fought back at Tyrion. - the same general and his men outsmarted you. Too bad Watts and Neo didn't return.

Tyrion paused and thought of his two companions with whom he had set off on this mission.

- I'm afraid the doc was a necessary sacrifice. - Tyrion wasn't too bothered by the loss of his partner. - But the little ice cream lady, - As soon as he thought of Neo, his hands clenched into fists, he took a deep breath and controlled his anger in front of his mistress. - betrayed us, the whole time. - He looked over at the rest of the team. - I hope they won't meet this fate.

- Would you introduce them? - Salem intended this more as an order.

- Adam Taurus, - Cinder began with the faunus man. - he has already helped a lot in the past.

- You were the leader of the White Fang for a while. - Salem remembered him.

- Unfortunately, my kind betrayed me, - Adam was still angry that the faunus didn't want to support him in his revenge. - but I can still be of use to you, Mistress. If your goal is to destroy Atlas, I'm all for it.

- Mandy Forrester, - Cinder continued. - she and Adam are in the same package.

- Atlas ruined my life, - Mandy also had a goal. - if you fight against them, you can count on me too.

- You will get your revenge. - Salem assured the two faunus, then looked at Genna, who perhaps surprised her the most. - And who can I respect in you?

- This is Rocket Punch Genna. - Cinder introduced her.

- I'm krat he-yah fo-wah della. - Genna spoke in her usual speaking style, which only made Salem smile.

- Do I have luck to be in a presence of a Phantom Warrior? - Salem seemed to know exactly who Genna was.

- You... know her, Mistress. - To Cinder's and everyone's surprise, not only does Salem understand Genna's speaking style, but she also knows who she was.

- One of Ozma's legacies, - Salem answered. - I thought you were already extinct. The last Phantom died 20 years ago.

- He was mah father, - Genna took off her helmet and her long blonde hair, green eyes and freckled face reminded Salem of someone. - Double-barreled Rex.

- Oh, - Salem thought. - I knew him. He has served me well in the past and hasn't asked for much other than money.

- Exactly. - Genna nodded. - Unt I kamel the same thin'.

- So, neither revenge nor ambition drives you, - Salem encountered a familiar and pleasant situation. - just the wealth?

- Aah'm a simple missy, with simple desires, who only strives to make a livin'. - Genna just smiled. - Just lak mah father.

- I couldn't expect a better answer. - Salem was most satisfied with Genna.

- Mah target is en Mantle, - Genna continued, surprisingly, in an unusually normal style. - Roman Torchwick, whom Aah must brin' back to Mistral alive.

- The traitor?! - Tyrion remembered well Roman, who not only betrayed Salem, but also trapped him and Watts. - I'll finish him.

- He's mah ortunga, Aah've to catch him ligrel! - Genna pointed her rifle at Tyrion and continued in her incomprehensible speaking style again. - Kane kerels, - She turned to Salem. - Ms. Malachite can be a valuable ally en your world conqueror's campaign.

- If you serve me well, I'll make it so. - Salem offered and signaled with her hand to Tyrion to take it back.

- As I said Mistress, - Cinder continued with a smile. - Adam, Mandy and Genna are assets with very useful abilities. - Although Mandy wasn't happy about being seen as just a tool, it didn't bother Adam and Genna.

- Of course, - Salem admitted. - you are talented in finding assets.

On one side of the hall they heard a strange tapping sound, which was a door made of a strange red and dark gray material, framed by a bone-like material. Emerald, Mercury and Hazel came in through it.

- Cinder?! - Emerald, like a puppy that saw its master, was excited. - You're here! - She could barely contain herself from joy and had to run over to hug her. - I knew that...

- Silence! - Cinder angrily and condescendingly silenced the girl, who only remained silent in disappointed.

- Oh, - Tyrion just shook his head. - you're so committed and devoted to such an incompetent person. After all, while myself, the dear doctor and the treacherous little ice cream lady carried out the wishes of our mistress, disintegrating the unity of this kingdom... - He smiled evilly. - You were just atoning for your past mistake.

- Polendina's creation stood in my way, in obtaining the power of Winter Maiden! - Cinder reminded everyone. - But now I know she has it. And once I get back to Atlas, it won't take long to finish what I started. - Cinder was determined. - That power will be mine!

- I gave no such order. - Salem raised her hand to beckon Cinder to be quiet, turned and started towards her throne.

- But Mistress, - Cinder shook her head in confusion. - now it would be the time to... - Before continuing, Salem touched the back of her stone throne, on the back of which the red lights began to shine more brightly and the whole hall was filled with the sound of whales.

Red lights began to pulsate throughout the hall and inside the Grimm whale as Salem channeled more and more magic into the throne.

- This game is not yours to win, Cinder, - Salem warned. - it's mine. - At one end of the hall, which could have been the Grimm whale's mouth, Atlas was projected, like on a monitor. - Just because you are more valuable to me than a pawn doesn't make you a player. - Salem was already sure of his victory. - Everything is already in motion, it's only a matter of time and the victory will be ours. All you have to worry about is that when I tell you to do something, you do it.

- Of course. - Cinder lowered her head. - Without you I'm nothing.

Salem motioned for her people to leave and they did. She knew full well that Atlas couldn't be more divided at this moment, thanks to General Ironwood, who was so horrified by the mere news of her coming that he left Mantle and the people he wanted so much to protect alone. Cinder's report that the Winter Maiden is in Mantle and doesn't want to help Ironwood, it scuttled the general's plan.

Whatever they do, Mantle or Atlas, they will help Salem in the end.

In the faunus slum was never a stranger to poverty, cold and deprivation. They lived in old wooden or container houses, they had to transform factory or mining waste into everyday objects and since the city's heating unit didn't reach here, they had to light a fire in metal barrels on a daily basis in order not to freeze to death. The poor of the world's richest kingdom lived in such difficult conditions.

Oscar, after falling from Vault of the Winter Maiden and punching a hole in the bottom of Atlas, ended up here using Ozpin's hidden magic.

Fortunately, the locals were kind-hearted and took care of the boy, an old, short gentleman with mole hands even gave him a bowl of soup.

- Thank you. - Hot food and hospitality were the last things Oscar expected to find here, especially after the failure of his last conversation with Ironwood.

"Heads up.", Ozpin warned as Oscar raised his head to see an Atlasian plane heading towards the slum.

Everyone knew that Atlas had left Mantle alone and that any resistance would be severely retaliated by the army. The residents, fearing the worst, quickly sought shelter, but Oscar just grabbed Ozpin's cane and was ready to fight.

- Need a ride?! - As soon as the plane door opened, Ruby waved at her.

Oscar and everyone else were relieved to see a friendly face. The boy just got into the plane, which then left the faunus slum and headed for Mantle.

Mantle was like a snow-covered ghost town. It was pitch black, the heating units, water supply, and electricity all turned off at the behest of Ironwood, who didn't want to waste resources on a dead city. The streets were also emptied and not a soul could be seen anywhere, only stray Grimms were raiding, the remnants of the previously repulsed horde.

- Still, - Roman looked angrily at the city. - what the hell was the general thinking?! His plan makes no sense, sooner or later Salem will find a way to get up into the atmosphere!

- He believes, - Ruby stood next to him disappointed. - that it's the only way to get out of Salem's range.

- He runs cowardly! - Lance didn't believe that the general would do that out of fear.

- It looks like, - Roman was already putting things together in his head after Ruby had initiated the others into the general's plans. - this is exactly what Salem wanted to achieve. He spooked the general, who's playing on her bluff, chose the easy way and left behind those whose protection he derives no benefit from.

- You told us in advance to be careful with the general. - Weiss could hardly believe how much has happened in the space of a few hours.

- I was a fool to think the general would listen. - Oscar already felt stupid. - Every choice I've made so far has been wrong, and now... - The only thing that was still working in Mantle was the Grimm siren that was going non-stop.

- We did everything we thought was best. - Ruby tried to comfort the boy. - We're just glad you're okay.

- Unfortunately, - Lance remembered his last teammate. - Mike isn't so well.

- Lance... - Ruby tried to comfort the other boy too, but she couldn't find the words.

- There will be good. - Roman saw Joanna on one of the streets, who signaled to them.

- Yeah, yeah, I see you! - Maria started to put down the plane in frustration.

Fortunately, one of the alleys was wide enough to land the plane and Joanna led them to the headquarters of the Happy Huntresses.

The residents of Mantle have only one thing to thank for their survival, none other than Robyn's Happy Huntresses, who after Robyn's capture and Roman's departure, Fiona and May together ran the town and did everything to save as many people as possible.

- I know, - May spoke through her Scroll. - the third sector needs the most help. I'll send the reinforcement immediately. Fiona, can you hear me? We need a ride from the third sector to the Crater.

- Got it.

Unfortunately, our heroes couldn't do much but be glad that Oscar wasn't seriously hurt. Nora hugged the boy worriedly.

- When we heard, - Blake began. - that you went after Ironwood alone, then... - She didn't know how to continue.

- How did you end up in the slum? - Weiss took the floor.

- This... - Oscar didn't even know where to start. - is a long story. I have a feeling that everyone has one for the evening now.

They looked up at the circling monitor where RWBY and Team JNR, Lance, Roman, Neo, Penny, Maria, and Pietro were.

Penny, who felt responsible for Fria's death and has a huge burden on her shoulders since she became Winter Maiden, knew well that she will be the primary target of both Salem and Ironwood.

"Aren't you going to tell them?", Ozpin asked Oscar, which only he could hear.

"You and I haven't finished our conversation yet.", replied Oscar, in his head, but he noticed that someone was missing from the team.

- Where's Qrow?

Everyone looked at each other sadly, but finally Ruby gave the answer.

- We don't know. The last time we heard from him, he was with Robyn and Clover, but...

- Okay, - Joanna interrupted the grieving group. - you have your friend. Can we do some work? - She didn't get an answer, they were all sad and broken, losing Mike, Qrow and Robyn was a big blow to their moral. - The largest horde of Grimm I've seen so far is marching the tundra and here is a city without heating, full of people and based on what you told us, they can no longer count on military protection. We gladly provide you shelter where you can hide... But it would be time to help those people.

- How? - Ren spoke up. - Ironwood has stopped all evacuations to Atlas and we can't get them out of the city while Salem's forces are surrounding the city.

- The Crater. - Joanna answered. - Under Atlas. It's not the safest, but it provides warmth and if everyone is in one place, it's easier to protect them. - The others just looked at the tall Huntress in bewilderment.

- You're right, - Lance supported. - we can't give up. - He put on his helmet and prepared for anything. - As long as the city stands and the people live, there's still hope!

- May can send you where you are most needed. - Joanna continued. - We have to get everyone to the crater before dusk. Through the slum, we have a good chance.

- We will never sleep again, I just know it. - Weiss just lowered her head in disappointment.

- Hey, - Jaune walked over to hug her. - we will get through this, like everything else so far.

- Help, - Joanna announced the hard facts. - or you are just burdens. - She finally left the warehouse.

- She' right, - Yang stood up. - we must do everything we can for the people of Mantle.

- We have to do our best for everyone. - Corrected by Ruby. - What about Amity? - He suddenly remembered Ironwood's original purpose. - And with everyone knowing about Salem? We can't do it alone anymore. We need help.

- Ruby's right, - Blake supported. - the Happy Huntresses can manage the evacuation better than us.

- And there's a more serious problem... - Weiss joined in, but was interrupted by Yang.

- But Amity isn't done yet. It's still under construction.

- True, - Lance broke down as well. - Ironwood said it should have taken at least a week to complete. - Ruby was at a loss for words for a short time, but she remembered that Atlas' best scientist was still with them.

- Doc, - She turned to Pietro. - what's needed to be able to launch Amity now?

- Well... - The doctor thought about it. - construction and fuel acquisition were quite good, they are all potentially manageable, but... - He listed the possibilities, but was worried about something. - The Amity was designed so that it couldn't start without General Ironwood's computer permission.

- Ruby, - Yang didn't support this plan. - it's impossible for Ironwood to cooperate with us.

- But he doesn't have to. - Ruby didn't run out of ideas. - We only need his computer permission from your terminal, right?

- Do you want to go back to the academy?! - Yang was worried that her sister was marching to certain death.

- Last time we barely made it, - Lance reminded them. - and we lost Mike.

- As a matter of fact, - Pietro interrupted. - there's not only one terminal from which we can obtain the permit. One is clearly in his office, but there's another in the Atlas Military Compound at the city base. If you could get to the Compound, then the operating room and then... - He was starting to get confused. - oh, my... - He scratched his temple. - Maybe you should think more about this.

- I see, we haven't run out of options yet. - Roman supported the plan and Neo also smiled confidently, indicating that they could count on her.

- To clarify, - Oscar did not share the optimism of the two criminals. - that would be the easy option?

- You mean it's not possible. - Yang didn't support this plan either. - That's pointless. And even if the message gets out, there is no guarantee that help will come at all.

- It's not pointless! - Ruby shot back at her sister. - Only Atlas Salem's target for now! She's not hiding anymore and once she's done here she'll target the rest of Remant! We must warn them!

- Ruby... - After a short silence, Yang looked at her sister with disdain and disappointment. - when we came here, we said we would follow you... - Yang no longer believed in Ruby. - but things didn't go well. - Ruby looked shocked at her sister, the person who was the first and the loudest to declare that she would stay with her until the end and believe in her forever. Now she is the first to jump on her throat and read her mistakes on his head. - I just...

- If you had a better idea, Blondie, - Roman and Neo defensively stood next to Ruby. - why didn't you come up with it?

- What... - Yang angrily stared at Roman and Neo.

- And that's true for you too! - Roman looked at the rest of the team, who didn't say it, but must have felt the same as Yang. - You expect everything from Little Red, - He turned back to Yang, who felt a little ashamed. - then you complain to her if something didn't turn out the way you wanted? - He put his hand on the girl's shoulder, who smiled gratefully at him, Roman smiled back, but Neo, slightly jealous, pulled Roman away from Ruby. - Hey, take it easy!

Yang, running out of arguments, crossed her arms in anger and resentment and looked to the side.

- There are a lot of people who seriously need help, - Ren joined in. - even now. - Ren didn't support Ruby's plan either. - We can finally do something.

- But this isn't just about Atlas! - Interjected Nora. - Ruby's right, the whole Remnant is at stake now! They must know in Vacuo, Mistral, and Vale what awaits them. So that they can at least prepare.

- Yes, - Lance also stood next to Ruby. - As Hunters and Huntresses, we swore to protect all residents of Remnant to the end, and I think Ruby's plan is the best way to keep it.

- Okay, - Jaune stood between the arguing parties. - then let's do both. Launch the Amity and evacuate Mantle.

- But that's exactly what Salem is trying to do! - Ruby was worried. - To divide us! We must stay together!

- No! - Oscar swept away her concerns. - Salem is trying to turn us against each other. Just like the general.

- Just think about it, Little Red, - Roman put his arms around Neo. - Neo and I were hundreds of miles apart and yet we worked together.

- Roman and Jaune are right, - Oscar continued. - we can work separately, but we can also stay together.

- Or... - Penny, who had been blaming herself for the whole mess, finally spoke. - I'll take the relic to Salem... and maybe she'll stop attacking Atlas.

- I don't think we can take this risk. - Oscar immediately opposed it.

- No way, - Roman as well. - I met her personally and learned one thing about her. She doesn't bargain and she doesn't mercy.

- Yes, - Oscar felt it was time to reveal what the Staff is capable of. - as soon as she uses the Staff to create something else, Atlas will fall to Mantle within a few days.

- No one will give up anything or anybody to anyone. - Yang nailed it. - That's the only thing we agree on.

- Okay. - Ruby was still disappointed that her sister didn't trust her so much, but she had to pull herself together and be strong. - Then, I'm going to Atlas. Maybe you could help? - She turned to Pietro, who is the key figure in this plan.

- Well... - Pietro, if he could he wanted to go with her. - someone has to help you get through the security system... but... - He looked at himself, at his crippled body, which he can't even walk with.

- It wouldn't be a good idea to take you too. - Lance was against Pietro going with them. - In such situations, we always have to run, fight and... - He didn't want to offend the crippled scientist. - no offense, but...

- I'm going. - Penny volunteered, which surprised everyone.

- Penny, - Pietro didn't want to hear about putting her in danger. - we can't risk that...

- I'm going! - Penny swept away her father's doubts with glowing eyes. Clearly, there was nothing that could be said to make her change her mind.

- Do what you have to. - Yang was still offended, so she left the team. - I do what I can. - She finally left the warehouse as Blake looked at her sadly and disappointed.

- Yang, - Pietro threw a key at him, which he caught. - go to my pharmacy. In my free time, I made something new for you. You will need them.

- Nora? - Ren, who was clearly with Yang, turned to her.

- I'm going with Ruby. - She was sure of her statement.

- But what about Mantle? - Ren thought it was a bit strange that his girlfriend wasn't with him now.

- Oh, - Nora just waved. - I'm saving Mantle because I really believe we can do this!

- I'm with you Ruby, - Lance stood next to her. - till the end.

- Hey, - Blake was with Ruby as well. - we are still together.

- I hope so. - Ruby is a little disappointed that her sister isn't with them.

- I'm taking Pietro out to Amity so he can start preparing, - Maria spoke over the radio. - but there's nothing he can do to get you up to Atlas from here.

- I might have an idea... - Weiss wasn't confident, but she couldn't finish when someone's Scroll started beeping.

Many people took out their Scrolls, but neither RWBY, nor the JNR team, nor Roman, nor Neo, nor Lance, nor Oscar beeped. It was Penny's Scroll who turned pale when she saw who was looking for her.

It was General Ironwood and the robot girl was at a complete loss as to whether to pick it up at all. Slowly, with trembling hands, she pressed the answer button.

- Hello, Penny. - The general spoke on the other side. - I'm worried about your safety. - It's clear that Ironwood just wants to get the girl to get the Staff. - Just tell me where you are and I will immediately send a plane to pick you up. Atlas needs you, Penny. Salem is here. - Ruby and Lance surrounded the girl supportively from both sides. Ruby took the Scroll while Penny just hugged Lance.

- She's not going anywhere, - Ruby stated determined. - until you change your mind about Mantle. There's still a chance for Mantle to...

- Mantle... - Ironwood interrupted, half laughing, half furious. - Are you still worried about Mantle?! Remnant is doomed, Ruby! If we don't leave, Salem will destroy Atlas and all the hope left with it! We have to think about the future! If she breaks through our defenses, - He warned them. - everything that happens after that is on your hands.

Penny slipped out of Lance's embrace and seeing how the general's threat affected Ruby, she decided to hug her other friend as well.

A stab wound to the chest and several liters of blood loss were enough to finish off even the captain of the Ace Ops, Clover. Not even Atlas's finest medicine science could do anything to bring him back from the dead and the rest of the team, Marrow, Vine, Elm and Harriet knew it all too well as they stared at their captain's cold and dead body in the ward bed.

While Marrow, Elm and Vine were down, Harriet was furious, as she was sure who the culprit was.

From the adjacent ward, where Winter's injuries were being treated, Ironwood also looked into the room in disappointment, his best man and one of his best friends lying dead inside and there was nothing he could do to save him.

- Sir, - A female officer reported. - the prisoners arrived. We will transport them to cell B. - Ironwood only nodded to indicate that he could leave.

- Qrow and Robyn? - Winter, who was bandaged in several places, had several bruises on her body and the left eye was still swollen and two doctors treated her injuries, which, thanks to her aura, started to recover.

- Would you leave us alone, please? - Ironwood sent the two doctors who obeyed.

- I'll be fine. - Winter assured as she tried to clench her hand into a fist, but it hurt too much.

- Thank you, Winter. - For the general, Winter was the only mentally support he could trust and personally was his friend. - I don't know what would happen to me without you. - He suddenly remembered Glynda Goodwitch and how much Winter was similar like her and maybe because of the confusion, but for a moment, he saw Glynda instead of Winter. - I never... - The next moment, Winter was in front of him again, he quickly shook his head, turned around and started stroking his beard in confusion. - I mean, I've never seen such a large horde of Grimm! - He was in the present again and the defense of the city of Atlas was before his eyes. - The city's force fields last, but not forever.

- What will you do... sir? - Winter was afraid of the answer in advance.

- Wait, you can't come in here! - From the corridor, the two doctors tried to hold up Councilor Sleet and Camilla, who came to the academy's infirmary indignantly.

- This is absurd! - Councilor Sleet didn't let himself be held back. - Let me through!

- I'll do my best, - Ironwood went out into the corridor with his hands locked behind his back. - to protect this kingdom.

- For God's sake, - Camilla and Sleet finally found their way to the general. - what do you think you're doing James?!

- Did you stop Mantle's evacuation?! - Councilor Sleet wasn't thrilled either.

- It doesn't matter what it costs. - Ironwood almost didn't hear the shouts of the two Councilors.

- And what does this whole martial law mean?! - Sleet continued his questioning. - Have you lost your mind?! You're so scared that...

Ironwood didn't bother to stop to argue, shout or threaten, he simply took out one of his large caliber pistols, pointed it at Councilor Sleet and pulled the trigger.

Bang

One shot and a bullet flew through the Councilor's head, causing him to collapse and lay in a pool of blood in the corridor of the infirmary.

Everyone was horrified and shocked, even Winter and the Ace Ops members. They believed that the general was just trying to scare the Councilor, but there wasn't the slightest regret on his face, more relief than someone who had gotten rid of a disturbing factor.

He didn't say anything, just put his gun away and left the corridor.

After so many years, Salem finally had the Lamp of Knowledge in her hands that she had so many questions about, there was only one problem.

- I have questions for you. - She spoke to the Lamp, but it didn't do anything. - I guess, - She sighed tiredly. - Ozma forgot to mention that it works with a password. - She walked all the way through the corridor inside the Grimm whale to visit one of his newest supporter. - I have a task for you.

- Pen ame you kameling? - Genna asked as she filled her jetpack with Fire Dust. Unfortunately, she used up her only rocket and the spare ones were left on the plane they came to Atlas with.

- Just follow me. - Salem, who perfectly understood Genna's language, just smiled and turned around. Genna put the jetpack on her back and put on her helmet and obeyed.

Salem just walked along, straight to the end of the corridor, with the Lamp in her hand and Genna followed her.

- Your father performed very well during my service and I paid handsomely. - Salem remembered Double-Barreled Rex. - I hope you serve in the same way.

- Kamlo, aber felda the gas price. - Genna just wanted to know what the witch wanted from her.

- Patience. - Salem stopped at the door at the end of the corridor and entered the dark room on the other side. She came out with a Grimm at her side and Genna instinctively raised her rifle. - There will be no need for that. - Salem just touched the barrel of Genna's rifle and she lowered it.

- Ame adake? - Genna couldn't put it where, since she had never seen Grimm like this before.

It walked on all fours, it had four legs like a dog, thick but short claws, a massive upper body with several white, bone-like spikes protruding from it, a thinner but slender lower body, and more bone-like forms on its back, but its head was the most interesting. His mouth was large and wide, lined with razor sharp but short, hound teeth, had a long nose, and the Grimm mask had no eyes at all. It was blind, but very aware of its surroundings.

- Your new partner in this job. - Salem answered, and Genna just shook her head in confusion. - Take off your gauntlet and give me your hand.

- What?! - Genna was reluctant.

- It is important that it recognize you. - Salem answered, in a little impatient. - Your gauntlet and your hands.

Genna saw no point in protesting either, so she removed her right gauntlet and Salem slid her thin hands into her thick and hard one, then squeezed and channeled some sort of magic into her.

When she let go, Genna saw a large black dot on her palm.

- Sokerez... - Genna was scared, but Salem put her hand on her shoulder.

- Don't worry. - She took her hand again and held it to the eyeless Grimm, which then began to sniff and then lick her hand. - As long as the seal is on you, the Hound will think of you as its comrade. - She picked up the Lamp and then held it to the Hound's nose so it could smell the target's scent on it. - I want to know how it works and for that I need someone to show me how. Bring him to me. - She still had a stipulation with Genna. - Alive and not in pieces.

- Assar as you kamol, rajni. - Genna took back her gauntlet and the Hound grunted aggressively.

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