Jaune stood in the dimly lit hanger, the soft hum of machinery and the occasional clang of metal echoing through the cavernous space. Rows of Atlesian Paladins stood like silent sentinels, each one a testament to Atlas' military might. Yet, in front of him stood something new—something far more advanced and, in Jaune's mind, far more fragile than the Paladins he was used to.

The Advanced Paladin, as it was called, had a different build from the 290 models he had piloted in the field. It was bulkier, its frame covered in thicker, insectoid carapace-like armor. Its limbs were broader, with additional plating covering the legs, shoulders, and thighs. The headpiece, shaped like the helmet of some ancient warrior, added to its intimidating presence, though Jaune couldn't help but feel a bit underwhelmed as he took it all in.

"You're telling me this thing is an upgrade?" Jaune muttered, walking beside one of the lead scientists, Dr. Hales, who had been responsible for developing the new mechanized suit. Jaune's skeptical tone wasn't lost on him.

Dr. Hales chuckled softly, his lab coat swaying slightly as he adjusted his glasses. "I know it looks a bit… different, but trust me, Lieutenant Arc, this Paladin model has far more potential than what you're used to. The added armor plating should make it more durable in direct combat, though we still need field tests to confirm that."

Jaune arched a brow, giving the Paladin another once-over. "It's not the armor I'm worried about. It's all this new tech. Feels like it hasn't been stress-tested enough to be on the field."

"That's precisely why you're here," Dr. Hales replied. "You and your team have the experience. We need people like you to put it through its paces."

Jaune sighed, already picturing himself in the cockpit of the bulky machine, trying to push it beyond its limits. "Fine," he muttered. "I'll give it a shot. But I still think it looks like it's trying too hard."

Hales grinned, motioning for Jaune to follow him deeper into the hanger. As they walked, Jaune caught glimpses of various prototypes and unfinished projects scattered around the workshop. It was a sight that reminded him of just how far Atlas had come in terms of its military prowess compared to shitholes like Vacuo, yet it also highlighted the constant pursuit of perfection that never seemed to stop.

As they reached a separate section of the facility, Hales stopped in front of another Paladin. This one, however, was different — not just in appearance, but in design. It had the same humanoid structure as the Paladins Jaune was familiar with, but its frame was sleeker, more compact. The armor seemed to blend seamlessly with the machine's joints, and the overall design gave it a more agile, lethal appearance.

"This," Hales began with a note of pride in his voice, "is what we've been working on in secret for quite some time. A Paladin designed specifically for aura-abled pilots."

Jaune stepped closer, intrigued despite himself. "Aura-abled? You mean it can channel a pilot's aura?"

Hales nodded. "That's right. This Paladin has been outfitted with experimental systems that allow it to interface directly with the aura of its pilot. It was initially based on the same principles used to develop Mantle's Protector from PROJECT P.E.N.N.Y. and considering your unique semblance, we think you might be the perfect pilot for it."

Jaune looked at Hales, then back at the Paladin. "You want me to test this thing?"

"Yes," Hales confirmed. "Your semblance—amplifying aura—could make this work. Theoretically, with your aura being channeled into the Paladin, it could not only strengthen the armor but also act as a secondary shield in case the hard-light systems fail."

Jaune let out a low whistle. "You're asking me to be the guinea pig for this thing, aren't you?"

Hales chuckled again, though this time there was a hint of nervousness. "You're one of the few people with a large enough aura reserve to make this work. Without a pilot like you, the project might get scrapped."

Jaune crossed his arms, contemplating the idea. The prospect of piloting a Paladin that could directly channel his aura was intriguing, though it also sounded exhausting. "Alright," he finally said, shrugging. "Let's give it a shot."

Within minutes, Jaune was suited up in his combat armor, his helmet connected to the Paladin's interface. He climbed into the cockpit, feeling the familiar sense of confinement as the hatch sealed shut around him. Unlike the 290 models, this Paladin felt tighter, the controls more responsive. A heads-up display flickered to life, showcasing a variety of readings and diagnostics.

"We've calibrated the system to sync with your aura," Hales' voice crackled over the comms. "You should feel the connection once you start channeling."

Jaune took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he focused inward. He felt the familiar warmth of his aura beginning to circulate within him, and with a small effort of will, he began to push that aura outwards, directing it into the Paladin.

The moment his aura touched the machine's systems, he felt a surge of energy. The Paladin reacted instantly, its sensors lighting up as his aura infused the metal. It was as if the machine itself had become an extension of his body—his thoughts translated into action without the usual delay.

"Whoa," Jaune muttered, his hands moving over the controls with newfound precision. "I can feel it. The whole thing feels… alive."

"Good," Hales said, his voice filled with excitement. "Now, let's see what this thing can really do. We'll start with some basic movements, then ramp up the tests."

Jaune activated the Paladin's boosters, feeling the sudden thrust of speed as the machine surged forward. He banked to the right, pivoting on one leg, then shot upwards, the jump units engaging smoothly. The movements were fluid, almost effortless, as if his aura was guiding the machine rather than his hands.

"Not bad," Jaune said, a grin tugging at his lips. "Feels faster than the 290s."

"We've made some upgrades to the propulsion system," Hales replied. "Try pushing it a little harder. Engage the hard-light shields and see how they hold up with your aura."

Jaune nodded, channeling more of his aura into the Paladin's shield systems. The hard-light barriers flickered to life, glowing a faint blue as they formed around the machine. At the same time, Jaune could feel his aura weaving into the armor itself, strengthening the metal beyond its normal capacity.

"Alright," Jaune said, his voice steady. "Let's see how much this thing can take."

He pushed the Paladin to its limits, executing sharp turns, rapid boosts, and even diving maneuvers that would have tested any other machine's structural integrity. The Paladin held up surprisingly well, though Jaune could feel the strain on his aura reserves as the tests continued.

After several minutes, Hales' voice came through the comms again. "Now, I want you to focus on regenerating your aura while keeping the systems active. Can you maintain the hard-light shields while replenishing your energy?"

Jaune gritted his teeth, already feeling the drain on his aura. He slowed the Paladin's movements, focusing on regenerating his aura while keeping the shields up. It was a delicate balance, but one he had been practicing for a while. With his semblance, he could amplify and regenerate aura at the same time, but it was far from easy.

"Almost there…" Jaune muttered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

The Paladin's systems held steady as Jaune continued to channel his aura. The shields flickered slightly, but they didn't drop. His aura reserves were being replenished, though at a slower rate than he would have liked.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jaune let out a breath. "I did it. Shields are holding, and my aura's coming back."

"Excellent," Hales said, his voice filled with excitement. "That's exactly what we were hoping for. With your semblance, we might be able to push this Paladin even further."

Jaune smirked, though he was already feeling the exhaustion creeping in. "Yeah, well, I can't keep this up forever. This thing eats aura like crazy."

Hales nodded, his voice becoming more serious. "We'll need to work on optimizing the systems. But this is a huge step forward, Lieutenant Arc. You've proven that the interface works—and with your aura, it could become a game-changer."

Jaune powered down the Paladin, feeling a wave of relief as the connection between his aura and the machine was severed. He climbed out of the cockpit, taking a moment to catch his breath. The test had been a success, but it had also shown just how much more work was needed to make the advanced Paladin truly battle-ready.

As Jaune stood there, wiping the sweat from his brow, Hales approached him with a satisfied grin.

"You've done well, Arc. I think we're onto something big here."

Jaune chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, just make sure you don't push it too far. This thing's got potential, but it's still fragile."

Hales nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We'll keep refining it. And with you as the pilot, I think we'll get there."

Jaune sighed, glancing back at the Paladin. It was impressive, no doubt. But it was also a reminder of just how far technology could push them—and how much it demanded from those who used it.

"I guess we'll see," Jaune muttered, already feeling the weight of the future on his shoulders.

The week had been grueling.

Jaune stood in the corner of the testing facility, feeling the weight of exhaustion sink into his bones. He'd spent countless hours inside the advanced Paladin, running simulations, pushing the machine to its limits, and testing his aura against every conceivable scenario Dr. Hales and the team could think of. The concept had shown promise—massive potential, in fact—but there was one glaring problem: no one else could replicate what Jaune was doing.

Despite the initial excitement surrounding the project, every other test pilot had failed to channel their aura into the Paladin's systems. Some couldn't maintain the connection for more than a few seconds, while others burned out their aura reserves before the Paladin could even function at full capacity. Only Jaune, with his unique semblance of amplification and his unusually large aura reserves, could sustain the power required to make the Paladin combat-ready.

The room was filled with murmurs of disappointment as the other pilots exited their Paladins, their heads hanging low. Jaune could feel the frustration in the air, a thick fog of unspoken failure. Dr. Hales, the man who had poured his heart and soul into this project, stood by the main control console, rubbing his temple in frustration.

"That's it," Dr. Hales muttered, shaking his head. "It's not viable. We can't rely on a system that only works for one person in a million."

The brass had arrived an hour ago, waiting for the final report from Dr. Hales. They were not pleased. With the dust embargo in place and the Schnee Dust Company pulling some of its support from the project, resources had become limited. The cost of producing even one of these advanced Paladins was astronomical, and without a guarantee that more soldiers could pilot them, the entire project was deemed too expensive to continue.

The lead officer, an older man with graying hair and a stern expression, folded his arms across his chest. "So what you're telling us, Dr. Hales, is that this project has no future?"

Dr. Hales hesitated, glancing at Jaune, who was still standing near his Paladin, silent but watching the exchange closely.

"Unless we find more pilots like Arc," Hales said, his voice tinged with regret, "I'm afraid so. The system was designed to function with aura-abled users, but the energy drain is simply too high for most individuals. Only someone with an immense aura reserve can sustain the interface and even then, it's taxing."

The officer's frown deepened. "And what about mass production? If we scaled down the power requirements, could we make this more… accessible?"

Hales sighed, shaking his head. "Not without losing the key advantages of the system. The aura amplification is what makes this Paladin so powerful. If we reduce that, we might as well be using the older 290 models. And with the dust embargo and the current political situation, we simply don't have the resources to pursue this further."

The officer exchanged glances with his colleagues, clearly disappointed. "Very well, Dr. Hales. We'll shelve the project for now. Focus your efforts on refining the existing Paladins."

Hales opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it. The brass wasn't going to be swayed by more technical jargon or impassioned pleas. They wanted results, and in the current climate, this project wasn't delivering.

"Understood, sir," Hales said, his voice subdued.

With that, the brass turned and left, their footsteps echoing down the long corridor. Hales stood there for a moment, staring after them, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Jaune, sensing the moment, stepped forward.

"You okay, Doc?" Jaune asked, his voice low.

Hales let out a long sigh. "I knew this was going to be a long shot, but… we were so close, Arc. So close. And now, it's over."

Jaune nodded, his gaze shifting to the Paladin he had spent the last week inside. "Guess it's back to the regular models for us, then."

Hales turned to him, a determined glint in his eyes. "Not quite." He paused, clearly considering his next words carefully. "I had to do some serious convincing with the higher-ups, but they've agreed to let you keep the advanced Paladin."

Jaune blinked in surprise. "Wait, seriously?"

Hales nodded. "It's not going into mass production, but you're the only one who can make it work. They'll allow you to keep it on a trial basis. It'll be your personal Paladin, fitted specifically for your aura and semblance."

Jaune's mind raced. He hadn't expected this. Sure, the advanced Paladin had its flaws, but it was a damn powerful machine when paired with his aura. "Why me?" Jaune asked, still processing the news.

"Because you're the only one who can use it," Hales said simply. "And because I fought like hell to keep it from being scrapped completely. I believe in this project, Jaune. I believe in what it can do. If anyone can prove its worth, it's you. And… I have a feeling we might need it… lots of migrating to Solitas…"

Jaune looked back at the Paladin, the sleek, armored frame gleaming under the facility's lights. It was a weapon unlike anything he had ever used before — a blend of his own strength and the cutting-edge technology Atlas had always been known for. The thought of piloting it again, of pushing its limits, sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine.

"I won't let you down, Doc," Jaune said, his voice firm. "I'll make sure this thing proves itself in the field."

Hales smiled, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "I know you will. Just… be careful out there, okay? The advanced systems require a lot from you, both physically and mentally. Don't overextend yourself."

Jaune nodded. "I got it. I'll be fine."

As Jaune prepared to leave the facility, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride and uncertainty. He had always been a soldier — just another cog in the massive military machine of Atlas. But now, with this Paladin, he had something unique. Something powerful. It was both a gift and a responsibility, and he knew that he would have to rise to the occasion.

The following days were a blur of debriefings, maintenance reports, and planning sessions. Jaune had become somewhat of a curiosity among his peers, now that he was the sole pilot of an advanced Paladin that could channel his aura. His team, Steel Squadron, had watched the tests with interest, and while they didn't share the same connection to the machine, they respected Jaune's ability to make it work.

Lt. Gray was the first to comment when they met up for training exercises. "So, Arc, how's it feel to be the golden boy of a Paladin project?"

Jaune shrugged, a wry smile on his face. "Feels like a lot more work, honestly. But the thing's a beast when it works."

Scarlet chimed in, adjusting her gauntlets as they prepped for another field exercise. "Just don't let it go to your head, Arc. We all know you've got the skills, but that machine's only as good as the pilot."

Jaune nodded, acknowledging her point. "Yeah, I know. It's not just about the tech. It's about staying sharp, keeping focused and all that bullshit."

Carson, their commanding officer, strode over, his usual no-nonsense demeanor firmly in place. "Good. Keep that attitude, Arc. Just because you've got the fancy new toy doesn't mean you can slack off. We've got work to do."

Jaune straightened, his posture snapping at attention. "Yes, sir."

Carson gave him a curt nod. "We're heading to Mantle's outskirts in a few days. Command wants us to reinforce some of the outposts near the border. There's been chatter about more Grimm activity in the area, and we're not taking any chances."

Gray smirked. "More target practice for Arc's new toy?"

Carson didn't smile, but his eyes gleamed with approval. "Let's hope so."

Steel Squadron had settled into the village of Crossed, an isolated farming settlement that felt as if time itself had forgotten it. The wooden shacks with straw roofs stood in stark contrast to the technology they brought with them, especially the towering Paladins and the high-tech weaponry of the Atlas military. At the center of the village, a large windmill turned slowly, its blades creaking with every gust of wind. Several silos dotted the edge of the village, hinting at the agricultural work the locals relied on for survival.

But despite the idyllic appearance of Crossed, the real threat lay beneath them. The caves surrounding the village were infested with Grimm, drawn to the naturally occurring Combustion Dust that made the tunnels both a source of potential power and a dangerous liability. Their mission was to secure the caves, but that was easier said than done. The dust could explode with the slightest provocation, and the Grimm weren't the only threat lurking underground.

Jaune stood on watch, the weight of his advanced Paladin casting a long shadow over the village. The once-promising machine, now a reminder of the failed experiment, hummed softly in idle mode. The village was quiet, eerily so, as the locals went about their day, avoiding eye contact with the Atlas soldiers.

"They're looking at us like we're invaders," Gray muttered, standing next to him in her own Paladin. Her voice crackled through the comms, her tone laced with frustration. "Like we're the fascist trash keeping them down."

Jaune glanced over at the villagers, noting the cold, suspicious glares sent their way. Gray was right. The people of Crossed didn't see them as protectors. To them, the Atlas forces were just another oppressive presence in their already difficult lives.

"Can you blame them?" Jaune asked quietly. "We're standing here in a village that probably hasn't seen this much tech in years or even heard of Atlas forces. All they know is that we're here because of the Dust near their caves."

Gray huffed, her frustration clear even through the crackle of the comms. "I know, but it's not like we're the ones pulling the strings. We're just following orders."

Scarlet, positioned nearby, chimed in. "And that Embargo's hurting everyone. It's not just the locals who hate it. You think Atlas citizens are any better off?"

Jaune thought about that for a moment. The Dust Embargo, a political move meant to choke off the enemy's resources, had backfired in many ways. Dust shortages had crippled entire regions, and unrest was growing. Even in Atlas itself, the citizens were feeling the squeeze. Rumors of riots and protests were becoming more frequent. People were blaming the government, the military, and the Schnee Dust Company for their suffering.

"I heard Jacques Schnee is running for Council," Gray said. "If he wins, the Embargo will probably be gone. The SDC is bleeding from this and probably thinks it's a chance to gain more power, too."

"That bastard," Scarlet spat. "He doesn't care about the people. He just wants his precious Dust shipments flowing again, no matter the cost."

Carson, standing a little further away but listening in on the conversation, finally spoke up. "It'll stay in place until we get rid of the enemy, or so Command says. The Embargo's strategic, but it's hurting everyone."

Gray scoffed. "Strategic? It's a ticking time bomb. People can only be pushed so far before they snap. If this keeps going, it won't just be the enemy we have to worry about. The citizens are on edge, and it won't take much for things to spiral out of control, and you know what happens when emotions are running wild."

Jaune felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The Embargo had always felt like a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. It wasn't solving the real problem. If anything, it was creating more.

"They're looking at us like we're the enemy," Gray continued. "When all we're doing is following orders. But they don't see that. All they see are soldiers from Atlas, here to secure their Dust and enforce a blockade that's making their lives hell as if our family aren't in Atlas as well. So fucking retarded!"

Scarlet adjusted her position, keeping her eyes on the horizon. "It's not just here. Everywhere we go, we're seen as the oppressors. The Embargo, the military presence — it's all part of the same narrative. They hate us for it. Atlas has a bad rep as of late…"

Carson turned, his eyes narrowing. "That's because they don't understand the bigger picture. The Embargo is hurting, yes. But without it, we lose control over Dust. And without Dust, we lose this war the General's waging on someone or something. Plain and simple."

"But it's not sustainable," Jaune said quietly. "People can't live like this forever. They'll fight back."

Carson nodded, his expression grim. "They might. But we're not here to debate politics. Our job is to keep the peace and secure the caves. Let the politicians handle the rest."

Gray let out a frustrated sigh. "I hate politics. Nothing good ever comes from it."

Jaune felt the same way. Politics had never been his thing, but being in the military had forced him to confront the reality that every decision, every order, was rooted in some political agenda. And right now, the agenda was clear: maintain control over Dust, no matter the cost.

Later that evening, the village grew quieter. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. The windmill creaked in the breeze, its rhythmic sound almost hypnotic as Steel Squadron continued their watch.

Jaune sat on top of his Paladin, his helmet resting beside him. He stared out at the horizon, lost in thought. The Embargo, the mission, the tension — it was all starting to weigh on him. They had been in Crossed for days, waiting for orders to move into the caves and secure the Dust, but it felt like they were just waiting for something or anything to happen.

Gray climbed up beside him, sitting down on the Paladin's massive shoulder. She pulled off her helmet, letting the cool evening air brush against her face.

"Long day," she muttered.

"Yeah," Jaune replied. "Feels like we're stuck in a waiting game as always."

Gray nodded, her gaze fixed on the distant hills. "You ever wonder if we're doing the right thing? I mean, look at them." She gestured to the village below, where a few villagers sat huddled around a fire. "They're just trying to survive, and here we are, guarding a bunch of Dust caves like it's the most important thing in the world and we don't give a fuck about their state.."

Jaune shrugged. "Maybe it is. Without Dust, we lose everything. No weapons, no tech, no way to fight back against the Grimm or the enemy's the General's afraid of. It's what keeps us going."

"Yeah, but at what cost?" Gray asked. "We're supposed to be helping people, not making their lives worse."

Jaune didn't have an answer to that. It was something he had been struggling with for a while now. The mission was clear: secure the Dust, hold the line. But the consequences of that mission were starting to become harder to ignore.

Scarlet's voice crackled over the comms, breaking the silence. "Hey, you two. Got word from Command. We're moving into the caves at dawn. Get ready."

Jaune and Gray exchanged glances. The mission was finally starting.

The next morning, Steel Squadron gathered at the entrance to the caves. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft orange glow over the landscape. The village was quiet, the locals staying inside their homes, wary of the Atlas soldiers and their machines.

Jaune adjusted his helmet, feeling the familiar weight settle over his head. His Paladin stood nearby, gleaming in the early morning light. The advanced systems hummed to life as he powered it up, preparing for what lay ahead.

Carson addressed the squad, his voice calm and steady. "Alright, listen up. The caves are infested with Grimm, but we're not just here to kill them. Our primary objective is to secure the Combustion Dust. It's volatile, so be careful where you're shooting. We don't need any accidental explosions."

Scarlet smirked. "No promises."

Carson shot her a look. "I'm serious. One wrong move and this whole place could go up. We need to be precise, efficient. No unnecessary risks."

Gray stepped forward, her Paladin towering beside her. "So, what's the plan?"

"We're splitting into two teams," Carson explained. "Gray, you're with Jaune as always. I'll take Scarlet with me. We'll clear the main chamber first, then move deeper into the tunnels to secure the Dust."

Jaune nodded, checking his gear one last time. The caves were a dangerous place—filled with Grimm and unstable Dust. One wrong move could spell disaster for them all.

"Stay sharp," Carson added. "And remember, this is a containment mission. We're not here to wipe out every Grimm in the area. Just secure the Dust and get out."

With that, the teams moved out, entering the dark, yawning mouth of the cave. The air inside was thick and oppressive, the stench of the Grimm mingling with the acrid scent of the Dust deposits. Every step echoed through the narrow tunnels, the sound amplified by the stone walls.

Jaune's heart raced as they descended deeper into the cave. His Paladin's sensors scanned the area, picking up faint signs of movement ahead. The Grimm were close.

"Stay close," Jaune muttered over the comms. "We don't know what's waiting for us."

Gray's voice crackled in response. "I've got your six."

They moved cautiously, their Paladins' lights cutting through the darkness. The deeper they went, the more dangerous it became. The tunnels were narrow, barely wide enough for the Paladins to move through, and the unstable Dust deposits were everywhere.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the tunnel. Jaune froze, his hand instinctively tightening on the controls. The Grimm had found them.

"Contact!" Scarlet shouted.

The Grimm swarmed from the shadows, their glowing red eyes and snarling jaws rushing towards them. Jaune opened fire, his Paladin's weapons lighting up the tunnel as bullets tore through the oncoming horde. The Grimm screeched in pain, but more kept coming.

"Keep them back!" Carson's voice came over the comms. "We can't let them reach the Dust!"

Jaune fought to hold the line, his Paladin's weapons cutting through the Grimm with brutal efficiency. But the horde was relentless, and the narrow confines of the tunnel made it difficult to maneuver.

"Gray, Scarlet, fall back!" Jaune shouted. "We need to draw them away from the Dust!"

They retreated, luring the Grimm deeper into the tunnel and away from the volatile deposits. The battle was fierce, but after what felt like an eternity, the last of the Grimm fell.

Jaune took a deep breath, his hands trembling as he powered down his weapons. The mission wasn't over yet, but they had made it through the first wave.

"Everyone okay?" Carson asked.

"Yeah," Gray replied, her voice strained but steady. "We're good."

"Alright," Carson said. "Let's secure the Dust and get out of here."

After clearing the caves, the SDC and Atlas units began gathering the valuable dust deposits. Their mission had been to secure the area, eliminating the lurking Grimm and retrieving the dust to fuel their ongoing operations. Jaune oversaw the process from his position within his Paladin. The Paladin's acoustic sensors were tuned for any sign of Grimm, though at that moment, all seemed quiet.

But then the comm crackled to life.

"Arc, we've got new orders," Carson's voice broke through, sounding gruff and weary.

"Another mission already?" Jaune asked, not particularly eager, but ready. The dust haul was nearly complete, and with the caves cleared, the team was itching to move out.

"Yeah, Command wants us to locate Fort Arrowfell," Carson confirmed. "Rumor is, they've developed some kind of technology that can gather Grimm."

"Gather Grimm?" Jaune's eyebrows shot up, his heart skipping a beat. That was dangerous—any tool that could amass Grimm in one location could turn into a weapon of catastrophic potential.

Before Jaune could voice his concerns, a new voice cut into the comms. It was Bram Thornmane, their informant, whose knowledge of obscure military posts and forgotten outposts had proven invaluable so far. Thornmane was the one who had reported Arrowfell's existence to Command.

"I think I know where it is," Thornmane said. His tone was sharp, almost too confident, which sent a chill through Jaune.

He didn't trust Thornmane — not entirely, anyway. But if there was a chance to uncover this technology and stop it from falling into the wrong hands, they had to act. Reporting back to Command, they received orders to investigate the location Thornmane had identified.

Following Thornmane's coordinates, Jaune and his team ventured deep into the wilderness. The terrain became more rugged and hostile as they moved away from the caves, a stark contrast to the more manageable landscapes they had traversed earlier. Jagged cliffs, dense forests, and harsh winds made their journey arduous, but their Paladins pushed forward with mechanical precision.

Carson, leading the group in his heavily armored Paladin, grumbled through the comms, "This better be worth it. Feels like we're walking into a Grimm nest."

Scarlet laughed lightly. "What, you scared, Sir? Come on, we've faced worse."

"That reminds me, Commander," Gray asked. "We're supposed to wait for the newly minted huntsmen team, right? Team RWBY was it?"

"They're running late," Carson said. "Or they might have gotten lost."

But Jaune's grip tightened on his controls. Thornmane had gone silent, his Paladin bringing up the rear. Jaune couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The entire mission seemed too convenient, too quick, especially considering the significance of the technology they were after. Still, they pressed on.

After hours of travel on the snowy plains of Solitas in their Paladin, they arrived at a large clearing. There, in the shadow of a mountain range, stood a derelict fort — Fort Arrowfell, or so Thornmane had claimed.

The structure was massive but decayed, long abandoned by whoever had built it. Walls were crumbling, and the banners that once flew high were now tattered remnants, whipped by the bitter winds.

"This is it," Thornmane said finally, his voice flat.

But something was wrong. Their link with Thornmane was suddenly cut off.

Jaune's senses screamed at him to turn back. He glanced at his HUD, which scanned the surroundings, but no Grimm or life forms showed up. The fort was empty, yet the feeling of unease only intensified.

"We need to get inside and check for that tech," Carson said, already powering down his Paladin to move on foot.

Jaune hesitated for a split second, but then followed Carson's lead. Scarlet and Gray joined in as their Paladins approach the fort. Thornmane remained silent.

The team cautiously entered the fort. The interior was as abandoned as the exterior. Broken-down machinery, shattered windows, and overturned crates littered the area. It looked like no one had been here for decades.

"We've been sent on a wild goose chase," Gray muttered, frustration evident in her voice.

Jaune was about to agree when something caught his eye — dust. Not the usual dust from neglect, but fine grains of combustion dust, scattered around the floor and leading deeper into the fort.

Suddenly, the ground shook violently.

Without warning, Carson's Paladin was suddenly buried under a massive rockslide. The comms crackled with static and muffled curses as Carson scrambled to regain control.

"Carson, what happened?" Jaune barked into his comm.

"Something triggered the rocks—my Paladin's buried," Carson replied, frustration creeping into his voice.

Jaune's heart sank. Before he could respond, a sharp beeping sound echoed through the fort, coming from behind a stack of crates. His eyes widened as he recognized the source of the sound.

Crates of combustion dust—planted like explosives, rigged to detonate.

"Everyone! Boosters now!" Carson shouted, but it was too late.

A deafening explosion erupted, flames consuming the entire fort in an instant. Engaging the hard-light shields, the shockwave sent Jaune's Paladin flying, even as he instinctively poured his aura into the suit, desperately trying to shield himself from the blast. The world spun, fire and smoke swirling around him. His senses blurred as the heat threatened to overwhelm him, but his aura held firm, keeping him from being incinerated.

When Jaune regained consciousness, he found himself lying in the smoldering remains of the forest outside the fort. His Paladin had landed more than 500 meters from the explosion site, crumpled but still functional. His body ached from the impact, and his aura was dangerously low.

Shakily, he reached for the comms. "Commander Carson? Scarlet? Gray? Anyone, respond!"

Silence.

Jaune's heart pounded. He activated the scanners on his Paladin, trying to locate the others. His stomach churned as the results came in — three wreckages. His teammates' Paladins were nothing more than twisted heaps of metal.

He tried the comms again, desperation creeping into his voice. "Carson? Gray? Answer me!"

Nothing.

Then, over the static, he heard something—a voice, barely a whisper, but unmistakable. Gray's voice, full of agony.

"Jaune... the heat... my hard-light shields... they're failing... my aura's gone... I'm burning alive!"

Gray's hard-light defenses had been overwhelmed by the blast. Her screams of pain seared into Jaune's mind as he fought to block out the horrific images that flooded his thoughts. His teammates, his friends had been caught in the explosion, and there was nothing he could do.

Jaune slammed his fist into the control panel of his Paladin, his whole body shaking with rage and grief. They had been led into a trap.

And Bram Thornmane was the one who had led them there.

Jaune's anger built like a storm inside him. His throat burned as he screamed, a primal sound that echoed across the desolate landscape. His mind raced, trying to understand why. Why had Thornmane betrayed them? Why had Command sent them into this deathtrap? Was it a mistake, or was there something more sinister at play?

He couldn't trust anyone — not Command, not anyone else involved in the mission. If someone at the top had allowed this to happen, then there was no one left to turn to. The only truth Jaune could cling to now was that his team was gone, and he had been left for dead.

But he wasn't dead.

Dr. Hales systems had saved him.

A new objective formed in Jaune's mind, cold and unwavering.

Locate Fort Arrowfell.

And kill Bram Thornmane.

Jaune limped his Paladin back to its feet, shaking off the debris and rebooting its systems. His thoughts were focused, his body numb from pain and fury. Thornmane had vanished amidst the chaos, slipping away like a snake in the grass.

But Jaune would find him.

He activated his remaining scanners, searching for any trace of the traitor's last location. Nothing. Thornmane had covered his tracks well. But Jaune knew that Thornmane's betrayal wasn't just personal — it was professional. Someone with Thornmane's knowledge wouldn't flee without a plan. He would go to Fort Arrowfell, where the real prize lay.

Jaune's mind replayed everything he knew about Arrowfell — the technology, the rumors of Grimm control, the possible applications for war. If Thornmane got his hands on it, the consequences could be devastating. The Grimm weren't just mindless creatures; in large numbers, they could become an unstoppable force, and Thornmane had sought that power.

There was no choice.

Jaune had to stop him.

Alone, if necessary.