The morning light filtered through the room as Winter Schnee sat across from Ruby and Sun, her expression calm yet was clear they had much to report.

Sun shifted, the tension from last night still evident in his posture. "It was more than just red Grimm, Winter," he began. "We ran into someone… unusual. A woman, long orange hair. Strong, fast—she could predict our every move, almost like she was reading us."

Ruby nodded, her voice quiet but steady. "Vernal was there too. The way she spoke to the woman… it was personal. She knew her. They argued for a bit, but then she summoned a massive King Taijitu Grimm to distract Vernal."

Winter's eyes sharpened at this. "A King Taijitu? Controlled by her directly?"

Ruby glanced at Sun before replying. "Yeah. She said she used Merlot's 'toys'—probably his technology—to control those red Grimm. They were just a distraction to lure us out."

Sun frowned. "She mentioned that since Vernal recognized her, she wouldn't be able to hide her return anymore. It sounded like she'd been gone for a while, only to resurface now. And… there was something twisted about the way she acted. Like she enjoyed messing with us."

Winter's gaze drifted as she processed this information, a subtle tension forming in her eyes. "I see. And the rest of Silver Hunt?"

"They're all fine," Ruby replied quickly. "They took out every red Grimm they found. It seems like there aren't many of those left, at least for now."

Winter nodded thoughtfully. "You both did well. Dealing with someone like her, especially if she could predict your movements, is no small feat. Now, go have breakfast. I'll join you shortly."

Ruby and Sun stood, but Winter's eyes stayed focused on the ground as they left, clearly deep in thought. She had her suspicions about this mysterious woman—if her hunch was correct, this could indeed be someone particularly difficult to handle.

(…)

The morning sunlight poured into the grand dining hall of the royal castle, casting a warm glow over the Ace-Ops as they gathered for breakfast. Ren moved calmly between them, pouring fresh tea and serving delicate pastries, an unusual treat. Jaune, nursing the last traces of bruises from his punishment by Vernal, gingerly took his seat and accepted the steaming tea with a nod.

Ren broke the silence, his voice measured. "High Councilwoman Camilla received the analysis of those red Grimm specimens we captured. As Suspected, they confirmed they're Merlot's experiments."

A collective heaviness settled around the table, the implications weighing on each of them. Pyrrha's gaze turned distant, reflecting her unease. "It's beyond inhumane."

Cardin leaned back with his usual air of indifference, crossing his arms. "Yeah, well, it's nothing we can't handle," he muttered with a faint smirk, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper.

Jaune looked at him, hesitant. "When we took down those bandits… well, you were pretty ruthless," he commented, curiosity in his tone.

Cardin gave a dark chuckle, his expression hardening. "I don't waste sympathy on enemies, Arc. I'm not gonna apologize for that. They got what they deserved," he said bluntly, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "If there's anything I got from my father, it's that—no mercy for anyone who stands in the way." His smirk grew slightly. "And yeah… maybe I enjoy it."

Nora leaned forward with a grin. "See? That, I get. Taking down criminals, monsters… it's a duty. And if you ask me, it's satisfying," she added with a glint of mischief. "Evil don't deserve sympathy."

Cardin met her gaze, nodding. "Guess we're on the same page there, Valkyrie," he muttered with a reluctant hint of respect.

Nora laughed, lightening the mood. "But don't let him fool you. Cardin only acts tough to keep up appearances," she teased, glancing slyly at him. "I've seen him give food to homeless Faunus. And he's got a kitten hiding in his room! Saw him feeding it the other day when he thought no one was watching."

Cardin's cheeks flushed slightly as the others gave him amused looks. "Keep it down, will you?" he muttered, looking away. "It's… just a stray. I don't see the harm in keeping it around."

Jaune raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think you'd be the type," he said, smiling slightly.

Cardin's expression grew somber, his eyes narrowing. "Well, my father doesn't see it that way. He thinks kindness is a weakness… makes me a disappointment in his eyes. He always preferred my older sister. Strong, ruthless, everything he wants," he said bitterly, barely meeting anyone's gaze. "As for me? He thinks I'm too soft."

Pyrrha reached over, her hand resting reassuringly on his arm. "Cardin, kindness isn't a flaw. It doesn't make you any less capable," she said gently, her tone warm and encouraging.

Ciel, who had been listening quietly, poured another cup of tea for Jaune, catching him off guard. "Thank you… Ciel," he said, surprised.

Ciel gave him a faint smile, her voice steady. "You took the brunt of Raven's punishment for letting those Silver Hunt rogues escape. And… perhaps you're not as useless as I thought the first time I met you," she admitted with a smirk.

Jaune chuckled, glancing down. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Ren finished pouring tea for Pyrrha, who took a careful sip. "Most of those red Grimm seem to have been dealt with," she observed, breaking the silence. "But something clearly went wrong on Vernal's mission—she returned to the castle furious."

"Something went wrong, all right," Nora added, her expression somber as she tapped her fingers on the table. "If Vernal's angry, there's bound to be more trouble."

(…)

The mansion of Councilman John Platinaburg was an embodiment of his egotism and greed. Nestled atop a hill and surrounded by tall, iron gates, the estate radiated opulence that seemed designed to intimidate as much as it did to impress. Within the mansion, luxuriously appointed rooms displayed his wealth shamelessly, with priceless artwork, shimmering chandeliers, and tapestries depicting his version of Atlas' greatness, a greatness he always claimed was under his meticulous "protection."

John Platinaburg, after all, was no ordinary councilman. As head of diplomatic relations, he managed—or rather, manipulated—Atlas' ties with other kingdoms. His approach was rooted in prideful disdain for others and a ruthless drive to ensure that Atlas would dominate in every negotiation, dispute, or alliance. His cold, unilateral tactics had fostered animosity among Atlas' neighbors, leading to skirmishes along the borders and diplomatic breakdowns. His unrelenting Atlas-first doctrine had created as many enemies as allies, casting Atlas as a kingdom that demanded respect without offering any in return. The rebellion, knowing he was a key architect of this isolationist policy, had branded him as one of its highest-priority targets.

In his study, Platinaburg sat, completely unaware of the danger mere steps away. Emerald crept in, unnoticed by the guards flanking the doors, her Semblance cloaking her presence like a whisper of shadow. She glided across the room until she stood directly behind him, her gaze cold as she took in the councilman's obliviousness. On his desk lay stacks of intelligence reports, maps, and recent demands he planned to send to other kingdoms. He was a man whose every decision sacrificed peace in favor of what he saw as "Atlas' supremacy," a man for whom cruelty was a convenient means to ensure compliance.

She leaned close, her voice a low murmur. "Councilman Platinaburg, your service to Atlas ends tonight."

His eyes widened in shock, but he barely had time to turn before her blade met his throat, ending his life in a single, swift motion. He slumped forward, blood spilling over the very documents he'd intended to use in his next aggressive negotiation, a fitting end to a man who'd drowned so many hopes for peace in ink and deceit.

Outside the study, Trifa heard the muffled gasps of the guards as they rounded the corner. Without hesitation, she unleashed a flurry of web-like threads from her prosthetic arm, snaring one of the guards mid-stride. He struggled, entangled, but his efforts were silenced as her hidden blade swept across him in a blur of metal and precision. Another guard raised his weapon, but Trifa's web shot out, pinning him to the wall where he fell, silent. A faint hum of satisfaction crossed her face before she turned back to Emerald, who had slipped from the study, mission accomplished.

They moved quickly toward the side exit, only to pause as voices echoed through the hall.

Jaune, Nora, and Cardin of the Ace-Ops strode in, their eyes sharp, weapons raised. Jaune's tone was urgent, yet measured. "We received intel that Councilman Platinaburg's life is in immediate danger. Let's ensure he's secure and look for anything suspicious."

The trio moved through the mansion with purpose, checking rooms and paths in tense silence until they reached the councilman's study. Cardin was first to enter, and his usual bravado faltered as he took in the scene.

The councilman's body lay slumped over his desk, his life ended in the place where he'd wielded his power so mercilessly. The pools of blood stained his documents, turning his plans into a grotesque testament to his downfall.

"Looks like we're too late," Cardin muttered, breaking the silence.

Jaune's eyes hardened as he scanned the room. "Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing. Precise and quiet."

Nora, uncharacteristically subdued, nodded. "Silver Hunt isn't playing games."

As they spread out to examine the area, Emerald and Trifa moved with silent urgency, cloaked by Emerald's Semblance. Cardin passed close by, his eyes flickering over their hiding spot, but the illusion held, and neither he nor the others noticed them as they slipped from the study.

Emerald, however, felt the strain of her Semblance intensify as she maintained. Each step sent throbbing pain through her temples, and by the time they reached the outer gardens, her face was pale, and her breathing labored.

"You okay?" Trifa whispered, keeping her voice low as she steadied Emerald.

"Yeah," Emerald replied, clutching her forehead, her fingers trembling slightly. "Just… give me a second."

Once outside the mansion's grounds, she released her Semblance, exhaling heavily as the strain dissipated. For a moment, they lingered in the shadow of the mansion, looking back at the place where John Platinaburg had met his end, the weight of their mission's success tempered by the looming awareness of the power they'd just undermined.

"Good work," Trifa murmured, steadying her with a reassuring hand.

Emerald nodded, her gaze steady despite the exhaustion in her eyes.

(…)

The dining hall in the Silver Hunt's secluded base carried a quiet but charged atmosphere as the group gathered for dinner. Winter stood at the head of the long table, her poise commanding but not overbearing. She raised her glass and nodded to Emerald and Trifa, both of whom sat together, receiving the faint praises of those around them.

"Well done, Emerald. Trifa," Winter spoke with an air of restrained approval. "The elimination of Councilman Platinaburg was a significant victory. Atlas has lost a key player—one who wielded his influence carelessly. With him gone, only five members of the council remain." She looked around, a slight but confident smile on her face. "Progress, as we planned."

Emerald gave a modest nod, though her expression revealed a blend of pride and underlying exhaustion. Trifa remained focused on her food, nodding curtly in acknowledgment. She avoided looking in Blake's direction, her silence and stony expression speaking volumes about the rift between them, a shadow cast by events long past.

"We did have luck on our side," Emerald spoke up, breaking the silence. "The Ace-Ops showed up after we finished the job. Just a few minutes earlier, and it would have been a completely different situation."

"That is a complication," Qrow said, his voice low, thoughtful. "They're getting better at tracking our movements. If the council starts tightening security, that luck might run out sooner rather than later."

Sage folded his arms, his gaze steady and contemplative. "If they're alerting Ace-Ops every time we make a move, we'll need new tactics. Repeated close calls wear us down, and soon enough, our patterns will be predictable."

The dining hall grew quieter as Winter set down her glass, her steely gaze sweeping across the table. "I've received critical information regarding a potential opportunity for our cause," she began, drawing everyone's attention.

She leaned forward, speaking with a controlled urgency. "The city of Delia, situated on the border with Vacuo, is undergoing a significant transition. The governor there was recently… removed by one of our associates within the rebellion. In response, the military has deployed General Braum Soleil, commander of the forces that protect the capital, to impose order in Delia until new leadership can be established. However, Braum cannot remain indefinitely, and word has it he's already en route back to the capital."

Murmurs passed through the group as Winter continued, her tone calm but firm. "Elections will soon be held to determine the next governor, but the council has made it clear that they won't leave this decision to the people. Four members of the Council are being sent to oversee the process and ensure that a loyal figure is put in place—one who will continue their control over Delia and keep Atlas' interests safe. Their presence is a vital opportunity for us. Delia's distance from the capital leaves them more vulnerable than they would be anywhere else, making this the perfect chance to strike."

Neptune's eyes gleamed, and he leaned forward, visibly intrigued. "Four council members, all isolated out there? That's practically an invitation," he remarked with an eager grin.

Winter gave him a knowing but restrained smile before adding, "I suspected you'd like this mission, Neptune. However, I have to disappoint you in one regard: Councilwoman Marian Marygold won't be among those heading to Delia. She'll remain protected in the capital, and her time will come—but it won't be this mission."

Neptune's excitement dimmed slightly, and he leaned back in his chair with a resigned sigh, yet his smile didn't fade. "Unfortunate, but taking out four council members is still a major blow." His enthusiasm returned with renewed fervor. "We're not going to get another chance like this."

Emerald nodded in agreement. "And without the council's guidance, Delia's support could shift in our favor. Taking that city from them would be a direct hit."

Winter nodded, her expression grave but resolute. "Precisely. But make no mistake—the High Council won't let these members travel unprotected. It's almost certain that the Ace-Ops will be assigned to guard them. That will complicate matters significantly."

"Delia's importance to our cause cannot be understated," Winter continued. "Securing cities along Atlas' borders would allow us to strike from multiple directions when the time comes. The capital, hemmed in by assault from all sides, would be left vulnerable, with no choice but to divert its forces." Her lips tightened, her resolve evident. "And with General Raven and Braum Soleil on the front lines, Atlas' walls will be open to us. The High Council, stripped of protection, will finally fall, and Atlas will be freed from their poison."

Weiss, seated at the table, looked quietly determined as Winter mentioned her rightful place. "When the High Council falls, Weiss will be crowned queen, and we'll begin a new era for Atlas—one where we rebuild, free from the greed and corruption that has plagued our people."

Ruby, her silver eyes gleaming with conviction, sat forward, nodding eagerly. "This is what my mother wanted, to cleanse Atlas of those serpents," she murmured, a spark of triumph igniting in her gaze. Around the table, the others murmured in agreement, the weight of the High Council's influence on their lives clear in their expressions. They knew that for Atlas to move forward, the council's influence had to be cut off at its source.

Sun, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully, glanced toward Winter. "So, our fearless commander… I take it you've got a plan for dealing with the Ace-Ops, then?" A glint of excitement flickered in his gaze. "This mission's far too important to leave anything to chance."

Winter's smile was small, but resolute. "Indeed, Sun. The Ace-Ops can no longer be allowed to meddle in our affairs. If we take them down—even just one—it would cripple their efforts to oppose us and greatly increase our chances of success in Delia." Her voice turned sharp, and her eyes moved over the group. "And let's not forget that some of them are wanted individuals. Cardin Winchester, Vernal, and Ciel Soleil each carry bounties. Ciel, for her role in the extermination of a village that supported our cause. Cardin, because of his bloodline. And Vernal… her name speaks for itself. The blood of innocents is on her hands."

She turned her gaze to Ruby, eyes narrowing slightly. "Even Jaune Arc," she said, her tone warning, "whether he is truly cruel or not, he belongs to the Ace-Ops. By standing with them, he is a dog of the High Council. I hope I don't need to remind you of this again, Ruby. You already agreed that, if necessary, you wouldn't hesitate."

Ruby held Winter's gaze, her jaw set, eyes burning with a steely resolve. "I understand, Winter," she replied steadily, though a hint of regret softened her expression. "If it comes to it, I'll do what's needed."

Yang, seated beside her, reached over, placing a reassuring hand on Ruby's shoulder. Her expression turned cold. "Good. And when the time comes, I'll make sure Nora answers for what she did to my arm."

Sun clenched his fists, a faint, bitter smile crossing his face. "And I'll take down Vernal," he murmured, voice darkening as memories surfaced. "Scarlet deserves that much, at least."

"In two days, Marian Marygold will be debating Robyn Hill on the treatment of the lower classes and the Faunus," Winter began, her tone laced with subtle disdain. "This debate is set to take place in the heart of the Mantle District, and with Platinaburg's death still fresh, security around Marygold will be especially tight. I expect every member of the Ace-Ops will be mobilized to ensure her safety. However"—she paused, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth—"I've taken the liberty of arranging some distractions."

She let the statement sink in for a moment before continuing. "Through our allies, rumors have been circulating about Weiss and me, claiming sightings of us near the border with Mistral, specifically in Kuroyuri. The city is nearly under rebel control as it stands, but Kuroyuri's proximity to Mistral will make this impossible for Atlas to ignore. For the Ace-Ops to reach Kuroyuri, they'll have to pass through the Elder Frost Valley." She leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity. "We'll set a trap there."

Sun, visibly impressed, nodded in approval. "So, we're drawing them out, then?"

Winter gave him an approving nod. "Precisely. Since this information points to both Weiss and me—the High Council will have little choice but to send the Ace-Ops. However, with Marygold's debate happening so soon after Platinaburg's assassination, they'll likely be forced to split their forces. It's a rare opportunity for us."

Qrow, seated further down the table, crossed his arms and leaned back with a look of mild regret. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to join in on this one. The rebellion's got a separate job lined up, and they've requested my assistance." He shrugged. "Timing couldn't be worse, but I'll make it up to you next time."

(…)

The Ace-Ops gathered in a dimly lit room in Mantle, all wearing the distinct determination of seasoned fighters preparing for a crucial mission. Outside, the morning light began to illuminate the district, where citizens were setting up for the debate between Marian Marygold and Robyn Hill later that afternoon.

Ren was the first to speak up as they reviewed the intelligence report. "The idea of Winter and Weiss being sighted in Kuroyuri feels… strange. Kuroyuri has always opposed the king's policies, often backing the rebellion, even if discreetly."

Nora crossed her arms, her expression twisting into mild disgust. "So it's a nest of villains. Just what we need."

Ren looked over at her with a calm expression. "You shouldn't judge them all that way. After all, I was born there."

She paused, smiling faintly. "Yeah, alright, Renny, I guess you have a point. You're alright." She patted his shoulder affectionately.

Pyrrha nodded. "I passed through Kuroyuri on my way here. It's a beautiful place, truly."

Raven, standing at the head of the room with a commanding presence, shifted the conversation back to their mission. "According to the intelligence we've received, both Weiss and Winter were sighted near Kuroyuri at the border. But our orders are clear: our primary objective is protecting Marian Marygold."

Cardin leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a confident smirk tugging at his mouth. "This is an obvious trap. Going after the Schnee sisters means leaving Councilwoman Marian exposed. If we leave her unguarded, she becomes a perfect target."

Jaune agreed, nodding. "Cardin's right. The timing is too convenient. After all the effort put into searching for Winter and Weiss, they suddenly appear in Kuroyuri? It sounds like bait."

Raven's expression shifted, her sharp gaze narrowing. "Winter's always had a taste for these pathetic schemes—distractions, games. She never cared for a direct confrontation. But that's her weakness." Her tone was bitter, almost personal.

Pyrrha added thoughtfully, "It's too risky to take this information at face value. If we make the wrong move, Silver Hunt could gain the upper hand here."

Vernal, sitting back with an unimpressed look, scoffed. "Whether it's a trap or not doesn't matter. These little games only show how weak Silver Hunt truly is. They fear facing us head-on, so they resort to cheap tricks. It just shows how desperate they are."

Raven smirked, her piercing gaze meeting Vernal's with approval. "Agreed. Silver Hunt's schemes are simply an admission of their weakness. But still, we can't overlook this chance. Eliminating the Schnee sisters would cripple their operations."

Raven's decision came swiftly, her voice resolute and final. "I will remain here to protect Councilwoman Marian, along with Ren, Nora, and Jaune. The rest of you—Cardin, Pyrrha, Ciel, and Vernal—will head to Kuroyuri to find the Schnee sisters."

Raven fixed her team with a steely stare. "Understand, you are not expected to sacrifice your lives for this mission. If retreating is necessary, do it. Silver Hunt has been a plague on Atlas for too long, and it's time to rid ourselves of them. If the opportunity arises, eliminate them without hesitation. You are strong—the very best Atlas has to offer. Winter's tactics may be weak, but we are not. We are the Ace-Ops. The strong lives, the weak dies."

The room fell silent, a powerful resolve settling over them.

(…)

As they finally reached Elder Frost Valley, the Ace-Ops reined in their horses, each taking in the imposing landscape that lay before them. The valley was as desolate as it was awe-inspiring. The jagged cliffs rose steeply on either side, their dark, frost-covered edges clawing up toward the sky like the ribs of some ancient beast left to rot in the cold. Snow blanketed the ground in thick, uneven layers, pocked with dark stones and half-buried patches of spiky, dead vegetation. A biting wind swept through the valley, carrying icy needles that stung any exposed skin and left a crystalline layer of frost over their armor. Twilight had settled, casting long shadows and filling the valley with an eerie, blue-tinged gloom.

Cardin broke the silence first, shifting uneasily in his saddle. "I'm not gonna lie… this mission has me on edge. We don't have General Raven here. Our odds don't exactly look great if we run into trouble."

Vernal smirked, casting a sidelong glance his way. "Come on, Winchester, don't be a wimp. We've been training together. You're strong enough to handle this."

Ciel nodded, her voice calm but firm. "Besides, Pyrrha's with us. She's the only one who can match Vernal, in terms of strength. We're more than capable."

Vernal let out a low laugh, looking over at Pyrrha with a glint in her eye. "That's true enough, but I haven't had the pleasure of fighting you full-force, Nikos. Would be fun to see what you've really got."

Pyrrha's expression hardened, though her green eyes sparkled with a competitive fire. "I've always disliked that attitude of yours, Vernal. I wouldn't mind the chance to finally show you what I'm capable of. And trust me—I haven't forgotten what you did to Jaune. That 'punishment' was way over the line."

Vernal gave a wicked grin, clearly unfazed. "Oh, don't tell me you're still sore about that. I've noticed you seem a little too attached to Arc. Don't tempt me; I might end up taking him for myself." She let her grin linger, almost daring Pyrrha. "After all, he might be a naive idiot, but he's cute. Physically, he's just my type. Why do you think I enjoy roughing him up? Call it… tough love."

Ciel frowned, her usual calm giving way to mild irritation. "I'd prefer if you didn't talk about him like that, Vernal. He's a good man."

Cardin chuckled, shaking his head. "Gotta say, I'm surprised at how popular Arc is around here. Who'd have thought?"

Vernal laughed, leaning forward slightly as she looked at him. "Aw, don't be jealous, Winchester. Tell you what—next time we train, maybe I'll give you a 'tough love' session too. Show you how I handle my favorites." She smirked as a faint blush crept onto Cardin's face, which he quickly tried to brush off.

Pyrrha rolled her eyes. "If that's your mentality, Vernal, then maybe you'd better stay away from Jaune altogether. He deserves someone who respects him."

Vernal merely shrugged, her grin never fading. "Suit yourself, Nikos. But I don't think he'd mind, if you're that worried."

Pyrrha ignored her, her focus turning instead to the valley as they pressed onward. The trail grew narrower, the cliffs closing in tighter, and the already faint light began to fade even more, casting the entire valley into shadow.

The path ahead was blocked by a cluster of massive rocks, remnants of a recent landslide that had transformed the once-clear trail into a jumbled maze of debris. Kuroyuri lay just an hour's walk beyond the valley, but the impassable blockade meant they would have to continue on foot. Vernal, never one to back down from a physical challenge, surveyed the rocks with a calm determination.

"This is where we leave the horses," she declared. "We'll walk the rest of the way."

They dismounted, gathering their gear and falling into step as they began the trek across the rough terrain. The group moved in cautious silence, aware of how exposed they were. The threat of Silver Hunt loomed over each step, a shadow on the snowy ground.

Not far away, hidden among the snow-covered trees, Ruby lay prone, her weapon trained on the figures moving along the path below. Her scope settled on one familiar face—Ciel Soleil. The sight of her friend from Atlas Academy stirred a bittersweet pang. Ciel had been more than an ally; she had been a true friend, someone Ruby had once trusted implicitly. It had hurt deeply when Ciel chose loyalty to the Atlas military over joining Silver Hunt. The memory of that decision still stung.

Now, Ruby took a steadying breath, her resolve hardening. Out of respect for their friendship, she would end this quickly. She lined up her shot, her finger gently squeezing the trigger. The bullet whistled through the air, aimed directly at Ciel.

But Pyrrha's senses flared just as the shot drew close, her Semblance catching the iron in the bullet. With a flick of her wrist, Pyrrha halted the bullet in mid-air, mere inches from Ciel.

"Everyone, stay on guard!" She shouted, her voice ringing through the silence as the Ace-Ops readied themselves.

In that instant, Penny surged forward from beneath the snow where she had been hidden, slamming into Vernal with a powerful tackle that sent them both skidding across the icy ground. As Vernal struggled to regain her footing, the remaining Silver Hunt fighters emerged from their concealed positions. Yang, stood alongside Weiss, Sage, Sun, Neptune, Blake, and Trifa. They surrounded Pyrrha, Cardin, and Ciel, their presence a silent declaration of intent.

The ambush had begun.

Cardin's face twisted with both anger and apprehension as he scanned the figures of Silver Hunt, who now surrounded them on all sides. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, and he gritted his teeth.

"Damn it… Silver Hunt. And there are several of them. Looks like they decided to ignore Marian Marygold altogether," he muttered, frustration clear in his voice.

Pyrrha kept her gaze steady, her expression sharpened with insight. "It's very likely we were their primary target all along. The conflict over Marian was just a way to split our forces and leave us vulnerable."

At the head of Silver Hunt, Winter's piercing gaze narrowed as she stepped forward, her commanding voice echoing across the icy terrain. "You Ace-Ops have become an enemy we can no longer overlook," she declared, her tone resolute. "And as for you, Winchester, Soleil, and Vernal… there's a price on each of your heads. Today, your lives come to an end."

Cardin's brow furrowed as her words sank in, and a flash of anger crossed his face. "I get it. Being the son of Atlas's most cruel man has dragged me into this mess." His tone was defiant, steady. "But whatever my father may be, I'm not about to fall here."

In a swift motion, Ruby activated her Semblance, a blur of rose petals and red streaks as she dashed toward her comrades. The moment she appeared beside them, Ciel's gaze landed on her, a cold smirk curling at the edges of her lips.

"It's been a long time, traitor. I'll admit, I'm glad you showed up," Ciel remarked, her tone dripping with controlled fury. "For the sake of what we once had, I'll kill you myself."

With a flick of her wrists, Ciel extended the sharp blades embedded in her arms, their silver edges glinting under the muted light. She poised herself, ready for the battle that awaited.

Meanwhile, Pyrrha's expression deepened in concentration as she reached out with her Semblance, her senses attuned to the iron-rich deposits scattered throughout the ground beneath them. She took a deep breath, channeling her energy, and with a powerful gesture, the metal rose and coalesced around her, forming shapes twisted and monstrous—Grimm forged from iron. Among them loomed a massive Ursa, its body cold and dark, every inch a menacing, metallic behemoth.

Pyrrha leapt onto the Ursa's back, her form steady and commanding atop the colossal creature as she glared down at their adversaries. With another movement of her hand, she conjured a metallic clone of herself, standing beside the Ursa and echoing her stance.

Winter's eyes widened slightly at the sight, her controlled façade momentarily disrupted. "I never expected Nikos's Semblance to allow her to create something like this," she muttered, voice edged with an unease she rarely displayed. "Even after splitting up the Ace-Ops, this is going to be more challenging than I anticipated."

Greetings, I managed to find the time to write even if it's a little short, I'll be back next week