The air outside the cave was sharp and cold, a stark contrast to the humid, oppressive atmosphere within. Team JNPR emerged into the faint light filtering through the dense canopy of the Emerald Forest, their footsteps crunching softly against the underbrush. Ren knelt to examine the ground, his sharp eyes scanning the faint indentations and scratches left by the retreating Grimm.
"They're clever," Ren murmured, his voice measured. "But not clever enough to cover their tracks completely."
Jaune nodded, stepping closer as Ren pointed to the subtle claw marks etched into the dirt and the occasional shattered twig. "Good. At least we have something to follow."
Nora leaned on Magnhild, her expression unusually serious. "These aren't regular Grimm, fearless leader. They think. They plan. It's creepy. Grimm shouldn't be able to do that, right?"
"But they can, at least these ones," Pyrrha agreed, her brow furrowed. "And if they're growing like this, it could mean trouble far beyond the Emerald Forest."
Jaune didn't answer immediately. His grip tightened on Crocea Mors, the blade glinting faintly in the diffused light. His mind raced as he considered their next move. Their mission to restart the control centers was critical, but this new threat couldn't be ignored.
His Scroll buzzed sharply, pulling him from his thoughts. He flipped it open, Glynda Goodwitch's stern face appearing on the screen.
"Mr. Arc," Glynda began, her tone clipped. "Report."
Jaune nodded and spoke quickly. "We encountered what we believe to be variants of Grimm. Mutated ones. They're larger, more durable, and... smarter. They retreated instead of fighting to the death, and they're clearly planning something."
Glynda's expression darkened. "Variants? Describe them."
Jaune recounted the details of the hulking Grimm they had fought and the pack that had observed him before retreating. Pyrrha leaned in, adding observations about the glowing green spikes and the unusual aura of intelligence the creatures exhibited. Ren and Nora nodded in agreement.
Glynda's lips pressed into a thin line. "Your mission was to restart the control centers, not to pursue Grimm."
"With respect, Professor Goodwitch," Jaune said firmly, "if these Grimm are thinking and acting strategically, the control centers won't matter. They'll find a way around them, or worse, destroy them. We need to track them and understand what's happening. People might get hurt if these kinds of Grimm are left unchecked."
"Absolutely not," Glynda said sharply. "You're approaching the border of Mt. Glenn. That area is highly dangerous, especially for students."
Jaune's jaw tightened, but he remained calm. "Professor, we're capable of handling this. If these Grimm are a new threat, Beacon and the rest of the kingdom need to know what we're dealing with. We can gather that information."
Glynda hesitated, her gaze shifting between Jaune's determined expression and Pyrrha's calm confidence as she appeared in the frame. The veteran Huntress let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. But you're to report every development immediately. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," Jaune said with a respectful nod. "Thank you."
"Stay safe," Glynda added before the screen went dark.
Jaune slid the Scroll back into its holder and looked at his team. "Alright, let's move. Ren, keep tracking."
The group pressed onward, weaving through the dense forest. The mutated Grimm's trail led them to the edge of the Emerald Forest, where the terrain became more rugged and the air grew heavier. The looming silhouette of Mt. Glenn was visible in the distance, its jagged peaks shrouded in mist and below lies the ruins.
As they reached the border, Jaune stopped at an old control center. The device was dormant, its lights flickering faintly. He pulled out his Scroll and inserted it into the console. The screen blinked to life, displaying a series of diagnostic screens as the system restarted. It didn't take time like the others.
"Another one back online," Jaune said, his voice tinged with relief. He stepped back, his eyes scanning the area. "Looks like they didn't want to sabotage this one too much since they are using it as well."
Something caught his attention. Nearby, partially obscured by overgrown vines, was a sign. The large, bold letter M was emblazoned across it, weathered but still distinct. Below it, rusted metal cages lay scattered, their bars bent and broken.
"What's this?" Jaune muttered, moving closer.
Pyrrha followed, her green eyes narrowing as she examined the cages. "These look like they were used to hold... something."
"Grimm," Jaune said grimly, noting the claw marks and black residue that clung to the bars. He turned his attention to the ground, scanning for further clues. "Someone's been capturing them."
"But why?" Ren asked, joining them. His voice was calm, but there was a note of unease.
Nora's eyes darted around, her grip tightening on Magnhild. "And what about the control centers? You think someone's been messing with them, too?"
Jaune stood, his expression dark. "If someone's sabotaging the defenses and experimenting on Grimm, its bad news for everyone."
Pyrrha placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice steady. "Then we'll figure it out."
Jaune nodded, his resolve hardening. "Let's keep moving."
The team set off again, their pace quickening as the forest began to thin, giving way to the broken, decayed remnants of what once was.
The outskirts of Mt. Glenn loomed before Team JNPR like a haunting memory of what had once been a thriving settlement. The skeletons of buildings jutted out from the overgrowth, their surfaces cracked and pockmarked with age and the relentless advance of nature. Grimm prowled the streets and crept through the shadows, a constant reminder of the city's grim fate.
"This place gives me the creeps," Nora said, her voice breaking the uneasy silence. She clutched Magnhild tightly, her usual enthusiasm muted as her eyes darted nervously across the ruins.
Ren, ever calm, placed a hand on a weathered signpost and studied it. His fingers brushed over a series of fresh grooves, distinct and deliberate. "These aren't just natural marks," he said softly. "Someone's been here recently."
"Over here," Jaune called, his voice low but firm. He stood near a cluster of metal cages, their bars pristine and unbroken — a sharp contrast to the rusted remnants they had encountered earlier. Each cage bore the same bold M emblem they had seen before. Nearby, strange technological devices were scattered about, their sleek designs out of place among the decay.
Ren frowned as he joined Jaune. "Newer models... Whoever placed these has resources and a plan."
Jaune pulled out his Scroll and quickly dialed Glynda Goodwitch. The connection crackled briefly before her stern voice came through.
"Mr. Arc, report."
"We've found more cages," Jaune began, his voice steady. "Newer ones. The same M emblem. There's also advanced tech here — devices we don't recognize."
Glynda's sharp intake of breath crackled over the connection. "That would be Merlot Industries," she said, her voice laced with disdain. "Professor Oobleck could explain it better, but Merlot Industries is infamous for... questionable practices. If their equipment is here, this development could be far worse than anticipated."
"How do you want us to proceed?" Jaune asked, glancing at his team. Pyrrha stood at his side, her spear at the ready, while Nora shifted restlessly, casting wary glances at the shadows. Ren remained quiet, his gaze scanning the area for threats.
"Remain vigilant and stick together," Glynda replied. "I'll inform Headmaster Ozpin of your findings. For now, focus on staying safe. Ms. Valkyrie?"
Nora perked up at her name. "Yeah?"
"Do not be reckless," Glynda said firmly. "I know your enthusiasm, but this is not the time for unnecessary risks."
"Yes, ma'am," Nora replied, though her tone hinted at rebellion.
"Mr. Arc," Glynda continued, her tone softening slightly, "ensure your team stays in one piece. This is not an order I give lightly."
"You have my word," Jaune said, his grip on Crocea Mors tightening. "We'll stick together."
As the call ended, Ren stiffened, his hand dropping to his weapons. "Grimm are coming," he said.
Jaune glanced at him and then at his team. "No guns," he ordered. "We don't want to attract more of them. Stay close, and we'll handle this quietly."
The Grimm emerged from the ruins, their dark forms twisting and writhing as they approached. Creeps moved on hind legs with jagged tails and skeletal faces snarled and lunged. Their glowing red eyes burned with malevolence.
Jaune led the charge, his blade glinting as it cleaved through a Creep that got too close. He moved with precision, blocking and countering with the skill drilled into him through years of training. Pyrrha spun gracefully beside him, Milo cutting through the air and finding its mark in the Grimm's vulnerable spots.
Nora let out a growl, slamming her hammer into the ground and sending a shockwave that destabilized a group of Creeps. She followed up with a devastating swing, pulverizing them into black smoke. Ren darted between them, his movements a blend of speed and efficiency as his StormFlowers knives struck with pinpoint accuracy.
Even without their ranged weapons, Team JNPR made quick work of the Grimm, their coordination seamless as they fought side by side. When the last Grimm dissolved into black smoke, Jaune lowered his blade, his breath steady despite the exertion.
"Good work," he said, scanning his team for injuries. "Let's move."
The group found an abandoned building and ascended to the second floor. From there, they had a clear view of the desolate landscape. The ruins of Mountain Glenn stretched before them, a graveyard of crumbling structures and forgotten lives. Vines crept over the remnants of civilization, and the distant growls of Grimm echoed faintly through the air.
Nora leaned against a wall, her usual energy dimmed by the somber setting. "This place feels wrong," she muttered.
"It's more than wrong," Pyrrha said, her voice tinged with sadness. "It's tragic. This was supposed to be a safe haven, and now... it's a monument to failure. I heard many people died. It's sad knowing what transpired here."
Jaune stood at the window, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He could feel the weight of the city's history pressing down on them. "The defenses were supposed to protect them," he said quietly. "They built everything with the best intentions, but..."
"The Grimm don't care about intentions," Ren finished, his tone matter-of-fact. "They only care about death and destruction."
Nora crossed her arms, her expression unusually serious. "Do you think whoever left those cages caused this?"
Jaune shook his head. "Mountain Glenn fell long before those cages showed up. But someone's definitely up to something, and we need to figure out what."
Pyrrha stepped closer to him, her voice steady. "We will… since we're here... might as well."
Jaune glanced at her and gave a small nod. "Yeah."
For a moment, the team stood in silence, the ruins of Mountain Glenn serving as a grim reminder of the stakes they faced. Then Jaune turned to his team, his resolve hardening.
"Rest up for a bit," he said, his voice firm, not letting them argue.
The abandoned building had a stillness that felt heavy and oppressive, as if the ruins themselves were holding their breath. Ren carefully set up a small burner stove in the corner of the second floor, his movements careful and quiet as he prepared a simple meal. Nora sat cross-legged nearby, happily munching on a piece of chocolate she'd pulled from her pocket. Her usual exuberance was tempered.
Jaune and Pyrrha, meanwhile, had positioned themselves by the windows, scanning the area for signs of Grimm activity. Pyrrha held her rifle, Milo, steady as she scoped the far distance, the lens of her weapon glinting faintly in the muted light. She adjusted the focus and handed it over to Jaune, her expression serious.
"Take a look at this," she said, pointing in a direction to the southeast.
Jaune peered through the rifle's scope, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the source of her concern. A massive horde of Grimm had gathered in the distance, their dark forms writhing and shifting like a restless sea. Beowolves, Creeps, and Ursai moved among the pack, their glowing red eyes creating an eerie constellation in the shadows of the ruined city.
"That's... a lot of Grimm," Jaune muttered, lowering the rifle.
"Hundreds and maybe even more.," Pyrrha confirmed. "Even with our confidence and our training we can't take them all on at once. Not without drawing more. Mt. Glenn's clearly full of them. It's best if we avoid them if we can."
Jaune's gaze shifted, and he studied the terrain around the horde. To the west, a dried-up canal snaked its way through the ruins, partially obscured by debris and overgrowth. He pointed toward it, his mind working quickly.
"We can use the canal," he said, his voice steady. "If we move carefully, we can bypass them entirely and stay out of sight."
Pyrrha turned her attention to where he pointed, her lips curving into a small smile. "That's a sound plan," she said quietly.
When Jaune noticed her expression, he raised a brow, puzzled. "What's with the smile? You should be taking this seriously."
"I am," Pyrrha replied, her voice warm. "I'm just glad you're our team leader."
Jaune blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in her tone. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly and quickly redirected the conversation. "Uh, thanks, but let's stay focused. Do you think we'll find anything useful in the canal?"
Pyrrha's smile didn't waver as she answered. "I hope so. Whatever's going on here, it has to connect back to those cages and those symbols. We just need to make sense of it."
Before Jaune could respond, a pair of hands appeared on the edge of the building's window. Nora peeked up from below, her bright eyes gleaming mischievously. "Hey! Quit talking strategy, you two. Ren's food smells amazing, and I'm starving. Let's eat!"
Jaune and Pyrrha exchanged a glance before stepping away from the window. Ren had set up a pot on the burner stove, the fragrant aroma of stew wafting through the air. The meal was simple — chunks of meat and potatoes simmered in a savory broth, but after the day's exertions, it smelled like heaven.
They sat in a loose circle, each with a bowl of steaming stew. Jaune took the opportunity to share his plan. "We'll use the canals to bypass the Grimm," he said, gesturing westward. "It'll keep us out of their sight, and if we're lucky, it might lead us to more clues."
"Sounds good to me," Nora said between bites. "As long as we don't run into another Giant Nevermore or something crazy like that."
"Mutated Grimm is already crazy enough, Nor" Ren glanced up from his bowl, his expression calm but watchful. "We'll need to stay alert. The canals might have been abandoned, but they're still part of the city. Grimm could be hiding anywhere. This is Mt. Glenn after all."
Pyrrha nodded in agreement. "We'll stay together and move carefully. But we need to fight if need to be."
"Glad that's settled," Jaune nodded.
After finishing their meal, Ren packed away the supplies with his usual efficiency, ensuring everything was stored properly before they set off. Jaune led the way, his shield strapped to his arm while Crocea Mors blade rested on his shoulder. The team moved quietly, their footsteps muffled against the cracked pavement as they headed toward the canal entrance.
The canal's large, gaping mouth loomed ahead, its darkness an open invitation. Vines and rubble framed the entrance, and a faint breeze whispered through the tunnel, carrying the scent of damp stone and earth. Inside, the air grew cooler, and the sound of their footsteps echoed faintly against the cavernous walls.
Crystals of Dust sparkled faintly along the edges of the canal, their hues of blue, red, and green casting a dim, ethereal glow. Jaune paused near one of the crystals, crouching to examine it.
"Schnee Dust Company markings," he murmured, brushing a hand over the faint logo etched into the crystal's surface. "Looks like this was part of an old mining operation."
The team pressed onward, the tunnel leading them deeper into the abandoned mineshaft. The further they went, the more signs they found of deliberate activity. Freshly disturbed earth, strange devices embedded in the walls, and more of the unsettling cages marked with the M emblem.
Ren's voice broke the silence, low and cautious. "This doesn't feel like just an abandoned operation. Someone's been here recently."
Jaune nodded, his grip tightening on his weapon. "And they've been busy. These cages... they're not for containment. They're for something else."
Pyrrha's gaze lingered on the devices as they walked. "Do you think someone's been experimenting with Grimm?"
Jaune's jaw clenched. "It's possible. Seeing those mutants. But we'll find out soon enough."
As they continued deeper into the mine, the faint glow of Dust crystals illuminated their path, casting shifting shadows along the walls. The team moved as one, their weapons ready and their senses on high alert.
The oppressive silence of the tunnel was shattered as Jaune gaze shifted upward. His sharp intake of breath drew the attention of his team. Towering above them on a ledge was the Mutant Beowolf. Its hulking form dwarfed any Grimm Jaune had faced before. The creature's spikes jutted out from its back and shoulders, glowing with an unsettling neon green light that pulsed like a heartbeat. Its eyes, a strange mix of red and green, burned with intelligence that didn't belong in a Grimm they had met before.
"Team, form up!" Jaune's command was steady, but his grip on Crocea Mors tightened.
The Mutant Beowolf let out a guttural growl, its voice reverberating through the cavern like a drumbeat from the abyss. Then it threw its head back and howled. The sound was unlike anything they had ever heard. Deep, resonant, and almost mournful. The howl echoed in the darkness, and then... the world seemed to come alive.
Hundreds of eyes began to light up in the shadows, red and green pinpricks gleaming like stars in a dark sky. The howls of Grimm joined the cacophony, and their black forms began to surge forward. Normal Beowolves, Creeps, and Ursai mixed with horrifying mutated variations. Green spikes glimmered on some, while others had grotesque, crystal-like armor that refracted light in ominous ways.
It was a tide of nightmares, rushing toward them like a dark flood threatening to swallow them whole.
Jaune stepped forward, his aura flaring to life in a pale golden glow tinged with a golden glow. He raised Crocea Mors, channeling his power into the blade, and with a roar of defiance, swung it in a wide arc. The aura-infused strike cleaved through the Grimm, cutting a deep swath into their charge. Black smoke rose as several Grimm disintegrated, but the tide was unrelenting. For every one that fell, ten more seemed to take its place.
"RUN!" Jaune bellowed, his voice carrying over the deafening roar of the Grimm. His aura surged outward, exploding in a blue hue that enveloped his team. The sensation was immediate, as each member felt a sudden boost in speed and energy as Jaune amplified their capabilities.
Nora was the first to react, her hammer spinning as she smashed a charging Beowolf aside. "You heard the man! Let's move!" she yelled, her usual exuberance tinged with urgency.
Ren fired a few shots from StormFlower, slowing the nearest Grimm, then fell back with calculated precision. Pyrrha nodded at Jaune, her spear transforming into its rifle form as she provided covering fire.
"Let's go!" she urged, following Nora and Ren deeper into the tunnels.
Jaune held his ground for a moment longer, slashing through another wave of Grimm before turning to follow his team. The ground beneath him trembled with the weight of the charging horde, and the air was thick with the growls and snarls of the creatures pursuing them.
The team sprinted through the tunnels, their enhanced speed allowing them to stay ahead of the encroaching horde. The walls of the mine blurred as they ran, the eerie glow of Dust crystals lighting their path in fragmented intervals. Every so often, Jaune glanced over his shoulder, as he saw the relentless wave of Grimm hot on their heels.
"This way!" Ren called, pointing toward a branching tunnel. His keen senses had detected a faint draft of fresh air. An exit, or at least a safer route.
Nora skidded to a halt, spinning around to crush a Creeping Grimm that had gotten too close. "Go, go, go!" she yelled, grinning despite the dire situation.
Pyrrha moved alongside Jaune, her rifle snapping back into spear form as she struck down a leaping Beowolf. "They're coordinated," she said between breaths, her voice steady but laced with concern. "They're not just attacking. They're driving us somewhere."
"I know," Jaune replied grimly, his gaze hard. "We'll figure it out once we survive this."
The team veered into the side tunnel Ren had indicated, the air growing colder and the walls narrowing as they pressed onward. Behind them, the howls of the Grimm grew louder, the horde relentless in its pursuit.
Nora smashed another Grimm that got too close, her hammer ringing out like a bell in the confined space. "How many of these things are there?!" she shouted.
"Too many!" Pyrrha answered, thrusting her spear into another Grimm before spinning to kick it into a wall.
Jaune's aura pulsed again, giving the team another surge of energy. Then he held Crocea Mors, pulled back, and then thrusted his sword forward, the aura-infused thrust stabbing through hundreds of Grimm that lined up, but that didn't lessen their numbers at all.
"Keep moving!" he commanded, his voice resolute.
The tunnel widened suddenly, opening into a vast chamber. The team came to a halt, their breaths heavy as they took in their surroundings. The chamber was filled with more of the glowing Dust crystals, their light reflecting off the jagged walls and casting strange patterns on the floor. In the center, a broken piece of machinery lay dormant, its purpose unclear but its design bearing the familiar insignia of the Schnee Dust Company.
Jaune scanned the room quickly, his instincts on high alert. "This way," he said, pointing toward a narrow passage on the far side of the chamber. "We can use it to bottleneck them."
Ren nodded, already moving to position himself at the entrance of the passage. Pyrrha and Nora took up positions on either side of him, while Jaune stood at the front, his sword ready.
The first wave of Grimm burst into the chamber, their snarls echoing off the walls. Jaune's blade flashed as he cleaved through dozens of them with one strike. Pyrrha's spear danced in a deadly rhythm, striking and deflecting with practiced ease. Nora's hammer crushed anything that got too close, and Ren's StormFlower provided surgical strikes to thin the herd.
Despite their efforts, the Grimm kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless and the relentless tide of Grimm began to wear on them, their aura reserves depleting with each attack.
Jaune's gaze flicked toward the narrow passage as he gave them another boost. "Fall back!" he ordered. "We'll hold them there!"
The team moved as one, retreating into the passage and using the confined space to their advantage. With only a few Grimm able to attack at a time, their defense became more manageable. Even so, the weight of the horde pressed against them like a physical force.
Jaune's aura flared again as he amplified his team's strength, his body aching from the strain. "Hold the line!" he shouted, his voice unwavering.
Pyrrha glanced at him, her expression determined. "We're with you," she said, her spear striking true.
Jaune's eyes darted around the chamber as the relentless horde of Grimm pressed closer, their snarls echoing like a tide of doom. His gaze settled on a section of the ground ahead. Its foundation cracked and weathered, clearly weaker than the rest of the cavern floor. An idea sparked in his mind, one that could turn the tide of the battle.
"Pyrrha! Ren! Nora!" Jaune called, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Cover me!"
Pyrrha, without hesitation, stepped forward. Her spear spun in a deadly arc, her precise strikes keeping the Grimm at bay. "Go, Jaune!" she yelled, her shield deflecting a lunging Beowolf before stabbing it to death. "GET AWAY FROM MY PARTNER, MONSTERS!"
Pyrrha then growled, a feral, guttural sound that reverberated around her as she faced down the tide of Grimm. Her patience had snapped, and she surged forward with unrelenting fury. With a swift motion, she hurled her shield and spear into the fray, the air humming with the force of her throw. Activating her Amplified Semblance, the weapons spun to life, dancing like twin whirlwinds of steel. The spear carved deadly arcs through the onslaught of Grimm, while the shield ricocheted with ruthless precision, slashing and smashing with unstoppable momentum. Together, they tore through the Grimm like a tempest unleashed, leaving only black smoke in their wake.
Nearby, Ren moved with calm precision, his every step calculated and deliberate. He centered his aura and delivered two simultaneous palm strikes, his hands glowing with focused energy. The force of his blow erupted inward, shattering the Grimm he faced with devastating efficiency. Each movement was fluid, seamless, like a leaf caught in a storm but always in control of the flow.
Nora, by contrast, was chaos incarnate. She leapt into the fray with her hammer raised high, a gleeful shout escaping her lips as she brought it crashing down. The impact sent shockwaves rippling outward. The energy surged through the Grimm, tearing them apart in bursts of fury.
Her laughter echoed amid the destruction. "Go fearless leader!"
"Thanks everyone!"
Jaune didn't waste a moment. His pale golden aura flared brilliantly, intensifying as he channeled every ounce of his strength. Crocea Mors transformed into its greatsword form, the blade humming with energy as Jaune infused it with his amplified aura. He sprinted toward the weak section of the ground, weaving through the Grimm like a blur of light.
Reaching the spot, Jaune planted his feet firmly, gripping Crocea Mors with both hands. His aura surged outward in waves of shimmering gold, tinged with a faint red and blue hue and then with gold. With a roar that reverberated through the chamber, Jaune raised his sword high above his head. One time. Two times. Three times. Four times. As he amped himself up, the blade seemed to grow heavier with the weight of his aura, glowing with an intensity that bathed the room in golden light.
The Grimm hesitated for a fraction of a second, sensing the danger, but it was too late. Jaune brought the greatsword down in a devastating arc, the force of his swing like a meteor crashing to the earth. The ground beneath him erupted, dirt and stone splintering as a deep fissure tore through the cavern floor. The sheer force of the strike sent shockwaves rippling outward, throwing nearby Grimm off balance and splitting the ground beneath their feet.
The sound was deafening as a massive crack that drowned out the snarls of the Grimm. The weakened section of the floor gave way, crumbling into a massive pit below. Scores of Grimm tumbled into the darkness, their howls fading as they disappeared into the depths.
Jaune leapt back to his team, landing with a controlled roll. A Beowolf lunged at him mid-air, but Jaune swung his arm out, his aura-infused fist slamming into the creature with bone-shattering force. The Grimm exploded into black smoke as Jaune landed on his feet.
Pyrrha stepped to his side, her shield raised and spear poised. "Impressive as always, fearless leader," she said with a small, approving smile. "But... we might get buried if we stay here."
"Yeah, we shouldn't stay here. Let me just center myself."
Jaune took a moment to catch his breath, resting Crocea Mors on his shoulder. He surveyed the pit he had created, watching as more Grimm skidded to a halt at its edge, unable to cross the chasm. The path of the horde had been severed, their numbers drastically reduced by the fall.
Nora bounded up beside him, her hammer resting casually on her shoulder. "Well, that was dramatic and tiresome," she said, a wide grin on her face. "But I'll admit, it was awesome."
Ren, ever calm, joined them, his eyes scanning the area. "A temporary reprieve," he said, his voice low but steady. "We should move before they find another way to reach us."
Jaune clicked his tongue in agreement. "He's right. Let's not waste the head start, we just bought ourselves. Move out!"
The team fell into formation, Pyrrha taking the lead as Jaune covered the rear. As they left the ruined chamber, Jaune cast one last glance at the pit, the flickering glow of Dust crystals illuminating the jagged edges of the chasm. The Grimm on the other side howled in frustration, their glowing eyes burning with rage as they clawed at the ground.
"Let's hope they stay down there," Jaune muttered under his breath, tightening his grip on Crocea Mors.