The sports field of Beacon Academy was bathed in the pale glow of the moonlight, the soft silver light casting long shadows across the expanse. The air was cool and still, save for the faint crackling of a modest campfire at its center. Its flames flickered lazily, sending brief bursts of warmth into the night as Nora Valkyrie held a marshmallow over the fire, her usual carefree smile playing on her lips. Beside her, Melanie Malachite leaned against a bench, her arms crossed and her face reflecting a pensive expression, illuminated faintly by the firelight.

Noticing Melanie's distant demeanor, Nora tilted her head curiously. "Something on your mind, Melanie?" she asked, her voice carrying a lighthearted tone as she rotated the marshmallow on her stick.

Melanie glanced up, shaking her head as if to dismiss her thoughts. "It's nothing. I thought I heard something earlier—a commotion—but it doesn't make sense. Nobody should be here at this hour."

Before Nora could respond, the sound of footsteps on the gravel path interrupted them. Both women turned toward the source, spotting Miltia approaching with a casual gait. She carried a crinkling plastic bag in one hand, filled with snacks and drinks, while her expression bore a mix of annoyance and resignation.

"What a pain," Miltia muttered as she reached the campfire. "I thought we'd just have a small girls' night, you know, taking advantage of having the night off from the Club. Instead, it feels like all of Beacon's student body has decided to join us."

Nora's attention was immediately drawn to the bag in Miltia's hand. Without missing a beat, she reached out, snatching it eagerly. "Ooooh, let's see what you brought!" she exclaimed, already rummaging through its contents.

Meanwhile, Melanie stepped forward, frowning at her sister. "What do you mean by 'all of Beacon'?" she asked, her tone tinged with suspicion.

Miltia shrugged. "I'm serious. Almost all the students are gathered near the academy's entrance. They're saying they want to prove themselves useful to us—and Nora."

Melanie groaned, rubbing her temple in exasperation. "Ugh, this nonsense again? They've been at it forever. We've told them a hundred times we're not interested in their stupid games of 'controlling Beacon,' and yet they keep showing up. Honestly, if Mercury and Henry weren't so pathetically weak, we wouldn't even be dealing with this mess. I just don't get it."

As if on cue, Nora polished off the last bite of a sandwich she had pulled from the bag, washing it down with a swig of orange juice. Then, with a sudden realization dawning on her, she perked up. "Oh… Wait a minute. I think this might be my fault. Tehee!"

Both sisters froze, staring at her in disbelief. Miltia was the first to recover, her voice rising sharply. "What the hell, Nora?! And what's with the 'tehee'? Acting cute doesn't suit you, idiot!"

Nora grinned sheepishly, shrugging her shoulders. "Well, well… Those guys were really getting on my nerves, so I might've told them something like, 'If you do something big, maybe you can serve under me and the twins.'"

Melanie's hand dropped from her temple as she sighed heavily. "Oh, Nora. And of course, you were vague about what you meant. Great."

Despite Melanie's exhausted tone, Nora remained utterly unbothered, stretching her arms above her head as she smiled brightly. "Honestly, you know I don't care about complicated stuff like that. When you think about it, this works out for us! If so many students are here, let's make it a Battle Royale! The last one standing should be the one to take control of Beacon, right?"

The Malachite sisters exchanged glances, unsure whether to protest or let the chaos unfold. Before they could respond, Nora clapped her hands together with a laugh. "Come on! The best thing about life is having fun, right? Let everyone get hyped up and give it their all! That's what this academy is all about, after all! Hahahaha!"

Nora was the first to notice four figures approaching from the distance: Yang Xiao Long, Jaune Arc, Mercury Black, and Henry Marygold. A wide, excited grin spread across her face as she rose from her seat near the campfire. "Heh heh, I didn't think the rematch would come so soon, but I can't say I'm not thrilled. Mel, Miltia," she said, glancing at the Malachite sisters, "handle the other idiots. I don't want any distractions in my fight with Yang."

Melanie sighed, her posture exuding weariness. "As if we had a choice," she muttered, but Miltia's expression lit up with a mischievous smile.

"Well, since you're our best friend, I suppose we can do you this favor," Miltia said, leaning against her sister. "But you owe us, Nora. You know Mel hates dealing with pests."

Nora laughed, her confidence undiminished. "You two are the best," she said, flashing them a thumbs-up before turning her attention back to Yang.

As the group of four reached the sisters, Melanie and Miltia stepped forward, blocking their path. Miltia's voice carried a sharp edge as she addressed them. "Yang can pass," she said, crossing her arms. "But if any of you think about interfering in her fight with Nora, we'll crush you." Her sharp gaze shifted between Mercury and Henry, making her warning unmistakable.

Mercury smirked, unfazed. "Honestly, right now I don't care about fighting Nora. And you two annoying twins?" He scoffed. "You're always a pain in the ass anyway."

Henry reached into his pocket and pulled out his taser, the electric current crackling ominously. "We have unfinished business, Melanie Malachite," he said coldly. His attention was clearly fixed on the older of the sisters, his grip on the taser tight.

Melanie's eyes narrowed slightly, but her expression remained calm. Meanwhile, Yang stepped forward, her trademark smirk spreading across her face as she left the others behind.

As she passed, Melanie's gaze shifted to Jaune, who had been lingering quietly at the back. "And what about you, Jaune Arc?" she asked. Her tone was casual, almost dismissive. "If you're just planning to watch the fight, you can go ahead."

Before Jaune could answer, Miltia chuckled softly, her laughter dripping with mockery. "Hah, Jauney-boy is ridiculously weak. Even if he wanted to intervene, he'd probably get himself killed by accident."

Jaune let out a tired sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Geez, as pleasant as ever, huh, Miltia?" he muttered, his tone laced with resignation. Miltia responded with a playful wink, clearly enjoying herself.

Without another word, Jaune simply walked past them, following Yang's path and leaving the brewing tension behind.

Melanie watched him go, then turned to Mercury and Henry. "Follow me," she said curtly. "I'd rather not be anywhere near this fight. We'll handle our business somewhere else."

(…)

Blake darted forward, her wooden sword a blur in the moonlight. With a sharp motion, she sent another wave of delinquents flying backward, their bodies tumbling through the air like leaves in a storm.

"Holy crap, she's unstoppable!" One of the delinquent students exclaimed, their voice tinged with fear.

"It's just a wooden sword!" Another wailed, backing away.

"Does it matter?" Someone hissed. "She's terrifying!"

The growing panic rippled through the enemy ranks, but it was interrupted by the arrival of three figures who strode forward with exaggerated confidence.

Russel Thrush, brandishing a pair of gleaming knives, smirked as he stepped into the fray. Behind him were his companions, Sky Lark and Dove Bronzewing, their swagger equally pronounced despite being unarmed.

A murmur ran through the delinquents.

"It's them—the Three Assassins!"

Russel raised a hand dramatically. "Alright, listen up! No need to panic. She might be tough—" he gestured toward Blake "—but the rest of these chumps? Total shit." He twirled a knife for emphasis.

Blake's expression didn't change. "You talk too much," she said simply.

Before Russel could respond, Ilia struck. Her black whip lashed out, snatching one of his knives from his hand and sending it spiraling into the darkness.

"Hey! That's my—" Russel's protest was cut short as Trifa's webs wrapped around his legs, yanking him off his feet and slamming him into Sky and Dove, who had barely started to move.

The three hit the ground in a heap, groaning. Trifa tightened her webbing with a flick of her wrist, leaving them unconscious and sprawled in a pathetic pile.

From the sidelines, one of the delinquents muttered, "The Three Assassins got taken out instantly again?"

Another sighed, throwing their arms up. "Seriously! This is the second time! Aren't they supposed to be important characters?"

Blake shook her head, already turning her focus back to the rest of the battle.

Meanwhile, a bold delinquent attempted to take advantage of the momentary distraction. Swinging a bat, they lunged toward Trifa, aiming for her head.

Before the blow could land, Cardin Winchester stepped in, catching the bat mid-swing. Without breaking a sweat, he hoisted the delinquent off the ground and hurled them into a group of their allies, knocking them over like bowling pins.

The sudden display of strength left a ripple of stunned silence in the immediate area.

Trifa blinked, glancing at Cardin with surprise. "Uh… thanks, I guess?"

Cardin shrugged, his tone casual. "Don't mention it. Figured you could use the help. The difference in numbers seemed a little... excessive." He glanced over at Blake, who had just launched another group of delinquents into the fountain with a single swing of her sword.

A wry grin crossed his face. "Although, maybe my help isn't as necessary as I thought."

Ilia snickered, flicking her whip as she prepared for the next wave. "Yeah, you might be playing backup to Blake's one-woman army here."

Cardin smirked. "Fine by me. Yang, Mercury, and Henry don't need me for their fights, and honestly, this is more fun."

Blake, still calm amidst the chaos, cast a quick glance at her allies. "Focus. We're not done yet."

Despite the sheer number of enemies, her voice carried a confidence that bolstered her side. The delinquents, however, were quickly realizing they'd bitten off far more than they could chew.

(…)

The sport field stretched out under the darkened sky, faintly illuminated by the flickering flames of a campfire burning in its center. Shadows danced across the field as a thick cloud obscured the moon, casting an eerie but captivating atmosphere. Yang Xiao Long and Nora Valkyrie stood there, both brimming with unarmed determination as the tension crackled like electricity in the air. Nearby, Jaune Arc observed the impending duel with a mix of awe and apprehension.

Jaune rubbed the back of his neck, muttering to himself. "This is going to be insane…"

Suddenly, a low, resonant hum cut through the air beside him. A ripple formed, then expanded—a swirling, iridescent fissure in the fabric of reality. Jaune staggered back, his heart leaping into his throat.

"What the—!?"

From the dimensional tear stepped a tall, imposing figure. Its form was sleek, black, and otherworldly, with glowing star-like patterns scattered across its body. Jaune froze in shock, staring up at the creature that looked like it had stepped out of a science fiction horror story.

The fissure closed behind the being, leaving only silence and Jaune's racing heartbeat.

"You are Junior…right?"

The being turned its face toward him, then without warning, from within, emerged Ruby Rose, Neo, Ciel Soleil, and Merlot.

Ruby landed gracefully, her silver eyes shining faintly in the dim light as she flashed Jaune a warm smile. Neo followed with her usual elegant demeanor, while Ciel adjusted her doctor's coat with a huff. Merlot, his ghostly like form a stark contrast to the others.

As the last of them emerged, the creature began to transform. Its cosmic appearance melted away, leaving behind the familiar figure of Junior in his bartender uniform, looking entirely unfazed.

Jaune blinked, his initial shock giving way to relief as he focused on Ruby. "Ruby! You look great! How are you feeling?"

Ruby clasped her hands behind her back and beamed at him, her voice as cheerful as ever. "I feel really good, Jaune! Thank you for all your help."

Neo crossed her arms and surveyed the scene, her sharp gaze taking in the two combatants at the center of the field. "Looks like we made it just in time," she quipped, her tone cool.

Jaune nodded. "Yeah, you did. It's about to start."

Ruby's attention shifted to the sport field, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the sight of Nora. "Oh, so that's Nora Valkyrie," she said, her tone tinged with admiration. "I have to admit, she's impressive. This fight's probably going to be tough for Yang."

Jaune chuckled softly. "You might be right." His gaze flickered to Merlot and Ciel, his brow furrowing slightly. "But I have to ask—why are you two here?"

Merlot's hollow voice carried an unsettling calm as he answered. "Our presence is purely precautionary. Lady Ruby has only recently recovered from the Silver Fever. Should she experience any relapse, I will ensure her safety."

Ciel crossed her arms, her expression cold. "I was forced to come. And for the record, I have no interest in trash like you."

Jaune sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping.

Ruby giggled, clearly unfazed by the exchange, and cupped her hands around her mouth. "Good luck, big sister! Break a leg—or a knee!"

Yang turned her head slightly, her golden hair catching the faint light as she smiled at her sister. Her expression was calm but confident.

Across the field, Nora glanced at the newcomers, raising an eyebrow. "Hah! What's with this group of random characters? You've got a bartender, a doctor, and... a Ghost?" She snorted with laughter. "Well, whatever. I'm guessing the adorable silver-eyed one is your sister?"

Yang smirked but said nothing.

Nora grinned widely, cracking her knuckles. "She's cute. Guess it's fine. She can take care of you after I kick your ass hahahahah!" Her boisterous laughter echoed across the field.

(…)

The night was calm, yet a faint tension hung in the air as if the grounds themselves were holding their breath. The open corridor between the first and second-year buildings at Beacon Academy was wide and lined with neatly arranged tables and a few scattered trees. Their shadows stretched long under the soft glow of nearby lampposts, while the cool night breeze rustled the leaves, creating a faint whisper that seemed to echo the unspoken thoughts of those gathered.

Miltia Malachite came to a halt under the branches of a large tree, the moonlight breaking through the canopy above to dapple the ground around her. With a sharp exhale, she flexed her arms, her movements deliberate and full of raw energy.

"This spot should do," she said curtly, her voice carrying a note of finality as if she'd already decided this was where the confrontation would unfold.

Her twin, Melanie, followed with a sigh, her expression one of exasperation. "Sometimes, I wonder why we're even friends with Nora" she muttered, crossing her arms. She shifted her gaze toward the two figures standing across from them: Mercury Black and Henry Marigold. Her sharp, icy stare could have frozen fire.

"It's such a bother to have to deal with you two pieces of trash again."

Mercury and Henry stood with composed expressions, their postures tense but controlled. Mercury's gray eyes gleamed coldly under the moonlight, while Henry's grip on the taser in his hand tightened ever so slightly.

Miltia smirked at Melanie's comment, then turned her attention to the two young men. "It's a shame, really," she said, her tone mocking. "No matter how much you try to hide it, your real goal here is to take down Nora, isn't it?"

Mercury spoke first, his voice low and even, carrying a sharp edge. "Of course. Nora's still the main problem. But…"

Henry stepped forward slightly, his tone sharper, as if finishing Mercury's sentence. "You two bitches are going down first."

Melanie's lips curled into a rare smile, one that sent a chill through the night air. "I think I understand what you're planning. After all, there's no way Yang Xiao Long stands a chance against Nora. But…" Her eyes narrowed slightly, her smile growing wider. "After watching their first fight, I'd say there's a chance Yang might at least hurt Nora, maybe even tire her out enough to make her vulnerable."

Miltia laughed, finishing her sister's thought. "That's your plan, isn't it? Wait for Yang to wear Nora down and then swoop in like scavengers. Hahaha! What a pathetic, simple-minded strategy!"

Henry didn't flinch at her words. Instead, a smirk spread across his face. "You have to admit, it's the smartest move anyone could make in this situation."

Melanie chuckled darkly, her laugh dripping with condescension. "Heh. Smartest move? Sure. But considering who's behind it, it's still not saying much." She cracked her neck slowly, her amusement fading as her voice turned cold and cutting. "Unfortunately for you, you two morons have overlooked one rather obvious obstacle."

She took a step forward, her sharp heels clicking against the stone pathway. "Neither of you is even capable of beating me."

Miltia grinned at her sister's confidence, standing with her arms folded. Her expression showed nothing but amusement at the unfolding exchange.

Across from them, Mercury and Henry didn't appear shaken. Mercury's smirk widened as he replied, "Don't get too cocky, stupid bitch. Thanks to that fight we had a few hours ago, I'd say we know exactly what to expect from you."

(…)

The tension in the air was palpable as Yang Xiao Long and Nora Valkyrie faced off, their silhouettes stark against the dim glow of the campfire and the shrouded moon. The crowd that had gathered remained silent, their anticipation mirrored in the faint crackle of the fire.

Nora grinned wildly, the gleam in her eyes radiating both excitement and challenge. She spread her arms wide, her voice booming across the field.

"Let's do this!"

Without hesitation, both fighters charged toward each other, their foot pounding against the ground in unison. The collision of their presences seemed inevitable, but as they neared, Nora barked out a taunt.

"Hah! You want another pure strength match like last time?!"

But Yang had other plans. Just before reaching Nora, she pivoted on one foot and leapt into the air with a spinning motion, twisting her body into a dazzling corkscrew maneuver. Using the momentum, she brought her heel crashing down toward Nora's shoulder in a surprise axe kick.

Caught off guard, Nora barely had time to raise her arm to block, staggering slightly under the unexpected impact. Yang landed gracefully, her feet steady as she immediately followed up with a quick jab to Nora's side and a solid hook to her jaw.

The others murmured in awe as Yang pressed her advantage, aiming a powerful punch straight at Nora's head. But instead of dodging, Nora ducked slightly, lowering her stance—and let Yang's fist collide directly with her forehead.

The impact reverberated through Yang's arm, a sharp jolt of pain shooting up to her shoulder. She winced, clutching her knuckles as Nora laughed uproariously.

"Hahaha! You're amazing, Yang Xiao Long!"

With a ferocious roar, Nora retaliated with a kick to Yang's midsection, sending her flying backward. Yang tumbled through the air before managing to twist her body and land on her feet, though the force slid her a few paces across the ground.

Nora was already barreling toward her, her laughter echoing like a battle cry. "HAHAHAHAHA!"

Yang barely had time to brace before Nora's foot slammed into her chest, followed by a relentless barrage of punches. Each hit landed with a thundering force that left Yang gasping for air.

"Come on, come on!" Nora's voice rang in her ears, as primal and unyielding as the storm she embodied.

Yang's mind raced, her thoughts disjointed as she struggled to withstand the onslaught. "What the hell? Fighting her is like facing an animal"

But then, an opening. As Nora's fist came down one final time, Yang used the momentum of the blow to pivot, driving a powerful punch into Nora's stomach. The strike connected with resounding force, sending Nora to her knees, her face a mask of astonishment.

Yang's breathing was ragged as she straightened, and she caught a faint glow in the corner of her vision. Looking down, she noticed the emblem of Belphegor on her arm, shimmering faintly.

On the sidelines, Jaune leaned toward Ruby and Neo, his voice laced with concern. "Uh, is that... normal?"

Ruby tilted her head, her silver eyes studying Yang's arm. "Oh, that's just the power of the emblem. The more Yang fights, the stronger its power grows."

Neo folded her arms, her sharp gaze locked on the battlefield. "She's up against someone ridiculously strong. Yang's probably drawing on the emblem's power instinctively just to keep up."

Their conversation was interrupted as Yang's voice rang out across the field.

"Hey, Ruby!" She called, raising her glowing arm toward her sister. "Can you do something about this? I want this fight with Nora to be fair, and I'm pretty sure your contract counts as cheating. You can cancel it for a little while, right?"

Neo turned toward Merlot and Ciel, her expression unreadable. "What do you two think?"

Merlot's ghostly form exuded an air of eerie calm as he replied, "If it's only for a short time, it should be fine. It shouldn't affect Lady Ruby too much. But I recommend keeping it brief—better not take unnecessary risks."

Ruby smiled at that, her confidence unwavering as she snapped her fingers. A soft, silvery glow enveloped Yang's arm, and the emblem faded from sight.

"You better win this, Yang!" Ruby called cheerfully.

Yang smirked, shaking her now-normal arm as she turned back to Nora.

Nora, who had risen to her feet, watched the exchange with a momentary flicker of surprise in her expression. But then her ever-confident grin returned, and she rolled her shoulders, chuckling softly.

"Honestly, I don't get half the shit you guys are talking about," she said, her voice brimming with amusement. "But that emblem... I've seen something like it before."

Yang's eyes widened at Nora's words, her confidence momentarily shaken by the unexpected revelation.

(…)

The fight began without hesitation. Melanie and Miltia moved first, their speed and coordination overwhelming. Melanie darted toward Henry, her heels clicking sharply against the stone as she pivoted on one foot and delivered a brutal spinning kick to his side. Henry managed to block, though the sheer force staggered him, forcing him to retreat a few steps. He raised the taser, aiming for an opening, but Melanie closed the distance with alarming speed. She grabbed his wrist mid-thrust, twisted it sharply, and drove her knee into his abdomen. The taser slipped from his hand, clattering onto the ground as he gasped for air.

Nearby, Miltia approached Mercury with a smirk, her hands clenched into tight fists. Mercury attempted to land a quick jab, but Miltia sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a sharp uppercut that snapped his head back. He stumbled, shaking off the daze, but Miltia didn't let up. She rushed him, her punches precise and relentless, forcing him to block or evade with increasing difficulty.

Henry tried to recover, lunging for the taser on the ground, but Melanie stepped on it. "Really?" she sneered, looking down at him with disdain. "You think that toy is going to save you?"

Henry growled, throwing a wild punch in desperation. Melanie caught it mid-air, twisting his arm painfully, and shoved him back with enough force to send him crashing into one of the nearby tables. He slumped against it, groaning, as Melanie dusted her hands off mockingly.

Meanwhile, Mercury attempted to land a low kick to sweep Miltia off her feet, but she anticipated it, jumping lightly over his leg and responding with a knee to his ribs. He grunted in pain, doubling over, and Miltia shoved him backward into a tree.

"What's the matter?" She taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. "You seemed so confident just a moment ago."

Mercury wiped blood from his lip, his glare venomous. "Shut up!" he snapped, frustration boiling over.

Melanie smirked as she sauntered back toward the center of the corridor, eyeing both boys with cold amusement. "You two should just give up already. You're pathetic. If you surrender now, we might even spare you further humiliation."

Her words carried a weight of cruel amusement, but her voice sharpened as she continued. "You know what you remind me of? Overdressed fools at a banquet table—flaunting stolen wealth, pretending to belong, while everyone sees the crumbs you've left behind. Just like that, one good shove," she gestured between herself and Miltia, "and your little masquerade is over."

Miltia let out a low, dark laugh, arms crossed as she leaned against the tree. "My sister's right. You've never been true Beacon pillars. Hell, even Belladonna's a pushover compared to Nora. But thanks to Yang, you've finally been exposed for the incompetent losers you are. Really, you should be grateful to that blonde for leading you to this moment. Hahaha!"

Mercury let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Women can be so damn irritating."

Henry, groaning as he pushed himself upright, smirked faintly. "Couldn't agree more. Always talking, never understanding the resolve of a man."

Melanie and Miltia's amused expressions faltered, their gazes turning sharp and cold as the boys spoke in unison.

"A real man fights for his ideals and his goals."

The sudden intensity in their voices caught the twins off guard. Mercury straightened, his eyes narrowing with renewed determination. "Because, in the end, you can't hold onto anything without fighting for it."

Henry chuckled darkly, his voice tinged with self-awareness. "Let's be honest, though—we're still bastards who use people when it suits us. Especially me. It's hard not to, when you can just buy loyalty with a fat stack of cash." He laughed louder, shaking his head.

Melanie raised an eyebrow, then slowly clapped, the sound echoing in the quiet corridor. "Well, I'll admit I didn't expect that kind of fire from a pair of worthless bastards like you." Her lips curved into a sly smile as she turned to her sister. "Fine. I'll honor that little flicker of determination."

She turned back toward the boys, her smile fading into an icy smirk. "Miltia, stay out of this. I want to finish them myself."

(…)

Blake darted through the chaos one last time, her wooden sword a blur as it struck with unerring precision. Each swing sent delinquents sprawling, their numbers thinning with every calculated strike. She paused amidst the groans of the defeated, her sharp gaze sweeping the area.

"Looks like that's it," she murmured, lowering her weapon. Around her, the battlefield fell silent save for the distant bubbling of the fountain and the heavy breathing of those still standing.

Ilia and Trifa approached, visibly fatigued but smiling with satisfaction.

"That should teach them not to mess with us," Ilia said, her voice light despite her tiredness. She twirled her whip once before letting it coil loosely at her side.

Trifa nodded, brushing a strand of webbing from her arm. "We handled ourselves well."

A cluster of White Fang students gathered nearby, their admiration for their leader clear.

"Blake is unbelievably strong, as expected of our leader," one of them remarked, their tone filled with awe.

"Don't forget about Ilia and Trifa," another added. "They've come a long way—they fought like seasoned warriors tonight."

A third chimed in, gesturing toward the fountain where Cardin Winchester sat on the ground, leaning back with a weary sigh. "And we have to admit, that big guy helped out a lot, too."

But a fourth student spoke up, their voice dropping as they pointed toward the far side of the battlefield. "Still… the scariest one here has to be that girl who showed up out of nowhere. I think she took out almost as many as Blake. If I'm not mistaken, she is part of Mercury's group, but…"

Their words trailed off as Coco Adel stepped into view, her boots clicking softly against the stone pathway. Unlike everyone else, she looked entirely unfazed—her posture relaxed, her expression calm, and not a hint of exhaustion on her face. The gleam of her glasses caught the moonlight as she walked over to Cardin, extending a hand to help him up.

"Well," she said with an amused smirk, "that was a nice little nighttime workout, don't you think, little Cardin?"

Cardin groaned but accepted her hand, letting her pull him to his feet. "Geez. I knew you were weird, but you're way stronger than any of us imagined. I guess it's a good thing you're on our side." He let out a weary chuckle, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly, I didn't think you'd even see my message."

Coco shrugged, a faint laugh escaping her lips. "Just luck. I was up late sketching some new clothing designs, so I happened to see it. And I'm glad I did—wouldn't have wanted to miss this little festival. Besides," she added, turning her gaze toward Blake and her group with a knowing smile, "the main event is important after all."

Raising her voice, Coco called out to the others, her tone half playful, half commanding. "Hey, you lot! Let's get moving. We don't want to miss the conclusion of Yang and Nora's fight!"

Blake, Ilia, and Trifa exchanged glances before nodding. The battle had ended, but a new excitement rippled through the group as they turned to follow Coco, anticipation building for the spectacle yet to unfold.

(…)

The corridor was alive with the sounds of combat as Henry and Mercury faced Melanie. Both boys were battered, their bodies aching from earlier blows, but determination burned in their eyes. Melanie stood unscathed, exuding cold confidence as she rolled her shoulders, the sharp edges of her heels gleaming ominously in the dim light.

"You boys look ready to drop," she said, her voice a taunting melody. "Let me help you with that."

Henry wiped sweat from his brow, grimacing as he straightened. "We're not done yet."

Mercury smirked despite his exhaustion. "Yeah, sorry to disappoint you, princess."

Melanie's eyes narrowed, her smile twisting into something more predatory. "Oh"

She darted toward Mercury with a speed that defied expectation, her heel slicing through the air in a deadly arc aimed at his chest. Mercury barely twisted in time, Melanie pivoted with the motion, sending a sharp elbow toward his face. He ducked, but the force of the movement left him off-balance, and she capitalized with a spinning kick that sent him crashing into the ground.

Henry rushed in, aiming a punch at her ribs. Melanie sidestepped smoothly, catching his wrist mid-swing and twisting it sharply. He grunted in pain, swinging his other fist toward her face, but Melanie leaned back, letting the punch miss by inches. With a quick motion, she swept her leg under his, knocking him flat onto his back.

"You're both pathetic," she said, stepping back to survey her opponents.

From the sidelines, Miltia leaned casually against a tree, a smirk on her lips. "Everyone thinks I'm the sadistic one," she mused aloud. "But that's only because Mel hides it better. Even Jauney-boy probably believed that. The truth? My sister's way crueler than me."

Mercury groaned as he pushed himself to his feet, blood trickling from a cut on his lip. "You always this chatty?" he asked, spitting to the side.

"Only when I'm bored," Melanie replied with a smirk.

Mercury lunged forward, feinting a high kick before transitioning into a sweeping low kick aimed at her legs. Melanie jumped to avoid it, spinning mid-air and driving her heel downward. Mercury rolled to the side, barely avoiding the impact as her heel slammed into the ground with a resounding crack.

Henry took the opportunity to attack from her blind spot, rushing at her with a burst of speed. Melanie twisted at the last second, catching his arm and pulling him into her knee. The blow sent him reeling, but he managed to grab her ankle, throwing her balance off for a split second.

Mercury saw his chance and charged, delivering a brutal kick. Melanie staggered but quickly recovered, retaliating with a sharp punch to Mercury's face that sent him stumbling backward.

"You're persistent. I'll give you that," she said, wiping a drop of blood from her lip where Mercury's kick had landed.

Henry struggled to his feet, clutching his taser in his hand. "Mercury," he called, his voice tight. "let's do this"

Mercury nodded, taking a deep breath as he squared off with Melanie again. He threw a flurry of punches and kicks, forcing her to block and evade. Each movement was slower now, the exhaustion clear in his steps, but he was relentless, refusing to give her room to breathe.

Melanie grew impatient, catching Mercury's wrist mid-punch and twisting it behind his back. She pushed him forward, using his body as a shield against Henry's approach.

Henry didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, feinting with the taser before tossing it high into the air. Melanie's eyes flicked upward for a split second—a fatal mistake.

Mercury took advantage, slamming his head backward into Melanie's face. She let out a sharp grunt, releasing him as she stumbled. Mercury dove to the side, and Henry caught the falling taser mid-air, slamming it against Melanie's stomach and pulling the trigger.

Electricity crackled as the taser discharged, sending a powerful current through her body. Melanie's eyes widened, her muscles locking up as the shock overtook her. "You assholes…"

She collapsed to her knees, her body trembling uncontrollably before falling face-first onto the ground.

Henry dropped the taser, falling to one knee as he struggled to catch his breath. "After my fight with Yang," he panted, "I made sure to get a taser with more power. That jolt… could put down a big wolf."

Mercury leaned against a nearby tree, clutching his ribs. "Guess it works on high heels, too," he muttered, smirking faintly.

Miltia clapped slowly as she stepped forward, her grin wide. "Incredible. You actually managed to take her down. Hahaha! I didn't think you had it in you." She glanced at her sister's motionless form and shook her head. "Guess tonight's full of surprises. I wonder how Nora's doing right about now."

The two boys exchanged a glance, both too battered and exhausted to respond.

(…)

Yang Xiao Long and Nora Valkyrie raged on. Dust swirled around them. The stars above were fading as the first hints of dawn painted the sky.

Yang wiped blood from the corner of her mouth, her golden hair wild and disheveled, while Nora's grin was smeared with crimson, her knuckles raw from the brutal exchanges. They faced each other in silence, their heavy breathing and the occasional snap of a twig the only sounds in the still air.

"I didn't think you'd still be standing," Yang said, her voice rough but steady.

Nora spat blood onto the ground and rolled her neck with a loud crack. "And I didn't think you'd hold out this long without your weird emblem. Guess I underestimated you, Blondie."

They charged again, fists swinging like hammers. Yang ducked under a wild haymaker, driving her elbow into Nora's ribs, the sharp crack of impact echoing across the place. Nora grunted but retaliated immediately, slamming her forehead into Yang's temple. The blonde staggered, blinking stars out of her vision as Nora unleashed a ferocious kick to her midsection that sent her skidding backward.

"Come on, Yang!" Nora taunted, her voice hoarse but still electric with energy. "Hit me harder!"

Yang steadied herself, narrowing her eyes. "You asked for it."

With a burst of speed, she closed the gap between them, slipping past Nora's guard to deliver a rapid flurry of blows to her torso. Each punch landed with a satisfying thud, driving Nora back step by step. Yang followed up with a spinning backfist, catching Nora across the jaw and sending her reeling.

Nora stumbled but recovered quickly, laughing through the blood dripping down her chin. "Now that's more like it!" she roared, charging with renewed ferocity.

The two women collided like raging storms, their fists and kicks a blur of relentless strikes. Yang tried to maintain her composure, her movements calculated and precise, but Nora's raw power was overwhelming. Every time Yang landed a clean hit, Nora seemed to shrug it off, countering with devastating force.

Watching from the sidelines, Jaune Arc couldn't help but marvel at the scene unfolding before him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Blake arriving, flanked by her friends. Nearby, Cardin, Henry, and Mercury stood together, their bruised and battered appearances a testament to earlier battles. Coco had joined as well, her sharp eyes locked on the fight. Even Miltia was there, helping a staggering Melanie, whose scowl suggested she wasn't thrilled about needing assistance.

Jaune smiled faintly, his chest swelling with a mix of pride and awe.

"Hah, your strength draws everyone in, Yang. That's why you're the best. Though, to be fair, I could say the same about Nora Valkyrie. Just watching this fight makes me feel insignificant. Could I ever fight like this? Maybe some hellish training might get me closer... but even then, reaching this monstrous level feels impossible. Maybe I should aim for something more realistic—like surpassing Mercury and Henry first. For now, I'll focus on this fight. The rest can wait."

A sharp crack of bone snapped Jaune from his thoughts.

Yang had managed to grapple Nora, slamming her onto the ground with a thunderous impact. Yet Nora rolled with the momentum, breaking free and retaliating with an uppercut that nearly took Yang off her feet.

"Stay down!" Nora growled, her voice raw as she swung again, her fist connecting with Yang's ribs.

Yang gasped, falling to one knee, her vision swimming. She blinked rapidly, forcing herself to focus as Nora loomed over her.

"This big-chested brute," Nora thought, frustration and admiration mingling as she prepared her next strike. "We've been fighting for so long, and she still won't go down. I could swear I've beaten her already, but she just keeps coming!"

Nora roared, leaping into the air for a crushing final blow, but Yang's instincts flared.

Summoning every ounce of strength left in her body, Yang caught Nora mid-air, her hands locking around her opponent's waist. With a guttural yell, she spun, using Nora's momentum against her. Yang twisted her body and executed a flawless fireman's carry takeover, slamming Nora into the ground with a force that shook the earth.

Nora let out a sharp gasp, the wind knocked from her lungs. She lay still, chest heaving as she tried to recover, but her limbs refused to obey.

Yang stumbled back, barely able to stay on her feet. Her face was bloodied, her breaths ragged, but a victorious smirk tugged at her lips.

The first rays of sunlight broke over the treetops, painting the sky in hues of pink and fought till dawn.

The air was heavy with the weight of the battle that had just concluded, the faint light of dawn casting long shadows over the stunned faces of those gathered. Yang sat slumped on the ground, her golden hair disheveled and streaked with blood and sweat. Nearby, Nora lay flat on her back, chest heaving, too drained to move.

The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves and the sound of labored breaths.

Jaune was the first to speak, his voice barely above a whisper, as if the sheer weight of his realization made it hard to believe. "She... she actually did it."

Neo, standing quietly beside Ruby, tilted her head, her mismatched eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I suppose this settles it. We won't find anyone better suited to be Lady Ruby's contractor. You've proven yourself, Yang Xiao Long. Without a doubt, you're the strongest here."

Blake, Ilia, and Trifa exchanged looks, their shock evident. Ilia finally broke the silence between them, her voice soft but brimming with disbelief. "She… she beat Nora. She actually beat her."

Coco, leaning casually against a nearby tree, smirked, her sunglasses sliding slightly down her nose as she adjusted them. "Heh, not bad. I guess I kinda expected something like this."

Meanwhile, Mercury stared at Yang, his jaw slack with disbelief. "She just… she just beat the Top Bitch of Beacon," he muttered, the words almost too absurd for him to process.

Henry nodded faintly, his expression mirroring Mercury's astonishment, while Cardin simply stared, too stunned to say anything at all.

Nearby, Melanie and Miltia stood side by side. Melanie's brows furrowed, her lips parting in disbelief. "I can't believe it. Nora… actually lost?"

Miltia, however, smirked, her tone light and amused. "Guess today's full of surprises. Hahaha, looks like Jauney-boy wasn't just being sentimental. His faith in Yang actually made sense after all...Wait what the hell, what is Junior doing here?""

Ruby broke the growing tension with an exuberant cry, throwing her hands in the air. "You did it, Sis! You really did it!"

Merlot and Junior, standing silent at the edge of the crowd, made no comments, Ciel's sharp gaze lingered on Nora for a moment longer. "Hmm… that girl has potential. With some refinement, she could be a remarkable contractor. Perhaps this information could be worth sharing… for the right price."

Yang exhaled heavily, her eyes finding Nora's. The usually indomitable Valkyrie was still sprawled on the ground, her breath uneven. Slowly, Nora turned her head to face Yang, her voice raspy as she spoke. "This doesn't make sense. That weird mark on your arm disappeared, but you kept fighting like you still had it. That mark… it's supposed to mean power, strength. How are you still so strong without it?"

Yang's lips curled into a tired but genuine smile. "That just means I didn't need it to beat you. If I'd relied on it, I wouldn't be satisfied with myself. Winning with my own strength… that's the only way this would mean anything. After all, you're the strongest person I know, Nora Valkyrie."

For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, Nora's lips twitched into a weak but sincere grin. "Hah… you're just like me in so many ways, except… well, you've got bigger boobs."

Yang raised a brow, her expression caught somewhere between amusement and exasperation. "Oh, come on, you're hardly a flat board. The twins might get offended, but you've got a solid pair yourself. Right, Jaune?"

As she spoke, Jaune had been approaching cautiously, but at her words, he nearly tripped over his own feet. He coughed awkwardly, his cheeks flushing. "Uh… I don't think this is the time to talk about that. In any case… amazing fight. Really, both of you."

Yang chuckled softly, though her expression turned thoughtful as a memory resurfaced. "Nora, you said earlier that you'd seen a mark like mine before. What did you mean?"

Jaune perked up at the question, his curiosity piqued as he glanced down at the exhausted orange-haired girl.

Nora remained silent for a moment, her gaze distant as she sifted through old memories. Finally, she sighed, her voice quieter now, laced with nostalgia. "A woman who helped me a lot when I was a kid. She had a mark just like yours. Seeing it brought back a lot of memories."

Yang leaned forward slightly, her interest evident. "What was she like?"

Nora closed her eyes briefly, as if picturing the past. When she opened them, her expression was softer, almost wistful. "She was unbelievably strong. Could do things that didn't even seem real. Ridiculous stuff, like lifting trees out of the ground or breaking rocks with her bare hands. Honestly, you remind me a lot of her. Except… she had black hair."

Her gaze flicked back to Yang, and a familiar grin spread across her face. "Thanks for the fight, Yang Xiao Long. Now...You're the strongest in Beacon."

Hi, now that the fight with Nora is over, I can focus on other fun things, thanks to everyone who is following this story, I appreciate it a lot.

Also for those who don't know, the move that Yang finished the fight with is this: A fireman's carry takeover is a wrestling move that involves lifting an opponent over the wrestler's shoulders and then slamming them down to the mat.