In a another kingdom of hell a chamber exuded a divine splendor, as though it were a fragment of heaven itself. The floor shimmered like polished alabaster, reflecting the soft, golden light emanating from above. The walls were carved with intricate, celestial patterns—constellations, angelic figures, and flowing vines that seemed almost alive, weaving around glowing orbs suspended in midair. A faint, harmonious melody drifted through the space, an ethereal hymn that spoke of both grace and power.

At the center of this radiant sanctuary stood an imposing throne, crafted from a substance that seemed neither stone nor metal but something transcendent—a luminous white material that pulsed faintly with an inner light. Sitting upon it was a figure of unparalleled beauty and authority.

The woman had hair as pale as freshly fallen snow, cascading in silken waves down her shoulders and back, glistening like strands of moonlight. Her piercing blue eyes held an icy clarity, their gaze commanding yet serene, as if she could see through the very fabric of one's soul. Her features were delicate and flawless, framed by an aura of light that seemed to ripple like a halo.

She was draped in a gown of shimmering gold and white, its fabric flowing like liquid starlight, accentuating her regal presence. The intricate embroidery on her attire depicted celestial symbols and angelic wings, lending her the appearance of a divine arbiter. Despite her heavenly visage, there was a subtle edge to her beauty—a sharpness in her gaze, a faint curl to her lips—that hinted at something darker beneath the surface. This was no ordinary demon; this was Lucifer, a being of unmatched charisma and cunning, veiled in the guise of celestial grace.

Before her, Ciel Soleil knelt, her head bowed low, the very image of deference and loyalty.

Lucifer's voice was smooth and melodious, carrying a weight that demanded attention. "Excellent work, Ciel. Having you as a spy within the kingdom of Belphegor has proven to be a wise decision. You managed to secure an opportunity to bring me something of value. While it wasn't the primary target, one of Leviathan's treasures is still a prize worth celebrating."

Ciel, keeping her gaze fixed on the ground, spoke with unwavering respect. "I am honored by your words, Lady Willow. I live only to serve you."

A pleased smile graced Lucifer's lips, the light around her seeming to intensify. "As a reward, I hereby promote you to the rank of general in my army. Good work deserves to be acknowledged and rewarded accordingly."

Ciel allowed herself a faint smile of satisfaction, though she remained in her position, her head still bowed. "Thank you, my master. I promise I will not disappoint you."

Lucifer's expression softened momentarily as she seemed to drift into thought. After a brief silence, she posed a question. "Since you had the chance, what is your opinion of Belphegor the III's contractor?"

Ciel's demeanor shifted, her voice turning cold and sharp. "She is a brute and a savage. Her strength is notable, but it is her only redeeming quality. Beyond that, I do not consider her worthy of Lady Ruby."

Lucifer chuckled softly, her smile taking on a mischievous edge. "I see. Then I suppose there is little cause for concern. The throne of hell will belong to my dear Weiss. All she needs is to find a contractor with true talent. In The meantime, I want you to write a report detailing everything you learned during your time in Belphegor's kingdom and deliver it to Winter."

"As you command, Lady Willow," Ciel replied without hesitation, her tone as respectful as ever.

With that, Ciel rose gracefully, bowed once more, and departed the throne room.

Lucifer watched her go, her elegant fingers drumming lightly against the armrest of her throne. A sly smile crept onto her face as her thoughts wandered aloud. "Summer, as always, doesn't seem to take matters seriously. If I'm not mistaken, Belphegor's contractor is Raven's daughter, so she shouldn't be dismissed entirely. Hm... but as long as my Weiss is happy, it matters little to me. When her birthday arrives, I'll allow her to visit the human world. For now, she isn't ready. I suppose I can let Belphegor the III have her fun for a little while longer... heheheh."

(…)

The VIP lounge of Junior's club was a stark contrast to the lively chaos just outside its doors. The room was lavishly decorated, designed for comfort and exclusivity. Plush, deep red leather couches formed a semicircle around a polished black marble table. A dim golden light emanated from an ornate chandelier above, casting soft shadows that danced along the dark, wood-paneled walls. A built-in bar with shelves lined with premium bottles occupied one corner, while a large soundproof window overlooked the bustling dance floor below, where music thumped and bodies moved in rhythm, muted to a low hum within this sanctuary.

Ruby Rose sat comfortably, her petite frame dwarfed by the oversized couch, her silver eyes glowing faintly under the dim light. Neo leaned casually against the bar, her mismatched eyes sharp despite her relaxed posture, twirling a glass of champagne in her fingers. Junior sat across from Ruby, his large frame making even the sturdy furniture seem slightly undersized.

Ruby broke the silence, her tone polite yet tinged with concern. "How are you feeling, Junior?"

Junior crossed his arms, his voice deep and reassuring. "My injuries weren't too severe. Don't worry about me, Lady Ruby. However, I won't be able to manage any teleportations until I've fully recovered. That said, my life isn't in any danger."

Neo, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke, her tone serious. "We were lucky no one died. That damned Ciel… who would've guessed she was a spy? We still don't know exactly who she's working for, but according to what Jaune said, she had a dimensional transfer stone. She must've used it when you teleported us, Junior, and that caused the chaos that split us up."

Ruby frowned, her fingers idly tracing patterns on the table. "From what I know, Ciel was Merlot's assistant for about two years, and she always seemed loyal. I was completely caught off guard. If I can't predict these things, how am I supposed to be a good Demon Lord in the future?"

Neo moved to Ruby's side, her voice soft but firm. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Lady Ruby. Even your mother didn't see this coming. It's just a matter of being more cautious moving forward. Fortunately, Lady Summer has already resolved things with Leviathan by offering a treasure of equal value to what Ciel stole."

Junior sighed heavily, leaning back in his seat. "We're fortunate Neptune Vasilias is your friend, Lady Ruby. That helped bring about a peaceful resolution. A war with Leviathan would've been disastrous for all of us."

Ruby's lips curled into a fond smile. "Yeah. If it weren't for him, Jaune and Nora would've been killed. I didn't expect Jaune to get into so much trouble, though. According to Neptune, his sister—who apparently still hates me—has taken quite a liking to Jaune and is furious about losing him. Leviathan never showed much interest in the human world, and neither did Crayiel, But now that she is fixated on Jaune, I'm worried she might come after him."

Neo pinched the bridge of her nose, irritation evident. "Jaune has the worst luck. Of all people, he had to get involved with Leviathan the III. Still, she won't be able to do much without securing a contractor."

Ruby fell silent, her expression contemplative. "It's highly likely Ciel is working for either Lucifer or Satan. They're the ones with the biggest grievances against my mother. In any case, there's not much we can do about it yet. I just have to keep growing stronger with Yang."

Junior suddenly spoke up, his deep voice thoughtful. "Nora Valkyrie… Neo, what do you think about forming a contract with her?"

Neo shook her head decisively. "I've considered it, but I think I'd have better synergy with Lady Kali's daughter. However, she's not ready yet, in my opinion."

Ruby decided to shift the conversation. "Oh, right. Neo, have you looked into what I asked?"

Neo smirked, nodding. "Of course, Lady Ruby. Madam Summer has a friend in Atlas Academy who can handle what you want."

Junior raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Where did this sudden interest come from, Lady Ruby? According to Jaune, you hate Beacon's classes and find them boring."

Ruby's silver eyes lit up with excitement, a rare spark of youthful enthusiasm. "Classes and homework are boring, sure. But it's something I never had in hell. I want to experience what they call a school life—with my sister and with Jaune. Since I've already seen everything Beacon has to offer, I figured another academy might give me that experience. I'm sure it'll be fun!"

Her infectious energy brought a rare chuckle from Junior and a soft smile from Neo, though neither could shake the sense that Ruby's idea of "fun" might involve far more chaos than she anticipated.

(…)

Summer vacation had finally come to an end, leaving behind a whirlwind of unforgettable and harrowing memories. The most notable, of course, was the perilous journey to Leviathan's castle. Jaune Arc never thought he'd look forward to the structured monotony of classes, but after Ruby's chaotic antics, school felt like a haven of order. His nights, however, were still plagued by nightmares of Crayiel—her cold, relentless pursuit haunting him. It was far from pleasant.

This semester, though, promised a significant shift. Beacon Academy was no longer their home; Atlas Academy had taken its place. The catalyst for this change was none other than Ruby Rose, her whimsical curiosity pulling the group into yet another chapter of unpredictability.

The classroom they found themselves in was spacious and pristine, a testament to Atlas' penchant for innovation and excellence. The walls were constructed from smooth, reinforced steel, polished to a reflective sheen. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined one side of the room. The floor was a sleek, pale gray, its surface glimmering faintly under the cool, ambient lighting.

At the front of the room stood a massive holographic display, capable of projecting interactive lessons with stunning clarity. Beneath it was a long lectern with a built-in control panel, from which the instructor could manage the room's advanced technology. Rows of desks, arranged in precise lines, were equipped with touchscreens and compact compartments for books and supplies. Each seat bore the distinct, professional aesthetic of Atlas, designed for both comfort and efficiency.

The students were an eclectic mix, brought together under circumstances that felt almost orchestrated. Jaune sat in the first row, trying to wrap his head around the bizarre gathering. Behind him was Yang Xiao Long, her golden hair contrasting sharply with the crisp white and navy-blue of the Atlas uniform. Her casual posture clashed with the room's formal atmosphere. Trifa sat behind Yang, her sharp gaze scanning the room, while Coco occupied the seat directly behind Trifa, exuding effortless confidence.

To Jaune's right sat Blake Belladonna, her calm demeanor making her seem like the eye of a storm in the chaotic arrangement. Mercury Black was seated behind Blake, Ilia Amitola sat behind Mercury, her eyes flitting between students as if assessing threats. Behind Ilia, Cardin Winchester slouched, his posture as dismissive as his expression.

On Jaune's left was Neo, her delicate features betraying nothing as she twirled a pen between her fingers. Ruby sat behind Neo, her silver eyes sparkling with excitement at the fresh start. Deery occupied the seat behind Ruby.

To Blake's right, Henry Marigold adjusted his uniform. Behind him, Nora Valkyrie practically vibrated with energy, her enthusiasm unabated despite the rigid environment. Miltia Malachite sat behind Nora, her sharp eyes darting around the room, with her twin, Melanie, directly behind her, exuding an equally intimidating aura.

In the far-right column, Yuma sat at the windows, while Dove, Sky, and Russel filled out the remaining seats behind him.

Jaune, overwhelmed by the sheer absurdity of the arrangement, leaned slightly to Yang and whispered, "What the hell happened here? Why are we all in the same class?"

The atmosphere in the classroom quickly shifted as Mercury Black voiced his frustration in a tone that bordered on a growl. "I'd like to know what the hell this is, too. Why the fuck are you in the same class as me?" His irritation was palpable, and it was clear he wasn't pleased about sharing the space. Being a third-year student, his disdain for the arrangement was unsurprising.

Ilia Amitola, seated directly behind him, sighed heavily, her voice laced with irritation. "That's what I'd like to know—why the hell do we have to be stuck with an asshole like you?"

Mercury's eyes narrowed, and he turned slightly in his seat to glare at her. "Huh? You want me to knock you out right here, frog girl?"

Ilia's expression remained fearless as she leaned forward slightly, meeting his gaze head-on. "I'm a chameleon, you moron," she snapped, her tone sharp enough to cut through the tension in the room.

Meanwhile, Henry Marigold appeared to be in better spirits than most, casually scrolling through his cool scroll. A faint smirk played on his lips as he chimed in, "I don't see what the big deal is. I've always been accustomed to coexisting with those beneath me." He gestured lightly toward their arranged seating before his gaze fell on Blake. "Besides, I think the seat assignments are rather fitting. Don't you agree, Belladonna?"

Blake, her short hair framing her face, was trying to ignore him while sneaking occasional glances at Jaune, who sat directly beside her. A faint blush dusted her cheeks, though she quickly masked it. Without looking at Henry, she replied evenly, "I have no issues. We're here to study, that's all."

Henry, unfazed, leaned slightly closer to her, though he remained seated. His tone turned smoother, though it still carried his usual arrogance. "Ah, I remember making an inappropriate proposal to you in the past. Perhaps I could make amends by inviting you out. What do you say?"

Before Blake could formulate a response, her face registered mild surprise as Henry's was suddenly obscured by sticky strands of webbing. She turned her head, catching sight of Trifa, lowering her hand with an expression of calm satisfaction. The faintest smirk crossed Blake's lips before she quickly composed herself.

Yuma and the trio of assassins—Russel, Sky, and Dove—burst into laughter, their mocking voices carrying through the room.

"What an idiot," Yuma jeered, leaning back in his chair. "Trying to score with Belladonna already? At least deal with her 'pets' first."

"Yeah," Sky added, his grin widening. "You wouldn't want to become a joke before even making it past step one."

Dove leaned forward, his voice dripping with mockery. "Hahaha, this is gold. You're just making it easier for everyone to laugh at you."

The four of them continued laughing raucously, clearly enjoying the spectacle. Henry, who had finally managed to peel the webs off his face, turned toward them with a livid expression. His voice rose above their laughter as he shouted, "You morons! The only joke here is you! At least try to have a fight that lasts more than a minute!"

Melanie had her attention focused on the screen of her scroll, flipping through some article or message with an air of disinterest. Meanwhile, her twin sister, Miltia, leaned forward to speak with Nora, her curiosity piqued by the unconventional arrangement of their class.

"Hey," Miltia began, her voice low but still tinged with amusement, "from what I heard, since Beacon is a dumping ground for trash, they decided to lump all of us together here, even if we're from different grades."

Nora, unbothered by the potentially insulting implication, simply shrugged. "Doesn't really matter. Besides, I've got a job interview after class, so that's what I'm worried about."

Miltia raised an eyebrow, momentarily intrigued. "A job so quick. We just arrived in Atlas, what the hell Nora…"

Cardin Winchester, sitting a few rows back, observed the chaotic dynamics of the classroom with a grim expression. He rubbed his temples as he muttered under his breath, "This is going to be a disaster."

In stark contrast, Coco Adel, always one to find humor in the unexpected, covered her mouth in a failed attempt to stifle her laughter. "Huhuhu... Oh, this is way too good," she chuckled, shaking her head as if the absurdity of the situation was too much to bear. "Pfff, you can't make this up."

Deery leaned back slightly in her chair, her thoughts a whirlwind of skepticism and curiosity. "This is too much of a coincidence," she thought, her eyes scanning the eclectic mix of students in the room. "Apparently, everyone here was selected for this exchange because of our 'good performance,' which only really applies to Blake and the White Fang girls. We've all been given this once-in-a-lifetime chance to study at the prestigious Atlas Academy without paying a single cent. This time, I don't think Jaune Arc is the one to blame for this mess."

Her gaze lingered on Ruby Rose, seated just in front of her, her silver eyes sparkling with uncontainable excitement. "Who is that cute girl with the silver eyes? I've never seen her before. And if I'm not mistaken, the other strange one is the same person who defeated Blake before summer break—Neo, I think."

Deery shook her head, trying to make sense of it all, but the absurdity was overwhelming. "Whoever wrote this didn't exactly come up with a better excuse for why we're here together." A mischievous smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. "Oops, probably shouldn't say that. Maybe as an apology, I'll convince the girls to visit those famous hot springs here in Atlas. That'll definitely be something."

Minutes passed, and the room's buzzing energy shifted as the classroom door swung open. The students turned to see their teacher enter—a familiar figure whose presence instantly caught everyone's attention.

"Junior?! What the hell?" Melanie exclaimed, her usually calm demeanor momentarily shaken. Her sister, Miltia, mirrored her surprise, her eyes wide as she leaned forward in disbelief.

The towering figure of Hei Xiong, better known as Junior, strode to the front of the classroom, his expression serious and composed. Clad in professional attire that seemed oddly fitting for the role, he surveyed the room before addressing the students.

"I'm Hei Xiong," he began, his deep voice resonating with authority. "I'll be your teacher for this class. You can call me Professor Junior or Professor Hei, whichever you prefer."

The room erupted into hushed murmurs, students exchanging incredulous looks. For Jaune, the surreal nature of the situation was hard to ignore. He leaned back slightly "I don't know what kind of strings they pulled, but I definitely didn't see this coming. Miss Neo said the royal family had a contact in this academy who could make arrangements, but... either they're close to the headmaster or they are the headmaster."

(…)

It was an arrangement that could only be described as improbable, bordering on the absurd, but it had come to fruition nonetheless. At the behest of Ruby Rose, Demon Lord Summer, ever resourceful and shrewd, leveraged her connections within the prestigious Atlas Academy to orchestrate a transfer of Beacon students to the new Academy, It was a move motivated by Ruby's curiosity and desire for a unique experience, and Summer had spared no effort in ensuring that her daughter's school life would be as lively and intriguing as possible.

And Neo, in her typical fashion, had meticulously selected the most colorful and notorious personalities from Beacon to accompany Ruby, ensuring her time at Atlas would be anything but mundane. However the stigma surrounding Beacon was not so easily overcome.

Beacon, after all, was widely regarded as a breeding ground for troublemakers—its halls filled with delinquents, juvenile criminals, and misfits who seemed to defy the very principles of discipline and decorum upheld by Atlas Academy. To the Atlas administration, the mere suggestion of integrating such individuals into their elite institution was unthinkable. Even Summer's high-ranking contact, despite their sway, could only negotiate so far.

Thus, the compromise was struck. Rather than allowing the Beacon transfers to mingle freely with the refined and disciplined students of Atlas, they were relegated to a single, isolated class. It was, to the administration, a containment measure—a way to quarantine the disruptive elements while technically acquiescing to the request. The Beacon class would be self-contained, their interactions with Atlas students kept to a minimum.

Despite these restrictions, the arrangement did come with one notable perk. A dedicated building near the Academy was provided to serve as a dormitory for the Beacon students. Each transfer was assigned their own private room, a luxury by Beacon standards, and a practical necessity given the impossibility of commuting daily between Vale and Atlas.

For the Beacon transfers, the situation was far from ideal, but it was also a rare opportunity—a chance to experience the fabled rigor and prestige of Atlas Academy, even if they remained outsiders in the eyes of their peers. For Ruby, however, it was perfect. Her world was now filled with familiar faces and potential chaos, ensuring that her time in Atlas would be anything but ordinary.

(…)

The polished steel halls of Atlas Academy gleamed under the soft, cool lighting, the faint hum of distant machinery blending seamlessly with the muted echoes of students passing by. Oscar Pine, a slight and youthful first-year student, stood at the base of a grand staircase, his wide hazel eyes fixed on a sign mounted near the stairs. His brown hair, slightly tousled, fell into his face as he leaned closer to read the bold text engraved on the metal placard.

"Students of Beacon on the third floor. Atlas students, please refrain from passing through—it's dangerous."

Oscar's face lit up with excitement, his curiosity igniting like a spark catching dry kindling. "Woah," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with awe. "I didn't think the rumors were true. Beacon actually sent some of their students here. And not just anyone, apparently—they're supposed to be the most dangerous ones from the academy."

For a moment, he simply stood there, his imagination running wild with images of legendary thugs but his reverie was interrupted by the sound of a voice echoing from above.

"Ahh, this is a nightmare!"

Startled, Oscar instinctively ducked behind a vending machine stationed conveniently near the stairs. The sleek device, adorned with glowing advertisements for energy bars and sparkling drinks, provided just enough cover for him to peer around its edge.

Descending the stairs were three figures, their presence strikingly distinct. Leading the group was Ilia Amitola, her brow furrowed and her expression laced with irritation as she massaged the back of her neck with her right hand. Behind her came Trifa, her sharp gaze betraying an air of perpetual assessment, and Deery, whose nonchalant stride radiated a stark contrast to the other two.

Trifa's voice broke the silence first, her tone cool and cutting. "Certainly, attending classes with so many idiots is unpleasant."

Deery, however, seemed far less perturbed. She shrugged lightly, her relaxed demeanor bordering on amused. "Meh, at least I find the situation entertaining."

Ilia groaned, her frustration evident in the way her hand pressed harder against her neck. "And that Blake... Why the hell is she interested in Jaune? Is it really that rare to meet a human who isn't a total jerk? Geez, someone like her shouldn't be drawn to someone like him."

Deery's laughter rang out, light and teasing. "Heh, I think it's all the trashy romance and smut she reads. Ninjas of Love is a prime example. Blake's never had positive interactions with the opposite sex, so it kind of makes sense. Honestly, I pity her. That Neo girl beat her down, and from what I've seen, Jaune's a close friend with her—he was helping her out with assignments. Oh, and speaking of Neo, can you believe that tiny thing has such big boobs! A girl that small shouldn't have that much, it's ridiculous!"

Trifa glanced down at her own chest, her expression thoughtful as she nodded in agreement. Life, indeed, wasn't always fair.

Ilia, however, waved it off dismissively, though her irritation deepened. "Meh, if we're talking appearances, Blake's got the better ass. But why the hell are we even talking about this? And for the record, Blake shouldn't even want to compete for Jaune!" Her exasperation was palpable, and the conversation only seemed to sour her mood further.

Oscar, still hidden behind the vending machine, watched as the trio continued down the hallway, their voices fading into the distance. Once he was certain they were out of earshot, he emerged from his hiding spot, his heart racing from both excitement and disbelief.

"Woah," he muttered under his breath, his mind replaying the bizarre scene he had just witnessed. "So, those are the legendary Faunus delinquents. I think their group's called the White Fang. But… their leader wasn't with them."

Oscar Pine adjusted his satchel as he lingered by the vending machine, his thoughts swirling. For reasons he couldn't fully articulate, he had always been drawn to people who exuded confidence and rebellious charm. There was something fascinating about their carefree, devil-may-care attitude, a stark contrast to the rigid and disciplined environment he had grown up in. Perhaps it stemmed from his upbringing—his parents were strict to the point of suffocation, their expectations forming an invisible cage around his life. The allure of juvenile delinquents, with their apparent freedom and bold defiance of societal norms, was intoxicating in a way he wasn't sure was entirely healthy.

Still, he couldn't deny how cool they seemed. It was a fascination that would likely make his parents shake their heads in disappointment, but for Oscar, it was irresistible.

Just as he began to reflect on the strange and exciting day he was having, the faint sound of footsteps approaching from above snapped him out of his thoughts. His eyes darted toward the stairs, and without thinking, he ducked back behind the vending machine.

This time, the voices were sharper, more distinct.

"Damn it," grumbled a male voice, rough but laced with an air of smug confidence. "That damn frog girl—hot legs, but she's a total bitch."

Peeking cautiously around the edge of the vending machine, Oscar saw a silver-haired young man descending the stairs. He was tall, lean, and carried himself with an effortless swagger, idly cleaning his ear with a finger as if the world around him barely warranted his attention.

Following close behind him was another imposing figure—broad-shouldered and towering, with a commanding presence that seemed to suck the air out of the corridor. Cardin Winchester's eyes swept the hallway as he spoke, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Hey, Merc, remember they told us we can't just wander around the academy. We're only authorized to go between our classroom and the exit."

Trailing them was Coco Adel, her style immaculate even in the rigid Atlas uniform. She was polishing a pair of designer sunglasses with a soft cloth, her lips curving into a smirk as she chimed in. "Heh, those high-class bastards. They're so desperate to keep us away from their precious students, like we're some kind of plague. Well, at least I'm enjoying having everyone together in one classroom. Still, the way this academy treats us? Not a fan."

Mercury laughed, the sound sharp and derisive. "Hah, I couldn't care less about their orders. I heard every building in this academy has its own cafeteria. Let's go check one out."

Cardin sighed, his broad shoulders rising and falling with resignation. The trio turned and headed down a corridor in the opposite direction, their footsteps echoing faintly as they disappeared from view.

Oscar exhaled slowly, stepping out from his hiding spot as he watched them retreat. His pulse quickened as he replayed what he had just witnessed.

"Holy shit," he muttered under his breath, barely able to contain his excitement. "That was one of Beacon's Six Pillars—Mercury Black, the expert in kicks. He looks so impressive in person."

His eyes sparkled with admiration as he considered the caliber of the students Beacon had sent. The rumors had not exaggerated—they were every bit as intimidating and awe-inspiring as he'd imagined. But even as he marveled at them, his thoughts turned toward the one name he had yet to encounter.

"The person I'm most interested in" he murmured, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Yang Xiao Long, the legendary Dragon of Signal. The beast who, even as a first-year, managed to subjugate the Six Pillars and claim the title of Beacon's strongest. I have to meet someone that incredible."

(…)

The sun hung low in the afternoon sky, casting a soft golden glow over Atlas Academy and the surrounding city. The snow glistened brightly under the sunlight, a pristine blanket that coated the streets and rooftops. The cold was still biting, but the warmth of the sun offered a small reprieve. Oscar Pine's boots crunched against the packed snow as he followed his target at a cautious distance, careful not to draw attention to himself.

Ahead of him walked Yang Xiao Long, her golden hair practically glowing in the sunlight, a fiery contrast to the white and gray of the cityscape. Her posture was tense, her shoulders hunched against the cold, and her breath escaped in visible puffs. Beside her, Ruby Rose bounded with energy, her crimson cloak fluttering lightly in the crisp winter air.

Yang's voice cut through the quiet hum of the city as she muttered, "Damn it, it's cold as hell out here. Why the hell did you pick Atlas, Ruby? Couldn't we have gone somewhere warmer? Vacuo, maybe—no snow, no freezing winds."

Ruby shot her sister a bright smile, undeterred by her complaints. "Heh, I'm actually kind of loving it! The cold doesn't bother me. Come on, Yang, give it a chance. I bet you'll find something fun to do here. And hey, maybe there are some strong fighters to challenge!"

Yang sneezed loudly, her frustration evident as she pulled her coat tighter around herself. She didn't respond, but Ruby just laughed softly, skipping a little ahead as if to encourage her sister to keep up.

Oscar peeked out from behind a lamppost, his excitement mounting. mYang Xiao Long, the legendary Dragon of Signal. The stories in the internet about her strength, her fearlessness, her ability to dominate even the most dangerous opponents and now she was right there in front of him.

The two sisters turned down a side street, a narrow alley flanked by tall buildings. The sunlight still reached the ground, casting sharp shadows and illuminating patches of snow that had been trampled into slush. Oscar hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed, eager to keep up.

But as he rounded the corner into the alley, he stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened at the sight before him.

Yang and Ruby were surrounded. A group of thugs, rough-looking and armed with crude weapons, had emerged from the side alleys and doorways. They smirked and laughed, their confidence palpable as they closed in on the two girls. Pipes, bats, and chains glinted in the sunlight as the men sized up their targets.

Oscar crouched behind a stack of crates at the alley's entrance, his heart pounding in his chest. He strained to hear over the sound of his own breathing. Ruby's silver eyes darted between the men, her expression calm.

"Oh shit," Oscar whispered, a thrill running through him as he gripped the edge of the crate for balance. "It's happening. I'm really going to see her in action!"

The tension in the alley thickened as the leader of the group stepped forward, his appearance as conspicuous as his arrogance. He was a tall, burly man with a scar running from his temple to his jawline, an ill-kept beard framing his smirk. A heavy leather jacket adorned with metal studs hung off his broad shoulders, and his knuckles were adorned with tarnished brass rings. His swagger was deliberate, meant to command the attention of both his allies and his targets.

"Hey, bitches," he sneered, his voice grating and laced with condescension. "Word's gotten around about you. Beacon, right? Fancy yourselves as part of that high-class pansy Atlas academy now?" He spat on the ground for emphasis, his cronies snickering in the background. "Well, hate to break it to you, but this is Shay's turf. We're his boys, and you're not going to prance around here like you own the place."

As the words left his mouth, Yang's arm moved in a flash—casual, almost lazy, as if brushing aside an inconvenience. Her fist connected with the man's face like a freight train. The impact echoed through the alley like a thunderclap, and the leader was launched backward, slamming into the brick wall with a resounding crash. He crumpled to the ground, utterly motionless.

A stunned silence enveloped the alley for a moment, broken only by the horrified gasps of the remaining thugs.

"Holy shit!" One of them exclaimed, his voice cracking with disbelief.

"Mr. Jin!" another cried out, scrambling toward the unconscious figure.

"This… this can't be real! Mr. Jin was taken out with a single punch! This has to be a nightmare!" a third stammered, his hands trembling as he clutched his weapon.

Yang sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand, her expression unimpressed. "Tch. Damn cold. I don't even feel like fighting in this shitty weather."

Ruby, standing a few paces behind her sister, couldn't help but smirk, her amusement tempered with irony. "Honestly, I think that idiot should've been left embedded in the wall,"

Before the sisters could exchange another word, more footsteps echoed from the far end of the alley. Reinforcements poured in, their shouts of outrage and bravado filling the space as they brandished an assortment of crude weapons.

Oscar, still hidden behind the crates, felt his heart race. He leaned forward slightly, his breath caught in his throat. "Wow," he whispered, awe saturating his voice. "That guy was sent flying with just one punch. She really is Yang Xiao Long. But…" His gaze flickered nervously to the new arrivals. "That's a lot of opponents."

Just then, two figures strode past him, their crisp uniforms immediately catching his attention. The distinctive navy-blue blazers, adorned with the emblem of Atlas Academy, left no doubt as to their affiliation.

Oscar's eyes widened as he recognized her. "Oh, wait… that girl is…"

The tension in the alley thickened as one of the thugs, emboldened by the arrival of reinforcements, stepped forward. He brandished a length of rusted chain, his face twisted with rage and desperation. "You bitches think you can just waltz in here and do whatever you want? This isn't Vale! You'll pay for—!"

Before he could finish his threat, a blur of motion cut through the alley. The sound of something solid slicing through the air was followed by the sharp crack of impact. Several of the thugs were sent sprawling, crashing into walls and scattering across the icy ground. The source of the chaos was a sleek figure wielding a wooden sword with lethal precision.

Blake Belladonna, her short, jet-black hair catching the sunlight, stepped forward with an air of quiet authority. Her amber eyes burned with a cold, restrained fury as she leveled her gaze at the remaining gang members. Beside her was Jaune Arc, looking far less composed. His fair hair was disheveled, and he clutched a textbook against his chest as if it were a shield.

Blake's voice was calm but carried a razor-sharp edge. "So, this is Atlas's local trash. Don't underestimate Beacon, or you'll regret it."

The thugs froze for a moment, paralyzed by indecision. Then the chaos erupted. Yang and Blake moved like a storm unleashed. Blake's wooden sword cracked against weapons and limbs alike, her movements swift and unrelenting. Yang, meanwhile, fought with brutal efficiency, her strikes sending assailants flying like ragdolls.

Within minutes, the fight was over. Most of the gang had fled in panic, their courage shattered. A few remained unconscious in the alley, groaning in pain or completely inert. The air was filled with the sound of labored breathing and the faint rustle of snow disturbed by the skirmish.

Oscar, still crouched behind the crates, could hardly believe what he had witnessed. "That was… incredible," he murmured, his awe growing with every passing second. His gaze lingered on Yang and Blake as they regrouped with Ruby and Jaune. "Blake Belladonna...the leader of the White Fang, she is quite formidable without a doubt, but Yang is still the best"

Ruby was the first to break the silence among the group, her voice bright and playful. "Heh, thanks for the backup, Blakey! Honestly, I didn't feel like getting my hands dirty."

Blake turned her sharp gaze to Ruby, her curiosity evident. "Huh. Jaune told me you were Yang's sister, but I don't see any resemblance."

Jaune interjected with a casual shrug. "Oh, that's because they have different mothers."

Yang, meanwhile, was muttering under her breath, clearly unimpressed with the encounter. "Damn cold. These idiots weren't even good enough to get my blood pumping. What a waste of time."

Ruby suddenly perked up, a mischievous glint in her eyes as if she'd just remembered something. "Oh, right! Speaking of" she said, her gaze shifting to Blake and Jaune, "why were you together? Were you on a date or something? I'm not really an expert on romance, so don't mind me asking!"

Blake's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, her composure cracking. She stammered, her voice suddenly soft and unusually endearing. "W-well, it's not like that! Jaune and I… we have the best grades in Beacon aparently, so we've been assigned as class representatives. That's all! We were just doing extra duties together—nothing more! Please don't misunderstand. It's not like I enjoy spending time alone with him… or walking back to the dorms together."

Jaune coughed loudly, trying to mask his embarrassment as he averted his gaze. His thoughts, however, betrayed his outward calm. "Blake is… way more adorable than I expected. But I really need to keep my cool. After that "training" with her mom, I'm not taking any chances. I thought I was going to die back then."

Ruby chuckled, clearly enjoying the flustered Blake, while Yang groaned loudly and began walking toward the main street. "Tch. Let's get out of here already. This freezing hellhole isn't worth wasting more time."

As the group began to make their way out of the alley, a flurry of footsteps caught their attention. Oscar Pine, his face flushed with determination, emerged from his hiding spot and sprinted toward them. His boots skidded slightly on the icy ground as he came to a halt directly in front of Yang.

Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee, his voice ringing out with unshakable conviction. "Miss Yang, I've fallen in love with you! Please, go out with me! Or better yet, make me your disciple!"

The declaration reverberated through the chilly air, leaving the group momentarily stunned. Yang's eyes widened, her cheeks tinged with a deep crimson as she stared at the young man before her. For the first time that day, she appeared genuinely at a loss for words, her usual fiery confidence replaced with an awkward, almost vulnerable silence.

Jaune watched the scene unfold, a resigned yet amused smile tugging at his lips. "Oh no" he thought to himself, shaking his head slightly. "Yang's never been good with this kind of thing. Poor guy. I almost feel bad for him. Almost. Good luck, you'll need it."

Blake, blinked in astonishment. Her thoughts swirled as she processed the unexpected love. "WOW. Such a passionate confession—it's like something straight out of a romance novel. This reminds me of when Shiro begged Kuro to leave the clan so they could be together… Oh, that reminds me, the new volume of Ninjas of Love should be out by now. I need to pick that up.

Ruby, on the other hand, tilted her head slightly, her expression a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Oh, right," she said aloud, as if a long-forgotten realization had just dawned on her. "I tend to forget about this kind of thing since Yang's just… well, a brute who loves fighting. But I guess she's attractive, huh?"

What Ruby didn't realize, however, was that there existed a certain allure—one she could scarcely fathom—that drew men toward women like Yang. Women who exuded strength, confidence, and the capability to metaphorically (or literally) break a man's spine had an undeniable magnetism to a particular type of admirer.

Yang finally found her voice, albeit a slightly cracked and hesitant one. "Uh… huh?"

(…)

In another alley near the prestigious Atlas Academy, the scene was one of complete devastation. Four figures lay sprawled across the icy ground, battered and unconscious. Yuma, and the three assassins Russel, Sky, and Dove. Their bruised and defeated forms painted a stark picture of their folly.

A figure stood amidst the aftermath, her presence exuding cool authority. She had fair skin and striking yellow eyes, their intensity heightened by the cold, sharp light of the winter sun. Her long, butt-length ponytail of medium-blue hair was bound in white, bandage-like fabric, giving her a distinctive, almost elegant air. She adjusted the cuffs of her perfectly tailored Atlas Academy uniform, her expression one of unmasked disdain.

"What a pity," she said, her voice calm but dripping with mockery. "I was expecting more from the infamous delinquents my cousin is always going on about. Honestly, you're nothing more than garbage. Beacon."

Standing beside her was another young woman, her posture relaxed but brimming with quiet confidence. She had medium-brown skin and deep, dark-red eyes that gleamed with mischief. Her light mint-green hair framed her face with a straight fringe and neat bangs, while two long locks cascaded down the back, adding an edge of sharpness to her otherwise casual demeanor. She wore the Atlas uniform as well, but with an ease that made it feel more like a second skin than a symbol of authority. Her foot rested firmly on Yuma's head, pressing it into the frozen ground with a nonchalant smirk.

"Don't worry, May," she said, her tone light and teasing. "These four? They're just your average street rats. But Beacon does have someone worth keeping an eye on—someone actually strong."

May let out a quiet chuckle, her yellow eyes glinting with intrigue. She reached into the pocket of her blazer, pulling out a candy wrapped in a colorful foil. She unwrapped it methodically, popping it into her mouth before speaking. "Right, you mentioned a name earlier. Yang Xiao Long. Heh. I hope she's not a letdown."

The green-haired girl tilted her head back slightly, her crimson gaze drifting toward the sky. A faint smile tugged at her lips, touched with a hint of nostalgia. "Heh, who'd have thought we'd meet again? This is going to be fun, Yang."

Greetings, I take this opportunity to wish you a happy new year, I hope you have a good time. I'll also take a break for a month, I have to do some things, I'll be back in February.