Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 47: Clearing the Dust Mine
The forward route was an eerie corridor of darkness and decay. Metal beams warped by time jutted out at odd angles, and the walls of the tunnel were scorched black in places—likely remnants of past Dust explosions. Every step echoed through the narrow space, the sound magnified by the oppressive silence that hung in the air.
Shirou, walking slightly ahead, paused and closed his eyes. A faint glow flickered around him as he activated his reinforcement magic, enhancing his hearing. The quiet hum of Clover's Aura and the soft scuff of Qrow's boots filled his ears, but he focused on the space beyond them.
Clover, holding his collapsible fishing rod at the ready, glanced at Shirou. "Anything?"
"Not yet," Shirou said, keeping his voice low. "But we're not alone. I can feel it."
Qrow grunted, his free hand gripping Harbinger tightly. "This whole place is a death trap. Keep your eyes sharp. Grimm love this kind of environment—tight spaces, poor visibility. Perfect for ambushes."
The trio moved forward, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. Shirou's enhanced hearing picked up faint skittering noises, the kind that sent a chill down his spine.
"There," he whispered, stopping abruptly and pointing to a shadowy section of the tunnel.
Before Clover or Qrow could respond, the ground shifted. A mass of segmented legs and glowing red eyes emerged from the shadows as a swarm of Centinels burst forth, their chittering echoing through the tunnel.
"Contact!" Clover barked, snapping his fishing rod into its weaponized form.
Qrow immediately stepped forward, swinging Harbinger in a wide arc to scatter the advancing Grimm. "Guess they decided to throw the welcome party early."
Shirou traced Kanshou and Bakuya, the twin swords materializing in his hands with a flash of steel. The curved blades gleamed, their designs pulsing faintly with an energy that seemed to repel the Grimm.
Clover shot Shirou a quick look. "Show us what you've got."
Without hesitation, Shirou surged forward. His movements were fluid, almost like a dance, as he weaved between the Centinels. Kanshou and Bakuya cut through the creatures effortlessly, their anti-monster properties causing the Grimm to disintegrate on contact.
One Centinel lunged at Shirou from above, but he twisted mid-step, slashing upward with Kanshou to sever it in half. He followed with a backhand strike from Bakuya, dispatching another that had tried to flank him.
"Impressive," Clover muttered, deflecting a Centinel with his weapon before driving it into the creature's core. "Efficient, precise—he's not wasting a single move."
Qrow, covering Shirou's blind spots, raised an eyebrow at Clover. "Admiring the kid already?"
"Can you blame me?" Clover quipped, dodging another Centinel with a quick sidestep. "Not every day you see a Huntsman pull out swords like that."
As the last of the Centinels dissolved into black mist, the tunnel fell silent once more. Shirou exhaled, lowering his swords but keeping them in hand.
Clover stepped up beside him, nodding in approval. "Good work. Those blades of yours—what are they?"
Shirou hesitated for a moment. "Kanshou and Bakuya. They're… replicas of weapons from another time. They're designed to counter creatures like these."
"Replicas?" Clover raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Well, whatever they are, they're effective. Keep them handy. We'll need that edge against the Geist."
Qrow, leaning on Harbinger, smirked. "You sure you don't want to tell him the whole story, kid? Might make things easier."
Shirou shook his head. "Now's not the time."
"Fair enough," Qrow said, his tone teasing but his eyes watchful.
The group pressed onward, the tunnel growing colder and more oppressive the deeper they went. The faint blue glow of Dust veins in the walls provided the only light, casting eerie shadows that danced with their movements.
Shirou's enhanced senses caught another sound—a low, almost imperceptible rumble. He stopped abruptly, holding up a hand.
"What is it?" Clover asked, tightening his grip on his weapon.
"Something big," Shirou replied, his voice tense. "And it's close."
The three of them stood still, their eyes scanning the darkness ahead. A faint, rhythmic thud began to echo through the tunnel, growing louder with each passing second.
Qrow's grip on Harbinger tightened. "Well, this just keeps getting better."
"Stay sharp," Clover said, his voice steady. "Whatever's coming, we face it together."
As the thudding grew louder, a massive shadow began to take shape at the end of the tunnel, the faint glow of Dust veins reflecting off its grotesque form.
"Here we go," Shirou muttered, raising Kanshou and Bakuya.
The right route was a labyrinth of narrow tunnels and precarious ledges, with occasional glimpses of chasms below where glittering Dust veins pulsed faintly in the gloom. The walls, jagged and unstable, bore the marks of hasty mining operations abandoned long ago. Every step sent small pebbles tumbling into the abyss, their faint clatter echoing ominously.
Harriet sprinted ahead of the group, her speed leaving a brief gust in her wake. "Stay close and keep up," she called over her shoulder. "This isn't a sightseeing tour!"
Yang rolled her eyes, hefting Ember Celica. "Yeah, we got it. No one's here for postcards."
Blake, trailing near the back, scanned the shadows with Gambol Shroud at the ready. Her ears twitched slightly, her Faunus senses picking up faint noises in the distance.
Ruby jogged alongside Weiss, Crescent Rose folded on her back. "Stay alert, everyone. Harriet's right—we need to stick together."
Marrow, walking near Weiss, glanced at the heiress. "You holding up? You've been pretty quiet."
Weiss adjusted Myrtenaster and shot him a cold glare. "I'm fine. Focus on the mission."
As they progressed deeper into the tunnel, a high-pitched chittering began to echo from ahead, faint at first but growing louder. Blake froze, her expression tightening.
"Centinels," she said quietly.
"Lots of them," Marrow added, his ears twitching as his tail swayed behind him. He readied his boomerang weapon. "Great. Just what we needed."
Harriet smirked, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet. "Finally, some action. Let's clear them out quickly."
The Grimm emerged in a wave, their segmented bodies scuttling over the walls and ceiling, glowing red eyes gleaming in the dim light.
"Here they come!" Ruby shouted, unfolding Crescent Rose in a flourish.
The team moved into action, their combat instincts honed from countless battles. Ruby darted forward, using her semblance to blur into a cloud of rose petals as she slashed through the front line of Centinels.
Weiss followed, creating a platform of ice beneath her feet to glide effortlessly above the swarm. With a flick of Myrtenaster, she unleashed a flurry of glyphs, freezing several Centinels in place before shattering them with precise strikes.
Blake leaped to higher ground, using her semblance to leave shadowy afterimages that confused the Centinels pursuing her. She twirled Gambol Shroud in its kusarigama form, slicing through multiple Grimm with fluid precision.
Yang charged headlong into the fray, her gauntlets roaring as she fired blast after blast, each punch sending Centinels flying into the walls. She grinned as one exploded into ash. "Who's next?!"
Marrow threw his boomerang, its spinning blades carving through the swarm before returning to his hand. He raised it above his head, activating his semblance. "Stay!" he barked.
A wave of energy rippled outward, freezing a cluster of Centinels in place. "That should make things easier," he quipped, grinning at Harriet.
Harriet zipped through the frozen Centinels at lightning speed, dismantling them with a series of rapid punches and kicks. "Not bad, but I've got this handled," she said, her tone cocky.
As the dust settled and the last Centinel dissolved, the group took a moment to catch their breath.
"That wasn't so bad," Yang said, brushing soot off her gauntlets.
Blake, however, seemed distracted. She stared at the ash-covered ground, her expression tense. Ruby noticed and approached her sisterly.
"Blake, you okay?" Ruby asked.
Blake hesitated, her ears drooping slightly. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Yang smirked, nudging Blake playfully. "You sure? Or are you worried about your favorite samurai on the other route?"
Blake's cheeks flushed, and she turned away quickly. "Not now, Yang."
Ruby giggled, while Weiss folded her arms with a rare, amused smile. "Focus, everyone. We still have a mission to complete."
Blake cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "Let's move. The others are counting on us."
The group pressed onward, the air growing heavier as they delved deeper. Weiss glanced at Ruby as they walked. "Do you think Ironwood will understand when we tell him about this? Assuming we survive, of course."
Ruby's expression hardened. "We don't have a choice right now. We'll tell him everything when the time is right. We just… need to finish what we started."
Yang's voice cut through the tension. "You're sure he won't freak out about us hiding this stuff?"
Ruby sighed. "He might, but I'll handle it. For now, we stick to the plan."
Blake glanced at Ruby, her expression softening. "Just make sure we don't lose his trust completely, Ruby. We'll need him."
The cavernous center of the Dust Mine loomed before them, its jagged walls illuminated by faint, multicolored Dust veins glowing with unnatural energy. Abandoned mining equipment—rusted carts, severed conveyor belts, and shattered cranes—lay scattered across the rocky floor, remnants of a long-forgotten workforce. The oppressive silence was broken only by the distant rumble of crumbling rock and the occasional drip of water from the ceiling.
As the three teams converged, their footsteps echoed ominously. Team JNR arrived first, their wary gazes scanning the area.
"We're all here," Jaune announced, adjusting Crocea Mors. "What's the plan?"
Team RWBY emerged from the right tunnel, Ruby gripping Crescent Rose tightly as her silver eyes flicked across the chamber. "We regroup and assess the threat. Everyone, stay sharp—this place is crawling with Grimm."
From the forward route, Shirou, Qrow, and Clover appeared. Shirou had already summoned Kanshou and Bakuya, his enhanced hearing picking up the faintest of sounds. He exchanged a tense glance with Qrow.
"This place feels wrong," Qrow muttered, resting Harbinger on his shoulder. "Too quiet. And that Dust—it's pulsing like it's alive."
Blake's ears twitched, and she tightened her grip on Gambol Shroud. "Something's watching us."
Shirou froze, his senses narrowing in on a deep, guttural vibration that resonated through the cavern. It was a sound not unlike the growl of a massive beast. His eyes darted upward.
"Scatter!" Shirou's voice cut through the tension, sharp and commanding.
The warning came just in time. A deafening crash split the air as a massive chunk of the ceiling collapsed. From the swirling debris, the Geist descended with a thunderous roar, its grotesque body illuminated by the eerie glow of Dust veins.
The creature was a towering monstrosity, its form a chaotic amalgamation of mining equipment, jagged stone, and shimmering Dust crystals. Its glowing mask emanated malice as it surveyed its prey.
As the Geist descended from the ceiling, its impact sent shockwaves through the cavern. Dust and debris erupted into the air, creating a choking haze that obscured visibility. The creature loomed larger than any of them had anticipated—a monstrous fusion of the mine's abandoned machinery, jagged rock, and shimmering veins of Dust crystals. Its glowing white mask, etched with angular, menacing patterns, radiated an aura of malevolence that made everyone instinctively step back.
The Geist let out a guttural, reverberating roar, shaking the walls of the cavern. Its massive limbs—fashioned from reinforced mining arms and clawed machinery—scraped against the ground with a metallic screech, sending sparks flying. The pulsing Dust veins across its body glowed brighter, their rhythm quickening as if mimicking the heartbeat of an enraged beast.
"Stay together!" Jaune shouted, raising Crocea Mors. "Watch each other's backs!"
Before anyone could respond, the Geist lashed out, swinging a colossal claw-like limb across the battlefield. The teams scattered in all directions, narrowly avoiding the devastating blow that tore through the stone floor, leaving a jagged trench in its wake.
Ruby took the initiative, darting into action with Crescent Rose at the ready. Using her semblance, she zigzagged across the battlefield in a flurry of rose petals, drawing the Geist's attention away from the others.
"Over here, big guy!" she yelled, firing rounds into the creature's face to provoke it.
Yang and Blake moved in tandem. Blake threw her Gambol Shroud's blade, tethering it to the Geist's limb while creating a shadow clone to distract it. Yang used the opportunity to dash forward, her gauntlets glowing as she launched a fiery uppercut into the tethered limb. The force caused the Geist to stagger, its massive body swaying precariously.
"Nice one, Yang!" Blake called, retracting her weapon and leaping back to avoid retaliation.
Weiss supported from a distance, conjuring glyphs beneath her teammates to enhance their agility. She summoned a barrage of icy projectiles, targeting the creature's exposed Dust veins. The ice spread across one of its limbs, slowing its movements.
"Ruby, take the shot!" Weiss commanded.
Ruby leapt onto one of Weiss's glyphs and launched herself into the air. She spun Crescent Rose into scythe mode, slicing through the frozen limb with a precise strike. The severed appendage crashed to the ground, sending a spray of Dust shards flying.
While Team RWBY kept the Geist distracted, Team JNR and Oscar moved into position, utilizing a mix of agility and teamwork to flank the creature.
Ren darted between the Geist's legs, his pistols firing concentrated bursts at the creature's joints. His movements were fluid and precise, each shot aimed to weaken the Geist's stability. "Jaune, Nora, Oscar—now!" Ren called out as he vaulted over a falling piece of debris.
Jaune nodded, gripping Crocea Mors tightly. "Nora, follow my lead!" Raising his shield, he charged forward and slammed it into one of the Geist's remaining legs. The impact created a brief opening as the creature's limb cracked under the force.
Nora was already in motion, her grin wide as she hefted Magnhild onto her shoulder. "Time for some shock therapy!" She slammed the hammer down with electrified force, the energy coursing through the Geist's body and causing it to roar in pain.
Oscar joined in, staff at the ready. With a quick swing, he activated Ozpin's magic, sending a wave of green energy into the creature's exposed Dust veins. The arcane strike destabilized the veins further, causing them to flicker erratically.
"Nice shot!" Jaune called to Oscar, who gave a determined nod in response.
"We're wearing it down!" Oscar said, adjusting his stance as the Geist attempted to retaliate. He used his staff to block a swipe from the creature's damaged limb, buying time for Ren to land a series of precise shots at the joints.
"Keep it up!" Ren urged, his voice steady despite the chaos.
Working in perfect synchrony, Team JNR and Oscar delivered a devastating combination of strikes. Jaune plunged Crocea Mors into one of the creature's limbs to anchor it in place, allowing Oscar to channel another wave of energy into the limb. Nora followed up with a thunderous blow, shattering the limb entirely and forcing the Geist to collapse onto its remaining legs.
"Three down, one to go!" Nora quipped, spinning Magnhild in her hands as sparks flew.
Oscar's breathing was heavy, but his grip on his staff didn't waver. "Let's finish this thing!"
The Ace Ops executed their attacks with military precision, their experience and teamwork shining as they moved in perfect synchronization against the monstrous Geist.
Harriet blurred across the battlefield like a bolt of lightning, her semblance granting her unparalleled speed. Each time she darted past the Geist, her electrified knuckles struck exposed Dust veins with pinpoint accuracy, sending jolts of energy surging through the creature's body. "Keep it distracted! I'm wearing it down!" she shouted, her voice almost drowned out by the sound of sparking metal and grinding rock.
Marrow provided critical crowd control, his semblance allowing him to freeze the Geist's movements momentarily. "Stay!" he barked, and the Geist's massive claw froze mid-swipe, giving Elm an opening to move in.
Elm took full advantage, her colossal hammer whistling through the air as she swung it with both hands. The impact against one of the Geist's limbs was deafening, sending chunks of rock and shattered machinery flying. "That's what you get for messing with Atlas engineering!" she bellowed with a hearty laugh, already winding up for another strike.
Vine used his prehensile semblance to exploit every weak point the others revealed. His vine-like arms snaked out to grab at the Geist's rocky armor, yanking and peeling away layers to expose the shimmering Dust veins beneath. "The more we expose the veins, the more unstable it becomes," Vine said calmly, his movements deliberate and precise.
Clover directed the team from the front lines, his aura of confidence bolstering their efforts. "Focus on coordination! Don't let it gain the upper hand!" he called, Kingfisher darting through the air as he expertly deflected an attack aimed at Harriet. With each throw, his weapon seemed to move with uncanny precision, striking vulnerable points before returning to his hand.
The Geist, though massive and powerful, struggled to keep up with the Ace Ops' relentless assault. Each member exploited its weaknesses in tandem, their attacks creating a seamless flow of offense.
At one point, Harriet zipped close to the Geist's mask, landing a rapid series of punches that left cracks spider-webbing across its surface. "Cracking under pressure, huh?" she taunted, grinning as she backflipped out of range.
Marrow leaped in to cover her retreat, swinging his weapon to deflect debris hurled by the Geist. "Don't get cocky, Harriet!" he warned, though there was a smirk on his face.
Elm and Vine worked together to topple another limb. Vine's arms secured the limb in place while Elm delivered a devastating overhead swing with her hammer, shattering the appendage and sending the creature staggering.
"Nice work, Elm!" Clover said, raising Kingfisher for another throw. "Now let's keep it off balance!"
Shirou stood at the edge of the battlefield, his eyes locked onto the Geist as it rampaged amidst the coordinated attacks from the others. While the teams had dealt significant damage, the creature's resilience was unlike anything they had encountered. Its Dust-infused veins pulsed erratically, signaling its desperation, but also its remaining strength.
Shirou's mind worked quickly, analyzing the battlefield with the precision of a tactician. He observed the patterns in the Geist's movements, the cracks forming along its makeshift body, and the way its power ebbed and surged with each strike.
"The Dust veins," Shirou muttered to himself, his brow furrowing. "They're holding the entire construct together. If we sever enough of them simultaneously, its body will collapse."
Qrow, fending off a retaliatory swipe from the Geist, glanced at Shirou. "Got something cooking in that head of yours, kid?" he asked, spinning Harbinger to deflect debris.
Shirou nodded, gripping Kanshou and Bakuya tightly. "It's using the Dust veins as a nervous system, keeping everything connected. If we can cut through them, the Geist will lose control of its body. But we need to strike quickly, or it'll just reattach itself."
Clover, standing nearby with Kingfisher at the ready, raised an eyebrow. "Simultaneous strikes, huh? Sounds risky but doable. What's the plan?"
Shirou glanced around the battlefield, quickly assessing the positions of his allies. "We need to coordinate an all-out assault on the major Dust veins—target its core structure. I can take out the largest vein running through its chest, but I'll need support to distract it and weaken its defenses."
"You want to be the centerpiece of this little maneuver?" Qrow asked, a hint of concern in his tone. "That's a lot of pressure."
"I've done more under worse circumstances," Shirou said evenly, though the weight of his resolve was clear. "If I can get close enough, I'll use a weapon that can sever the Geist's control entirely. But I'll need Ruby's speed to get me there and everyone else to keep it off me long enough to strike."
Clover smirked, spinning Kingfisher in his hand. "You heard the man. Let's make it happen. Ace Ops, focus fire on the exposed limbs. Keep its attention divided."
Shirou turned to Qrow. "Think you can cover me until I'm in position?"
Qrow smirked, flipping Harbinger into its scythe form. "I've got your back, kid. Just don't get yourself killed."
With the plan set, Shirou took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing his mind. A faint glow surrounded him as he activated his reinforcement magic, enhancing his body to withstand the intense pressure of the upcoming attack. Dismissing Kanshou and Bakuya he traces the weapon he needed—Tsumukari Muramasa. The blade's dark power hummed faintly in his mind, its concept of severance a perfect counter to the Geist's unnatural amalgamation.
Ruby skidded to a stop beside him, Crescent Rose at the ready. "You sure about this, Shirou?" she asked, her silver eyes filled with determination.
"I am," he replied. "But I'll need your speed to get me above it. Once I'm in the air, I can deliver the finishing blow."
Ruby nodded, gripping her weapon tightly. "Then let's end this thing."
The battlefield seemed to freeze for a moment as Shirou, carried by Ruby's semblance, soared high above the Geist. Below, the combined teams unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks to keep the creature disoriented and pinned.
"Keep it steady!" Ruby called out, her voice cutting through the chaos as she pushed her semblance to its limits. Petals of red danced in the air as she wove through the debris, ensuring Shirou had a clear path to strike.
Shirou clutched Tsumukari Muramasa, the ominous blade pulsating with a palpable sense of bloodlust. The weapon seemed almost alive, thrumming in anticipation of the strike it was about to deliver. Its aura radiated a tangible energy that sent shivers through those watching, even from a distance.
As the Geist thrashed beneath him, its Dust veins glowing brighter and its roars shaking the cavern, Shirou focused all his senses on the target: the cluster of pulsating Dust veins at the creature's core, exposed through the teamwork of the others.
"Now or never," Shirou whispered, his grip tightening on the hilt of Tsumukari Muramasa.
"Go for it!" Ruby shouted, spinning Shirou in mid-air to align him perfectly with the Geist's core.
As he descended, Shirou invoked the blade's conceptual power, its energy surging through him like a tidal wave. The blade seemed to respond, glowing with a dark crimson light that cut through the dimness of the mine.
The moment of impact was almost surreal.
"Tsumukari Muramasa!" Shirou roared, driving the sword into the Geist's chest with all his strength. The blade pierced through the Dust veins with surgical precision, its concept of severance activating in a burst of ethereal energy.
A shockwave erupted from the point of contact, the sound reverberating like a thunderclap throughout the cavern. The Geist froze, its movements suddenly stuttering as if its very essence had been torn apart. The glowing Dust veins dimmed, their connection to the body severed. The makeshift form of the Geist began to crumble, its rocky limbs falling away into rubble.
From below, the teams watched in awe as Shirou's strike unraveled the creature's existence.
"Holy—did you see that?!" Nora exclaimed, her eyes wide as she shielded herself from falling debris.
"That's some blade he's got," Marrow muttered, his ears pinned back from the force of the shockwave.
As the Geist collapsed, Shirou fell with it, the severed pieces of its body disintegrating into harmless fragments of Dust and rock. Ruby reacted instantly, activating her semblance to catch him before he could hit the ground.
"I've got you!" she shouted, pulling him out of harm's way just as the last of the Geist crumbled.
They landed safely amidst the rubble, where Shirou staggered but remained upright, Tsumukari Muramasa still in hand. The blade's energy dimmed, and it dissolved into shimmering light as Shirou released it.
"It's over," he said, his voice steady but laced with exhaustion.
Cheers erupted from the teams as the realization of their victory set in. Jaune, Oscar, and the others rushed to regroup, their faces a mix of relief and admiration.
"You really pulled it off," Qrow said, smirking as he approached Shirou. "Didn't think you had it in you to wield something like that."
Shirou managed a small smile, though his eyes remained somber. "It had to be done. We couldn't let it get any further."
Clover clapped him on the shoulder. "That was one hell of a move, Shirou. I think you've earned a place in anyone's squad after that."
Ruby smiled, giving him a thumbs-up. "That was awesome! You're like a real-life fairy tale hero!"
Despite the praise, Shirou's gaze lingered on the spot where the Geist had fallen, his expression thoughtful. Though the battle was won, the sword's sinister presence lingered in his mind, a reminder of the price of victory.
As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, the cavern was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the faint crackling of residual Dust energy dissipating from the Geist's shattered remains. The team stood amidst the rubble, catching their breath and surveying the aftermath of their hard-fought victory.
Shirou leaned on his knees, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. His body trembled from the strain of using Tsumukari Muramasa, the blade's overwhelming power lingering in his mind. Ruby stood beside him, a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"You okay?" she asked softly, her silver eyes filled with concern.
"I'll manage," Shirou replied, standing up straighter despite the exhaustion weighing on him. "It's over, for now."
Qrow approached, spinning Harbinger back into its sword form. "Not bad, kid. You didn't just hold your own—you took down that thing with style." He offered a rare smile, his tone carrying a hint of pride.
The rest of the teams began regrouping. Nora, as energetic as ever, bounded over to Shirou and Ruby, despite the sweat on her brow and dirt smudged across her face. "That was amazing! Did you see how it just went boom when you hit it? Shirou, you're like a walking fireworks display!"
Ren followed, more reserved but clearly impressed. "That strike was precise and decisive. Without it, the battle could have dragged on much longer."
Jaune helped Oscar over the rubble, both of them looking worn but relieved. "I think I speak for all of us when I say… that was incredible," Jaune said, offering Shirou a thumbs-up.
Oscar nodded, still catching his breath. "You weren't kidding about those swords of yours. That was… something else entirely."
Nearby, the Ace Ops gathered in a tight formation, their professional demeanor masking their shared relief. Clover, brushing dust off his uniform, turned to his team. "We'll need to file a full report, but for now, job well done."
Harriet smirked, cracking her knuckles. "Not bad for an abandoned mine. That thing put up a fight, but we put it down harder."
Marrow glanced at Shirou with a mix of curiosity and respect. "Hey, new guy. That sword of yours—what's the deal? It felt like it was slicing through the air itself."
Shirou hesitated for a moment, unsure how to explain without revealing too much. "It's… unique. It's not something I use lightly."
Clover stepped forward, nodding approvingly. "Whatever it is, it worked. Your timing and execution were flawless, and that's what matters."
Weiss, Blake, and Yang joined Ruby, all looking both relieved and impressed. Weiss spoke first, her tone even but tinged with admiration. "I'll admit, I had my doubts about relying on something so… unconventional. But you proved me wrong."
Yang gave Shirou a playful punch on the arm. "Guess you're full of surprises, huh? Not bad, samurai."
Blake's golden eyes lingered on Shirou, her expression a mix of pride and curiosity. "That sword… it wasn't just a weapon. It was something more, wasn't it?"
Shirou met her gaze, his voice steady. "It was exactly what we needed to win."
As the group began to wind down, the celebration was tempered by the realization of what lay ahead. The abandoned Dust mine, now cleared of the Grimm threat, would serve as the staging ground for the Amity Communication Tower, a crucial part of their mission.
"We've taken one step forward," Ruby said, addressing the group. "But there's still a lot left to do. Let's use this victory to remind ourselves why we're fighting."
The teams nodded, their resolve renewed.
As they began packing up their gear and preparing to leave the mine, a slow, deliberate sound echoed through the cavern: clapping.
Everyone froze, the sound sending a chill down their spines. Shirou's expression hardened, he instinctively traces Kanshou and Bakuya.
From the shadows, a deep, mocking voice resonated. "A magnificent performance. Truly, I am impressed."
The source of the clapping stepped into the light, revealing a figure none of them ever expected to see: Kirei Kotomine.
The sight of him drew audible gasps from Team RWBY, Oscar, and Qrow, their memories of Shirou's recounting rushing to the forefront.
"Kirei…" Shirou whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of shock and fury.