Secrets of Arc

by The Builder's Return

The Worker of Secrets is reborn into the body of a deceased Jaune Arc. Watch as the worker of Secrets embarks on a new journey to fulfill Jaune's dream of being a hero. Romances are not determined but may be possible later on. Rated M for trauma and darker themes. Infinity Blade and other games/RWBY Crossover.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Back inside the forest...

The forest pressed in around them, thick with silence. No wind rustled the leaves, no distant animals stirred in the undergrowth. Even the usual hum of the night was absent. The towering trees arched overhead, their ancient branches forming a skeletal canopy that blocked out the stars. Mist curled at their feet, swirling around rocks and roots in lazy, sinuous tendrils.

The temple loomed at the heart of the clearing, its presence oppressive. Jagged pillars framed the entrance, their worn carvings pulsing faintly, as though the stone itself was breathing. The air smelled of damp earth and something else—something faint, something sour.

Jaune stood at the front of the group, staring at the darkened maw of the temple. He said nothing, but his grip on his Guardian Spear was tight, his knuckles pale beneath his glove.

"Okay..." Ruby said, shifting Crescent Rose in her hands. "This place definitely isn't on my list of fun destinations." She forced a small, awkward laugh, but it fell flat. "You know... just saying."

Yang stretched, rolling her shoulders and offering an easy, if strained, grin. "Eh, it's just an old ruin. Looks worse than it probably is." She knocked her knuckles together. "Couple of creepy statues, some falling ceilings... typical horror movie stuff."

Blake didn't take her eyes off the entrance, her feline ears twitching. "It's not the statues I'm worried about," she muttered. Her arms were crossed, her fingers tense. "Something's... off."

Weiss scoffed, her voice sharp but controlled. "I told you this was a waste of time. Now we're standing here getting cold feet when we should just leave. Right now."

Nora nudged Ren, grinning nervously. "I dunno, Weiss, this does feel like an adventure! A super-scary, probably fatal one, but hey, details!" She laughed, but there was no real joy behind it.

Ren, as calm as ever, glanced around the clearing. "It's quiet. Too quiet." His eyes flicked toward Jaune. "What do you think?"

Jaune didn't respond right away. He tilted his head slightly, scanning the temple with a cold, analytical gaze. Then, finally, he spoke.

"It's waiting," he said simply.

Weiss threw her hands up. "Oh great. Now we're giving the creepy temple sentience. Lovely."

Ruby frowned. "What do you mean, 'waiting'?"

Jaune's eyes remained fixed on the entrance. "It knows we're here." His voice was calm, steady, certain.

The weight of his words settled over them, pressing against their chests like a physical force. The air felt heavier now, and even Yang's casual bravado seemed to waver.

"Okay," Yang muttered, shifting uncomfortably, "I'm officially creeped out."

Before anyone could respond—

"KEEEEAHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRHHHKKKKKKKK!"

The scream erupted from deep within the temple.

It was a horrible, layered sound—guttural and high-pitched, overlapping voices shrieking and growling in grotesque harmony. The air vibrated with it, and the carvings along the temple walls flared with a sudden, sickly glow. The ground beneath them shuddered in protest.

Ruby instinctively jumped back. "Nope. Nope, nope, nope—NOPE!"

Yang's fists clenched, and despite her best effort, the usual grin was nowhere to be found. "Okay, uh... change of plans. We go back, now."

Weiss turned pale. "RUN!" she commanded, and the group didn't need to be told twice.

They bolted for the treeline—

THUD.

Ruby slammed into something invisible and tumbled to the ground, eyes wide with shock. "What the—?!"

Yang hit the unseen wall next, pressing her palms against it. "No... no, no, no! This wasn't here before!" She slammed a fist against the air, eyes darting around. "What the hell?!"

Weiss pressed against the invisible barrier, her panic rising. "We're trapped?! You've got to be kidding me!"

Blake's fingers traced the unseen wall, her face tightening. "This wasn't here when we came in," she murmured.

Nora latched onto Ren. "We're in a ghost trap! We're gonna die!"

Ren exhaled slowly, assessing the situation. "It's keeping us in."

Then—

HISSSSSHHH!

The sound of Jaune's Guardian Spear igniting cut through the night. The plasma edge crackled to life, bathing him in an eerie blue glow. Sparks flickered along the length of the weapon, casting jagged shadows against the temple's entrance.

All eyes turned to him.

Ruby frowned. "Jaune... what are you doing?"

Jaune didn't answer. He took a step toward the temple. Then another. His face was unreadable, his grip steady.

Yang blinked. "Wait... hold on." She jogged up and grabbed his arm, brows furrowed. "You can't seriously be thinking about going in there."

Ruby stepped to his other side, wrapping a firm hand around his opposite arm. "Jaune, we need to think about this. Like... really think." Her tone wasn't pleading, just... confused. "You're not actually doing this, right?"

Jaune's voice was calm. "Let me go."

Yang frowned. "Dude, you're not the only one stuck here. We need a plan, not a suicide run."

Jaune's expression didn't change. "Then stay here."

The words hung in the air, sharp and final.

Weiss scoffed, watching in disbelief. "Are you serious?! We're supposed to just let you walk into that nightmare alone?!"

Jaune gently pulled his arms free and continued toward the entrance.

Ruby and Yang stood frozen, watching as he disappeared into the temple's dark maw, swallowed by shadow.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

"...He's really doing it," Yang muttered, shaking her head.

Ruby's grip on Crescent Rose tightened. Her voice was quieter this time. "I can't leave him alone in there."

And just like that, she ran after him.

Yang sighed heavily. "Why? Why does she do this?!" She sprinted after her sister. "Ruby, wait!"

Pyrrha took a hesitant step forward, eyes flicking between the temple and the others. "We have to stay together."

Nora grinned nervously. "Fearless leader needs his fearless sidekicks!"

Ren sighed, shaking his head. "We don't have a choice," he muttered, jogging after them.

Blake hesitated, staring at the temple entrance with narrowed eyes. "...This is insane." But she followed anyway.

Weiss stood at the edge of the clearing, scowling. "I am literally the only sane person here," she muttered, rubbing her temples. She lingered a moment longer before groaning and stomping forward. "Fine! But if I die, I swear I'm haunting all of you!"

The oppressive darkness of the temple swallowed them whole the moment they crossed the threshold. The air inside was thick and stagnant, clinging to their lungs like dust from a forgotten grave. A heavy silence pressed down on them, broken only by the sound of their cautious footsteps against the cracked stone floor. The scent of mildew and decay hung in the air, but beneath it lurked something sharper—something wrong.

Jaune walked ahead of the group, his Guardian Spear crackling softly with its faint blue glow. The eerie light stretched long, shifting shadows against the crumbling walls. The intricate carvings along the stone pulsed faintly, almost as if they were alive, twisting in response to their presence.

The others followed with wary steps, their eyes darting across the vast, empty corridors.

Massive stone pillars loomed in the darkness above, their once-pristine surfaces scarred and shattered in places, as if something enormous had torn through them. Cracks webbed across the floor, and piles of bones lay scattered along the edges of the corridor—some humanoid, others warped beyond recognition, twisted into shapes that defied logic.

Ruby swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "W-What... what is this place?"

Weiss walked stiffly beside her, fingers curled tightly around Myrtenaster. "I don't know," she murmured, eyes darting from shadow to shadow. "But I can tell you one thing... I don't like it."

Blake's golden eyes scanned the walls, catching faint, skittering noises in the distance—sounds that made her ears twitch involuntarily. "This place is... wrong," she murmured, voice tight with unease. "It feels like we're walking straight into something we shouldn't."

Jaune didn't answer. His glowing blue eyes remained locked on the carvings, scanning them with a focused intensity. There was no fear in his expression—just cold analysis.

Pyrrha, a few steps behind him, watched him closely. Where the others saw horror, he saw something else.

He's not afraid, Pyrrha realized, swallowing hard. He's... trying to understand it.

A sudden clatter shattered the silence.

"AHH!" Ruby shrieked, jumping back into Yang, nearly knocking them both over.

Weapons snapped up in an instant. The source of the sound revealed itself moments later—a set of skulls, suspended from rusted chains overhead, swinging gently from an unseen draft. Hollow eye sockets stared at them with an eerie permanence, their grinning faces swaying rhythmically.

Ren narrowed his eyes. "They were put here deliberately."

Nora nudged one skull with Magnhild, flinching when it swung back toward her. "Okay, that's—uh—super creepy," she whispered, her usual cheer nowhere to be found.

Weiss took a careful step back. "Who... does something like this?"

Blake hesitated before reaching out to touch one of the skulls, her fingers brushing lightly against the bone. She immediately recoiled. "They're old," she said, rubbing her hand against her pants. "Really old. But why hang them?"

Yang forced a nervous laugh, but it was thin and hollow. "Great. Skulls, chains... what's next, creepy chanting—"

A distant whisper slithered through the corridor, too soft to make out but undeniable.

Yang froze, her knuckles turning white. "...I was kidding."

Jaune's head tilted upward, his voice calm but final. "This place wasn't abandoned willingly."

Ruby shivered. "Yeah, I figured."

Jaune pressed forward, the faint hum of his spear filling the silence. The others hesitated before following, their eyes scanning every shadow, every corner, expecting something to leap out at any second.

Then Jaune stopped—his entire body going rigid, his free hand snapping up in a sharp, silent signal.

Yang nearly collided with him. "Whoa, what—"

Jaune's fingers curled in a silent command. Stay still.

All eyes followed his line of sight.

There, sprawled in the center of the corridor, lay a mangled corpse.

Ruby's stomach churned violently. "Oh no... oh no no no."

The twisted body was barely recognizable. Limbs were bent at grotesque angles, deep gouges ripped through the torso, and parts of its flesh looked... melted. Whatever this person had been, they didn't die quickly.

Weiss staggered back, hand clamped over her mouth. "What in Remnant..."

Jaune knelt beside the corpse, his expression cold, calculating. With a soft metallic hiss, his omni-tool flickered to life around his forearm, bathing his face in a soft orange glow.

Weiss's eyes widened. "What is that?"

Jaune didn't answer. He extended his palm, a thin beam sweeping over the body with a rhythmic hum, scanning its remnants with eerie precision. The group watched in tense silence, shifting uneasily as data scrolled across the screen.

Blake swallowed hard, her voice hushed. "Is it... human? or Faunus?"

The scan finished with a soft beep, and Jaune shut down the device with a flick of his wrist. He rose to his feet, his voice devoid of emotion.

"It's neither."

A chill ran through them.

Ruby took a step back. "Then... what is it?"

Before Jaune could answer—

"KEEEEAHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRHHHKKKKKKKK!"

A shriek erupted from the darkness ahead, twisted and inhuman. The air vibrated with the raw malice behind it, and the temple itself seemed to tremble in response.

A figure lunged from the shadows.

Gaunt and skeletal, its skin was stretched too tight over jagged bones, and its face—if it could even be called that—was a hollow skull with jagged, curling black horns. Its sunken sockets burned with sickly red light as it rushed forward, rusted weapon raised high.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Yang shouted, instinctively stepping in front of Ruby.

"LOOK OUT!" Weiss cried, scrambling back.

Jaune moved first.

With a single step forward, his spear ignited in a flash of blue energy. The creature's rusted weapon clashed against it with a sharp CLANG, sparks flying.

The creature snarled, its movements unnatural, jerky. It reared back to strike again.

Jaune didn't hesitate. He thrust his spear forward, impaling it with brutal precision. The creature let out a rattling shriek before collapsing into a heap, its body twitching once before falling still.

Weiss stumbled back, staring in horror. "W-What was that?"

Jaune didn't answer. His glowing eyes flickered toward the darkened corridors ahead, sensing more. "They're coming."

Ruby swallowed hard. "How many?"

A chorus of shrieks filled the air, growing louder. From the surrounding archways and shadowed halls, they came—dozens of them, their twisted forms pouring toward the group with terrifying speed.

Jaune's voice was calm, commanding. "Fall back. Now."

The chorus of shrieks grew louder, filling the ancient temple with a suffocating cacophony. The creatures poured from the darkness like a tide of nightmares—gaunt, skeletal frames driven by an insatiable hunger.

"Move!" Jaune's voice rang out, calm but commanding.

The group scrambled backward, following Blake's lead as she darted toward a ledge above the corridor. The crumbling stone steps provided a path to higher ground, and one by one, they climbed, their boots scraping against the uneven surface.

Ruby was the last to reach the top, turning back for one last glance at the tide of creatures below—and at Jaune, who hadn't moved.

He stood exactly where they had left him, his spear raised and ready, the faint blue glow of its edge casting long, flickering shadows across the chamber. He didn't flinch, didn't adjust his stance, didn't even seem to breathe.

"Why isn't he moving?" Ruby whispered, clutching Crescent Rose tightly.

Pyrrha, beside her, said nothing. Her green eyes locked onto Jaune, catching every subtle shift in his stance, every minuscule motion of his hand. She could see it clearly now—Jaune wasn't standing still out of hesitation. He was waiting, calculating.

Then—he moved.

The first creature lunged, and Jaune twisted out of the way with eerie precision, his spear flashing in a perfect arc. The plasma edge carved through the abomination's midsection, sending its two halves collapsing to the floor in a spray of black mist.

Another came from behind, but Jaune's movements flowed like water. He spun, the blade of his spear slicing through its arm before seamlessly transitioning into a downward strike that ended it instantly.

Ruby's breath caught in her throat. How is he doing that? she thought, eyes wide. The way he fought—it wasn't just skillful; it was almost unnatural, too fluid to be real. She had never seen anything like it.

Pyrrha's fingers tightened around her weapon as she watched Jaune weave between the creatures' attacks. She didn't speak, but her admiration was evident. Every step, every strike, every parry was deliberate, as though Jaune could see the battle unfolding before it happened.

Below, Jaune continued to move, his spear an extension of himself. He sidestepped a lunging creature with an almost lazy grace, his blade flashing upward to cleave through its chest. A quick pivot followed, and another creature fell before it could even reach him.

"Ruby!" Yang's voice broke through her thoughts. "We can't just watch! He's fighting all of them alone!"

Ruby shook herself, glancing at the group. Her mind raced, and she quickly assessed their position.

"Okay," she said, voice firm. "We're staying up here. Aim for the ones on the edges, but don't shoot too close to Jaune. We can thin them out and keep the pressure off him."

Weiss raised an eyebrow but nodded. "That's… actually a good plan."

"On it," Blake added, already aiming Gambol Shroud toward the creatures skirting the edge of the horde.

Ruby steadied Crescent Rose, her fingers tightening around the trigger. "Let's go!"

The ledge erupted in gunfire. Ruby's shots rang out, slicing through the heads and limbs of creatures as they surged toward Jaune. Blake's precise bursts cleared the flanks, ensuring none of the monsters could slip past their line of fire.

Weiss conjured a glyph beneath her feet, sending a volley of ice shards raining down onto the horde, slowing their approach and shattering their ranks. Yang's gauntlets roared, blasting creatures into twisted heaps with each explosive punch.

Despite their efforts, the creatures kept coming.

And Jaune kept fighting.

Ruby couldn't tear her eyes away. Even as she fired, her gaze kept flickering back to Jaune. His movements weren't just efficient—they were mesmerizing. He sidestepped attacks with a grace that seemed almost rehearsed, his spear striking with pinpoint accuracy. Every thrust, every arc, every parry was so precise, so fluid, it was like he was performing a deadly dance.

Pyrrha felt it too. Her heart raced as she watched him fight, and she couldn't help but feel a strange satisfaction. She had chosen him as her partner, and now, she knew she had made the right choice.

Jaune's spear cut through another enemy, the plasma edge crackling as it seared through bone and sinew. He didn't falter, didn't miss a beat. Even as more creatures poured in, he held his ground, his stance unwavering.

The group's gunfire began to slow as exhaustion set in, but the creatures' numbers finally started to dwindle.

Then the temple shuddered.

A deep, guttural growl echoed through the chamber, rumbling up from the floor like a storm brewing beneath their feet.

The stone cracked, and with a deafening roar, a massive Orc hauled itself out of the chasm below.

It was enormous, its grotesque body clad in jagged scraps of armor that barely covered its mottled, veiny skin. Its hollow, glowing eyes locked onto Jaune, and a bellowing roar shook the temple as it raised a rusted, oversized axe.

Ruby's eyes widened. "Oh no..."

"Stay focused!" Jaune called out, his voice sharp. "Handle the big one. I'll finish the rest."

The team hesitated for only a moment before Ruby shouted, "You heard him! Everyone on the Orc!"

Weiss launched a barrage of ice shards, aiming at the Orc's legs to slow it down. Yang dropped down from the ledge, her gauntlets firing explosive shots into its chest, staggering it briefly. Blake darted around its side, Gambol Shroud slicing through its exposed flesh.

The Orc roared, swinging its massive axe in wide arcs. The team scattered, dodging the devastating blows, their attacks barely making a dent in its thick hide.

Jaune remained where he was, cutting down the last of the smaller creatures with brutal precision. He didn't spare the Orc a glance, his focus entirely on clearing the way for his team.

Ruby fired round after round into the Orc's head, her hands trembling slightly as the beast absorbed the blows without slowing.

"We're not even slowing it down!" Blake called, narrowly avoiding a swing of the axe.

The battle against the Orc raged on, its monstrous roars shaking the very foundations of the temple. The team attacked relentlessly—Weiss's glyphs freezing its legs, Ruby's bullets chipping away at its armor, and Yang's explosive punches landing with devastating force. The beast staggered, black ichor dripping from numerous wounds, its breathing ragged and labored.

But it wasn't finished.

With a guttural snarl, the Orc lifted its rusted axe high, desperation giving it newfound strength. It swung wildly, its massive arm cleaving through the air with terrifying speed.

Yang barely had time to react.

The flat of the axe caught her mid-stride, sending her hurtling backward with bone-crushing force. She slammed into a nearby stone pillar, the impact sending a thunderous crack through the chamber. A pulse of golden energy flared around her body—her Aura shattered on impact.

A pained groan escaped Yang's lips as she crumpled to the ground, her limbs trembling and unresponsive.

"YANG!" Ruby screamed, eyes wide with panic as she watched her sister struggle to move.

Jaune, standing amidst the last of the horde, finished the final creature with a clean thrust of his spear. As the abomination dissolved into black mist, his head snapped in Yang's direction.

His glowing blue eyes locked onto her limp form, and without hesitation—he moved.

To Ruby and the others, it was like watching a shadow flicker. One second, Jaune stood where he was; the next, he was a blur, streaking across the battlefield with uncanny speed. His boots barely touched the ground, his entire form cutting through the air like an arrow aimed at a single target.

The Orc, sensing weakness, loomed over Yang. Its massive, bloodied axe lifted high above its head, its hollow eyes gleaming with a sick hunger.

Ruby's breath caught in her throat, pure fear gripping her chest. "NO!" she cried out, desperation cracking her voice.

But before the monster could bring its weapon down—

Jaune appeared in front of Yang in an instant, standing protectively over her fallen form. His spear was already raised, the tip humming with dangerous energy. The Orc's red eyes flickered with confusion, but it was too late.

Jaune's finger tightened on the trigger.

BOOM!

The spear discharged with a thunderous roar, launching a kinetic round encased in plasma straight into the Orc's chest. The sheer force of impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, striking the beast with such devastating power that it staggered backward, its rusted armor crumpling inward with a sickening crunch. Black ichor sprayed in thick arcs as the creature let out a guttural snarl, its balance wavering.

But Jaune wasn't finished.

BOOM!

A second round fired with pinpoint precision, the kinetic slug tearing through the Orc's skull with terrifying speed. The reinforced plasma casing erupted on impact, causing the head to burst apart in a grotesque explosion of black ichor and shattered bone. The spray of viscous fluid painted the ancient stone walls behind it in a sickening splatter.

The massive beast swayed on its feet for a moment, its body twitching in defiance—then it finally gave in to gravity. With a final, gurgling wheeze, the headless corpse collapsed backward, disappearing into the chasm it had crawled out from, vanishing into the abyss with a resounding THUD.

Silence fell, heavy and thick.

Jaune stood unmoving, his spear still aimed at where the Orc had been, steam curling from its barrel. His breathing was steady, calm, as if he had never doubted the outcome for a second.

Ruby, her legs trembling, rushed past him without hesitation. "Yang!" she gasped, dropping to her knees beside her sister. Her hands hovered over Yang's bruised arms, panic filling her voice. "Are you okay?!"

Yang groaned, blinking through the haze of pain. "I... I think so," she murmured, her voice weak. "But my Aura's gone. I—I can't move."

Hearing that, Ruby's panic surged. "No, no, no—"

Before she could spiral further, Jaune lowered his spear and knelt beside Yang. Without a word, he grasped her arm, his touch firm but gentle. His eyes met hers, steady and reassuring.

"I've got you," he said, his voice low but resolute.

A soft glow emanated from Jaune's hand as his semblance activated. The golden energy pulsed from him, spreading through Yang's body like a warm current. Her breathing steadied, and Ruby watched in awe as the faint shimmer of her Aura slowly returned, knitting together the damage left by the brutal impact.

Yang's eyes widened in surprise as a renewed strength filled her limbs. "What... what is this?" she whispered, blinking up at him.

Jaune's expression remained composed as he answered, "It's my Semblance—Amplify." His tone was matter-of-fact, but there was an underlying certainty in his words. "I'm amplifying your Aura regeneration and speeding up your recovery."

A flicker of gratitude passed through Yang's tired eyes as she felt the energy seeping back into her. "That's... pretty awesome," she murmured, flexing her fingers tentatively. "Thanks, Jaune."

Ruby exhaled in relief, a smile breaking through her panic as she squeezed Yang's hand. "You're okay," she whispered, holding back tears. "You're really okay."

Jaune released Yang's arm once he was sure the healing process was well underway. "You'll feel a little sore," he said, standing up and looking down at her. "But you'll be fine. Just... try not to get hit again."

Yang chuckled weakly. "I'll... uh, work on that."

Weiss approached, a mixture of frustration and relief etched onto her face. "You shouldn't have gone in so recklessly," she scolded, but the tension in her shoulders melted as she glanced at Jaune. "But... thank you."

Jaune gave a small nod, his gaze already shifting back to their surroundings. "We need to move," he said, his tone returning to its usual composed calm. "There could be more ahead."

Blake, still catching her breath, crossed her arms with a newfound respect. "You saved her," she said quietly. "That was impressive."

Jaune simply replied, "Just doing my job."

As the group took a moment to catch their breath, Pyrrha stole a glance at Jaune, the faintest of smiles tugging at her lips. She didn't speak, but deep down, she felt a swell of pride. I made the right choice in choosing him.

Ruby glanced at him too, a different kind of admiration burning in her chest. Yesterday, she barely knew him—but today, standing before them, Jaune Arc was something else entirely.

"Alright," Yang grunted, finally managing to stand with Ruby's help. "Let's keep moving before something worse pops out."

Jaune turned, leading the group forward with a quiet, determined stride.

As they disappeared deeper into the temple, the oppressive silence returned, and somewhere in the shadows—something unseen watched them.

---

The low hum of an airship's engines filled the cool morning air as it descended onto Beacon's landing pad. The ramp extended with a sharp hiss, and General Ironwood strode out, his usual commanding presence shadowed by an uncharacteristic tightness in his jaw. His steel-blue eyes locked onto Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch, who stood waiting for him near the console. His footsteps echoed against the concrete, each one heavy with frustration and urgency.

"You're lucky I wasn't too far when your call came in," Ironwood said without preamble, his voice clipped and strained. He stopped a few feet away from them, his expression hardening. "Ozpin... the Council isn't happy. Not having the Invincible Human in custody is making them very nervous." He exhaled sharply. "They're demanding answers."

Ozpin remained impassive, swirling the contents of his ever-present coffee mug. "The Council is always nervous about things they don't understand," he said, his voice smooth but laced with something more. "Perhaps you should take a look at what we're dealing with here before jumping to conclusions, James."

With a quiet motion, Ozpin tapped the console beside him. The screen flickered to life, displaying the eerie ruins of the newly discovered temple deep within the Emerald Forest. The image, sharp and clear, revealed towering spires of blackened stone, strange glowing runes etched into the walls, and a silent malevolence that seemed to seep from every crevice.

Ironwood's face was drained of color. His usually unwavering gaze faltered as his fingers instinctively curled into a fist at his side. His lips parted slightly, a rare sign of his unease. "...No," he muttered under his breath, stepping closer. His eyes scanned the screen, tracing the ancient carvings with a look of grim recognition. "There's... more of them?"

Ozpin's brows furrowed. "More of what, James?"

Ironwood let out a slow breath, his hand gripping the edge of the console with enough force to whiten his knuckles. He was silent for a moment, as if debating how much to reveal. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter, almost reluctant.

"A temple like this... appeared in Mantle," he admitted, his gaze darkening. "It was a week ago." He swallowed. "I sent my most trusted people inside to investigate. We lost contact with them almost immediately. There's been... nothing since."

A chilling silence fell between them, the weight of his words hanging in the air like an executioner's blade.

Ozpin's eyes narrowed slightly, his usual composure cracking ever so slightly as he processed the implications. "That's why your aide isn't with you," he said carefully. "Specialist Schnee?"

Ironwood exhaled slowly, his shoulders sagging under the weight of unspoken burdens. "Yes," he confirmed, his voice heavy with something close to guilt. "Winter... and six of Atlas' best Special Forces operatives. They were the best I had." His eyes darkened. "And now they're gone."

Glynda's eyes widened just slightly, but she composed herself quickly. "Gone?" she echoed, her voice quiet but sharp.

Ironwood's jaw clenched. "No comms, no distress signals. It's like they vanished the moment they stepped inside." His hands twitched at his sides before he forced them still. "And now... this." He gestured toward the screen, his frustration bleeding through. "Another one. And I have no answers."

Ozpin's face was unreadable, but there was something calculating behind his gaze, something unsettled. "What did you find out before they disappeared?"

Ironwood hesitated before shaking his head. "Nothing concrete. Reports mentioned unusual energy readings—frequencies that didn't match anything in our databases. Then... silence." He let out a bitter chuckle. "My top people are missing, presumed dead, and one of the most dangerous individuals in Remnant is walking free, unchecked. And I can't do a damn thing about either of them."

The raw frustration in his voice was met with a long silence. Glynda, who had remained silent thus far, took a step forward, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. "We'll find them, James," she said, her voice softer than usual, but carrying the firm certainty of an unshakable will.

Ironwood's shoulders sagged further, the weight pressing down on him evident. He shook his head slightly, then straightened, regaining some of his composure. "I hope you're right," he muttered. "Because if you're wrong, Oz, we might be dealing with something far worse than just Grimm."

Ozpin studied him carefully, then turned his gaze back to the flickering screen. "Then we'll prepare accordingly," he said, but there was a note of uncertainty beneath his words.

The three stood in silence, watching the ominous ruins on the screen, each lost in their own thoughts—thoughts of lost comrades, unknown threats, and the unsettling reality that the battle ahead would demand more than any of them were prepared for.

After a long pause, Ozpin spoke again, his voice carrying an air of quiet confidence. "James, I think both of your problems might just solve each other."

Ironwood's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Both?" he asked, his voice cautious.

Ozpin smiled faintly, nodding toward the screen. "Your second problem is already inside that temple."

Ironwood's expression shifted from confusion to shock, his mind racing to connect the pieces. His mouth opened slightly, and he took a step closer to the screen, his fingers curling into fists. "You're telling me... the Invincible Human is here?"

Ozpin gave him a slow, measured nod.

Ironwood inhaled deeply, exhaling through his nose as tension bled from his shoulders. His eyes remained locked on the ruins, his expression a mixture of disbelief and reluctant relief. "Then... maybe he'll be enough to figure out what's going on." His voice was quieter now, carrying the weight of hope he wasn't sure he should have.

Ozpin took a long sip from his mug, his gaze steady. "That," he said, "remains to be seen."

---

The group pressed on, their footsteps echoing softly through the ancient corridors of the temple. The oppressive weight of the battle they had just fought hung in the air, but there was an undeniable sense of relief now. The monstrous Orc was gone, and Yang was still standing—if only barely.

Jaune led the way, his Guardian Spear casting its soft blue glow against the intricate carvings along the walls. The eerie symbols twisted and curled in the flickering light, but they no longer felt as threatening as before. There was an unspoken understanding among them now—a feeling that, no matter what else lay ahead, they would face it together.

Yang, still leaning slightly on Ruby for support, let out a deep breath and managed a tired grin. "Well... that was fun." Her voice was lighter, teasing, though a twinge of exhaustion laced her words.

Ruby shot her an exasperated look. "Fun? You nearly got turned into a pancake!"

Yang chuckled, wincing slightly as she rotated her shoulder. "Yeah, but I didn't, thanks to our resident knight in shining armor." She gave Jaune a sideways glance, her eyes filled with something Ruby hadn't seen before—respect. "Seriously, Jaune. That was... awesome."

Jaune didn't respond immediately, his glowing blue eyes focused ahead. The ever-present coldness in his demeanor remained, but his voice, when it came, was quiet yet firm.

"You're my team." He glanced back briefly, his gaze sweeping over all of them. "I'll always do what I can for you."

Simple words.

But they hit hard.

For a moment, the group was silent, absorbing the weight of his statement. Despite the steely, distant presence he usually carried, there was no denying the sincerity behind it. He meant it.

Weiss, who had been watching him carefully, blinked and looked away, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Well... at least we know you take your job seriously." Her voice carried its usual sharpness, but the warmth beneath it was unmistakable.

Blake, walking beside her, gave a small nod. "You don't just say things you don't mean, do you?"

Jaune didn't answer, but the corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly.

Ruby smiled, feeling a newfound sense of trust swelling in her chest. "We've got your back too, y'know." She nudged Yang gently. "Even when someone decides to tank an Orc's axe."

Yang snorted, waving her off. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be more careful next time." She flexed her arm, glancing at Jaune again. "Gotta say, though... that healing trick of yours is amazing. Feels like I didn't even get hit."

Jaune shrugged slightly. "Amplify only speeds up what's already there. Your Aura did the real work."

"Still," Yang said, rubbing her neck. "It's... nice, knowing you have our backs."

Pyrrha, walking silently a few steps behind, watched Jaune with a thoughtful expression. His actions had spoken louder than words ever could. She had seen warriors fight with precision and skill, but what Jaune had shown wasn't just technical ability—it was devotion.

She smiled softly to herself. I made the right choice.

Ren broke the silence with his usual calm tone. "With Jaune around, maybe we actually stand a chance of getting out of this in one piece."

Nora grinned, nudging Jaune's shoulder playfully. "Yeah! You're like... our secret weapon or something!"

Jaune rolled his eyes slightly but didn't protest.

The further they walked, the tension that had gripped them earlier began to slowly ease. The looming fear that had once clouded their thoughts was now replaced with cautious optimism. For the first time since entering the temple, it felt like they could breathe—if only for a little while.

Weiss glanced around at the ancient carvings lining the walls, curiosity finally beginning to replace her unease. "This place... it's not just some random ruin. There's something here—something old, something important."

Blake nodded, running her fingers lightly along the worn stone. "I've never seen markings like these before. If this temple has been hidden for so long, maybe it's been forgotten for a reason."

"Yeah, well," Yang muttered, "I'm hoping whatever's down here stays forgotten."

Jaune slowed his pace slightly, his eyes scanning the corridor ahead with that same calculating focus. "Stay sharp. We don't know what else is waiting for us."

Ruby, walking a little closer to him now, stole a glance his way. Before today, she hadn't really thought much about him—awkward, a little clueless, but kind. But now... now she saw something different. He wasn't just some clumsy student trying to keep up. He was someone reliable. Someone they could count on.

I'm glad he's with us.

"Alright," Yang said, flexing her arms and cracking her knuckles. "Let's keep moving before something worse pops out."

As if on cue, a distant growl rumbled through the dark, sending a collective shiver down their spines.

Blake sighed. "You had to say it, didn't you?"

Jaune didn't react. He simply adjusted his grip on his spear and kept moving forward.

The team followed, their hearts steady but their senses sharp, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they were ready—because now they were a team.

And no matter how cold and distant Jaune might seem, they knew one thing for sure.

He cared.

The group slowed as they entered the vast chamber, their footsteps faltering at the sight before them. Towering stone pillars lined the space, their surfaces etched with ancient carvings that pulsed faintly under the glow of Jaune's spear. But their eyes weren't on the architecture.

In the center of the room sat a pool of black ichor, its surface rippling in slow, lazy waves, reflecting the dim light like a grotesque mirror. Mist curled upward from it in tendrils, twisting unnaturally through the air, and an oppressive sense of wrongness settled over them. The stench of rot and decay clogged their throats, making the simple act of breathing feel like a burden.

Ruby instinctively took a step back, her grip tightening on Crescent Rose. "What... is that?"

Weiss wrinkled her nose in disgust, pressing a hand to her mouth. "Whatever it is, it shouldn't be."

Blake's golden eyes narrowed, her ears twitching at the faint, almost rhythmic bubbling that came from the pool. "It's moving," she murmured. "Like it's... breathing."

Yang, still favoring her bruised side, forced a nervous chuckle. "Yeah, well, I've seen some gross stuff, but this is on a whole new level."

Pyrrha stood frozen, her knuckles white around her weapon. "It's... almost like it's alive."

Nora peered at it curiously, but Ren gently pulled her back before she could do anything reckless.

Jaune didn't say a word.

His cold, analytical gaze remained locked on the churning surface of the ichor. His face was a mask of unreadable focus—no fear, no doubt, just an unsettling calm as his eyes flicked across the scene, calculating, assessing. The faint hum of his Guardian Spear filled the chamber, a quiet but ever-present reminder of his readiness.

Ruby watched him closely, unnerved by how utterly detached he seemed in the face of something so... wrong.

Jaune took a careful step forward, lifting his omni-tool and sweeping a scan over the ichor. The glowing orange interface bathed his face in dim light, but the numbers and symbols flickering across the screen told him nothing comforting.

"It's not Grimm," he finally said, his voice devoid of emotion. "But it's not natural either."

Weiss exhaled slowly. "Then we leave it alone and move on. Right?"

Jaune didn't answer. He simply turned, already walking toward the far end of the chamber, his focus shifting to the corridor ahead.

The others followed, tension still hanging heavy in the air. As they neared the exit, the silence was broken by a soft, familiar voice.

"This is turning out to be interesting."

Ruby froze mid-step.

Yang snorted. "Since when do you find scary things interesting, Rubes?" She turned to her sister, a teasing grin tugging at her lips.

Ruby didn't laugh. She didn't even react. She stood stock still, her face draining of color as she slowly turned to face Yang. Her silver eyes were wide, horrified, and when she finally spoke, her voice trembled.

"I... I didn't say that."

A sickening stillness filled the chamber, as if even the air itself had frozen.

Then—

Laughter.

Not the joyful, familiar sound of their teammates, but an unholy shriek of laughter that bubbled up from the black ichor itself. It echoed against the walls, warping unnaturally, as though countless voices were layered atop one another, all sharing the same twisted, mocking glee.

The ichor surged upward suddenly, twisting and writhing into a humanoid form.

It stood tall and impossibly thin, its limbs too long, its head featureless save for a cracked, jagged smile that stretched far too wide. Tendrils of inky black liquid dripped from its elongated fingers, pooling on the floor beneath it like a spreading infection.

"Who... are you?" Weiss whispered, taking an involuntary step back.

The monstrous figure loomed before them, its grotesque, elongated limbs dripping with the inky black substance that pooled beneath its feet like a spreading infection. Its jagged smile stretched unnaturally across its featureless face, and the sound it made—the sick, twisted mimicry of Ruby's voice—still echoed in their ears.

"This is turning out to be interesting."

The group stood frozen, tension clamping around them like a vice.

Ruby's breath hitched in her throat, her eyes locked onto the towering creature that had just imitated her voice perfectly. Her grip on Crescent Rose tightened, the metal creaking slightly under her trembling fingers. "That... that wasn't me," she whispered again, as if trying to convince herself.

Yang's expression hardened, her usual humor stripped away. She took an instinctive step in front of Ruby, placing herself between her sister and the creature. "Okay," she muttered, forcing out a nervous chuckle. "That is officially the creepiest thing I've ever seen."

Blake's ears flattened against her head, her entire body tensed like a coiled spring. "It learned your voice, Ruby," she murmured, her golden eyes darting between the creature and the exit. "It's... studying us."

Weiss swallowed hard, beads of sweat forming at her temple despite the freezing chill of the chamber. "That means it's intelligent," she said, her voice just above a whisper. "And it knows we're afraid."

Pyrrha felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She had faced Grimm, she had faced overwhelming odds before, but this—this was something else. This wasn't just an enemy; it was something unnatural, something wrong. She glanced toward Jaune, who still hadn't moved. His face was unreadable, and yet... the cold calculation in his eyes, the sharp tension in his grip on his spear—it was as if he were already three steps ahead of the creature.

Nora, for once, was silent, her usually energetic demeanor reduced to wide-eyed stillness. She tugged at Ren's sleeve, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "I don't like this," she whispered. "Not one bit."

Ren's gaze flickered to Jaune, studying his posture. He could see it—the way Jaune's entire body was poised, like a spring wound too tightly, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. "Stay close," Ren said quietly, stepping protectively in front of Nora. "Jaune's got this."

Jaune's eyes never left the creature.

He didn't flinch. He didn't hesitate.

He simply watched.

The air between them was thick, charged with something beyond fear—an understanding. The creature seemed to recognize Jaune's presence, its faceless head tilting ever so slightly, that hideous grin widening as if sensing the lack of fear in him.

It knows he's different.

And then it laughed again.

That same horrible, gurgling laughter—high-pitched, wet, and utterly inhuman. It echoed through the chamber, bouncing off the towering stone pillars, making it seem like the room itself was laughing at them.

Ruby flinched, pressing her hands to her ears. "Make it stop," she whispered, her voice strained. "Please."

Yang gritted her teeth, glaring at the creature. "I've had enough of this," she growled, cocking Ember Celica with a mechanical click. "Let's blow this thing apart!"

Jaune raised a hand slightly without looking at her, a silent command that made Yang freeze mid-step.

His meaning was clear: Not yet.

Weiss caught the movement, her brow furrowing. "Jaune?" she asked, hesitant. "Why aren't you doing anything?"

Jaune didn't answer. His expression remained neutral, his gaze locked onto the creature, reading it. Assessing it.

It took a slow, shuddering step forward, the ichor trailing behind it in thick, viscous strands. Its body shifted unnaturally, as if it were still trying to figure out how to move correctly.

And then—

"Ruby..."

The creature whispered her name, perfectly imitating Weiss's voice this time. The sound of it—cold, distant, and disturbingly accurate—made Weiss stiffen, her breath catching in her throat.

Ruby's face twisted in horror. "Stop it!" she snapped, taking a step back.

The creature only leaned closer, its jagged smile widening.

"Stop it," it repeated, in perfect mimicry of Ruby's voice.

That was enough.

"Forget this!" Yang snarled, raising her fists. "We take it down now!"

Before she could charge, Jaune stepped forward.

He moved with the same unnerving fluidity as before, his spear crackling to life in his hands, the blue plasma edge flaring brilliantly in the darkness.

The creature hesitated.

For the first time since emerging, it hesitated.

Jaune's presence was different—cold, distant, unwavering. There was no fear in his movements, no uncertainty. It was like staring into something just as unnatural as itself.

The creature twitched, then tilted its head once more.

And then—

It lunged.

Jaune met it head-on, his spear flashing in a burst of energy as he struck. The clash was immediate and violent, the blue light of Jaune's weapon illuminating the grotesque shape in stark contrast to the ichor that splattered across the stone. The creature shrieked—not the laughter from before, but a sound of pain, of anger.

"Move!" Jaune barked, his voice slicing through the shock holding the others in place.

Ruby didn't need to be told twice. "Go!" she shouted, grabbing Yang's hand and pulling her back.

The others followed, retreating toward the far end of the chamber, weapons still drawn, hearts pounding in their chests.

Weiss glanced back once, her eyes filled with worry as she watched Jaune battle the monstrosity alone. "Jaune... don't do anything reckless," she whispered under her breath.

The temple shuddered around them, and the last thing they heard before disappearing into the next corridor was the furious screech of the creature—followed by the sharp, electric hum of Jaune's spear striking true.

Jaune stood in the eerie silence of the chamber, his piercing blue gaze locked on the writhing mass of black ichor before him. The others had already fled—Ruby's panicked voice still echoing faintly down the corridor, urging them onward. The heavy thud of their hurried footsteps grew softer, fading into the ancient darkness beyond.

Alone now, Jaune remained still, his spear humming softly in his grasp. The creature before him was relentless, its grotesque limbs regenerating with disturbing ease. Where his spear had sliced through it, the ichor merely reformed, shifting and writhing with an almost mocking persistence.

He studied it for a moment longer.

Then, with a measured breath, he closed his eyes, letting go of the calculated precision of his combat stance.

A crimson glow flickered at his fingertips, the air around him shifting as the subtle power of Deathless magic took shape. The effort it had taken to master it had been relentless, grueling—but now, it was second nature. His hand burned with dark fire, ancient and consuming, something far beyond mere flames.

The ichor recoiled, sensing the shift. A guttural, gurgling sound slithered through the chamber as if it understood what was about to happen. It twisted and coiled like a wounded beast, retreating slightly, but Jaune didn't give it the chance.

With a single flick of his wrist, he unleashed the fire.

The flames erupted forward, twisting and curling like serpents, latching onto the black ichor with an almost living hunger. The moment the fire made contact, the creature let out a horrific, ear-piercing screech—a sound of raw agony that reverberated through the chamber like a thousand souls crying out at once.

The ichor ignited instantly, burning hotter and fiercer than any natural flame. The fire clung to it, consuming it hungrily, refusing to be shaken off no matter how much the creature thrashed and writhed.

Jaune watched, unmoved. His expression remained cold, detached, as the abomination collapsed into itself, the black tendrils withering under the relentless assault.

It clawed at the floor, flailing in desperation, its jagged maw opening in a final, broken shriek—

And then, silence.

The flames flickered for a few moments longer before dying out, leaving only a smoldering pile of blackened residue in their wake. The stench of burnt ichor filled the chamber, a sharp contrast to the oppressive dampness that had once lingered here.

Jaune stood there for a long moment, his eyes never leaving the spot where the creature had fallen. It was done.

Without another word, he turned and left.

---

The group moved cautiously through the winding corridor, their hurried footsteps slowly settling into a steadier rhythm as the tension from their escape began to fade. The darkness stretched endlessly around them, broken only by the faint glow of Weiss's glyphs illuminating the path ahead.

Ruby glanced over her shoulder, eyes scanning the shadows behind them. "He'll be fine," she murmured, mostly to herself.

Yang, walking beside her, nodded with forced confidence. "Yeah. It's Jaune. He's probably wiping that thing off his spear right now."

Blake, walking a few paces ahead, didn't look back but spoke softly. "He handled that fight better than any of us did." She paused before adding, "He'll catch up."

Pyrrha said nothing, her green eyes locked straight ahead, but her grip on her weapon was tighter than before. She believed in Jaune—he had proved himself capable time and time again—but something deep inside her gnawed with worry.

Ren spoke up, his calm voice breaking the silence. "Jaune wouldn't have told us to go if he wasn't sure he could handle it."

Nora, for once subdued, crossed her arms and huffed. "Yeah... but I still don't like it. I mean, how many times can he pull off the whole 'lone warrior' thing before something actually gets him?"

Weiss sighed, her gaze flickering between the walls ahead. "We don't have time to wait. The best thing we can do is keep moving and trust him."

After a moment, Ruby exhaled and nodded. "Right. He'll catch up. He always does."

Despite their reassurances, the silence that followed felt heavier.

---

The late afternoon sun cast a dim, golden glow over the ancient ruins, but even the light did little to dispel the foreboding atmosphere that hung heavy in the air. The temple stood in eerie silence, its towering stone walls worn by time but still exuding an oppressive presence.

In front of the invisible barrier that surrounded it, Qrow Branwen stood, tilting his flask to his lips and taking a slow, measured sip. He lowered it with a sigh, his crimson eyes narrowing at the shimmering wall of energy. "Well, this is new," he muttered. "And here I thought my day couldn't get any worse."

Behind him, the familiar sound of steady footsteps echoed across the clearing.

"You called me all the way out here, Oz, and didn't even roll out the red carpet?" Qrow quipped, glancing over his shoulder. "What's the big deal? Some ancient ruin got a little temperamental?"

Ozpin stood with his cane in hand, his ever-calm expression betraying only the faintest flicker of concern. "Not quite, Qrow," he said evenly. "Eight students entered the temple."

Qrow raised a brow, lips twitching slightly. "Yeah? So why the long face?"

Ozpin's gaze sharpened, his voice quieter but heavier. "Your nieces were among them."

Qrow's smirk vanished in an instant. He blinked, staring at Ozpin before dragging a hand through his hair with a slow exhale. "Great. Just great." His tone was casual, but the tightness in his grip around the flask betrayed his worry. He looked back at the temple, scanning the barrier as if trying to see through it. "What the hell is this thing, anyway?"

Before Ozpin could answer, another voice cut through the tension.

"We don't know," General Ironwood said, stepping into the clearing. His military uniform was slightly disheveled, a rare sight for the usually composed general, and his jaw was set in a hard line. "And that's the problem."

Qrow glanced over at him, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, great. Ironwood's here. That always means things are nice and simple."

Ironwood ignored the sarcasm, his eyes locked onto the barrier. "This isn't just happening in Vale."

Qrow narrowed his gaze. "Oh?"

Ironwood crossed his arms, his frustration evident. "A similar temple appeared in Atlas. We sent an elite team inside... and they haven't reported back." He sighed heavily. "No comms, no signals, nothing. It's like they vanished."

Qrow let out a low whistle. "So, mystery dungeons popping up all over the place now, huh? Looks like someone's been watching too many fairy tales."

Ozpin shook his head. "This is no fairy tale, Qrow. We have no idea what lies inside."

Ironwood scowled. "And I don't like being blind, Ozpin. We've exhausted every method we have to breach the barrier, and none have succeeded." He glanced at the headmaster. "I've been in Vale far longer than I should have. I need to return to Atlas and address our own crisis."

Qrow crossed his arms, watching the two men carefully. "So what's the plan, then? Just stand here and hope they find their way out?"

Ozpin adjusted his glasses, his expression thoughtful. "For now, that's exactly what we'll do."

Qrow groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Fantastic. So what, you're all just gonna leave me here to babysit a magic bubble?"

Ozpin offered a small, knowing smile. "I trust you to keep watch, Qrow. The students at Beacon still need guidance, and I have responsibilities to attend to."

Ironwood nodded curtly. "I have my own responsibilities in Atlas." Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode away, his footsteps fading into the distance.

Qrow watched him leave, then sighed dramatically. "Sure, leave the guy with the terrible luck alone with the spooky temple. What could go wrong?"

Ozpin turned to him, a rare glimmer of reassurance in his eyes. "I wouldn't worry too much, Qrow."

Qrow frowned. "Yeah? And why's that?"

Ozpin's smile grew just a fraction. "Because the kid you found is in there with them."

Qrow blinked, staring at him in surprise before letting out a small, almost reluctant sigh of relief. His grip on the flask loosened, and for the first time since arriving, his posture relaxed slightly. "Huh," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, guess that's something, at least."

He glanced back at the barrier, his eyes filled with something softer now—trust. "Still... I hope they're alright in there."

Ozpin placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I have faith in them, Qrow. They're strong. And they have each other."

Qrow snorted, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. Let's hope that's enough."

As Ozpin walked away, leaving Qrow alone with the temple, the huntsman sighed again, pulling out his flask but not drinking from it. Instead, he gazed at the barrier, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"You better take care of my nieces, kid," he murmured, his voice low and filled with a mixture of worry and pride.

He set up camp nearby, his eyes never leaving the ominous glow of the barrier. For all his usual carefree attitude, there was no denying the weight in his chest.

All he could do now was wait.

---

Eventually, the corridor opened up into a vast chamber, and they all slowed to a halt, their eyes widening at what lay before them.

The group stepped cautiously into the chamber, the oppressive silence pressing down on them like a suffocating shroud. Their footsteps echoed off the high stone walls, and the eerie glow from Weiss's glyphs barely reached the towering ceiling above.

Mirrors.

Dozens of them lined the chamber—tall, ornate, their gilded frames cracked and tarnished with age. Some were freestanding, leaning against the ancient stone walls at odd angles, while others were embedded directly into the rock, stretching up to impossible heights. Their glass surfaces were pristine, untouched by time, reflecting the group's hesitant movements with unsettling clarity.

Ruby swallowed hard as she stepped closer to one of the mirrors. Her reflection stared back at her, wide-eyed and tense, but something about it made her skin crawl. She couldn't put her finger on it, but it was wrong.

"Mirrors?" Yang muttered, forcing a nervous chuckle as she ran a hand through her hair. "Seriously? Compared to everything else in this temple, I'll take my chances with these."

Blake wasn't so sure. Her golden eyes scanned the reflections, and a chill crept up her spine. Something deep inside told her to run. "I don't like this," she murmured, her fingers twitching toward Gambol Shroud. "Something's off."

Weiss huffed, crossing her arms tightly. "They're just mirrors, Blake. Old, creepy mirrors, but mirrors nonetheless." Despite her words, there was a tremor in her voice.

Ren knelt beside one of the freestanding mirrors, examining its base. "They're placed deliberately," he noted. "Almost... ritualistically."

Nora peered into her reflection, tilting her head. "I mean, how scary can a mirror be?" she asked, sticking out her tongue at it.

Her reflection didn't mimic the motion.

Nora's heart froze in her chest. "Uh... guys?"

Before anyone could react, a loud CRACK shattered the heavy silence.

One of the mirrors splintered violently, and a jagged fissure raced across its surface. From the broken glass, something stepped out.

A twisted, nightmarish copy of Weiss emerged, its face pale and cracked like porcelain, eyes hollow and devoid of warmth. Its movements were jerky, unnatural, and when it smiled, its lips stretched far too wide, revealing too many teeth. Weiss stumbled back, horror twisting her features.

Then—

CRASH!

The remaining mirrors shattered all at once, shards of glass spilling onto the floor like rain. They came through.Grotesque, distorted copies of the team crawled from the wreckage, their faces stretched into twisted mockeries of their own. Ruby's clone grinned impossibly wide, Crescent Rose gripped too tightly in her pale, bony fingers. Yang's reflection loomed with a disturbing stillness, her hair flowing like tendrils of ink, eyes burning with an eerie light.

Ruby's breath hitched, and she stumbled back. "N-no way..."

Before she could say more, her reflection lunged at her with terrifying speed. Ruby barely raised Crescent Rose in time, the force of the strike sending her skidding across the floor. Her twisted double moved with jerky, erratic movements, a warped imitation of her combat style—but faster, sharper, unpredictable.

Yang's fists snapped up instinctively as her mirror-self advanced. "Alright, you wanna go? Let's go!" She lunged forward, Ember Celica roaring as she struck—but the reflection was faster. It dodged effortlessly, twisting unnaturally out of the way before countering with a punch that sent Yang sprawling into the wall. She groaned, shaking her head. "What the hell—"

Weiss spun to face her own reflection, Myrtenaster raised defensively. Her double's smile never faltered, its movements precise, calculated. Weiss lunged, aiming for a quick thrust, but the reflection sidestepped with impossible ease, mirroring her perfectly.

"These things... they're matching us," Weiss panted, sweat beading on her forehead. "Move unpredictably!"

Blake slashed at her doppelgänger with Gambol Shroud, but the dark figure was already moving, shadows shifting unnaturally around it. Every move Blake made was countered flawlessly, her reflection striking back with the same eerie grace she prided herself on.

Nora let out a frustrated yell, swinging Magnhild at her twin. "Okay, this is seriously creeping me out!" The reflection blocked her strike with an identical weapon, its grin unrelenting. "STOP COPYING ME!"

Ren, keeping his breathing measured, sidestepped a roundhouse kick from his clone, his every move met with a perfect response. His reflection's face remained expressionless, its eyes cold and mechanical. "They're studying us," he realized, dodging another precise strike. "Learning every move we make."

Pyrrha's shield blocked a brutal spear thrust from her double, the sheer force pushing her back a step. She gritted her teeth. "If they're mirroring our attacks, then we can't fight like ourselves!"

Ruby gasped as her reflection suddenly blurred, dashing forward at blinding speed. She barely twisted Crescent Rose in time to parry, the impact rattling through her arms. "They're too fast!"

Weiss growled, frustration bleeding into her voice. "We can't beat ourselves! They're anticipating everything!"

Yang wiped blood from her lip, her eyes flickering red. "Then we fight differently."

Blake caught on instantly. "New tactics—think outside the box!"

With a new plan in mind, Ruby switched gears, feinting to the left but firing a burst shot in the opposite direction to gain distance. The reflection flinched at the unexpected move, giving her an opening to strike. Yang, instead of a straight punch, faked an uppercut before landing a crushing knee into her doppelgänger's stomach.

Weiss created glyphs in patterns her mirror-self didn't expect, throwing off its precision. Blake abandoned her usual agile strikes for brute force, catching her reflection off guard with a sudden, direct assault.

The chamber echoed with the sharp clash of steel and the heavy, labored breathing of the team. The mirror clones moved with eerie precision, their grotesque grins never fading as they pressed the relentless assault. The fight that had begun with frantic energy was now turning into a desperate struggle for survival.

Ruby stumbled back as her reflection lunged again, the wicked edge of the doppelgänger's Crescent Rose slicing through the air with surgical precision. She managed to parry, but the force sent her skidding across the stone floor, her knees buckling beneath her. Her legs were already shredded, deep gashes running along her calves and thighs, staining the fabric of her uniform dark with blood. She panted heavily, sweat mixing with the crimson streaks on her face. Each step burned like fire, and she barely managed to stay on her feet.

"I... can't keep this up," she gasped, gritting her teeth as she tried to raise her weapon again.

Her reflection responded with a slow, taunting tilt of the head, its hollow eyes drinking in her pain. It stepped forward, deliberate and methodical, forcing Ruby into a corner.

Yang was faring little better. Her fists trembled, her golden hair matted with sweat and streaked with blood from a deep gash across her forehead. Every punch she threw met an identical counter, and the clone's strikes were just as powerful—perhaps even more so, with no signs of fatigue slowing it down. Her Aura flickered weakly, barely holding on after absorbing too many hits. She spat blood onto the floor, shaking her head to clear the dizziness creeping in.

"Damn it," she muttered under her breath. "These things... don't stop."

Weiss's uniform was torn in several places, her once-pristine white attire stained red with slashes that had cut through her aura and into her skin. Her movements were slower now, the elegant precision of her technique giving way to desperation. The mirror version of herself danced around her, every motion taunting, reflecting her worst fears of never being strong enough. She stumbled backward, clutching a deep wound on her arm, her breath ragged.

Blake's clone was relentless, Gambol Shroud slicing through the air with terrifying efficiency. The real Blake panted heavily, her arms aching with exhaustion, new bruises forming under her clothes with every hit she failed to avoid. A thin cut ran down her cheek, blood trickling into her collar. Her doppelgänger's golden eyes gleamed with something predatory—like it could sense her faltering resolve.

"This isn't working," Blake gritted out, her voice hoarse. "We can't outfight them."

Pyrrha's shield trembled in her grasp, her normally composed face contorted in a mixture of frustration and exhaustion. Her clone was faster, stronger, and tireless. Each blow that she managed to block sent shockwaves down her arm, and her spear felt heavier with each passing second. A sharp jab slipped past her defenses, cutting deep into her side, and she cried out, stumbling back as blood seeped from the wound.

Ren fought silently, his eyes calculating every movement, but even his flawless technique couldn't match the endless, calculated precision of his reflection. A long gash ran down his side, and his breathing was becoming increasingly labored. His opponent didn't slow, didn't falter. It was like fighting a ghost of himself—one that didn't grow tired, didn't feel pain.

Nora, normally full of energy, was slowing down, her swings becoming sluggish. Her clone slammed her with a devastating strike, sending her crashing to the floor. She groaned, forcing herself to her knees, a deep gash running along her shoulder. "I hate these things," she muttered through clenched teeth, shaking her head to fight off the encroaching dizziness.

The entire team was bloodied, battered, and exhausted. Their reflections, however, remained unscathed, moving with an uncanny fluidity that only added to their terror.

"Guys..." Ruby gasped, trying to lift Crescent Rose, her arms trembling violently. "I... don't know if we can..."

Her voice trailed off into a pained cry as her reflection slashed across her thigh, sending her collapsing onto the cold stone floor. She clawed at the ground, trying to push herself up, but her legs wouldn't cooperate. Her entire lower body throbbed with unbearable pain, her vision swimming.

Yang saw her sister fall and panic surged through her veins. "RUBY!" she screamed, her voice cracking.

The reflection Ruby loomed over the real one, its hollow eyes narrowing, Crescent Rose raised high for the finishing blow. Ruby struggled to move, her bloodied hands scraping against the ground, eyes wide in helpless terror.

The rest of the team, injured and overwhelmed, could only watch in horror as their leader lay defenseless before the monstrous copy of herself.

The laughter from the mirrors echoed again—low and mocking, a chorus of distorted voices reveling in their suffering.

Ruby braced herself for the end. Her twisted reflection loomed above her, Crescent Rose raised high, its jagged edges glinting under the dim, eerie light of the chamber. She tried to move, to roll away, but her legs were numb from pain and exhaustion.

She could only watch.

The twisted copy's expression remained blank—soulless, empty—until something blurred past her vision in a flash of blue light.

SHRRK!

The twisted Ruby froze, its hollow eyes widening in silent shock. For a brief, surreal moment, it stood still, Crescent Rose held aloft—before the top half of its body slid apart, cleaved clean through by a crackling blue blade. The reflection collapsed in two grotesque halves, black ichor splattering onto the cold stone floor.

Ruby stared in disbelief, gasping for breath as the figure that had saved her stood over the smoldering remains.

Jaune.

His glowing blue eyes scanned the battlefield with a cold, unreadable expression, the hum of his Guardian Spear filling the chamber like a low, deadly whisper. Steam curled from the plasma edge of his weapon, the air still sizzling where it had cut through the twisted copy with surgical precision.

"Jaune..." Ruby croaked, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with relief and shock.

He didn't look at her. His eyes were locked onto the lifeless doppelgänger at his feet, his posture rigid, focused. He pulled his spear back with a sharp flick, black ichor dripping from its blade.

And then—

A wave of cold washed over Ruby.

An unbearable phantom pain surged through her chest, sharp and visceral, like she had been split in two. She clutched at her midsection instinctively, gasping in horror as the feeling passed through her body like an electric shock. But worse than the pain was the emotion—a sickening wave of shock, confusion... and fear.

It wasn't hers.

It was her copy's.

Ruby's eyes widened in horror as the realization settled in. She had felt it—its death, its shock, as if the thing had been... real.

Jaune didn't wait.

Without a word, he moved.

His spear became a blur of blue and steel, carving through the battlefield with deadly precision. One by one, the reflections met the same fate as Ruby's—each sliced apart before they could react, their bodies crumpling in heaps of dissolving black sludge.

SHRRK!

Jaune's spear impaled Weiss's copy through the chest, its face contorting in a twisted expression of surprise before the blade retracted, leaving a gaping wound that oozed ichor. Weiss gasped, clutching her chest instinctively as a phantom ache seized her ribs. Her breath hitched, a deep unease settling in as she felt an echo of her reflection's shock.

SHLICK!

Blake's double barely had time to move before Jaune cut clean through it, severing its head from its body in a fluid motion. Blake staggered, her heart racing as a cold shiver ran down her spine. She could almost hear its final thought—fear.

Pyrrha's reflection blocked desperately, but Jaune sidestepped effortlessly and drove his spear straight through its heart, lifting it off the ground momentarily before pulling back. Pyrrha stumbled, her fingers tightening on her weapon as she felt a strange, distant pang of desperation—as though her reflection had known it would lose, had feared it.

Yang, fists raised and covered in bruises, watched in awe as Jaune carved through her copy with terrifying efficiency. A clean strike to the neck sent the reflection collapsing to the ground, its burning red eyes wide with disbelief. Yang's own knees buckled slightly, a sharp pulse of phantom pain rippling through her body. She exhaled shakily, wiping a hand across her brow, muttering, "Whoa..."

Ren, breathing heavily, watched as his own twisted double faltered under Jaune's assault, the spear slicing through its torso in a blur of motion. The reflection's calm, emotionless mask cracked just before it faded into ichor, and Ren felt a ghostly whisper of dread creep into his mind.

Nora's reflection was the last to fall. It lunged with wild abandon, but Jaune didn't even hesitate. With a precise sweep of his spear, he severed both its arms before delivering a final, merciless thrust through its head. Nora gasped, clutching her temples as an overwhelming wave of fear and panic flooded through her senses.

Then—

Silence.

Jaune stood amidst the scattered remnants of their reflections, his chest rising and falling steadily, his expression never changing. The last of the black ichor hissed against the stone floor, evaporating into nothingness.

Ruby's hands trembled against the floor as she forced herself to sit up. The phantom pain lingered, the remnants of her reflection's final moments etched into her mind. She wasn't alone—one look at her teammates' faces told her they had felt it too.

Ruby's eyes locked onto Jaune, shock and relief flooding through her battered, aching body. "Jaune..." she breathed, barely able to get the words out.

Before he could respond—

CRASH!

Another mirror exploded into a thousand shards, sending razor-sharp glass skittering across the stone floor. The air in the chamber thickened, a suffocating weight pressing down on them as the last remaining reflection stepped forward.

Jaune's own reflection.

It emerged from the shattered glass slowly, deliberately, stepping into the flickering light with an eerie silence that sent chills through the group. The copy was identical in every way—same armor, same weapon, same unreadable expression. But there was something... wrong.

Its glowing blue eyes weren't like Jaune's—cold yet human. No, these eyes were hollow, devoid of anything that resembled humanity. The aura it exuded was suffocating, a twisted imitation of Jaune's unwavering presence, amplified to something far more ominous.

Jaune didn't hesitate.

He raised his spear with one hand, tilting his head slightly, his expression calm but challenging. His stance spoke louder than words.

Come.

The reflection mirrored his movements perfectly, its own Guardian Spear snapping up in a flash of blue energy, the plasma edge crackling ominously. It tilted its head, matching Jaune's pose exactly, as if mocking his very existence.

And then—

They moved.

The two figures collided with an explosion of speed and precision, their spears clashing in a flash of energy and steel. Sparks erupted from each clash, sending waves of blue light pulsing through the chamber. The force of their strikes sent gusts of wind rolling outward, making Ruby and the others stumble back in awe.

Jaune's movements were fluid, efficient—each strike calculated, each step measured. But his reflection was faster, more relentless, attacking with an almost supernatural aggression. It didn't hesitate, didn't falter. It was a predator, moving with the deadly certainty of something that had no fear of pain, exhaustion, or defeat.

CLANG!

Jaune pivoted sharply, deflecting a rapid series of strikes with an almost effortless grace, his glowing eyes locked onto his double's every move. He countered with a sudden thrust, the plasma edge of his spear slicing forward, but his reflection twisted unnaturally, sidestepping with inhuman precision and retaliating with a vicious downward slash.

Jaune barely managed to dodge, the blade grazing his shoulder armor, leaving behind a faint scorch mark.

"Holy crap," Yang muttered, clutching her wounded side as she watched the two figures exchange brutal blows at a speed that seemed unreal. "That thing's keeping up with him!"

Blake, breathing hard, nodded, her eyes darting between the two combatants. "No... it's more than that. It's like it knowshim."

Weiss swallowed hard, gripping Myrtenaster tightly. "But... how?!"

Ruby, still struggling to push herself up, watched in awe and horror as Jaune's copy pressed him harder, their movements becoming a deadly blur of light and steel. Each clash sent shockwaves through the chamber, and it became painfully clear—this fight was unlike anything they had ever seen from him.

Jaune's face remained impassive, unreadable. But his movements grew sharper, more refined, his strikes faster, more precise. He wasn't holding back.

But neither was his reflection.

The copy suddenly shifted its stance, feinting a strike to the left before spinning low and sweeping Jaune's legs out from under him with terrifying speed.

Jaune hit the ground hard, rolling swiftly to avoid the follow-up strike that plunged into the floor where his chest had been seconds before. Dust and stone exploded upward from the impact.

"Jaune!" Ruby cried out in panic.

He didn't stay down. In a seamless motion, he kicked off the ground, flipping backward and landing on his feet, his spear already snapping into a defensive position. His reflection stood motionless for a heartbeat, watching him with those cold, unblinking eyes before tilting its head again...

Mocking him.

Jaune's jaw tightened, and for the first time, something flickered in his eyes—annoyance.

Then, he attacked.

His spear lashed out in a series of rapid, brutal strikes—each one executed with perfect precision, each one meant to kill. The reflection blocked, parried, dodged, but Jaune pressed forward, his movements growing sharper, faster, relentless.

The sheer intensity of his assault sent cracks splintering across the stone floor beneath them.

But even as Jaune pushed harder, his copy kept pace, matching him beat for beat, countering with inhuman grace. The group could only watch, stunned, as their leader fought a battle that none of them could even comprehend.

Pyrrha, still bleeding from her wounds, whispered, "He's... incredible."

Yang clenched her fists, frustrated by her own inability to help. "Then why can't he win?"

Jaune and his reflection clashed once more, their spears locking in a furious struggle of strength. Sparks danced around them, and for a brief moment, they were frozen—locked in a deadlock.

Then the copy grinned.

A slow, malicious smile crept across its face, its hollow eyes filled with an unnatural light. And in that moment, Jaune saw it—the mistake.

It was enjoying this.

It thought it was winning.

Without hesitation, Jaune shifted his grip, letting go of his spear with one hand and surging forward, driving his free fist into the reflection's face with bone-crushing force. The impact sent the clone staggering back, and in that split second of hesitation, Jaune capitalized.

He twisted his spear in a downward arc, driving it through the reflection's chest. The plasma edge pierced through, and for the first time, the copy's grin faltered.

Jaune didn't stop.

With a swift, merciless motion, he wrenched his spear free and delivered a final, brutal slash across the reflection's neck.

The twisted clone froze, its head lolling unnaturally to the side—before it dissolved into a collapsing heap of black ichor.

Silence.

Jaune stood over the remnants of his reflection, his breathing steady, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he lowered his spear, letting the faint hum of its energy fade.

Ruby, still clutching her injuries, watched him with wide eyes. Relief flooded her, but something deep inside twisted at the sight of him standing there—silent, cold, unstoppable.

Jaune turned to them, his glowing eyes scanning over their battered forms. He didn't ask if they were alright. He already knew they weren't.

Ruby let out a trembling breath, staring at the heap of black ichor where her twisted reflection had once stood. Relief flooded through her, her battered body trembling with exhaustion. She tried to push herself up, her hands shaking as she pressed them against the cold stone floor.

The moment she shifted, white-hot pain exploded through her legs.

"Aahh—!" she gasped, collapsing back onto the ground, her vision swimming as fresh blood oozed from the deep gashes lining her thighs. She bit back a sob, her fingers clutching weakly at the cold stone beneath her.

A shadow fell over her.

Jaune was beside her in an instant, dropping to one knee with unsettling calmness. His glowing blue eyes scanned her wounds with the same clinical detachment he had shown toward the monstrous creatures they had faced earlier. He said nothing at first, his hand hovering near her injuries.

"You pushed too far," he finally murmured, his voice low but firm.

Ruby swallowed hard, forcing a weak smile despite the throbbing pain coursing through her body. "Yeah... guess I did." She gave a shaky laugh, trying to sound lighthearted. "Weiss is gonna say 'I told you so,' isn't she?"

Jaune didn't respond to the joke, his gaze flicking to the dark crimson pooling beneath her. "You shouldn't have tried to keep fighting."

Ruby sighed, her smile faltering. "I couldn't just stand there, Jaune." Her eyes met his, filled with exhaustion and quiet determination. "We don't all have your stamina."

Jaune stared at her for a moment longer, something unreadable flickering across his face, but he said nothing. Instead, he stood slowly, turning to face the rest of the team. His voice, steady and unwavering, cut through the heavy silence.

"Everyone, group up. Now."

The command carried a weight that none of them questioned.

Weiss staggered forward, holding her side, her once-pristine uniform stained red. Yang limped, wincing with every step, an arm slung over Blake's shoulder for support. Pyrrha, breathing heavily, moved stiffly, her shield arm trembling slightly from overuse. Ren and Nora supported each other, dragging their battered bodies toward Jaune without a word.

They were bruised, battered—barely standing.

And yet, they gathered around him, drawn by the unwavering strength in his voice.

Jaune knelt once more, his hand hovering over Ruby's arm. Without a word, a soft golden glow bloomed beneath his fingertips, tendrils of warmth spreading from his touch. The sensation rushed through Ruby's battered body, and instantly, the pain that had been gnawing at her vanished.

Then, the warmth spread outward.

A pulse of golden energy radiated from Jaune, seeping into each of them, wrapping around their wounded limbs like a comforting embrace.

The pain melted away.

Yang let out a deep, relieved sigh, her body loosening as the throbbing aches dissolved into blissful nothingness. Weiss closed her eyes briefly, allowing herself to enjoy the warmth washing over her, the burden of pain lifting in an instant. Blake, usually so composed, swayed slightly, her golden eyes widening as the tightness in her leg vanished.

Ruby, more than anyone, felt it—pure euphoria.

It was overwhelming, a surge of peace and relief flooding through her veins. She felt light, almost giddy, as if the crushing exhaustion that had gripped her since they entered this cursed temple had been stripped away completely. Her muscles, once screaming in agony, now felt whole.

The healing glow pulsed again, but then—

The warmth flickered.

Jaune's body sagged, and before anyone could react, he collapsed to his knees. The golden light around them faded instantly, leaving behind a void of empty silence.

"Jaune!" Ruby gasped, grabbing at his arm, her relief vanishing in an instant.

Weiss rushed forward, concern creasing her normally composed features. "Are you alright?"

Jaune exhaled slowly, resting his weight against his spear, his fingers trembling against the weapon's shaft. "I probably won't be able to do that for a while," he said quietly, his voice steady despite the exhaustion pulling at him.

They all exchanged worried glances, and for the first time since they had entered the temple, they realized just how much he had been holding back.

Yang crouched next to him, brushing her hair back with a deep frown. "You should rest, Jaune. Just for a second."

Ren nodded, his voice calm but laced with worry. "You've done enough. Let us—"

Jaune didn't listen.

With a deep, ragged breath, he slowly pushed himself up, his body trembling from the effort.

They watched, frozen, as he forced himself to rise, inch by inch, his spear digging into the ground for support. His knuckles turned white, his muscles shaking, but his face... his face remained calm. Steady. Unwavering.

For a moment, it was as if his entire body refused to obey him—every fiber screaming in protest.

And yet, he stood.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Weiss stared at him, her lips slightly parted in silent awe. She had known strength before, had seen dedication—but this? This was something else. Something that words couldn't quite capture.

Blake, standing quietly beside her, watched the way Jaune's shoulders squared, the way his chest rose and fell in deep, even breaths. It wasn't just willpower that drove him—it was a force beyond logic. It was devotion. To them.

Yang whistled softly, shaking her head in admiration. "You're a stubborn one, fearless leader."

Ruby swallowed hard, wiping at the dampness clinging to her forehead. "Jaune... you don't have to keep pushing like this. We're okay now."

Jaune's eyes flicked toward her, his gaze softening ever so slightly. "You're okay," he corrected, adjusting his grip on his spear. "Let's keep moving."

No one argued.

As they fell in behind him, Ruby felt a strange warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with his healing touch.

They didn't just have a leader anymore.

They had something far greater.

And they knew, with absolute certainty—Jaune Arc wouldn't fall. Not while they still needed him.

The deeper they ventured into the temple, the heavier the air became. The oppressive silence bore down on them like a suffocating weight, and the darkness beyond their glowing weapons seemed to pulse and shift, as if it were alive. The ruined corridors gave way to a grand, towering chamber, its vaulted ceiling lost in shadow. Strange, arcane runes lined the walls, glowing with an unsettling azure light that pulsed rhythmically, like the slow beating of a heart.

Jaune led them forward cautiously, his Guardian Spear crackling softly in the eerie quiet. The moment they crossed the threshold—

The air inside was heavy, thicker than before, charged with an unseen force that clung to their skin like invisible tendrils. Towering pillars lined the space, and at the far end, something loomed—an enormous, twisted mass of dark, chitinous material that seemed to pulse like it was alive.

The moment they stepped inside, the pressure intensified.

And then it happened.

Everything stopped.

Ruby's breath hitched in her throat. Her body froze mid-step, Crescent Rose half-raised. She tried to speak, to scream—but no sound escaped her lips. Her heart pounded in her ears as she realized that nothing, absolutely nothing, moved.

The others were frozen too, locked in their last motions—Yang's mouth still open in mid-quip, Weiss with a frown etched across her face, Pyrrha mid-step, a hand reaching toward her weapon.

Only her mind still raced, screaming against the eerie, suffocating stillness.

And then, in the far reaches of her mind—it appeared.

A dark shape unfolded from the shadows, tendrils shifting like liquid darkness. It had no true form, no face, only a single burning white eye that drilled into her soul. It whispered without sound, its words slithering into her mind like icy fingers.

The darkness thickened around them, seeping into their very minds like a toxic fog. Their bodies stood frozen, unmoving, but their minds were trapped—ensnared.

At the back of the group, Nora's hammer slipped from her grip, clattering onto the stone floor as she stared helplessly into the abyss of her deepest fear.

She stood alone in an empty world. There was no sound, no color, no laughter—just silence. The warmth of Ren's quiet presence was gone. There was no one to turn to, no one to ground her chaotic energy. He had left, disappeared into nothingness, and without him, she felt like a fragment of something that was never whole to begin with. The black tendrils slithered up her legs, pulling her into the void, whispering, "Without him, you are nothing."

Ren fell next, his normally composed expression contorted in quiet agony.

He stood in the wreckage of his childhood home, the ghosts of his past watching him with hollow, accusing stares. His mother, his father, his village—all gone because he wasn't strong enough to protect them. He could hear their whispers, soft but unrelenting. "You failed us, and you'll fail them too."

Tendrils coiled around his chest, tightening like an iron vice, but Ren did not resist. He simply accepted.

Pyrrha's face twisted in quiet despair, her fingers trembling at her sides.

The grand stage was before her, just like it had always been. The lights, the expectations, the false smiles—but behind it, a chasm of loneliness. No one stood beside her. No Jaune, no team, no friends—because none of them had truly cared. They had only wanted Pyrrha Nikos, the champion, the prodigy. Never Pyrrha the person.

"You don't belong," the whispers hissed, and the tendrils curled around her shoulders, weighing her down with their sickening touch.

Blake stood motionless, eyes wide with horror.

She saw Adam. No matter how far she had run, how hard she had fought, his shadow still consumed her. In the reflection of the mirrors, she no longer saw herself—only him. Cold, ruthless, unforgiving. The fear that she would become him, that she had already started to, gnawed at her insides.

"You can't escape what you are," the voice inside her mind taunted. She couldn't even move as the black tendrils began slithering up her arms, binding her in place.

Weiss trembled, staring at the imposing figure standing before her.

Winter Schnee. Her sister's piercing, disappointed gaze cut deeper than any blade. "You're just using Father's name," Winter's voice echoed, laced with quiet scorn. "You're trying to forge an identity with his influence instead of standing on your own. Everything you've built is a borrowed legacy."

The words hit Weiss like a dagger through the heart, and the tendrils crept up her throat, squeezing, choking.

Yang clenched her fists, her breathing ragged.

Ruby lay on the ground before her—broken, bleeding, and beyond her reach. No matter how fast Yang ran, no matter how much she fought, she couldn't reach her in time. Ruby's desperate eyes, filled with fear and betrayal, cut her deeper than anything else. "You said you'd protect me," the phantom Ruby whispered, tears trailing down her face. "But you couldn't."

Yang struggled, screaming internally, but her body remained frozen as the darkness climbed up her arms, dragging her down.

And Ruby...

She stood alone in an endless void, the faces of her friends vanishing one by one. Yang, Weiss, Blake—gone. Jaune, Pyrrha, Ren, Nora—gone. The crushing silence surrounded her, the realization that she had been left behind settling in her chest like lead.

"You were never enough," the voices whispered, circling her like vultures. "You thought they needed you. But they didn't. They left you behind."

She tried to scream, to call out to them, but her voice didn't work. The tendrils wrapped around her waist, pulling her into the darkness as tears spilled down her cheeks.

Then, as if through some unseen link, they all screamed—

"JAUNE!"

At the front of the group, Jaune stood motionless.

But inside his mind…

There was nothing.

A vast, empty void stretched infinitely in all directions. No memories. No nightmares. No fears.

Only The Worker of Secrets.

The dark figure stood before him, clad in flowing robes of endless shadow, his hooded visage obscuring any emotion. Despite the absence of light, his presence was overwhelming—ancient, unyielding, omniscient. And standing opposite him, tendrils of the nightmare creature slithered into the void, coiling in hesitation, sensing something wrong.

The Worker of Secrets tilted his head slowly, the shadows around him twisting unnaturally. "You have made a mistake."

The creature recoiled.

A dark chuckle rumbled from within the hood. "You invaded the wrong mind."

With a deliberate motion, The Worker reached for his weapon—a blade unlike any other. The Infinity Blade. A weapon of pure, unrelenting power, forged in the fires of an age long forgotten.

The creature shrieked, its tendrils writhing in panic, but it was too late.

With a single, fluid motion, The Worker plunged the Infinity Blade deep into the heart of the nightmare. Energy crackled along the weapon's edge as it pierced the core of the beast, splitting it apart from the inside.

The void around them trembled.

The Worker leaned in close, his voice dripping with quiet menace. "You are nothing here."

And with that, he twisted the blade, and the demon shattered.

Jaune's eyes snapped open.

His spear was already raised.

In one swift motion, he leveled it directly at the creature's single, massive eye, his glowing blue gaze locked in an unyielding stare. The nightmare entity barely had time to react before—

BOOM!

The gunfire from his spear erupted with deafening force, the kinetic round screaming through the air. It struck the creature's eye dead center, obliterating it in an explosion of black ichor that splattered against the chamber walls. The beast writhed and thrashed in agony, its form rapidly dissolving into the shadows.

The tendrils wrapped around his friends loosened instantly, their bodies gasping as they snapped back to reality, collapsing onto the floor.

Ruby coughed, clutching her chest, tears still streaming down her face. Weiss staggered, her hands trembling. Yang gasped, her gaze darting to Ruby, relief flooding through her as she saw her sister safe.

Pyrrha pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the absence of her deepest fear, while Blake clutched Gambol Shroud, as if grounding herself to reality.

Jaune stood over the dissipating remnants of the creature, the black ichor sizzling against the cold stone floor. His spear still crackled faintly with energy, steam rising from its barrel. His glowing blue eyes scanned the chamber, ensuring no further threats lurked in the shadows.

"We keep moving," he said, his voice calm but firm, his stance unwavering.

He expected them to fall in line, to push through like they always did. But as he turned, expecting the familiar shuffle of footsteps, he heard nothing.

Instead, he saw their faces.

Ruby, still trembling, clutching Crescent Rose like a lifeline, her silver eyes wide and unfocused. Yang's hands were balled into fists, but her knuckles were white, and her shoulders sagged as if the weight of her fear still clung to her. Weiss stood stiffly, her usually sharp expression dulled, her mouth slightly open as if words had escaped her.

Blake hugged herself, her ears twitching at every sound, her amber eyes staring into nothingness.

Ren and Nora sat close, leaning into each other without speaking, the way they always did when words weren't enough. Nora's face was buried against Ren's shoulder, and his hand rested lightly on her back, offering silent reassurance.

Pyrrha, ever composed, was staring at the ground, her expression haunted. Her fingers toyed nervously with a strand of red hair, eyes distant.

They weren't ready.

Jaune's grip on his spear tightened for a moment before he slowly exhaled. He looked over them, the exhaustion, the lingering fear—whatever they had experienced inside their own minds had been too much.

They needed time.

He took a step back and lowered his spear. His voice, still calm but gentler this time, cut through the heavy silence. "Rest."

A collective sigh rippled through the group, like a weight they didn't realize they were carrying had been lifted.

Ruby sank to the ground first, dragging Yang with her into an embrace. She buried her face in Yang's shoulder, and the older sister wrapped an arm around her protectively, pressing her forehead against Ruby's. Neither spoke, but their grip on each other tightened, holding on like they might slip away again.

Ren and Nora huddled together, her arms encircling his waist, his chin resting lightly atop her head. Nora's usual energy was gone, replaced by the quiet, vulnerable stillness that only Ren could bring out in her. She clung to him, the rapid rise and fall of her chest slowing as his presence steadied her.

Weiss sat down with a slow, controlled motion, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her. Her fingers twitched against her lap, and her gaze remained locked on the empty space in front of her, unfocused, like she was still trapped in the moment of Winter's disappointed gaze.

Pyrrha eased herself down beside Weiss, her eyes flicking between her hands and the distant chamber wall. Her face was etched with uncertainty, haunted by thoughts she didn't dare voice. She drew her knees to her chest and hugged them close, seeking some kind of comfort in the silence.

Blake leaned against a broken pillar, staring at the floor without really seeing it. Her hands trembled slightly in her lap, and she closed them into fists as if she could physically fight off the doubts gnawing at her mind. She exhaled slowly, deliberately, but no matter how much air she let out, the tension in her chest refused to leave.

Jaune remained standing.

He positioned himself near the entrance of the chamber, his spear planted firmly into the ground, his stance rigid and alert. The fatigue in his limbs pulled at him, but he ignored it. He had to.

He could feel their exhaustion, their lingering fear. Whatever they had faced in their own minds had left deep wounds, wounds that healing their bodies couldn't fix. This wasn't something he could fight for them. They needed to come back from it on their own.

His fingers flexed around the shaft of his spear as his glowing blue eyes scanned the darkness beyond. He wouldn't let anything else get near them. Not now.

Not while they were still recovering.

Minutes passed, and the only sounds in the chamber were quiet breathing and the distant drip of water from the ancient stone walls.

Jaune didn't turn, but he listened—listened to the way Ruby's breathing eventually steadied, to the way Yang's voice whispered soft reassurances. He listened to the silence from Weiss and Pyrrha, their thoughts too heavy to speak aloud. To Nora's shaky sighs and Ren's quiet murmurs of comfort.

He would give them time.

And if anything tried to take that away from them, they'd have to go through him first

Ruby sat on the cold stone floor, leaning into Yang's warmth, feeling the steady rhythm of her sister's heartbeat against her ear. Her body still ached, phantom pain lingering from the wounds that Jaune had healed, but the worst of it was gone.

At least, the physical pain was.

Her silver eyes flicked over to Jaune, standing tall and motionless near the entrance of the chamber, his spear planted firmly into the ground like an unyielding guardian.

Even from here, she could see the exhaustion in his posture—the way his shoulders sagged just slightly, the tight grip on his weapon that never relaxed, the quiet tension in his stance as if he was bracing for the next inevitable attack. The soft blue glow of his eyes cut through the darkness, scanning every shadow, every flicker of movement.

He hadn't sat down once.

Ruby swallowed, guilt weighing heavily in her chest.

He's still guarding us.

Even after everything they had been through, after healing them, after fighting that... thing... he hadn't taken a moment to rest. He was standing there, shielding them, making sure they were safe, while they just sat here—wallowing in their fears, letting their doubt hold them back.

We're supposed to be a team, she thought bitterly, staring down at her hands. But he's the one doing everything. We're just... sitting here.

She clenched her fists, frustration flickering inside her. She thought back to her nightmare—the loneliness, the crushing isolation of being abandoned by everyone she loved. But it wasn't real.

Jaune was real.

And he was standing there, shouldering everything without complaint.

"Ruby?" Yang's voice was soft, laced with concern, but Ruby barely heard her.

She took a deep breath and forced herself to move. Slowly, carefully, she shifted out of Yang's embrace and pushed herself to her feet. Her legs were shaky at first, but she steadied them, the weight of responsibility grounding her.

Everyone's eyes turned to her as she stood.

"Come on, guys," Ruby said, her voice quiet but steady. "We need to get moving."

Weiss blinked, frowning slightly. "Ruby—"

"No," Ruby interrupted, her gaze shifting over each of them. "We can't just... sit here forever." She hesitated, glancing once more at Jaune. "Whatever we faced in our heads... whatever scared us..." Her hands curled into fists at her sides. "We can't let it keep us down. We can't let it make us a burden to him."

At the mention of Jaune, everyone's eyes slowly shifted to where he stood, unwavering, at the edge of the chamber.

"He's been fighting our battles for us, taking care of us, without resting," Ruby continued, her voice gaining strength. "And we're just sitting here, letting him carry everything alone. That's not fair to him."

Blake looked down, her fingers tightening around Gambol Shroud.

"We can't keep dragging him down," Ruby said, determination burning in her silver eyes. "We need to move forward. For him. For us."

A heavy silence filled the chamber, and for a moment, no one moved.

Then, one by one, they began to stir.

Ren helped Nora up, their hands lingering for a brief moment longer than necessary before she offered him a small nod, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Weiss exhaled slowly, brushing invisible dust from her skirt before standing with newfound purpose, a faint light of determination flickering in her usually guarded expression.

Blake pushed herself to her feet, shaking off the remaining remnants of fear, her eyes set ahead.

Pyrrha rose gracefully, though the weariness in her eyes was undeniable. Still, there was a resolve in the way she held her shield closer to her chest, no longer weighed down by doubt.

Yang stretched, rolling her shoulders with a wince but offering Ruby a small, appreciative smile. "Alright, sis... Let's do this."

Ruby turned back toward Jaune, watching him for a moment longer.

He hadn't moved, but there was something different now. Maybe he had heard her, maybe he hadn't—but it didn't matter.

They wouldn't let him do this alone anymore.

Steeling herself, Ruby took a step forward. "Jaune," she called out, her voice cutting through the quiet.

He didn't turn immediately. His head tilted slightly, acknowledging her words, but his gaze remained locked on the darkness ahead.

"We're ready," she said firmly.

Jaune finally glanced back at them, his blue eyes flicking across each of their faces, assessing, calculating. His expression remained unreadable, but after a long pause, he nodded.

"Good," he said simply, adjusting his grip on his spear. "Then let's move."

There was no fanfare, no dramatic gesture—just a simple command that pushed them forward.

And this time, they moved as a team.

As they crossed the threshold into the unknown, Ruby felt a renewed sense of strength in their steps, in their unity. They weren't just following Jaune anymore. They were walking beside him.

And that made all the difference.

The group moved cautiously down the corridor, their footsteps echoing through the vast, ancient stone passage. The air was thick, pressing against their chests like an invisible weight, and a growing sense of unease gnawed at their resolve. Each of them carried the scars of the temple's previous trials—mental, emotional, and physical. But they moved forward together, their determination now reinforced by shared purpose.

Finally, they reached a vast, circular chamber.

The floor was made of polished black stone, reflecting the eerie red glow emanating from a large, pulsing crystal embedded in the center. Strange markings spiraled outward from the crystal like veins, pulsating with an ominous rhythm.

At the center of the chamber was a platform, a circular slab of stone that looked ancient yet pristine, as if it had been untouched by the passing centuries. The moment they stepped onto it, a soft hum filled the chamber, and the edges of the platform lit up with a dull crimson light.

Then, the voice returned.

"You have come far."

It was not spoken aloud but resonated within their minds, a whisper that filled every dark corner of their thoughts.

"But your journey ends here."

The platform beneath them shuddered, and slowly, it began to rise, lifting them toward the unseen heights above. Panic flashed through the group as they instinctively reached for their weapons, but the voice was far from done.

"One must stay."

The words hit them like a hammer, and all movement stopped.

"Only then shall the others be free."

Ruby felt her heart drop to her stomach, and a collective tension settled over them.

"Wait... what?" Yang's voice broke the silence, her usual bravado stripped away.

"We can't do this again," Weiss muttered, shaking her head, panic creeping into her tone. "Not after everything we've been through."

Blake's ears twitched, and her voice was wary. "It's a test. It has to be."

Jaune stepped forward slightly, scanning the platform as it slowly ascended. His grip tightened around his spear, the faint hum of its energy filling the heavy silence. His mind raced, assessing every possibility, every way out. But deep down, he already knew the answer.

No one said it.

No one wanted to.

But the weight of the decision hung in the air like a blade waiting to fall.

And so, Jaune made the decision for them.

"I'll stay," he said, his voice steady, unwavering.

All eyes snapped to him in shock.

"Jaune—" Ruby's voice wavered as she took a step forward, her silver eyes wide with desperation.

"You're exhausted," Pyrrha interjected quickly, her tone frantic yet controlled. "You can't stay behind—not like this. I should—"

"No." Jaune's voice cut through the argument before it could escalate. He turned, facing them with a calm expression. "I'm the best choice. You all know it."

Pyrrha clenched her fists, frustration flickering in her emerald eyes. "You're too tired, Jaune. I—I'm the next best fighter. I should be the one to—"

Jaune's expression softened, but his voice remained resolute. "Pyrrha, you're more valuable with them. If something else happens, they'll need you. It has to be me."

Weiss swallowed hard, her usually sharp tone softened by the weight of the moment. "Jaune... this isn't fair."

"It never is," Jaune said simply.

Before anyone could protest further, he took a step off the platform.

The moment his foot left the stone, everything changed.

The pulsing crystal flared with a blinding light, and an unseen force seized Jaune mid-step. His entire body froze in place, his limbs locked in unnatural stiffness. His eyes widened slightly, a brief flicker of surprise crossing his face before he became utterly still.

"JAUNE!" Ruby lunged forward, but the invisible force stopped her, preventing her from stepping off the rising platform.

The stone beneath their feet surged upward, the chamber beneath them shrinking into darkness, leaving Jaune behind. Ruby's fists pounded against the invisible barrier as she screamed his name again, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Let me go! We can't leave him!"

The others struggled against the unseen wall, their desperation rising as the platform continued to ascend, carrying them away from their frozen leader.

"Come on, you stupid thing!" Yang shouted, slamming her fists against the barrier in frustration, her voice raw with anger and fear.

Weiss turned to the crystal frantically, her hands glowing with glyphs, trying to dismantle whatever force was holding them captive. "There has to be a way to reverse this!"

Pyrrha's hands trembled at her sides, her gaze locked onto Jaune's frozen form. She whispered under her breath, "We can't leave him behind... we can't..."

Blake's voice was tight, strained. "He knew... he knew it would happen."

Ruby's hands pressed against the invisible wall separating them from Jaune, her vision blurred with tears. "Jaune! We need you!" Her voice cracked, the desperation in it too heavy to bear. "You can't—"

Jaune didn't move.

He stood frozen, his eyes locked forward, unseeing. The crystal's dark tendrils curled around him like vines, holding him in place.

As they ascended higher and higher, the last thing they saw was the dim glow of his blue eyes, fading into the darkness below.

Then, silence.

Ruby fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

Yang clenched her fists, breathing heavily.

Pyrrha hugged herself tightly, shaking her head.

And Weiss, for once, had no words.