Hello everyone welcome back to Dimensional heroes of Remnant. And we're at chapter 6, crazy to believe and I'm surprised I've actually been doing pretty well with the scheduling I'm suck at time management but man, I've been on point.
I feel awesome and I'm sure you guys also appreciate it too not further ado let's see what our wonderful villains are doing well not wonderful but you get the point.
This is
Chapter 6 The other side
Cinder slowly roused from the depths of unconsciousness, her body rebelling against the sharp pangs of pain that surged through her like wildfire. A muffled groan escaped her lips as she struggled to push herself upright, her mind still foggy from the brutal clash she had endured with Phantom.
As her senses began to sharpen, she took in her surroundings, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling the air and the muted sounds of hushed voices echoing around her. To her dismay, Cinder found herself in the medical wing of Evernight Castle, the cold, dark walls stark against the shadows that danced in the corners.
Her gaze drifted across the room and landed on two familiar figures sprawled on the beds opposite her.Mercury, his brow furrowed in concentration, was engrossed in the meticulous task of repairing his prosthetic leg, the intricate gears and wires glinting under the dim light.
Across from him lay Emerald, her red eyes fixed on the ceiling, a distant expression clouding his features as he seemed lost in thought.
A surge of concern flickered within Cinder, her heart racing as she took in the sight of her weary subordinates. "What are you doing here?" she croaked, her voice strained but laced with a fierce curiosity. "That vigilante happened the one that beat you."
Emerald stated turning her red eyes to Cinder her voice was changed with pain "he absolutely destroyed us." Cinder was frustrated, fully aware of Mercury and Emerald's overconfidence, yet she had severely underestimated just how far their arrogance stretched.
The sheer level of idiocy that filled the room was astounding, and she struggled to believe her ears until the sound of sharp heels clacking against the polished floor commanded everyone's attention. As the door to the medical wing swung open, all eyes fell upon the imposing figure of Salem, the immortal witch.
Draped in an elegant black dress that clung to her form, the fabric was interwoven with striking red highlights, enhancing her ethereal, ash-white complexion.
Her hair, styled into intricate buns, was held in place by shimmering, ornate hairpins that glimmered like stars against the dim light. Each step she took was accentuated by her flowing black and red cape, which billowed dramatically behind her, creating an aura of both power and grace.
The atmosphere in the room shifted, heavy with a mix of fear and awe, as Salem entered, radiating a commanding presence that made it clear she was not to be trifled with.
"I see you're finally awake, Young Cinder," Salem's voice resonated through the dimly lit chamber, a hint of cruel amusement lacing her words. "Good. It is time for our meeting to discuss your failures in greater detail."
With that, she turned on her heel, her dark cloak swirling around her like shadows, and strode out of the room. The other three members of her entourage, cloaked in a heavy silence, followed behind her.
Their heads hung low, each one acutely aware of the weight of their recent failures—not only in their botched attempt to take down the CCT Tower but also in their inability to secure the power of the Fall Maiden.
As they entered the meeting hall, the atmosphere shifted, thick with tension. The room was of decent size, dominated by a long, imposing table that seemed to stretch endlessly. On the right side sat three men, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain. The first among them was a cackling figure, perched atop his chair with an air of manic energy.
His long, brown braided hair cascaded down his back, framing a face twisted into a sadistic grin. Dressed in a white, open sleeveless shirt that revealed his lean physique, he wore black straps that crisscrossed over his chest and shoulders, connecting to a belt strapped around his pants.
His knee-high brown boots were scuffed and worn, and wrappings adorned each of his arms, giving them an almost primal appearance.
Gauntlets lined with blades glinted menacingly at his sides, and from his back sprouted a menacing brown scorpion tail, flicking back and forth as he chuckled darkly.
"So, the great Fall Maiden returns empty-handed," Tyrion sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "That's got to be quite the sting."
His laughter echoed in the hall, a sound that mingled with the palpable tension, as all eyes turned to Cinder, awaiting her response to the biting taunt.
However, before Cinder could retort, another voice emerged from the shadowy corners of the room, smooth and dripping with condescension. "As much as I would like to detest Tyrion,"
He began, the corners of his mouth curling into a self-satisfied grin, "he raises several valid points. Tell me, how did you manage to fail so spectacularly?"
The man who spoke was impeccably dressed, his black suit adorned with striking gold highlights that caught the light in a way that seemed almost theatrical.
Beneath the suit, a dark purple waistcoat peered out, complemented by a matching necktie that hung with an air of arrogance.
His orangey-gold button-up shirt glimmered subtly, while his black trousers were tailored to perfection, flowing seamlessly into dark purple dress shoes that gleamed like polished obsidian.
His complexion was rich and deep, a contrast to the graying strands of hair that framed his face, meticulously styled to give him an air of both authority and charm. A well-kept mustache added a flamboyant touch to his already striking appearance.
With an expression of mockery that could chill the warmest heart, Arthur Watts leaned slightly forward, the smug smile never leaving his lips. "Honestly, do tell," he continued, his voice smooth and patronizing, "I'm sure it's quite the spectacular story."
His eyes glimmered with delight, relishing the chance to exploit Cinder's misfortune, as he awaited the tale that promised to be as entertaining as it was humiliating.
Cinder's teeth ground together, the sheer heat of her irritation radiating from her as she reluctantly prepared to recount their disastrous endeavor. Though Watts' inevitable taunts filled her with dread, she resigned herself to the task, knowing the tale must be told.
"At first, everything had unfolded according to plan. We had successfully infiltrated the CCT and ensured that General Ironwood was responsible for the security measures.
However, during the attack on Beacon, just as I was poised to seize the remaining power of the Fall Maiden by eliminating the previous bearer, a man appeared out of nowhere."
In that moment, the last individual seated at the table rose to his full height, easily towering over everyone present, save for the imposing figure of Salem herself.
He had tousled brown hair and wore a sleeveless green shirt that showcased his impressive, muscular physique.
His attire was completed by a pair of black pants and sturdy brown steel-toed boot. The man was known as Hazel rainart
When he spoke, his voice was deep and serious, his face an unreadable mask of composure. "What do you mean, 'a man appeared out of nowhere'? Do you believe it was a semblance?"
He inquired, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Cinder. She shook her head, her mind immediately flashing back to the terrifying encounter with Phantom 10.
However, as she recalled the sheer power and fear that Phantom 10 had instilled in her, she realized with certainty that it was not his semblance at work on that fateful day.
The mere thought of the formidable adversary sent a shiver of dread through her, as she confronted the unsettling realization of just how formidable and unpredictable this unknown individual had been.
Cinder's hands trembled slightly, betraying the depth of her trepidation.
"I don't think it was just that he demonstrated an array of extraordinary abilities," she continued, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"For instance, he conjured a gun out of thin air—some sort of energy grapple gun. It was unlike anything I've ever seen, distinctly different from the way Phantom 10 summoned his weapons or transformed.
Honestly, I doubt he even has a semblance, let alone an aura. He even asked for the cliff notes, as if he was oblivious to the chaos around him."
"Phantom 10?" Emerald interjected, her brow furrowing in confusion. The name was unfamiliar to her.
Before she could inquire further, Cinder's eyes narrowed, and she elaborated with a venomous edge.
"It's the name of the person who defeated me, and apparently both of you as well," she said, casting a steely glare at Emerald and Mercury, as if to hold them accountable for their failures.
Before the conversation could delve deeper, Watts interrupted, ever the voice of skepticism. "What do you mean by transformations?
And what leads you to believe he lacks a semblance?" Cinder turned to Arthur, her tone shifting from irritation to inquiry.
"Whenever he engaged in combat, he utilized his armor to its fullest advantage.
The material is formidable, yet it did little to shield him from the Fall Maiden's powers. When I struck him with a fireball atop Beacon Tower, he screamed in agony.
There's no way he would have been harmed if he possessed an aura. Plus, it never manifested during the confrontation."
The tension hung in the air, thick with uncertainty and doubt, as they pondered the enigma of their opponent.
Mercury, who had remained silent until now, finally broke the tension in the room. His voice, sharp and inquisitive, cut through the air.
"You didn't answer his question. What do you mean by 'transform'?" As he spoke, the collective gaze of the group shifted back to Cinder, who stood at the center of the gathering, her demeanor shifting from confident to contemplative.
Taking a deep breath, she gathered her thoughts, the weight of the moment settling heavily upon her shoulders. "He transformed into some kind of… energy monster," she began, her voice trembling slightly as she recalled the terrifying encounter.
"He spoke to me as if I were nothing more than an insignificant insect, hovering in his presence. It was horrifying."
As the words left her lips, a palpable shock rippled through the room. Eyes widened in disbelief, the members of the group exchanged glances, struggling to reconcile the image of such a fearsome figure with the typically unflappable Cinder.
It was a revelation that no one had anticipated; the idea that something could instill fear in her was both unsettling and eye-opening.
Only Salem remained unfazed, her expression inscrutable, as if the revelation held no surprise for her at all.
"I beg your pardon, but did you just say he transformed into an energy monster?" Arthur asked, his voice a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. Cinder met his gaze, her expression unwavering as she nodded firmly.
"I can assure you, he's real," Cinder replied, her tone imbued with an unshakeable certainty that brooked no argument.
Emerald, eager to contribute, leaned forward and added, "Plus, I think he might be the one who defeated the Grimm dragon. He's the only person I can imagine who could even come close to matching its power."
With that, Emerald swiftly pulled up a video on her device, the screen illuminating their faces with the glow of the footage.
The images revealed a titanic battle between an enormous lizard-like creature and the fearsome Grimm dragon, and as the video played, she pointed out the hourglass symbol emblazoned on the creature's chest. "I mean, look! It's the same symbol; it's identical to Phantom's."
However, as the video continued, Mercury's brow furrowed in concentration. He scrutinized the footage, recalling the fierce confrontation they had experienced with Phantom.
There was something unsettlingly different about this new entity. Unlike Phantom, who had fought with a ruthless urgency—seeking to end the battle as swiftly as possible—this humanoid lizard seemed to engage in a more measured and deliberate manner.
Its movements lacked the raw aggression and ferocity that had defined Phantom's approach, leaving Mercury with a lingering sense of unease as he pondered the implications of this revelation.
"Nope." Mercury declared loudly, drawing everyone's attention to him. With a casual smirk, he leaned back, crossing his arms.
"They're not the same person. Their fighting styles are completely different. Phantom tried to end the fight quickly, but this… this thing isn't even in a fighting stance. It's a mishmash of movements—nothing defined, nothing well-trained. I'm telling you, this is a totally different player in the game."
Cinder opened her mouth to reprimand Mercury, but paused mid-sentence, considering the validity of his argument.
As an assassin adept at reading people, especially their combat techniques, she found herself weighing his insights carefully. Yet, the implications of his revelation began to settle uncomfortably in her mind.
"Mercury, are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" Emerald's voice quivered with panic, her eyes darting between Cinder and the others, the dread of realization washing over her. The unease in the room thickened, echoing her mounting anxiety.
With a nonchalant nod, Mercury shrugged, his expression a blend of mischief and arrogance.
"Probably, yeah. There are too many differences in the fighting styles for it to be the same person. We're dealing with two separate entities here."
Before anyone could respond, Salem's voice cut through the tension with an air of authority.
"For now, pause all of our plans." Her tone was calm yet commanding, a stark contrast to the rising chaos around her. She turned her gaze toward Hazel, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Hazel, I want you to gather information on this… Phantom, and anyone else he associates with. I need to understand the full scope of what we're dealing with and whether we can leverage this to our advantage."
"As you wish," Hazel said to Salem, his voice steady and unwavering, revealing no trace of hesitation.
With a finality that left no room for further discussion, Salem rose from her seat, her presence commanding and dark, and began to stride toward the door. Just as she reached the threshold, she halted abruptly, a flicker of intensity crossing her features.
"Cinder," she pronounced, her voice slicing through the stillness, "you must become stronger. Come, it's time for your training."
Feeling the weight of her mistress's expectation, Cinder quickly stood, her heart racing with a blend of urgency and determination.
The sharp clinking of her heels echoed against the polished floor, each step a reminder of her duty and the unyielding authority that loomed over her.
She hurried down the corridor, her silhouette gradually swallowed by the shadows that danced along the walls.
One by one, the others began to slip away, each absorbed in their own thoughts and preparations, unaware of the looming challenges that awaited them.
The air was thick with an unspoken tension, a palpable sense of anticipation that hung heavy in the atmosphere.
As the last figure vanished from sight, the room fell into a profound silence, leaving behind a lingering echo of uncertainty and the promise of trials yet to come.
(Vail national hospital communication room normal POV)
Ben, Jaune, and Pyrrha moved cautiously through the bustling communication room, the air thick with anticipation and murmured conversations. Screens flickered with grainy images, each a window to distant loved ones scattered across Remnant.
Voices overlapped, weaving a tapestry of hope and anxiety that seemed to pulse through the walls. General Ironwood had been summoned to attend urgent matters, leaving the trio to navigate the crowded space on their own.
Jaune's hands gripped the handles of Pyrrha's wheelchair tightly, his knuckles turning white as he guided her through the throng. His heart raced, each beat echoing the memory of the kiss that had changed everything.
He could still feel the warmth of her lips, the soft brush of her breath—a moment that seemed to replay in his mind over and over, filling him with both exhilaration and unease.
An invisible thread now connected them, delicate yet unbreakable, and he was terrified of saying the wrong thing, of shattering the fragile bond they had just begun to explore.
His voice was low, hesitant. "So... what's your mother like?" His eyes flicked down to Pyrrha, his expression tentative, almost boyish in its vulnerability. He was trying to sound casual, but the question was heavy with implications.
Meeting her mother felt monumental, a step into a world he wasn't sure he was ready for but desperately wanted to be a part of.
Pyrrha looked up at him, her emerald eyes softening as a gentle smile played at her lips. "She's… a bit more on the shy side," she admitted, her voice fond and warm. "But she's the most caring person you could ever meet."
There was a note of melancholy in her words, an undercurrent of longing that Jaune almost missed. It was as if she were remembering happier days, moments untouched by the battles and burdens they now faced.
Ben, leading the way with his usual easy stride, turned slightly, his green eyes thoughtful. "She sounds nice," he said, his tone warm and genuine.
He flashed a reassuring smile, his presence a steadying force amidst the swirling emotions around them. It was just like Ben to bring a sense of normalcy, to ground them in the here and now.
As they reached the terminal General Ironwood had indicated, a screen flickered to life, its glow illuminating their faces. A small loading bar crept forward at a maddeningly slow pace.
Jaune's heart thudded loudly in his chest, each second feeling like an eternity. When the image finally appeared, he felt his breath catch.
A beautiful woman's face filled the screen, her fair skin softly lit by the screen's glow. Her vibrant red hair framed her face in gentle waves, striking green eyes peering out from behind stylish glasses that added a touch of bookish charm.
She wore a loose-fitting red shirt that matched the warmth in her gaze, exuding a quiet grace that was unmistakably mirrored in her daughter.
Pyrrha's face softened, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her features. "Hello, Mother," she greeted, her voice gentle but hesitant, as though uncertain of how to bridge the distance between them.
There was love in her tone, but also a reservedness, a barrier built from time and circumstance.
Calypso's smile brightened, her eyes glistening as she took in the sight of her daughter. Her voice was soft, almost timid as she spoke. "Oh, Pyrrha… it's so good to see you, my little warrior."
Her words wavered slightly, as if she were holding back tears. Her gaze then shifted to the two boys standing behind Pyrrha, her expression curious but shy.
"And… the young man behind you… he's your partner, Jaune, right?" Her eyes flicked nervously to Ben. "And… that makes the other one Ren, I think?"
Ben's eyes widened in surprise, a flush rising to his cheeks. "Uh, actually, I'm Ben," he corrected, his voice wavering as he tried to suppress his embarrassment. "Ren's… someone else."
He shot a glance at Pyrrha, his expression sheepish. "But we do kinda have the same color scheme, so… easy mix-up." He let out an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his head.
Calypso's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing. "Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry, Ben!" she stammered, her voice trembling with embarrassment.
"I didn't mean to… I just assumed…" She trailed off, clearly flustered. Her fingers fiddled with the hem of her shirt, her gaze dropping to the floor.
"I'm… not great at this… talking to people I don't know, I mean…" Her voice was barely above a whisper, the shyness evident in every word.
Ben's face softened, his initial embarrassment giving way to understanding. "It's alright," he said, his tone gentle and sincere.
"No harm done. I get mixed up with people all the time." He flashed her his trademark grin, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Guess I just have one of those faces."
Calypso's eyes widened in surprise before she let out a soft, musical laugh. Her shoulders relaxed, her expression softening. "I suppose… that's true," she admitted, a shy smile lighting up her face.
Jaune watched the exchange, his nerves slowly easing. Calypso wasn't intimidating at all. In fact, her tepidness reminded him a little of himself.
He took a deep breath, summoning his courage. "I… I just want you to know," he started, his voice trembling slightly, "that I'll do everything I can to protect Pyrrha." His eyes locked with Calypso's, his gaze steady despite his racing heart. "I… care about her a lot."
Calypso's eyes widened, her expression softening. Her cheeks tinged pink, and she glanced away, clearly touched. "I… thank you, Jaune," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"That… means a great deal to me. Truly." She looked back at him, her green eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Pyrrha… she speaks so highly of you."
Jaune's heart skipped a beat, his face flushing crimson. "She… she does?" he stammered, his voice cracking. He looked down at Pyrrha, who was now blushing furiously, her eyes fixed firmly on her lap.
Ben watched the two of them, a knowing smile curling at his lips. "Well, this just got interesting," he muttered under his breath, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
The screen flickered softly, Calypso's smile growing warmer as she looked at the trio. "I can see why Pyrrha chose such good friends," she whispered, her voice so soft they almost didn't hear it. "Thank you… for staying by her side."
Ben grinned, Jaune swallowed the lump in his throat, and Pyrrha finally looked up, her emerald eyes shimmering with gratitude and affection.
In that moment, the invisible thread that bound them all together grew just a little stronger, a little brighter.
(Vail cafeteria normal POV)
As Gwen watched Coco casually fist-bump the two newcomers, followed by Velvet doing the same, she turned to Weiss, her brow furrowed in curiosity. "So… who are they?"
Weiss gracefully folded her hands in her lap, maintaining her usual poise. "That's Yatsuhashi and Fox. They're Coco's teammates. Together with Velvet, they make up Team CFVY."
Gwen nodded, now understanding. She put on a polite smile and took a step forward. "Hi, I'm Gwen. Nice to meet you."
Yatsuhashi offered a polite nod, his towering figure imposing but his demeanor gentle. Fox mirrored the gesture, his expression calm and unreadable. Before Gwen could question their silence, Coco waved her hand dismissively.
"Don't take it personally, Gwen. These two aren't exactly chatterboxes."
Before the conversation could go any further, the rest of the group arrived with their trays of food, filling the table with the delicious scent of the Vail hospital fare. As everyone settled down and began eating.
Coco leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs casually. Her trademark sunglasses gleamed as she fixed her gaze on Yatsuhashi and Fox. "So… where were you two during the attack on Beacon?"
Yatsuhashi put his utensils down and spoke first, his voice calm and steady. "After we got separated, we linked up with two members of Team SSSN. I believe one of them was named Sage. He got injured pretty badly, so we fought our way to the hospital. We even caught glimpses of that humanoid dinosaur fighting the dragon on the way."
Sun, who had been mid-bite, nearly choked in surprise. "Wait, wait, wait! You met up with my team?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide.
Neptune, ever the smooth talker, gave Sun a gentle elbow in the ribs. "Calm down, dude."
Fox, his voice low but confident, added, "Yeah, they're holed up in room 616."
Sun and Neptune exchanged excited looks before they began shoveling down their food at lightning speed.
As they prepared to leave, Sun turned to Blake, his usual confidence wavering just a bit. "Hey, Blake… want to come meet the guys with us?"
Yang grinned mischievously, nudging Blake with her elbow. "Go on," she whispered, flicking her head in Sun's direction. Blake caught the look and rolled her eyes, but a small smile crept onto her lips.
"Sure, why not?" she agreed, her voice calm and collected as she stood up to follow them.
As the trio left, the table fell into a comfortable rhythm, casual conversation flowing freely. Amber introduced herself to Yatsuhashi and Fox, and they nodded in acknowledgment.
A few moments later, Max and Cooper strolled up to the table. Max had a cheerful grin on his face, his posture relaxed. "Hey, how was that Star Wars marathon last night?"
Yang immediately perked up, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "It was awesome! Clone Wars is so intense! I almost lost it when Heavy… you know… did his thing." She looked a little embarrassed, scratching the back of her head. "I might have screamed. Just a little."
Gwen snickered, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "A little? You practically ripped your hair out!"
Weiss looked reflective, her icy demeanor momentarily softened. "I still can't get over the way Yoda handled all those droids by himself… it was like watching an ancient general at work."
Ren nodded in agreement, his eyes thoughtful. "He was so calm… so precise. It was almost like watching a master huntsman. Yatsahashi raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with curiosity. "Wait, what's Clone Wars?"
Velvet's ears perked up. "Oh! It's this Earth show about space battles and laser swords. It's pretty amazing!"
Yatsuhashi looked even more confused, his deep voice resonating. "Space battles? Laser swords?"
Fox simply crossed his arms, his face impassive. "Sounds… interesting."
Nora, her energy as boundless as ever, leaned in with wide eyes. "Oh, it's not just interesting. It's epic! There's this guy, General Grievous, who's like this crazy robot guy with four arms and four lightsabers!" She threw her arms up dramatically. "Four! And he spins them like a tornado!"
Fox finally cracked a small grin. "Now that sounds worth watching."
Max laughed, his shoulders shaking as he did. "Well, we've got the rest of the seasons back in our hospital room in the DVD case. You two are welcome to join us."
Yatsuhashi leaned back in his chair, his usual stoic demeanor faded as he smiled. "Count me in. It sounds very interesting."
Max then cleared his throat, his demeanor shifting to a more serious but still relaxed tone. "Alright, let's go over the schedule for the next few days."
Amber leaned forward, her curiosity evident. "What's the plan?"
Max glanced at Cooper before continuing. "This afternoon, we'll be leaving Vale for Patch. Cooper's staying behind, though."
Weiss looked surprised. "Why? I thought we were all going."
Cooper crossed his arms, leaning against the table. "Glynda offered me a job here. A little extra cash sounds nice, and my powers are a lot more useful in a school like this than out on the battlefield."
Gwen nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Makes sense. Technopaths do thrive around tech, and this place is full of it."
Ren, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "Technopath?"
Cooper's eyes gleamed as he gave a casual shrug. "I control machines. Technology speaks to me… literally."
Nora's jaw dropped. "That's so cool! You must be, like, best friends with vending machines!"
Cooper laughed. "Something like that."
Max continued, his voice carrying a lighthearted but authoritative tone. "Once we get to Patch, we'll grab some essentials with the credits Ironwood gave us. He's trying to get cards set up for all of us to make things easier."
He pointed at himself, Gwen, and Cooper. "After that, we'll check out the old military base Decca told us about. Figure out what needs fixing and see if it's any good for training."
Coco smirked, her confidence radiating. "Sounds like a plan. Maybe we can tag along and show you how CFVY does things."
Velvet's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'd love to see how you train. Maybe we can learn from each other."
Max chuckled, his eyes warm. "I'd like that. Always good to see different fighting styles." He then leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head, his demeanor easygoing. "Besides, it'll be fun to show you Remnant kids how Earth folks get things done."
Weiss arched an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her voice. "Oh? Is that a promise, Mr. Tennyson?"
Max's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You bet, Miss Schnee. You bet. But for now enjoy yourselves also could you contact the rest of the group to make sure they're aware of the plans?"
Yang nodded "sure thing I'll text everyone then let them know." Max knotted "thanks kiddo now if you excuse me I'm going to get breakfast. With that Max got up towards the food line along with the Cooper The conversation continued with them talking about whatever topics came to mind well this was happening two more members of the group were training on the roof.
(Vail hospital roof normal POV)
The sun hung high in the sky, its warm rays cascading over the abandoned courtyard where Ruby strained through her exercises. Her arms trembled, her muscles burning with every push-up. Beads of sweat ran down her forehead, but her silver eyes gleamed with fiery determination. Her breaths came in sharp gasps, but she refused to give in. Not while Phantom was watching.
Phantom stood nearby, his figure cast in shadow beneath the crumbling archway. His posture was rigid, arms crossed over his chest, his presence as still and silent as stone.
The black visor of his mask reflected the sunlight, concealing his gaze, but his focus never wavered from his student. Cold. Calculating. Yet there was a hint of something softer—a subtle nod of respect for her tenacity.
Ruby's voice was strained as she counted the last few reps. "Ninety-seven… ninety-eight… ninety-nine… one hundred!" Her body gave out, and she collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.
Phantom moved with swift efficiency, his footsteps almost soundless as he approached. He helped her into a sitting position, his grip firm yet gentle, and handed her a water bottle.
"You're making progress," he stated, his voice steady, devoid of praise yet not unkind. "Take a break."
Ruby greedily gulped down the water, letting out a satisfied sigh as she finished. She looked up at him, eyes wide with curiosity. "How do you do that? I could barely make it to a hundred. How many can you do?"
Phantom's head tilted downward, his tone matter-of-fact. "Four hundred and twenty."
Ruby's jaw dropped. "FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY?! That's insane! No human should be able to do that!"
Phantom merely shrugged, his voice calm, almost indifferent. "You think that's impressive? The world record in my dimension is over three thousand."
Ruby's eyes went wide, her imagination failing to comprehend such a feat. But before she could ask more questions, Phantom placed a book beside her. She looked at the title, her expression shifting to confusion. Forensics for Dummies.
"What's this for?" she asked, tilting her head. "What does forensics have to do with fighting or getting stronger?"
Phantom's voice remained even, his logic cold and precise. "Knowing how to fight isn't everything. If you're ever at a crime scene, you'll need to figure out who did what and where they went. Knowing how to track, how to investigate—that's just as important as being able to fight. Intelligence wins battles before they even start."
He stood up, his posture imposing, but his voice softened slightly as he added, "Besides, there's more for you to learn—like stealth."
Ruby's face scrunched up in confusion. "Why would I need to learn stealth? I can just go in and beat up all the bad guys, superhero-style!" She struck a dramatic pose, grinning wide.
Phantom's shoulders rose ever so slightly, a faint sigh escaping him. "Because not every fight can be won head-on." His tone was measured, firm but not harsh. "Even I can't handle overwhelming numbers.
Sometimes, it's smarter to pick them off one by one, quietly. Instill fear, make them anxious, force them to make mistakes. It's about control—about winning before the fight even begins."
Ruby stared up at him, her expression thoughtful as his words sank in. She remembered Mountain Glenn, how powerless she felt surrounded by White Fang soldiers, Crescent Rose just out of reach.
She had rushed in without a plan and nearly paid the price. Her fists clenched, her resolve hardening.
"But that's for another time," Phantom said, his voice cutting through her thoughts. He glanced down to see her flipping open the book, her eyes already skimming through the pages. A faint nod of approval passed through him before he turned away.
Phantom moved toward the hospital's side entrance, his footsteps eerily quiet, his posture calm and composed. He made his way to the empty room where they had rested the night before.
It was cold and silent, a stark contrast to the sunlight outside. He sat on the edge of one of the empty beds, his shoulders relaxing just slightly.
A flicker of light danced on his right shoulder as Decca appeared, her holographic form barely seven inches tall, glowing softly in the daylight. She crossed her tiny arms, her face twisted in disapproval.
"Why are you training her? She's just a kid. This is a bit much, don't you think?"
Phantom didn't turn to look at her, his posture unmoving. "She's stubborn," he answered, his voice devoid of frustration, merely stating a fact. "She's going to get involved whether we like it or not. Better she's prepared."
He paused, his voice dropping just slightly. "She's fifteen. In a few years, she'll be an adult. Her decisions will be her own. I'm just giving her the tools to survive them."
Decca's eyes narrowed, her stance shifting to one of irritation as she placed her hands on her hips. "Did you forget that Azmuth programmed me to know when you're lying?"
Her voice was sharp, almost scolding, like an older sister catching her little brother in a half-truth. "You're trying to make her the next you, aren't you?"
Phantom's shoulders tensed, just barely, before he stood, his posture stiff, his movements calculated. He walked toward the stairwell, his steps precise, controlled.
"I'm not trying to make her the next me." His tone was cold, matter-of-fact. "The world doesn't need another me."
He paused at the door, his figure silhouetted against the sunlight. His voice was quiet, almost distant. "I'm training her… so she doesn't."
He pushed the door open and stepped into the light. Ruby was on the ground again, fighting through another set of push-ups, her body trembling but her resolve unwavering.
She was exhausted, every muscle strained, but her determination burned brighter than ever.
Phantom watched her in silence, his expression hidden behind his mask, his stance rigid yet calm. Decca's hologram flickered before fading, her presence retreating back into his suit.
He remained there, a silent sentinel, observing his student as she pushed herself to her limits. Cold. Calculating. But beneath it all, just the faintest glimmer of something softer.
"Because no world deserves a protector like me."
AN
And that's a rap people! Sorry for posting this so late Time flies when you got sick and a bunch of other stuff but I was able to make the deadline which I'm happy about and honestly I think this is one of the better chapters even if it's a bit on the shorter side so please tell me what you guys think in the comments about this chapter especially with the mentor-esque relationship I'm trying to go for with Ruby and Phantom.
Anyway next time on dimensional heroes of remnant
As a groups starts to head towards the island of patch the remnant natives get introduced to even more earth media in the form of popular video games and a popular TV show with spandex superheroes next time on dimensional heroes of Remnant