Author's Note:

Rejoice ! another chapter has been completed, the Special Hyper Battle Video is almost done and we might be all slow to published chapters since all of us have some IRL stuff taken over our time

Ark-One coming up

As always PMs are open and etc and hopefully next chapter is to your enjoyment

Also a question for you since it would decide the storyline for it's finally

1. Would you like to see the Ever After and probably destroy it

2. Legend Rider form for Akira

3. Rewiwa First Generation Arc with the idea of probably a AR version of Summer Rose

4. Your ideas

Till next chapter, Apzeta, Bishop, and Knight

The battlefield remained frozen in time, the eerie stillness contrasting sharply with the chaos that had unfolded just moments before.

The air shimmered with residual energy from the Time Mazine's descent.

Sougo Tokiwa, now standing tall in his royal presence, gripped the Zi-O Ridewatch tightly. He turned to Tsukasa with a smirk.

Sougo: "Woz gave me the rundown before I got here. So, let's speed things up, shall we?"

With that, he pressed the button on his Ridewatch.

Zi-O Ridewatch: [ ZI-O ! ]

He slotted it into the Ziku-Driver and spun it.

Ziku-Driver: [ Rider Time ! ]

A flurry of golden clock-like energy surrounded him, engulfing his body as the transformation finalized. The visor of his helmet glowed magenta, spelling out "Rider" in katakana. He stood as Kamen Rider Zi-O, the king of time himself.

Ziku-Driver: [ Kamen Rider Zi-O ! ]

Tsukasa, already battle-worn, rolled his shoulders as he adjusted his grip on the Ride Booker.

Tsukasa: "Good. I was getting tired of babysitting."

Sougo glanced at the frozen battlefield, spotting Akira and Amethyst still stuck in temporal stasis.

Sougo: "Right… let's get them out of this mess."

Turning to Tsukasa, he asked,

Sougo: "Think you can warp them to their base?"

Tsukasa sighed but smirked.

Tsukasa: "You're getting bossy already. Fine."

With a flick of his fingers, an Aurora Curtain materialized behind Akira and Amethyst.

Tsukasa stepped forward and grabbed them both, pulling them into the portal before stepping through himself.

Within moments, the portal closed, and the battlefield remained frozen—except for the presence of one man: Riot.

His mismatched eyes slowly moved, showing traces of resistance to the time-stop.

Riot: (Growling) "...Tch… Time tricks… how… annoying…"

Sougo turned to face him, his visor gleaming.

Sougo: "Oh? You can still move a little? That's impressive… But not enough."

Raising his hand, Sougo snapped his fingers.

Time resumed.

Akira, Amethyst, Adam and Onyx (possessed by Ark) found themselves standing in 's hideout, momentarily dazed from the teleportation.

The sound of Time Mazines taking off echoed in the background as Sougo had set them to autopilot, ensuring they would be available for later use.

Amethyst: (Blinking) "What the hell just happened…?"

Akira narrowed his eyes, looking around, then at Onyx, who instinctively gripped his head.

Ark (through Onyx): "Temporal displacement… Fascinating."

Then, a voice interrupted their confusion.

Tsukasa: "Before you start demanding answers, let me introduce you to someone."

He motioned to the newly arrived figure.

Tsukasa: "Meet Kamen Rider Zi-O. Or, if you prefer titles, the self-proclaimed 'Greatest, Kindest Demon King.'"

Sougo gave them a casual wave, his usual easygoing grin in place.

Sougo: "Feels like I showed up at just the right time, huh?"

Akira crossed his arms, his gaze scrutinizing.

Akira: "Another Rider, huh?"

Before Sougo could respond, a tremor shook the base. Their conversation was cut short as an explosion erupted outside.

A deafening BOOM shattered the sky as a massive explosion engulfed Monstra, the monstrous Grimm fortress.

From Ironwood's office, the sheer brightness of the blast cast long shadows across the room. He shielded his eyes with one hand, his expression neutral but intense.

Far below, on the battlefield, Winter Schnee led the Ace Operatives as they carried the bomb meant to destroy Monstra. But before they could even deploy it

A shockwave knocked them all back.

The detonation had already occurred.

Winter grunted as she landed on the ground, her white combat uniform now dirtied by debris.

Winter: (Shakily getting up) "Is everyone all right?"

Vine, always composed, checked himself before responding.

Vine: "No injuries here."

Elm, still shaken, tried to process what had just happened.

Elm: "What?! But—!"

Marrow, usually the most relaxed of the group, stood frozen in place, his eyes locked onto the dissipating remains of Monstra. His ears twitched, his voice barely above a whisper.

Marrow: "...They... They were still inside."

A static-filled voice came through their comms.

Ironwood: (Over comms) "Target destroyed. Good work. But no time to celebrate. Return to the Academy at once. We've got a new problem."

Marrow clenched his fists.

Marrow: (Trembling) "But... that wasn't us."

Winter's eyes widened at his words. She turned toward the obliterated remains of Monstra, the realization dawning upon her.

Winter: "Then we can tell him in person. Load it back up, we're leaving."

The dust and fading Grimm essence settled, revealing a single figure among the debris.

Skipping away with a smile on her face, clutching the Relic of Knowledge tightly in her arms—

Neopolitan.

Her silent, gleeful departure into the shadows went unnoticed by the Ace Ops.

But for those who saw her…

A new question lingered in the air.

Who truly destroyed Monstra?

Back at 's base, the shockwaves from the distant explosion reached them.

Akira, Amethyst, Adam and Onyx turned toward the nearest window, watching as the skyline lit up with fiery devastation.

Sougo crossed his arms, nodding as he took in the scene.

Sougo: "Yeah… definitely showed up at the right time."

Akira's eyes gleamed with curiosity and something darker.

Akira: (Muttering) "Now things are getting interesting…"

The base remained silent for a few moments as the explosion's shockwave slowly dissipated.

The flickering light from the distant fire illuminated the room, casting shadows over Akira, Amethyst, Adam, Onyx, Tsukasa, and Sougo. The air was thick with tension, the implications of Monstra's destruction weighing heavily on them.

Amethyst: (Crossing her arms) "Okay... what the hell just happened?"

Adam: (Narrowing his eyes) "That was Monstra. But if Ironwood's forces didn't set off their bomb yet..." (His grip tightens on the hilt of his sword.) "Who did?"

Onyx, still partially under Ark's control, placed a hand on the table where the Fall, Summer, and Winter Maiden Progrisekeys rested.

Ark: (Calmly) "The probability of an independent actor interfering has increased. Adjusting predictions accordingly."

Akira didn't react immediately. His gaze remained fixed on the burning skyline, eyes glinting with something between intrigue and calculation.

Akira: (Smirking) "Now this... this is an opportunity."

Tsukasa sighed, leaning back against the nearest wall, his arms crossed.

Tsukasa: "Of course you'd see it that way."

Sougo, still standing near Tsukasa, tilted his head.

Sougo: "An opportunity for what, exactly?"

Akira turned toward them, his smirk widening.

Akira: "Chaos breeds desperation. And desperation? That's the perfect breeding ground for change." (He gestures to the screen still displaying Ironwood's ultimatum.) "The people of Atlas just watched their general declare he's willing to burn Mantle to the ground. And now Monstra is gone, the battlefield shifting yet again. This is the perfect time to push our message."

Amethyst: (Scoffing) "You mean the counter for Ruby's speech, right?"

Akira: "Yes but let's surpass it."

Onyx: (Ark's voice) "Your malice intensifies. The process is accelerating."

A faint, almost imperceptible red glow flickered behind Akira's eyes for just a second before he shook his head and continued.

Akira: "We need to make them understand—there is no salvation in Atlas. No hope in Ironwood's tyranny. And no future in Ozpin's lies. If we truly want to shatter Ruby's idealistic little fairy tale, we have to show them the truth in a way they can't ignore."

Adam: (Arms crossed) "And how do you propose we do that?"

Akira grinned, stepping forward and placing both hands on the table.

Akira: "Simple. We broadcast a message that can't be dismissed as just terrorist propaganda. We show them Ironwood's hypocrisy, expose the rot within Atlas, and force the people to see that the system they're clinging to is already dead."

Sougo: (Watching him closely) "And how far are you willing to go to prove that?"

Akira: (Smirking) "As far as it takes."

A tense silence followed. The room felt heavier now, as if the sheer weight of the decisions being made here could alter the course of the war itself.

Ark: (Tilting Onyx's head slightly) "A compelling strategy. However..." (Ark's hand hovers over the inactive Zetsumeriser linked to Penny.) "There is another variable. I have reached a new prediction."

Amethyst: (Raising an eyebrow) "Oh? And what does our all-knowing AI see now?"

Ark's artificial eyes flickered as data streams ran through Onyx's mind.

Ark: "Ruby Rose's group has made contact with Ironwood. However... another presence listens in."

Adam: (Eyes narrowing) "Watts."

Ark: (Nods) "Correct. His interference introduces a 67.4% probability of external manipulation. The likelihood of a secondary betrayal is rising."

Tsukasa: (Sighing) "This whole place is just one big cycle of backstabbing, isn't it?"

Sougo: (Smiling slightly) "Sounds like a kingdom on the verge of collapse."

Akira: (Chuckling) "Exactly."

He turned away from the table, walking toward the screen displaying Ironwood's broadcast. His reflection stared back at him, eyes sharp and calculating.

Akira: "Then let's make sure we're the ones holding the dagger when it finally falls."

Akira leaned forward, his fingers steepled as his golden eyes narrowed. Amethyst clenched her jaw, arms crossed tightly. Adam scoffed, but his grip on the hilt of Wilt betrayed his tension. Onyx—still possessed by Ark—tilted his head, seemingly lost in calculation.

The recording continued:

Ironwood: "If there is no Mantle, then there is no reason for you not to work with me. You have one hour to respond."

The screen faded to black. A heavy silence filled the room. Then, Ark spoke.

Ark (through Onyx): "Another prediction has been calculated."

Everyone turned toward him. Onyx's eyes flickered with Ark's digital glow as he reached for the inactive Zetsumeriser connected to Penny.

Ark: "Through this device, I have intercepted crucial data. Ruby's group will soon make contact with Ironwood. However… there is another factor at play."

He turned slightly, his voice deepening.

Ark: "Arthur Watts."

Akira's fingers tapped against the armrest of his chair.

Akira: "Tch. I should've known that rat was still slinking around. What's he up to?"

Ark's eyes glowed brighter.

Ark: "He is listening."

Amethyst's eyes widened.

Amethyst: "What? You mean—he's spying on them right now?"

Ark nodded.

Ark: "Indeed. He is already working against them, manipulating Ironwood's orders to serve his own purposes. However, he is not alone."

The screen changed, showing a grainy, intercepted image.

Neopolitan.

She smirked, the Relic of Knowledge clutched in her arms as she disappeared into the Atlas shadows.

Adam: (gripping his blade) "Damn thieves."

Akira: (grinning) "No, Adam. That… is an opportunity."

Amethyst shot him a look.

Amethyst: "You're saying we should do nothing? Just let Watts pull the strings?"

Akira shook his head, his smirk widening.

Akira: "No. I'm saying we let this play out—for now. We don't need to intervene directly when our enemies are already tearing each other apart."

He turned toward Ark.

Akira: "Keep tracking the Zetsumeriser link. I want to know exactly when Ruby and her little gang move against Ironwood."

Ark nodded.

Ark: "Understood."

Akira leaned back, watching the distant glow of Monstra's destruction still illuminating the horizon.

Akira: (chuckling) "Let's see how much more desperate this 'General' can get before he finally snaps."

[ Schnee Manor ]

The tension in the air was suffocating. Ruby had just hung up. Everyone was still reeling from Ironwood's words.

Weiss had gone pale, clutching her arms.

Weiss: (shaking her head) "I can't believe this… He—he really meant it."

Blake clenched her fists.

Blake: "Destroy Mantle? Just to force Penny's hand?"

Jaune gritted his teeth, pacing.

Jaune: "We don't have a choice. We have to stop him. Somehow."

Ruby stood still. Unmoving.

Then she turned and walked toward the stairs.

Yang noticed immediately.

Yang: (softly) "Ruby?"

Ruby didn't answer. She just gripped one of the stone pillars and lowered her head.

A heavy silence followed.

Then, she spoke.

Ruby: "That's what happened to Mom."

Yang felt her heart sink. She swallowed, fighting back tears.

Yang: "Ruby—"

Ruby: "Salem did this. She's been doing this. And all we've done is run in circles, playing right into her hands."

She looked up at Yang, eyes filled with guilt and frustration.

Ruby: "Akira was right I was wrong. About everything."

Yang clenched her fists.

Yang: "That's not true."

Ruby: "It is! Amity failed. We lost Atlas. And now Ironwood's about to wipe Mantle off the map because of me."

Yang crouched next to her, gripping Ruby's hand.

Yang: "Ruby, listen to me. Yeah, we've lost things. But we're still standing."

Ruby didn't respond, just stared blankly at the floor.

Yang took a breath.

Yang: "Look… Mom took a risk when she left. And I don't think it turned out the way she wanted, either. But…"

She pulled Ruby into a tight hug.

Yang: "...She's still my hero."

Ruby trembled in her arms.

Then—

A sharp CRASH.

Glass shattered upstairs.

Jaune's voice rang out.

Jaune: "Hurry!"

Ruby and Yang turned, sprinting after him.

[ Outside Schnee Manor ]

Penny lay on the ground, eyes flickering.

She stood.

Her irises burned red.

Penny: "I can no longer be delayed."

Ruby blurred forward, grabbing her.

Ruby: "Penny, no!"

Penny's body twitched violently.

Penny: "I… I must… open the Vault."

Weiss created a Glyph beneath her, struggling to keep her restrained.

Blake and Ren hooked their weapons around Penny's arms, pulling her back.

Penny: (her eyes flashing green) "Ruby, stop me!"

Ruby: "Penny!"

Then—

Penny: "Kill me."

Silence.

The words hung in the air like a death sentence.

Ruby's breath hitched.

Penny: (desperate) "Kill me! I can make sure the power goes to you!"

Everyone stared in horror.

Ruby: "Penny, no!"

Nora: "You can fight this!"

Penny: "I cannot fight it!"

Jaune clenched his fists.

He placed a hand on Penny's shoulder.

His Semblance flared.

A golden glow spread through Penny's form.

She gasped, trembling.

Her red irises flickered. ThenFaded.

Penny collapsed, breathing heavily.

The virus… remained. But she was in control.

Ruby hugged her tightly, shaking.

Ruby: "You're our friend. Not a machine."

The group stood together, battered but united.

Then Emerald scoffed, crossing her arms.

Emerald: "You guys sure like making things complicated."

Jaune smirked.

Jaune: "Yeah. But that's what makes it fun, right?"

Emerald rolled her eyes, but a small smirk tugged at her lips.

Oscar stepped forward.

Oscar: "Ozpin wants to say something."

Ruby nodded.

Ozpin took over.

Ozpin: "Trust is a risk. But it's one I hope you can take on me again."

Ruby hesitated.

[ Atlas Vault ]

Ironwood stood inside the Vault, his Scroll in hand.

Ruby's voice came through.

Ruby: "She'll do it."

Ironwood's expression remained unreadable.

He closed the Scroll.