The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.
Inside his office at Beacon Academy, Professor Ozpin sat at his large, circular desk. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the Cross Continental Transmit System (CCTS) screen in front of him.
This wasn't just a regular video call; it was a secure connection, used only for the most important discussions.
On the screen, three faces appeared.
To his right was General James Ironwood, the headmaster of Atlas Academy and a military general.
Ironwood was a serious man, always dressed in his crisp military uniform.
His face showed a mix of intelligence and deep suspicion.
To Ozpin's left was Professor Leonardo Lionheart, the headmaster of Haven Academy. Lionheart was a nervous man, often fidgeting, and today was no different.
His eyes darted around, as if he expected someone to jump out at him.
The third face was Professor Theodore, the headmaster of Shade Academy, who seemed calm and wise.
"Thank you for joining me, gentlemen," Ozpin began, his voice calm and steady as always. "As you know, the Vytal Festival is approaching rapidly. This year, it holds more importance than ever."
Ironwood nodded, his gaze fixed on Ozpin. "Indeed, Ozpin. The world is changing. The Grimm attacks are increasing, and there's a growing unease among the populace."
"Precisely," Ozpin agreed. "And with the festival comes a unique opportunity. It allows us to show the world that we are united, that we are strong. But it also presents a significant risk."
Lionheart shifted in his seat.
"Risk? What kind of risk, Ozpin? The festival has always been a time of celebration, a time for our academies to showcase their best students."
Ozpin's eyes became a little sharper. "A risk from those who wish to see us divided, Leonardo. From those who thrive on chaos and destruction."
He didn't need to say Salem's name.
They all knew who he was talking about.
"Which brings me to my next point," Ironwood interjected.
"Atlas will be providing enhanced security for the festival. My android troops will be deployed throughout Vale, ensuring the safety of all attendees."
Lionheart visibly gulped.
"Androids? James, isn't that a bit… much? It might alarm people."
"Nonsense, Leonardo," Ironwood stated firmly.
"Security is paramount. We cannot afford to be complacent."
Ozpin steepled his fingers, leaning back slightly.
"I appreciate your vigilance, James. Your troops will be a valuable asset. However, I believe we also have another crucial element that might aid us in the coming conflict."
He paused, then continued, "I'm referring to Professor Arthur."
At the mention of Arthur's name, Ironwood's brow furrowed.
"Arthur? The new combat instructor at Beacon? Ozpin, with all due respect, he's an unknown. A wild card."
"He may be an unknown to you, James, but he is not to me," Ozpin replied, his voice unwavering.
"I have observed him closely. His methods are unorthodox, but his results are undeniable. Our students, especially Team RWBY and JNPR, have shown remarkable progress under his guidance." ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novｅlfire.net
"Progress is one thing, Ozpin," Ironwood countered, his suspicion growing. "But in these uncertain times, we cannot afford to trust just anyone. Where did he come from? What are his true intentions? He arrived out of nowhere, with no prior record of his experience."
"He has a unique understanding of Aura and Semblances, unlike anyone I've ever encountered," Ozpin explained patiently.
"He speaks of 'inner strength' and 'true power' in ways that resonate deeply with the students. I believe he possesses knowledge that could be instrumental in dealing with Salem."
Ozpin left out about Arthur being a dragon faunus. It was something that Arthur asked him to keep to himself and Glynda only.
Lionheart, who had been quiet, now spoke up, his voice a little too eager.
"So, you believe he could be a key player against Salem? That's… a bold claim, Ozpin."
"It is a claim I am willing to stand by, Leonardo," Ozpin said, his gaze fixed on Ironwood, who was still looking doubtful.
"I assure you, James, Arthur is not a threat. He is an ally. I have seen enough to guarantee it."
But Ironwood was a paranoid person.
His military background had taught him to question everything, to see potential threats in every shadow.
"With all due respect, Ozpin, your guarantees are not always enough. You've made errors in judgment before. What if he's a spy? What if he's working for Salem?"
"I understand your concerns, James. But I am confident. Arthur has shown no indication of malice. On the contrary, he seems genuinely committed to preparing our students for the future."
Theodore, who had listened silently, finally spoke. "Ozpin has a good sense for these things, James. Perhaps we should give Professor Arthur the benefit of the doubt. His results speak for themselves."
Ironwood sighed, clearly not fully convinced, but he didn't push the issue further. "Very well, Ozpin. I will consider your assessment. But I will still be keeping a close eye on him, and on everything else."
The conversation continued, focusing on the logistical details of the Vytal Festival. But throughout the discussion, Ironwood's eyes kept flicking to Ozpin, a silent question in their depths.
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room in Haven Academy, Professor Leonardo Lionheart sat hunched over a flickering scroll.
His face was pale, and sweat beaded on his forehead. He had been listening to every word of the CCTS meeting. His trembling fingers quickly typed out a message, summarizing the entire conversation.
He focused on the key points: Ironwood's android troops, Ozpin's insistence on Arthur's importance, and Ironwood's deep suspicion of the new combat instructor.
He even exaggerated Ironwood's paranoia slightly, hoping to make his report more impactful.
Once he finished, he pressed send, the scroll lighting up with a confirmation.
The message was encrypted, sent directly to a specific recipient.
Moments later, in a bustling hotel room in Vale, a young woman with fiery red hair and amber eyes smiled as her scroll chimed.
It was Cinder Fall. She was in Vale, already in disguise, preparing for the Vytal Festival.
She would be posing as a student from Haven Academy, a perfect cover for her true intentions.
She read Lionheart's message, her smile widening. "So, Ozpin has a new toy," she murmured, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Professor Arthur. And Ironwood is already suspicious. Excellent."
She looked out the window at the vibrant city below, already filled with students and visitors arriving for the festival.
"This Vytal Festival will be truly unforgettable." She already had her plans in motion.
Now, with this new information, she could adjust her strategy,
knowing that Ozpin had a wild card up his sleeve, and that Ironwood's suspicions might work in her favor.
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