Days have gone by, and things are starting to become much more interesting.

From two nights ago, observing the fight between RWBY and Roman in his stolen mech was quite a data-gathering. And comparing the fight in the video when you're watching it in person? It was marvelous.

The teams themselves have been getting stronger bit by bit, they could possibly be able to handle a Nightmare by his estimations, but he was not entirely sure due to the creature having quite unpredictable attack patterns and the team won against it with mostly luck.

Other than that, the need to change their moral code is a priority.

Still, their combat prowess is not half bad by this world’s standards. But they will still need to grow for the coming future.

He had sent some summons to do some reconnaissance into the Badlands. Said summons were capable of stealth, and fortunately there were results without any problems.

The corrupted, barren wasteland - home of Salem and birthplace of the Grimm - his summons had acquired the purple crystals for analysis. He had been quite curious on what capabilities they have, but he hasn’t had the time to properly test it yet.

They also managed to acquire another sample from the Badlands, which was the black liquid that Spawns Grimm. Thankfully it was brought in large quantities, so there's no risk in sending in another team to acquire more refills in the meantime.

And in his hand right now, is a vial containing the same black liquid of the Grimm.

He appraised it, and it had the essence of negative energy. It was not entirely pure, but it is negative nonetheless.

Dubbing it, [Soulless Tar] - as a reference to a similar YGGDRASIL material used for summoning - it brought up some questions that he would like to have an answer to. Though the one he is holding right now is extremely inferior compared to the YGGDRASIL one.

Popping the lid open, he took a small scoop using his pinkie, uncaring and unconcerned by having utmost confidence that he couldn’t be harmed by this little tiny thing on his pinkie finger.

The texture of the liquid does in fact feel like tar. Slimey as it is, an idea popped in his head as he glanced at a nearby Skeleton Worker and the liquid on his pinkie.

Ordering the Skeleton Worker to walk in front of him, he then poked the skeleton’s skull with the tar on his pinkie. Almost in an instant, the tar then shrouded the Skeleton Worker in blackness of smoke. Its bones trembling, vibrating and shaking. Then he noticed a change in its appearance amidst the smoke.

He was surprised by this unexpected turn of events. The Skeleton Worker looked quite more intimidating than before, and from a normal perspective, it would be deemed to be something like a Reaper incarnate.

The tar made its bones to be pure black, yet the bones still seemed to retain its rough texture similar to charcoal. Its once empty eye-sockets now filled with a faint but noticeable white-colored fire from within.

It was more powerful than before, he sensed. Its level doubled, from a level 12 to a level 19.

‘A big jump, almost close to a 20…’ He thought as he walked around it, examining the new change on the Skeleton Worker. He could still feel the mental control on it, feeling no resistance whatsoever. The skeleton was standing like a statue.

Stopping in front of it and looking straight into its eyes. He could feel something moving within the Skeleton Worker. He was surprised to sense a soul in an animated black pile of bones, but the soul seemed to be… nothing. There is literally nothing in its soul.

How? How can a Soul be empty, when the Soul itself should be filled with life? What kind of fuck-shit did the world gave to him to question now?

‘Perhaps if I…’ “Do you understand me?” He guessed, not really expecting-

Much to his surprise again, the Skeleton Worker nodded its head.

This… This changes things. Entirely. “Are your loyalties bound to me?”

A nod. Good. “Can you speak?”

The Skeleton Worker opened its jaws and a rough voice was spoken.

“I… Can… My… Lord…” It sounded strained, as if forced to speak.

‘Jeez, he sounds like an old man trying to speak through a muffled mask.’ “Good,” He nodded in satisfaction. “Return back to work. And from time to time, try to practice speaking. I wish to see if you are able to speak fluently in the passing time.”

The Skeleton Worker kneeled and lowered its head. “As.. Your… Command… My… Lord…” And so it went to work.

Though amongst its fellows, it was the only one that stood out amongst its brethren. The black-burnt skeleton amongst the ruined white colored ones.

He’ll try to test more experiments on the Black Skeleton Worker in the future, though he was initially at ease knowing its loyalties still lie to him, the fact that the said Skeleton Worker has a soul seems to cause some… questionable intent.

But this would mean they would be able to use Aura? Or no? Another test for the future.

A Soulless Soul… Something he hadn't expected to exist. The concept itself is very absurd and out of the norm!

The thought caused his undead head to spin around in circles, overthinking stresses his mind, despite not being alive to feel as such.

Aside from those thoughts, the Black Skeleton Worker - which he would now dub it as such due to being better than the norm one - still radiates the same amount of negative energy, but it increased its pressure.

This… This might turn out to be beneficial if he himself is there to take the tests. He had found no time to do so due to having a job to teach students and such in the Beacon Academy.

But it seems he’ll have to revise the plans for the ‘Event’.

----------------------------------------

The viking sat cross-legged on top of the battlements, his gaze outward towards the forest, keeping a watchful eye for any possible attacks.

It had been a couple of days since he had first arrived in this town and managed to save them just in time from the attack. There were no attacks afterwards, aside from the pack of large-sized Nevermores flying by and taking notice of the village which were immediately taken down.

The town began rebuilding the damages without too much worry on the possible Grimm attacks because of said Viking.

Rumors spread throughout the town of his accomplishments alongside his bear companion. A madman, a hero, a suicidal huntsman; he cared for none of those.

What matters is that he could fight and vent out his frustrations out towards the warmup hordes of Grimm.

He sighed in annoyance. From a third person perspective, it looked like he was watching the forest intently, as if expecting any more Grimm attacks while truly he was just waiting for a certain person sent by Ozpin to arrive.

‘When the hell will that crow arrive…?’ He thought grumpily.

The sigh caused his companion to look at him, turning away from gnawing its bone, and grunted in concern.

Orm chuckled in amusement. “I am well, comrade.” He said. “I also know you are bored standing around, watching and guarding, but we’ll have to wait until that Huntsman gets here.”

Misha simply huffed back before going back to gnawing the tough bone. He had been at it for hours now. Understandably because he ate Dragon Meat given by Orm from his inventory.

After some silent moments later, he sighed before standing up. Deciding to help out the villagers in cutting trees for wood, he saw several of them doing so. “Stay here, call me if the Grimm are attacking.”

Misha huffed in affirmative without looking back at him, focused on pulverizing the crap out of the bone.

Orm jumped down from the battlements carefully without too much strength, not wanting to create another crater for the townsfolk to fix.

Walking to the treeline he hefted his greatsword and swung at it lazily, cutting several trees in half. Sheathing his weapon onto his back, he lifted the fallen trees onto his shoulders, holding two on each arm.

Walking back to the town, he noticed the gates were opened by the guards who saw him carrying trees on his arms back. Probably that one or two of them had gotten the same idea.

Dumping the trees onto the ground near the gate, he was immediately questioned by one of the villagers who were wondering why he was doing this.

All he could do was shrug it off and continue cutting down a dozen more trees until he felt it was enough for them to rebuild the damages done by the Grimm.

Afterwards, he decided to take a small stroll around the town. For many others, they would have thought he was patrolling to ensure that everything’s fine. But in truth he just finds it calming. Walking around and sightseeing the things around him, a wish that had come true the moment they were transported into this world.

He stopped suddenly, hearing a faint cry of pain, along with some voices arguing… He didn’t like the sound of this.

He felt his eyes narrow in suspicion and anger as he walked towards the source of the cry. Taking several turns around the street, he managed to find the source; which was a little faunus girl being pushed around by some human kids.

He growled as his anger and frustration raised even more so.

‘So there are ‘those’ kinds of people around here… Why the hell did I not notice?’ Snarling before releasing a shout towards the kids, “Hey! Don’t you dare touch her!”

----------------------------------------

POV Change - Faunus Girl

Few minutes earlier prior to Orm’s encounter

I was just walking around carrying supplies to the carpenters to fix up the town. Then suddenly I was surrounded by a group of boys from the traders who had come to town a day after the attack.

I knew that the children who came along with the traders weren't up to good, but I didn't dare think much about it because I had other things to do besides judge them.

These punks were racists, laughing and mocking us Faunus as they pushed us around when one of the townsfolk weren't looking. I didn’t say anything because I couldn’t do anything, I didn’t want to make a fuss about some push and pull.

I didn’t want Auntie to worry about this…

But it looks like they are going beyond the line.

For Oum’s sake… I wish, no, we wish that someone would come and scare them off our village.

I covered my head as I braced myself from the stones they were throwing at me while shouting mocking words. Bruised and battered, I gritted in anger.

But I was weak, too weak to fight back…

‘I wish they would just die…’ Holding back the tears threatening to burst from her eyes, a sudden pain came from her back as she felt something just cut her from behind.

“AHHHHHHH!” I screamed, the pain, I couldn’t endure it so much… But no one could hear me from this part of town, they were smart to pick this place, because it dampens out the noise.

I wished I could run, but they cut off the only exit and I felt too weak to move because they kept throwing stones at me...

Then… I heard a voice.

“Hey! Don’t you dare touch her!”

The voice was… compelling and unfamiliar. She knew how the people of the town sounded like, she lived here from birth.

She looked to the voice, and thou shined upon a man who she had recognized was the Huntsman who arrived days earlier when the Grimm Horde came to attack their town at their weakest.

The Berserker.

“Oh yeah? Who the hell are you to stop us?” One of the boys said smugly. “Some low-class coming here to stop us? Who the hell are you to tell us so?”

The man seemed to pause at that, taking in their words as he digested the information carefully in his head. “You… don’t know me do you, huh?”

The lead bully snorted, bellowing a short, prideful laugh followed by the others around him. “HA, why the hell do we need to learn who, a nobody like you are?”

“...”

The Huntsman went silent, as I felt his shadowy eyes gaze upon me. I could only hope that he would rescue me from these… monsters.

“I don’t really care who the hell you are,” He spoke, slowly taking a step forward. The air felt tense and harder to breathe now. “I do not care what the fuck you are. But if you do not leave her alone, I will show you what it feels to be inferior.”

Apparently the lead bully was too dumb to notice the sudden change of air, but the others; she was certain they also felt the change but they were frozen stiff.

“Oooo, wow. I’m scared~” The bully mocked. “I better hope that I wont get spanked by my some nobody like you~”

“Last. Chance. Boy.” The words boomed with an echo behind them. “Leave.”

“Fuck you, get the hell away from my sight-!”

Without any warning, the boy bully was grabbed by the Huntsman by his throat, holding him up to eye-level. The boy was trying to escape from his iron grip, but he wasn’t able to budge a single finger from the Huntsman.

“I will tear your guts open, have your intestines wrapped over around your neck as you suffocate from your own organs as I tear your lungs out and have them spread over your back like a bird showing its wings.” The Huntsman carried out words of malice. Each and every one sounded danger even by my own instincts. “And you will not be the last one to experience that kind of tingling.”

Those words alone were able to make my whole heart shrink even more, I curled all of my body closely to me, not wanting to catch the Huntsman’s anger.

I saw. I saw how he brutalized the Grimm outside the walls with his own hands. Taking apart a Deathstalker of all things with nothing but his own hands! He didn’t use his massive sword to take it down! All it took was his bare hands.

I was both terrified and expecting the Huntsman to break the bully boy’s neck and rip his head apart from his body…

But he didn’t.

He dropped the boy, who simply fell onto the ground with his legs shaking, as if numbed as he tried to get up.

“Take this fool, along with all of you, out of my sight.” He glared at them. “Do not make me repeat myself.”

And he didn’t. They immediately grabbed the boy with them on their shoulders and ran until I couldn’t hear them anymore.

The Huntsman calmly walked forwards to me, I closed my eyes shut, not knowing what is going to happen next. Does he hate someone like me? Did he just want to get rid of those boys and had his thing with me in private? What does he wa-

I then felt a heavy hand ruffling gently on my head. It felt… warm. Calming. Comforting.

“Are you alright, kid?” The voice changed from a furious beast to a calm gentle one, though he sounded more accented in his calm tone from being angry.

“You're not that badly hurt, are you kid?” He was crouching down, his heavy yet warm hand still on my head before he parted it away.

“I-I’m fine…” I quickly replied. Not wanting to worry and irritate the Huntsman. “I’m not hurt…”

I winced from the sudden pain when I tried to move my arm and legs, betraying me.

A frown was seen upon the man’s face.

“You’re hurt…” He said, looking at my wounds. “Not good at all.” He ruffled into his shirt, taking out an expensive looking glass-bottle filled with red liquid.

“Drink this, it will make you feel better.” He smiled gently, reassuringly as he popped the glass-bottle open.

“W-What is it…?” I asked, trying not to move too much because of the pain all over me.

“Something that will heal your wounds.” He answered. “Do not worry about the container, your injuries are the top priorities than a simple glass-container.”

Reluctantly, I moved my arms to take the bottle, but the pain was too much.

He frowned even more, probably noticing that I couldn’t move my limbs.

“Here, I’ll help you.” Gently, he lifted the glass-bottle near me, tilting it slightly onto my mouth.

I drank the liquid without any hesitance, if this was something that would help me sleep from my wounds, I wouldn't mind. And if this was something that would kill me painlessly… I pray to whatever God out there to take care of Auntie…

After gulping down the last of the bottle’s contents, I noticed a glow all around me and felt the pain disappear from my body all around me…

Blinking several times, I tried to lift my arms and felt no sudden pain. Touching myself where I had wounds and bruises from a while ago, were gone… As if I wasn’t injured at all.

“Wow…” I awed the words out.

“Wow indeed,” The Huntsman chuckled, making me spin out of my thoughts away and put in full attention to the gruffly man. “Try standing up.”

I lifted myself upwards from the ground, standing. Feeling no pain as I checked my legs and they weren't bloody anymore!

“Good,” The Huntsman stood up slowly. “do you have any place where you stay?”

“I… I live with my Auntie.” I answered honestly.

The man seemed to nod at the answer.

“Alright, I’ll walk you home then.” He offered me a hand, and I accepted it.

I wanted to go home.

----------------------------------------

PoV Change - Orm

As soon as they got out of the dark alley from which he had rescued a girl from those racist punks, he scanned the area before fully emerging from the alleyway.

Orm asked where she lived, and it turns out that it would be a ten minute walk from where they are right now. So it's not too far.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

But in what happened back there made him get angry, pissed off beyond all reason from the situation that had happened recently.

He was very glad that he rescued the girl from those punks, or else something worse could have happened.

But he chuffed the thoughts of anger down, not wanting to mistakenly hurt the girl by accident on the thought. But he was still pissed at the boys.

He let out a mental sigh before glancing at the girl, who’s hand he was holding, and her clinging onto his in turn.

All in all, it was fate that made him rescue the girl just in time…

“U-Um,” The girl started to speak, grabbing his attention. “thank you…”

Orm smiled in a gentle passion. “You’re most welcome, child.”

The girl looked at him before looking away from his eyes. At first he would have thought the girl didn’t like him or something, but he noticed a faint dusting of red on her face.

He chuckled lightly at her reaction. ‘So she is shy…’ He concluded.

“U-Um… Can I ask for your…” She mumbled quietly, though he was able to hear her perfectly.

“Hmm? What is it?”

What seems to be her mustering up courage, she spoke out the words. “C-Can I ask what your… name is?”

Shy and cute. “My last name seems rather difficult to pronounce, but you can call me Orm.”

“What is your last name?”

He hummed, knowing what harm it would do to give her his last name anyways. From his Avatar.

“Orm. Orm Hakonarsson.”

The girl looked at him with blinking eyes before speaking out his name… Though she tried and failed… Miserably.

"Ha... Hacor... Haconarsion?"

Orm couldn’t help but chuckle at the wrong pronunciation from the girl, who just pouted at his expression.

“Meanie…”

“Heheh, let's try it again.”

It didn’t last a long one minute before the girl decided she couldn’t say it right and just called him Mr Hank.

He didn’t mind the nickname, besides, it would be better than to laugh at the funny mispronunciation to his last name.

“So, what's your name?” He inquired.

“My name is Ember Vialz!” She said with her beaming smile. The shy and meek demeanor gone from minutes ago.

He chuckled once more. “Alright, Ember. I’ll remember that name… Gives you a fiery passion I’d say.” He commented.

‘And it goes the same with her hair as well…’ It was the color red like fire after all.

Humming to himself, he wondered how his friend was doing at the moment…

----------------------------------------

"-Hold up so you're saying, that I need to add this detail into the file?"

"Uh, yeah." The man replied without turning around.

"But wouldn't that just make the looks of it more I don't know? Quite complicated for the one trying to look for it?" He raised a questioning brow.

"Isn't that the damn purpose of a secret file supposed to be?" The man lazily deadpanned.

"Uhhh..."

"Exactly," He pointed at him. "Now just shut it and put the details in."

"Ok chill, f**king hell dude. Why be serious about this?" Trying to reassure the situation.

"Because this pays our damn rent in the f**king apartment Pete!" He yelled. "It's not like we earn things by becoming some guy, maybe in a costume, going around and kicking somebody's punk ass tonight!" Unbeknownst to him entirely, a certain someone being fitted in that description is right now kicking - or to be exact 'punishing' - someone's ass at the moment.

And right now, the person unintentionally mentioned walked past the duo who seemed to be arguing about secret files and… files in general. No doubt office work talk.

Tuning the sounds and chatter from the people around, turning several pages on his notebook finding something-

“Ah, here we are.” He hummed.

The contents were informal at best, horribly handwritten compared to professional standards, but it is readable at least.

Here it says: *Hey to myself: “Yo dipshit, remember the plan on making defenses for Beacon? Yeah, do that shit. And try to ask that Ozzy man about the relic’s location, the [Eye of All] while useful and shit compared to our arsenal right now, it's best to make a verification! Don’t trust nothin until we confirm it! Half-half on having him help on finding it, but sketchy. Capiche dipshit? K. Don’t die from stray bullets :D (Insert smiling face)” *

“...I’ll deal with that later.” Mentally noting the reminder down in his head and was suddenly pinged by a Skull Spider assigned to monitor the Vale Outskirts.

The information was then transferred into his head. Providing knowledge that the Grimm movement in the Vale Outskirts were high, several more villages and a few towns were destroyed, minimal casualties due to the intervention of his summons.

Which was a minimal weekly report that he had set up. The summons, and he emphasized this greatly, to not harm both Humans and Faunuses. However, should the attack be extreme or intentional, then they are allowed to ONLY retaliate on the level that they will be kept alive.

It was understandable because they are afraid of something they couldn’t understand and do not know. One cannot be afraid of the unknowns unless you are willing to know.

Fortunately, there are few incidents regarding that one and none majorly.

Rumors amongst Vale, and also in the forums, that they decided to call his summons with several titles like “Vengeful Ghosts”, “Strange Mist”, “Spirits” that were brought back from the dead to take revenge on the Grimm and surprisingly - on their side - saving lives of other living beings.

Some theories were made that they were some kind of android creations made by some hidden organization, but that thought was brought down when there were pictures brought up in reply. Of course some people were not totally convinced by it, but doubt sowed through the seeds.

Some cases brought fear to the people, but the feedback on his summons were positive. The latter case might probably be the ones who were saved by them.

And also, the thought of Ghosts killing Grimm and saving Humans and Faunuses? It sounded too good.

Thick white mist was the sign of the Ghosts arriving because it was mostly noted by those saved by it.

He had plans on summoning a Damned Legionnaire to command the squad summons on the Vale Outskirts, but it would seem… Unnecessary.

Undead Cavaliers, Skeleton Rangers, and Forsaken Ones (Dark Ones in the Metro game with their eyes glowing red and emitting faint mist) were enough at the moment. The latter being enough to be versatile in leading their assigned squad group.

He wrote several notes on that part before closing it and sighed heavily.

“I wonder how those kids are doing… {Message}.”

[Shadow Demon]

[What does my Lord command?] It answered.

[How are the children? Are they doing… well?]

[Yes my Lord. The children have been no trouble at all; they have been examining the treasure you generously gave to]

[He didn’t use it?]

Only a negative response confirmed his thoughts. ‘So he didn’t use it? Good, the kid is smart then. Hopefully he and the girl wouldn't accidentally blow onto it at the wrong moment.’ [Continue keeping an eye on them. Make sure no harm comes to them nor their family]

[As you command, my Lord] He could have sworn the Shadow Demon bowed despite no visible contact being assured for that.

He then rubbed at his temple. The act did nothing to dissipate the mental stress that just appeared, but an act of habit.

*Sigh* “Better hope all is going well…” He grumbled before disappearing into the night. Once returning to Beacon, he’ll have to think on what kinds of punishment he’ll have to prepare for the students lagging behind his lessons.

----------------------------------------

Back to Orm. . .

The viking had arrived at the little girl’s home, and was happily welcomed back by her Aunt. As well as giving thanks for helping her niece out and preventing something even terrible happening to her.

The Aunt’s reaction is genuine he could tell. No fakeness, no masks, just pure sincerity. Which he is glad for. He wouldn't want to think overnight that the Aunt is a terrible woman behind the kind mask she might be putting up.

Said Aunt was willing to invite him for dinner, but he declined. Not wanting to feel like an asshole and responding like “I don’t want to waste your food.” and such, so he went for a more professional response:

“I’ll need to get back to the wall and guard in case the Grimm attacks again, you wouldn't know, they might happen without notice.” He replied before giving out a jovial smile. “But I appreciate your kindness, ma’am.”

As he was about to turn tail and head back to the said battlement where he sat before watching in case any Grimm decided to attack again, he felt something wrapped around his waist.

“Not even for tonight..?” Her eyes twinkled as they turned something of a more dangerous look that most people could never resist: Puppy eyes.

Orm merely stared back at the girl. He had been prepared for this very moment, and for that he had a defensive maneuver that could make him escape this very terror…

“...” *Sigh* “Not for tonight, little Ember.” That just caused tears to appear from the said girl. “But next time I’ll join the two of you when there's nothing to worry about.” He calmly but hastily said.

“Is that a promise?”

Memories arose from the back of his closed and guarded vault-mind. The words, the utter sayings of a promise…

A false promise.

He shook his head in amusement and tried to rid the horrible memory that is trying to surface and hit the deck, before gently ruffling her hair. “Aye, it is a promise. I’ll make sure of that.”

The girl smiled even wider from those words, hugging him even more tightly.

With that, he said his goodbyes before calmly walking back to his spot on the walls.

With his back turned, he let out a frown one so heavy that anyone who looked at him thought he was in a foul mood. Which he technically is but… Not in a ‘joyful’ mood.

Without any warning, a rough and terse voice came over. Calling out to his name. “Hey! You Orm?”

Turning to the source of the voice, it was a rugged-looking man holding a flask, its contents no doubt liquor as the smell confirmed it, with a white shirt and a worn-and-torn out cape. It only took him a few seconds before he realized;

“Qrow?” He raised a brow, and a nod confirmed his guess.

“So you're the guy that Oz hired to watch over this town.” He said before taking a quick sip from his flask. “At least I’m not the only one so rough looking…”

“But I am conditionally quite better than you in one aspect.”

“Oh? And what is that?” He questioned, a hint of curiosity landed on his expression.

“I don’t drink.” He smirked before marching his way back to the wall and guard.

“What do yo- hey!” Qrow exclaimed before quickly running up to his side and walking at a normal pace. “Didn’t even bother to wait, did ya?”

“You're fast and nimble, I doubt you wouldn't be able to catch up to me.” ‘Not when you’ll know what I’m capable of.’ “And do you drink on the job?”

“Ehh, I’m not working at the moment.” He said. “I’ll sober once trouble comes up.”

Orm could only grunt in acknowledgement from that.

“And besides, I have another question; how did Oz find you?”

“He didn’t,” He answered gruffly. “we made ourselves ‘found’. We just happen to stride into his main interest which I am very sure is your niece…?”

Qrow looked at him with mild surprise before sighing. “So he told you…”

“Not exactly,” Shaking his head in denial. “we concluded that she is somehow important… But it is not my place to speak such things that you would deemed… secret?”

The rough-looking Huntsman looked at him with a questioning brow, and in curiosity. “You mean-?”

“I don’t give two fucks unless it's important to me,” He said bluntly, making the man stumble at the sudden language used. “if you didn’t understand formal tongue.”

Qrow blinked several times before laughing lightly. “It looks like you are different from what I know.”

Orm snorted. “Who exactly informed you about me? The Headmaster or the Witch?”

“Both, but a little bit of the second one.” He grinned. “And I heard your other friend is what got you both into Beacon. It's not exactly normal to see the Headmaster lose, even in a match.”

“He told you or did you watch the match?”

“Both.” He answered. “And you fight… even more head-on. Brutal even.”

He paused. He hadn't fought during the Initiation. He was merely going for a ‘guard duty’, so it's not exactly required as long as he knows how to fight, which he had proven during some clearings in Emerald Forest. Lordez informed him about the hidden cameras around in the Emerald Forest as it is Beacon’s hunting/training grounds.

Which is strange, when he was clearing the Emerald Forest - from time to time - he simply let the Grimm to attack him using skills that would ‘taunt’ them into forcing them to attack him.

So for him to say that, it would mean he saw-

“You saw what I did to the Grimm when I first arrived here then?”

“Yeah,” If Qrow’s voice wavered, he didn’t make it noticeable. “I know some people using their hands to beat up Grimm. But going against a literal hundreds of them at once without breaking a sweat? I don’t even wanna go against you.” He chuckled at the last part. “Let me guess, some kind of Semblance of yours that lets you go against a horde that size?”

“...With a little bit of Aura used to boost my strength.” He half-lied. Technically he uses ‘Aura’ which was one of his passives that enables him to boost his strength to a degree. Though he has yet to try out Remnant’s Aura usage, it would be an additional boost to his arsenal.

He also wondered if Lordez could do the same with it.

He continued walking back to his spot, with Qrow following from a little bit behind.

Qrow chuckled more. “If I didn’t see your… massacre on the Grimm, it’d be hard to believe.”

“Fending off hundreds of Grimm or having a bear partner?”

“Eh, a little bit of both. Have to say, having a bear as a pet is quite surprising.”

Orm frowned. “Misha is my partner, not a pet.” He snarled at the word ‘pet’ and glared at the man, making Qrow hold up his hands defensively. Sobering up quick.

“My bad, my bad. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“...Remember that carefully.” He huffed. As he went back to his spot, he noticed Misha was not around. He supposed he went out to do his thing, or somewhere around the town. But he’d know should the latter happen when there’s a random scream “There's a bear!”, but he doubted it’d happen.

…Though possibilities are there, if following the thinking of his former clan-master.

“You're still taking watch? You can have somebody else shift you.” Qrow sipped from his flask. “It's alright late.”

Orm hummed. In the normal days, he would immediately accept anything that would let him rest peacefully and have a good night’s rest. Now? And in his Avatar? He didn’t feel tired at all. Might be because of the [Ring of Sustenance] to negate hunger and thirst he was using. But that didn’t explain how he didn’t feel tired.

“If you're tired, go ahead. I prefer to take on night’s watch for a little bit… longer.”

Qrow stared at him before shrugging his shoulders. “If you say so.” Was all he said before leaving the viking alone by himself.

Orm simply stared at what was in front of him… The trees, the skies, the ground; everything. The breeze was comforting enough to calm his senses.

He sat there in silence, uncaring of anything else. And he didn’t notice that the time passed by until the sun came up and Misha returned just in time.

With his ‘shift’ done, he let the guards take place as he intended to head to an Inn to try out some drinks and whatnot. A bullhead would come to pick him and Qrow up back to Vale and drop him off to Beacon respectively.

So he might just spend some of his free time allocating several things, say goodbye to Ember properly and do some decision making in joining with them for a dinner or two.

Up until noise sneaked into his ears…

“Hey you!” Someone shouted out towards them. Orm felt the angry voice directed to him, turning around and seeing a man who seemed to be wearing formal attire.

“Yes?” He raised a brow then made a connection when he noticed the same bully boy that was harassing Ember. ‘So this is the father…’

“You! You dare try to kill my boy!?”

It was so tempting to reply “Oh I tried to, but he wasn’t worth killing.”. But now is not the time to say it, so he’ll play innocent… Messing with them gave him some fun inside.

“Kill him?” He lazily pointed at the bully boy who was hiding behind his father. “I don’t know what you're talking about.”

People nearby looked at the scene, curious about what was happening. Though they seemed to dislike the suited man and his kid. ‘So the town doesn't like them as well…’

“Lies! Don’t play dumb! My son said that you tortured someone and that you enjoyed it!” He shouted. “And I know my son wouldn't lie to me on such things!”

“But did he tell you what happened before I came to rescue a Faunus girl he and his little buddies were bullying?” He said nonchalantly.

The townsfolk murmured at the statement. Some of them glared at the two, knowing their attitudes and stand against discrimination.

“So what? They are Faunus! Animals!” Oblivious to his words, he didn’t know it just sparked anger from the people.

That only increased the hate from the townsfolk towards them.

‘He is digging his own grave.’ “Alright, I’ll admit, I did say that.” He shrugged, surprising the people at present from his words.

Before the man could reply, he responded quickly enough. “But it's to scare off the boy as I tried to tell him off several times, and he still wouldn't listen. And the girl was on the verge of death, and I do not like children dying within my sight.” He growled, making the people shiver from the coldness of his tone. “I do not take such pleasantries from someone with the likes of you or your boy.”

He unconsciously released his passive that was withholding the presence of the kingly beast.

The man could only tremble on his feet. “Y-You d-dare speak t-to us like that, f-fool!”

Orm could only sigh at the man’s oblivious ignorance, while inwardly holding himself from choking the fuck out of the man’s neck as much as he wanted to. He avoided to cause a murder in the town he volunteered on protecting.

“I’m not going to even play with you anymore,” Shaking his head, he turned around and walked away, letting out a lazy wave behind him. “but if I hear any acts of discrimination towards anyone from you or your kid, consider yourselves dead men walking.”

And to put one last nail… “And boy,” Said bully, shivering from being mentioned. “if I hear you do such acts again… You will wish for death at such an early age.”

He didn’t bother to look around and see their reactions, their presence disgusts him greatly.

“Ah! They fainted!” Someone exclaimed.

‘So that’s the sound of them falling to the ground… Heh, I thought they fell on their asses.’ He snorted while sporting a small grin on his face.

“That seems kind of… extreme there.” Orm noticed Qrow walking up to him, sporting a small grin. “Didn’t know you made some threatening jokes.”

Orm snorted. “They weren't jokes, I just don’t like those kinds of fuckers walking around.”

“Though your reaction was-”

“I know, and I don’t care. They pissed me off because they were idiots. That’s all there is.” Ending the conversation. Qrow didn’t bother to make a move anyways.

As he arrived at the extraction point, the bullhead just arrived on time to land. As he waited, he sensed Misha just arriving at his side.

“Where did you go?” He inquired.

Misha released a sound of grunts and huffs. But Orm was capable of understanding his partner clearly.

“I see…”

“You understand what he is saying?” Qrow looked at Orm in question.

“Yes. If you are wondering, it's a small trait of mine along with Misha here.”

Misha huffed as he looked at Qrow with a toothy smile, no doubt grinning at him from Orm’s answer before looking at him with concerning eyes. No doubt sensing his foul mood.

“Pissed off right now due to some fuckers being idiots.” He answered.

Misha snorted and gruffed in response. Growling a bit in a questioning manner.

“Oh yeah, we’ll return here some time. I made a promise with someone, and I hate to break it.”

Qrow was a bit surprised but he didn’t show it. ‘So he has someone in this place…’

And with that, misunderstandings arise.

Almost in time, the bullhead landed on the ground. Orm immediately hopped into the bullhead. Not long afterwards, he signaled the pilot to lift off, which the former did as he felt the bullhead lift itself upwards now.

“Mr Hank!”

Orm turned to the voice, already knowing who called him as he looked down and saw Ember waving at him.

“Please come back soon!”

The viking could only smirk, waving his hand in return before bellowing a loud voice: “I will, Ember!”

Orm still looked at the town as they went further away from it before sitting down, slouching onto his seat as he relaxed. It wouldn't take too long for them to arrive back in Vale now.

“Someone you know?”

Orm chuckled. “Aye, a cheeky brat, that she is.”

“...Where did you find him?”

“Hm?” He raised a brow at the question before noticing he was talking about Misha. “I found him in a cave,” gently stroking the bear’s back who simply groaned from pleasure. “I was wandering around the place when I heard a cry coming from the cave… Found him alone. I guessed that his mother was killed or he got lost, though I’m leaning on the former because I waited for so long for the mother to come back… It didn’t.”

The amount of lies was mixed along with the truth. He had found Misha in a cave, but that was from a quest to achieve the requirements for one of his classes, which is the [Beast Master]. And giving him Misha, who started out as a small bear, growing strong as a-

“-Misha is a Myke Bear. See this?” Orm pointed at the stripes on the bear’s fur that resembled some kind of a tattoo. “Myke Bears are born with this kind of a tattoo, while it looks pretty on one end, they give them some kind of an empowerment. They have their own Aura basically.”

Another lie hidden behind a truth.

The Myke Bears are ‘Spirit Bears’ in a sense, the best kind of companions to have against Spectral and Ethereal beings and are tanky enough to handle a high level Player. Only depends on their focus tree though.

Qrow whistled as he looked at Misha in a new light. “Damn…”

“Yes.” Orm nodded. “But the problem is that he may be the last one on Remnant. I haven't heard or gotten any tracks on any other Myke Bears, so…”

He needn't finish the sentence, as it already spoke volumes behind the meaning.

It was quiet throughout the trip for almost ten minutes, which felt like an hour long, before Qrow asked again.

“...Might I bother you with another question? This is about your… friend.”

“Ah, you mean Lordez. What about him?” ‘Hopefully nothing too complicated.’

“How did you two meet?”

‘Ah…’ “We met each other along some road to life. He is a decent guy underneath that intimidating look.” He replied casually.

Qrow hummed. “I also heard he uses a scythe. Didn’t know anyone in Remnant aside from the ‘Grimm Reaper’ who also uses the same weapon.”

Orm shrugged. “Everyone has their own unique way of fighting.”

Qrow could only smirk at that statement. “Says you, using your hands to fight against a literal horde of Grimm. Rip and tearing through those monsters with almost no effort says a lot.”

“Heheheh… Maybe… Aside from that, why do you ask about him? Wanting to get to know him?”

“Something like that,” Qrow didn’t deny or confirm his question. Though it felt like it was the latter. “And I wanted to see how my nieces are doing as well.”

“Ruby and… Yang, yes?” Orm inquired despite knowing this, but it didn’t hurt to be humble in questioning, Qrow nodded. “Then you’d be surprised how strong they’ve grown just from a couple of semesters since their start in Beacon.”

“Oh?” That got Qrow’s interest. “Was it because your friend was training them to the bone?”

Orm’s smirk could not grow any wider from that question.

“Something like that, best you ask Lordez about that.”