(Trigger Warning (TW): Human/Faunus abuse but it's not very detailed just how they appear, this is just in case you can't handle mentions of abuse)

Weiss POV:

It had been nearly a year since my last Grimm-hunting mission with Winter, and unfortunately, I hadn't had the opportunity to join her on any subsequent missions. Nevertheless, my training had been progressing well. I could now cover both of my arms with Aegis, and my instincts had sharpened considerably.

I couldn't help but notice the physical changes as well. Thanks to my Mirko/Mikasa workout routine, the outline of my muscles and a faint hint of abs were becoming visible. I was on the right path to becoming physically fit.

While scrolling through my scroll, perusing various news articles, one headline caught my attention, causing me to pause. The article shed light on the alleged mistreatment of Faunus employees within the Schnee Dust Company, painting a disturbing picture of them being treated like slaves.

Part of me wanted to dismiss it as baseless slander, but another part, influenced by Blake's feelings toward me and the Schnee name in the show, screamed that this could be a red flag.

"If it were not for my past life's memories, I might have dismissed it as baseless sabotage attempts. There are always individuals willing to go to great lengths, even hiring others to undermine a business. However, considering the repeated attacks by the White Fang, there must be a reason behind it. We are not the sole dust company in existence. While we may be the largest, we are certainly not the only ones." I mumble to myself

*sigh* 'I won't be able to get it out of my head all day. Perhaps I should look for more information on this matter.'

Leaving my room, I crouch and head to my father's study to see if there's anything that he would hide in there.

As I was about to reach for the handle, I hear someone call me.

"Ms. Weiss, what are you doing?" It was Klein who called out to me.

"Oh, Klein, I was going to see if Father is here," I lie smoothly.

"Master Jacques had to go to HQ because some emergency appeared," Klein tells me while giving me a wink.

Of course, he knew what I was trying to do.

"Thank you, Klein." He does a little bow before disappearing.

I enter the office and start searching everywhere, including my father's desk, to see if there is a hidden compartment like in the movies, but couldn't find anything.

Well, Father hates Faunus, so he wouldn't care to keep files on their treatment in his study. They'll probably be in the Schnee Dust HQ basement.

I make my way to the bullhead, determined to visit the Schnee Dust Company headquarters. If there is any truth to the claims of Faunus' mistreatment, it would most likely be concealed within those walls.

-----

Schnee HQ:

As I enter the grand doors, an employee quickly approaches me with a polite smile.

"Hello, Ms. Schnee. How may I assist you today?" he inquires.

"I've decided to drop by and check on the overall situation. Disturbing news regarding the treatment of Faunus has reached my ears," I reply, maintaining a composed demeanor.

At the mention of Faunus's in general, I detect a fleeting flicker of disgust on his face before it vanishes behind his professional facade.

"Rest assured, Ms. Schnee, that all our Faunus employees are treated fairly," he assures me, his smile appearing forced.

"Naturally, our company prides itself on being the epitome of excellence. Since I'm already here, I might as well take the opportunity to explore, don't you think?" I suggest, masking my suspicions.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Certainly, Ms. Schnee. Enjoy your visit," he responds with a bow, then continues attending to his duties.

I proceed towards the elevator, making my way to the lower floors. These areas are seldom frequented by executives or staff, tucked away in the depths like forgotten remnants. As the elevator descends, the atmosphere grows colder, and a sense of foreboding envelops me.

Stepping out cautiously, I found myself in a dimly lit basement filled with dusty boxes and neglected machinery. The flickering light from a nearby bulb cast eerie shadows on the walls, creating a haunting atmosphere.

After carefully navigating through the cluttered space, my eyes caught sight of a room marked with a faded sign that read "Files." Intrigued and anxious about what I might discover, I approached the room and pushed open the creaking door. The stale smell of old paper greeted me as I stepped inside, surrounded by rows of meticulously organized documents.

My heart raced as I began scanning through the preserved records, my hands trembling slightly. Among the files neatly arranged on the shelves, one particular folder caught my attention. Its label read "Faunus," and a mix of dread and the need for the truth compelled me to open it, preparing myself for the disturbing truth that awaited.

As I delved into the contents of the file, my eyes widened in shock and disbelief. The words etched on the pages painted a horrifying picture of the Schnee Dust Company's direct involvement in the mistreatment of Faunus workers. The cruelty and disregard for their well-being were unfathomable. My family's company, the one that bore my name, was complicit in perpetuating such atrocities.

Overwhelmed with anger and a sense of responsibility, I resolved to see the truth with my own eyes. I decided to visit the mines, the very place where the Faunus workers toiled under the oppressive weight of the Schnee Dust Company's practices.

As I arrived at the mines, security guards were present, but their attention seemed diverted, providing me an opportunity to slip past their watchful gaze. Quietly, I made my way deeper into the heart of the mines, guided by the distant echoes of voices and the flickering glow of work lights.

The scene that unfolded before my eyes was both heartbreaking and enraging. The Faunus workers, weary and worn, labored under harsh conditions, their expressions etched with exhaustion and hunger. Some struggled to stand, their bodies pushed to the brink of collapse by the grueling demands placed upon them.

A surge of empathy flooded through me as I witnessed their suffering. Without hesitation, from afar I summoned a small healing glyph, its soft glow concealed from prying eyes. Moving discreetly among the workers, I administered gentle healing to those in need, providing relief from their pains and injuries.

As I tended to their wounds, a mixture of gratitude and confusion flickered in their eyes. They were unaware of my true identity, a Schnee standing close by, offering solace in secret. Once I had tended to as many as I could without raising suspicion, I discreetly retreated from the mines, determined to confront my father about these abhorrent practices

3rd POV:

As Weiss quietly made her way out of the mines, a surge of anger coursed through her veins. Unbeknownst to her, her aura responded to her intense emotions, expanding outward in a powerful display. The air crackled with palpable energy, causing a ripple effect around her. Unseen by Weiss, an invisible force emanated from her, knocking the surrounding people off balance and sending them crashing to the floor. Startled and bewildered, the workers struggled to comprehend what had just happened, their confusion evident in their eyes.

Security guards stationed nearby were alerted to the sudden commotion. With a mix of surprise and concern, they sprang into action, rushing toward the scene to investigate the unexpected turn of events. Confusion and alarm filled their expressions as they attempted to make sense of the situation. They exchanged hurried whispers, sharing their observations and trying to piece together the cause of the inexplicable force that had rendered everyone momentarily incapacitated.

Meanwhile, the workers on the ground slowly regained their bearings, gingerly attempting to rise and assess their surroundings. Their faces mirrored a combination of shock, curiosity, and apprehension as they whispered among themselves, seeking answers to the unexplained phenomenon that had just occurred. Some speculated on possible explanations, while others exchanged wary glances, their minds grappling with the sudden display of force.

Within the mining facility, an air of tension settled as security personnel scoured the area, their steps echoing against the cavernous walls. They fanned out, meticulously searching for any signs of an intruder or an external cause for the mysterious force that had affected everyone. Eyes darted from one shadowed corner to another, keenly aware of the need to identify the origin of the unseen power that had briefly paralyzed the workers.

Meanwhile, Weiss, still unaware of the force she had inadvertently unleashed, had slipped away undetected. Her focus remained unwavering, her determination burning brighter than ever as she headed back to the headquarters. Thoughts raced through her mind, fueled by a mix of anger, disbelief, and a growing resolve to confront her father and demand answers for the shocking revelations she had discovered within the files.

Back in the mines, whispers of speculation filled the air as the workers cautiously resumed their duties.

The security team continued their search, and their efforts intensified, fueled by a sense of urgency to identify the source of the mysterious force. However, despite their best efforts, the cause remained elusive, shrouded in mystery.