Asher felt the airship shift slightly as it touched down on the landing pad.
He stood, walking over to the door just as it slid open. A ramp extended outward, leading down toward one of the six landing pads where the ship had come to rest. Just ahead, the towering structure of Atlas Academy loomed, waiting for him.
His gray boots clicked against the metal ramp as he descended, the sound matching the color of his tailored pants. The rest of his outfit followed the same muted scheme—grays and whites. His fitted vest, the dress shirt and tie beneath it, all visible as his overcoat fluttered in the wind.
Since he was using the front entrance, he didn't pass any students on his way across the forecourt to the glass doors. They slid open automatically as he approached, leading him into the rear hall of Atlas Academy, where the usual bustle of students filled the space. None of them was in class at the moment.
He had only taken a few steps when he spotted Graz, standing near the elevator in his usual division director uniform, though it was hard to tell exactly which division he led.
Graz saw him coming and, in his usual low tone that now bordered on humor, remarked, "You're probably the only person I know who can keep the General waiting."
"Apologies. Your message came at a… interesting time," Asher replied, his tone calm and professional, as it always was. It was the kind of voice that left little room for argument, or even much complaint.
Instead of pressing him further, Graz simply reached for the elevator button, muttering, "Well, let's hope the reason for this summons isn't timing crucial."
The elevator arrived moments later, its doors sliding open.
As they stepped inside, Asher turned to Graz and asked, "So, you don't know the specifics either?"
Behind them, the glass windows offering a view of Atlas below shimmered. Graz shook his head at Asher's question.
"No. It's new information, highly confidential, or so I've been told. The reason we're involved is because your Insurgency helped massively in gathering the intel, and because you were there for both the crater operation and the hijacking itself."
"I see, I suppose that makes sense," Asher responded, settling into the ride.
The elevator ascended smoothly, carrying them to the top floor. Once they arrived, they walked straight ahead to the main chamber and up a short flight of stairs that led to a hallway. At the end of it, the door to General Ironwood's office awaited.
Graz stepped forward and knocked on the door.
A moment later, Ironwood's voice echoed from inside, "Come in."
The door slid open automatically, and Asher and Graz entered the office. Winter and Ironwood were standing near the desk, talking quietly.
"Oh, good, you're here," Ironwood remarked.
"It took you both longer than expected," Winter added, a hint of irritation in her voice. As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Ironwood, but he simply raised a hand and shook his head.
"It's fine. I know it's early. But we need to move quickly on what we've discovered," Ironwood explained, walking behind his desk and tapping a button on the holographic panel projected on its surface.
As soon as the button was pressed, the office windows darkened, and the lights dimmed, leaving only a few blue ones glowing. At the same time, the floor in the center of the room began to rise, unfolding in a strange pattern. Within moments, it became clear that the floor was forming into the shape of a table.
Ironwood stepped down the short stairs toward the table and pressed another button on the small remote in his hand. He gestured for Asher and Graz to join him around it, while Winter stood just on the other side.
As they approached, the table lit up, glowing with the usual blue light of holographic hard-light technology. What hovered just above the surface of the table was a three-dimensional model of Mantle, its intricate details clear even in the dimmed light.
"What exactly are we looking at?" Asher asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied the model of Mantle.
"Well, after arresting so many members of the White Fang, we immediately began our investigation," Ironwood began, his voice steady.
"As you mentioned, most of them were born in Mantle—or more specifically, the Crater—and were recruited there. However..." He paused briefly, pressing the remote again. A glowing red dot appeared on the diagram of Mantle.
"Their actual base of operations is located deep within the city itself," Ironwood continued, the red dot now highlighting a spot just outside the downtown area. Asher stared at the location, his expression unreadable.
Hmm, just as I suspected. They're operating directly out of Mantle.
Ironwood pressed the remote again, causing a series of two-dimensional screens to float above the holographic map, each filled with detailed information.
"From what we've gathered so far, they're operating under the guise of a non-profit organization. They're providing aid, helping refugees displaced by Grimm attacks across the Kingdom, and of course, offering food, water, and medical care," Ironwood explained, his words echoed by the floating screens, which displayed all the relevant details.
Winter stepped forward, speaking up now.
"Investigations have confirmed that the non-profit is legitimate. Everything they've done is publicly available, and while they're not a large organization, they are fairly well-respected. It's no surprise, then, that all the credentials, paperwork, and vehicles the White Fang were using to enter and exit the Crater trace back to this organization."
Graz glanced over at Winter.
"So, they're the ones behind all of this? Do we know who's running the company?"
Ironwood sighed deeply, shaking his head.
"No. That's the problem. We've tried everything—cross-referencing filings, tracing IP addresses, even using international contacts. Every lead ends in a dead end."
He paused, his frustration evident, before continuing, "They've buried themselves under layers of shell corporations, offshore registrations, and proxy directors. It's been like chasing shadows. Whoever set this up knew exactly how to vanish in plain sight."
Winter frowned slightly, crossing her arms as she spoke.
"That may be true, but it doesn't change the fact that we're confident the White Fang are operating out of this location. From what we've gathered from those we've arrested, there's a subbasement they're using as their headquarters." Asher absent-mindedly rubbed his fingers together as he listened, only speaking after Winter had finished.
"I see. But what about the other leads? For example, the so-called Faunus Rights activist operating out of the abandoned hospital. They somehow got hold of NPM-9. Then there are the weapon smugglers with military-grade equipment, the traffickers, and the entire black market in the air vents."
In response to Asher's questions, Ironwood pressed the remote again. The holographic display of Mantle shifted, revealing a couple of lengthy documents.
"From what we've gathered, the traffickers aren't connected to the other three instances, though they're illegal all the same and will be dealt with appropriately. As for the rest, we've found connections. A lot of what's circulating in the black market has to have been leaked from Atlas Military, just like the weapons and NPM-9."
It was the only explanation that made sense.
"We tried tracking who could have accessed the NPM-9 files, but even at that level of clearance, there are far too many users to narrow it down. The system logs only go so deep, and it doesn't track every individual file. Even if it did, it wouldn't be enough to make anyone guilty," Winter added, her tone matter-of-fact.
Asher nodded in agreement.
"So, that's a dead end then?" Graz asked, but Winter shook her head.
"Not exactly. While the number of users was long, it still helped narrow down the list of potential traitors or at least accomplices," Winter explained, glancing at Ironwood.
"By itself, it wasn't enough, but when we combined it with the list your AI sent us, we managed to make significant progress," she added.
Ironwood nodded and pressed the remote again. Three faces materialized in holographic form above the table.
"Hmmm, I know these three," Graz muttered, recognizing them instantly.
"Of course. They're well-known figures in Atlas Military—high-ranking as well. After examining the shipments recovered from the smuggler's warehouse, and cross-referencing where they 'should' have been, we found that most of the missing military hardware overlaps with the jurisdiction of these three. It could mean that all of them are involved, or maybe just one."
As he spoke, it was clear that Ironwood wasn't thrilled with the idea of any of them betraying Atlas, but the evidence spoke for itself.
"And that brings us to our final lead," Winter interjected.
"Right," Ironwood continued, "The leader of the group distributing NPM-9 laced goods in the Crater at the abandoned hospital. Even the weapon smugglers we caught didn't seem to know who was really in charge. Too many middlemen. But with drug-laced items like these, you need someone more direct, someone near the top giving commands."
Asher paused, thinking it over before speaking.
"Judging by how you're talking about it, I'm guessing the leader Indigo and Sterling captured still hasn't cracked, like the White Fang members?"
Ironwood sighed, his frustration evident.
"No, he's being stubborn. But he'll crack eventually. Once he does, we'll connect what he knows and see how it links to our three potential perpetrators. Once we've made the connection, we'll know exactly who's been pulling the strings, and then we take care of them."
Asher nodded slowly.
"Hmm, this all sounds like good news, then. We've got leads on our targets, and it's only been three days since the Insurgency deployed into the Crater. But I'm still confused about one thing. Why exactly did you call us here? If it was just to update us, you didn't have to do it personally."
Ironwood, hearing the question, began walking back to his desk. As he circled around and pressed the same button that had dimmed the office, the windows slowly returned to their normal brightness. Light poured back in as the table that had risen began folding back into the floor.
He put the remote away, leaning forward on his desk with both hands, the skyline of Atlas framed behind him.
"Because we're up against a ticking clock," he explained.
"Although we're close, we still don't know exactly who's behind all of this. But if they're as well connected as we think they are, they either already know, or will soon learn, just how close we are to finding them."
Graz let out a short groan, nodding in understanding.
"Which means they'll go into hiding and take any traces of themselves with them," he muttered, and Ironwood confirmed with a nod.
Winter, standing next to Ironwood's desk, added, "Exactly. That's why we need to act quickly. We need to make a move on the White Fang's operations, as well as the company they're using as a cover. We're already preparing for mobilization, and we were hoping your Insurgency could assist, especially after their performance during the last mission."
That was the real reason Asher had been called in. They needed the Insurgency's guarantee to ensure the mission went smoothly.
"Hm. Well, as much as I would like to, I'm afraid I can't," Asher replied, drawing confused looks not just from Ironwood and Winter, but even Graz.
He went on to explain, "That was my Insurgency's first mission, and it turned out to be more mentally taxing for them than I had expected. They're still recovering. They weren't originally soldiers, after all. I don't feel comfortable deploying them in their current state, and they won't be ready until at least next month."
Listening to Asher, Ironwood raised a hand to his mouth, his eyes flickering downward as he thought for a moment.
"I see..." he said, his voice thoughtful.
"That's a shame. We were hoping to rely on their support." Now they would have to find another unit to replace them in their mobilization plans.
"Well, if it's any consolation, I'm willing to assist with the raid, even if my Insurgency can't join at the moment," Asher added.
His offer caused Winter and Ironwood to pause.
"What? You want to participate in the raid?" Winter repeated, clearly surprised.
"Of course," Asher responded confidently.
"I've proven myself capable, haven't I? I'm more skilled than your sister in combat, and I've defeated her multiple times, with and without her aura. The hijacking should have shown that I can handle a real combat situation. Even with a Huntsman involved, I handled it. I'm also the one who initially trained the Insurgency, so naturally, I'm more capable than they are."
As Asher listed his accomplishments, his request seemed less and less unreasonable. Still, there was hesitation. He was still, after all, a child. A child with an incredibly powerful background and high authority within the Atlas Military, but a child nonetheless.
The hesitation mirrored the reaction Winter might feel about sending her sister into danger, or Ironwood when considering his student's safety. It wasn't entirely logical, but it was a response based on his appearance.
The office fell silent for a few moments before Graz broke the stillness, his voice firm.
"Well, I'm in support of it."
"Are you serious?" Winter asked, surprise evident in her voice as she looked at him.
"I'd say he's already proven himself," Graz replied.
"Not to mention, he's part of the Atlas Military. His rank means there wouldn't be any issues with him going. If we're going to stop him from doing this, then he shouldn't be in charge of an entire division in the first place." His words settled heavily in the room, both Winter and Ironwood considering the logic.
Asher glanced over at Graz, not expecting his support, but he didn't comment on it. In the end, the decision rested with Ironwood. He had taken a seat, his hands pressed together on the desk as he met Asher's eyes.
"And you're sure you want to go?" Ironwood asked, his voice calm but serious.
"You're a valuable asset, Asher. Even at your age, there aren't many who can match your mind. Someone like you doesn't have to be on the front lines to be useful."
"I'm aware. And I appreciate the praise, General. However, I have no intention of letting my contributions be limited to just behind a screen or microphone." There was an unyieldingness in Asher's words, and that same sternness lingered in his gaze. As he and Ironwood locked eyes, the latter eventually relented.
"Alright. You have my go-ahead," Ironwood said.
"However! If you're going to go, I want you to be accompanied by someone. For your own protection."
Asher didn't argue.
Instead, he simply asked, "Who is it? Winter?"
He glanced over at Winter as he said her name, but she seemed just as uncertain about who Ironwood meant.
"It's someone you've met before, though I wouldn't be surprised if you don't remember. Your encounter was brief," Ironwood explained as he stood up from his desk. Winter's eyes widened as she seemed to realize who he was talking about.
"Wait, sir, are you referring to 'her'?" Winter asked, her hands moving slightly as she processed the idea.
"Indeed," Ironwood replied.
"But she's still in training," Winter protested.
"She may not be-"
Ironwood cut her off, his tone resolute.
"She'll be monitored, of course. But if she can't operate on her own at some point, then she never will. She's excelled in all her trials and simulated events so far. I believe now is the best time for her to prove herself. Besides, I can't send you, I need you here."
Asher glanced at Winter, then at Graz, who seemed just as clueless as he was. Winter still looked conflicted, but she eventually composed herself and nodded.
"If you believe that's the best course, sir, then I'll make preparations."
"Good. Graz, you're dismissed for now. As for you, Asher, would you walk with me? I think you should at least meet her properly first," Ironwood said as he made his way toward the door of his office.
"Well, I'm certainly curious," Asher admitted as he followed, causing Ironwood to chuckle lightly.
The two of them left the office, leaving Winter and Graz behind. They walked to the elevator, which was already waiting for them. Ironwood pressed a button, the doors opened, and they stepped inside. With another press, the doors closed, and the elevator began its descent.
"To one of the floors in the Atleasian Military Compound? She's here?" Asher asked, noticing their direction.
Ironwood nodded.
"That's right. I'm sure you'll remember her when you see her."
The elevator ride wasn't long. As they descended, the light from the usual glass backdrop of the elevator faded. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, Asher saw the familiar hallways of smooth metal walls with lights embedded as strips, casting a sterile, modern glow.
Ironwood led the way, hands behind his back. As they walked, everyone who saw them stepped aside, greeting Ironwood either silently or verbally, and he acknowledged each one with a nod or a gesture. After a few turns, they arrived at a metal door with no identification, the only notable feature being a panel next to it with a screen.
It was a combination lock. Ironwood entered the code from memory, not bothering to conceal it from Asher. Once the code was entered, a soft chime sounded, the screen flashed green, and the door opened as it detected them in front of it.
As Ironwood stepped aside, Asher caught his first glimpse of the room. He couldn't immediately see what—or who—was inside, but he heard a voice.
"Mr. Ironwood? Did you have a meeting with my father today? I wasn't aware." It was a girl's voice—one Asher recognized due to its peculiarity when he had first heard it.
Ironwood shook his head.
"No. Actually, I came here to talk to both you and your father. But first, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Ironwood stepped aside fully, allowing Asher to look into the room, which appeared to be a lab.
Sitting in a chair inside was a familiar-looking ginger-haired girl.
"Penny?" Asher murmured, surprised to see her there. In response, Penny's gaze shifted in recognition.
She raised her hand, pointing at him with a slight tilt of her head.
"Oh, I remember you. From the charity ballroom. Asher, right? What are you doing here?"