Chương 110: Chapter 103: The Iron General

The atmosphere inside the Headmaster's office of Atlas Academy was thick with an almost suffocating, bureaucratic tension. General James Ironwood stood rigidly behind his expansive, polished steel desk. His pristine, white-and-gray military uniform was immaculate, but the man wearing it looked as though he was carrying the weight of the sky itself upon his broad shoulders.

His face, framed by a very thin layer of neatly trimmed facial hair, a stark contrast to his usually clean-shaven appearance back in Vale, was drawn tight with exhaustion. Hovering in the center of the dim room were the imposing, translucent blue holographic screens of the Atlas Council.

"General, the situation is completely unacceptable!" Councilwoman Camilla's voice rang out, sharp and demanding.

"With the connection to the outside world has been entirely severed, we became isolated! And now, the lower city is threatening to tear itself apart. Mantle's heating grid has been failing for days, and the protests are escalating into full-blown riots!"

"I am acutely aware of the situation in Mantle, Camilla," Ironwood replied, his deep voice strained as he planted his hands firmly on the desk.

"My technicians are working around the clock to restore the grid. We are doing everything in our power."

"Are you, James?" Councilor Sleet interrupted, his holographic face scowling in disapproval.

"Because your military forces seem entirely unable to stop the string of mysterious murders occurring right under our noses! Atlas soldiers and innocent civilians in Mantle are being slaughtered in the dark, and it is completely destroying whatever thin shred of trust the lower city still has in your military!"

"My units are exhausted, Sleet, but they are sweeping every sector!" Ironwood argued, his cybernetic hand clenching into a tight fist.

"The culprits are highly skilled, and we are hunting them."

"And what of the international inquiries?!" Sleet pressed relentlessly.

"Before the network collapsed, the other kingdoms were bombarding us with demands regarding the 'giant robot' that appeared in Mistral! They believe it was a classified Atlesian weapon! We are in the middle of a highly contentious Council election, James. We cannot afford these diplomatic disasters while Jacques Schnee breathes down our necks!"

"I have already issued a strict 'no comment' regarding the anomaly in Mistral," Ironwood stated through gritted teeth, desperately trying to appease them.

"We are managing the crisis. You must trust the military's judgment!" The council members exchanged skeptical, frustrated glances before shaking their heads.

"James," Camilla spoke, now in a calmer tone.

"Keep in mind that we are trying to support your decision, but we cannot cover for you indefinitely. We believe that you're doing all of these for Atlas. But if you know something else, do not keep it from us." Ironwood looked at the screen of the Councilwoman, trying to maintain his stern military manner.

"I will definitely give you result to erase your doubts. In exchange, all I need is for you to give me time."

"We already gave you all the time in the world, General." Sleet sighed to the General.

"You better mark your own words, or you will be on your own." With a synchronized, mechanical hum, the holographic screens blinked out of existence, leaving the office in dead silence. Ironwood slowly lowered his head. He let out a long, heavy sigh of pure, unadulterated stress, rubbing his temples as the sheer magnitude of the kingdom's fracturing stability pressed against his skull. A soft chime from the console broke the silence.

"General," his secretary's voice crackled through the intercom.

"You have visitors."

"Send them in," Ironwood commanded, straightening his posture immediately. The heavy, armored doors of the office hissed open. Winter Schnee marched into the room, her boots clicking with flawless military precision. She stepped aside, allowing Qrow Branwen's vanguard to file into the room. Team RWBY, Team JNPR, Oscar Pine, and Maria Calavera stepped onto the polished floorboards.

Trailing just behind them was Saitama, wearing his sharp black suit, white trench coat and pristine bowler hat, and Neopolitan, who was still disguised as a mundane, brown-haired civilian in a beige coat.

"Qrow. Students," Ironwood greeted, genuine relief flooding his exhausted features.

"I cannot tell you how glad I am that you made it to Atlas." His gaze turned toward Neo, giving her a doubtful look.

"You don't need to do that here, Miss Neopolitan." As the heavy doors sealed shut behind them, Neo let out a soft sigh. She dropped her Overactive Imagination Semblance. With a faint, rippling shimmer, the beige coat melted away, revealing her vibrant pink-and-brown hair and her stylish, perfectly tailored combat attire. Ironwood's eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of the notorious thief, a flicker of deep-seated doubt crossing his face, but he chose not to draw his weapon.

Oscar stepped forward, taking a deep, centering breath. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, his hazel gaze possessed an ancient, regal depth. He offered a respectful nod, Ozpin taking the reins.

"It is good to see you, James," Ozpin spoke, his familiar cadence bringing a wave of comforting familiarity to the room.

"Ozpin," Ironwood breathed, stepping out from behind his desk. He looked deeply apologetic.

"I am so sorry about the clearance. The authorization was deleted from the system by an enemy override before it ever reached the Argus base."

"We suspected as much," Ozpin replied smoothly.

"The enemies are already deeply embedded within your walls." Ironwood's gaze then drifted to the tiny, elderly woman leaning heavily on a wooden cane near Ruby. He frowned in confusion.

"And... who is this?" Qrow smirked, taking a quick swig from his flask.

"Jimmy, meet Maria Calavera." Ozpin offered a reverent smile.

"The Grimm Reaper." Ironwood completely froze. His eyes widened in sheer, unadulterated shock as he looked at the tiny crone.

"The Grimm Reaper? But... you're a legend." He immediately bowed his head.

"It is an absolute honor, ma'am. Thank you for accompanying them."

"Don't flatter me, General. I'm just here to get my eyes fixed," Maria huffed raspy, though a small, proud smile touched her lips. Qrow stepped closer to the desk, his crimson eyes scanning Ironwood's gaunt, exhausted face.

"You look terrible, James."

"Indeed," Ozpin agreed softly, observing the heavy toll the shadow war had taken on his old friend.

"The situation here has escalated far beyond our initial projections."

"It's a nightmare, Ozpin," Ironwood confessed, his military stoicism cracking to reveal his profound frustration.

"The culprits sabotaging Mantle... they know our internal structure. They know the blind spots in the grid. They are absolute ghosts, making them incredibly proficient at hiding." Ironwood paced in front of the massive windows overlooking the floating city.

"By recalling my military and enacting the embargo in Mantle, I know I don't seem like the most trustworthy leader right now. I know the people despise me. But I don't have any other choice. I am doing this so the enemies down in Mantle cannot infiltrate Atlas." He turned to the group, his eyes filled with sincere regret.

"I also heard from Winter about how the security teams treated you on the tarmac. I apologize. The constant threat, the murders, and the failing grid... all the problems in this Kingdom have severely affected the soldiers' nerves."

"We understand, General," Jaune Arc nodded respectfully.

"We know you're doing your best."

"But the timing is too perfect," Blake Belladonna analyzed, her amber eyes narrowing.

"The enemies infiltrated the Kingdom right as the Council election is being run. They are deliberately exacerbating the situation between Atlas and Mantle to create maximum political chaos." Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work! Weiss Schnee crossed her arms, her pale blue eyes turning cold.

"And my father is running for that vacant Council seat. And he will use this chaos to his absolute advantage." While the Huntsmen and Huntresses engaged in the dramatic, high-stakes discussion of geopolitical sabotage and invisible assassins, Saitama was slouched heavily against the back wall. He let out a quiet, whistling yawn, picking a speck of lint off his white trench coat. He leaned down, whispering to Neo, who was twirling her parasol beside him.

"Hey. Do you get any of what they're talking about? Because I am completely lost." Neo looked at him, her heterochromic eyes completely blank. She gave an elegant, highly indifferent shrug of her shoulders. She didn't care about politics either. Suddenly, a second chime echoed from the intercom.

"General. The Ace-Ops have arrived," the secretary announced.

"Send them in," Ironwood ordered. The heavy doors hissed open. Striding into the office with absolute, synchronized perfection were the five elite members of the Ace Operatives. Clover Ebi led the pack, followed by Marrow Amin, Harriet Bree, and two new faces: Vine Zeki, a pale, serene man with striking tattoos, and Elm Ederne, a tall, powerfully built woman carrying a massive war hammer.

Accompanying them, rolling forward in a highly advanced, mechanical mobility chair, was an elderly man with dark skin, a bushy white beard, and a kind, intelligent smile.

"Apologies for the interruption, General," Clover said, offering a crisp salute before his eyes landed on the Vanguard. Clover's professional demeanor instantly melted into a warm, familiar grin.

"Well, look who it is! Glad you all made it to Atlas in one piece." He turned his gaze toward Saitama, offering a playful wink.

"And good to see you again, Sheriff of Shion."

"Oh, the noodle-cops. Hi," Saitama casually greeted back, although still completely convinced the elite operatives were still passively interrogating him about his accidental dine-and-dash back in the tavern near Shion Village.

"Noodle-cops?" Elm blinked, letting out a loud, booming laugh that echoed in the office.

"Is that what he calls you guys?"

"He's got a very... unique sense of humor," Harriet chuckled, crossing her arms with a smirk. Vine offered a serene, polite nod toward the bald man.

"Your antics are quite refreshing, Mr. Saitama. It is an honor to meet you." Clover, Harriet, and Marrow couldn't help but laugh, genuinely finding the invincible man's absurd worldview highly amusing. Meanwhile, near the center of the room, Maria Calavera peered closely at the elderly man in the mobility chair. Her cybernetic goggles whirred loudly as she leaned on her cane.

"Pietro!" Maria rasped, hobbling forward.

"It's about time I found you." Pietro Polendina blinked, his bushy white eyebrows knitting together in profound confusion. He adjusted his glasses, looking at the tiny old woman.

"I'm sorry, madam. Have we... have we met before?"

"Oh, don't tell me your memory is going before mine," Maria scoffed. She raised a wrinkled finger, tapping the side of her solid brass goggles.

"You're the one who adjusts these optical implants every ten years or so!" Pietro stared at the goggles for three long seconds. His eyes widened to the size of saucers. He threw his hands cheerfully into the air, a massive, delighted smile breaking across his face.

"Maria! By the Gods, it is you!" Pietro laughed joyously, rolling his chair closer.

"It has been far too long! I was beginning to worry you wouldn't make the trip this decade!"

"I age like fine wine, Pietro," Maria cackled, waving her cane dismissively toward Ozpin's group.

"And I would have been here much sooner if I hadn't run into these jokers! They needed my guidance while fighting a little old Sphinx on a moving train!" Ruby and Jaune rubbed the backs of their necks, letting out incredibly awkward, sheepish laughs, while Qrow simply dragged a hand down his face and sighed. Ironwood smiled faintly at the reunion.

"I see you are already acquainted. Ozpin, students, this is Doctor--""Pietro," the old man emphasized himself to the group.

"Just call me Pietro. I had enough with honorifics for today." Ironwood nodded.

"So... Pietro here is a brilliant scientist from Mantle. I need his expertise for a highly classified military project, but he also serves as a crucial bridge for our relationship between Mantle and Atlas." Pietro turned his chair toward the students to introduce himself, but as his eyes swept over Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, he froze.

"My word..." Pietro gasped, his hands flying to his chest in sheer excitement.

"You're Team RWBY!" Yang blinked in surprise.

"Wait, you know us?"

"Of course I do!" Pietro laughed warmly, his eyes shining with absolute, paternal pride.

"My daughter talked about you girls all the time! You're practically legends in our household!" Ruby tilted her head, her silver eyes filled with profound confusion.

"Your... daughter?"

"Yes!" Pietro nodded happily.

"She is currently assigned as the official protector of Mantle. I am sure you will all meet her soon enough!" The girls exchanged bewildered glances, completely unaware of the heartbreaking, joyful truth hiding behind the scientist's words. Ironwood cleared his throat, refocusing the room's attention.

"Thank you for coming up here, Pietro. I know the situation in Mantle is demanding. What is the status of the heating grid and the Aura transfer machine?" Pietro's cheerful demeanor sobered instantly.

"The heating grid is failing faster than we can patch it, James. As for the transfer machine, the diagnostics are stable," He looked at the General, his expression tightening with stern, fatherly warning.

"But I must warn you, General... do not exploit my daughter too much." Pietro's voice held a heavy, protective weight.

"I only agreed to work with you on this initiative because it is meant to protect both Atlas and Mantle. She is not just a machine."

"I understand," Ironwood assured him, placing a respectful hand on his chest.

"And I give you my word, I will help ease the burden on Mantle. Now that Team RWBY and Team JNPR are here, we have the manpower to actively secure the lower city." Pietro let out a soft sigh of relief.

"Thank you, General. If that is all, I need to be heading back to my clinic in Mantle." He turned his chair toward Maria.

"Care to join me, Maria? We have some fine-tuning to do on those optics."

"Lead the way, doc," Maria smirked. She looked back at the students.

"See you kids in Mantle. Try not to blow anything else up while I'm gone." As Pietro and Maria exited the office, the heavy doors hissing shut behind them, Team RWBY and JNPR exchanged highly confused whispers.

"Exploit his daughter?" Blake murmured, her ears twitching.

"What did he mean by that?" Ironwood didn't elaborate. He turned his attention sharply to Clover.

"Have you found the culprits?" Clover's expression turned incredibly grim. He shook his head.

"Still negative, sir. They are evading every thermal and Aura sensor we deploy. And... we found another dead civilian in a dark corner of Mantle this afternoon. Same venom." Ironwood closed his eyes, letting out a frustrated, hissing breath through his teeth. The heavy, suffocating unease returned to Ozpin's group. The invisible noose around the kingdom was pulling tighter by the hour.

"Yaaaaaawn." A massive, loud, comically exaggerated yawn completely derailed the tension in the room. Everyone snapped their heads around. Saitama was stretching his arms high above his head, popping his shoulders lazily.

"Man, it has been a really long day," Saitama complained, adjusting his bowler hat.

"Can we stop talking about grids and murders and just go to sleep? I'm exhausted." The Ace-Ops and Ironwood stared at him in absolute, dumbfounded bewilderment.

"He's... tired?" Harriet blinked.

"Well... Saitama actually did a lot of heavy lifting today," Jaune stepped in quickly, offering an awkward smile.

"He completely obliterated hordes of Grimm in Argus!"

"Though he was a few hours late because he insisted on waiting for his dry-cleaning," Weiss muttered bitterly under her breath. Ironwood's cybernetic eye whirred, stepping forward.

"Argus was attacked by Grimm?"

"It was a massive invasion, General," Ruby explained, her expression turning serious.

"A Leviathan emerged from the ocean, accompanied by armies of Manticores and Sphinxes. But Saitama completely wiped them out."

"And his presence?" Ironwood demanded, panic flaring in his chest.

"Was he seen?!"

"He was masked," Qrow assured him, pulling out his scroll.

"Neo cast a massive illusion over the entire bay to cover his tracks." Qrow tapped the screen, projecting the viral news footage of the towering, beam-firing 'Silver Giant of Light' soaring into the sky. Ironwood and Winter stared at the holographic projection of the silver alien, their eyes widening to the absolute limits of human disbelief.

"That... is what the public saw?" Winter breathed, utterly astounded.

"Yes," Weiss stepped forward, looking directly at the General.

"But General Ironwood, there is a condition. I made a deal with Neo. In exchange for saving Argus and maintaining our cover, I promised her that we would erase her criminal records in the Atlas database." Ironwood's head snapped toward the heiress, his expression hardening.

"You promised a known accomplice of Roman Torchwick a clean slate?!"

"She earned it, James," Ozpin spoke up calmly.

"Her Semblance saved our operation. Without her, our enemies would already know Saitama has left Vale."

"She truly helped us, General," Qrow nodded. Ironwood looked at Neo, who simply offered a smug, silent smirk as she leaned against her parasol. Ironwood sighed, crossing his arms.

"I cannot completely erase her criminal records. The bureaucratic backlash would be immense. However..." He leaned forward, his blue eyes locking onto the illusionist with cold, military steel.

"I can remove her records from the public databases for the duration of her stay in Atlas. She will not have to disguise her appearance while wandering the city. If you continue to aid us, and do not betray this vanguard, I will consider permanently erasing... some of your lesser charges." Ironwood narrowed his eyes.

"But, if I find you defecting, even in the slightest... I will have every soldier in this kingdom hunt you down. Understood?" Neo held his gaze without flinching. She pulled out her scroll, typed rapidly, and held the screen up for the entire room to see. [Fair enough.]"As for your accommodations, Mr. Saitama," Winter spoke up, turning to the bald hero.

"I have already processed the paperwork. You and Neo have been granted full access to the luxury penthouse in the upper residential tier." Saitama's flat, dotted eyes instantly transformed into massive, glittering stars of pure, unadulterated joy.

"Yes!" Saitama cheered comically, throwing a fist into the air.

"Thank you, sword girl! Thank you, white girl! Finally, heated floors!" Ironwood turned to his elite squad.

"Harriet, Marrow. Escort Mr. Saitama and Miss Neopolitan to the penthouse. Clover, Vine, Elm, return to your posts and stand by for the next operational task."

"Sir!" the Ace-Ops barked, executing a flawless, synchronized salute.

"See you tomorrow, kids," Clover smiled at Ruby's group. Saitama happily grabbed his grocery bag and his hero suit, offering a lazy, satisfied wave to Ozpin, Qrow, and the students.

"Catch you guys later. Don't wake me up early." With that, Saitama and Neo followed Harriet and Marrow out of the office, the heavy doors hissing shut securely behind them. As the mechanical lock engaged, the comedic, chaotic energy of the bald hero entirely vanished from the room. The atmosphere instantly grew cold, heavy, and terrifyingly serious. Ozpin turned to face General Ironwood, his hazel eyes narrowing with the ancient, crushing weight of their eternal war.

With the anomaly safely out of earshot, the time for secrets was over. It was time to talk about the Maidens, the Relics, and the Queen of the Grimm.