Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.
I'm also exceedingly rarely chilling in JaxWolf4's (Author of Nah, I'd Adapt and Zenin Days) Discord Server. It's a chaotic lobotomy mess. Not for the faint of heart.
Here's the link:
Disc: HrPrTeam
KOKUSEN! KOKUSEN! KOKUSEN! KOKUSEN! KOKUSEN!
-Story Start-
The elevator ride within Beacon Tower was a quiet, lonely ordeal as it rose at a steady pace towards the designated floor - 400.
The lone occupant, a man donning his pajamas and a contrastingly elegant and sacred sword held in his right hand.
Truth be told, Alex wanted to go ahead and lend a hand to Ozpin.
The issue?
He didn't know where to start.
Trying to find criminals within a gigantic city, which, to him, was basically crafted of glass, on top of likely needing to go through people's homes or private property, irked him as a big fan of personal space and minding your own damn business.
'Besides, the Law Enforcement specialized Huntsmen are being recalled from outside the city.'
Indeed, that had left Alex's most valid option to head out and aid the reclamation and defense against the Grimm.
Which left another issue...
'Where do I go?'
He could alter the landscape as he ran around slaying Grimm left and right - perhaps eventually he'd get to the right place where aid was required.
The keyword being eventually - that'd be too aggravating.
'Too many uncertainties. I'm too strong to just run around like a headless chicken stomping everything around me.'
He might destroy a farm, he might destroy a road, he might destroy a forest, he might destroy a town, and he might even kill someone with just the howling wind generated by his uninhibited sprint across the land, sending an aura-less civilian crashing into a tree or hill.
It all sounded mighty trivial, even silly to some.
But Alex knew what he was capable of, and he believed he needed to be more careful than most.
[A quest would have been really useful to ascertain the correct course of action right now, wouldn't you say? Nevertheless, I am proud of your proactiveness, Master!]
Ignoring the irritating fiend, the elevator had stopped at the four-hundredth floor as Alex intended to go with the simplest solution to his predicament.
If he wanted to help Ozpin and ascertain where he was most needed, who better to ask than the man in himself?
Alex's lips pursed as he headed out of the automatically opening doors.
He had considered waiting until the morning, perhaps Ozpin was deep in his slumber right now, but a quick text back in his dorm confirmed that to be false.
And so, roughly 2:30 AM in the night, he knocked on the door to Ozpin's office.
"Enter." The weary voice answered the knocking rather quickly, as the automatic doors opened.
Before Alex could take in the familiar sight of this particular office, his senses were immediately assaulted by the overwhelming yet intoxicating aroma of those beloved coffee beans; it was especially strong this time.
He blinked as he casually entered, Ozpin not even managing to make eye contact with Alex, given that... he was disturbingly busy and overwhelmed with work.
It was a sloth's worst nightmare, and Alex's immediate cringing grimace said all that had to be said.
Ozpin's table, eight large mugs of coffee, five of which were empty, whilst the other three were full - not a sip taken as they sat there looking sad and cold. Papers upon papers of sketched maps of Vale's surroundings, as well as what appeared to be reports that Alex had no clue or interest in deciphering.
It didn't end there.
Holograms and numerous screens stood across Ozpin's raised head, holograms of multiple messages and reports that boggled the mind and practically made bile rise from Alex's stomach. Except for Purgatory and the parasite, it had been the most disgusted he had ever been.
Ozpin's face was an expression of pure focus layered with exhausted bags under his eyes. Not a hint of frustration or discouragement was there because he simply was too busy to even feel those emotions; it was a most depressing sight.
"Sorry to bother you this late-" Alex started, only to be interrupted by Ozpin waving his hand in dismissal, not even meeting his eyes.
"Not to worry, I have a minute or two to listen. Is there anything I can help you with, Mister Andrite?" He may not have lent Alex his eyes, but his ears were available, or so he suggested.
Nodding, Alex stated simply, "I'd like to help you, just send me where there's the most trouble and I'll take care of it." He paused, adding a clause, "As long as it isn't too complicated or troublesome."
That had made Ozpin pause as his figure and rapid hand movements froze for a contemplative moment. His head turned from the screens to finally meet Alex's dull yet determined amber eyes.
"This is the second time you offer your aid, Mister Andrite. Is this God's orders?" Ozpin inquired with an arched eyebrow.
Alex's lips parted to answer, only for Ozpin's sharp look and shake of the head to interrupt him, "No, you don't look very indignant." He confirmed to himself.
"Yeah, I'm here on my terms."
Ozpin hummed, his head lowering to glance at the map of the Kingdom, sketches Alex wasn't keen on trying to interpret on it.
"Then you are here due to the news?" Ozpin raised his head to meet Alex's eyes once more, though Alex managed to discern a hint of frustration and anger from Ozpin's gaze.
Not directed at him, but more so at the recent news and withdrawal of forces.
Indeed, Alex had not envied him a single bit.
"Mhm. If you're having trouble, just send me, and I'll take care of it." Alex repeated, his voice as if he were commenting on the weather.
It wasn't arrogance, nor was it confidence in Alex's tone - Ozpin could discern that much.
It was a plain, blunt fact - like the sun rising from the east.
"What of your team? Have you consulted Miss Rose? They can't leave with you-"
Scratching his chin, Alex mentioned nonchalantly, "Nope. I'm just thinking that with the right information, I can get this done and over with in a couple of hours, especially if it's just a bunch of Grimm."
...
A moment of quiet.
The air around them had shifted at his comment. It wasn't some kind of pressure or foreboding feeling, but Alex's instincts warned him that something was amiss.
Ozpin's thin, tired line had hardened considerably, as an unreadable, enigmatic expression took hold of his face.
It was old, nay, ancient and calculating.
Alex appeared clueless, unfazed, but he had arched an eyebrow momentarily at Ozpin's expression.
It had been there for only an instant, exchanged with a smile so swiftly and shortly, enough to be mistaken as that expression being but a figment of imagination.
Nodding, Ozpin corrected with a warmer smile, "I know you are quick; however, I will not have you taking part in territory reclamation as of yet." He directed his attention to a screen as he swiped and fiddled with it so Alex could see a sketched-out and live-updated map:
The outskirts of the Kingdom of Vale, with colored zones that were the Legend of the map:
Black - Wild Grimm Territory, no settlements.
Green - Settlements and roads.
Red - Former Green. Overtaken by the recent Grimm uprising.
Yellow - Former Red. Recently reclaimed by the efforts of Huntsmen.
Alex was sure that whatever he was seeing was rather secretive information. He wasn't all too up to date on the situation regarding evacuations into Vale, nor how much ground had been lost, but he's a hundred percent certain that information was suppressed because...
"It was this bad?" Alex's eyes had widened marginally as he noted just how much land was Red and Yellow colored.
Ozpin nodded, admitting with a wry smile. "It was worse, and this is a map from the last year alone. Most of the territories that have been overtaken are problematic settlements that are hard to defend; in a sense, it was only a matter of time until the Grimm hordes took them out, just like it had happened in Mountain Glenn." He pointed his finger at the yellow areas, "Most of the trouble had been rich mineral mines and farms that had been, thankfully, reclaimed as we speak."
Alex nodded, "So what's the issue?"
"The issue is that one strategically important location remains overtaken." Ozpin's finger traced towards a noticeable chunk of red on the map, with a yellow area just before it to the south of the city of Vale.
The red was a valley located to the northeast of Mountain Glenn, just before it was a small hillside town, a couple of kilometers, judging by the distance, colored in yellow.
"A mining town that supplies a good portion of Vale's Iron, Lead, and Copper. The surging of Grimm had managed to conquer the geographical defense and take out the stationed Huntsmen."
"How?" Alex inquired in suspicion.
"I suspect that the surging Grimmoles might have accidentally torn a hole in one of the mountains, allowing for easier access. With the rising numbers of them, defense was inadequate."
"Accidentally, really?"
"It has happened in the past. Grimmoles lack the necessary intelligence to purposefully create such an opening, but they are hazardous to terrain as they tunnel mindlessly until sensing emotional prey. If you were to x-ray the surrounding mountains of that valley, you would see an amalgamation of tunnels." Ozpin lectured patiently.
Shaking his head, Ozpin got back to the point at hand, "In any case, Mister Andrite. The current on-duty licensed huntsmen, as well as your fourth and third-year seniors, are fighting to retake this valley as well as surveying the possible breach's location."
Nodding, Alex confirmed. "Alright, give me the map and I'll-"
"Not so fast, Mister Andrite, I am not done."
"?"
Sighing, Ozpin mentioned, "The withdrawal of Huntsmen to tackle the... aggravating prison break in Vale has left many reclaimed territories, and particularly this town." He pointed at the yellow hilly town before the valley, "Undefended. My huntsmen are currently holding their grounds as we reorganize forces and priorities. I will be sending the second-years to defend the reclaimed territory."
"As for you, you will be doing so as well, in this town." He tapped at the hilly town a few times to let the instructions sink in.
To which Alex could only furrow his brows in profound confusion.
"Why send me to defend, I mean, if I'm being sent either way, just let me take care of the valley really quick-"
"Trust in your seniors. Are you planning on taking over every difficult task that Huntsmen have in the near future?"
Alex shook his head, "Hell no, but if I'm already there," His hold on Excalibur tightened reassuringly, "Then I might as well help out."
Ozpin's eyes narrowed, but he nodded in approval, "I'm placing you there as a last line of defense. Don't underestimate their survival instincts. They are risking their lives to return the homes and livelihoods of others, but they won't die unnecessarily. I have instructed them to value it more than land."
"Whichever the case, your role isn't any less important. Guarantee the stabilization of the town and protect it from any stray Grimm that passes through the valley or otherwise. In case of necessary recuperation, they have where to fall back to."
Honestly, to Alex, it felt like honeyed whispers.
Sit back, relax, and defend when necessary.
True, Ozpin was right; he should conserve his efforts for problems that are much more... indomitable.
Alex's eyes lowered to be met with the Sword of Promised Victory. Uncertainty lay in his gaze as his eyes lingered on its luminous, mesmerizing hue.
Shaking his head and lifting his head back up to meet Ozpin's grateful smile, Alex expressed his suspicion, "I get that. I'm not looking to do everything, like reclaiming all the taken territories or anything like that, far from it. But when I'm out on the field mere kilometers away from the issue, I should just deal with it, no need to let others die or get hurt even if they're trained for it." He shrugged casually, but his eyes were resolved.
"Do your part, but not everything, is it?" Ozpin repeated, the notion puzzling him.
"I am just an extremely strong Huntsman..." His lips pursed as if an internal clash occurred in his mind.
'And a wielder of Excalibur...' Was left unsaid.
[The Dragon dons human skin, believing itself one of them.] The System's words came at a nasty time, like torturous whispers in his psyche.
Merlin had told him to do as he pleased, as he saw fit - but what did that mean, exactly?
He wasn't ambitious.
He wasn't aiming to expand territories or anything of that nature - it sounded like a pain in the ass, but he could do it.
He wasn't aiming to eradicate the Grimm - it sounded like a major pain in the ass, but he still could do it.
Those were his personal lack of wants, but...
'What does... Excalibur want?' Alex wondered, met with that looming question yet again.
It's his term; he was its chosen wielder. What is he to do with it? How does he repay his debt? Is this mild act enough?
Is it fine if he only wields it against the undefeatable?
Would that not be selfish, ungrateful?
What is he to do-
Before Alex could reach an answer, the storm of uncertainty of his was sliced through by Ozpin's own sigh.
Lifting his head from having practically gaped at Excalibur for an answer, Alex met Ozpin's weary look with a tilted head.
"I need you to stay low." Ozpin's resigned admission left his lips, only further strengthening Alex's confusion.
"You must know there are greater, untold forces at play."
"Like Magic? Or those Brother Gods you personally knew?" Alex guessed from one of their conversations a while back, outrageous things that would make any other person think him insane left his lips without a care in the world.
Nodding, Ozpin admitted with honesty, "I did not wish to involve you, nor do I wish to involve you just yet. You are still young, inexperienced, but unimaginably powerful." He continued, "The enemy is coiled in the shadows just a moment's notice from springing up and striking harshly... I am waiting for that moment."
"Do you remember what I had mentioned to you? A few weeks ago?"
Alex nodded.
Ozpin's smile broadened, his fists clenched, "And I stand by my words. I will not let Children handle Adult matters. Even if it's you. You will not be doing the work of multiple grown, adult huntsmen on your own. Nor will I involve you in the workings of our enemy at this time."
Ozpin's expression turned ancient, as his callous, almost resigned words echoed:
"You will act if the Adults fail."
But it was immediately followed by a statement of a fiery determination, his voice booming and intense. "I will not let it come to that. I have forsaken too many young people..."
He shook his head, "My triumph or not, it will work to our advantage if you stay low."
His tone had relaxed, a more courteous note to it, "I am indulging your request because I appreciate your gesture, but you will be limited to the task of the second years." He turned to direct attention at the small town once more, "Expect to be sent alongside a Team of second-years there."
Alex nodded, adding with a blunt request, "Is there a point to even ask who the enemy is?"
Ozpin smiled indulgently, "None. I will bank on that favor you owe me, now. Do not waste your nerves by trying to figure it out. Ask me in a few years and I'll relay all that needs to be known, Mister Andrite."
Exhaling through his nose, Alex nodded indifferently, "Okay."
Ozpin trusted him enough to admit that much, but Alex wasn't going to press on it.
Though he was still unconvinced regarding the whole 'laying low' debacle.
"Would it really be bad if the 'enemy'" he gestured with his hands with a thin line on his face, "Knew what I could do?"
"It wouldn't allow me to corner them, you see. It is a slippery and cunning foe. With the right preparation, it might even defeat you, Mister Andrite."
"Sure." Alex's shrug oozed disbelief, but adhered to his surrender life philosophy.
"Now go catch up on some sleep, Mister Andrite. I will need you at my office for your assignment at 11:00 AM sharp."
[PING!]
[Main Chain Quest - "The Enemy In The Shadows - 1" has been issued!]
-Main Quests-
↓
[NEW!] The Enemy In The Shadows - 1↓
Requirements - An enemy lingers beneath Remnant's seeming normality. Who could it be? Garner Ozpin's trust and learn the truth!
Alternatively, learn it through the mouth of the enemy itself!
Static Rewards - 3 Gacha Coupons & 30,000 Lien & Validity for [The Enemy In The Shadows - 2]
Performance-Based Rewards - Adjustment of requirements for [The Enemy In The Shadows - 2]
Time Limit - 3 Years.
Punishment For Failure - Forced Quest [Three Dragons In A Desolate Land]
Difficulty - A-
...
Alex turned to Ozpin, "I just got another task from the 'God'."
Ozpin's eyes widened broadly, "And...?" A note of strange excitement left his lips, not that Alex noticed.
"I need to learn who this 'enemy' is within three years. You mind telling me who it is?" He bluntly requested.
"Then you'd best utilize your time wisely, Mister Andrite. Not to worry, this order is not one you will fail - come to me in two years should it be necessary." Ozpin leered good-naturedly.
Alex did not agree.
"Not funny... say, how long will I have to stand guard there?"
"Until the job is done." Ozpin supplied easily enough.
Alex nodded with sheer enthusiasm and understanding, "Okay."
'If it takes too long and it sucks to chill there, I'm dealing with the valley myself.' He confirmed to himself the flawless plan of action.
He truly wasn't seeing Ozpin's point.
To Be Continued!
-Author Note Start-
I'll be frank, I myself am being edged to let Alex loose, although he himself isn't too keen on doing it himself, but Ozpin's not being wholly honest here with his agenda. See if you can notice where he's being dodgy and why.
There's TOO MUCH that must be done, but we digress!
As for Alex's team's reaction, well, they won't be super eager to be seen next chappie.
This next arc might seem... tame, but please keep your eyes peeled, I'll be sprinkling a few things.
Anywho, hope you've enjoyed the chapter and it was up to snuff in quality and all! Even when I've churned it out so quickly!
Love ya! Bu Bye!
Guys, I'm sorry to announce, but the next chapter will arrive in an unknown period of time...
JUST FUCKING KIDDING IT'S COMING IN LIKE 24-48 HOURS GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH