(Y/N): "Killian, it appears that you neglected to tell me about this secretive Atlesian base where they had kept the Summer Maiden hidden."

Killian: "It was a secretive location! My superiors would never inquire to a lowly Lieutenant."

(Y/N): "How long has she been stationed there?"

(Y/N) asked, his red eyes pulsating with anger.

Killian: "The Invasion of Vacuo prompted Atlas to seize the initiative and hold her in the base."

(Y/N) gave it some thought, his initial fury lessened to an extent. Killian's answer was a valid one, it didn't make sense for him to have to be chastised further.

(Y/N): "I see... you're dismissed for now."

(Y/N) waved him away, Killian sighed in relief as he turned and began to head to his quarters. He paused only a few feet away from (Y/N).

Killian: "I can still be useful, my family... they don't have to suffer as the rest of Remnant suffers..."

(Y/N): "Yes... you will... In fact, you will accompany me on my mission to retrieve the maiden. For now, rest easy."

The turncoat Atlesian walked away, whilst leaving (Y/N) to plan his move on the Atlesian base.

(Y/N): "Finally, with the Relic of Destruction within my grasp. I will have what it takes to extinguish the light of Vale... And I shall have two of the four Relics in my grasp. Even with just this one, my defeat will be a costly one... but not impossible... Orion!"

(Y/N)'s voice echoes throughout his castle. His bodyguard shows up in a matter of seconds. Without a second word, he handed the relic of knowledge to him.

(Y/N): "Keep it stored somewhere safe in the castle. I'm entrusting it to you."

Orion: "Of course, my master."

He bowed. Walking off to store the relic in a secret spot in (Y/N)'s palace.

(Y/N): "Steelheart thinks too much with the book and not with his mind. For now he doesn't know that location of this secret base is known, now I just have to make my move..."

Fortress Vale - Southern Wall Section 03

A team of huntsmen could be seen exiting the tree line of the forest. The forest which had been currently controlled by the Black Horde. Some had in hand supplies from a downed Atlesian supply ship that had been brought down by a swarm of aerial Grimm. The excursion had seemingly been unnoticed by the Black Horde, until a humongous group of humanoid looking Grimm brandishing various melee weapons was seen pursuing the fleeing huntsmen.

Yang: "These gauntlets aren't built for long range, sis. Don't worry I'll cover you if they get too close."

Seeing all of this through binoculars, Ruby gritted her teeth as she used her semblance to speed her way down the wall towards the massive heavily armoured door. Vale Militia stationed at the door had opened it up just enough for a regular sized human body to fit through.

Militiaman: "You're going to stop all those monsters with that?"

Asked a civilian brandishing a standard Atlesian rifle.

Ruby: "No, at the very least I'll slow them down."

Ruby embedded the blade of her scythe into the ground as she exited the safety of the walled city. Through her scope she could see a frightened and fleeing Team CFVY alongside what was left of Team FRZY. She focused the crosshairs of her scope on the head of a pursuing Grimm. Pulling the trigger and smiling to herself as the Grimm's head jolted backwards as it died. An upgrade to Crescent Rose made it so that the feeding system had been replaced with a semi-automatic instead of a bolt-action. Allowing her to fire off rounds in quicker succession.

She was mowing down the pursing creatures, but wasn't quick enough to prevent one from snatching up the last remaining member of Team FRZY. She cussed to herself as the other Grimm piled around the fallen huntress, consuming her entire body until there was nothing left. Nothing could be done to prevent it.

Coco: "Ruby! Let's get inside! Now!"

Velvet: "Close the door!"

The bunny Faunus ran past her with an entire crate of ammunition in her hands. Ruby Rose closely followed behind Yatsuhashi as she continued popping off stragglers.

As soon as she was behind the door, she assisted Yatsu in closing it. Also assisted by the Militiamen who had opened it in the first place.

As it slid into place, the banging of the humanoid Grimm's fists could be heard on the other side.

Coco: "HA! Take that!"

Adel defiantly yelled, kicking the door and sighing in relief.

Ruby: "What were you guys able to get?"

Coco: "You seem strangely okay with the fact you let Zia die out there."

Coco cleaned her sunglasses as she checked her empty mini gun. Having exhausted her ammo in the sortie.

Ruby: "People die all the time now, plus I was reloading."

She cynically said, having grown numb to death after having to stay behind Vale's walls. Witnessing soldiers, huntsmen and huntresses as well as innocent refugees disappearing in the sea of Grimm.

Velvet: "All this negative emotion within these walls. Why don't the Black Horde just destroy us now?"

Velvet asked, distributing ammunition to the Militia.

Ruby: "Up there on that wall, I see them all the time. They sit there, waiting. Dozens possibly thousands upon thousands. They're holding themselves back because their master told them to. (Y/N) told them to. He wants to watch us starve to death, lose hope. And it's working...everything is."

Yatsuhashi: "In times of dire need, it's best to life your head."

Ruby: "Can't you see the writing on the wall-..."

Ruby paused, scoffing at the accidental pun she had made. There was indeed graffiti on the walls. Ranging from anti-Atlesian Military sentiments to inspirational messages of resistance to the end.

Ruby: "Sometimes, what's obvious is obvious. I don't think optimism will be enough to pull through."

She turned to head back up to the top of the wall.

Velvet: "If you're so cynical now. Why did you help save us."

Ruby turned to look at Velvet.

Ruby: "I-well..."

She said nothing more as she sped back up the wall to continue afternoon watch. Ruby knew the entire situation was hopeless, especially when facing an enemy such as (Y/N). She would knew, the debacle at Schnee Mansion showed how much (Y/N) knew about how to counter the enemy. She distinctly feels that same sense of hopelessness n now.

For now the Spawn that had been chasing the sortie group was now retreating back to their original positions behind the trees. Staying to wait, staying to watch, staying to build their agonizing hunger for living flesh.

Ruby stood stoic as what was left of Vale was hers to protect, against what evil she had understood was now here to stay.

Yang: "Did you hear the news?"

Ruby: "About what?"

Asked Ruby, taking out a rag to clean her weapon.

Yang: "Mistralian airforce attacked an Atlesian outpost. Rumor has it that coward Lionheart joined forces with him. With (Y/N)."

Ruby grumbled in frustration.

Ruby: "First Vacuo, then Menagerie... now Mistral. Things are going to get worst."

Yang: "More bad news, dust and food supply is beginning to dwindle. Logistics says they can feel the bottom of the metaphorical barrel, Vale's going to fall."

Yang forebodingly predicted, Ruby simply nodded in response. They both understood what (Y/N) was doing, their hate against him was close to immeasurable.