[Time Skip]

I typed away at my computer and began to get more invested in my work. This morning I began pouring through the communications data from the Beacon Communications Tower but found one data entry that was very odd. It was an outgoing message that contained no audio or text-based message, and it was sent to itself. So I dug into it and found a single image that continued to pop up. It was a chess piece. My theory is it's supposed to be checkmate. Just as I was trying to check it for anything useful it actually tried to infect my computers as well. Its attempt was rather short-lived however, my security systems made quick work of the attack.

Me: "It's a computer worm... It's trying to find security holes to spread. But... that's not right..."

A computer worm will use every means it can to travel, however, that's not what this is doing. It's self-confining to Beacon's systems and only focusing on attacking the systems in this area. A normal computer worm would at least try to hitch a ride on outgoing messages to the other towers. It's completely integrated into the tower, there's no removing it without completely destroying the current system it runs on. As I was working I heard the door to my lab open, however, I didn't stop working.

Aurora: "Hello (Y/N). Would you like to take a break?"

Me: "Not now Aurora."

I couldn't find where it was sending the data to. Not because of the complexity, I've tracked down much harder algorithms, but it's as if Beacon's systems have no form of security, plus there are no satellites in this world to hook into. Their systems can't defend against the worm because they don't have any defense to speak of... just how stupid are they?

Aurora: "You've been working since early this morning, perhaps you'd like something to drink?"

Me: "Not now. I have to figure out what the other side is planning to do with this. As soon as it spreads, it copies data then goes dormant... I can't find where the data is being sent... but I can see where the worm starts in each access point....it's in Beacon's systems from the tower all the way to the school... then it spread to that floating arena... but that can't be the end game... they could cripple communications and certain auxiliary systems... but that's not checkmate... wait..."

I pulled up one of the security feeds outside.

Me: "The Atlas ships, they run on a separate system... but if the worm piggybacks into the ship somehow it could spread... That's... slightly worse but not checkmate."

Aurora: "(Y/N)..."

I sighed.

Me: "Aurora, if you need something say so. I'm busy right now."

Aurora: "You should take a break. You have not slept in three days. If you get invested now you may not sleep for another week."

I sighed. I'm not really making progress right now. The only thing I can do right now is inform Ozpin and go from there.

Me: "I'll take a break later, right now I need to go speak with Ozpin. I'll sleep tonight once I finish a few more things."

I got up from my chair and changed the interior back to the usual dorm room.

Aurora: "Do you mind if I accompany you?"

I sighed.

Me: "That should be fine."

With Aurora in tow I made my way through the door and out of the dorm building. There were a lot of students out today, mainly due to the Vital festival the school holds each year. They hold a tournament for students of every academy and see which team will come out on top. I've been watching it in the background but nothing has really caught my interest in terms of skill, however it did give me some more information. We made our way to Ozpin's tower then began riding the elevator up.

Aurora: "What do you think he will say when you tell him what you've learned?"

Me: "I can only assume he'll try to deal with the issue discreetly. The creatures of Grimm are drawn to negative feelings. So the only option is to defeat the threat quietly, otherwise, it'll cause a panic. Then there's the matter of the airships. They're from Atlas, a military run nation. They already have people on edge."

Aurora: "I do not understand. People should feel safer knowing they are protected."

Me: "When you see an army mobilize, what would be the first thing you ask yourself?"

Aurora: "I suppose it would be 'What are they attacking?'"

Me: "Correct. The people that see those ships are asking themselves that question. But they aren't finding an answer that makes sense."

Aurora: "Did they purposely put themselves in a bad position?"

Me: "Doubtful."

The doors opened and instead of Ozpin's normal scarce office it seemed as though he was having a meeting with three other people. Glynda Goodwitch was one I recognized but not the other two. One was a well kept and professional-looking man. A quick scan of his body showed that at least 40% of his body was a prosthetic. The other was a man that looked as though he just stumbled out of a bar, hair unkempt and swaying slightly. I walked forward as they looked away from their conversation to see who had interrupted.

Me: "Ozpin, I've discovered something you may want to know about. I apologize for interrupting but this is far more important."

Ozpin: "(Y/N)... What seems to be the problem?"

I looked at the two people in front of his desk.

Me: "Do you trust them?"

Ozpin: "Without a doubt."

I nodded.

Me: "I've discovered a computer worm that was implanted into Beacon's systems. It's already integrated into your operating systems, as of now whoever planted it could shut down or control most of your systems along with auxiliary power."

Ozpin: "Are you absolutely sure?"

I sighed.

Me: "Aurora, please display my computer screen, big enough for everyone to see."

Aurora: "Understood."

She held out her hand, her palm facing upward as a large holographic display appeared. I walked over and began going through the data.

Me: "This is where the worm began."

I pointed out the original transmission that the worm was input with.

Me: "Since that transmission the computer worm has worked its way through everything at Beacon. Your computers, display screens, cameras, even the incoming and outgoing transmissions. If they wanted to they could shut it all off or completely hijack it. And you'd have no way of locking them out at this point. The only way to ensure they don't have control of it is to destroy the system and rebuild it which isn't really an option right now."

Each one of them was silent for a moment then Ozpin spoke.

Ozpin: "Can you tell who put it there?"

Me: "No. The system your currently using has no way of tracking down the data that's being copied. And the data is being sent through every relay the worm has infected, your system is, for lack of a better term, absolute garbage. If you had satellites it'd be different, I could track it no matter how many proxies the program used but with just the communications towers it's impossible. But, I do have a lead on who could be part of the plan they want to pull off."

I switched the holographic screen and brought up another image.

Me: "Cinder Fall. A supposed student from Haven Academy. A while back I was working to clear White Fang bases, on my last one she and the leader of the Vale branch tried to ambush me. Later she asked me how I got the power I hold. I have no doubt she's involved in the attack they're planning."

Ozpin: "Her data was sent to me by someone I trust very deeply... are you positive she's involved?"

Me: "Absolutely. I've studied her movements and speech patterns. Either she's a clone of the person that attacked me or she's the one that did it. However given your world's technological ability I doubt cloning is possible for you. So it's definitely her. Aurora, you can turn the screen off."

Aurora nodded and closed the screen.

Ozpin: "What would you suggest we do?"

Ozpin didn't look all that surprised that one of his enemies was within his school, in fact he kept his emotions in check rather well. As for the other three they seemed to be mulling over options in their heads, trying to figure out the best course of action.

Me: "In your position I suggest a quick and precise attack. Quietly remove the threat then begin work on demolishing your current operating systems."

Ozpin: "That's easier said than done. The team Ms. Fall is on is part of the finals. If she were to just disappear then it would raise questions."

Me: "Then lie. It should be rather easy to come up with a cover story as to why a single team would have to resign from the tournament. A family emergency, a sudden illness, something like that. As for the school's operating systems sudden shut down you could say there was a small technical issue, and I could whip up some software in a few days."

Ozpin nodded.

Ozpin: "I think before anything else we should discuss the best course of action. Thank you for the information, (Y/N). I believe everything you've shared will help us invaluably."

Me: "I suggest you act quickly. I doubt your enemies will wait till the end of the Vital festival."

Ozpin: "Thank you. I'll call for you if we need your help."

With that Aurora and I took our leave and made our way back to the lab.

[Time Skip]

After resting for a few hours I started my work on a new system for Beacon. Everything was going well, Aurora was standing next to me talking about how Ariana and Nalalie are progressing in their training.

Aurora: "Ariana has managed to activate the invisibility skill you put onto her dagger, however, the effect only lasts for 5 seconds so far."

Me: "It's a start. She's not a very good fighter, invisibility will give her a certain edge on her opponents. What about Nalalie?"

Aurora: "So far she is able to perform 3 consecutive mid-tier spells with little trouble. However it seems her definition of high tier spells is your definition of mid-tier. She believes she is already using the spells you use naturally."

Me: "That's fine. Once she believes she's mastered magic I'll send her back home without a fuss. And what about you?"

Aurora: "I'm sorry, what do you mean?"

Me: "What have you been doing? How are upgrades coming? Have you been working on anything?"

Aurora was quiet for a moment, making me look out of the corner of my eye. She looked slightly surprised.

Aurora: "Are you asking how I've been doing?"

Me: "I guess you could put it that way."

Aurora: "I've been doing quite well. I made a few improv-"

Aurora's voice suddenly cut off and she went completely still. I stopped my work and looked around. Everything seemed normal, but Aurora, along with everything in my lab, had frozen in place. Time had been frozen. I sighed and stood from my chair.

Me: "Didn't I tell you the next time you interfere with my playthrough, I would kill you?"

A figure suddenly appeared in my workshop with a golden flash. The figure never touched the floor, instead, they hovered above it. Four pure white wings stretched behind them. A golden halo floating above their head. The figure always appeared as female but I doubt it actually had a gender. The creature had radiant pale skin and long blonde hair. The eyes had no pupil or iris, just glowing white. The creature was wearing gold and silver armor, and wielding a spear in one hand. They said nothing only hovered there.

Me: "What do you want?"

Iva: "That is no way to talk to a goddess."

Me: "You're right. And the moment I am in the presence of someone who is a god or goddess I will gladly show them respect. However I haven't met any just yet."

Iva: "FOR THE LAST TIME YOU IMPUDENT FOOL, I AM A GODDESS!"

Me: "No, you're a being that says it controls time and fate."

The so-called goddess pointed it's spear at me as its eyes started to glow even brighter.

Iva: "I should erase you for your arrogance!"

Me: "Remember what happened last time you pointed a spear at me? By the way..."

In one swift motion I grabbed the spear and easily yanked it out of her hand.

Me: "This spear is lower quality then the last one. Couldn't find someone to make you a better one?"

The being stood there as I examined it's weapon. I believe it started to recall the last time it tried to "show me the price of my arrogance". I handed the spear back to it and sighed.

Me: "My question still stands, what do you want?"

Iva: "You are to cease your interference in this world at once. You will disrupt the very-"

Me: "Fabric of time and space? Are you honestly about to say something so cliché and stupid?"

Iva: "This is not a joking matter! Will you destroy yet another world!?"

Me: "No. I'm going with chaotic good this time. So technically I'm on the side that wants to save the world."

Iva: "I will not allow you to meddle in yet another world! Do you think I would believe your lies?"

The being spread it's wings wide and held it's spear in two hands.

Iva: "You have no order. No morals. I have watched as you have gone from destroying life and protecting it as if it were nothing but the flip of a coin! I have grown tired of watching your so-called game. So you shall die here, so that all worlds may know peace!"

The creature thrust it's spear at me. I'm honestly surprised it worked up the courage to attack me again. With barely any effort I grabbed the spear and stopped the attack.

Me: "You've made a... foolish mistake again."

[Choose Your Path!]

1. Kill the Fake Goddess

2. Force the Fake Goddess to Leave

3. Speak with the Fake Goddess

4. Destroy the Fake Goddess's Spear... Again

5. Wound the Fake Goddess