(POV - 3RD)

It wouldn't be a lie to say that the atmosphere in the inn is both awkward and tense, seeing how the old guildmaster hasn't ceased glaring at the businessman dressed in a pristine white suit that thematically matches with the organisation he works under.

The Schnee Dust Company or SDC for short, one of this world's biggest supplier of Dust as well as the top dog in the entire economy so it would not be an exaggeration to say they control almost everything related to business in the RWBY series, especially in Atlas.

Asides from the fact that they're influential on a global scale, they also corrupt as hell although that's as far as (Y/N) knows from reading off crumbs of lore about the SDC, they treat Faunus like absolute shit with minimal of the most minimal wages.

Which is why he isn't looking forward to interacting with the businessman seated in front of him while the guildmaster watched on but still, he should get this over with as quickly as he can.

Unfortunately and as he paraphrases some sayings from this world; only Oum knows how long this would take especially when the talk of business is nothing he's familiar with.

Furthermore, he is now under this world's big shot company's scrutinising attention, one that he knew would prosecute him as an asset or a liability, assuming that's how the SDC works.

"Now then, since all parties are here, let's get down to business shall we?" The man in the suit declared as (Y/N) fiddled with the cloth of his outfit.

He just hopes this will be over soon.

===================================

The conversation only lasted for at least half an hour but to (Y/N), he felt like he should increase his [Luck] further since it felt like hours with him simply listening to the SDC envoy prattling on and on about his "glorious" employer that mostly led the conversation.

Thankfully, the guildmaster next to him was able to fill in some answers when (Y/N) found it difficult to respond back with, something that the businessman was quick to capitalise on as the latter was subsequently and without a doubt, pressured through the whole talk.

The entirety of the discussion ended when (Y/N) refused an offer that he intuitively felt like a huge scam, one that the old man was swift to cut off any other offers the SDC has for him before the latter literally ushered him out of the inn without looking at the businessman.

Next thing the Player knew, he was requested to walk with the guildmaster as they headed towards the guild building which the latter has made a decision much to the former's intrigue.

"Are you sure it's fine to leave him like this?" (Y/N) couldn't help but ask, glancing back at the inn as he followed the old man who answered immediately.

"I'm not going to entertain a SDC lapdog any longer than I would like and besides, it's best if we get you prepared... with your permission of course." 

"What are you thinking?" The Player questioned again.

"Getting you out of Magnolia because when the SDC and their head honcho in particular wants something, they will get it through any means possible be it legal or not." 

"Why do I feel like that's every bigshot companies?" (Y/N) questioned, earning a slight chuckle from the old man in front of him who agreed with his words.

"Being a bigshot in the business means they're entitled to do whatever they please in order to increase profits and the money inside their pockets."

"Also causes some people to lose their humanity in the pursuit of wealth and fame, and the SDC had it the worst when they actively enslave Faunus-kinds... in fact, I'm certain the bastards get their 'slaves' directly from Menagerie every now and then."

"Isn't that a bit too bold?" The Player inquired, he knows the SDC is tough and rich but their actions isn't that invisible to the public... right?

The old guildmaster's words would only confirm the depressing reality within businesses as each words the former spoke out was tinged with disgust and irritation.

"You'd be surprised how much pain and suffering people are willing to ignore if it means maintaining their way of life and don't get me started on the cover-ups!"

"..." (Y/N) could only remain silent as the elderly man's voice reached a boiling point but was quickly reeled back down as they reached his office in the guild building.

Soon enough, they both entered the guildmaster's office as the said man walked towards his desk and began searching for something.

"What are you doing now??" (Y/N) questioned, looking at the old man who was sifting through his desk drawer and then taking out a pen and document.

"Giving you a leeway out of this scam of a contract from the SDC."

"Not that I don't appreciate it... but why?" 

"Kid, you may not know this but life at Magnolia Village have improved quite a bit after your many excursions in the surrounding forest exterminating the Grimm."

"It may not sound like much, but people are becoming less and less strained in their mundane ways of living because of the constant threat of Grimm attacks. However, you changed that for the better whether you want to believe it or not." 

"It was just a few Grimm... nothing too special about them... or hard." (Y/N) refuted just as the guildmaster finished writing up the paper.

"Now that's where you're wrong, kid and trust me, I'd rather not repay you by having you slave away at the SDC's hands so here, take this." He said, handing over the document.

"What is this now?" The Player inquired, looking at the contents that detailed his identity and circumstances as well as current occupation.

However, most of the written statements in the document explicitly detailed the request to shelter him from and as he directly quotes the man's words; "money laundering parasites". 

"A favour that I'm cashing in for that old twat at Vale, he owes me quite a bit and I haven't yet made him repay back his debt with me." Answered the guildmaster.

"And who is this 'twat'?" (Y/N) asked, still reading the paragraph of demands, not registering the one name that shone out from the bottom.

"Ozpin, the current headmaster of Beacon Academy." Announced the old man which only caused the Player to freeze up and look at him with a stupefied face.

"...What-" He began.

===================================

"The fuck." (Y/N) cursed again, sitting on the bed of the ship that is en route to Vale which would take at least a week at the maximum, two if the weather becomes worse.

Three or even more if his ship suddenly broke down or even capsized and forcing him to make his way back to land through the use of [Shadow Shift] which would undeniably take a toll on his [MP] depending on how fast he could move in the inverted world.

Forget about that first, the main point is that he's actually going to be sent towards the place where the entire RWBY series revolved around at the near beginning, he won't lie and say he isn't apprehensive about this entire thing.

After all, it's Huntsmen and Huntresses he's going to be dealing and talking about and he hasn't forgotten the fact that he killed and decapitated an entire group of bandits... as far as he's aware, there hasn't been any Huntsman deliberately killing their targets.

He could be wrong but most of the deaths he saw when the series aired was either off-screen or indirect or natural causes so the only deaths caused onscreen can be attributed to the Grimm and Salem along with her group of psychopathic goons.

He stopped watching soon afterwards so everything that happens after the third season is a blank slate to him... which means he's going to have to wing it when he arrives in Vale.

Honestly, he's already winging everything the moment he arrived in this world but he's going to be improvising more especially when he is being sent to Beacon Academy in the first place to get out of the reach of the SDC so having Ozpin being his cover and guardian would be useful.

Although he is worried if the SDC will do something to Magnolia Village in retaliation but the old man was insistent in placating him that everything will be fine though that much change especially when there is a supposed Dust vein underneath the entire place.

Well... if the guildmaster told him not to worry then he won't waste time to do so since his integration into Beacon's students would also mean increasing the chances of finding the supposed "anomaly" in this world for his main quest to be completed.

After that... he wasn't so sure.

If his main quest was completed... what happens next? Just live on in this world as a normal person, well- as normal as an individual such as him could be but the question still lingers; what will happen to him after everything is over?

Assuming he finds what he's looking for while coincidentally joining up with the main casts of the RWBY series, that or maybe he doesn't... perhaps he should assist in eliminating Salem and her followers? Return to Magnolia and live a quiet life??

So many questions with so many scenarios but (Y/N) soon dismissed them all, it's still a long way before he'd even come close to making contact with the "final" boss of this world.

He made an emphasis on "final" since maybe Salem wouldn't be the actual last enemy the main cast has to fight, since it was one of the twin gods that screwed her over, maybe they will be fighting gods through some nonsensical plot device / armour?

...

"No, no... that's too farfetched even for me..." (Y/N) muttered, shaking his head as he stood up and head onto the deck of the ship for some air.

He did not possess a Scroll, this world's equivalent of a mobile phone so he wouldn't be able to pass time on the online web and quell his boredom which meant he could only go and appreciate the sights on top of the ship.

He will admit, he seldom had opportunities to board a ship nevertheless one that is travelling across the ocean to another continent itself so this will be the first time experience especially for a down to earth guy who never opted to travel around.

So seeing the rolling blue waves underneath the shining sun is certainly a sight that he had expected but still enough to mesmerise him again into realising he's in another world.

...He's bored.

Too bored in fact, one that made him unable to help but sigh out loudly by his lonesome as he leaned against the railing of the ship, observing the waters below and some occasional fishes that swam by the hull, interestingly enough, they look the same as the fishes from his world.

Well, the creators of RWBY probably didn't put much diversity into its animal populations, they mostly focused on the main characters and Grimm themselves so side additions don't really need that much of an attention from the designers.

Still, guess that means they should taste the same as the fishes from back home.

Home... it's jarring to think how far he is right now, from the safe confines of his bed and house and... family..? Huh... now that he'd think about it, did that "God" do something with his memories?? He's having... a rather hard time thinking back to his previous life.

For some reason, (Y/N)'s taking this well enough to not freak out but that would be for the best since he isn't alone on the ship heading towards Vale, so outright verbally exclaiming would be quite embarrassing if anyone saw.

Back to his... fading memories, he suppose forgetting about them would be for the best... if it means he'll be making more and more memories on this journey of his, so forgetting about his past and how he died would be better than to relieve them again and again.

"...Welp... no use thinking about it..." (Y/N) remarked as he made his way back to his room on the ship, swiping a sign on the way in.

The Player subsequently entered his room and then proceeded to close and lock the door but not before placing said sign he nabbed on the way inside which simply marked his status.

Do not disturb.

===================================

(Y/N) stretched and popped his fingers as a gateway opened up in front of him as he continued twisting his limbs and body around for another round of "grinding" EXPs in the City of Krat.

It's also a good way to pass the time as well as get stronger so he won't be complaining, after all, his [MP] is quite high so using his skills multiple times wouldn't drain it at all.

The Bloodborne dungeon was also another option but seeing how tame and more... grounded the City of Krat was as compared to Yharnam, he decided being attacked by mad puppets is far better than being under the gaze of cosmic beings that can easily wipe him out.

So (Y/N) hefted the Kirkhammer up onto his shoulder as he entered the rift into the dungeon, feeling a sudden change of his surrounding and sense of gravity which ended up with his feet landing on wet concrete ground as contrast to the dry wooden floors of the ship.

As soon as he took a whiff of the cold air, he immediately smelt the burnt scent of smoke and haze combined together that wafted from the ruined opera house behind him where he once fought Romeo the King of Puppets.

Now it stands as a husk of its former glory, all destroyed by him... that's too bad since he was curious enough to wanting to explore around the building a bit more but since the boss was waiting for him and he needed the EXPs, he chose not to.

However, he does have the rest of the city to explore so while the ship itself is slowly making its way to Vale, he'll pass the time until he thinks it should be right... namely; until he had enough.

(Y/N) quietly exhaled as he began heading off to wherever the nearest enemies are.

===================================

Meanwhile, as the ship travelling from Mistral to the Kingdom of Vale continued on its quiet journey, a certain location in said kingdom that is reminiscent to that of a towering castle out of a fairy tale has received a new admission.

The castle itself is one of the few icons within the Kingdom of Vale, where young children aspiring to become successful huntsman and huntresses go to study and train, that place is simply known to Remnant as the prestigious Beacon Academy. 

Currently, the academy itself has already started its semester so late admissions will have to wait until next year or in some special cases, an appropriate reason in submitting one now which will usually be sent to the place's headmaster for review.

That being said, the wizen old man known to many as Headmaster Ozpin, a veteran huntsman and an individual with unmatchable levels of experience certainly wasn't expecting a call from his own Scroll out of nowhere as he stood in his office, lost in thought.

Other than playing politics with the old crones at the Council of Vale and attending to his duties as a headmaster- namely pushing students in the right directions and expressing out either his pride or disappointment at their efforts along with drinking coffee all day long...

There certainly wasn't many number of people who knew his personal number but there are still a notable few that did, which is why he subsequently answered the call as soon as he saw the name on the screen which did surprise him more than anything had this week.

"Greetings, what do I owe the pleasure of speaking to you after so long, Theodore?" Ozpin asked cordially, eyes still gazing out of the tower that is his office.

"[Ozpin... I'm here to collect that debt you owe me.]" Replied the caller, blunt and gruff as the headmaster simply took another sip of his drink.

A silent but audible gesture for the guildmaster to continue.

"[I've sent a young man along your way, he'll be arriving at Vale within a week, at the maximum if there's bad weather, two. Take him in.]" 

"Now that's a surprise, I'm quite certain you aren't the type to put too much faith into one individual nor are you someone who will boldly make a request such as this." Ozpin replied.

However, his attention and curiosity have already been caught so he might as well listen to what Theodore has to say, after all... it's many times more relieving than doing paperwork.

Yes, some may call him shameless but if one was to do nothing but fill out paperwork for over a decade and more, anyone would want any excuse just to get it out of their sight.

"[I'm not but I'm also not going to be ignorant to the fact that the kid managed to cull the Grimm population around my village down to the minimum.]" Answered Theodore, prompting the headmaster to raise a brow.

Thinking back to the position of Magnolia Village, that place in Mistral is surrounded by nothing but trees which gives the Grimm themselves plenty of room to hide and propagate, now that Ozpin think about it even more, it's almost a miracle the village hasn't yet been overrun.

He had admittedly once thought Theodore a fool to try and restore the entire decrepit village in the middle of nowhere, it was mostly a death trap if not planned out well, between the vast ocean filled with fishes and Grimm to an ocean of trees similarly filled to the brim.

So to hear Theodore himself confirm the decrease of Grimm population, by the hands of a single individual no less is quite... intriguing, of course one would logically assume the former was lying or being ridiculous but Ozpin, having worked with him for a long time knew.

Theodore wasn't one to lie or exaggerate no matter what.

Ozpin took another sip of his coffee, humming at his own curiosity to what this young man could be like when he arrives at Beacon Academy... yes, he's already considering the latter's enrolment into his institution but even so, he needed more information.

"Quite impressive, if any of your words are to be believed but it still doesn't explain why you're sending him my way when such efficiency can be referred to Atlas." Ozpin swiftly remarked.

"[...The kid had to kill people before, y'know..?]" Theodore suddenly stated, causing the headmaster to briefly pause in his movement.

"Oh..?" He intoned quietly as the guildmaster continued.

"[There was a request, eliminate a group of bandits and he did just that... 'cept he did more than that since those lowlifes killed a pair of father and daughter, both Faunus.]"

"..."

"[Asides from Grimm, he killed an entire group of human beings with his own two hands and a single day after, he eliminated two Sea Feilongs near our village's waters.]"

"I suspect that isn't all there is to it?" Ozpin inquired, sitting down as he listened on with growing interest once more.

Normally a singular individual is capable of neutralising a large number of Grimm all by themselves would be attributed to that a growing prodigy but now even with the deaths of two Sea Feilongs? In the waters where they reign supreme over other lifeforms?

Now Ozpin's wondering who's the actual monster in this scenario... especially when this young man is willing to permanently end human lives and quite efficiently in doing so.

"[Unfortunately no, although he cleared out the majority of Grimm around our village, that was enough to catch the attention of the suits at the capital and Atlas... and you know how imprudent they are when they want a potential asset by their side.]"

"...Ah... I see how it is- you want me to shelter him." Ozpin stated, immediately catching on to the old guildmaster's words and implication.

"[Consider this debt paid should you do so.]" Theodore affirmed his sentence before waiting for a reply from the headmaster, who leant back in his chair in contemplation.

A single debt from over a decade ago, repaid just like this by accepting a complete unknown individual that is vouched by the Theodore Colby himself, a former huntsman that singlehandedly repelled a Grimm infestation within a town by himself and his team.

Ozpin had also once considered inducting him into his... circle against a common foe but the guildmaster retired before the former could make the offer and explain the reason for it.

Now that Theodore had established a place he calls home and works as a guildmaster to foster young huntsmen and huntresses coming and going in and out his village alongside any other mercenaries and adventurers willing to do some samaritan work.

Ozpin isn't so cruel to just force him to abandon all of that and taking in a lone individual as a new student won't really hurt much, not unless said young man has ulterior motives that may obstruct what he's planning against the Grimm and harm his circle.

He'll have to keep an eye out on him but for now? Ozpin will take him in.

Well... it's not as if one student not paying the tuition fee will become the end of the world but will he bend the rules and assign the young man as a solo unit rather than being a team player? He does recall the academy still retaining some spare rooms albeit slightly less maintained so the least he will do is tidy it up for the young man but the rest will be up to him.

"Very well, I will accept your request though I do need to know the name." Ozpin answered, pressing a button on his terminal, signalling someone to come up to his office.

"[The kid's name is (Y/N) (L/N), he is seventeen of age and quiet, you'll be able to tell as soon as he arrives.]" Theodore responded, prompting Ozpin to inquire for more.

"I see, I see... the rest can be handled by me alone but I will hazard another question and ask what was the state of his mind after... neutralising those bandits."

"[...If you're looking for any signs of psychopathic impulses or growing dissociation then you'd be disappointed, but the kid did have a stubborn time adjusting to his actions though I managed to talk to him about it so he appears normal for now.]"

"Interesting... and his social capability? No doubt that would have been affected too." Ozpin wondered out loud, earning another answer from the guildmaster.

"[Hm... he displayed adequate skills in socialising, not that there's much for him to socialise about when he's a newcomer to Magnolia.]"

"Good to know, now if that's all to the debt then is there anything else you want to ask?" Ozpin then said, having written up all the notable traits regarding his newest student.

"[No, consider it paid but I will extend a caution to you- do not expect the kid to be all sunshine and daisies as a huntsman-in-training.]"

"Oh? Care to elaborate? I'd love to talk more, seeing how this is the first time we did after more than a decade." The headmaster inquired further, only to receive a morbid response.

"[All you need to know, you'll need to start teaching the greenhorns at your academy how to kill another person because (Y/N) has already began.]"

"Now, now, there's no need for such pessimism-" Ozpin began but Theodore cut him off with a colder tone that held no room for leniency.

"[The Grimm are becoming more and more aggressive and more people are dying every day especially in the outer rims of the kingdoms, villages and small towns are being overrun and huntsmen are either too late or too weak-willed to stop them.]"

"..." Silence filled the office as the headmaster listened on to his former colleague's harsh words.

"[I don't know what have you been planning all these years but I can tell the world will go to hell if everyone don't get their shits together to stop this crisis.]"

"...I am merely... letting children be children until the day comes where they cannot afford to be one anymore." Ozpin quietly retorted, only to earn a scoff.

"[All children will eventually grow up but they need to start growing up faster, unless you intend to send them to bandits, Grimm and the White Fang with that mindset?]"

"No... no, I do not, but also do not misunderstand my lack of action for apathy, old friend. To let children be children amongst other children is to also develop bonds between others... and such bonds may prevail against such adversaries." Ozpin reasoned once more.

"[That or they will just cause bigger heartbreaks and reluctance.]" Theodore bluntly remarked without any hint of mirth.

"Indeed, but there is no harm in trying to be the better person where others have fallen, no?" The headmaster then stated as amicably as he could.

"[...No, I suppose there's none.]" The guildmaster admitted albeit gruffly.

"..." 

"[...]" Silence then permeated the room alongside a tinge of awkwardness as both wizen men, present and across the phone gathered their thoughts before Ozpin broke it.

"...Anything else?"

"[My statement about (Y/N) still stands, don't be surprised if he brutalises one of your students or an enemy, especially if he's the one being targeted by ill-willed people.]"

"Noted." Was all Ozpin replied with.

"[Good... so long for now, Headmaster Ozpin.]"

With those final words, the Scroll went silent and the headmaster simply placed the device onto his desk as he leant back against his chair once more... hearing those reminders truly dimmed his day but he suppose Theodore is correct in every way.

Time is running out and Remnant still remained divided.

Although Ozpin's mind was quickly catching up on speed with the countless thoughts racing through his mind, it all disappeared as swiftly as it came when the elevator leading to his office opened up with a pleasant chime, the individual inside crisply stepping out.

"You called for me, Ozpin?" 

"Ah, perfect timing Glynda, an old colleague of ours just called and now we have a new student coming this week or next, so care to help me out?" Requested the headmaster.

===================================

Back on the ship still en route to Vale, time has considerably passed by and the sun high up in the sky has already descended down to the horizon, leaving a warm hue in the sky with the stars and shattered moon slowly taking its place.

On the deck where most of the crew members and passengers of the ship were busying enjoying their little seafood-based dinner, the room that remained darkened and lonely finally began shifting in reality as a rift tore itself open.

(Y/N) stepped back out into the world with a face that showed he had less than enjoyed his time in the City of Krat, as evident by his soaked clothes and glum expression as he quietly dismissed the Kirkhammer tainted with oil and other substances still sticking to it.

He promptly removed his clothing, returning it back to his [Inventory] as he donned the nightwear provided by the ship itself before dumping himself onto the bed, eager to rest.

The entire trip had been nothing but a repetitive cycle of dismantling puppets and searching for more to eliminate but since he had little to no familiarity with the entire city drenched in rain and blood and death, he simply wandered around looking for targets to plunder of their EXPs.

Suffice to say, it wasn't efficient enough since the result was less than substantial, he had only leveled up thrice but he suppose beggars can't be choosers, especially when he isn't the one to decide how much EXPs the puppets he slew gave out.

Still, peering at his stats right now did not at all improve his mood.

===================================

[Name] - (Y/N) (L/N)

[Title] - Beast Hunter

[Race] - Human

[Level] - 46

[Health Points] - 4750/4750

[Mana Points] - 5450/5450

[Fatigue] - 0%

[Currency] - 199,840

-------------------------------------

[Strength] - 62

[Endurance] - 40

[Agility] - 40

[Intelligence] - 34 (+5)

[Sense] - 45 (+5)

[Luck] - 34 (+5)

[Available Points] - 15

----------------------------------

[Player's Mind] (Passive) - MAX

[Player's Body] (Passive) - MAX

===================================

Fifteen new points, ten invested to [Strength] seeing how it appears to be the one thing that is highly required to somewhat effectively combat against the creatures of Grimm, the remaining five will be invested into [Agility] with similar reasoning as the former.

With that done, (Y/N) proceeded to turn on the lights as he browsed the [Store] and because he had quite the sum of points to spend on, he opted to purchase a rather normal meal this time as compared to the bland rations he'd always ate.

So bland that the warm meal prepped by the [Store] itself felt like a five star cuisine, one which the Player thoroughly enjoyed as much as he could throughout the growing night.

...

Time goes by quickly when one isn't aware of it or is too engrossed in doing an activity that took up a majority of their attention, such is the case when (Y/N) found himself fishing, again the next day alongside the senior member of the crews.

It's also another opportunity to level up his [Fishing] skill, which is still a measly [LVL - 1] since he hadn't continued from the last time since he had slain those two Sea Feilongs.

Unfortunately, (Y/N) still hasn't managed to fix his... gloom doom mood that surrounds him as he fishes, so that means he won't be getting any catches any time sooner.

Much to the amusement of the crew members.

...

(Y/N) slew another blood-drunk hunter in the middle of Yharnam, their body falling over with a deep gash in their jugular as they bled out on the street just like the rest of their brethren.

This trip in the dungeon had also been unremarkable just the one in the City of Krat except this time, he killing maddened hunters rather than frenzied puppets.

He glanced at his stats with a frown, not a single time had he leveled up despite slaying what seems to be the entire enemy population in this area of Yharnam.

Well, not that he has a choice- that was the only reason (Y/N) gave to himself as he brandished the Saw Spear in his hand as he adjusted the mask of his Hunter's Garbs while stalking off to find more targets to kill and contribute to his level.

...

The Player was awakened by the sudden clap of a lightning strike as he also felt the entire ship rocking on and about but he wasn't really phased by the abrupt shake from the waves and rain.

It had been like this since yesterday and (Y/N) had already gotten used to it, particularly when the captain of the ship had assured them twice that nothing is going to go wrong since they too, had a bunch of gravity Dust lodged into the entire hull itself to prevent it from capsizing.

Good to know and the weather is doing nothing but dulling his motivation to level up, which sadly only increased by one level in his entire stunt in the Bloodborne dungeon with five points being invested to [Strength] once again.

...

A cool breeze blew past (Y/N) as he finally stepped of the god-forsaken ship and out of the reach of the ocean to which he then surveyed the scene in front of him while basking in moonlight.

It had taken three days if not a bit longer for his trip over the ocean to finally end as the Player found himself marvelling at the city that he had saw on-screen albeit with less details and intricate design but still all the same.

(Y/N) gazed at the sight in front of him with mixed feelings as he finally stood at a place many would have wanted to in their dreams or imaginations but for him?

He is standing in the capital of the Kingdom of Vale, the very city itself.

===================================

I dunno how to write scam deals at the beginning so I just skipped forward to the part where MC will finally meet up with the main cast, also I will occasionally not write any details about the MC going to grind in the dungeons since it's just leveling up and not fighting any significant bosses but anyway, MC is just one chapter away from meeting up with the main characters of the show.