Optimistic Game Chapter 77

Edited by: Marethyu, Priapus

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– Eero –

He watched his son tending to the newly dug-out graves of those who had passed away from the infection. Indeed. Not only had Alaric buried the elf boy, but every other villager that he could find after he and his Great Wolf took the time to search for their bodies. This endeavor had taken them a while, about a few hours to complete. The entire time, his son was as silent as a mouse.

Neither he nor the necromancer attempted to stop him. Perhaps this was the boy’s way of making amends for what happened, or this was how he grieved. Eero couldn’t take this away from him if it made him feel peace. Watching Alaric react the way he had was… well, unexpected.

He wasn’t sure if this was his son’s natural human empathy or if this was learned from someone. Alaric’s Leviathan blood was so pure he might as well be full-blooded. So far, he’d shown every single trait of the royal family. From his white hair and blue eyes to the instinctual fury he struggled to control.

Back then, when Eero had made note of his son’s heroism, he wasn’t shocked. After all, the former emperor knew that feeling all too well. He, too, had learned to be a protector of the weak. To be someone others could rely on despite his innate bloodthirst.

But to show such grief and sorrow for the death of a single child he didn’t know? He’d be treated as a laughingstock by former emperors of Poseidra. He’d be called weak and emotional, unfit to lead their great empire.

As for Eero, well, he took solace that his son was more human than Leviathan. His mother would’ve surely been proud of him. 

Alaric stood up after paying his respects, gripping the Pure Heart with his right hand. He exhaled, then turned around to face them. The former emperor immediately noticed the expression on his son’s face. There wasn’t a trace of his prior despair, almost as if those few hours were all he needed to grieve.

Eero wasn’t sure what to make of it. For a moment, he thought he could have been wrong about his son’s human nature, but then he realized why this might have been the case. This prompted the former emperor’s frown to deepen. However, he made no mention of it, content with observing for now in case he was wrong.

“It’s about time I made it back home.” He said, putting the Pure Heart in a small bag and handing it to the necromancer. “Here.”

“No. You should keep it.” Sheekh politely declined. “I have no use for it.”

“Neither do I.”

“Perhaps, but I imagine Silva would want you to have it.” He argued. “You made a strong impression on the boy, you know?”

“I don’t know…” Alaric looked hesitant as he stared at the bag. “I mean, it’s not like I’d use it for anything. I’d just have it sit in the inventory.”

“Then think of it as a way to keep it out of the hands of the less benevolent.” Sheekh insisted. “Many villains would try to use it for their selfish benefits, no?”

His son paused and thought about it for a moment, then nodded.

“I guess that’s true.” He begrudgingly agreed as he pocketed the tiny bag. “It helps that I’ll be in Remnant, where no one knows anything about it.”

“Indeed.”

There it was again: Remnant. He had heard his son utter that word while holding the elf boy in his arms. What did he mean by ‘Remnant’? Alaric spoke of it like it was a place of some kind, but he’d never heard of it. Was it where Alaric had made his home? Naturally, after the empire's fall, living anywhere near it would be unwise. This could be a chance to meet those who had raised his son.

“Right, well…” Alaric said, looking to the side. “That’s my cue to leave.”

Eero blinked and followed his line of sight, finding nothing of particular interest.

“Of course. It’s been a pleasure, Reid.” The necromancer said before he walked away. “Until we meet again.”

His son waved before he walked in the opposite direction. Eero paused for a moment and, without anything else to do, followed Alaric to wherever he was going. The boy quickly noticed his presence and stopped to look at him, blinking a few times in confusion.

“Oh. Wait, you want to go with me?” He asked. At his nod, Alaric asked again. “Why?”

Eero chose his words carefully, knowing that saying something along the lines of ‘because you are my son’ wouldn’t work with how convinced Alaric was that they weren’t related, as absurd as it may be.

“Where else would I go?” He answered with his own question.

Alaric took a moment to register his response before he snorted, cracking a small smile for the first time since the battle's conclusion.

“Fair enough.” He said. “Never had anyone follow me back to Remnant. Well, except Gwyn, but he’s kind of a special case. Being my familiar and all.”

Eero grunted.

“Tell me,” He spoke. “What is this ‘Remnant’ you speak of? Some kind of village or town? In which province is it located?”

“You’ll see.” His son responded vaguely.

As soon as Alaric said that, a white door suddenly popped out of thin air, prompting the former emperor to grab onto his spear cautiously. At his son’s chuckle, he relaxed, watching him approach the door without a hint of worry.

“Remnant is right behind this door.” He said, opening it. “Come on.”

Eero released the spear and followed his son through the doorway, squinting against the bright light. As he blinked to clear his vision, he realized they were inside a cave, causing him to frown in confusion. What was this? Where were they?

After taking a moment to absorb his surroundings, Eero realized something was off. The air felt strange—not in terms of temperature, but because the magic it held was distinct. It was an experience unlike anything he’d encountered before, as though they had entered an entirely different realm.

And as someone who had traveled to other realms before, this was much more noticeable.

“This is Remnant?” He asked.

“Well, yeah, but this is just a cave.” His son answered as he gestured to follow him. “See, when I ‘reincarnated’, I wasn’t in Teralos. I woke up in this world instead.”

“So this is a different world, then,” Eero replied as they made it out of the cave. “Then it is through that door that you can travel between them.”

He glanced back at the door, now realizing that it wasn’t there anymore.

“Yup. In Remnant, there are these wormholes that only I can see. I’m pretty much tasked to ‘clear them out’ by the goddess that put me here, and all of them lead to different parts of Teralos.” He explained. “Through each one, I’m given a task to do. Once I’m done, a portal back to Remnant opens up, and I go home.”

Home… So this foreign world was his home, then?

Eero remained silent for a moment, speaking up again as soon as they exited the cave.

“Is it similar to Teralos?”

“Oh, not one bit.” Alaric denied. “First of all, the world is overrun by dark magic constructs called ‘Grimm’ that take on different shapes and sizes, and there are only two intelligent races here. Humans and Faunus.”

Eero listened as his son led him toward the ocean.

“Magic here is practically nonexistent, only seen in the form of magic crystals which they call ‘Dust’.” He continued. “And they use a different power called ‘Aura’. It works by manifesting one’s soul as a shield, making even a child strong enough to punch a hole through a stone wall.”

“I see…” Eero grunted. “What of the gods of these lands?”

“There are two, as far as I’m aware. The brother gods of light and darkness. But they’re nearly forgotten. Most people don’t even worship them.” He answered. “They’re pretty hands-off about this world, though they can be summoned once four relics are collected and put together.”

This world was extremely far from Teralos if not even its gods had any influence over Remnant.

“My home is a bit distant, on another continent in fact, but it shouldn’t take us too long to swim there.” He said as he stopped right before the ocean. Then he suddenly summoned some kind of device, tapping it a few times before he hummed. “And I see Qrow convinced them. Good.”

“What?” Eero frowned.

“I’ll explain on the way there.” He responded. “Follow me.”

Without sparing himself even a second to at least take his clothes off, Alaric jumped into the water and began swimming away. Eero paused for a moment, staring down at his hand contemplatively. Not in a million years had he expected to be given a second chance. To see his son again.

Eero hadn’t thought about what he would do after they’d defeated the Necrosidereus. Admittedly, the entire battle felt like a blur. Perhaps he hadn’t truly recovered from the resurrection yet. Perhaps, for a while, he had thought it was merely a dream.

He clenched his fist and lowered it. When his empire had fallen, and people perished, Eero had felt like his purpose was gone along with them. He’d thought his death at the hands of his own son was his well-deserved cruel and ironic punishment. But now, seeing that his son had brought him back to life…

Eero stared forward, seeing the ethereal shattered moon on the horizon before he followed after him. Perhaps this was fate giving him a chance to atone for his failure to protect his home. Internally, the former emperor vowed to do whatever he could to help Alaric live a most prosperous life. 

And when he eventually returned to the afterlife, he could assure his wife that their beloved son was thriving and healthy.

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– Reid –

On our way to the mansion, after making it back to land, I take the Pure Heart and stare at it in silence, not sure what I should be doing with it. Its power is incredible— I’ve seen it firsthand, instantly annihilating the Necrosidereus when even my gambit with Sea Sentry did nothing to it.

But I’m not a druid, so I can’t use it. And even if I could, I don’t think it can actually be used to purify the Grimm. After all, dark magic isn’t corrupted magic like necromancy and the like. Darkness is part of the natural order.

And as far as I’m aware, there’s nothing like corrupted magic in Remnant. I could be wrong, obviously. After all, I’m not sure what Salem is truly capable of. But trading in the orb that I knew could defeat her once and for all for this? Feels like I’ve made a mistake.

I resist a sigh as that thought crosses my mind. No, it’s not fair to say that. I didn’t trade the orb for an artifact I can’t use— I traded it for a mighty warrior with countless years of experience. A Leviathan that can maybe show me how to use my heritage to its full extent.

I think knowing how to assume that halfborn transformation will be very helpful. And with Sea Sentry, which can adjust its size and look without any trouble? I’ll be taking out the rest of the Titans in my sleep.

I frown to myself.

…But this isn’t enough.  Now I know that what I’m doing isn’t enough. It will never be enough. If I want to avoid tragedy, then I have to be better. Failure like that will not be tolerated. I won’t let it happen again. No matter what I need to do.

My priorities need to change. I have to use my time better. I know now that wasting so much of my precious and limited time running errands and building my business won’t prevent something like that from happening again.

If I was so weak that I couldn’t save the life of a single child, what hope do I have of defeating Salem? How can I, with a straight face, say that I’ll guide Remnant to its golden age? This can’t happen again. I won’t let it happen, especially after the sacrifice I was forced to make.

I exhale, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

…So what are you waiting for? I thought you said you were going to collect on your debt.

In response, the goddess chuckles.

So impatient~ She says with an amused tone. And here I thought you’d try to cheat me by pointing out that the elf child died despite my assistance.

I’m not an idiot—

Arguably.

—Trying to cheat you will only piss you off, and that’s probably not gonna end well for me. Besides, the deal was you helping me, not fixing the problem for me. Silva’s passing is my own fault.

Hmm… Well, at least you’re being responsible. That much I can respect. But why are you insistent on me collecting my debt so soon?

I don’t want you taking whatever it is you plan to take in the middle of something important.

That does sound funny, but I wouldn’t do that. It’s not very fair.

To tell the truth, Reid, I was impressed by that little stunt of yours at the end. It’s exactly what I’d expect from a short-sighted moron like you. It gave me a good laugh.

So you know what? It can wait.

Huh? Wait, so you’re forgiving my debt? But—

No, dumbass. I’m saying I’ll collect it at a later date. Maybe whenever you displease me. We know it’s going to happen eventually.

And no, I won’t take it while you’re in a fight or whatever else you deem important. I promise.

I… alright. That honestly sounds good to me. Honestly, name-calling aside, I don’t know what I did that made you so nice to me recently, but thanks a lot.

The goddess hums, but she doesn’t say anything else. Maybe I should build a shrine to avoid pissing her off for as long as I can. Too bad I don’t know what she looks like. That would at least help with the design.

“This is your home?” Eero asks as we enter my estate’s perimeters.

“It was given to me as a reward for defeating one of the Titans,” I respond, walking to the front door and spotting Qrow standing there. “Perks of being a celebrity, I guess.”

The emperor grunts but leaves it at that. I’ve already told him a bunch of things about Remnant, the basics about this world, and a little bit about Salem. So he’s caught up to speed for the most part.

Qrow notices me after taking a big gulp from his flask, raising a brow as he spots Eero standing right next to me. Naturally, he looks a little cautious, and if I was in his place, I’d do the same. Very few people are more than a head taller than me.

“What took you so long?” He asks. “I’ve been trying to get through to you since I found them.”

“I already told you I had something to do in a place that doesn’t have a signal.” I sigh. “How have they been? Cinder and Emerald, I mean.”

“Fine, relatively speaking. Titania was trying to get under their skin before we separated them.” He answers, making me snort in amusement. “So, who is this? A friend of yours?”

“You can say that.” I nod. “This is Eero Delmar, a… warrior I decided to enlist. Eero, this is Qrow Branwen. A capable hunter and a very good friend.”

He and Qrow nod to each other in acknowledgment, but neither say anything verbally. Before we can enter the building, though, the door bursts open, and Ruby comes out flying, nearly tackling me to the ground.

“You’re finally back!” She greets me with an excited giggle as I spin her around. “I missed you so much!”

“I missed you too,” I respond, returning her embrace. “But I’ve been away for less than a day, Rubes.”

“No way, that was less than a day. It felt like weeks!” She says before pouting at me. “And how could you not take me with you? I bet you had the best adventure without me.”

I visibly wince as I hear that, but before Ruby can ask, I turn this around and scold her instead.

“I didn’t take you with me because it was late at night,” I reply. “Speaking of, you haven’t slept yet, have you?”

Ruby’s annoyed expression drops as an anxious look replaces it.

“S-so what? Not like I have school to worry about.” She mutters.

“No, but you have training in two hours.” I point out. “How can you expect to improve if you’re too tired to throw a punch?”

“Eugh…” Ruby lets out a funny noise as she tries but fails to argue. Eventually, she lowers her head with a sigh. “Sorry…”

“It’s fine. Just make sure you don’t keep this up, alright?” I pat her head gently.

After a moment of Ruby enjoying the head pats, she finally notices the giant standing next to me, watching this scene unfold before him with a blank look. Ruby blinks a few times, her face goes red, and she immediately hides behind me, peeking at the former emperor.

I hear a quiet chuckle from Qrow, but Eero remains entirely expressionless.

“U-um… Hi…” She says quietly before suddenly clicking her tongue, whispering a complaint. “It’s not funny, Senketsu!”

Oh, so she can talk to him. That’s good to know.

“Let’s just go inside,” I say. As we enter the building, I turn to the drunken hunter. “Qrow, think you can show Eero a place to stay?”

“Eero…?” Ruby mutters inquisitively.

“I don’t mind.” Qrow grunts. “They’re in the living room, by the way.”

“Great.” I nod. “What about Raven?”

“Back to where she belongs.”

Her cell at Beacon, then. That’s good.

I don’t think I’d be able to control myself if I saw her right now.

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– Cinder –

For the most part, waiting for the Titan Slayer in his mansion had been a peaceful task. Since their journey to Vale and up to this point, they’d had no obligation other than to remain still and wait. Cinder found some appreciation in that. Some. She was still very suspicious and knew that they were hiding something.

She was unsure about the situation. Of what was expected of her. Her understanding of Ozpin’s faction was limited to knowing they were against Salem and claimed to be the ‘good guys.’ Yet, in this shadow war, there were no true heroes. She was aware of that much.

She also knew they were not as cruel as her former mistress. They most definitely worked under some moral principles. Why hadn’t Cinder gone to them a while ago, seeing that this was the case? Because she wasn’t an idiot. Why would they ever offer her sanctuary? Perhaps they would have, had she gotten more of the Maiden’s power, or all of it, but so would Salem.

And Salem had promised her more than a sanctuary. She promised Cinder power. Power she deserved. Power that rightfully belonged to her. But these ‘good guys’? Oh, she very much doubted it. Cinder could never see eye to eye with Ozpin and his group of morons. They could never provide her with what she desired.

…That was until she made contact with Astera. The boy was… well, she didn’t know much about him in all honesty. She knew that he was the one who prevented them from taking Amber’s magic— she'd connected the dots a while ago.

But then he’d gone and defeated a Titan. And not just one, but three more. Back then, when she encountered him for the first time, he was barely at the level of Titania and Emerald. All that he’d had going for him was the element of surprise. What had happened? How had he grown so strong so quickly? Cinder had no idea; admittedly, she felt very interested in his methods.

However, she was also very cautious. If he had grown powerful enough to defeat so many of the strongest Grimm around, then what chance did Cinder have of defeating him and taking his power for herself? As much as she hated to admit it, even in her own mind, she’d be squashed like an insect. So why would she ever try to get close to someone who may possibly rival the Immortal Witch herself?

That was what she’d thought until Emerald made that suggestion. Seeing that this ‘Titan Slayer’ was looking for them and wasn’t trying to kill them… then maybe Cinder could go about this another way.

Perhaps, instead of being so subservient to either Salem or Ozpin, she could build her own unstoppable faction with Reid Astera and all his resources under her thumb. Seduce him. Make him give himself to her. Have him do all of her bidding.

Such an outcome would not only make her powerful but would position her as the preeminent figure of strength—surpassing even Ozpin and Salem. Cinder would become completely unstoppable.

And really, how hard could this be? Powerful as he was, he was only a child. What were the odds of him being immune to her charm? Never. He’d be so easy to seduce; it’d be like stealing candy from a child. Astera didn’t stand a chance.

Yes. This was genius. She knew there was a good reason she kept Emerald around. A street rat like her would have good ideas every once in a while.

Cinder crossed her legs and glanced at the green-haired girl sitting on the sofa beside her, nervously looking down at her feet as they waited for the Titan Slayer to arrive. Clearly, she felt utterly out of place in a mansion like this. How embarrassing.

What was delaying Astera? It’d been almost an hour since their arrival. Was what he was doing really that important? It was pretty inconsiderate of him to keep them waiting this long.

Cinder huffed in frustration before the door finally opened, making her flinch in surprise as she saw Astera enter the room alongside Qrow Branwen and the young girl she’d seen running around the mansion. The Titan Slayer gave them a polite smile that made her narrow her eyes suspiciously. What was he looking at so smugly?

Her amber eyes then flickered to Qrow, then to the girl. She could understand Branwen’s presence in the room with them— in this case, he’d be Ozpin’s spokesperson. But the girl? What could she possibly offer here? What was her purpose? Someone as nervous looking as her…

What was Astera trying to do?

“Hey there. Glad to see you consider my offer.” Reid started, taking the seat in front of them. The girl sat next to him, but Qrow remained standing next to the door, leaning against the door. “Cinder Fall and Emerald Sustrai, right?”

Cinder’s eyes narrowed. Was he trying to act coy? He knew who they were. Why ask such stupid questions?

“And you’re Reid Astera, the Titan Slayer.” She scoffed, deciding to respond in kind. “I thought you’d be taller.”

Astera blinked, seemingly not having expected that reply. Heh. This fool. Who did he think she was?

“Wait, really?” He raised a brow. “I mean, how? I’m pretty damn tall already. I’m about two inches off from being seven feet tall.”

Cinder paused.

“Er, no—”

“Wait, you’re still growing?” The girl next to him asked. “Seriously? But then you won’t be able to fit through the doors! Like that guy you brought with you.”

“Um—”

“I know, right?” He replied. “It’s pretty crazy, isn’t it? I’ve never had anyone tell me they expected someone taller when they met me.”

As Qrow audibly chuckled, Cinder couldn’t help but clench her fists tightly, nearly burning the sofa she was on with the use of her Semblance.

This imbecile! Is he trying to piss me off?! Cinder barely stopped herself from saying something she would come to regret. No, calm down. He’s an idiot teenager. Don’t stoop to his level.

“I-It was a joke,” Cinder said.

“Oh.” Astera blinked again. “Huh. Yeah, that makes sense. My bad.”

This was the illustrious Titan Slayer?

“Ahem, anyway, I’m sure you’re wondering why I would lend a hand to former subordinates of Salem.”

“To keep her hands away from the Maiden’s magic,” Cinder said.

“No, not really. Frankly, I couldn’t care less about the Maidens or the Relic of Knowledge.” He snorted. “I mean, sure, I wouldn’t want it falling into her hands, but it’s not really that much of an issue.”

Cinder tensed at that, thinking they might’ve been lied to. If not for the Maiden’s magic, despite how little she had of it, then why?

“What I want from you are two things.” He added. “One: information. Everything you know about Salem. What she has planned, what kind of powers she has— anything. In return, I’ll keep you here and protect you two.”

Cinder paused, then narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“Why me?” She asked. At his confusion, she elaborated. “Why wouldn’t you use the Relic of Knowledge to get your answers?”

“Good question.” Astera smiled. “And the answer is simple. Salem would know.”

“What do you mean?”

“Confirm this for me. Can Salem sense the presence of divine energy?”

Cinder took a moment to study his expression before she answered.

“…She can.”

“Then there’s your answer. The moment the vault opens, Salem would know. She could easily pinpoint the location and figure out which relic we took out.” He explained. “In that instant, we’d be swarmed by Grimm, with possibly a Titan within their ranks. Now, I can handle myself just fine, but the civilians of Mistral? There’d be countless deaths.”

Why would you care? Cinder thought to herself. What an idiot.

“Besides, even if we somehow get all of that handled, Salem might just predict that we used the relic to gather info on her current plans.” He added. “She would then scrap everything or tweak what she already had to catch us off guard when it comes down to it.”

“What makes you think she wouldn’t know about you getting your information from me, then?” Cinder counters.

“Oh, I’m well aware that Salem might already know that you’re in my custody.” Astera shrugged, making her blink. “The thing is, getting information from you is our safest bet. There’s no risk of drawing her attention with the relic.”

“And you’re so certain I’d be telling the truth?” Cinder smirked. “What if I’m lying? What if all of this was an elaborate plan of Salem?”

“It isn’t.” He responded. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be starving and freezing to death in the middle of nowhere, now would you?”

Cinder couldn’t argue with that. She had to admit, she had underestimated him a little.

“…And what else do you want from me?” She asked, wanting to move on with the conversation.

“I want you.” He said, pointing at her and Emerald. “Both of you.”

There it was… the little horny bastard. She knew she should’ve been expecting this, but to hear it directly from him? Wow, what a ‘hero’ to the people. He was no better than the corrupt politicians doing whatever they could to get their grubby little hands on whatever interested them.

But she’d still take that over Salem. She could handle a pervert if it meant she’d be able to control him at some point. In fact, this just made things easier. Idiots like him who only think with their dicks were so easily manipulated.

“Because, unlike Salem, I see the potential in you two.” He added, making her pause. “You, Cinder, are brilliant. You were able to avoid Salem for months. Months. There’s a reason she picked you up as a subordinate in the first place.”

Wait, what? Potential? What was he trying to do, praising her like that? So hold on, he didn’t want her for her body? But skill? Well, naturally. Cinder was one of a kind. But to him, she was nothing but an ant. What would he need from her that he didn’t already have?

Cinder hadn’t expected that. She admittedly had no idea how to respond.

“And you are resourceful. You survived with her, so I imagine there’s some level of teamwork going on between you two.” He said, glancing at Emerald, who flinched at his gaze. “You’re skilled, street smart, and you have a very powerful Semblance.”

“U-um, thanks…?” Emerald blinked.

“You want us to work for you?”

“Pretty much.” He shrugged. “You have skills I’m interested in, and I think wasting them while working for someone who wouldn’t think twice before getting rid of you once you outlive your usefulness is pretty damn sad.”

Cinder waited for him to finish.

“Me, on the other hand? I’d do everything I can to have you realize your full potential. And you won’t be under any kind of threat. You’ll be safer here than in any other place.” He concluded, giving her a smirk. “So? Do we have a deal?”

Cinder narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. Realize her full potential? How arrogant. What did he know about her? He was worse than she thought he’d be. Honestly, she’d take the perverted kid with too much power over this pretentious asshole.

…Then again, this wasn’t a deal breaker.

“And if I decline?”

“Then, unless you’re willing to share the information you have on Salem, the door is right there.” He pointed at the exit. “Have fun out there. Back in your little cave in Solitas.”

Cinder bared her teeth at him in anger. Bastard…

“I’m still not convinced.” He scoffed. “If you want me to work for you, then I expect something in return.”

“Naturally.” He winked. “In return for you working for me as my agent, I’ll reward you handsomely. In fact, I have something I know you want.”

“And that is?”

“Power.” He said. “Beyond what the Maidens can even offer.”

“As if.” Cinder scoffed again. “Do you think I’m gullible? You’re definitely bluffing.”

Reid chuckled.

“Ruby,” He said, making the girl next to him blink. “Mind giving them a demonstration?”

What is he doing…? Cinder thought, staring at the girl now she knew named Ruby.

“Oh, um. Sure.” She stood up. “Haki or…?”

“Just a little light spell.” He responded.

“Okay.”

Cinder watched intently as the girl extended her arm, and in a brilliant flash, a sword made out of pure light formed in her hand. Her eyes widened in shock at what she saw— what she felt. Magic? This little girl was capable of casting magic? And an element she’d never seen before…

The Grimm parasite resting in her arm trembled in fear, making her realize that this was the real deal. And this wasn’t Maiden magic? Was this something that Astera had invented?

“As you can sense, that’s magic. Real magic. Not the Maidens’ static power. In fact—” Astera snapped his fingers, conjuring a roaring blue flame in his hand. “I have it, too.”

“Y-you— how?” Cinder was stunned. “How is this possible? What did you do?”

“A bit of this and that.” He answered coyly, flicking his hand and killing the flame. “What do you think?”

Magic. Actual magic outside the Maiden’s power. How? Where had he found that? Since when? Was this why he was so powerful? She’d felt it just now— the heat of those intense blue flames was beyond anything she could produce with her Semblance.

This boy wasn’t just strong; he was a proper rival to Salem and Ozpin. A teenager like him already at this level meant he’d only continue growing from here. Did Cinder think he could defeat Salem? No. Did she think he could survive her? Absolutely, and that was already impressive enough.

If all of his allies were given this kind of magic, too, then how many magic users were in his service? Not just the four Maidens who weren’t even willing to work for Ozpin. But actual, loyal warriors who answered only to him.

Just who the hell was Cinder speaking to? Not even Salem pulled anything like this during Cinder’s time working for her…

“You’re saying if I were to join you, you’d give me magic?”

“Well, yes, but before you get too excited, I need you to prove your loyalty.” He responded. She knew it. It was too good to be true. “I can’t just throw a power like that around now, can I?”

For some reason, Branwen audibly coughed while Ruby blushed deeply.

“And how am I supposed to do that?”

“Hmm…” Reid thought for a bit. “I know. How about for the next few months, you help with maid work around the mansion?”

“What?!” Cinder scowled. “You want me to be a maid?!”

“Yeah? What else can you do?” He said. Cinder was on the verge of attacking him before he continued. “I mean, you can’t leave the mansion unless it’s with someone else because Salem is actively hunting you down. You wouldn’t be a very good agent like that, right?”

Oh. He meant that. Right, of course, she knew that.

“And don’t worry, you’ll get paid weekly for your work. And if you’re really impatient, then I’m willing to train you for a different kind of power.” He said. “Choice is yours. Obviously, as I said before, as long as you share info about Salem, you’re free to stay here. But if you want more, then you’ll have to work for it.”

Cinder’s scowl dropped as she thought about it. Realistically speaking, Astera was asking for nothing in return. A couple of months of maid work for ultimate power? Was he out of his mind? Did he have an unlimited supply or something?

Obviously, that was only the first step. Eventually, she’d start working for him for real, but by then, she’d have what she wanted and then some. She could very easily just abandon him the moment she got this magic from him. Why waste time working for someone she’d just surpass anyway?

He was such an idiot. The deal was skewed in her favor, and Cinder didn’t even have to do anything. She didn’t know if this maid thing was some kind of fetish play of his or something, but honestly? She was willing to do it. If she was okay with whatever lewd request he had in store, then she was okay with this, too.

It was a little humiliating, but oh well.

Cinder traced a hand over her neck, her frown deepening slightly.

Yes. It was only a little humiliating. Nothing more.

“…Fine.” She stared at him in his eyes, accepting his deal. “I’ll play your game for now.”

“It’s really nothing serious.” He said with a sigh. “You fine with it, too?”

“Um…” Emerald blinked, glancing at Cinder, then nodded. “Y-yeah.”

“Then it’s settled.” Reid grinned. “Go get some rest for now. Ruby will show you to your rooms. I’ll have Titania show you around and tell you everything you need to know tomorrow.”

And suddenly, Cinder immediately regretted accepting his offer.

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

– Bonus Scene –

– Titania, earlier –

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” She asked, resting on her mop as she watched Ruby sitting next to the hallway wall, playing her video game with her handheld console. “Sun’s about to come up.”

“Eh, I couldn’t sleep.” The squirt shrugged. “So I thought I’d wait for Reid to come back.”

“Why, so you could spend the rest of your morning fucking like yesterday?”

Her accusation prompted Ruby to accidentally let go of her console, whipping her head at Titania to look at her in shock.

“W-wha- H-how do you know that?!” Ruby gasped, her face going red. “You pervert! You’ve been watching us, haven’t you?!”

“Oh please. Why would I ever do something like that?” Titana snickered. “Unrelated, but anyone ever told you you’re loud, pipsqueak?”

“N-no! I’m not loud!” Ruby denied it.

“I mean, wow, I always thought you were this innocent, pure girl.” She said. “Turns out you’re a massive freak, huh?”

“I’m not a freak—!”

“‘Oh gods, Reid. You’re so biiiig~’” Titania said with an exaggerated high-pitched tone, repeating what she heard once upon passing by their room. “‘I can’t live without your huge cock anymore! Break my tiny pussy and make me yours!’”

“Uwaaaaaaa!” Ruby yelled, getting up and trying to cover Titania’s mouth with her hands. “Stopstopstop!”

The former assassin couldn’t help but burst out laughing at Ruby’s adorable reaction. It may sound a little cruel, but seeing her on the verge of tears was everything Titania wanted to see, and it only made her want to tease the runt more.

Especially seeing that Astera and Yang weren’t present. She wasn’t sure about the big boss, but Ruby’s older sister probably wouldn’t appreciate this very much, and Titania didn’t want her fun to be over so soon.

…It’d been a long time since she’d felt this relaxed. This maid thing wasn’t so bad with the pipsqueak around as personal entertainment.

“Y-you’re such a jerk!” Ruby cried out with a shaky voice. “Stop laughing!”

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” Titania huffed, seeing Ruby’s big pout and glassy eyes. “Aw, don’t look at me like that. I was just messing with you.”

Ruby looked away and crossed her arms, still mad at her.

This was never going to get old.

As Titania was about to try to comfort her, not wanting the girl to stay mad at her the entire time, the front door suddenly opened. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Qrow enter the building with Cinder and Emerald in tow. She never expected to see them again so soon.

“Oh wow. No way.” She said, her look of shock turning into a wide smirk. “Look who the little birdie dragged in~”

Qrow clearly did not appreciate being called a birdie — as accurate as it was — but said nothing.

Cinder’s eyes narrowed, looking at her with disdain as Emerald scowled at her angrily.

“Titania, you bitch.” Her second favorite person said. Yes, second. The runt next to her was her favorite person now. “You really were here all this time.”

“Ayyup~ Enjoying my nice, cozy life in this massive mansion.” She giggled. “What about you? Where were you again? Somewhere in Solitas? Must’ve been cold~”

“You’re the worst.” The green-haired minion scoffed. “All this time, we were out there fighting for our lives while you—”

“Upupup! Let me make one thing clear, Em.” Titania shut her up. “Whatever it is you were about to tell me? Yeah, I don’t give a fuck.”

“Don’t you have any sense of loyalty?!” Emerald snarled.

“Why should I? I mean, don’t get it twisted. We weren’t friends. I was only hired muscle for you. I don’t owe you shit.” She snorted. “In fact, this one here is the only friend I need~”

She wrapped her arm around Ruby’s neck, who blinked once in confusion before her face broke into a huge grin as she responded with an embrace. As usual, the girl was so incredibly easy to please.

“D’awww! Thanks, Tania!”

“Why you—!”

“That’s enough, Emerald,” Cinder said. “Let the maid do her job. I’m sure she doesn’t want us interrupting her work. Though, from what I can see… I’m not impressed.”

“Oh, I’m sure you know all about cleaning, you suckup bitch.” She fired back. “What, did Salem get someone else to polish her shoes? Is that why she kicked you out?”

“What did you call me?!” Cinder scowled deeply.

“I called you a bitch.” Titania repeated, not one bit intimidated, and with a huge smirk on her face. “For someone so independent and oh-so powerful, you sure have no problems bootlicking anyone that’s ever so slightly stronger than you for a crumb of power, eh?”

Cinder’s magic flared as she got in front of Titania.

“You watch your tongue—”

“Or what?” The former assassin challenged. “What are you gonna do about it?”

Cinder did nothing, clenching her fists tightly as she glared deeply at Titania, who gazed back with a relaxed expression. She wasn’t worried about Cinder losing it— as volatile as this bitch was, she wasn’t entirely stupid.

She wouldn’t attack an employee of Astera and risk pissing him off.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Qrow said, getting in between them. He glared at Titania. “You better behave and stop provoking them.”

Titania shrugged and backed off.

“Aye, aye.”

“And you two.” He looked at their guests. “Follow me.”

The two threw her a hateful glare before doing as they were told, following the Branwen to the living room. Titania felt a strange weight lift off her shoulders— it wasn’t everything she wanted to say to Cinder, but damn if it didn’t feel good.

“Um, that was weird…” Ruby blinked. “So, uh, wanna play video games?”

Yup, the good guy side was honestly way better.

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And the VBM (Villainous Battle Maids) grow ever so slightly stronger...