Arc of Chaldea

Chapter 14: Mirrors and Shadows

A chilling view of Arcadian Strategic Intelligence headquarters is what Jaune sees as the convoy makes its way through the city. Unlike other structures in Arcadia's capital, this building is daunting, almost menacing. Its exterior is made of an inky black material that seems to absorb light, making it stand out in stark contrast to its surroundings. Pedestrians intentionally cross the street to avoid walking on the headquarters' sidewalk, as if compelled by an unseen force. Even animals seem to steer clear of it, their instincts warning them away. Despite all of the good that ASI does for Arcadia it has a reputation of fulfilling its duty at any cost.

A convoy of vehicles with the Arcadian royal insignia pulls up, appearing almost incongruous against the backdrop of the intimidating building. Guards, as stoic as the edifice behind them, stand at attention, their eyes hidden behind visors but their postures strict and unwavering. With a hushed mechanism, the gates silently slide open, admitting the convoy.

Jaune steps out of the leading vehicle, in a tailored, three-piece suit—black, to match the aesthetic. His appearance is sleek and professional, a sharp deviation from his usual armor or casual wear, yet he still retains an aura of authority. He surveys the towering structure in front of him and takes a deep, steadying breath, his eyes narrowing as if absorbing the gravity of the place and what was about to come.

With a final nod to his driver and a barely perceptible glance towards the multitude of cameras and sensors above, he advances towards the main entrance. The doors open automatically as he approaches, welcoming him into an environment that is anything but warm. Each step seems laden with the weight of the responsibilities and secrets that await him. The imperceptible tinge of anxiety in his steady stride betrays his thoughts about what awaits him within: administers that make Ozpin's staff appear warm and cuddly by comparison

Jaune walks into the ASI headquarters. The building's ominous aura seems to resonate with the gravity of his upcoming meeting. The design is a perfect fusion of advanced technology and brutal functionality. People walking outside give the building a wide berth; even the ambient light seems to hesitate before approaching its dark facade.

His footsteps echo on the dark, reflective floors, and Jaune can't shake the sense he's walking deeper into the mouth of some enormous, dormant beast. Finally, he arrives at the heavy, metallic door of the conference room, guarded by two officers whose posture stiffens at his approach. The door scans his bio-signature and unlocks with a muted, mechanical click, allowing him to enter.

Inside the room, the atmosphere is electric, a tangible blend of tension and anticipation. Director Lysander, a stern-faced man with a demeanor carved from years of hard decisions, rises from his chair at the far end of the room.

"Ah, Prince Jaune," Lysander greets him, his voice tinged with a professional warmth. "It's been some time since the Crescent Fields incident, hasn't it?"

Jaune nods, a flicker of memories flashing through his mind. Crescent Fields had been a covert operation against the White Fang, who had plotted to instigate a famine within Arcadia to turn the faunus population against the royal family. If the operation had succeeded, the White Fang would have framed the crisis as royal negligence, triggering social unrest on an unprecedented scale and use it to usurp the royal family.

"Indeed," Jaune replies. "Crescent Fields was an... eye-opening experience. It's good to see you again, Director."

Lysander gestures for Jaune to take his seat at the long, obsidian-colored table. The room is filled with a tense silence as he sits. Lysander taps a hidden button, and the walls come alive with the faces of high-ranking intelligence officers. Their eyes, unblinking, focus intently on Jaune. The lighting dims, leaving only spotlights on him and Lysander, enhancing the gravity of the meeting.