The Huntsman of Red V2

Chapter 57 Cursed Arm: Part 4

A studious man stood with his hands clasped behind his back while staring out of the passenger window of an Atlas bullhead. He was a stalwart individual with unwavering conviction in every action, and he'd stop at nothing to ensure the safety of those he was obligated to protect.

Almost like a machine, the man could filter out all emotion and reach the most rational choice in any given situation.

That was the kind of man he was.

General James Ironwood of the floating kingdom, Atlas.

James was a tall man in a white tailor-made military coat wearing a red tie and suit beneath. His expression was constantly stern befitting a man of his station, and the trimmed beard he kept on his face gave him a matured look of authority and command.

He was the epitome of a military man, and yet no man can be expected to always make the right decisions. Machine-like or not in his drive and mettle, he was still human and carried doubts and emotions.

Reaching out a hand, he clicked off the video feed displaying a live meeting with none other than Beacon's headmaster, Ozpin himself.

Of the many leaders in Remnant, James was one of the few involved in Ozpin's Shadow War, aware of the truth of the world, and the real enemy beyond the Grimm. However, recent matters were escalating far beyond anything James could have bargained for.

"Port, Oobleck, and Glynda are dead..."

James took a moment, and shut his eyes, his teeth grinding over his molars, and his heart heavy.

Ozpin looked like he'd aged, or rather, his expression was haggard by regret and guilt. Many students had died, and even now, to prevent chaos, news was being suppressed. It was a stop-gate measure, but one that was bound to collapse eventually. Understandably, as a true leader, Ozpin was pushing on regardless of his personal sentiments.

It was because he had to, not because he wanted to, and James could grudgingly respect that.

Glynda and the others had been-

James abruptly shook his head.

There was no time to afford any sort of grieving for the departed in wake of the coming upheaval.

Countermeasures must be placed now before any more loss can be experienced.

"It's likely that Cursed Arm has affiliated himself with Salem, if not in a subordinate relationship than in a cooperative one. Few if any can refer to Salem as a witch and live to speak of it."

Cursed Arm.

It was hard to believe at first, but considering that James already knew of magic's existence, the intel regarding a prophet or an agent of the God of Darkness held merit.

"Avoid contacting the right arm at all costs. I do not personally delve into the wickedness of curses, but one touch, and death will swiftly follow. Further reports indicate the existence of a shadow that accompanies Cursed Arm. It appears immune to attacks in its formless state, but students have reported tangibility in the moment it attacks them and pulls them into the darkness. The light of the Arc's banner proved an effective ward, but ordinarily light does not carry the same effect. The shadow is likely magical in nature. This to say, we can predict where the next attack may occur."

Vermillion, capital of the sun.

Research into harnessing the energy outputted by Vermillion's sun had seen improvements after Dr. Polendina of Atlas reached an accord with Vermillion researchers. It was discovered that the energy could be stored in Dust, and then loaded into bullet cartridges that were extremely effective against the Grimm. Dust could also be coated on the weapon of a Huntsman to apply extensive burns with every cut.