𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 [ʀᴡʙʏ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ ᴏᴄ]

Chapter 37

The next day came faster than I expected.

The artificial lights of Atlas always made it hard to tell the time, but the clock on the wall confirmed it—morning. I got up, rolling my shoulders as I adjusted to the feel of the new uniform. It still felt strange, but at least it didn't restrict my movements.

Stepping out of my quarters, I was immediately greeted by the familiar sterile halls of Atlas, bustling with soldiers and personnel moving with purpose. The air was thick with the scent of metal, disinfectant, and the faint hum of distant machinery.

A new day. A new routine.

And yet, deep down, I knew—this wasn't my routine. This wasn't my place.

I made my way to the cafeteria, the same sterile, metallic halls stretching endlessly before me. By now, the stares had lessened, but I could still feel the weight of recognition lingering in the air. The White Reaper wasn't just a legend anymore—he was here.

As I stepped inside, I immediately spotted the Ace-Ops sitting at their usual table. Marrow was the first to notice me. His ears perked up, and his tail wagged slightly before he caught himself, clearing his throat to act casual.

Marrow: "Yo, Klaus! Over here!" he called, waving me over.

I sighed but made my way to their table, tray in hand. Breakfast was practical, nothing fancy—eggs, toast, some kind of protein bar, and coffee. Harriet smirked as I sat down. 

Harriet: "Look at that, the Reaper actually showed up. Thought you'd be brooding in your quarters all day."

Klaus: "Still could," I muttered, taking a bite of toast.

Elm:"You really are a quiet one, huh? Guess the stories weren't exaggerating."

Clover: "You'll get used to us. Or we'll get used to you."

Clover gave me a knowing smile. I wasn't sure which option was better. He leaned back slightly, a relaxed smile on his face as he spoke.

Clover: "Since you're our superior, what should we—"

"Klaus."

I cut him off before he could finish, not bothering to look up from my coffee. I wasn't here for ranks.

Clover: "Alright, Klaus. We have a mission today."

I took a sip of my coffee, glancing at him over the rim of my cup.

Elm: "Scouting and reporting," Elm chimed in. "Nothing too complicated, but it's been getting worse near one of the outer settlements. Standard cleanup job."

Vine: "However, reports indicate an unusually high number of grimm sightings. It's possible something is drawing them in."

Marrow: "Basically, we go in, clear them out, and make sure nothing bigger is lurking around."

I set my cup down, eyes flicking to Clover. 

Klaus: "And you're telling me this because...?"

Clover: "Because you're coming with us." His tone was casual, but there was a certainty in his voice that made it clear this wasn't a suggestion. "Consider it a chance to stretch your legs."

I exhaled through my nose. Back to the battlefield already, huh?

Klaus: "Fine." I leaned back in my seat, finishing off my toast. "When do we leave?"

TIMESKIP

We boarded the ship, the humming of the engines filling the air as we took off from Atlas. The cold steel beneath my boots felt familiar, but the view outside was a stark contrast to what I remembered.