The Huntsman of Red V2

Chapter 72 Prelude to War: 1

Emerald carefully scanned her surroundings, careful to avoid making too many unnecessary sounds while in no-man's land by the perimeter of Atlas's borders. Specifically, their group was tasked with a mission to secure the supply routes from Atlas not within the sphere of the floating city.

With Vale's fall, the Grimm had consolidated within Vale's borders. Beacon Academy had been a haven for a while, but the sheer number of Grimm entering Vale had caused a full retreat from the kingdom towards two remaining human-held strong-holds.

Vermillion with its Sun, and Atlas floating within the clouds.

Menagerie, Mistral, and the other kingdoms were under constant pressure by the Grimm, and had numerous people slaughtered by the Grimm Shadow.

Now, all that remained was a bitter hope to put everything to an end.

Much had changed in three years, and for Emerald, it still felt like yesterday when she had been chasing after Archer's back. Now, now it felt like every action and purpose was meant for survival- a last stand.

Humanity was dwindling. Horror stories of the Grimm Shadow and the Grimm appearing in populated zones had many on edge.

Even Altesians with their floating city were wary of any raids.

Nevertheless, Emerald digressed while overlooking a snow-covered hill from the top down.

"Clear." Emerald said stoically before raising her arm to signal behind her.

On Emerald's person, she wore a symbol representing the Rose Mercenaries, or what was left of them. She had no clue where Roman or Neo had gone, and Emerald hadn't been keen on following instructions from Scarlet.

Instead, Emerald chose to carry on the name in her own way by gathering those that had already enlisted. Using the funds Roman had accrued in a pooled account as payment, Emerald somehow managed to scrap by with odd jobs.

Yet, some jobs were just too risky alone.

Grimm were everywhere, and although most were congregated in Vale, a significant presence still lingered beneath Atlas.

The current job was to cull the Grimm's numbers and prepare the area to receive several delegations from the remaining kingdoms.

The plan to strike Vale was coming to a head, and Atlas was the focal point. The students that had once been greenhorns, had now grown into a force not so easily bested. It was time to gather and plan instead of being divided.

"Of course it's clear," a voice drawled, belonging to a man with grey hair and disinterested eyes. "Nothing really survives when we rain a hail of Dust bullets. Besides, you know who, already left ahead on her own again. It's too bad. I could have shown her a thing or two."

"Get over yourself, Mercury." Emerald narrowed her eyes. "You wouldn't have lasted a second out here on your own."

"One...Still here?" Mercury grinned in faux contentment. "You're welcome to praise me, don't you think?"

Emerald felt a vein pop over her temples.

How did she end up working with this slick loser? Worse, it was like the bastard could read her mind.

"You know you love me, Em." Mercury snickered, easily interpreting Emerald's minute expressions. His upbringing made reading people all too easy.

"Shut up." Emerald hissed and trudged on ahead. However, a sturdy hand prevented Emerald from wandering too far on her own.

She glanced up at the man who had been a former applicant of the Rose Mercenaries in the past just like Mercury.

Forge Steelheart.