The golden hue of sunset bathed the sprawling grounds of Beacon Academy as Weiss Schnee led her companions back through its main gates. The lively chatter of teams RWBY and JNPR filled the cool evening air, their earlier encounter with Penny Polendina having left a mix of curiosity and excitement in their hearts. Penny's enthusiasm, combat-ready procmation, and sheer eccentricity had made quite an impression.

  Weiss, however, remained composed as ever, her icy blue eyes forward and her thoughts elsewhere. She didn't participate much in the light-hearted conversations buzzing around her, offering only polite nods or curt replies when directly addressed. Though the day had been unusual, Weiss's mind was focused on something far more critical—something that demanded her immediate attention.

  Weiss stopped as they reached the central pza of Beacon, where paths diverged toward the dormitories, the training grounds, and the academy's main tower. The others slowed and turned to face her, curious.

  "I'll be taking my leave here," Weiss said, her tone firm yet calm. "You all head back to the dorms without me."

  Ruby tilted her head, her silver eyes wide with concern. "Huh? Where are you going, Weiss?"

  "It's nothing for you to worry about," Weiss replied smoothly. "There's something I need to take care of. I'll return shortly."

  Her assured tone left little room for argument, but Yang couldn't help teasing. "Mysterious much, Weiss? Got a secret rendezvous or something?"

  Weiss turned her gaze to Yang, the faintest smirk tugging at her lips. "Hardly. But I appreciate your concern."

  Bke gave Weiss a subtle nod of understanding, her amber eyes glinting with quiet curiosity, while Pyrrha offered a polite smile.

  "Take care, Weiss," Jaune said earnestly, though his voice carried a note of awkwardness as it often did when addressing her.

  Weiss gave him a slight nod in return before turning on her heel, the sound of her heels clicking softly against the stone as she walked away. Her elegant posture and purposeful stride caught the lingering attention of her teammates and friends, who watched her retreat in silence. The golden hues of the setting sun painted her figure in warm light, her white uniform shimmering faintly as she disappeared around the corner. The determined set of her shoulders made it clear she had no intention of being questioned about where she was headed.

  Beacon Tower loomed ahead, its towering spire piercing the evening sky like a sentinel overlooking the academy. The intricate architecture of the tower, with its sharp angles and gleaming surfaces, seemed even more imposing in the fading light. Yet, for all its magnificence, Weiss paid it little attention. Her mind was occupied, her thoughts ser-focused on the summons she had received earlier—a direct email from the headmaster himself. Few students ever received such a formal request to meet, and fewer still knew what it might entail.

  As Weiss approached the heavy double doors of the tower, they swung open automatically with a faint mechanical hum, revealing the pristine lobby within. The quiet stillness of the space contrasted sharply with the lively chatter she had left behind in the courtyard. She ascended the staircase without hesitation, her footsteps echoing faintly in the empty hall. Each step brought her closer to the headmaster's office, and with it, a growing sense of anticipation.

  Upon reaching the top of the tower, Weiss was greeted by the familiar sight of Glynda Goodwitch standing near the entrance to Ozpin's office. Ever the epitome of professionalism, Glynda straightened her posture as Weiss approached. But for all her composure, the faintest hint of a blush crept across Glynda's cheeks as her eyes met Weiss's.

  "Ms. Schnee," Glynda said, her voice crisp but carrying an uncharacteristic softness.

  Weiss inclined her head politely. "Professor Goodwitch."

  For a brief moment, Glynda found herself at a loss for words, an internal debate raging within her. 'What is wrong with you? She's a student!' Glynda scolded herself, though her gaze lingered on Weiss's composed expression and the graceful way she carried herself. 'But… she's so poised, so mature—'

  "Glynda," Ozpin's voice cut through her thoughts, light and knowing. "Do let Ms. Schnee in."

  Startled, Glynda stepped aside, her blush deepening as she silently berated herself for her pse in focus.

  Weiss walked past her, sparing the professor a small smile as she entered the office. Glynda, flustered, avoided Weiss's gaze and busied herself with the door.

  Ozpin, seated at his desk with his signature mug in hand, gestured for Weiss to take a seat. "Ms. Schnee," he greeted warmly, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he gnced briefly at Glynda before returning his attention to Weiss. "Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."

  "Thank you, Headmaster," Weiss replied, her tone respectful yet firm. She took the offered seat, crossing her legs gracefully and folding her hands in her p.

  Ozpin studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "I trust your day has been… eventful?"

  Weiss offered a small smile. "It has, though I doubt that's the reason you summoned me here."

  Ozpin chuckled softly. "Straight to the point. Very well."

  Before he could continue, Weiss's gaze sharpened, and she spoke with quiet confidence. "This is about Salem, isn't it?"

  The air in the room grew heavier. Glynda, who had just stepped back inside, froze in pce, her emerald eyes narrowing. The mere mention of that name was enough to set her on edge.

  Ozpin's hand paused briefly over his mug, though his expression remained calm. He raised a hand to stop Glynda, who had instinctively reached for her riding crop.

  "You're correct, Ms. Schnee," Ozpin said evenly, setting his mug down. "Though I must admit, I was surprised to receive an email from you regarding such… delicate matters."

  Weiss's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'm gd you responded so promptly. Time is of the essence, after all."

  Ozpin leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "You mentioned in your email that you had information—something that could potentially change everything. I would very much like to hear what you have to say."

  Weiss met his gaze evenly, her poise unshaken. "There's a way to kill Salem. Permanently."

  Both Ozpin and Glynda tensed at her words. Glynda's grip tightened on her crop, while Ozpin's usually unreadable expression flickered with surprise.

  "Such cims are not made lightly," Ozpin said, his voice measured. "But I assume you've come prepared to expin yourself."

  "Of course," Weiss replied smoothly. "In fact, there are two ways to end her. As you likely already know, the first involves the power of a Silver-Eyed Warrior—individuals like Ruby Rose… and Summer Rose."

  At the mention of Summer, Ozpin's composure faltered. A shadow of guilt passed over his face, but he quickly steeled himself, his eyes returning to Weiss. "And the second?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

  Weiss leaned back slightly, her expression calm but serious. "The second involves me meeting with Amber, the current Fall Maiden."

  Glynda's eyes widened in shock, and she took a step forward. "That's impossible," she said firmly. "Amber's condition is—"

  "Glynda," Ozpin interrupted gently, raising a hand to silence her. He turned his gaze back to Weiss, his curiosity outweighing his surprise. "You've made a bold request, Ms. Schnee. But I must ask—what exactly do you intend to do?"

  Weiss's expression softened, though her confidence remained. "If you allow me to meet with Amber, I'll tell you everything. Including how to end Salem once and for all."

  The room fell silent, the weight of Weiss's words settling over them like a heavy bnket. Ozpin regarded her with a mix of caution and intrigue, while Glynda remained on edge, her mind racing with questions and concerns.

  Finally, Ozpin leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Weiss. "Very well, Ms. Schnee," he said after a long pause. "You'll have your meeting with Amber. But I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain."

  Weiss inclined her head gracefully. "Of course, Headmaster. You have my word."

  Though the conversation had ended, the air in the room remained tense. As Weiss stood to leave, Ozpin watched her with a sense of unease—and, perhaps, a glimmer of hope.

  For the first time in a long while, the impossible didn't seem quite so out of reach.