Chapter 6: The Preparation
It had been sometime since her graduation from Beacon Academy, but Glynda's struggles haven't ended. Ever since she agreed to work at Beacon Academy, she's seen many faces from all the Years of students. First Years are the most naïve and eager for combat. But that new person she met, Reaper. He's different than most faces she's seen. Granted she could see his face thanks to that mask he wears. But it was the aura around him that told her enough. He definitely was experienced, like an experienced Huntsmen. He was also intimidating which led her to believe he was the kind of Huntsmen who thrives of fear. She doesn't appreciate that kind of Huntsmen, but she can't necessarily do anything about it. Reaper was also a bit rude. She didn't understand why he was and didn't really intend to find out.
But she did intend on asking Ozpin about Reaper to see if he knew about his presence in Beacon Academy. She heard the ding from the elevator letting her know she's reached her destination before the doors slide open revealing Ozpin's office. Ozpin was at his desk drinking from his mug. He was most likely drinking either coffee or hot chocolate. As he took a sip, he stopped as he took notice of Glynda walking into his office. He put his cup on his desk and straightened his posture as he clasped his hands together.
"Glynda. To what do I owe this visit?" Ozpin asks.
"Well Firstly, are you are of a man named Reaper in the Academy?" Glynda asked.
"I am. He was brought here by Summer and Qrow. He wanted information about his location, and I provided it." Ozpin said, withholding the news of Reaper being from another world.
"But, why let him stay in the Academy? For all we know he could be a criminal." Glynda said.
"There's something about him that's gained my interest. I felt something off about him. Call it superstition, but I have a gut feeling that this Reaper character might be a key we've been missing." Ozpin explained.
"A missing key?" Glynda asked, confused before realization hit her. "You mean he could be a help with facing her?"
"I wouldn't go that far. But there is more to Reaper than we know. He's an Unknown element and I would like to figure out the truth about him. While he's told me about his situation regarding his need for information, he has yet to share any more information." Ozpin explained. "And if he is the missing key we've been looking for, perhaps he could help us defeat Salem."
Glynda just stood there in thought. The way Reaper held himself was interesting. Not like many Huntsmen she met. But as if someone who's witnessed War and the harshness of it. But that shouldn't be possible. The last war was the Great War, and the world has been at peace ever since. While there are still issues—mainly Faunus inequality—the world hasn't had a major War since. Besides Ozpin's war against Salem that is. That War is one that's fought in the shadows and isn't public knowledge, neither is Salem herself. So, hearing that Reaper could potentially be helpful is important to hear.
"In the meantime, I plan to test Reaper to prove if he's worth giving my full trust." Ozpin said.
"What kind of test?" Glynda asked.
"One to test if he's a threat or not. Other tests will follow in secret as I'm sure he won't appreciate constant tests." Ozpin explained.
"When is his test?" Glynda asked.
"I've recently received concerning reports of increased Human on Faunus violence in a village to the East. From what I could gather, the White Fang plans to stop by that village and I'm concerned for their safety." Ozpin said.
The White Fang is a peaceful organization that's fighting for Faunus rights. Ghira Belladonna is the leader of the organization. Hearing that they're going to stop by a village that has increased human on Faunus violence is concerning to say the least.
"I take it you want him to protect the White Fang?" Glynda asked.
"Something like that. But he won't be alone. That is actually why I called you here." Ozpin said.
Glynda was originally coming to his office because he sent a call for her to meet with him. So, it's related to Reaper.
"I need someone with him to evaluate his performance during this mission. After all, how can I properly know how he acted without someone I know with him?" Ozpin said.
"So, you want me to supervise him on the mission?" Glynda asks.
"Affirmative." Ozpin confirmed. "But I also want you to make sure that Ghira and his people are safe."
"Very well. I'll do my best, but who will take my place while I'm gone?" Glynda asks.
"I already have that taken care of so don't worry." Ozpin assured. "Now, would you be able to go grab Reaper and bring him here for me?"
Glynda nods and turns on her heel before walking towards the exit of Ozpin's office. Once the elevator doors open, she steps inside, and it closes behind her once she presses a button on the panel in the elevator. Once she was gone, Ozpin waited a few seconds before he pressed a button on his desk. A holographic screen is projected, and it shows the camera feed of where Reaper went. Ozpin was keeping an eye on Reaper just in case he does something.
Never hurts to be prepared, especially given the circumstances he's been in for countless years. Particularly with Salem. Their conflict has lasted many years and at the moment it shows no signs of ending, but maybe just maybe Reaper could help them if he proves to be capable. After all, Ozpin is always looking for people to join them and his gut is telling him that perhaps Reaper could help them. Only time will tell.