The air in the Executive Hall of Nations, located in Washington, D.C., was heavy with tension. The room, circular and adorned with the flags of the 23 sovereign provinces that now made up the United States of North America (USNA), was filled with the voices of its leaders. The 22 governors—once presidents, prime ministers, and leaders of independent nations—were now unified under the banner of the USNA.

At the head of the room stood President Raymond "Bulldozer" Roosevelt, a towering man with an iron will and a reputation for straight talk. His broad shoulders carried the weight of a young but powerful nation that had grown rapidly in the last two years. Despite his usual calm demeanor, his sharp blue eyes betrayed his anger as he listened to the heated debate unfolding before him.

Voices overlapped in a cacophony of languages: English, Spanish, French, Tagalog, Creole, and more. Though translators were present, many of the leaders reverted to their native tongues when expressing their frustration, their anger boiling over.

Governor Alejandro Ramirez of Mexico: "Terrorists? These people dare to call our troops terrorists after we risked our lives cleaning their lands of those monsters? This is an insult to the entire continent!"

Governor Émilie Laurent of Quebec: "It's not just an insult, it's a threat. They don't understand who they're dealing with. They see our strength, and they fear us."

Governor Rodrigo Cruz of the Puerto Rico: "Fear or not, we can't let this stand. We're not mercenaries or terrorists. Our people deserve better than to be slandered by these fools."

The anger in the room was palpable, and President Roosevelt understood it all too well. The footage from Mountain Glenn had not only painted their military in a negative light but also struck at the very identity of the USNA. A nation formed on the principle of cooperation and unity was now being labeled a threat by leaders who knew nothing of their values or sacrifices.

The president raised his hand, and the room gradually fell silent. His voice, deep and commanding, cut through the tension.

"I understand your anger," Roosevelt began, his tone steady but firm. "I felt it too when I saw that broadcast. Every word they said—'mercenaries,' 'terrorists'—it's an affront to everything we stand for. It's an insult to the men and women who bled to protect their lands."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"But anger alone won't solve this. We need clarity. We need to know exactly who we're dealing with and what they're capable of. This isn't just about protecting our reputation—it's about ensuring the safety of our nation and our people."

The Secretary of Defense, General Linda Torres, stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room.

"With the president's authorization, we've already initiated a plan to gather intelligence on this new landmass, Remnant," Torres said, her voice calm but resolute. "The operation, codenamed Shadow Recon, involves embedding highly trained operatives into their kingdoms. Their mission will be to assess their technology, their leadership, and most importantly, their intentions."

Governor Connor O'Malley of Canada leaned forward, his bushy eyebrows furrowed. "And how do we expect to get our people in without raising suspicion? They already see us as a threat."

Torres smirked faintly. "We have methods. Our operatives will be using advanced disguise technology, including holo-emitters and language AI implants, to blend in. They'll pose as travelers, merchants, even potential allies. We'll gather intelligence from the ground up."

Governor Carmen Delgado of El Salvador raised a hand, her expression skeptical. "And what happens if they're caught? Do we risk escalating this into a conflict we're not ready for?"

Roosevelt nodded. "A fair question, Governor Delgado. That's why this mission is strictly covert. No operatives will engage unless absolutely necessary. Their focus is on observation and intelligence gathering. If something goes wrong, their extraction is priority one."

"But make no mistake," Roosevelt continued, his voice hardening. "If they pose a threat to the USNA, we will respond—swiftly and decisively."

As the meeting drew to a close, the room's anger shifted to determined resolve. The governors understood the importance of the mission and the stakes involved. While their fury at the Vale Council's accusations burned bright, it was tempered by a shared desire to protect their young nation and its people.

Roosevelt stood, addressing the room one final time.

"Make no mistake—this is not just about the USNA. This is about showing the world, and now Remnant, what we stand for. Strength. Unity. Justice. Let them call us whatever they want. We know who we are. And soon enough, so will they."

The room erupted into a chorus of agreement, and as the governors departed, the president turned to General Torres.

"Begin Shadow Recon immediately," he said. "I want boots on the ground within the week."

In the days that followed, Shadow Recon teams were assembled, each consisting of Force Recon Marines, Army Rangers, and CIA operatives with years of experience in infiltration and intelligence gathering. The teams were outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, including:

Holo-emitters to alter their appearance.
AI-driven language implants for fluency in Remnant's dialects.
Stealth drones for long-range reconnaissance.
Portable EMP devices to disable any Dust-based technology if necessary.

Their primary targets were:

Vale – To observe Ozpin, Glynda, and the Vale Council.

Atlas – To analyze their military capabilities and technological advancements.

Mistral – To investigate their connection with bandit tribes.

Vacuo – To study their adaptability and resilience in a hostile environment.

As the operatives prepared to embark on their mission, the gravity of the situation loomed over them. The USNA had only recently established itself as a global power, and this was its first encounter with a foreign land that had no knowledge of its history or values.

For President Roosevelt and the governors, the message was clear: the USNA would not be slandered or underestimated. Whatever lay ahead, they were ready to face it head-on—whether through diplomacy, intelligence, or force.

The mission had begun. The United States of North America was about to leave its mark on Remnant.

In the wake of the growing tensions between Earth and the newly emerged landmass from Remnant, a joint global initiative was quietly launched under the codename Project Mirage. Spearheaded by the USNA, but involving top scientists and engineers from across the globe, its aim was to conceal Earth's continents from Remnant's inhabitants, ensuring covert operations and minimizing the risk of exposure to the more advanced terrestrial civilizations.

The centerpiece of Project Mirage was an advanced holographic projection and sensory distortion system called the Global Illusion Array. This monumental device was a combination of cutting-edge satellite technology, quantum computing, and AI-driven holography, designed to cast realistic, dynamic images across Earth's surface.

Primary Objectives

Display Earth's Continents as Uninhabitable:

All major continents—North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica—would be depicted as barren, lifeless wastelands engulfed in perpetual firestorms.
From any aerial or ground perspective, the holographic illusion would mimic the appearance of scorched lands, raging infernos, and unrelenting storms.

Sensory Distortion:

Utilizing EM field manipulation, the array could distort navigation systems and sensors of Dust-powered or primitive Remnant technology, ensuring they couldn't bypass the projection.
Pilots attempting to fly into these areas would experience severe turbulence, disrupted instruments, and even visual and auditory hallucinations, deterring further attempts.

Airspace Denial:

Any attempt to breach the "uninhabitable zones" would trigger automated drone patrols equipped with stealth capabilities, further reinforcing the illusion with controlled "firestorm effects" or subtle redirection tactics.

The Machine's Deployment

Orbital Satellites:

 Dozens of classified satellites were launched, forming a global grid capable of coordinating the holographic projections with precision.
Ground Nodes: Hidden in remote locations around the globe, ground-based projectors supported the satellites, enhancing the realism of the illusion and filling gaps in coverage.

Scientists and Engineers

Dr. Elise Nakamura, a Japanese-American quantum physicist, was the project's lead scientist. Her breakthroughs in holographic light manipulation made the scale of the project possible.
Professor Alaric Müller, a German AI specialist, developed the system's adaptive algorithms, allowing the illusion to respond dynamically to environmental changes and intrusions.
Colonel Victor Ivanov, a Russian military strategist, oversaw the integration of countermeasures, ensuring that any attempt to breach the projection would be neutralized covertly.

Global Coordination

Despite lingering political tensions among some nations, the realization of the threat posed by the Kingdoms' Dust-based technology and Grimm attacks united the world's powers. Countries like China, India, the UK, and Brazil contributed resources and expertise to ensure the project's success.

Before full deployment, the array was tested in several isolated regions, including parts of the Pacific Ocean and deserts in Africa. The results were staggering:

Realism:

The holographic firestorms were so lifelike that even advanced military satellites struggled to detect the projection's artificial nature.

Effectiveness Against Remnant Technology:

In simulations, primitive airships and Dust-powered devices were unable to penetrate the illusion, often turning back due to the overwhelming sensory distortion.

Global Safety:

The array was designed with Earth's environment in mind, using low-energy quantum projection to avoid ecological damage or interference with local weather patterns.

Within six months, the Global Illusion Array was fully operational. The day it went live, every continent, save for Antarctica, was cloaked in a veil of desolation, visible only to those outside Earth's advanced civilization.

North America appeared as a smoldering wasteland, its once-vibrant cities reduced to ash.

Europe was depicted as a charred battlefield, with rolling firestorms sweeping across its landscapes.

Asia and Africa showed signs of cataclysmic destruction, their skies choked with ash and smoke.

Australia appeared to be engulfed in eternal wildfires, while Antarctica, though less dramatic, was shown as a land of cracked ice and toxic blizzards.

As the kingdoms of Remnant sent airships and scouts to investigate the newly discovered continents, the illusion worked flawlessly.

Vale's reconnaissance reported back that the lands beyond the oceans were "uninhabitable, consumed by fire and death."

Atlas, skeptical of the reports, sent a few of their more advanced airships to investigate. Every ship was met with severe turbulence, disrupted systems, and false readings, forcing them to turn back.

Vacuo and Mistral, lacking the resources for extensive exploration, quickly accepted the illusion as fact, spreading the belief that the continents were cursed lands.

Even Salem's forces, driven by the Grimm's attraction to negativity, avoided the "firestorms," their primal instincts unable to overcome the array's disruptive effects.

For now, Earth's secrets remained hidden. The illusion of desolation ensured that no kingdom would dare approach the true continents of Earth. Meanwhile, the covert operations of Shadow Recon and other intelligence missions continued unimpeded, gathering vital information about the kingdoms, Dust, and Grimm.

But the world leaders knew this veil of secrecy wouldn't last forever. It was only a matter of time before Remnant's inhabitants—or the Grimm themselves—found a way to pierce the illusion. For now, however, Earth held the advantage, shrouded in mystery and shielded by technology beyond Remnant's comprehension.

The stealth V-22 Osprey hummed low, its matte black exterior blending seamlessly with the dark skies. Flying just above the treetops to avoid radar detection, the aircraft made its way toward the outskirts of Vale, the nearest kingdom to the newly designated insertion point.

Inside the aircraft, the cabin was dimly lit, filled with the quiet tension of troops and agents preparing for their mission. This was no ordinary assignment—Operation Shadowfall demanded the utmost discipline, subtlety, and ingenuity.

The team consisted of an elite mix of operatives:

Force Recon Marines
75th Rangers
CIA operatives
ROKMC
JGDF Ranger Corps

Their objective was clear: infiltrate Beacon Academy as late transfer students, blend into society, and observe the Vale leadership, particularly Professor Ozpin and Professor Glynda Goodwitch, as well as the Vale Council.

Mission Restrictions:

No firearms: Only melee weapons were allowed, including brass knuckles, wooden katanas, bowie knives, baseball bats, and custom-designed sledgehammers.

Civilian clothing: They were dressed in casual attire to pass as ordinary students.

Fake documentation: Each operative carried forged identification and birth certificates to match their cover stories.

Language control: Only English was to be spoken, and all Earth-related slang was strictly prohibited.

Scrolls, not smartphones: The use of local technology was mandatory to avoid suspicion.

Lethal force only if necessary: Engagements were to be avoided unless absolutely required.

Sitting near the back of the cabin, Anthony, David, Jason, and Karma were reviewing their briefing one last time. Anthony, as always, exuded calm authority, his sharp eyes scanning the others as he mentally prepared for the mission.

David leaned back, tapping a pair of brass knuckles against his palm. "So, we're supposed to be kids again, huh? This is gonna be fun."

Jason adjusted the collar of his jacket, still looking nervous. "I don't know about fun. What if they figure us out?"

Karma, sitting cross-legged with a wooden katana resting against her shoulder, smirked. "Then we kill them. Easy."

Anthony gave her a sharp look. "No killing unless it's absolutely necessary, Karma. Remember, this isn't a combat op. It's infiltration and observation."

Karma sighed, rolling her eyes. "Fine, oppa. No killing. But if someone tries something..." She trailed off, her smirk returning.

As the group settled into their preparations, a soft gasp came from across the cabin. Mina Takahashi, a member of the JGDF Ranger Corps, stared at Anthony with wide, dark brown eyes. Her sharp teeth, a feature she had always been self-conscious about, gleamed faintly in the dim light.

"Anthony?" she said, her voice a mix of shock and disbelief.

Anthony blinked, his focus momentarily broken as he turned toward her. For a moment, recognition didn't register—until it did.

"Mina?" he asked, his deep voice carrying a note of surprise.

Mina's lips parted into a hesitant smile. "It's been... years. You're taller than I remember."

David, ever the joker, leaned forward with a grin. "Wait, wait. You two know each other? Small world."

Anthony cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. "We met when we were kids. Her family came to the States on a trip when I was... what? Fifteen?"

"Fourteen," Mina corrected, her smile softening. "You were always bad at remembering details."

Karma, perched beside Anthony, tilted her head. "Oppa, you've been holding out on me. Who is she?"

Mina's cheeks darkened slightly as she looked at Karma. "I'm Mina Takahashi. I'm... well, my mother arranged for me to marry Anthony."

The cabin fell silent.

David let out a low whistle. "Damn, Anthony. You're full of surprises."

Anthony rubbed the back of his neck, looking thoroughly uncomfortable. "I didn't even know about the arrangement until years later. I thought it was just something her mom joked about."

Mina sighed, her tone playful. "It wasn't a joke. My mother still reminds me every time we talk."

The conversation was cut short as the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom.

"ETA to Vale: two minutes. Prepare for drop."

The mood in the cabin shifted instantly, professionalism taking over as the operatives secured their gear and ran through final checks.

Anthony glanced at Mina, his tone serious. "We'll talk later. For now, let's focus on the mission."

She nodded, her expression equally determined. "Understood."

The Osprey descended silently, its stealth capabilities ensuring it remained undetected as it approached the outskirts of Vale. As the ramp lowered, the team filed out quickly, their boots hitting the soft ground without a sound.

The mission had begun. Shadowfall was officially in motion, and Beacon Academy awaited.

The group moved cautiously along the pathway leading to Vale, the moonlight casting long shadows across the dirt trail. In the distance, the massive city walls loomed, their imposing structure an unmistakable testament to the kingdom's defense against the Grimm. The walls, standing tall and sturdy, were clearly designed to keep the Grimm out and protect the people within.

As they neared the main gate, the operatives exchanged quiet glances. Despite the mission briefing and extensive preparation, seeing the city's defenses in person was a stark reminder of how different this world was from their own.

"They really went all out with these walls," David muttered, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder. "Looks like something out of a fantasy movie."

Karma, walking beside him, smirked. "At least they're practical. Keeps the monsters out and the people in."

Anthony remained silent, his eyes scanning the surroundings for anything unusual. Mina walked a step behind him, her sharp gaze also taking in the layout of the gate and its defenses.

As the group approached the gate, they were greeted by two guards, both wearing simple armor adorned with Vale's insignia. Their expressions were neutral, though their postures were tense. A large group of travelers arriving this late at night was bound to raise suspicion.

One of the guards stepped forward, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword. His tone was polite but firm as he asked the standard question:

"What's your business here?"

Anthony, as the designated leader of the group, stepped forward, his posture relaxed but respectful. "We're late-arrival students. We're here to attend Beacon Academy." He gestured to the operatives behind him, who were dressed in casual civilian clothing and carried only non-lethal melee weapons.

The guard's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked over the group, his gaze lingering on their athletic builds and unusual confidence. "All of you?"

"Most of us," Anthony replied smoothly. He gestured to the agents. "The others are planning to start a small business in Vale. A trade shop, if you will."

The second guard, a younger man, spoke up. "A big group like yours arriving this late at night is... uncommon."

Anthony nodded. "We had some delays on the way here. Transportation issues."

The first guard studied their fake identification documents, cross-referencing them with the registry. After a moment, he handed them back and stepped aside.

"Everything checks out," the guard said, his tone softer now. "Welcome to Vale. If you're heading to Beacon Academy, the Bullhead dock is just ahead. Look for dock number 7—that's the one with shuttles to Beacon."

The younger guard added, "You'll want to hurry. Last shuttle leaves soon."

The group entered the city, the guards' eyes still on them as they passed through the gate. Once inside, they slowed their pace, taking in the sights of Vale at night. The streets were quiet but well-lit, the occasional patrol of police or civilians passing by.

Jason, walking near the back of the group, glanced around with wide eyes. "This place is... kinda nice. Way different from what I expected."

Mina nodded. "It's peaceful. Almost too peaceful."

David grinned, his voice low. "Relax, Mina. You're making it sound like we're walking into a trap."

Following the guards' directions, the group made their way through the city toward the Bullhead dock. The air grew cooler as they approached the waterfront, and the faint hum of engines became audible.

At dock number 7, a large Bullhead airship was preparing for its final flight of the night. The platform was sparsely populated, with a few students and travelers waiting to board.

Anthony led the group to the ticket counter, where he handed over their documentation once again. The attendant glanced at the papers, stamped them, and waved them toward the boarding area.

Once aboard, the group spread out, taking seats near the back of the Bullhead. The interior was simple but comfortable, with large windows offering a clear view of Vale below as the airship ascended.

Jason stared out the window, his unease fading as he took in the sight of the city lights twinkling below. "You ever think about how crazy this is? I mean, we're on another world, flying in a Dust-powered airship."

Karma leaned back in her seat, her wooden katana resting against her shoulder. "Enjoy it while you can, rookie. Once we're at Beacon, it's back to business."

David chuckled, his brass knuckles tucked into his pocket. "She's right, Jason. This is just the calm before the storm."

Mina, seated beside Anthony, glanced at him with a faint smile. "You ready for this? Playing the role of a student again?"

Anthony smirked, his gaze focused ahead. "I've done worse. Let's just hope Beacon's not as chaotic as it sounds."

The Bullhead ascended higher, the lights of Vale fading as they approached the towering silhouette of Beacon Academy in the distance. The mission was officially underway, and the group prepared themselves for what lay ahead. Operation Shadowfall had begun.

The Bullhead descended toward Beacon Academy, its engines humming softly as it approached the landing platform. The sprawling campus loomed ahead, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. Jason, glancing at his watch, noted the time: 9:00 PM.

"If we'd taken the Osprey, we'd have been here in thirty minutes," he muttered, grabbing his bag.

David smirked as he slung his duffel over his shoulder. "Yeah, but the Bullhead gives us time to think. And now we know it takes about an hour and forty-five minutes to get from Vale to Beacon by air. Useful intel."

Anthony nodded. "Noted. Let's stay sharp."

As the group exited the Bullhead, the cool night air greeted them. They moved toward the platform's edge, taking in the iconic Beacon Tower, which dominated the skyline.

As the group gathered their luggage, two figures approached, their presence immediately commanding attention.

Professor Ozpin, with his silver hair, cane, and calm demeanor, exuded an air of authority and intelligence. His sharp brown eyes seemed to pierce through them, assessing each individual with unnerving precision.

Professor Glynda Goodwitch, dressed impeccably with her riding crop in hand, radiated discipline and no-nonsense professionalism. Her stern expression softened slightly as she greeted the group.

"Good evening," Ozpin said, his voice smooth and polite. "Welcome to Beacon Academy."

Anthony, standing at the front of the group, gave a slight nod. "Thank you, sir."

Glynda's sharp eyes scanned the group. "You must be the late-arrival students. We've been expecting you. If you'll follow us, we'll conduct a brief interview to finalize your admission."

The group exchanged subtle glances. Everything needed to go perfectly here. Their fake transcripts had been crafted meticulously, but one misstep could unravel everything.

As the professors led them through the pristine corridors of Beacon, the group took mental notes of the academy's layout. The architecture was elegant yet functional, with large windows offering views of the sprawling campus and surrounding forest.

David leaned slightly toward Jason, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ozpin's sharp. Real sharp. One wrong move and we're toast."

Jason nodded subtly, his mind racing as he ran through the cultural and factual information they'd memorized. The Faunus in Menagerie had provided invaluable intelligence about the four kingdoms, their customs, and their color naming rule.

Jason thought about his name. "Jason Henderson. What color does that even represent?" he wondered internally. He glanced at the others, realizing they were probably thinking the same.

Mina, walking beside Anthony, furrowed her brow slightly. "Takahashi. Does that even fit the rule?" she wondered, keeping her expression neutral.

The group was led into a modest yet formal room, its walls lined with bookshelves and a large wooden table in the center. Ozpin gestured for them to sit, his cane resting against the table. Glynda, standing to his right, had a clipboard in hand.

"Let's keep this brief," Ozpin began, his tone polite but firm. "We like to know a little about our students before we finalize their admission."

He glanced at Anthony, who was seated closest to him. "Why don't we start with you? Tell us a bit about yourself, Mr...?"

"Grant," Anthony said smoothly, keeping his tone respectful but not overly formal. "Anthony Grant. I'm from Vale originally, but my family's traveled a lot. I've been training privately to become a Huntsman."

Ozpin's gaze lingered on him for a moment before shifting to David. "And you?"

"David Fernandes," he replied confidently. "Same story, more or less. Grew up in Vale, trained with Anthony. We've been friends for years."

Ozpin nodded, his expression unreadable. "And you?" he asked, turning to Jason.

"Jason Henderson," he said, his voice steady. "I've always wanted to become a Huntsman. My parents thought it'd be better if I studied here, so... here I am."

Ozpin gave a faint smile. "A commendable goal."

The questions continued down the line, each operative sticking closely to their rehearsed backstories.

When it was Mina's turn, she introduced herself as Mina Takahashi, explaining that her family had settled in Mistral years ago. "My parents believed Beacon was the best place for me to learn and grow."

As the interviews concluded, Ozpin leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping the table. He glanced at Glynda, who nodded subtly, signaling that everything seemed in order.

"Well," Ozpin said, his tone light, "everything checks out. Welcome to Beacon Academy. I trust you'll find your time here both challenging and rewarding."

Glynda handed each of them a scroll, their new student IDs preloaded. "You'll find your room assignments and class schedules on these. Your luggage will be sent to your dorms. Orientation begins tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Professors," Anthony said, standing and offering a polite nod.

As the group filed out, David whispered to Anthony, "That guy's sharp. He was reading us the whole time."

Anthony nodded slightly. "Yeah. Let's make sure he doesn't see through us."

The group made their way to the temporary dormitories, the campus now quiet under the night sky. Inside, the rooms were simple but comfortable, with enough space for them to stash their gear and maintain their cover.

As they unpacked, Jason leaned against his bunk, exhaling slowly. "We made it through the first hurdle."

"Barely," Mina added, sitting cross-legged on her bed. "Ozpin knows something. He didn't say it, but I could feel it."

Anthony nodded, his expression serious. "We'll stay cautious. Keep our cover, follow the rules, and don't draw attention. Tomorrow's a new day."

As the group settled in for the night, the lights of Beacon Academy dimmed. The mission was off to a tense but successful start. Operation Shadowfall was in full swing, and the operatives were ready to navigate the challenges ahead.