Ah Dust, what many consider to be the most important discovery in history. This unique substance found deep below the earth has helped us ward off the Grimm in early periods of history. Funny thing, Dust can only be used if ground up into sand like properties, so the name isn't entirely true. But it does sound better than sand I'll agree.

      Dust was first discovered by the pioneers of the Atlas Kingdom, some 1500 years ago when the first kingdoms were being formed. It was said that a mining crew found a large red stone, only for it to be set ablaze when a torch fell on top of it. Since then, different Dust deposits have been found all across Remnant. Entire skirmishes and battles have been fought for these Dust mines, the Great War between all kingdoms one thousand years ago actually began over different territories merging on bought Dust Mines.

      Dust by itself, in its most pure form, is hardly usable. In order for it to be used most efficiently, it has to be ground up and broken apart. You see, it is only able to produce an elemental reaction after kinetic energy sparks the Dust grains against each other. Because of this, most weapons and equipment that use Dust have "shells" or "cases" that have a small drill like base. When activated, the drill will turn rapidly and ignite the elemental Dust in a few seconds. While this was difficult to do back then, the invention of firearms made it far more easier with the flintlock mechanism.

      There is a total of eight base forms of Dust, being fire, water, ice, wind, electricity, plant, rock, and gravity. Many of these are used for battling purposes, but some have found their way for other uses. For example, plant Dust is mainly used for agriculture purposes, a light sprinkle on a farm and the plants will grow at a faster rate than usual. Gravity Dust is helpful for construction workers when they need to move a heavy item. Rescue forces even use rock and gravity Dust to move away heavy debris to save lives. In short, Dust has become so ingrained in our society that entire businesses have been created for it.

      Speaking of businesses, there are huge monopolies around Dust but none so more than the Schnee Family Corporation. First founded by an Atlas knight named Nicholas Schnee, his daughter married to a Jacques Schnee, an owner of another famous Dust monopoly and merged them together. While they are powerful and has spread their Dust across Remnant, their business practices has led them to a bunch of controversies. Shutting down other companies, blackmail, and even worker rights violations with the Faunus of the area. Because of this they have became a primary target for the White Fang terrorist group. Now I don't agree with the business practices at all, but the White Fang are truly giving our kind a bad name.

     Back to topic, as technology advanced so have Dust. Researchers have discovered various combinations of Dust. Sharp Dust for example is a combination of Ice and Rock Dust. Healing Dust is a massive contributor, being the combination of Plant and Water Dust, it has boosted Hunter survival rates thanks to the incredible effects of the fast healing Dust.

     Do you know Professor Port back in Beacon? An old friend of mine, charming fellow. When I saw him first use his batch of Explosion Dust, I've never seen someone so scary yet so happy before. He had to stay after the hunt however in order to wash down the area from all the splattered Grimm insides. I still remember his words "Worth it."

      Dust has been the face of controversy before. For some scientists and criminal groups have been able to make heavily addictive drugs from combinations. So much that entire underground gangs have been forged under Dust Drug trafficking. One of the most dangerous ones is the Berserker Dust, sending the user in a blind rage and boosting their physical properties. Using it more than a few times will lead to heart attack or even a tumor forming. I recommend you stay away from those people and report them to the police or a Hunter.

     So far, that's the most we have on Dust. New combinations are being made today and the market expands ever so greatly. Ah, I need a smoke. Could you hand me my pipe and fire Dust lighter? Thank you!