The Continent of Union, ruled over by the very Nation that has control over the Continent under the same name. This Continent has three main capitals as each one is controlled by three separate groups that fall under the same category. Union City, located more inland as they have high walls that block outside forces from getting in, like Grimm. Union City contains Union Academy, where people train to become Huntsmen, Huntresses or Heroes. However, the Magic Knights also have their main Squad bases within the capital, or somewhere on the outskirts as the Wizard King resides within Union City as well.

Then the second main capital, located closer to the Demi-Human region is the City of Melromarc. Through time, the Kingdom of Melromarc became integrated with Union as they fall under Union's jurisdiction. They may not be as advanced or close to the levels of technology that Union may have, but they help control the populaces of Demi-Humans and some Faunus within those regions, and in return, they get provided aid by the Union Atlas Forces. Though Guilds also thrive around Melromarc because of the dangers of Grimm and other monsters that exist around those areas, receiving amazing rewards in return.

As for the third capital, located high up in the sky, and the city that tends to move around a lot. This city would be known as Atlas City. Atlas City, run by the Atlas Corporation is by far, the most advanced in technological prowess as their military consisted of the alliance between Union and Atlas, known as the Union Atlas Forces. However, there are rumours that the Headmaster of Atlas Academy, who trains future Union Atlas Soldiers and Specialists, General James Ironwood has been experimenting on certain projects, but due to his massive success in this industry, no one bothers to question his authority or accomplishments.

Yet even with these three main capitals, the Continent of Union isn't the most perfect. Crime always fills the corners of this Continent, including those of higher authority, no matter where you go, you may find one or two at the very least. However, Villains have been an issue for Union as of late since they appear to be more organized than ever before, yet that didn't stop Union as they did what they could to stop Villains from getting away with such things. 

However, there are truths that Union wants to keep behind closed doors, as the supposed leaders of Union, known as the Headmasters want to keep secretive from the public eye. There are some good people within Union, one can admit that, coming from certain backgrounds that made them genuinely good people, but that doesn't overweigh the corruption that seeps from within. Whether it be from good or bad intentions, the Headmasters and the Union Atlas Forces somehow pin the blames on those who try to bring the good, even if it was through violent means.

Our story kicks off within the floating city known as Atlas City as its magnificent splendour was displayed above the clouds within the night sky. Home to the Atlas Corporation, they have built this floating city by utilizing technology, and the combination of Dust to form Gravity Dust, being powered by Gravity Dust Engines that kept this city afloat. This city is considered to be amongst the safest, as most Grimm wouldn't be able to reach this place, except for Grimm that know how to fly, but they would be taken care of easily by their Union Atlas Forces.

Within the main HQ of the Atlas Corporation, which situated itself within the centre of Atlas City, we can see a white haired woman with icy-like eyes as she was walking through the compound in an ordinary manner, not trying to raise any form of suspicion amongst her peers. Being within the Specialist Class of the Union Atlas Forces, she technically has a level of authority within the Atlas Corporation. However, she is also a member of the Schnee family, who runs the Schnee Dust Company, or the SDC. Her name being Winter Schnee.

She went through most of the HQ until she reached a particular room as it was one of the only places she was allowed access to. This room mostly contained technological advancements, like a laboratory, however this room was mostly kept away from those lower than a particular rank because if word got out on what they were working on, it could cause more negatives than positives. 

Once she made sure that the coast was clear, she took out a device as it seemed similar to that of a metal disk, placing it on the ground. She knew this particular device to be known as a Transportation Disk, which allows people with higher authorities to travel from one place to another by utilizing Devil's Magic in the form of portals. 

The Atlas Corporation mainly made these for people who wanted to get to where they need to be if they didn't want to take the long route. However, the drawbacks so far to these devices is that it could only bring in things, and it requires a second Transportation Disk to get from Point A to Point B. So understandably, it is flawed, but it can be useful or resourceful if you want to deliver something on short notice.

Winter pressed a button on the device as a portal immediately opens above it. She waited patiently as she kept her arms crossed, looking around to make sure no one enters the lab. Soon enough, someone steps through the portal as he seemed to have a calm expression as he looked around. This individual is none other than the leader of the Phoenix Rebellion, or commonly known by Union as the Dragon of Liberation, Ryuji Kaida.

Ryuji: "Good job Winter. I honestly thought security would be more difficult to bypass."

Winter simply kept her neutral expression as she deactivated the device.

Winter: "Once you understand the simple security of what Atlas has, it is easy to get around."

Ryuji was looking around the lab, taking subtle steps as he was looking for something.

Ryuji: "Are you sure it's in here?"

Winter then walked up to a particular desk as she took the particular device she was looking for as there seemed to be at least three of the same device on the same table. She picked one of them up, turning to Ryuji.

Winter: "This is the device I was informing you about."

She then tossed the device to him as he caught it with ease, looking at it with interest. Though he had to ask a particular question.

Ryuji: "How certain are you that these so called Dragon Balls exist?"

Winter then sighed, walking to a desk as she simply leaned against it, resting herself as she crosses her arms.

Winter: "Even I don't believe in legends at times, but General Ironwood has been attempting to build what he would end up calling the Dragon Radar for quite a long time. Yet the only reason why the General wants to get his hands on these wish granting orbs is because of the fact that he could make any wish he desires. With his mind always set on militaristic ideals and strict policies, who knows what he could wish for. He is however not the only ones currently hunting them down."

Ryuji: "What do you mean?"

Winter: "While we within the Union Atlas Forces tend to keep our eyes and ears open at Menagerie, we've picked up intel that a member of the White Fang, Adam Taurus is preparing to hunt them down as well. So both the White Fang and the Atlas Corporation are doing whatever they can to get their hands on them."

Ryuji: "The White Fang have become more reckless as of lately... And with the Union Atlas Forces increasing their strict systems, it's clear that this could only cause more violence..."

Winter: "Exactly my point. The General intends to go to some villages he suspects the White Fang to be hiding out, considering that he isn't completely allowed to head to Menagerie directly." 

Ryuji sighs, figuring this much as he then walks over to the other two Dragon Radars as he takes them as well.

Ryuji: "These must be prototypes then?"

Winter: "Yes. The only three that were properly built from scratch. Though, before you intend to leave, I wanted to know something."

Ryuji: "What is it?"

Winter: "Why do you intend to be seen as a Villain? I know you're someone with a good heart, and your intentions are noble. However, it just doesn't make sense on why you want others to see you as the bad guy."

Ryuji then sighs, putting the Dragon Radars away in his pockets as he then walks up to Winter, standing next to her as he rests himself against the table she is resting against, using his arms for support.

Ryuji: "Because it's the only way to get the truth out."

Winter: "What do you mean by that?"

Ryuji: "We're a small group that isn't going to make a difference until we begin making our moves. We don't have enough people to make a stand against our oppressors. Yet, I could make some notice, by taking risks while others can remain in the background and unnoticed until the timing is right. Yet with circumstances not being the best in the current moment, a few days ago, one of those supposed legends came to light... The Waves of Catastrophe."

Winter: "Yeah... Melromarc is currently sorting out that situation on how to assist Union against that threat. To top it all off, during the Wave, and even after it, the Grimm activity increased due to the widespread panic and deaths. Any monsters that were left behind by the Wave, they were simply either killed off by stragglers from the Union Atlas Forces, or the Grimm finished them off."

Ryuji: "Which means that it's only a matter of time before the Four Cardinal Heroes arrive as well. If those legends came true, then you might be right. General Ironwood may be paranoid and strict, but he ain't no liar. If what you said is true, and the White Fang, or specifically, Adam Taurus is hunting down the Dragon Balls... He could cause more problems for us all in the future."

Winter: "I can only trust you on this matter, Ryuji. I may be part of your Rebellion, but I have to remain here and handle things from this side. You can make a difference, that much I can tell. I'll continue to supply you with information from here. All I can hope is that no one gets those Dragon Balls..."

Ryuji could tell that Winter was nervous and filled with uncertainty. He could understand where she was coming from as he had been uncertain about some things in his life. Yet even if he has a hatred towards Union, he can't believe that to a degree, he is helping them, but not at the same time.

Ryuji: "If you think that these Dragon Balls do truly exist... We'll do our best to confirm their existence and prevent Union and the White Fang from using them the best we can. Besides, you got your own problems here, especially with the General and that dick of a father."

Winter then smiled lightly, feeling rather glad that there might be some good all along. Though suddenly they heard the alarms go off as Winter groaned.

Winter: "Damn it... They must've picked up the readings from the Transportation Disks..."

Ryuji: "I'll keep them busy while you pretend that you just got to the scene. That'll keep the suspicions off of you."

Ryuji then began walking towards the door as Winter stopped him by grabbing him by his shoulder.

Winter: "And how do you plan to escape if this was a one way trip?"

Ryuji: "Winter Schnee. When it comes to plans, if they don't go as initially thought out, there's always a Plan B. I know what I'm doing."

Winter then let go as he then quickly made his way out the door. Winter looked down at the floor, still hearing the blaring sounds of the alarms going off. She mainly joined the Phoenix Rebellion because she wanted to make a change in Union. She doesn't want differences to define what role they all play, but she wants a form of equality that allows fair rights. 

She had been looking into General Ironwood's deeds and how the Union Atlas Soldiers been acting towards different species like the Faunus and Demi-Humans. She however, wasn't expecting someone, who is apparently around the age of her little sister to actually take up a fight against Union. It was still hard to believe, but after a few minutes of waiting, she could hear multiple running footsteps as she adjusted herself, having to at least try to put up an act as she has to play along with it.

From the outside of the Atlas HQ building, we can see someone immediately breaking through from one of the highest floors, that being Ryuji as he began free falling. Though as he continued his descent, he notices Atlas Drones floating about after him as they opened fire upon him, forcing him to simply run along the wall of the building to adjust himself at times to dodge the incoming shots.

Eventually, his body began to course with red electrical energy into his hands as he clenched his fists, forcing himself to a stop as he swung the energy around as if they were whips. The whips of red energy slashed through most of the drones as he then applied the energy to his feet as he propelled himself onto another building. Once he landed, he sighed, looking back at the building as he knows that more of the Union Atlas Forces will be after him, so he quickly made a run for it by taking the normal access route down the building he was currently running through.

He then heard an incoming voice from an earpiece he had in his right ear as he placed his right hand on the earpiece.

???: "Hey boss! You doing good down there?!"

Ryuji: "Handling it the best I could. Got the devices and making my way to the rendezvous."

???: "Well that better be good timing, because those suckers are planning to search the entire city for you."

Ryuji: "I'm aware. Though with how tight the security might be right now, I don't think I'll escape without a fight."

???: "No worries on that on Boss! I didn't exactly come alone, and to be honest, she chose to come along."

Ryuji: "I guess I'll see for myself."

Right when Ryuji was done talking, he noticed a burning figure rush through a wall as he didn't get enough time to react. He felt a heavy hit against his face as he was sent through the building into the street below as Ryuji felt a stinging sensation against his own face, groaning a little bit as he rubbed it a bit. 

Ryuji: "Such precision... Yet that heat..."

???: "So, this is the Dragon of Liberation the Headmasters were talking about?"

Ryuji could've sworn he recognized the voice as he watched the figure utilize his flames to land on the ground with no effort. He recognized the attire, the way the flames move around his body. The form of death glare that a particular Hero gave to many Villains. Ryuji got back up to his feet, recovering from the attack rather easily as he sighed, knowing completely who this is.

Ryuji: "I wasn't expecting to see you here in Atlas City, Endeavor. The Number 2 Hero of Union."

Ryuji *Thoughts*: "Why was he here in Atlas City in the first place...? He clearly had no business here. This surely got a bit more complicated... I can't even use my power completely here in a populated area... Whoever came along better show up..."

Endeavor: "Dragon of Liberation. Not only have you caused many deaths all those years ago, and causing problems for the Headmasters of Union. You have now decided to infiltrate Atlas Corporation. For what purpose, it'll remain unclear. However, today's the day I bring you in Villain."

Ryuji's eye narrowed at the term Endeavor used. Clearly at this point, Ryuji is used to it, but whenever someone uses it, it doesn't mean he's happy to hear it. Even if he is used to such a term being branded upon himself, he doesn't have to like it to embrace it for the time being. 

Ryuji: "You can try, but I can promise you Number 2, that you are not going to catch me that easily."

Endeavor: "We shall see, Villain."

Endeavor's fists began to light up in flames as he was prepared for battle, as Ryuji got into his stance, readying himself. Ryuji knew that this wasn't going to be easy, as there was a reason for this. Due to this place being a densely populated area, he can't exactly go all out without risking the lives of innocents who would've been caught in the crossfire. 

Endeavor charged forward as he went in for a punch, making Ryuji dodge to the side as Endeavor began his onslaught of punches. Sometimes he applied more firepower into some of the punches as they would sometimes release bursts of flames that would've hit if Ryuji didn't react in time. It was clear that Endeavor was a skilled fighter, who clearly had more experience in comparison to him.

Though all Ryuji could do is remain on the defensive. He was constantly trying to hold back from using his power as if he did right now, he could accidentally kill innocents who were mere bystanders. So with every attack Endeavor pulls out, Ryuji managed to dodge them at times, even though they were merely close calls most of the time.

However, as the fight went on for about a minute or two, Endeavor had enough of these antics as he manages to land a solid punch to Ryuji's gut, sending him across the road as he lands between a couple of vehicles and bystanders that were around the area. It was clear that the bystanders had to run away, so within a form of panic, they did just that as it was very clear that a Hero is currently fighting a Villain.

Once Ryuji got back onto his feet, he coughed a bit, feeling a little out of breath. He leaned against one of the vehicles that was next to him, breathing a little heavily as that hit did more than he thought.

Ryuji *Thoughts*: "Damn it... I can't give away why I'm here, but I need to get an opportunity to slip away... But where...?"

He then heard mechanical footsteps as he noticed Union Atlas Robots surrounded the vicinity, aiming their weapons at him as he gritted his teeth. Though he then saw Endeavor land as he walked past the robots.

Endeavor: "I've had enough of these games Villain. Surrender now and you won't suffer anymore pain from what I'm about to inflict upon you."

He was giving quite a deadly glare as it was filled with malice, though Ryuji stood determined.

Ryuji: "Why would I surrender...? You're just another blind fool..."

This to a degree got under Endeavor's skin as he gritted his teeth, preparing to fire a blast of flames towards Ryuji. However, as he fired it, it would seem like at first that the attack was about to hit, only for someone to arrive to the scene on time, the attack being completely blocked and dispersed by an umbrella. 

The figure turned around to look at the infuriated Endeavor as she had a small smile of her own as she did a courteous bow. Her hair being fairly long that it flows down to her shoulders. The right side of her hair being a pink while her left was black. Though her eyes were Heterochronic as her right eye is a black while her left eye is a pink. Though Ryuji knew who it was, being somewhat glad that she arrived. 

Ryuji: "You sure know how to drop in at the right time don't you, Neo?"

Neo turned her head to look at Ryuji as she simply nodded, giving her own wink as she clearly was telling him that she sure does. Ryuji then continued to speak.

Ryuji: "Apologies for cutting this short Endeavor, but I believe that this is where we part ways for now."

Endeavor: "I don't think so!"

Endeavor was about to attack again, only for Neo to simply raise her umbrella to block the attack. The moment Endeavor's fire attack connected, both Ryuji and Neo shattered into pieces, leaving the Number 2 Hero confused as to what has happened. Though the aftermath on the other hand, left him utterly infuriated. Being rather upset that he failed to catch the Dragon of Liberation, the very Villain that has been on the Headmasters' radar for some time.

Yet within an alleyway a couple of more blocks down, we can see Ryuji and Neo walking away from the scene of the crime. Ryuji honestly finds it impeccable that her Semblance simply allows her to create illusions based on what she could simply imagine. 

Ryuji: "Thanks for the save Neo, I owe you one."

Neo simply looked back at him, giving her simple smirk as she is aware that he owes her. Soon enough, they made it to the rendezvous point as there was a Bullhead waiting for them, making the two quickly get on as the Bullhead immediately shuts.

???: "Well well! It looks like you made it back in one piece Boss!"

The figure, who was sitting in the cockpit, simply spun his seat around, revealing himself to them. He would seem young, having red hair and orange eyes. Ryuji knows him as Machina X Flayon, an expert pilot no matter what aircraft he is able to fly, though apparently he is able to control mechs as well.

Ryuji: "Well Flayon, we can now head back. Just remember to blend in with what the other Bullhead Pilots tend to do alright?"

Flayon then gave a form of a solute as he chuckles a bit.

Flayon: "Sure thing Boss! I'll have us back at Chūsei in no time!"

He then spins the seat around as he prepares the Bullhead, Neo simply sits in the co-pilot seat as she crosses her one leg over the other in an elegant manner as Ryuji stands by the two of them, holding onto the seats. As they begun to leave Atlas City, Ryuji had to speak to Neo.

Ryuji: "You know Neo, Torchwick isn't going to be quite happy with you simply sneaking off to save my rear end."

Flayon: "I did try to tell her that, but she simply just wouldn't budge."

Neo simply shrugged as she rested her hands on her legs, simply feeling comfortable with where she was sitting. Ryuji then sighed, looking out the Bullhead's cockpit windows.

Ryuji: "I guess I'll need to have a talk with him sometime again... Besides, with the new information, things do need to be planned..."

Flayon: "So what is this about Boss? What did that Schnee want?"

Ryuji: "Well... She believes that these mystical Dragon Balls exists... Atlas Corporation developed a form of what they would call a Dragon Radar to search for them. General Ironwood's instructions..."

Flayon: "Well shit... We know the man can be a pain in the ass Boss, though if he is determined about something, we all know it's a truth... And that's why I kind of fucking hate him..."

Ryuji: "It isn't entirely his fault for acting the way he is now Flayon. Paranoia can cause one to become more dangerous if left unchecked. Yet we also have another problem on our hands when it comes to this issue... The White Fang may be also looking for them, so in conclusion, if either of the two sides get a hold of them, it could end badly..."

Neo simply tilted her head in curiosity as Flayon still didn't want to believe this to be true. Though judging by the tone in Ryuji's voice, Flayon could tell that he wasn't kidding around, nor has he ever been not serious at all. 

Flayon: "Well Boss... Whatever you plan to do, I'll follow your lead."

Ryuji: "Glad to hear it. I need to rest for a bit, Endeavor hurts more than I initially anticipated..."

Flayon: "Wait... You fought Endeavor?!"

Ryuji: "Yeah... but managed to slip away thanks to Neo. If there's anyone you should praise, it would be her in this case."

Neo simply rolled her eyes in a playful manner as she simply made a gesture that told him to stop it, but Ryuji simply turned around to rest so that he can plan on how to proceed with this information....