Qrow and the others couldn't hear a response from Ryder at all, and they all got worried. Weiss, Ruby and Yang more so than everyone else. After they couldn't get a response from Ryder the group turned to each other. Ryder was somewhere in Mantle, face to face with Salem and no doubt he'll try to face her alone. But they all believed he wouldn't stand a chance. His friends were concerned he would only be able to hold her off for a short while, Qrow and the more experienced Huntsmen had little faith that he'd actually win, and Weiss was just concerned as she didn't want to lose Ryder. Kairos was the only one who really had an ounce of faith in Ryder.
"We need to find Ryder before Salem kills him." Qrow said.
"He could be anywhere." Nora said, sounding worried.
"Not quite." Pyrrha said.
She then points in the direction Ryder took Frost.
"We know what direction Ryder and Frost went." Pyrrha points out. "So, we can start by going in that direction."
"Then we need to hurry." Yang said.
"Guys, have faith in Ryder." Kairos said.
"it's Salem, Kairos." Qrow said sternly. "She's not like Cinder Fall; she's not like anything Ryder has faced."
"I know that." Kairos said. "But this is Ryder we're talking about. He has an Evolutionary Semblance and magic, magic that he's gotten much stronger in."
"That doesn't-" Ironwood went to speak but was cut off by Kairos.
"Ryder can handle this." Kairos said. "We just need to be there to back him up."
The group looked at each other for a moment before looking at Kairos and nodding. Kairos nods back.
"Let's go!" Kairos said before running in the direction Ryder and Frost went.
The group follows him. With Ryder, he and Salem stood a distance apart. Frost's unconscious body lying beside Ryder. Ryder's semblance was still activated and at 15X, but he quickly lowered to Stage 1 and 10X. He did this to conserve energy. Salem suddenly brought her hands forward and fired a small beam of magic at Ryder. Ryder spun around it and conjured a magical dagger before throwing it at Salem. He wanted to show her that her immortality was gone. He wanted to tell her she isn't invincible. The dagger zipped by her head and cut her cheek lightly. Salem didn't care but as she prepared to launch another attack, she noticed her wound wasn't healing. So, she touched it with her right hand and saw blood. After a moment, she realizes something. Her immortality is gone.
Her eyes widened in shock as she then looked at Ryder with had a grin on his face. She composes herself.
"It would seem your correct." Salem said.
"Like I said, there's hope to beat you now." Ryder said.
"It won't last." Salem said before she used her magic.
Black energy swirled around her body and covered her completely. Ryder raised a brow in confusion before the energy dispersed to reveal Salem now wearing Grimm like armor. The bone-white armor had red designs all over it. Salem looked far more intimidating yet battle ready. She also had a cool cape. Salem lets a smile come to her face.
"Prepare to meet your end." Salem said.
"I was going to say the same thing." Ryder said as he began walking towards her.
A shockwave then erupted as Ryder launched himself towards Salem. Salem coats her left arm in magic and brought it up in time to block Ryder's punch causing a shockwave to erupt that shattered the windows in the nearby buildings. But Ryder quickly followed up by spinning around and striking Salem across the face with his left foot. Salem felt a surge of pain rip through her face before she conjured up a sword of magic and slashed in Ryder's direction. But Ryder leaped backwards dodging the strike. When Ryder landed, he conjured up magic into both hands and created two spears. He then threw each Spear at Salem. Salem used her sword to deflect both of the spears before Ryder creates a Destructo Disk and throws it at Salem. Salem jumps into the air and dodge it. But before she could gain distance, Ryder snaps his fingers and the Disk explodes.
This explosion sends her up into the air. Ryder launched into the sky to chase after her. Ryder reached Salem and raised both fists above his head before slamming them down onto Salem sending her rocketing down to the ground. Before she hit the ground, Salem regained control and prevented herself from hitting the ground by flaring up a magical aura. She now hovers just above the street before she blasts off into the air after Ryder. Ryder saw this quick recovery and dove down at her. As they rapidly approached each other, they cocked a fist back. They both then threw their punch and clashed in the middle sending out a shockwave. This shockwave knocked back both Salem and Ryder. Salem rushed upwards and punched Ryder in the face before she kicks him in the stomach. Ryder is knocked back a short distance before he stops himself.
On the ground, Kairos and the group reach the spot where Frost's unconscious body is. Ironwood ran up to his body and checked for a pulse. He was relieved when he found out his son was still alive. Kairos scanned the skies above for Ryder and Salem. He and everyone hears a shockwave, so they turn to the noise and see Ryder and Salem in the sky exchanging blow after blow. Ryder slapped Salem's fist aside before driving his fist into her face causing her to be launched backwards. Ryder gives chase.
"He's actually holding his own." Raven comments.
"Yeah, but for how long." Qrow said.
"We have to help him." Yang said.
"But how?" Nora asked. "Only Kairos can fly."
Ryder dodges a blast of magic before firing one of his own at Salem. Salem slaps it aside and conjures up a swirling mass of magic to launch at Ryder. Ryder prepares himself for the attack, but ice shards strike Salem causing her to stop conjuring her magic. Ryder turned to the source and saw Winter flying in, her eyes a flame signaling she now had the Maiden Powers. Salem spots Winter and unleashed a wave of magic at her. Winter's eyes widen but Ryder gets in front of her and deploys a barrier. The magical energy wave hits the barrier, and an explosion erupted. When the smoke dissipates, Ryder and Winter are unharmed. Ryder drops his barrier and turns to Winter.
"What are you doing here?" Ryder asked.
"The Winter Maiden died, I have the Maiden powers now and I wanted to help." Winter answers.
Ryder was about to say something, but Salem spoke first.
"No matter how many of you challenge me, it'll all be for naught." Salem said.
Ryder and Winter prepare themselves for what's to come.