4 Years have passed since Salem was defeated by Ryder and the gang. In those 4 years, Atlas has repaired their wounds for the most part. Robyn Hill is sitting on the Council and Jacques is still in Prison. Ironwood has cleared his reputation and continues to be the General of Atlas and the headmaster of Atlas Academy. The Ace Ops are still the Elite Huntsmen team of Atlas, but Penny has become a better protector of Mantle. But things in Vale were busy. Ryder and the gang fought hard to reclaim Beacon Academy, and they were successful in this battle. The reconstruction of Beacon had officially begun with Glynda assuming the position of Headmaster of Beacon. Once Beacon was finished, students returned to continue their education to become Huntsmen and Huntresses. But as the world healed, they celebrated the victory over Salem.
Ironwood, Oscar and others within Ozpin's faction revealed the truth of Salem to the world after the Beacon CCT was back up and running alongside Amity tower. They even showed video proof of the battle in Atlas. But they kept things a secret such as the Maidens, the Relics, magic and the Dragon Balls. Those were kept secret for obvious reasons. Due to this being revealed, Ryder was hailed as a hero so was Kairos, team RWBY and team JNPR. But mainly Ryder since he was the one to kill Salem. Speaking of Ryder and the gang, they've been doing Huntsmen work ever since to help Vale and the world. Pyrrha became an official Huntress for her efforts during the Fall of Beacon and the Battle of Atlas. Now when news of Pyrrha's survival came out, the world had a ton of questions so Ryder used the Dragon Balls to erase that part form the world's memory so that Pyrrha could live normally.
Speaking of the Dragon Balls. Ryder used them to remove the Grimmified appearance of Summer bringing her back to her old self, he also used them to locate the next Fall Maiden which was Pyrrha. The power eventually found its way to her. After he was done using them, Ryder made sure they were hidden so only he could find them. That location was the Vault room of Beacon Academy which was more secure than before thanks to some upgrades Pietro made. With them secure, Ryder made sure the only Dragon Radar in existence was also secured. Stashed away somewhere secret in Atlas. After everything was said and done, Ryder and his friends enjoyed their era of peace.
Ryder and Weiss also enjoyed the time together, growing closer and closer. Kairos kept training to hopefully one day surpass Ryder who also kept training in his Magic and his Semblance just in case another threat appears. Rivals will be rivals. Right now, Ryder was with his friends standing on the cliff side leading into the Emerald Forest near Beacon.
"Man, it's been so long since we've been here." Yang said.
"Sure has." Jaune comments.
"Ever since our Initiation, we've become something we can all be proud of." Ren said.
"We're in agreeance on that one." Nora said.
"I still remember how Jaune was on our first day here." yang said with a chuckle.
Jaune groaned as he too remembered.
"Yeah, I didn't have a landing strategy and thought we were using parachutes." Jaune said.
"For someone who wanted to be a Huntsmen, boy, were you terrible in combat back then." Yang said.
"Yes Yang, thank you." Jaune said, crossing his arms.
This caused some of them to chuckle and giggle.
"Hard to believe what we've become." Ryder said, smiling fondly at the memories.
"I'd say Mr. Hero." Nora said. "Did you see how the world reacted when the news came out?"
"Wouldn't leave him alone for days." Weiss said.
"It's rare to find someone who basically saved the entire planet." Kairos added. "So, I'm not surprised that it happened."
"It was certainly annoying." Ryder mumbled.
The group continued to talk about various topics like what they've been up to lately. Nora and Ren have grown closer in their own relationship, same with Blake and Yang. Those two got together after Atlas same with Jaune and Pyrrha who also became an official couple. Kairos also revealed how he's considering taking Glynda's former position as the Combat Instructor for Beacon now that Glynda is the Headmaster of Beacon Academy. Ruby and Yang brought up that Team STRQ has almost fully retired. Qrow and Raven are still in service with Raven coming back into the fold. Things are still rocky between her and Yang though. Summer still acts like a Huntress but has taken a lot of time to make up for time she lost while under Salem's control. Weiss then took the time to talk about things back in Atlas.
After helping out with Beacon, Weiss and Ryder went back to Atlas to help out with whatever they could. Ryder also met Weiss's mother, Willow, during that time. With Jacques gone, Willow has had a chance to heal from the damage he caused her. She's also become the new Leader of the Schnee Dust Company for now. Weiss also regained her Heiress status, and she has big plans for many reforms within the SDC. Some reforms that Willow is making or has made already. Other than that, things are going great for everyone.