Chapter 33: History Class
The air in the classroom buzzed with the sound of scribbling pens and shuffling paper as Mr. Oobleck, the eccentric history teacher of Beacon Academy, zipped across the front of the room, speaking faster than most could write. His energetic movements seemed powered by an unending reservoir of caffeine, making it hard for Oscar not to wonder if the man had coffee flowing through his veins instead of blood.
Oscar sat with his pen poised over his notebook, his handwriting surprisingly neat despite the rapid pace of the lecture. He cast a glance around the room and saw a mix of reactions from his classmates. Some diligently tried to keep up with their notes, while others—like Yang—looked like they had mentally checked out the moment Oobleck started talking.
On the projector screen at the front of the room was the image of a figure that commanded attention, even in still form.
The man was striking, appearing no older than his late teens or early twenties. His golden-blond hair shimmered with streaks of red that gave him an almost fiery aura. He was clad in white knight armor, a crimson mantle draped regally over his shoulders. His eyes were sharp, almost beast-like, and seemed to radiate both majesty and ferocity.
"This, students," Oobleck began, his voice crackling with excitement, "is Richard the Lionheart, the first king of Mistral and the Unifier of the realm. A man whose legacy still echoes through the annals of history! A warrior king who not only wielded the sword but also the heart of his people!"
Oscar tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued. The man's name sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it immediately. Still, he couldn't deny the sense of awe the image conveyed.
Oobleck continued, barely pausing for breath. "Richard the Lionheart, as he came to be known, was a symbol of unity in an age of division. His reign marked the beginning of Mistral's golden era, and his exploits on and off the battlefield were legendary! He brought tribes, clans, and warring factions together under one banner, forging a kingdom out of chaos. His charisma was said to be unmatched, and his strength in combat? Unparalleled!"
Oscar tapped his pen against his notebook as he whispered to Ruby, who sat next to him. "Is it just me, or does he sound more like a fairytale character than a real king?"
Ruby grinned, trying to suppress a giggle. "I mean, he was called the Lionheart. That sounds straight out of a bedtime story."
Weiss, seated nearby, rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her faint smile. "If you two would stop whispering, you might learn that history is often more fascinating than fiction."
Oscar raised an eyebrow. "Says the girl who spends her nights reading romanticized stories about knights and kingdoms."
Weiss turned a shade of pink but held her composure. "At least I appreciate the importance of history."
As the banter continued in hushed tones, Oobleck's voice rose, snapping the attention of the entire class back to him. "But Richard's reign was not without challenges! His ideals of unity and peace were constantly tested by rebellion, betrayal, and war. And yet, he stood firm, a beacon of hope for his people!"
Oscar couldn't help but wonder if Richard the Lionheart's story might hold some relevance to their lives as Huntsmen and Huntresses in training. The idea of unity in the face of chaos felt oddly familiar.
As the lecture continued, Oscar glanced once more at the image of the young king, feeling a strange sense of familiarity and inspiration. "Richard the Lionheart, huh? Sounds like the kind of guy you'd want leading the charge," he muttered to himself.
And though the class eventually moved on, the image of the golden-haired king remained etched in his mind.
Oobleck then spoke again. "Now someone tells me was one of the greatest thing Richard The Lionheart did"
Jaune raised his hand as she spoke. "He was now as the sun king, as he was the man who was too ahead of his time as some people say, by which I mean from the text book it says he was the first person to give Faunus Equal Rights".
Oobleck paused his rapid pacing for a moment, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Jaune. "Ah, excellent! You're absolutely correct, Mr. Arc! Richard the Lionheart was indeed known as the 'Sun King' due to his progressive and radiant leadership. Now, let's delve deeper!"
Jaune, looking somewhat proud of his answer, nodded as Oobleck continued.
Oscar, however, raised his hand to add on, his voice calm but steady. "If I may, Professor, I'd like to elaborate."
Oobleck gestured enthusiastically toward Oscar. "Ah, Mr. Pine! A student from Mistral, no less—yes, yes, please do!"
Oscar stood slightly straighter in his seat, his tone respectful yet firm. "Richard the Lionheart's most significant accomplishment wasn't just his leadership in unifying Mistral, but the precedent he set by giving Faunus equal rights. What most people don't know is that his wife was a Faunus—a Deer Faunus, to be exact."
The class murmured among themselves at this revelation.
Oscar continued, his voice steady as he shared what he had learned growing up in Mistral. "By treating her as an equal in all aspects, both as his queen and as a person, Richard paved the way for the Faunus in Mistral to be seen as equals to humans. It wasn't an easy road, but his actions helped create the foundation for what Mistral is today—a kingdom where Faunus and humans coexist more harmoniously compared to other kingdoms."
Oobleck's eyes shone with approval as he nodded. "Brilliantly summarized, Mr. Pine! Indeed, Richard's progressive policies were revolutionary for his time. While other kingdoms struggled—or outright refused—to grant Faunus their due rights, Mistral stood as a beacon of equality, thanks to Richard's leadership and personal example. Even today, his legacy influences Mistral's laws and culture."
Blake, sitting near the back, glanced at Oscar with an expression of quiet surprise and appreciation. Yang noticed and nudged her teasingly, whispering, "Looks like someone's impressed."
Blake rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the faint smile tugging at her lips.
Ruby raised her hand, her curiosity piqued. "Professor, why didn't the other kingdoms follow Richard's example if it worked so well in Mistral?"
Oobleck adjusted his glasses and leaned forward slightly. "Ah, an excellent question, Miss Rose! The short answer is that while Richard's policies were successful in Mistral, they were met with resistance elsewhere due to deeply ingrained prejudices and fear of change. Vacuo and Menagerie were more open, but Atlas and Vale..." He sighed dramatically. "They clung to the status quo, seeing equality as a threat to their existing power structures."
Oscar nodded thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on the image of Richard the Lionheart on the screen. "It makes you wonder how different the world might be if more people had followed his lead."
The room fell quiet for a moment, a shared sense of reflection washing over the students. Oobleck, noticing the somber mood, clapped his hands together. "But remember, class! History is not just about what has been done but also about what can be done. You are the future of Remnant, after all!"
The energy in the room lifted slightly, and Oobleck resumed his rapid lecture, but the image of Richard the Lionheart remained a vivid symbol of hope and progress in their minds.
Cardin in the back, was goingt o speak he opened his mouth, as then he felt a tap on his side as he looked at Russel.
Russel looked at Cardin as he spoke. "Hey don't say anything stupid".
Cardin looked at as he spoke. "And how can I not, if this Bs is going on with a Bs king".
Russel just sighed and looked at Partner. "Just don't say a word today ok, do you want all of us to get a detention".
Sky who was reading his book just spoke. "Yeah, so why don't keep your races ass quit today".
Cardin sent him a death glare, as then Cardin looked at Oscar, as he was wondering when Fight class will start, today he knew if was asked to fight someone who will he be fighting, he had to get his anger out somewhere
Cardin's frustration was palpable, and he clenched his fists under the table as he glared at Oscar. He hated how everyone was always so quick to praise others, especially someone like Oscar, who seemed to have it all together. Oscar, despite being new, had already earned the respect of everyone in the class, and Cardin couldn't stand it.
Russel and Sky, noticing the tension, exchanged worried glances. Russel spoke again, his voice quieter this time. "Seriously, Cardin, don't do this today. We've been through this before. Just get through the class, alright?"
Cardin growled softly under his breath, but he didn't argue. Instead, he shifted his gaze to the front of the room, tuning out the lecture. His mind was already focused on the upcoming combat class. He needed to fight—he needed to feel that adrenaline, that release. The thought of taking on someone in a real fight, someone who could challenge him, was the only thing that kept him from lashing out at the current situation.
Oscar, however, couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Cardin. The constant glares and barely-contained anger from the back of the room didn't go unnoticed, but Oscar chose not to engage. It was one of those things he could feel, a lingering tension in the air. He just hoped it wouldn't spill over.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of history class, Oobleck wrapped up his lecture, bouncing around excitedly. "Alright, students! Time to head to the training area for your next class! Don't forget to keep your brains sharp, even in combat! The mind is just as important as the body in a fight!"
Oscar stood up, brushing his hair back. He gave Weiss, who was still beside him, a quick glance. "Ready for combat class?"
She looked at him, slightly distracted by her own thoughts, but gave him a small nod. "Yeah, I guess. Just try not to make a spectacle of yourself in class, alright?"
Oscar chuckled softly, a familiar warmth spreading through him. "I'll try, but no promises."
Blake, Yang, and Ruby, who had already gathered their things, were ready to head out as well. Weiss stood up, glancing once more at Oscar, and then the group made their way toward the training grounds.
Cardin, still stewing in his own frustration, slammed his hand down onto his desk. "Combat class, huh? We'll see how much this 'King' guy really knows about fighting."
Russel sighed and gave Sky a quick look, both of them silently hoping Cardin wouldn't do anything rash.
As the students left the classroom and made their way to the training area, the air seemed charged with anticipation. Oscar could feel the weight of it too. Something about today's combat class was different, and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. It wasn't just about fighting—it was about proving something, and for some students, that meant more than just the usual training.
In the training room, Glynda walked as she looked at all the students.
Glynda looked at them as he spoke. "Today we will have 1 V 1 choos who you wanna fight as long as they wanna fight they will fight, 1 to 4 years can pick anyone, Will only for the 1st year, the other years have to pi-"
Crimson then spoke Looking at Glynda. "I pick Isaac".
Isaac stopped reading from his book, as he looked at his team leader. "Still salty about last week".
Crimson got up and so did Isaac. "Kinda".
Glynda just sighed as she looked at the 2 seconds years. "Don't destroy half of the class again".
Both them looked at and said. "No promises".
As they stepped in as there name was shown in the Vs Screen with the Picture Crimson Adel Vs Iseec Schnee.
Isaac pulled his futuristic bow. "Ready".
Crimson ready his Aura. "Ready"
As then Isaac fired, as Instesd of Arrows came out Bullet came out Isaac blow, Crimson moved him high speed as he opened portal or something that looked like as he pulled out a gun as he started to fire the gun, as Isaac moved away as he dauged as then eh split his Boe in half as it tuned into two daggers as he rushed at him as he tryed to stab Crimson, as Crimson jumped out of the wha ss he opened another Gun as he fired as Isaac moved our of the way zs he put his bow back as he fired, Crimson then jumped away opned the portal again as he pulled out a smoke bomb. As the area was covered in smoke.
Oscar looked at Coco. "Hey Coco what is brother Semblance".
Coco who was seating with her team as she spoken. "Pocket dimension, he puts things inside of those portal of his, he can put up to something as big a large tree, but it is full with many things".
As then in the smoke a chain came out as it grabbed Isaac leg, as he was dragged into the smoke as the Isaac close his eyes as then he transformed as everyone was shocked as there now was a White Bear grim, as he slammed his hand in the ground as broke the chain
Oscar was just shocked as he looked at Weiss. "Weiss explain what is going on with your Cousin".
Weiss was equally jaw dropped. "I what"
Velvet then spoke. "That is Crimson Semblance, be can turn into anything he has killed, down side it is always White".
Osacr just looked at Isaac and Crimson. "They are only two members of Team C.R.I.M".
Coco just chuckled as she played with Oscar. "Wait until you meet Rose and Morgan, the R and M respectful off Team C.R.I.M".
The fight between Isaac and Crimson intensified as the smoke began to clear. Isaac, still in his White Bear Grimm form, roared, sending a shockwave that blew away the remnants of the smoke. Crimson, unfazed, smirked and opened another portal, pulling out a large halberd.
Oscar watched in awe as the two clashed. "Is this... normal for second years?"
Coco leaned back, adjusting her sunglasses. "Oh, you have no idea. Crimson's team is... unique, to say the least. And Isaac? Let's just say there's a reason he's infamous among the second years."
Ruby leaned over to Oscar, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is so cool! I didn't know Weiss's cousin could do that!"
Weiss, still in shock, muttered, "Neither did I..."
As the fight continued, Isaac shifted forms again. This time, his body morphed into a massive white wolf, his speed and agility increasing tenfold. He darted around Crimson, avoiding the halberd swings with ease. Crimson, however, remained calm, his eyes darting to every movement Isaac made. He opened another portal, this time pulling out a chain net infused with Dust.
"Let's see you dodge this!" Crimson shouted as he threw the net. It expanded mid-air, crackling with electricity, and wrapped around Isaac's wolf form.
Isaac howled, his aura flaring as he struggled against the net. "You're not getting me that easily!" he growled, his voice deeper in his transformed state. He shifted again, this time into a white manticore Grimm. His massive tail lashed out, cutting through the net and sending sparks flying.
Velvet clutched her notebook, furiously sketching the fight. "This is incredible... Their teamwork is more like rivalry, but it's so precise!"
Glynda, standing to the side with her ever-present clipboard, sighed. "If they destroy another part of my training room, they'll both be doing extra missions for the next month."
Crimson lunged forward, his halberd glowing with Dust energy, clashing with Isaac's claws. The two exchanged blows in a flurry of movement, their attacks creating shockwaves that echoed through the training room. The students watching were captivated, some cheering, others simply staring in awe.
Oscar turned back to Coco. "So... Rose and Morgan? Are they as intense as these two?"
Coco laughed. "Oh, they're worse. Rose specializes in explosives, and Morgan? Let's just say she's got a knack for making fights... chaotic. Team C.R.I.M. didn't get their reputation for being tame, you know."
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose. "Of course, my cousin would be part of a team like that."
The fight reached its climax as Isaac and Crimson both unleashed their strongest attacks. Isaac shifted into a massive white wyvern, his wings creating powerful gusts of wind as he took to the air. Crimson opened multiple portals, pulling out every weapon he had stored, and fired them all at once.
The resulting clash created a massive explosion, the force of which sent shockwaves through the room. When the dust settled, both fighters were standing, panting heavily, but grinning at each other.
Glynda stepped forward, her face stern. "That's enough. A draw. And if either of you caused damage to this room, you'll both be paying for it."
Isaac reverted to his normal form, brushing off his jacket. "Fine, fine. I'll take the blame for Crimson's bad aim."
Crimson laughed. "Hey, at least I didn't turn into a walking zoo."
As the students murmured amongst themselves about the incredible fight, Oscar turned to his team. "I think I'm starting to see why Beacon is so... unique."
Ruby grinned. "Welcome to the best school ever!"
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones and enjoy