@All First Year Students!
Headmaster Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch - Beacon Academy - Tuesday Morning
Ozpin rose from his seat, carrying his usual cane and cup of coffee in his hands as he slowly strode towards the door. Having heard Glynda announce over the PA system that the first year students were to assemble at Bracon Cliff, he figured now would be the time to shuffle out of the office where he spent most of his time. The sound of turning wheels overshadowed that of the elevator, and since he was hardly paying attention, he didn't notice that Glynda had appeared until she spoke to him.
"There you are. I was just coming to get you. Are you ready?"Ozpin looked at her, the look in his eyes made the blonde woman's expression turn into one of worry.
"Are you... alright, Professor Ozpin?" she asked, stepping out of the elevator and placing a hand on his shoulder.
The old man sighed and his shoulders sagged a bit as he did so. For once, the look on Ozpin's face was... sad. He stayed silent a moment before looking at his friend.
"You need not worry yourself over me. For now, let us focus on the students. Afterwards... I promise, I will tell you all that's on my mind." he said, straightening and using his cane for support.
"Come. Let us make our way to the cliff." he said, pressing the button for the elevator again and stepping inside. Glynda nodded and followed him, thinking that he probably wasn't going to keep that promise.
As Ozpin stared out over the expanse that was the Emerald forest, Glynda was getting in touch with some other instructors to make sure everything was set up for the initiation process. Ozpin leaned heavily on his cane as he took a drink from his mug, noticing after a few moments that Glynda had come to stand next to him.
"All the preparations are complete." she said, her green eyes flickering between her friend and the lush scenery below them.
"The other instructors are in their places. The initiation should run smoothly.""Good. Now all we need are our students." he said, looking over to his friend. As he did, his copper colored eyes noticed the group of first year students approaching them as he said it. Wondering what he was looking at, Glynda turned and noticed them as well.
"We have quite a fe this year, don't we?"Ozpin stepped away from her as she focused on the students. He went to stand in front of the launch pads that were situated a few feet from the edge of the cliff, and he stood with the forest behind him.
"Hmm..."As Glynda directed the students towards the launch pads, Ozpin looked them over. He could sense their excitement, determination, and nervous energy as they approached, some giving him odd looks as if they'd never seen an old man with a cane before.
He took a sip from his mug to hide a small smile.
"Alright everyone, single file. Choose a platform to stand on so we may begin." Glynda ordered in her usual demanding tone. She waited until they were all in position before stepping over to stand next to Ozpin, tapping on her tablet-like scroll while waiting for him to speak. The headmaster cleared his throat before he began speaking.
"Despite popular belief, the job of a Huntsman is not one for everyone. It takes certain skills for someone to be capable of carrying a title associated with the defenders of the world. The idea of being a hero can be quite the temptation, but it is important to remember that being a Huntsman is no easy task. One must have an insatiable hunger for knowledge... one must have compassion, dedication, and possess a certain amount of... skill." he paused as he looked over at Glynda for a brief moment.
"For years you have trained to become warriors, and today your skills will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest. At this Academy, we do not accept dreamers... those of you who may think you have what it takes, but lack the capabilities to be considered a true Huntsman. Should you not pass this final test... we will not allow you entrance into the Academy." He took a long drink from his mug and Glynda spoke up then.
"It is well known that a Huntsman can only do so much on his own, and so during their time in one of the four Academies, they are assigned to teams. I'm sure you may have heard rumors about the assignment of teams... Well, let us put an end to the confusion." she said, closing her scroll.
"Each of you will be given teammates... today.""These teammates will be with you for the remainder of your time at this Academy. I would say it is important to be paired with someone whom you can work well. However... that being said, the first person you make eye contact with upon landing shall be your partner for the next four years.""Now, please pay attention while we inform you of what exactly you will be doing.""After you have gotten a partner, make your way to the northern end of the forest. Hidden along the way are ten shards of dust. Each pair will locate a single crystal and make their way towards the northern end of the forest where you will find an abandoned temple. There, you will see a tablet, holding a spot for each shard of dust. Once all ten dust shards are placed within the tablet, you may proceed with the next phase.""The tablet will activate and omit a sound once all the dust crystals come together, drawing the Grimm towards your location. The sound will carry on for some time, and it is your duty to fight your way through the hoard of Grimm that conviene to your location and make it back to the cliff.""This is different from any other initiation we've ever given. I advise you work together to ensure your survival through it. If there are no questions... take your positions."One by one, the students would be launched into the Forest to begin their initiation. As he took one final drink from his mug, finishing the liquid within, he hoped the students would not disappoint them.
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