XXXSo the time has come. To meet the man in charge of this unique establishment that has managed to hold its own, that acted as the final obstacle for the next step within a plan that started more than thirty years ago. It was this avian faunus that held the mantle of the sole institution that was still producing huntsmen to this date. This was a meeting that Zaffre had long been anticipating, to meet the man known as Aurtrox. Today of all days seemed to be an interesting one, both for the circumstance of the meeting in addition to the chaos that Vale was currently in. Being a man of many connections, it didn't take more than several minutes for word to reach his sources of the situation at hand. The military had been up to something, whether suspicious or not, that led to an event that could've easily been cataclysmic to Vale as a whole. Unfortunate for him, but fortunate for the residents of such a region, it did not hold such magnitude. It was instead a peculiar event that caused a disturbance in aura as a whole. All around Vale, possibly even Remnant as a whole, the unique capabilities that each and every one of them had was scrambled. Not even he, a machine that inherited his aura from his former life, was immune to such an anomaly.
He first experienced such an oddity during his transit here. In fact, it was during one of his shadier tactics as he stumbled upon a student who was distraught about such an event. In the rain, no less. They were confused and panicked after their body had begun to phase through objects through accidental intangibility. The poor student couldn't keep their belongings together. Even clothes threatened to betray them, the occasional leg phasing through the fabric or his shirt falling to the ground below. It appeared the more distraught the student became the more recurring the intangibility fits would occur. So what was any respectable counselor and bystander to do? Clearly try to use such a psychological disturbance to his advantage. However, nothing happened at the first influx of aura. Even as black and white aura danced around him, it seemed to fizzle into nothing. ".. How peculiar.." The man would mutter under his breath. It seemed that something truly was amiss and that he'd have to use some more natural tactics to calm the boy. Fortunately for the both of them, he was trained for this. While Zaffre took the time to personally talk and work to calm the student, shutter-like hues would continue to record the entire interaction. Once the boy seemed rather stable, minus the occasional notebook slipping from his grasp, Zaffre would nod and dismiss himself. He had business to attend to elsewhere, at the tower itself.
Within moments of parting from the boy, the man that often represented the pinnacle of elegance would enter a stumble. A small segment in the stone walkway itself suddenly sunk beneath his feet, shimmering in black and white aura briefly. The tumble was sudden, but nothing he couldn't save himself from. A single gloved palm would catch him before he could eat it against the stone, the other clenching an umbrella tightly. Fortunately enough, the student file was tucked within the compartment in his chest. "Another erratic semblance? Who could be responsible for such pinpoint accuracy?" If someone was intending to play a prank on him, surely they would be disappointed with his lack of reaction. At his core, he was still an old man that did not care for the meddling of children. The best way to respond to such acts would be to ignore or punish them. Once again, shutter orbs would examine the aura around him for anyone that could have possibly been snickering nearby. Nothing, there was no traces of such rascals. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he pushed himself back up, pulling his foot out of the hole. The man would only get so many steps in before it happened again, this time to his left side. Again, and again. The ground kept giving way beneath him, though it was only when the ground began scaling itself to make it a constant uphill climb that he finally pieced it together. It was his oddly rambunctious aura that was responsible for all these occurrences. "So that's how it is... The intangibility, the stone shifting.. Rebellious aura. ... More data is required. Request research on this anomaly from both a collective informat, Sinn as well. Respond as soon as more information is available. " Following his request, his left eye would flash a vivid blue briefly as the request was processed. Just like that, his 'scroll' would request the same information from a few select individuals. With any luck, he'll be able to crack this oddity as soon as possible. Until then, he did have a meeting with the Headmaster. "Contact Aurtrox via Text. Message follows as: Dear Headmaster, I do apologize for my delay. It seems that there is an odd anomaly occurring within the academy, one we will surely touch basis upon with my arrival. I have gone ahead to review the file you sent to me about the student in question, Tessa Ailbhe, as well as the situations involved. I believe while the student appears to have problematic tendencies, it surely isn't anything we could not overcome with collaboration. I eagerly await to see what you have in store both with our meeting, as well as the course of action in terms of assessing the situation. I will be arriving shortly. End message.' With that, the text would be sent to the headmaster. This allowed Zaffre to focus on the problem at hand, and that was managing to traverse the academy without shifting the very walkways beneath him. Stone or dirt, it, all the same, seemed to want to hinder his progress. Perhaps he would've actually stumbled and injured himself once or twice if it wasn't for his overall cybernetic construction.
While the journey was certainly longer than it should've been, it was Zaffre's saving grace that the inside of the tower was not so prone to his ... 'unnatural' abilities. Whether it be wood or metal, or some variation of processed material, it seemed that the oddity in his rebellious aura ceased. For the first time since he started his journey here, he was able to walk peacefully. "Now I can not only admire this tower for its significance but the material used in its construction as well. How riveting." Truth be told, Zaffre never would've thought that he would be thankful for something like the materials used in architecture. While he did admire the subject as a whole and even had his hands in a few projects, this was a different type of appreciation. As the man continued to scale the tower, the shuttered orbs within his sockets would surely document the entire journey. This was the first time he was within a tower that wasn't on the verge of falling to ruins. For once, he actually had the time to admire the construction and overall significance of the structure. It was certainly the pinnacle of hope for Vale, he could see it from within these very walls. "Now the question is, how will it fair as the collective rises?" Merely a thought for the future, whenever Sinn felt the time was most opportune. For now, he was simply an admirer. ... Actually, more so. As staff, he may actually be entitled to take up residence within this grand structure. Who would've thought?
Eventually, his travels would take him through a corridor that led to the grand doors of the headmaster's office itself. Lenses would shimmer under the hallway lights, examining the doors before reaching into the space in his shirt to remove a folder from the compartment hidden in his chest. To any onlookers, it would simply look as if he pulled it from his shirt. Breaking his gaze from the entrance, he would look down at Tessa's file once more. Then, he'd adjust the collar of his shirt then polish any dirt particles from the orange bits of metal that protruded from the left half of his face. First impressions were important, were they not? Once he was certain he was presentable, he'd knock firmly on the door. "Excuse me, Headmaster Aurtrox." Now that his presence was known, he wouldn't hesitate to turn the handle and enter. "I believe I'm running a few minutes behind our meeting. I do apologize for that. This morning... Well, it has surely been an interesting endeavor." Such a fact was an understatement, as surely the academy itself was on the verge of chaos if it was anything like his own experience. As the man took a series of steps into the office, he found himself even more so impressed by the architecture of the room. The tower itself was outstanding, but the observatory at the top was something certainly out of this world. .. A note he surely must take whenever he reclaimed his own structure. "I must say, it is truly a pleasure to finally meet the man I've heard so much about face to face. Ezekiel Novak, at your service. How are you doing on this day of rather .. lackluster weather?" With his ever so brief introduction he would bow his head. Even if the man was a faunus, something he often claimed as a prize or object, he could not shun the respect that this man had accumulated. Such an act would be foolish. If Aurtrox had any interest, he would surely shake his hand as well. Stepping forward to the desk itself, he would carefully place Tessa's file on the surface. "Though I do believe our meeting is not solely for introductions, is it?"
「 Ḅeacộn Âcademy Ḩeadmastέr 」 "The failures of one's past do not exist..." ▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀
Aurtrox was pacing the room with a textbook on 'the nature of external aura: metaphysical dynamics.' He found it fascinating that an event such as this had ever been recorded on such a massive scale. He tossed the knife in the air as he read the book. Unfortunately, the book offered little in the way of an answer. His mind turned to the knife. It was amusing that that most humans were incapable of handing trivial physical tasks such as this. A knife was an easy enough tool to use. Though, he had to admit the aura flux was increasing his physical acuity. The person whose aura was affecting him was likely great with their hands. Aurtrox was just choosing to enjoy it as much as he could. He hadn't bothered to activate his semblance. Not yet at least. He wasn't sure what it was capable of and he didn't want to risk destroying his office. He just knew that it enhanced his physical abilities to some degree. It may or may not have anything to do with weapons. He would find out soon enough though. His mind wandered to his knife again. Wondering if he would be better at using certain kinds of weapons with the flux. Of course his favorite weapons were usually simpler. Nothing could beat the simplicity of a shield. Though, he would admit his shield was slightly modified. He was sort of a 'prepper' as they called them nowadays. He loved to have every little gadget and gizmo handy. He was a problem solver and today was just that, another problem. That is when he received another message on his scroll. It was the counselor. He was running a bit late, but it was understandable given the circumstances."Tessa Ailbhe..."He said to himself as he pondered what he would do. He planned to probe Zaffre's mind first, but the plan was going to be a harsh one. That was when the man knocked on the door. Aurtrox's face twisted into a cheery, yet devilish smile as he clicked the button under his desk that automatically opened his door for those standing outside. With a series of mechanical cracks the door unlocked and slide open for Zaffre. The office was large, spherical, and had windows lining the edges on all sides to let the natural light in. A digitally enhanced globe was over to the right. It was on its own stand and seemed to have blinking lights and real time global updates to terrain and the like. A large tactical field display to the left, and Aurtrox's desk was straight ahead. Behind his desk was a round staircase that went into an even higher part of the tower, but this was definitely going to be the best place to view the academy. "Welcome to Beacon Academy Ezekial! And no worries about the hang up. It is an odd day we are having so far and I am sure it is only going to get stranger."Aurtrox said as he stood up. His robe flowed in the air as he rounded the desk to shake the hand of the new student counselor."Come in! Come in! It is absolutely splendid to meet you. Now, would you like some tea?"Aurtrox's facial expression was the epitome of a welcoming host. His feigned social behaviors were almost too perfect. Something he had mastered shortly after arriving in Vale. Back when it was a total mess. He poured a cup of tea for his guest and slid his own comfy armchair over to the front of the desk so they could sit closer and discuss the matters at hand. He didn't like to hold a pretense of superiority over anyone. Station meant nothing. Only ability. "And you are quite right about our meeting. We have a troubled student. Well, I doubt she would consider herself troubled. We have just received too many reports of recklessness, and disregard for her fellow students. It is up to you and me to train her in these matters and so I wanted to discuss ideas on how we could efficiently instill the qualities of a good soldier into her." Aurtrox's eyes narrowed a bit slyly. He had a few ideas in mind, but wanted to hear Ezekial's first. He motioned with his hand for the man to speak any ideas that he had. He didn't want him to feel pressured so he poured his own tea and took sip to give the man some time to think on the issue.
▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀ "...only the failures of one's present." - Arthurius
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Symbol Bank V.1
ą α ß Ь c đ ∂ ε є é Ғ ғ ╒ ƒ g Ħ ħ н ι J k ℓ м η ø σ p q я § τ u v ω x y z α ā ą в ς ɗ δ đ ɛ є ԍ ɦ ң н ϊ ί ι κ ℓ ʟ м и η σ ρ þ Ǭ⒬ҩǭqℚⓠя ₮ τ ü ŭ ω ұτ σ ω η ε ş ι м α к э v є н к и я ц ღ η ү ℓ ƒ с δ ρ — ъ ғ ш ψ ί п Á á Ć ć É é Í í Ĺ ĺ Ń ń Ó ó Ŕ ŕ Ś ś Ú ú Ý ý Ź ź À à È è Ì ì Ò ò Ù ù  â Ĉ ĉ Ê ê Ĝ ĝ Ĥ ĥ Î î Ĵ ĵ Ô ô Ŝ ŝ Û û Ŵ ŵ Ŷ ŷ Ä ä Ë ë Ï ï Ö ö Ü ü Ÿ ÿ ß Ã ã Ẽ ẽ Ĩ ĩ Ñ ñ Õ õ Ũ ũ Ỹ ỹ Ç ç Ģ ģ Ķ ķ Ļ ļ Ņ ņ Ŗ ŗ Ş ş Ţ ţ Đ đ Ů ů Ǎ ǎ Č č Ď ď Ě ě Ǐ ǐ Ľ ľ Ň ň Ǒ ǒ Ř ř Š š Ť ť Ǔ ǔ Ž ž Ā ā Ē ē Ī ī Ō ō Ū ū ǖ ǘ ǚ ǜ Ă ă Ĕ ĕ Ğ ğ Ĭ ĭ Ŏ ŏ Ŭ ŭ Ċ ċ Ė ė Ġ ġ İ ı Ż ż Ą ą Ę ę Į į Ų ų Ł ł Ő ő Ű ű Ŀ ŀ Ħ ħ Ð ð Þ þ Œ œ Æ æ Ø ø Å å Ə əΆ ά Έ έ Ή ή Ί ί Ό ό Ύ ύ Ώ ώ Α α Β β Γ γ Δ δ Ε ε Ζ ζ Η η Θ θ Ι ι Κ κ Λ λ Μ μ Ν ν Ξ ξ Ο ο Π π Ρ ρ Σ σ ς Τ τ Υ υ Φ φ Χ χ Ψ ψ Ω ω Б б В в Г г Ґ ґ Ѓ ѓ Д д Ђ ђ Е е Ё ё Є є Ж ж З з Ѕ ѕ И и І і Ї ї Й й Ј ј К к Ќ ќ Л л Љ љ М м Н н Њ њ О о П п Р р С с Т т Ћ ћ У у Ў ў Ф ф Х х Ц ц Ч ч Џ џ Ш ш Щ щ Ъ ъ Ы ы Ь ь Э э Ю ю Я я ą α ß β Ь c Ð đ ∂ ε є э é Ғ ғ ╒ ƒ ġ Ħ ħ н ι į ї J k ℓ м η ø σ φ p q я ѓ § Ş τ † ů v ω x y zkōhai
Getting to the meeting on time was not somethign Tessa considered troublesome, she was typically awake long before her teammates were simply to get her morning workout done before breakfast. What it was, however, was annoying as it meant she would lose time to eat breakfast or change into something more presentable. As it was the giant faunus entered the office wearing a form hugging pair of shorts and a top meant to wick away sweat, though that didnt get rid of the the obvious smell of several hours worth of cadrdio and weight training. Still she did think to bring her weapons just in case something went wrong today, and given the school's track record, that was almost certainly going to happen. "Hello?" Tessa rapped her knuckles on the doorframe of the headmaster's office and stepped inside, hair braided and hanging over her shoulder as she brushed her forehead clean with the heel of a palm. "You. . . Asked for me to come here...and miss breakfast?"
XXXIt seemed that the tower was not only impressive in architecture, but in technology as a whole. A series of mechanical clicks and whirls would resonate from the door before sliding open to expose the inner office. Circuits within golden orbs would shimmer as the light of the office was cast upon him, causing the shutter like lenses to filter the new light. 'It appears the academy does hold exquisite taste. I do hope I can come across the schematics, I would love such a display in my own office.' Indeed, the mechanical advances this structure held were something that Ezekiel himself was familiar with as a high-class profile. For him, no expense was spared in order to bring his dream office to reality. Now that he had to start from scratch he would certainly begin searching for inspiration. "It is certainly a time to make a first impression; I'm sure anyone who caught wind of me walking school grounds enjoyed the show." Ezekiel wasn't quite ready to elaborate on the embarrassment that he had to face to get her, but it was certainly a sight. To have the walkway and earth move beneath your very feet in order to halt your journey... It made a most simple stroll all the more irritable. As the winged headmaster approached, Ezekiel was more than willing to shake the man's hand. His own handshake would be firm, like a vice perfectly calibrated to assert an even amount of pressure throughout his grip. After all, what sort of well-tuned machine would he be if he couldn't do something as simple as a handshake? "It would be a crime to deny such an offer, thank you. If I may ask, what kind of tea will be served today?" Certainly one of the things missed the most was actually being able to taste what he ate and drank. While he no longer needed to consume, he was still designed to be able to intake fluid and food so long as he cleaned himself out. What was the point? Well, consider it an act of convincing design. Following Aurtrox's lead, the man would wrap his gloved fingertips on the arm of the chair in front to pull it closer and take a seat. The headmaster certainly seemed social with hospitality on point, making it clear that the man was used to endeavors such as this. It was a display that Ezekiel would certainly respect.
Next was straight to the point. The academy had a troubled student that had been accused of multiple acts of recklessness and student violence. Ezekiel had taken the prior evening to study the multiple incidents, many of which appeared to be triggered by anger and lack of self restrain on her own emotions. "I've dealt with an individual convicted of similar in the past, and the process can be considered a delicate one. If such temperament is left unchecked it could result in further incidents both within the academy or out in public. From the incidents that have been noted, it appears that there is both a lack of self-restraint within heightened emotions that in tune result in reckless outbursts." There were a few incidents to count that were specifically in his record, all of which happened on school grounds. A boy made a distasteful remark, resulting in a row of desks being ripped apart and flung at him. With that, there were a couple circumstances from the recent survival class who was taught by none other than his precious megalodon. 'Difficult to believe that someone so bloodthirsty could host a combat oriented class with no casualties. Wonders never cease.' Such a train of thoughts would be filed under the subject of Rachel before focusing on the concept of Tessa. She both expressed a reckless display with her team, resulting in the inevitable injury of one along with disregarding the orders from the instructor. Then lastly, of course, was the display of poor sportsmanship following a spar between herself and another student. "From the incidents listed, I believe that she's either not aware or concerned with the consequences of her actions. Something that needs to be presented more prominently, or else these impulsive outbursts will continue to influence her life as a developing huntsman. Perhaps a situation needs to be created to display the more immediate cause and effect of her actions. After all, of one such incident could have easily resulted in the death of a fellow student if it was not conducted in a more controlled environment. That is a matter that must be addressed. Though, I am curious about your thoughts on the matter, Aurtrox." While Ezekiel was voicing his own thoughts on it all, he was curious about how the headmaster intended to approach it all.
Perhaps the two would get to exchange a few more words on the matter before Tessa's own arrival. Whether they did or not, the time itself had come for the student to make her presence known. The shutter of lenses in his eyes would adjust at the sight of the student's rather unsightly display. It was difficult to tell if the moisture that clung to her skin and hair were from the rain or whatever workout she had conducted prior. Either way, the man found himself rather fortunate that he couldn't make out any such aroma. Something to note was the devices that the woman carried with her. It was a weapon, most certainly. Though was it necessary to carry it around school grounds at all times? Wasn't there some factor of a mobile locker that students could call to deliver their weapons? .. To each their own, then. Ezekiel would not move his chair, but he would offer a wave towards the student as she entered. He would wait only a moment, just in case that Aurtrox had his own welcoming to give. "Oh. Welcome. You must be Tessa Ailbhe. My name is Ezekiel Novak, a pleasure. Though I do apologize that you missed such an important meal, that was not the intention." Breakfast. Once upon a time, it was certainly the most important meal of the day for him as well. Fortunately, such a tradition was kicked to the curb with his revival, as the intake of sustenance was no longer required. He would follow with more, but he was certain that Aurtrox was intending to kick off the subject of their meeting today.
「 Ḅeacộn Âcademy Ḩeadmastέr 」 "The failures of one's past do not exist..." ▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀
Aurtrox could tell that Ezekial was a most interesting man. His eyes seemed to analyze every detail of everything they could see. Aurtrox, being in his office, was able to focus purely on the man himself which afforded him some extra insight. This was a man of similar caliber to himself. A rare thing to find. His intentions would need to be discovered as Ezekial struck him of someone who would have aspirations above the position he now held. Possibly he wanted to replace Aurtrox as headmaster. That wasn't a bad thing though. Someone would need to replace him at some time. Maybe he would make a good fit too. That was too be determined, but something seemed to suggest that headmastership might not be his goal. His own body hinted that this was a man of science. Someone who loved to experiment. This must be one of those to him in one way or another. Aurtrox's mind sifted through a dozen other possibilities. In the end he didn't have near enough information to make up his mind on any one of them. The only thing he knew for sure is that he would enjoy Ezekial's company, and learn what he could about the refined man."It a a strong blend of oolong tea. My favorite black tea. It contains some caffeine, but otherwise holds a bitter taste that cleanses one's palate."He took another sip out of his own. His silver eyes shinning brightly over the rim of his cup as he drank. Every movement from Aurtrox was slow and methodical. As if he purposefully was restraining his movements to match the grand display of elegance that was everything around them. Not a single book on the shelf was out of place, even by a millimeter. Not a single speck of dust could be seen on any surface. Everything was precisely placed and clean just as his own robe appeared nearly too perfect. If one were able to count the very stitching in his robe they would see that there were exactly 498 stitched around the waste on either side of the primary buckle. He was a a man of exquisite precision in all things. Of course he didn't advertise these things on purpose. Nobody ever noticed. He merely liked everything to go his way when he could control things. Humans and faunus were unruly beings though, and so he was forced to let his students be equally unruly.
Ezekial reiterated the main concern of the evening. The white rhino. He was right on all accounts. It was an issue to be addressed before it got out of hand. It was nice that he had experienced such personalities in the past."I think you hit the mark. I am of mind to put her in a situation where she will be forced to consider all of the possible modes of action as a single wrong move will be...painful. To say the least."Aurtrox stood to pace."I have a chamber beneath the tower that is normally use for...interrogations..."Aurtrox's insinuations were light. Surely the man would know what he meant."I would like to, for lack of a better words, interrogate someone Tess admires every time she makes a mistake. The main question is what should we challenge her with?" They had the current chambers set up as a nice combat illusionscape room for advanced training. Maybe they would just use it as is. That was when Tessa Ailbhe herself arrived at the door which Aurtrox had conveniently left open. "Please come in dear! We have a seat ready for you."Aurtrox pressed another button under hsi desk. A circular groove in the floor popped up with a burst of steam. It slowly rose from the ground. From beneath the circle armrests and a back were mechanically pushed out and raised to an ideal height."Tessa, it is good to meet you. This is our student counselor; Ezekial Novak."Tessa was quite an impressive specimen. She was massive compared to most student, but not unsightly like one would imagine. Except her current physical state of being unwashed." I hate to be utterly cliche, but do you know why we have called you here today?" His demeanor seemed to change fairly drastically when talking to students. The uncanny precision of his movements was put on pause. He seemed more 'human' than before. A mode of behavior he learned when interacting with the young. They seemed to enjoy someone like them, so he likewise became more childlike in his mannerisms.
▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀ "...only the failures of one's present." - Arthurius
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Symbol Bank V.1
ą α ß Ь c đ ∂ ε є é Ғ ғ ╒ ƒ g Ħ ħ н ι J k ℓ м η ø σ p q я § τ u v ω x y z α ā ą в ς ɗ δ đ ɛ є ԍ ɦ ң н ϊ ί ι κ ℓ ʟ м и η σ ρ þ Ǭ⒬ҩǭqℚⓠя ₮ τ ü ŭ ω ұτ σ ω η ε ş ι м α к э v є н к и я ц ღ η ү ℓ ƒ с δ ρ — ъ ғ ш ψ ί п Á á Ć ć É é Í í Ĺ ĺ Ń ń Ó ó Ŕ ŕ Ś ś Ú ú Ý ý Ź ź À à È è Ì ì Ò ò Ù ù  â Ĉ ĉ Ê ê Ĝ ĝ Ĥ ĥ Î î Ĵ ĵ Ô ô Ŝ ŝ Û û Ŵ ŵ Ŷ ŷ Ä ä Ë ë Ï ï Ö ö Ü ü Ÿ ÿ ß Ã ã Ẽ ẽ Ĩ ĩ Ñ ñ Õ õ Ũ ũ Ỹ ỹ Ç ç Ģ ģ Ķ ķ Ļ ļ Ņ ņ Ŗ ŗ Ş ş Ţ ţ Đ đ Ů ů Ǎ ǎ Č č Ď ď Ě ě Ǐ ǐ Ľ ľ Ň ň Ǒ ǒ Ř ř Š š Ť ť Ǔ ǔ Ž ž Ā ā Ē ē Ī ī Ō ō Ū ū ǖ ǘ ǚ ǜ Ă ă Ĕ ĕ Ğ ğ Ĭ ĭ Ŏ ŏ Ŭ ŭ Ċ ċ Ė ė Ġ ġ İ ı Ż ż Ą ą Ę ę Į į Ų ų Ł ł Ő ő Ű ű Ŀ ŀ Ħ ħ Ð ð Þ þ Œ œ Æ æ Ø ø Å å Ə əΆ ά Έ έ Ή ή Ί ί Ό ό Ύ ύ Ώ ώ Α α Β β Γ γ Δ δ Ε ε Ζ ζ Η η Θ θ Ι ι Κ κ Λ λ Μ μ Ν ν Ξ ξ Ο ο Π π Ρ ρ Σ σ ς Τ τ Υ υ Φ φ Χ χ Ψ ψ Ω ω Б б В в Г г Ґ ґ Ѓ ѓ Д д Ђ ђ Е е Ё ё Є є Ж ж З з Ѕ ѕ И и І і Ї ї Й й Ј ј К к Ќ ќ Л л Љ љ М м Н н Њ њ О о П п Р р С с Т т Ћ ћ У у Ў ў Ф ф Х х Ц ц Ч ч Џ џ Ш ш Щ щ Ъ ъ Ы ы Ь ь Э э Ю ю Я я ą α ß β Ь c Ð đ ∂ ε є э é Ғ ғ ╒ ƒ ġ Ħ ħ н ι į ї J k ℓ м η ø σ φ p q я ѓ § Ş τ † ů v ω x y zkōhai
Tessa watched the chair rise from the floor with what could best be described as an expression of distrust, and took a half step to the side of the thing. "I assume I'm here because the cold fairy or his girlfriend made a complaint about me shooting a live grenade at them? Which, by the way, I missed on purpose. If I really wanted to hit them, they'd be dead." She sighed and fiddled with the feathery tip of her braid "Or is this about Koryn getting caught in an explosion caused by my weapon? Speaking of, there really shouldn't be that many grimm and students in the same space all at the same time. I got set on fire because of that."
XXXAn oolong blend, it certainly sounded pleasant. Zaffre once had a powerful taste for tea. One that caused him to seek out unique and rarities among the leaf water to taste and compare. Something that he missed in his recent years, as the ability of taste had been stripped away. Instead, he could only acknowledge what he once loved by comparing memory to present. Each time tea was described to him, a file in his system would be found of what he once thought of it ... Or rather, what he could compare it too. Such a process triggered a simulation that would closely replicate the sensation of drinking tea, of reliving that memory. A unique capability, but it would never compare to being able to drink a cup of tea again. That being said, synthetic lips would curl over the edge of a lifted cup as he sipped. "If only my palate could appreciate the taste as it could when I was younger. Personally, I favor an earl gray. A unique taste that could relieve anxiety while the caffeine put a bit of pep in your step for the day. It was a favorite among many of my patients that helped put them at ease. Vanilla bean accompanied the flavor well. Perhaps in the future, I'll be the one able to serve you, Aurtrox. Thank you, once again." One may have thought that Zaffre was a connoisseur of tea in the manner he spoke. Perhaps that was true, though it was only interest of his. His sip was silent, shutter-like hues connecting with the silver gaze of the man before him. Everything seemed perfectly placed, every action planned accordingly. Posture, position, even the angle of the cup. It was almost like looking at a still picture, a visual representation of what elegance was meant to look like... As odd as it was, Aurtrox may have mastered elegance and perfection to a degree higher than Zaffre himself. Was this a common practice among the Krayeth family? There was something about noble avian faunus that had a natch towards their ideal of perfection. There was the Krayeth, and then the just as rare occurrence of meeting a Lioncourt.
A perfect analysis, as Ezekiel had intended. Perhaps it was from studying the case meticulously. Or rather, it may have just been from decades of experience with the subject that allowed him to formulate such an analysis. A child like this required correction. Conditioning, if you will. Ezekiel's knowledge on the student's origins was limited, but such personality quirks were often deeply ingrained in their mindset at this age. Whether it was due to neglect or poor "Conditioning, for lack of better words. A process of trials and errors designed to break the bad habits that have been etched into her nature. I've seen that same method used with an old patient of mind to break her impulsive nature. Progress was made, however, I was never present to see the finished result." That was a lie, in a sense. It was a method that was used with the very shark faunus that was teaching at this school in order to refine her impulsive habits and make her more obedient. While it had worked initially, his methods were much more... Unethical, and in turn backfired on him in the end. From the rumors he had heard involving the shark faunus five years later, it seemed that very impulsive nature he sought to break had come back tenfold. Disappointing, really. Zaffre would listen with his lips curled over the edges of his cup, eyes narrowing at the mention of an interrogation chamber. 'I suppose this is a school for combat, after all. It is only sensible that such chamber would exist here, of all places.' With those thoughts in the back of his mind, he'd offer a suggestion. "Selective course of action and team composition, are my suggestions. A series of trials whereas you said, she must choose between the options present. Some less obvious than others. A twist, I would say, is to get others involved. Multiple variables in a very immediate situation to test to put that impulsive nature to the test. Consider it a variation of what she went through in the survival course." At least in the mind of Zaffre, such a challenge seemed like the most appropriate course of action. It would test the impulsive actions of hers, though it wouldn't regulate her temperament, unfortunately. That anger of hers would have to come to other methods. Though, perhaps this lesson could teach her to control any outbursts... Either that or suffer the consequences. "Though I do wonder, Aurtrox. Did the student in question consent assist in such a lesson? Given the state of the academy after recent events this year, it may be best to avoid any unethical practices on the students. It could very well tarnish the image of the last standing huntsmen academy if done improperly. Unless of course, Ms. Ailbhe's admired gave willing consent. Then... I would see no issue." Zaffre did not take the man for a fool. However, he did not intend to follow along blindly. There were methods to the madness, and he did not doubt that Aurtrox had a plan in all of this. Rather, he was curious of what was going on in the mind of the mastermind. He used the word interrogate multiple times, which made him wonder.. Was there something he was intending to get out of the other student, as well? Had the other student done something wrong that Zaffre wasn't aware of?
It appeared that Tessa had no intention of actually sitting with them. Instead, the student seemed rather distant and untrusting of her superiors. Why exactly was that? The robotic man would begin to wonder what could have occurred on academy grounds, or if it was simply a display of attitude. ... Either way, it seemed that the mess would begin now. Notably, there was a shift of demeanor in Aurtrox character. Whereas moments ago he appeared to be the pinnacle of perfection, each and every movement precise with purpose... It all melted away. The charm of perfection was pushed to the side as a more lively fellow emerged. Before, Zaffre was beginning to consider the fact that Aurtrox may have been equal to him. ... Now, he was just another face among the crowd. That alone raised more curiosities about the man. ... That, however, was not the matter at hand. It was time for Tessa to speak, the common cliche of asking what they were expecting of her. And her answer for lack of better words was lackluster. She knew very well why they had called her in, but then proceeded to delegate some manner of the blame on her own part towards other contributing factors. Either that or tried to diffuse the focus on the actions with excuses. "Those issues are indeed at the top of the list, Ms. Ailbhe. Even if the intention was to miss, you are acknowledging the dangers if there was a mishap in your display. In most cases, firing a live weapon in the direction of another is considered highly dangerous, even in a school-based around combat with your classmates. Given you already had one mishap with those explosives in the same class, does a report of the endangerment really seem that farfetched? It was deemed inappropriate and reflects poorly on your image as a developing huntress." While Aurtrox may have changed at the drop of a dime, Zaffre remained focused on his persona. He wasn't one to change in terms of character, but actions. It was here that he would begin to work against Tessa's attempts to excuse the focus of matters from her to something else. As it shifted towards the class as a whole and Rachel's teachings, Zaffre did find some inkling of sympathy for the girl. The class had been poorly run, but it proved to be effective in the end. Students that had never had the chance to kill grimm before that day managed to do so against grimm higher than the normal caliber of hordes they would encounter on the outside. Just as well, the number had been limited and monitored. While students did indeed receive injuries, it was far better than the alternative option of hunting grimm in the wild. It was in the last survival class that two students had perished from an unanticipated encounter with a pack of beowolves. So, all things considered... This was an improvement. "While I do agree that Ms. Anderson's methods are rather... Unorthodox, that is a separate issue that I intend to address with her. Presently, we would like to focus on what your role in all of this was without a shift of blame. Tell us, what was your position during survival class? Did you heed the precautions set out by your instructor? How did you respond once you discovered that your teammate had been injured, whether by your own volition or some other force?"
narxfang
konaustin
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 7:26 am
Semblance Swap
Arc 0
TESSA'S TALK WITH THE HEADMASTER ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════▨✥▨═══════════════════════════════════════════════╗ It was then, that from Tessa's horn, a beam of light did shoot towards the ceiling, leaving a hole about the size of a boulder. The edges around it were burned.
"Tessa sighed and continued fiddling with the tip of her braid. "Look if there's anything to keep in mind it's that-" she suddenly stopped as she felt a warmth build at the tip of her horn, followed by an intense, wide beam of light blasted from the growth straight up to the ceiling. The giant faunus blinked slowly as she stared at the hole in the ceiling while tapping a finger experimentally on the tip of her horn a few times. "Huh. . . .That's. . . different" The faunus began wondering if her cousin had sent her some breakfast buns with her aunt's secret stash baked in by accident, though all the same she decided to come back to that oddity later. "Anyway. . .I don't take kindly to being insulted, particularly after what was supposed to be a fair match between students. If you want to talk about blame then bring in that ice casting fairy that likes to tout himself above everyone and throw insults apparently without the expectation of having a consequence. Get on that and we can talk about what happened after class." With a huff the rhino girl flicked her braid behind her shoulder and crossed her arms under her chest "And about the class and the butterfly girl . . . " she honestly had trouble remembering her name for whatever reason "I got set on fire by one of the loose grimm and got angry, so I decided to run toward the nearest living thing and kill it. By what everyone else says my teammate got hit by shrapnel, from what I'm not really sure since my rounds don't have shrapnel in them, and my position was to catch the grimm's attention, though that fell apart pretty quickly. As for why I didn't check on her immediately, well in all likelihood she was going to be fine, lacerations to the side rarely kill anyone and the grimm took most of the brunt from my shells, so the shockwave wouldn't have killed her or hurt her too bad. Way I saw it she was either in need of minor treatment or was just dead, neither of which I could help with. I'm good with natural remedies, beyond that nothing I could have done."
「 Ḅeacộn Âcademy Ḩeadmastέr 」 "The failures of one's past do not exist..." ▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀
It was nothing short of amusing to hear Tessa's defense. He loved the young ones deeply. He missed the innocence, or rather societal unaccountability of youth. Aurtrox could not care less if she had actually done anything someone else had said she did. He did trust his sources, but his job was to train soldiers. If one was falsely sent to him he would know shortly after his trainings began. If that did happen he would take the time to groom the soldier into a more lethal weapon than before, and then promptly execute whoever sent the false word. Well, not literally execute. Back home that was how things were done, here they would merely be reprimanded and possibly fired. He sighed as leaned back pondering the old days. A mixture of good and bad emotions resurfacing in his mind. His face took on a rather cheerful smile though as he sipped his tea once more."Earl gray is a nice tea. If I had access to bergamot orange I would make some myself, but Atlas was the city that imported the majority of that particular commodity. We might see it in the future, but for now I will enjoy my own blend of oolong."He said ignoring Tessa for a moment as she approached. Aurtrox's eyes turned back to his new counselor. He very much enjoyed the company of Ezekial. This was easily the most refined man he had met in some time. A man more inquisitive and discerning than he was for sure. A rare thing indeed. It would soon be time to see how he liked to play which Aurtrox was especially excited about. The man began to give his idea about how things should play out and this sounded very ideal. Every word he spoke was right on target. he brought up an issue of consent to any course of action that could be considered unethical. This idea played in his mind for a time before he replied."I don't like to think of my methods as...unethical. Just a tad unorthodox."Aurtrox smiled slyly."Each student signs a waiver when they join this academy that essentially gives me the right to do whatever I find necessary to turn them into a beast of war. It took quite some time to get the choice amendments approved by the city council, but I have a lot more lee-way than the previous headmasters. Let's just say that."Aurtrox would look towards Tessa with funny smile on his face. He hoped that she was enjoying the blunness of the conversation at hand. He looked at her for a moment. Thinking about how he should address this situation. He did admire her strength. Strength ought to be respected. Maybe he would start out with a slightly more ethical approach afterall. Ezekial was likely thinking a few steps ahead. About the results that would follow if Tessa failed and left the academy. What would she say? What would happen to the academy's reputation then? Aurtrox didn't really care about such a thing. Not since the death of his sister Lunestra. He would wait for Ezekial to speak before he would address the girl."Tessa, You have been accused of reckless and thoughtless action that endangers those around you. We want to test you, see your reactions and correct anything we deem as unhealthy. In regards to teamwork that is. You represent your whole clan as far as I am concerned. Do you think your clan has what it takes to work well in a team?" His voice would take a sudden turn in tone. A dark tone. His pale eyes lit on fire as he spoke."Is your clan comprised of mere cockroaches unable to adapt? Or are they mighty warriors who take on whatever form their enemies most fear? What are you?"Aurtrox leaned forward. His eyes locked on the girl. Was she able to prove the worth of her clan? He would need her answer before he continued. If she didn't think her clan was worthy he would have no further use of her or any ties to her clan. They would be but dirty rags to him. However, if she was able to pull through then he would have to personally visit her clan and start a campaign to recruit them in a more involved way. If they were gracious enough to allow him. A blast from her horn carved a hole in his roof. Aurtrox would ignore it. Today was an odd day and there was no point in fussing about the destruction of his otherwise pristine office. He wouldn't let that slow him down, or would he give her a chance to respond just yet."Tessa, I don't care whether or not you have been mistreated, unfairly handled, or had issues..."He leaned in even closer now. His aura flaring up around his fist as he gripped it tightly in the air as if grasping at some unseen goal."I want you to be a warrior so powerful not even a throng of grimm could stand in your way. I want you to move mountains with a swipe of your hand. You may be here for corrective reasons, but I want you to see this as an opportunity for growth." He would then freeze for a moment. Take a deep breath and relax ever so slightly back into his chair. His passion has a way of taking him over. Maybe this is why he loved this job so much. There was something about bringing out the best in others that was like crack to him. He closed his eyes for a second as his hands came together His knuckles would rest against each other except for his thumb and index which met their compatriots on the other hand in perfect unison."Tessa, What do you say?"
▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀ "...only the failures of one's present." - Arthurius
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Symbol Bank V.1
ą α ß Ь c đ ∂ ε є é Ғ ғ ╒ ƒ g Ħ ħ н ι J k ℓ м η ø σ p q я § τ u v ω x y z α ā ą в ς ɗ δ đ ɛ є ԍ ɦ ң н ϊ ί ι κ ℓ ʟ м и η σ ρ þ Ǭ⒬ҩǭqℚⓠя ₮ τ ü ŭ ω ұτ σ ω η ε ş ι м α к э v є н к и я ц ღ η ү ℓ ƒ с δ ρ — ъ ғ ш ψ ί п Á á Ć ć É é Í í Ĺ ĺ Ń ń Ó ó Ŕ ŕ Ś ś Ú ú Ý ý Ź ź À à È è Ì ì Ò ò Ù ù  â Ĉ ĉ Ê ê Ĝ ĝ Ĥ ĥ Î î Ĵ ĵ Ô ô Ŝ ŝ Û û Ŵ ŵ Ŷ ŷ Ä ä Ë ë Ï ï Ö ö Ü ü Ÿ ÿ ß Ã ã Ẽ ẽ Ĩ ĩ Ñ ñ Õ õ Ũ ũ Ỹ ỹ Ç ç Ģ ģ Ķ ķ Ļ ļ Ņ ņ Ŗ ŗ Ş ş Ţ ţ Đ đ Ů ů Ǎ ǎ Č č Ď ď Ě ě Ǐ ǐ Ľ ľ Ň ň Ǒ ǒ Ř ř Š š Ť ť Ǔ ǔ Ž ž Ā ā Ē ē Ī ī Ō ō Ū ū ǖ ǘ ǚ ǜ Ă ă Ĕ ĕ Ğ ğ Ĭ ĭ Ŏ ŏ Ŭ ŭ Ċ ċ Ė ė Ġ ġ İ ı Ż ż Ą ą Ę ę Į į Ų ų Ł ł Ő ő Ű ű Ŀ ŀ Ħ ħ Ð ð Þ þ Œ œ Æ æ Ø ø Å å Ə əΆ ά Έ έ Ή ή Ί ί Ό ό Ύ ύ Ώ ώ Α α Β β Γ γ Δ δ Ε ε Ζ ζ Η η Θ θ Ι ι Κ κ Λ λ Μ μ Ν ν Ξ ξ Ο ο Π π Ρ ρ Σ σ ς Τ τ Υ υ Φ φ Χ χ Ψ ψ Ω ω Б б В в Г г Ґ ґ Ѓ ѓ Д д Ђ ђ Е е Ё ё Є є Ж ж З з Ѕ ѕ И и І і Ї ї Й й Ј ј К к Ќ ќ Л л Љ љ М м Н н Њ њ О о П п Р р С с Т т Ћ ћ У у Ў ў Ф ф Х х Ц ц Ч ч Џ џ Ш ш Щ щ Ъ ъ Ы ы Ь ь Э э Ю ю Я я ą α ß β Ь c Ð đ ∂ ε є э é Ғ ғ ╒ ƒ ġ Ħ ħ н ι į ї J k ℓ м η ø σ φ p q я ѓ § Ş τ † ů v ω x y zkōhai
XXXThat was right. Atlas. That itself surely dated his knowledge of the present world. It was just before the fall of atlas that he met an unfortunate fate by the merciless jaws of a teacher here. An accident that put him out of commission for three years. It hadn't even occurred to him that bergamot wasn't available, as he could no longer enjoy the finer things involving smell and taste. Perhaps once his business was booming once more, he'd invest in tea exportation. Examples like Aurtrox and himself showed that there were still individuals in this world that enjoyed such a thing. What did he enjoy more, though? The new process of Beacon academy that he hadn't seen in any huntsman academy prior. Ezekiel couldn't fight the smirk tugging at his lips as the man went onto explain the process that was to enlist into Beacon. To share how much leeway had been given to the headmaster, an amount that was almost dangerous. In the wrong hands, this academy would surely fall under a dictatorship. ... Unless it already has? "Now that is an interesting development. I've been associated both with Atlas and Shade in the past. While they had their own methods, they were still held back by such restrictions... I suppose it shows how times have changed. What crisis can bring to the table, hm?" Sinn was right. Beacon Academy would be an entirely different monster to conquer. A challenge that the man would wholeheartedly accept. Of the three prior, Atlas gave the most grief with their strict conformities. While this academy seemed to lack such strictness, it appeared that their openness to development came with its own obstacles to work with. ... Something he must keep in mind.
Shutters beneath glossy orbs would shift and focus at the anomaly unfolding before him. Though the man recording every interaction he had, this one certainly held value over others. Newfound data of a remarkable semblance discharging would be stored in a special folder to document whatever anomaly was occurring. It was unfortunate that it happened here of all places, to ruin such a pristine location. Truly it saddened him to see all the world put into office be obstructed by a giant gaping hole. What made matters worse? The rain. Droplets sprinkling into the office from the unwanted skylight. First in his tea, then upon his person. Rather than moving like a normal individual he would instead reach to the umbrella leaning next to his chair and open it above him. After all, he was comfortable. "It has been a common occurrence today. I myself had my walk here dragged out drastically as the pathways and ground worked against me." Now he was curious. What did ability did Aurtrox find himself with?
The man remained unmoved by her words. Shutter like hues was fixated on her, but the data reviewed was stale. His own stern expression wouldn't falter. If one paid closer attention, they would notice an extended period of time before his eyelids fell shut in a blink. 'She is a child through and through.' His thoughts would conclude as she began shifting blame. It was an immediate response he had expected. It came to one such as her naturally. As well, anyone who felt they were being wronged would surely begin to point fingers. It was all data he would collect and store, a few points being raised that he couldn't shy away from. While her reaction to it all was unethical and posed a threat, there were others involved. A particular ice wielder that continued to poke and prod at a student who couldn't take an insult. Two sides that couldn't possibly coexist, not as they currently stood. "Your words have been heard, Ms. Ailbhe. I do intend to follow up with an assessment of character for those involved, including both the ice caster and professor herself. I, however, have no intention of shying away from our present matters." Ezekiel intended to hold firm on the claims against the student. Not because he believed the student was the only one in the wrong, but because there was little reason to play back and forth. Having multiple separate meetings to appease a shift of blame was only going to drag out the process. It was pointless, as the man had no doubt about the contradictories within the claims. He had a specific course of action planned. Meet with Tessa, then Cecil. Once both those issues have been addressed on an individual level, bringing them together may have been an easier process. Perhaps it was fortunate that this wasn't a dispute among team members. "It appears that whatever object did the damage was launched into her from the impact of the explosion. The foreign object broke two ribs and pierced her spleen. If it wasn't for the student capable of blood manipulation present, Koryn's condition would have been much worse. Fortunately for her, recovery has been going well. Injuries do happen on the field, from your burns and her puncture. I'm however more concerned with your cooperation during these events that occurred. Defiance of orders during a hazardous situation does come with its repercussions, which is one of the reasons that you are here. I would hate to see what that behavior is capable of causing during a mission if you choose to ignore the instructions set out by your captain."
It was a simple piece to voice, but one that needed to be addressed. Though he held his firm position, he would allow Aurtrox to take the mantle of conversation. The man would listen to his words while sipping the oolong once more. Why did he bother drinking this again? It wasn't like he could taste anything. It just... Felt right. To sip on tea while sitting back and analyzing, as he often did when he held his prior position of power. Sit back, analyze. For he knew that the headmaster would not disappoint. Shutter hues shifting, zooming in on the man who took a position of power. His demeanor had shifted once again, his tone falling from an upbeat wannabe student. It was a display of passion from a man who had seen far too much. A tone that matched the methods mentioned prior. A man that was willing to do anything necessary to raise these children to be the warriors that this world needed. Ezekial would merely nod along, waiting for a pause between Aurtrox words of... Inspiration? "Teamwork has been an essential tool in survival since mankind first walked the surface of Remnant. Now more than ever. These next few years will rely heavily on that aspect alone. If one cannot conform to such a necessity, then they are no more than faulty gears within a machine. No matter how well oiled, those loose cogs will be detrimental as a whole. I do however believe that faulty gears can be cleaned and repaired. That they cannot only become better than they once were but become a positive example to those around them." Perhaps it was an insult, but one that would build character. It wasn't far off from comparing her and her tribe to a bunch of cockroaches. It was, however, a direct stab at where she was at presently. Like Aurtrox, Ezekiel believed that this student could rise to the situation. If Rachel could go from a street rat, to a pitfighter, then to a professor, he had no doubts in his mind for this student. ... And if she failed, well... There were other uses he could surely think of for her.
"I ain't used to this team yet so naturally there's going to be some bumps in the road. I worked fine with my last one despite. . personal problems, and that took time too. as for my clan, well if they're a swarm of roaches like you say then they're the toughest damn roaches on this earth. I don't represent a thing about them just yet."
The giant faunus pulled out her scroll and swiped through a few applications before tossing it on the desk displaying a collection of pictures from an enormous man with a mane of red hair holding the corpse of an Ursa Major above his head, an olive skinned young woman with jet black hair and a long scaled tail sitting on top of the brutalized remains of a Nucklavee with a scowl, and a woman with long hair and a horn like hers raising a massive spear apparently cheering in victory with her foot on the head of a Goliath.
"My uncle, big sister and my Momma, they represent my clan because they're the best of us in spirit and strength. I don't represent nobody but me. Dig?"
She sighed and ran her hand from her forehead back through her hair.
"I'll do your challenge or whatever it is you have planned, but don't try and trip me into doing this by insinuating my failure reflects my clan. They are the strongest people on earth worth five schools of your "beasts of war" on a bad day. I'll let you know when sissy is around next if you really want to see what my family brings to the table over the kids and military here, but for now point me in the direction of whatever I'm supposed to kill"
「 Ḅeacộn Âcademy Ḩeadmastέr 」 "The failures of one's past do not exist..." ▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀
Aurtrox smiled as Ezekial pulled out an umbrella. It was an amusing action to say the least. Aurtrox would nod in agreement with Ezekial's words. He spoke true. Aurtrox actually was a bit jealous of his analogy of gears.His own passion was a bit hyperbolic in these sort of situations.
Fortunately Tessa was able to ignore it and move onward without hesitation. Her response was interesting. She didn't seem to associate herself as a representative of her clan. Most unusual. Aurtrox couldn't help but let himself let out a light chuckle. His laugh echoed off the barren marble walls with a hollow tone."You do represent yourself first and foremost, but seeing as you are one of the only members of your clan ever sent here... you do represent more than just yourself. Whether or not you like it. If you didn't share blood with the most fierce in your clan then I might be tempted to think otherwise, but you do..."He didn't really care if she thought otherwise. She could disagree like just like the teenage girl she was all she wanted to, but the fact was that every creature in the world was tied to something. You always represented something bigger than yourself. Even a lowly peasant would at least represent the caliber of their family. How much more did a descendant of the leadership represent their lineage? It was time for the darker side to come out."Unfortunately for you your clan is already a failure in my eyes... They keep to their remote villages and barely contribute to our great society at large. Any power they possess has been nothing but squandered thus far. We cannot, and will not merely fight to exist. That would not be existence worth contemplating. We must progress. We must eradicate and eviscerate the heart of the grimm and rid this world fo their kind altogether. Anything that doesn't aid this goal is utterly useless. Just like the bandits of The Tribe."Aurtrox voice flared up in a maniacal snare. He truly believed that anything that didn't contribute to the cause was useless. This tribe of rhino faunus has been particularly unsatisfactory in how they used their power. He believed they had the ability o be of use, but for some reason they have lacked any initiative to use it offensively. Likely due to their archaic fighting methods which were good for defense, but hardly what they needed for offense."I will compromise for you though. I am not completely unyielding. I will withhold judgement on your tribe as a whole and judge you as an individual during these tests as you wish, but be aware that you do, and always will be tied to something more, even if you strive your whole life to get away from it."Aurtrox spoke from experience. He too has a rebellious phase where he tried to escape his family's name. One was born into a family not of their choosing, and will always be tied to them. A blessing for some, and an unfortunate fact for others. He did hope to see her sister some day. Maybe she would be a person of influence who could send more students. Their clan was of particular interest. He would still ultimately judge the clan on the culmination of data from all students he was able to test from her clan. He just needed more of them. For all he knew Tessa was a true failure in her own clan. Why else would she be the only student sent? It made sense. She was either a failure to be redeemed, or she was the best of the best. That was most likely who she was. Whether she knew it or not.
"Off we go then. We'll make this a quick test." Without so much as a sideways glance he stood up, and walked straight out of the office through its large doors. He would lead the way down the stairs a way and then to an elevator. After he passed the biometric scans it would take them down to an underground level."You'll have exactly 16 seconds to react to each test in this series. I've already had our computers analyze the situation and devise base simulation models to asses your current capabilities. They will be altered as we go by Ezekial and myself."Aurtrox loved the complex toys at his disposal. They had the power to make, or break any man. They walked down a long hallway until they reached a small vault-like door. With a swish of his wrist and a snap it opened up for them to pass."Your first test begins...now."Lights suddenly flickered off and then when they came back on both Aurtrox and Ezekial would be gone. Tess would find herself in a long hallway. The walls were made of raw steel and the corridor was only 10 feet by 10 feet. It extended down around 15 yards and at the end a figure could be seen. A human figure. It was Narx. He was tied to the wall at the end. Sweat dripping from his head which was hanging down in exhaustion. It was as if he had been tortured or exhausted in some way. It didn't take long before she would notice two doorways in the middle of the hall creak open. Four beowolves would exit them and set their eyes on the poor boy."Save him." Aurtrox's voice echoed over the intercom as two items dropped from the ceiling. One was a grenade. The other was an overcharged laser cannon. A large digital clock appeared with red numbers. It read 15...14...
▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀ "...only the failures of one's present." - Arthurius
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Symbol Bank V.1
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Agree to disagree, probably the quickest way to end any argument between two stubborn but relatively reasonable people, if one could call Tessa reasonable. At least with that out of the way Tessa could get through these tests which, gods they were a long ways away. Why they couldnt just launch her into the forest and let things sort themselves out over the course of a day was beyond her but the professors here were weird. . . and potentially psychotic but then again she had a sister that charged headlong into battle like a madwoman and a father that liked to wrestle ursa with his bare hands so who was she to judge.
The rhino faunus stepped into place and looked around the testing area. Everything was so. . . artificial and featureless, it made her uncomfortable. Granted she didn't need her semblance for most situations, but the presence of the earth around her made her feel more at ease. Then she saw him, her old teammate and one of the few people outside her family she felt genuine love for. Narx hung from a wall at the far end of the corridor looking battered and weary. The sight caused Tessa's stomach to drop as a sensation of nausea washed over her accompanied by the mountain of self blame and guilt at not having been able to protect her former leader. This was soon displaced by fury as she heard the clicking of claws on the sterile floor and the sight of beowolves approaching Narx. The pale faunus grit her teeth and roared as she burst into a sprint, stooping to snatch the grenade and rifle from the floor in either hand. "HrrreaaaaAAAAAAHH!" the siren of Tessas rage drowned out the sound of her thudding footsteps as she slammed her shoulder into the nearest grimm, crushing it briefly between her bulk and the wall with a crunch. She halted her momentum by pivoting her foot and dropping her heel before twisting her lower body into a vicious kick into the side of the next grimm, sending it flying into its sibling. With a savage snarl Tessa raised the cannon above her head and brought it down atop the masked cranium of the grimm still on its feet, stunning it long enough for her to pull the pin of the grenade with her teeth, toss the rifle aside, and violently cram the explosive down the monster's throat.
Despite the near berserker levels of rage she displayed, Tessa was acutely aware of the countdown, by now likely a little over half over. She knew she couldn't afford to waste time on each of these things and needed to expedite the process of killing them all, a task she started by grabbing the leg of the beowolf gagging on the grenade lodged in its throat, and throwing it down the hall where the first grimm she'd crashed against the wall was shakily getting to its feet. There was a series of clicks and scrapes as Tessa's right gauntlet activated and took shape while she raised and pointed the overcharged cannon at the two grimm still untangling themselves at her side and fired into the writhing and snarling mess before aiming her gauntlet at the choking grimm she'd thrown into its sibling and let loose her own shell. In the brief moment it took for the shell to make contact, Tessa turned on her heel and pressed her body against the unconscious Narx, shielding him from potential damage caused by the explosion or whatever Beowulf was fortunate enough to survive.
((Will probably have to heavily edit this later depending on what Narx says))
XXXBumps in the road, that was certainly one way to put it. Shutters of glassy orbs would shift to zoom and focus on the scroll to witness those she claimed were the 'strongest.' Though he'd rather not let his favor be swayed, he had always had a fascination with faunus of a rare breed. Lion. Rhino. What breed was the reptilian faunus, he wondered. 'It seems that I may have a new location to scout once I get Megalodon reeducated. I wonder how these specimens would fare against her.' While the feat of defeating such powerful grimm was one to be admired, it would not sway him. In fact, it was only amusing. It seemed that these tribesmen may be the reinitiation to see where the new 'survival' teacher stood in strength. Once he reunited with her, of course. A reunion that was too long overdue. Ezekiel would maintain his moment of silence as Aurtrox was quick to take the mantle of speech once again. To rid the world of grimm, a common goal that many shared... Even those who sought it in such a malicious way, including his own compatriot that he traveled the nations with. It made it less fortunate that the existence of these academies was associated with his spite. Perhaps they could have worked together at one point. A poke at the tribe, a group of bandits and neanderthals. Now that brought a sly smirk to his lips. "To think in modern times that such groups would still band together in order to watch or even stagger the progress of grimm eradication. A goal that we've sought since we first walked the surface of Remnant. It's blasphemous, truly." There wasn't much to add to the conversation, more so to emphasize a point. As well, he couldn't help but take a stab at one of his many associates. Another gear that while loose, still proves its worth for the time being. Yesterday was the time to squander. Today, we persevere. Tomorrow, we conquer. One way nor another, all will reduce to dust." For the rest of the conversation, he would merely observe. That was his main roll in all of this, to observe the reactions and outcomes. To focus on the underlined details. To find those that were missed. As all came to conclude, it was time to proceed with the purpose of this meeting. Rising to his feet, the man would close his umbrella as they stepped from the new found skylight. They had much to do. To observe.
Ezekiel was most curious of what awaited them. Aurtrox had already mentioned that within the tower beneath them was a chamber only used for a special circumstance. What was the height of Vale technology within this tower, he wondered. Was it borderline the level of what Atlas could produce? Or did it stem a branch further, as the technology wasn't available to the public? There was a world of possibilities beneath them, which began with the biometrics that required Aurtrox to proceed any further. 'To be able to witness some of the furthest technological advances within the nation of Vale. I do certainly feel honored.' The man thought to himself as the elevator proceeded to take them deeper into the tower. Upon the elevator opening his eyes would narrow as Aurtrox stopped him from proceeding, an arm blocking his way. While he was certainly curious, his answer would come before he could formulate a question. Holograms of them would manifest before them as Tessa left the elevator. As the trio proceeded further the headmaster himself guided the pair to the left. It was a hidden entrance. Following Aurtrox lead, they would enter the control room for one of the many advanced tricks within the tower.
"I must say, those replicas were terrifyingly accurate. I do expect to be impressed even further." The man would remark as he entered the control room, snapping a series of images with his camera rigged iris. This, of course, led to his gaze falling onto one of the many screens that monitored Tessa. Then another towards the boy by the name of Narx, a boy that was no more than her admired with a unique healing semblance. At least, that's what he gathered from the student records provided. "Do tell, given the nature of this chamber... Is that actually our 'volunteer' in question?" Their replicas would vanish as the test was initiated, though he noticed an immediate flaw in their plan. "I do wonder, Aurtrox. Should we have confiscated her weapon for the duration of these tests? I suppose without the functionality of her native semblance, the odds have already weighed against her." Perhaps Aurtrox had already thought of that variable and permitted it. Or perhaps it was simply overlooked with the sudden initiation of the test. After all, they were testing her reactions under immediate circumstance. Asking her to remove her weapon would've drawn away from the surprise, but could have added to the urgency. "The complexity of these mechanisms are wonderful... One may be able to successfully simulate a sensation of hyper-reality with the right precautions taken. An illusion so strong that they get lost within the chamber as a new world. Though, that would require illusions that affect the sensation of touch, among a few other factors. ... Apologies, Aurtrox. I have a fascination with engineering that seems larger than life." A fascination that was true to his core. It ran his business, and now was part of his very existence. Though it was far from common information, his entire presence currently was thanks to such complex engineering.
Beowolves were on the prowl and Tessa did not hesitate. Her anger was channeled into immediate strength that she'd use to begin fending off the beast, or at least attempting to do so. From her records, it sounded as if the first thing she'd do was cause an explosion. The fact that she didn't was almost disappointing, but would have ended the simulation far too soon. In fact, she went straight into melee combat above all else. Even going so far as to use the cannon provided as a hammer, practically. The sight caused the corners of his lips to rise in a smirk. The series of events would follow by utilizing all manners of weapons she was provided with, including an additional explosive before bracing herself against Narx from the explosion. A sense of compassion, how endearing. Continuing to observe, his right-hand fingers would curl under his chin. "Perhaps if she showed this same initiative in class, Koryn wouldn't have succumbed to such injuries. Perhaps we should be testing her actions with someone she doesn't cherish, as huntsmen are our standing force between the grimm and remaining sentient population.. Not simply those we love. What are your thoughts?"
