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  "...The four of you retrieved the white knight pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as-" The headmaster began to say.

The auditorium held no empty space, save for the minuscule amount of room the Ashen One had. For the entirety of Ozpin's opening speech and for the anticlimactic team arrangement, he was slumped against the base of a support beam for the overhead balcony. With his unorthodox attire and visage, most students graciously steered clear of his general area, only a select handful daring to catch a closer glimpse. The students that did manage to muster some courage were only met with silence, one that almost immediately caused them to leave the knight of ash in solitude.

For what felt like an eternity, he stood in await of the ceremony to end. Team after team had been assigned, Though he only managed to catch and remember two of the countless parties, he took note of how some of the students had been neglected to be called forth. Generally, they were smitten with grief and doubt, with the exception of three young men standing in the very front of the crowd. The final group, however, consisted of four distinctly familiar faces from the initiation mission.

"-Team RWBY (Ruby). Led by... Ruby Rose."

Apart from the white-haired girl, 'Asche' heard the distant cheer of the newly formed squad, including the nearly deafening avalanche of applause from the crowd only feet away. The lioness, 'Yang', grasped her sister in a life choking hug. The white-haired girl looked distraught and simultaneously frustrated, for reasons better left unknown to the champion of ash. And Blake of course...hesitantly joined in celebration with Yang and Ruby.

Once the praise came to its conclusion, the ringleader of the so-called 'Academy' ushered over the newly formed team "RWBY" and team "JNPR". Though he was well out of earshot, the Ashen One figured the group were discussing himself, if the occasional glances from the nine were anything to go off of. Eventually, the headmaster would call the three young men who had stood near the stage over. After a supposed exchange of words, the three men departed backstage, the faint and nearly muddled sound of a door being closed following the trio.

After speaking, the eight original students gave a collective nod of approval, earning a smile from the older man. The group then took their leave into the hallways of the actual school, joining numerous other freshly accepted students. Like water being released from a dam, the young huntsmen-to-be spilled into the now bustling hallways.

With most, if not all other people now vacant from the amphitheater, Ozpin approached 'Asche'. And with a stride that seemed to have been rehearsed, the headmaster quickly arrived within talking range. For only a moment, he scanned over the younger man's every detail, as if he had been checking to ensure this had been the same intruder from his previous video feed.

"Hello Mister Embers, My name, as you might now know, is Ozpin. I am the headmaster of Beacon Academy. I trust your evening is going well so far?"

"Asche" bowed his head, his seal of silence still being left unbroken. Thankfully, Ozpin was given a warning in advance regarding the mute warrior, courtesy of Pyrrha Nikos and Jaune Arc. The headmaster shifted his glasses before smiling, pleased that the stranger was (so far) getting along just fine.

"Pleased to know. Now, if you would kindly follow me, we have much to discuss. " He greeted, shifting weight onto his cane and turning to break into a slow stride.

As customary, the Ashen One gave no reply. He instead chose to rise from the pillar he rested against, joining the now departing Ozpin. The champion then allowed the headmaster to lead the two into the same exit the other three gentlemen took earlier. Throughout the exchange, the pair had walked nearly shoulder to shoulder as if they had been old colleagues catching up after an extended time away from the office. Once stepping through the double doors, 'Asche' took notice of how these hallways were very similar to every other corridor, with the exception of it holding no other doorway or connecting room. For as far as the eye could see, the passage seemed to carry on for eternity in a seemingly endless loop, hung paintings and the occasional marble sculpture dotting the stretched room.

"From what I've been told, you are skilled. More so, you have a, and I quote: 'Super Duper Cool Semblance'." He said, fighting back the urge to chuckle when remembering what little he deciphered from Ruby's explanation.

Though he knew very little of the girl, The Unkindled one figured it had been Ruby who described his sorceries to the man. Her personality, from the little he experienced, came off as innocently "bubbly". She was jolly, full of youthful ignorance, and admittedly... unexpectedly skilled. The Onion Knight from Catarina, Siegward, would have no doubt enjoyed even a single moment of "Jolly Cooperation" with the young grim reaper.

"And as you are now aware, the battle you partook in was meant for applicants to this very prestigious school you stand within. Yet, your name and very identity are both missing from any and all data banks throughout the kingdom of Vale."

'Asche' glanced at the man to the left of himself. He had figured that was to be expected, considering that he quite literally appeared out of thin air only a few short days ago. His own past would have been only a farfetched fairytale to the people of this world, even despite the borderline magical nature it held.

Then again, the so-called 'initiation' was barbaric and cruelly designed. If the Ashen one's own trial had been merely a story, the preliminary 'test' was the prelude to a daydream. Regardless of their own skill and simplistic arsenals, the students were left to fend for themselves against merciless monsters, many that might have been cause for worry for even the Unkindled one had he ventured alone.

"And despite that, your circumstance is not unique. As a matter of fact, three students you are already acquainted with, fall under the possession of either subpar or non-existing records. In fact, there is currently an exceptionally skilled second-year student with no background insight at all."

The duo continued their walk, 'Asche's' contributions to the conversation being next to abysmal. Regarding the students, Ozpin mentioned, 'Asche' had a few guesses as to who they could be. The blonde knight for one was more suited to filling the role of a humbled squire than being the leader of a squad of "Huntsmen". It helped very little considering how blatantly inexperienced he was. He fought and acted as if today had been his first time facing off against Grimm.

And if the first impressions held any weight, Ruby Rose was also under the possession of falsified documents. A girl as naive as she was, could never hope to enter the Academy earlier than expected. Finally, he figured the white-haired girl could have falsified information as well, seeing as she did very little in dealing with the alleged Deathstalker or Nevermore. Her attitude to her compatriots had also been very unsatisfactory. She demanded and complained about their stellar performances, while barely being above those same figures herself.

"Traditionally, students who fail to either find a partner and collect a relic are promptly disqualified from acceptance into Beacon Academy. You, of course, failed at both tasks. But more than that...you stand in quite the predicament."

Asche remained silent during their continued stroll. In his defense, he only knew the ordeal was a mere trial just hours ago. Then again, if he had known it was a test all along, he doubted he would have so openly joined Jaune and Pyrrha on their fetch quest. More than that though, he likely would have never known of Beacon, let alone Vale for an extended period of time. The word "Grimm" would have never entered his vocabulary, nor the specific names of each variant. And finally...he doubted he would have found his way out of the forest single-handedly without spending days, or the gods forbid, several weeks aimlessly wandering.

"If you would indulge me, Mister Embers...do you happen to have a family or perhaps a home to return to here in Remnant?"

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

The truth is, 'Asche' had long forgotten his true family. He had spent what felt like eons slumbering in an abandoned graveyard, likely having his home nation crumble under the cruel marching sands of time. He shook his head, caring little for what implications that set in the headmaster's mind. Whether it was out of pity or out of taking advantage of what appeared to be an orphan, Ozpin placed an empathetic hand on the other man's shoulder, patting his arm-length pauldron in a slow rhythmic motion.

"I see...how very unfortunate." The headmaster sympathetically responded.

The headmaster quickly withdrew his arm, placing the pale hand into the pocket of his dark green overcoat. A moment of silence overtook the two, the only sound being their footsteps. Thankfully, the ashen one had seen the silhouette of a doorway in the distance. As they drew near, Ozpin spoke up once more, shedding all forms of beating around the barren bush.

"I will be...blunt. As the headmaster of Beacon Academy and a prominent figure of Vale itself, I must ask that you be removed from campus immediately. What happens afterward, is entirely dependent on you alone. I have a school to run and a kingdom to protect. As such, I would be unable to guide or provide you with the tools necessary to carry on with whatever tasks suit your fancy. You will be alone, still in search of finding whatever it is you deem good enough to occupy your aspirations."

Asche glanced at the man, not daring to take his hollowed and concealed eyes off him for a second. He had braved the horrors of multiple broken worlds single-handedly. He had overcome literal gods all by himself. Drakes and Dragons both had been felled by his own mediocre sorcery and painstakingly refined swordsmanship. The Ashen One's few and former companions of Firelink all ultimately met grizzly ends. And yet he alone had always endured.

Being "alone" was simply the norm for the fallen warrior. Ozpin's subtle warning only fell on deaf ears, ones that had become well accustomed to only enjoying the sounds of a crackling bonfire. It was mundane but comfortable and familiar. Threats of taking on another world's hardships was but another challenge he would inevitably be forced to overcome.

"However...I see more than mere potential within you. I see a young man burning with desire for something grander, on a quest of searching for your own greater purpose. Much like those you fought alongside earlier, I see a more honest, more simple soul. You-"

At this point, the pair had arrived at the doorway, the light from under the crack hinting that it led directly outside. Their walking had halted, both men turning to face each other.

Ozpin, the headmaster, gleamed with sophistication and wisdom. He seemed to be a near-identical image of the uncorrupted scholars of the Grand Archives. Both of his hands returned to their place atop his clockwork cane, his legs slightly crossed.

The champion of ash, however, looked rightfully out of place once more. Unlike Ozpin, 'Asche' was dressed in the garbs of a true hunter, a bane to the Lords of Cinder themselves. His armored leggings and greaves, coupled with his silver mask and silver shoulder plating, spoke that he had expected to do battle at a moment's notice. His tattered cloak and overcoat exuded the essence of one who was steadfast and unyielding on the quest to slay whatever beast came into view.

His weapons were diverse and fit for nearly any situation, be it ranged or up close. This assortment, all together, could lead many at first glance to believe he was no better than a bandit or rogue huntsman who had abandoned their duty in favor of stilling fear in the hearts of any who drew their weapons his way. Then again, his armor, save for the mask of a once valiant and cynic knight, was indeed put together from sets that held origins in the darkest regions of Lothric and Londor both.

But the headmaster looked beneath the attire and gear. He saw a warm, vibrant, and thoroughly dented soul. One that had blistered more than any one man should suffer. More than that, he saw the charred remains of a tainted portrait he vaguely knew long ago in the shape of a human. The champion of ash was no champion to the aging professor. No, 'Asche' was just a man who needed direction, a guiding hand...a fellow being cursed with undeath to show him the warmth of no longer living to die again.

"-You pique my interest. Not only have you clearly been well taught, but your 'semblance' is unique but heavily applicable. It is versatile, malleable, and potentially holds more properties than what I bore witness to earlier, much like Glynda Goodwitche's own. Still, there is always room for improvement, and I could offer you that very improvement, as well as much more of course." He finished, recounting the centuries-long ago when he himself still possessed his own form of sorcery.

As a former wielder of magic, the headmaster was confident in his ability to tutor 'Asche' further. Seeing as the two could skip over the basics and fundamental rules, the progress at which the champion could adapt would be...unfathomable to say the least. And with any luck, perhaps 'Asche', Ruby Rose, the second-year prodigy, as well as the other numerous first-year students could be the key to laying 'her' and the hordes of Grimm to rest once and for all.

"If you would allow me the privilege, I would accept you into this school with open arms. Your transcripts, background data, potential combat experience, and even your identification papers will all be personally handled by me. Additionally, I would be more than happy to act as your private tutor, be it academically or offering insight on how best to combat the monsters of Grimm."

Schoolwork seemed tedious, drawn-out, and dissatisfying. But with the alternative being more accident-prone, due to the Unkindled One's lack of general knowledge, a classroom environment might be ideal. And with the complimentary offer of free lessons covering how to efficiently slay Grimm, the champion felt swayed all the same forwards accepting.

"Many bonds will be formed here. You and your fellow hunters in training will go through much, be it rain or the very storm itself, but you will always have another person to share your daunting responsibility. Grimm will come to no longer hunt you, as you will soon become their very hunter. Those you once aspired to be, will then become ones who aspire to be you. In this peaceful world of ours, you and your companions will become shining beacons of hope and all that is good." He concluded, taking a moment to let the Unkindled one weigh his limited options.

"But of course, the choice is entirely yours and yours alone." He added, letting silence overtake the duo once more.

The Ashen One had no desire to seek out an aspiration. All he sought was to carry on day after day. Goals, materialistic or not, were largely unimportant. But if he were offered a quest, as dulling as it could be, he would not be one to refuse.

Without a famed bonfire so far to link, he was left without a purpose. And here was Ozpin, the mystic headmaster of the prestigious academy of Beacon, offering guidance and a set goal. In place of literal legends begging to be slain, there had been wrathful monsters of darkness, equally deserving of being felled. The choice was obvious...either he could wander aimlessly with mundane self-proclaimed hunts to fill his time, or he could instead usurp a role of battling blood starved beasts.

And as chilling as the ultimatum was, he felt it had been leagues better than what he had ended within Lothric. With an armored hand, the champion extended his palm, the Professor grasping it with his own. And after a single professional shake, the deal had been sealed.

"...Welcome to Beacon Academy, Mister Embers."

The pair paused before letting their arms fall to their respective sides. Ozpin worked hard to hide the curl of his lips, while 'Asche' remained stoic and speechless. Under his silver mask, however, his eyes fell to glance at the bottom edges of his mask's eye sockets.

If he was now granted a greener, more humble purpose...then why did he feel as if a shadow had been cast overhead? With that slight sense of warmth he received, why had he felt so conflicted? This dread felt different then the gloom he felt throughout his prior journey. It felt...

Unfortunately, he had no room for thought, as Ozpin swung the door ajar, basking the two in a curtain of dimly golden sunlight. Following this, he ushered the champion outside, revealing the mostly vacant school courtyard. The two stepped away from the hallway exit, Ozpin gently and carefully guiding the other man by the shoulder.

Just meters ahead, three familiar men stood, each had been the young men from the crowd. Each wore a matching uniform of sorts. The tallest and most imposing boy, had dull combed back orange hair. Following this, a boy with slicked-back ash grey stood at the other's side. And finally, a young man with a dirty blond fringe. The trio looked at Asche as if they were inspecting each and every detail of the man's peculiar battle attire.

The leader Cardin, gave a commending nod, approving of the dark knight-inspired armor, figuring the new man would perfectly replace their missing squadmate. Sky, a man with a taste for mediocre fashion, felt a surge of inspiration. With some time and effort, perhaps he too could one day acquire similar garbs...with his own added twist of course. And lastly, Dove flicked his hair aside, concluding the stranger's armor protected the man's body adequately enough while not hampering his mobility.

Asche meanwhile, remained neutral of the three. He had recalled how the three never were announced on stage, causing suspicion that the change in circumstance had been intentional and planned for in advance. In regards to their uniform, however...he felt a sense of dread, one he should have expected. They were wearing a school uniform...one he himself would inevitably be forced to wear.

And just like that, he grasped the true meaning of that sense of dread he felt. He would be a student yet again….

"Mister Embers, meet your new teammates. Cardin Winchester, Sky Lark, and Dove Bronzewing. From this day onwards, you will be known as team 'CEDL' (Citadel). Led by...Cardin Winchester."

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[BONFIRE LIT]

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