Комната Историй / The Room of the Stories: Глава 4

Act 1. Chapter 4

Camrad_RIP 26.06.24 в 19:32

Author's Note:

Camrad_RIP 26.06.24 в 19:32

Thirty-seven pages... Is that a lot or a little? Well, the way I see it, compared to the number of days to write this chapter, it's definitely not much. Ahem.

Camrad_RIP 13.07.24 в 06:47

Anyway, as promised, the new chapter is out! Eh, I'm so proud of myself.... Whine. Although, if you remember my promise to write two chapters before the new year..... Well, ha ha, I've written the first chapter. There's one more to go! And New Year's Eve is still a long way off....

Camrad_RIP 13.07.24 в 06:48

Eh, but still, I'm really glad I finally finished this chapter. There will probably be an inordinate number of errors and typos, but as they say... No risk - no champagne!

Camrad_RIP 13.07.24 в 06:48

Onward to the adventure! And don't forget, the sequel after the commercials!!!

Camrad_RIP 13.07.24 в 06:49

The incomparable Light_Jester was with you, adios amigos!
* * *

Camrad_RIP 13.07.24 в 06:49

Almost twenty minutes had passed since the end of the last chapter, but it was during this time that students and professors were able to satisfy their needs and prepare themselves once again for the subsequent reading of the book. Of course, the preparation included various snacks and, this time, drinks, such as sodas, tea, or, as in the case of the esteemed headmaster, a cup of freshly made coffee.

Camrad_RIP 13.07.24 в 06:57

Besides the preparation itself, the students were also discussing the third chapter, which although it was funny and entertaining at some points was still not up to the level of the second chapter. There was no "High Priest Russell" in chapter three, which made some students, the silver-haired boy sneered, and then, cursing at whoever began to prepare his seat for the next reading, a little disappointed, to say the least.

Camrad_RIP 13.07.24 в 06:58

Even so, the atmosphere in the room made everyone instinctively anticipate and prepare for more ridiculous and absurd moments. And even Pyrrha, the unrivaled Champion of Mistral, felt her fingers trembling at the mere thought of reading the adventures and exploits of her leader.

Camrad_RIP 13.07.24 в 06:59

Ren's words from the first chapter came to mind, causing Pyrrha to blush even more.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:02

And while everyone was busy preparing for the reading, one blond guy sat quietly in his place and silently gnawed on a cookie - which Ruby had given him for some unknown reason and even apologized for it - while his thoughts were occupied with bad thoughts about his future.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:03

What was the reason for this? It's simple.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:03

Chapter 4 begins with Pyrrha, his loyal friend and partner, starting to read a book. What was so special about that? That someone like Pyrrha would start reading. Pyrrha was kind, loyal, and the best partner in the world - no offense to bookish Ren - but even so, she was still Jaune's age and his friend. Reading yourself or listening to adults read was one thing, but having someone your age start reading a book about your "great" and "incredible" feats was another.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:04

And okay Pyrrha, Jaune knew she wouldn't say or do anything like that, but what would come next... Nora, and then Yang, and finally Mercury! Oh, thank the Gods, have mercy on the poor, desperate boy, and take him out of this room! Why was he locked in with everyone else in the first place?

Camrad_RIP 12.08.24 в 13:14

Jaune had a nagging feeling that somewhere in parallel universes he definitely wasn't with his friends and professors. And for some reason, the boy actually believed these thoughts. Because let's be honest, who would want to lock him up with a book - please, let it be just one book! - about an ordinary guy and a simple man whose name is Jaune Arc, right?

Camrad_RIP 12.08.24 в 13:14

...

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:03

Back to the main point. Namely, how Jaune thought about his death before the next chapter of bullying and embarrassment began. Ah, but who would let him do that?

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:05

//"I wish I were dead..." flashed through the blond's mind as he ate the last cookie and, crumpling the empty pack, stood up to throw it in the trash can in the kitchen. "I wonder if I can pretend to be sick? Or say I feel sick..."

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:06

This could work…

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:06

But even thoughts that might otherwise have shaken the boy's self-esteem or desires, this time did not have the same power as before. And it was ridiculously simple. No matter how embarrassed or ashamed Jaune was by the things that happened in the book, he, for the first time in his life, felt like the main character.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:09

As funny as it may sound.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:09

And, let's face it, he liked it. Sure, he could have removed all those embarrassing moments and generally made him taller and more muscular, but that's not so important. What's important is that even if Jaune were given a chance to refuse to read the book, he, to his shame, would not be able to do so. The story of the book was too ingrained in him. That's why even now, throwing out the trash, he was still thinking about what would happen next. What else would the book version of him face and what would he cope with?

Camrad_RIP 12.08.24 в 13:16

Fortunately or unfortunately, Jaune will soon learn the answer first-hand.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:05

Like many others.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:05

* * *

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:05

"Well," the headmaster's voice sounded in the room, causing all the students and Glynda to stare at him, although up until this point, to be honest, everyone's attention had been focused on him. But anyway, Ozpin, taking a small sip from his mug, looked around the room again. Seeing the expectant and interested faces, the man smiled slightly, adjusted his glasses, and continued. "I see you are all eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story. I think I shouldn't oppose your desires, but still, I would like to clarify."

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 19:35

Everyone was silent, waiting for the headmaster's words.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:10

"Is there anything else anyone wants to do before we start reading the book?" Silence. Ozpin lifted the corners of his lips a little higher. "Oh, great…"

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 19:36

The headmaster's gaze stopped on Pyrrha, who was already holding in her hands - as if it were something incredible and sacred - a book about the War Games.

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 19:36

"Miss Nikos," Ozpin raised his mug, as if giving her freedom to do whatever she wanted, "you may begin reading at any time."

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 19:37

"Thank you," said the champion, lightly squeezing the cover of the book and instinctively licking her lips, dry from anticipation. The champion's gaze first looked around the room, and seeing many impatient faces, she, without realizing it, began to feel how she too was overcome by the general impatience. Even Jaune looked at her with his blue…

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 20:27

//"Stop!" Pyrrha shouted to herself mentally, and then, taking a few breaths, stared at the book. Now was not the time to think and dream about those sky-blue eyes. Weakly shaking her head, the champion swallowed the lump in her throat and, finally opening the book to the right page, stared at one line. "Chapter Four - The First Strike."

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 20:28

There was silence for a while.

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 19:37

"Ahem," Blake's cough brought Pyrrha back to reality, realizing that she had only read a few lines in her mind, causing her to blush slightly. Clearing her throat, Pyrrha looked around at everyone with an apologetic look. "Sorry… ahem. I'm starting."

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 20:27

And as if everyone had been waiting for this moment, every person in the room showed their reaction to her words in one way or another. Many simply approached with interest, while others leaned back in their chairs, and still others demonstratively showed disdain for the book.

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 20:26

But Pyrrha no longer paid attention to anyone, as she had already started reading the fourth chapter, but this time out loud.

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 20:25

<…> Chapter 4 – The First Blow, - Pyrrha's soft voice instantly made everyone in the room immerse themselves in the story, forgetting about the rest of the world. - <…> No one seeks conflict. Sometimes it sneaks up on you, and strikes before you notice. Kind of like women, really. - Many girls blinked in confusion at the words spoken. And only true men could understand the entire sacred meaning in these lines of text. Even Jaune, sadly sighing, turned away while remembering his entire family. More precisely, the female side of his family. And Pyrrha, meanwhile, continued reading the book. - <…>One second you're single, the next – bam – jumped by both your teammates. - This time even the boys joined in the puzzled staring at each other. What was all this about? Only Glynda glanced at Ozpin, slightly raising her left eyebrow and one name was spoken, but even this made the headmaster of Beacon smile slightly and shrug. Frowning, the deputy headmaster listened to the story again, knowing that her guess would soon be confirmed. - <…> Dunno why Qrow always gives me that luck, though. - Ruby and Yang's eyes widened, realizing who the unknown writer of these lines was. - <…> Doesn't it happen that way for everyone?

Camrad_RIP 19.08.24 в 12:30

Pyrrha blinked, then coughed quietly and blushed slightly as she said the last line from the book.

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 20:25

<…> Taiyang Xiao-Long, Blonde Bastard... There was silence. And the next moment a quiet sigh was heard from Miss Goodwitch, who, lifting her glasses, began to massage her eyes from fatigue.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:11

"Miss Nikos, I ask you to continue reading the story before the room starts to fight again," the gaze of green eyes finally met the same green eyes, and the champion, after a pause, nodded and again directed her gaze to the book. And a moment later the melodic voice of the girl began to spread through the room again.

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 20:24

However many were still processing the information from the book.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:12

<…> Medical supplies or food, - Everyone's attention was instantly focused on the book again, as if a switch had been flipped, although the two sisters still felt awkward about their father appearing in the book and being called a blonde bastard. But Pyrrha's reading still managed to get Ruby and Yang to focus on the story again, rather than their own thoughts. - <…> That was our quest. A quest which I've been unfairly saddled with, mind – but a quest nonetheless. I could remember playing video games like that when I was younger, albeit the enemies were usually far weaker and more grotesque in nature. Naturally, the beautiful women of Beacon were neither of those. - Jaune found himself under the attention of many female gazes, but fortunately, this attention did not last long, thanks to which he was able to breathe easily. It was over... <…> Still, between the choice of the two assets, one seemed easier than the other, and it was that fact which kept me from truly panicking, and was honestly the only reason I was willing to give this a go in the first place.

Camrad_RIP 19.08.24 в 12:34

And Pyrrha, enchanted by the story, imagined it all in her mind, as Jaune, calm and collected, silently pondered it all while his loyal knights stood by him and awaited his orders. The girl's thoughts formed a whole new world with each new word from the book.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:13

<…> "This seems unusually easy," Sky commented as we walked through the corridors. "I mean, can we really just walk up to the infirmary and ask for medicine?" - Almost everyone blinked in confusion, and then there were understanding sighs and smiles. After all, even in the War Games, there had to be a working infirmary! Only a few students, including Weiss, frowned, wondering why Yatsuhashi's team hadn't gotten the medicine themselves if it was so easy. A small idea popped into the heiress's mind, but she needed at least some clues to confirm it, and not just point guessing randomly. That's why, having sat down more comfortably, she concentrated all her attention on reading the book. At the same time, Pyrrha managed to take a sip of tea from her cup and mentally decide whether she should change her voice to better understand who was speaking or not, like Headmaster Ozpin did, but, deciding not to bother with it, the girl simply continued reading the story where she stopped.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:15

<…> "I don't see why not," I replied. "It's not like this is a real war. No one's going to prevent us from getting supplies if we're injured." - Pyrrha turned another page and continued reading the story, under everyone's attention. But unlike Jaune, she didn't even notice it, probably used to it. She just focused all her attention on the book. - <…> Not to us, anyway. Had it been CRDL on their own, and had it been Blake in the way, she might have.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:18

Hearing these words, Blake blushed slightly, quickly turning away, trying to hide her embarrassment from everyone's attention. Unfortunately for her, almost every person in the room could see how her bow slightly shrank down to her hair, as if trying to hide. But at the same time, no one said anything to her, since more than half of the students could understand where these lines of text came from. After all, even Glynda could not blame Blake for this. So many simply went back to the book.

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 19:38

Only Yang gave her her signature smirk, while Weiss sighed heavily until her thoughts momentarily lost their focus. And how could she not notice how Blake's bow had a life of its own in moments like these? Or those moments when Blake walked out of the bath with her bow, even though her hair was still wet. Or…

Camrad_RIP 16.08.24 в 19:40

//"Ugh," Weiss turned away from Blake, focusing on the book again. It was better to just ignore all of this and get back to the story than to remember the past and the embarrassing moments in their lives.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:21

So, in just a few moments, everyone except Blake, who was still looking away, was listening to Pyrrha's soft voice again. However, the trembling bow of the black-haired girl could show that even in this state, Blake was definitely listening to the story, not wanting to miss a single line of the book.

Camrad_RIP 27.07.24 в 12:21