The next few days at Beacon Academy were filled with an escalating game of cat and mouse as Teams RWBY and JNPR attempted to investigate the eight newcomers—Team AJMK and Team DLVR. What started as casual curiosity quickly spiraled into a series of clumsy and increasingly obvious spying attempts.

Unfortunately for RWBY and JNPR, the eight operatives were highly trained troops, accustomed to spotting surveillance and evading detection. Every attempt by the curious Huntsmen-in-training ended in failure and embarrassment.

Tuesday: The Classroom Incident

It began during Doctor Oobleck's History of Remnant class. Teams RWBY and JNPR had conspired to sit behind the eight, hoping to overhear something suspicious.

Blake leaned forward, trying to catch snippets of their whispered conversation. Yang, seated beside her, casually tilted her head, pretending to look out the window while actually observing Anthony's movements.

Ruby, however, wasn't as subtle. She leaned so far forward in her seat that she almost fell out of it, prompting Weiss to hiss, "Ruby! Stop making it obvious!"

Meanwhile, the eight operatives quietly exchanged notes about the lecture—notes that were annoyingly ordinary. The most suspicious thing they discussed was a comment about how the Grimm's migration patterns were oddly similar to military flanking tactics, which was still well within the realm of normal student observations.

At the end of class, David stood, turned around, and looked directly at Blake. "If you wanted to ask us something, you could've just done it. No need to eavesdrop."

Blake froze, her golden eyes wide, while Yang stifled a laugh behind her hand. The rest of Team RWBY quickly gathered their things and bolted, muttering excuses.

Wednesday: The Cafeteria "Accident"

By midweek, Team JNPR decided to take their turn at spying. During lunch, Jaune had the bright idea to sit at the table directly across from the operatives. His plan? To accidentally spill his drink and strike up a conversation.

Unfortunately, the plan went horribly wrong.

Jaune, holding his tray, pretended to trip—but overcompensated and sent his food flying, landing directly on Karma.

She stood up slowly, her blue eyes narrowing as Jaune stammered out apologies. "I'm so sorry! It was an accident—I swear!"

Karma wiped mashed potatoes off her uniform and leaned in close, her voice low and ominous. "Next time you want to get my attention, try talking instead of using cafeteria food."

Jaune gulped, his face pale as Pyrrha rushed forward to pull him away. David, meanwhile, was laughing so hard he had to hold onto the table.

Thursday: The Locker Room Misstep

By Thursday, Team RWBY decided to take a more direct approach. Ruby and Yang snuck into the locker room where the eight operatives kept their gear, hoping to find something incriminating. Blake and Weiss stood guard outside, keeping watch.

Ruby, crouching by a locker, whispered, "Yang, do you see anything weird?"

Yang, checking another locker, shook her head. "Nope. Just clothes and... a lot of snacks. Seriously, do they live off protein bars?"

Unbeknownst to them, Anthony had entered the locker room moments earlier. Spotting Ruby and Yang rummaging through his things, he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, waiting patiently.

Ruby finally looked up—and froze when she saw Anthony staring at her with an unreadable expression.

"Having fun?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with amusement.

Yang jumped, nearly dropping a locker door on her foot. "Uh, we were just... um..."

"Checking the lockers for dust infestations!" Ruby blurted out, her face turning red.

Anthony raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Right. Dust infestations."

David walked in just in time to witness the scene and burst out laughing. "You two really suck at sneaking around."

Blake and Weiss, hearing the commotion, peeked in and immediately pulled Ruby and Yang out, muttering apologies.

Friday: The Forest Stakeout

Desperate for answers, the two teams decided to follow the operatives into the Emerald Forest during their morning run. They stayed a safe distance away, using the trees for cover.

At first, it seemed like they were finally succeeding. The eight jogged in formation, talking quietly among themselves, and RWBY and JNPR managed to keep up without being noticed.

But as they rounded a bend, the operatives abruptly stopped and turned around, their eyes scanning the treeline. Anthony's voice cut through the silence. "Alright, come out. We know you're there."

Yang stepped out first, laughing nervously. "Wow, you guys have really good hearing!"

Blake followed, her ears twitching in annoyance. "How did you know?"

David smirked, holding up a small, round device. "Motion sensors. We planted them along the trail before our run."

Ruby looked deflated. "You've got to be kidding me..."

Jason crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. "If you want to know something, just ask. Spying isn't exactly subtle."

Weiss, looking embarrassed, muttered something about "gathering information" before dragging Ruby and Yang away.

By the end of the week, it was clear that spying wasn't going to work. The eight operatives were simply too observant and too well-prepared for the Huntsmen-in-training's clumsy tactics.

Blake: They're professionals. They're not just students—they're something else. But what?

Anthony: These kids are persistent. Annoying, but persistent. They'll slip up eventually.

David: I'm almost starting to like this. It's like a game of tag, and we're always it.

The tension between the two groups was slowly escalating, and it was only a matter of time before something gave. Operation Shadowfall was getting more complicated by the day, but the operatives weren't about to lose their edge.

The sun hung low on the horizon that evening as Team AJMK and Team DLVR walked the bustling streets of Vale, blending seamlessly into the evening crowd. The operatives were dressed casually, their demeanor relaxed as they made their way to the recently opened Bakery & Sub Shop, a modest storefront nestled between two larger businesses.

The shop was unassuming, with a small wooden sign above the door that read: "Flour & Loaf: Fresh Baked Goods and Subs." To any passerby, it looked like a cozy family-run business, but the operatives knew better—it was a CIA front, established to serve as a hub for covert meetings and intelligence exchanges.

The bell above the door chimed softly as the group entered, the warm aroma of fresh bread and pastries greeting them. Behind the counter stood a cheerful woman with a round face and graying hair, wearing a flour-dusted apron. She greeted them with a smile.

"Welcome to Flour & Loaf! What can I get for you?"

Anthony stepped forward, his expression neutral. "We'll take the 'Special.'"

The woman's smile widened slightly, and she nodded. "Coming right up. Take a seat in the back, and I'll bring it to you."

The group moved to a private booth near the rear of the shop, where a faint hum of machinery could be heard behind the walls. To any casual observer, it looked like they were just a group of friends grabbing a bite to eat.

Minutes later, the woman returned—not with food, but with a small tablet device and a steaming pot of coffee. She set the tablet on the table, poured the coffee, and left without a word.

Anthony picked up the tablet, the screen lighting up to reveal a secure connection. A familiar face appeared on the screen: Agent Mark Stanton, a senior CIA operative who served as the team's primary handler.

"Good to see you all," Stanton began, his voice calm and authoritative. "Let's get straight to business."

Stanton briefed the team on recent developments, starting with local intel from Vale:

White Fang Activity: Increased sightings of White Fang operatives near Vale's industrial district.

Grimm Behavior: Reports of unusual Grimm migration patterns near the city's outskirts.

Beacon Academy: Surveillance footage from hacked scrolls confirmed Professor Ozpin's interest in the eight operatives. Stanton advised heightened caution.

Next, Stanton relayed bonus intel from FSB (Russia's Federal Security Service) and MI6 (the UK's Secret Intelligence Service) about Atlas:

Atlas Military Doctrine: FSB reports detailed Atlas' reliance on advanced tech and automated soldiers, with weaknesses in their reliance on centralized command structures.

Dust Reserves: MI6 uncovered locations of several strategic Dust reserves controlled by Atlas, which could be targets of interest.

Grimm Studies: Both agencies confirmed rumors of Atlas experimenting on captured Grimm, with mixed success.

As Stanton spoke, the team exchanged subtle glances, processing the information. David leaned back in his seat, his voice casual but sharp. "White Fang near the industrial district. Sounds like they're gearing up for something. Maybe a strike?"

Karma smirked, her piercing eyes focused on the screen. "Ozpin's onto us. Figured that was coming. What's the move?"

Stanton's expression hardened. "Maintain your cover. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. Your priority is gathering intel on Beacon and the kingdoms. The White Fang is secondary, but keep an eye on them."

Anthony nodded. "Understood. What about Atlas? Should we prioritize surveillance there?"

Stanton shook his head. "Negative. Atlas is being handled by MI6 and FSB assets for now. Focus on Vale and Beacon. We'll update you if the situation changes."

The briefing ended with Stanton reiterating the importance of staying covert. "Remember, you're not just representing the mission. You're representing the UN. Don't give anyone a reason to suspect you're more than students."

The screen went dark, and Anthony set the tablet down. The woman from the counter returned, this time with actual food—sub sandwiches and pastries. She gave them a knowing look before retreating to the front of the shop.

As they ate, the team quietly discussed the intel.

Rose: "We'll need to do recon near the industrial district. If the White Fang's making moves, we need to know what they're up to."

David: "Agreed. But we can't make it obvious. We'll need an excuse to head that way—maybe a school project?"

Karma: "Or we could just say we're exploring Vale. Nobody questions the new kids."

Lena: "Beacon's our main concern. Ozpin's eyes are on us, and that could compromise everything."

Jason, quiet until now, finally spoke. "What about the Grimm? If their migration patterns are changing, that could be a bigger problem than anything else."

Anthony nodded. "We'll monitor it. For now, we stick to the plan."

The team left the bakery as inconspicuously as they had entered, blending into the evening crowd as they made their way back to Beacon. The stakes were rising, and the pressure was mounting.

But as always, the operatives were ready for whatever came next. Operation Shadowfall was only getting more dangerous, and they intended to be one step ahead of their enemies at every turn.

Meanwhile in the dimly lit tower of Beacon Academy, the faint hum of machinery filled the air as Professor Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch poured over the eight newcomers' files displayed on a glowing holographic screen. The headmaster's ever-calm demeanor was slightly marred by a furrowed brow, while Glynda stood beside him, arms crossed, her sharp green eyes scanning the documents with a critical gaze.

The information was flawless—too flawless. Each student had a legitimate background, complete with fake transcripts, previous schooling, and documentation that passed every check they had run. Yet, something about the eight didn't sit right with either of them.

Glynda tapped her index finger on the desk, her voice measured but tinged with suspicion. "Eight students arrive simultaneously, all with impeccable records. All orphans. All perfectly skilled. And they just happen to join Beacon during a time of increased Grimm activity and White Fang aggression? Forgive me, but that seems... unlikely."

Ozpin, leaning against his cane, tilted his head thoughtfully. "I agree. Their timing is peculiar. And while their records are authentic, they are almost... too perfect. As if designed to avoid scrutiny."

Glynda nodded, her tone firm. "Exactly. Their behavior is also strange. They don't interact with others like normal students. They're polite but distant, always observing, always... analyzing."

Ozpin steepled his fingers, staring intently at the files. "And their combat skills," he said. "They move like Huntsmen who've faced real battles, not students fresh out of their initiations."

Glynda highlighted a portion of the files, her voice growing sharper. "And this detail—'orphans.' All eight of them? That's an odd coincidence, don't you think? Most orphaned students we receive come with trauma, hesitance, or a drive born of tragedy. But these eight show no signs of grief or loss."

Ozpin's gaze didn't waver from the screen. "They have none of the vulnerabilities one would expect. If anything, they are disciplined to a fault. Almost as if they were..." He paused, searching for the right words. "...conditioned."

Glynda stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "You think they're spies of Her?"

Ozpin let out a soft sigh, swirling his mug of hot cocoa. "I wouldn't jump to conclusions. But it would be prudent to keep a closer eye on them. Their presence here is... unusual, and we mustn't ignore the possibility."

Glynda brought up combat footage from the initiation trial, showing Team AJMK and Team DLVR performing flawlessly against the Grimm. The screen displayed Anthony taking down an Alpha Beowolf with calculated, efficient strikes, while David and Mina worked in perfect synchronization to flank a pack of Ursa Minors.

"They're almost too efficient," Glynda remarked. "Their movements are precise, practiced, and coordinated. Even veteran Huntsmen take time to develop that level of cohesion."

Ozpin nodded. "It's as if they've been fighting together for years, not days. Their techniques are also... unorthodox. Their strikes aim for critical points on the Grimm—areas most students wouldn't even think to target."

"And the tallest, Anthony," Glynda added, pointing to the screen. "He's... unnervingly calm. Not even a flicker of hesitation or doubt. It's as if he's been in battlefields before."

The screen shifted to display a summary of their backgrounds, which only deepened the mystery. All eight were listed as orphans, having allegedly lost their families in Grimm attacks. Their pasts were sparse but believable, each one carefully crafted to align with the usual tragedies of Remnant.

"What do we know about their origins?" Glynda asked.

Ozpin shook his head. "Not much. The records state they've moved frequently, living in various orphanages across the four kingdoms. Yet, no one seems to recall anything remarkable about them. They've remained... unassuming."

"Unassuming," Glynda repeated, her voice laced with skepticism. "I don't like it. No one goes unnoticed in Remnant without a reason. And yet, they managed to slip through every crack."

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant as he contemplated the situation. "For now, we'll continue to observe them. I'll assign surveillance during their training sessions, and we'll monitor their interactions with the other students."

Glynda's lips pressed into a thin line. "Do you think they're dangerous?"

Ozpin glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Perhaps. But whether they pose a threat to Beacon or an opportunity remains to be seen."

Glynda nodded reluctantly. "I'll keep a close eye on them."

Unbeknownst to the professors, Team AJMK and Team DLVR were well aware of the scrutiny they were under. Their training and instincts told them that Beacon's leadership was piecing together the puzzle, even if they didn't yet know the full picture.

In their dorm that night, Anthony stood by the window, looking out at the glowing lights of distant Vale. "They're onto us," he said simply.

Jason, lying on his bed, spoke. "Of course they are. It was only a matter of time. Question is, what's their next move?"

Karma, perched on her bed, grinned mischievously. "Whatever it is, I say we stay one step ahead. Let them watch us—they won't find anything we don't want them to."

Mina crossed her arms, her tone serious. "We'll need to be extra careful. If they figure out what we really are, this entire mission is compromised."

Anthony's eyes gleamed faintly in the darkness, the green glow concealed behind his contact lenses. "Let them look. We're ready for whatever they throw at us."

As the operatives prepared for another day, the tension between the hunters and the hunted continued to grow, setting the stage for a clash that could reshape the fragile balance between Earth and Remnant.

That midnight, the eight operatives of Team AJMK and Team DLVR gathered in the former's dorm room late that night, the dim light from a laptop illuminating their faces. Anthony and Mina sat at the desk, their fingers flying across the keyboard as they hacked into Beacon Academy's surveillance systems. The others stood watch, their eyes scanning the room for any sign of interruption.

David leaned against the wall, smirking. "So, how's the supposedly advanced security system of Beacon holding up?"

Anthony didn't look up as he typed, his tone flat. "A fuckin' joke. I've seen vending machines with better firewalls."

Mina chuckled, her sharp eyes focused on the screen. "Seriously, this isn't even a challenge. I thought a prestigious academy like this would at least try to keep their systems secure."

Jason, standing near the window, glanced over. "Well, it makes our job easier. What do you see?"

After just a few minutes, the operatives had full access to Beacon's surveillance network. Every camera feed, every recorded conversation, and every hidden device was laid bare before them.

Dorm Room Cameras: To their dismay, they discovered that hidden cameras were installed in dorm rooms, a blatant invasion of privacy. Anthony frowned. "This is disgusting. Even Earth's militaries don't stoop this low."

Karma grinned mischievously. "Let's delete everything. Better yet, let's alter the feeds."

Mina nodded. "Agreed. We can't leave anything that might give us away."

Within minutes, they wiped all footage of their dorm rooms and set up a looping feed that showed them behaving like normal students—studying, laughing, and occasionally sparring.

Common Areas: The cafeteria, gym, and hallways were also under constant surveillance. They ensured any footage of their unusual behavior was scrubbed clean.

As they combed through the recorded audio files, they found several conversations between Beacon staff and students, many of which mentioned them.

Professor Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch:

Ozpin: "Their movements are too deliberate, too practiced. They don't carry themselves like students. They carry themselves like soldiers."

Glynda: "And their backgrounds? Do you believe those are legitimate?"

Ozpin: "They are perfectly crafted. Too perfect. I suspect they're hiding something, but without proof, we cannot act. We'll need to continue observing them."

Team RWBY in the Cafeteria:

Yang: "Okay, but seriously, did you see Anthony in the gym? Who squats a thousand pounds and makes it look easy?"

Weiss: "I still think they're using some kind of enhancement. No one's that strong naturally."

Blake: "It's not just their strength. It's the way they move, the way they act. They're not normal students."

Ruby: "I think they're cool! Maybe they're just super-secret Huntsmen or something?"

Team JNPR in the Dorms:

Jaune: "You don't think they're spies, do you?"

Pyrrha: "I'm not sure. But they're... different. Their coordination is almost military-like."

Ren: "And their weapons. Their designs are more... utilitarian."

Nora: "Maybe they're aliens! Or robots!"

David smirked as he listened to the recordings. "Well, at least we're living rent-free in their heads."

Karma laughed softly. "Robots? Aliens? These kids have wild imaginations."

Mina, however, was more serious. "Ozpin and Glynda are the real concern. They're sharp, and they're watching us closely. We'll need to be extra cautious."

Anthony nodded. "We knew this would happen. Just stick to the mission and don't give them anything to work with."

After finishing their alterations to the surveillance system, the team set up additional countermeasures:

Alert Triggers: If anyone tried to access their dorm feeds or tamper with the altered footage, the system would notify them immediately.

Fake Data Trails: They planted false data in Beacon's network to mislead anyone digging into their records.

Eavesdropping: They left the microphones active, allowing them to continue listening in on conversations about them.

Jason, still uneasy, spoke up. "What if they find out we've hacked their system?"

Anthony gave him a reassuring look. "They won't. And even if they do, by the time they realize, we'll already be ahead of them."

As they finished their work, Anthony leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "We're in deeper than I'd like, but we're still in control. For now."

David stood, stretching. "I say we get some rest. We've got another day of playing student tomorrow."

The eight operatives settled in for the night, knowing that the stakes were only getting higher. Their mission required them to stay one step ahead of their enemies—and so far, they were succeeding. But the growing suspicion from Beacon's staff and students meant that any slip-up could have catastrophic consequences.

Operation Shadowfall was becoming a battle of wits, and the operatives intended to win.

The next day the sunlight poured through the large windows of the Beacon Academy Plant Science classroom, casting a warm glow over the rows of wooden desks and the numerous potted plants lining the walls. The air was filled with the faint scent of soil and flowers, a refreshing change from the metallic tang of the combat arenas or the cafeteria's buzz.

At the front of the room stood Professor Thumbelina Peach, a petite woman with a warm, motherly demeanor. Her short, Peach/Tea Rose hair in a bun bounced slightly as she moved, her crimson eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She wore glasses, a white lab coat, a jet black dress, and practical black gloves—a teacher who clearly practiced what she taught.

"Good morning, class!" she chirped, clapping her hands. "Today, we'll be diving into the fascinating world of flora and its applications in Dust-infused plant cultivation. Now, who can tell me why certain plants are more responsive to Dust than others?"

The room was half-filled with attentive students, among them Vincent Park and Jason Henderson of Teams AJMK and DVLR, seated in the middle row, and Weiss Schnee and Blake Belladonna of Team RWBY, sitting closer to the front.

As Professor Peach scanned the room, her gaze landed on Vincent, who was leaning back slightly in his chair, exuding his usual calm demeanor. Jason, seated beside him, looked far less relaxed, fidgeting slightly with a pen.

"Mr. Park," Peach said, her voice soft but firm. "Can you enlighten us on why Dust affects certain plants more than others?"

Vincent straightened slightly, his tone even and measured. "It's due to the molecular structure of the plants. Some have a higher affinity for Dust particles, which allows them to absorb and store the energy more efficiently. The more porous the cellular walls, the better the absorption."

Professor Peach's smile widened. "Excellent! That's exactly correct. Well done, Mr. Park."

Jason glanced sideways at Vincent, muttering under his breath. "Show-off."

Vincent smirked. "It's called paying attention, rookie."

At the front of the room, Weiss raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by Vincent's answer. "Well, at least one of them seems to have some intelligence," she murmured to Blake.

Blake, however, wasn't as dismissive. She watched Vincent closely, her sharp golden eyes catching the ease with which he answered. It wasn't just that he knew the material—he spoke like someone who had been trained to analyze and articulate complex concepts. It was... different.

Her attention shifted to Jason, who was scribbling furiously in his notebook, his nervous energy contrasting sharply with Vincent's calm confidence. Blake frowned. They don't act like first-year students.

After the brief lecture, Professor Peach directed the class to the hands-on portion of the lesson. Groups of two were tasked with infusing Dust into specific plants and observing how the plants reacted to different elements.

Vincent and Jason: The two worked efficiently, Vincent handling the Dust infusion while Jason recorded the results. Despite his earlier nervousness, Jason's observations were sharp and precise, noting subtle changes in the plants' color and growth rate.

Weiss and Blake: Weiss took the lead, her precise movements reflecting her refined upbringing, while Blake silently assisted, her focus split between the task and watching Vincent and Jason out of the corner of her eye.

At one point, Weiss glanced over at Vincent and Jason's table and couldn't help but comment. "You seem unusually adept at this for someone new to Beacon."

Vincent glanced up, his expression unreadable. "Botany's just a hobby. Helps with stress."

Jason stifled a laugh, earning a subtle glare from Weiss. "Stress? What could you possibly have to stress about?"

Vincent shrugged. "New school, new people, new... experiences."

Blake's eyes narrowed slightly. He's deflecting.

As the students moved around to compare their results with other groups, Jason accidentally bumped into Blake, nearly spilling her sample.

"Oh, sorry!" Jason stammered, his face flushing. "Didn't mean to—uh—interrupt."

Blake steadied the sample and gave him a small, polite smile. "It's fine. Be careful next time."

Weiss, standing nearby, couldn't help but notice Jason's nervousness. "You're awfully jumpy for someone in a controlled environment," she remarked, her tone icy.

Jason scratched the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze. "Yeah, well... I guess I'm just not used to plants being so... volatile."

Vincent, overhearing the exchange, smirked. "Cut him some slack, Schnee. Not everyone can grow up surrounded by Dust gardens."

Weiss bristled. "And what exactly are you implying?"

"Nothing," Vincent replied smoothly, his calm tone diffusing the tension. "Just making an observation."

As the lesson wrapped up, Professor Peach praised the class for their efforts, particularly highlighting Vincent's and Jason's detailed observations. "Excellent work, Mr. Park and Mr. Henderson. Your results were some of the most thorough I've seen today."

Weiss, clearly irked, muttered to Blake, "I still don't trust them. They're too... polished."

Blake nodded subtly. "I agree. But we'll figure them out eventually."

As the class filed out, Vincent and Jason exchanged a knowing glance. The subtle tension between them and RWBY hadn't gone unnoticed, but they kept their expressions neutral.

Jason, still feeling the weight of Weiss's and Blake's scrutiny, whispered to Vincent, "Do you think they're onto us?"

Vincent smiled faintly. "Let them wonder. It's better that way."

Back in their dorm later, Vincent relayed the events to Anthony and the others. "They're watching us closely. Schnee's suspicious, and Belladonna's sharp. If we're not careful, they'll figure out we're more than just students."

Anthony nodded, his expression serious. "Then we don't give them anything to work with. Stay focused, stay in character, and stick to the mission."

The operatives knew the game was becoming more dangerous. With every interaction, the veil of secrecy around Operation Shadowfall grew thinner. But they were trained for this.

No matter how close RWBY and the others got, the eight would remain one step ahead.

The classroom was abuzz with energy as Dr. Bartholomew Oobleck, Beacon Academy's resident whirlwind of a teacher, zipped around the room, punctuating his lecture with rapid-fire questions and animated gestures.

His green hair bounced with every step, and his words came out in a continuous, caffeinated stream. "Now, class!" he exclaimed, waving a holographic display that showed maps, protests, and key figures from the Faunus Rights Revolution, "who can tell me about the events leading up to the infamous Massacre of Buckhaven, hmm? Anyone? Anyone at all?"

The students sat in silence for a moment, their expressions mixed—some confused, others intimidated by the rapid pace. In the middle of the room, Anthony sat calmly, taking notes with a steady hand. This topic was one he knew all too well—not just from books, but from the stories he'd heard directly from Ghira, Kali, Sienna, and even the White Fang grunts in Menagerie.

Behind him, Team JNPR watched, curious about their mysterious classmate. Jaune, Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora exchanged glances, as if silently urging one another to speak up.

Dr. Oobleck, pausing for a second longer than usual, noticed Anthony's composed demeanor. "Ah! Mr. Grant, yes, yes, you seem to have an air of familiarity with the topic—care to enlighten the class?"

Anthony nodded, meeting the professor's eyes. "The Massacre of Buckhaven was a turning point for the Faunus Rights Revolution. It was one of the most violent clashes between Faunus protestors and the Atlas military. Over a hundred Faunus were killed when they refused to disperse, which led to increased support for the Faunus movement worldwide. This event also deepened the rift between the Faunus and Atlas, turning public opinion against the heavy-handed tactics used by the authorities."

A ripple of surprise passed through the room. Even some of the Faunus students, who usually kept a low profile, turned to look at Anthony with newfound respect. Dr. Oobleck's eyes widened in delight as he absorbed the thorough answer.

"Ah, splendid, Mr. Grant! Yes, yes, you've captured the essence of the event perfectly! The Massacre of Buckhaven indeed played a crucial role in the mobilization of the Faunus movement! A complex situation, fraught with moral ambiguity, social upheaval, and, of course, the ever-present undercurrents of inequality. Fascinating, isn't it?"

However, not all students appreciated Anthony's insight. A few snickers came from the back, followed by a whispered comment that, though quiet, was loud enough for everyone to hear:

"Yeah, but they're just animals anyway. Should've stayed in their place."

The room went silent, tension hanging thick in the air. Anthony's jaw tightened, and his hand clenched around his pen, veins visibly bulging beneath his skin. His dark eyes turned cold as he fought to maintain his composure, his chest rising and falling in measured breaths.

Normally, his instinct would be to tell them to shut the fuck up, and not in the politest of terms. Back in Menagerie, he'd seen firsthand the struggle of the Faunus people, and his experiences left little tolerance for ignorance or bigotry. But this was Beacon, and he couldn't blow his cover.

"Hey," Anthony said, his voice steady but firm, turning slightly in his chair to look at the offending student. "You need to watch your tone and choice of words in this class. Respect goes both ways."

His calm warning was met with a few murmurs of discomfort from the surrounding students. A couple of Faunus students nodded appreciatively, while others glanced away, trying to avoid the conflict. Team JNPR, sitting directly behind him, observed the scene with a mixture of curiosity and surprise.

Dr. Oobleck, ever the keen observer, had been paying close attention. He pushed his glasses up his nose and gave Anthony a nod of approval. "Well handled, Mr. Grant. Respectful dialogue is paramount, especially when discussing such sensitive matters as the Faunus Rights Revolution. History is, after all, a lesson in empathy as much as it is in facts and figures!"

Anthony managed a small nod in response, though his muscles were still visibly tense. Jaune, sitting directly behind him, noticed the slight tremor in his hands and the tightness of his shoulders, signs of barely contained anger.

"Whoa," Jaune muttered under his breath. "He looks like he's about to snap."

Pyrrha leaned forward slightly, her voice concerned but soft. "He's holding it in. It's taking a lot of control."

Nora shrugged, a mischievous grin on her face. "Still, he handled it pretty well! Usually, people don't stand up like that."

Ren nodded in agreement. "He's definitely been through something. Whatever it is, it's shaped him more than we know."

As the class continued, Anthony tried to refocus on Dr. Oobleck's lecture, but the casual dismissal of the Faunus struggle still echoed in his mind. His fists clenched and unclenched, his veins still prominent as he forced himself to breathe deeply. He could feel the eyes of the Faunus students on him, their silent gratitude palpable, and that gave him a small measure of comfort.

But the hidden rage was there, simmering beneath the surface. It wasn't just anger at the ignorance—it was personal. Anthony had heard those words too many times before, seen the damage they caused, and it took everything in him to keep from lashing out.

He knew that his team needed to stay undercover, that this mission required subtlety and control. But if he had to listen to one more racist comment...

Team JNPR exchanged knowing glances, the tension in the room palpable even to those not directly involved. They'd seen Anthony's reaction, and they'd seen how he held back. There was more to him than he let on—more than just the calm, confident exterior he presented.

Dr. Oobleck wrapped up his lecture with an enthusiastic flourish, praising the class for their participation and reminding them to think critically about the implications of history. As the students gathered their things and headed out, Anthony stayed behind for a moment, taking a deep breath to center himself.

As Anthony left the classroom, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Pyrrha, her expression gentle but curious. "Hey, Anthony, right? That was really brave of you, what you said in there. It's not easy standing up like that."

Anthony gave a small nod, his usual calm demeanor slipping back into place. "Thanks. Someone had to say it."

Jaune stepped up beside her, looking slightly nervous but genuinely impressed. "Yeah, man. That was awesome. Those jerks had it coming."

Anthony managed a faint smile, appreciating the sentiment even though he was still simmering inside. "Just... some things you don't let slide, you know?"

Blake, who had been listening from nearby, gave him a brief but meaningful nod. She, more than most, understood the complexities of the Faunus struggle, and Anthony's actions hadn't gone unnoticed.

As he walked away to rejoin his team, he knew that the next class wouldn't be any easier. Operation Shadowfall required them to stay undercover, but every day at Beacon was testing his patience more than he'd ever imagined.

Still, Anthony was nothing if not resilient. He'd survived war, conflict, and seen the struggles of those in Menagerie firsthand. He could handle a few ignorant students. For now.