Wake Up As Ozpin

Ozpin had won.

He had survived Ironwood. He had dodged a fight with Ironwood. He had successfully distracted Ironwood with a cookie.

Step Seventy-Eight: Accept Victory with Grace.

Which meant he could finally relax.

For about five minutes.

Then his office door slammed open.

He barely had time to register blonde, armor, and barely contained exasperation before Pyrrha Nikos marched inside.

Oh.

Oh no.

Step Seventy-Nine: Survive Pyrrha Nikos.

---

Step Eighty: The Pyrrha Situation

Pyrrha stopped in front of his desk, arms crossed, gaze sharp.

Ozpin kept his expression unreadable. "Miss Nikos. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You dodged me," she said flatly.

Pause.

Ozpin blinked. "Pardon?"

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes. "You asked to speak with me. I arrived. And instead of discussing whatever important topic you had in mind, you… suggested I join a chess club?"

Ah.

Right.

That.

Step Eighty-One: Stall.

Ozpin adjusted his glasses. "I believe extracurriculars are vital to a balanced education."

Pyrrha did not blink. "Headmaster, with all due respect—what are you playing at?"

Step Eighty-Two: Panic Internally.

Outwardly, he smiled. "Miss Nikos, are you familiar with the concept of destiny?"

Pyrrha hesitated. "I… suppose?"

"Excellent." He leaned back slightly, steepling his fingers. "Tell me—do you believe in destiny?"

A pause.

Pyrrha frowned slightly. "I'd like to."

Ah.

Step Eighty-Three: Turn The Question Back On Them.

He tilted his head. "Then why don't you?"

Pyrrha hesitated again. "Because… I don't know if it's something I decide, or if it's something that's decided for me."

Ozpin hummed, swirling his coffee cup.

(He was absolutely winging this entire conversation and had no idea where it was going.)

He took a slow sip of coffee, setting the cup down. "Then I suggest you decide for yourself."

A beat.

Pyrrha blinked.

"...What?"

"The future is uncertain," Ozpin said smoothly. "The path is not set. You may walk toward a grand destiny… or forge a new one entirely."

Another beat.

Pyrrha's brows furrowed slightly, considering.

Oh no.

She was actually thinking about it.

Ozpin had no idea what he just said, but apparently it sounded profound.

Step Eighty-Four: When In Doubt, Sound Wise.

Finally, Pyrrha exhaled. "Alright," she said. "I'll… think on it."

Ozpin smiled. "A wise decision."

Pyrrha nodded, turning to leave—then paused.

She glanced back at him.

"...Do you actually play chess?"

Pause.

Step Eighty-Five: Lie Like Your Life Depends On It.

"Naturally."

She studied him for a moment longer.

Then—satisfied—she left.

The door shut behind her.

Silence.

Ozpin sat perfectly still.

Then he let out a slow, exhausted sigh.

"That was terrifying."

Step Eighty-Six: The Illusion Holds.

---

Step Eighty-Seven: The Bigger Problem

Ozpin barely had time to recover before his scroll buzzed.

He glanced at the notification.

[Glynda: "Reminder—Vytal Festival security meeting in 10 minutes."]

Pause.

Step Eighty-Eight: Regret Everything.

Step Eighty-Nine: The Security Meeting

The conference room was filled with Important People™.

Glynda. Ironwood. A few Atlas officers. Several members of Beacon's security team.

Ozpin sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee, pretending he knew what was going on.

Ironwood was talking. Something about increased White Fang activity. Security risks. Patrol routes.

Ozpin nodded wisely.

Step Ninety: Do Not Look Lost.

"—so, given these risks, I suggest we deploy additional specialists," Ironwood concluded.

Glynda frowned. "That seems… excessive. The tournament should be safe within the arena."

Ironwood exhaled. "We can't be careless."

Pause.

Oh no.

They were looking at him now.

Step Ninety-One: Contribute Without Saying Anything.

Ozpin took a thoughtful sip of coffee.

Then he set the cup down.

"We must be prepared," he said gravely.

Ironwood nodded. "Exactly."

Glynda sighed. "Very well. I'll adjust the security roster."

Step Ninety-Two: Flawless Nonsense.

---

Step Ninety-Three: The Aftermath

As the meeting concluded, Glynda shot him a look.

"You didn't actually contribute anything, did you?"

Ozpin smiled. "I contributed presence."

She stared at him.

Then walked away.

Ironwood clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Good to see you taking an active role, Oz."

Ozpin smiled. "Of course."

Step Ninety-Four: Survive Another Day.