Chapter 14: Not quite what you see


"Now feast your eyes on this! My magic wand! PHENOMENAL ARCANE POWER…in a slim and user-friendly stick!"

Lemmy Koopa - the greatest and most humble illusionist in all the world.


- (Recap of last time)

"Anyway, I think we have a problem."

"What might it be?"

"This." Answered the Prince as he hold up a Super Mushroom. "I honestly didn't think this would work or happen."


- (Flashback ends) -


It didn't take long before students from all years arrived at the Minion's household just before the party started, needless to say, a grumbling Goodwitch was here to ensure order and behavior, mostly on the Boss Minions instead of the students.

Staying in the corner of the room to stay away from the crowd, as Ludwig Koopa finished his recalling of the incident from a few days ago, the calculating Koopaling sipped the cup of tea in his hand down in one gulp, once the nerve-soothing flavor went down his throat, Ludwig proceeds to review his own knowledge on the nature of one particular topic: Magic.

Playing music: Pipe Interior - Super Mario Galaxy

Magic, commonly referred to as FP/Flower Points in their world, depends on the usage and situation, some may call it BP/Bros. Points, SP/Special Points, BP/Brawl Points, or Badge Points, whichever name you prefer. But in general, magic is a source of power that anyone could obtain, wield, and develop personal usage, and styles, in various ways under certain conditions with seemingly no end or limitation to creativity, all unique to one.

It is an essential natural resource everyone can draw from and make use of, back in their own world, everything born from the dust of the stars, and all life carries the essence of stars (of course, there's also the ongoing theory and debating that Magics comes from the Moons instead of the star, but let's not dig that rabbit hole yet), anyway, every life in Mushroom World developed their own way of magic to fit in.

Including inanimate objects.

Super Mushroom (also known as a Magic Mushroom, Power Booster Mushroom, Power-Up Mushroom, or simply a Mushroom by norm), was wildly believed to be the first inanimate object other than Super Star to ever adapt magical power and appear in Mushroom World before all life, hence the name of their world. As the record of using Mushroom for all affairs could be tracked everywhere and traced all the way to ancient times. Ancient relics, early civilization diets, fossils, even in space.

When Lord Junior created that Super Mushroom by accident, both of them first assume the thing just normally comes to life like painted Minions, Lord Junior himself is also surprised that this happened, apparently, this newfound power was discovered during that mysterious off-villain-mood trip Lord Bowser and Junior took the other day after Lord Bowser's plan of conquering the Sprixie Kingdom had failed…

Lord Junior did not go into detail, only saying that he discovered that his Magic Graffiti could create Power-Up replicas, although only in a specific condition. (Ludwig assumes it must have been a very recent development then, given the time frame. Still, the worrisome expression on Lord Junior's face tells him there's more to the story.)

Regardless, when the object does not dissolve into a pile of goop after a while, everything changes.

The first instinct was to keep the whole thing low profile, soon after they returned to their dorm without anyone seeing the big, bright and colorful object (thank Stars that pocket dimension magic exists), and they were able to secretly test if this is indeed a functional Super Mushroom.

The result? Let's just say some known definitions were changed.

It functioned just as a Mushroom should, so far… Ludwig was no expert on Power-Ups, that title belongs to Kamek, or perhaps the Mario Bros. Regardless, from what Ludwig himself could tell, the Mushroom was able to replenish his strength after a direct consumption, just the way a Mushroom should. But when they made another replica to try using the Mushroom's power, things got a bit strange.

Ludwig, along with his attire grew bigger in size, but only for a short 5 minutes, without receiving any sort of damage. The power just seemingly ran out on its own, and with that, the Koopaling returned to his real size.

Ludwig prides himself as many things, calm and steady, level-headed, rational, mature, and foresighted, the best brainer in Bowser Kingdom and composers if he should rightfully brag in your face he may add. Which is why he is so taken aback and thrown off the loops when these unexpected discoveries happened…

Because it really shouldn't.

The power of a Mushroom comes in various ways and kinds, and the power differs depending on the using method, but the most common knowledge is that a Mushroom turn people big, about 1.5 times bigger in general by the scientific record, the only known limit being the power of Super Mushroom does not stack, meaning you won't get any more bigger after using up one, consuming two Mushroom at once only activate the power once, making the other wasted.

Now, Ludwig is also no expert on the difference between universes, he simply has only 2 experiences so far in traveling to different universes like the rest of his siblings, but those times were under several certain rules and conditions. And as far as Ludwig is concerned, this universe is definitely not part of Master Hand and Crazy Hand's territory, because under their world's rule a Mushroom only turns you big for about 10 seconds.

Which leads to the problem at hand. The Mushroom turns him big as intended, but not temporarily permanent like back in their own universe, yet nor like the Smash Bros universe's short time limit.

5 Minutes. A tremendous improvement compared to the 10 seconds, but still pale in comparison with the permanent effect back in their world.

So, combined with Ozpin's words on the first day, magic used to be a thing on this planet, the occurrence of Painted Mushroom is sort of explained. But now a much more complexity arises, Mushroom World's magic effect being weakened.

So how much did their Magic capability being affected while they were on Remnant? He asked himself, so far, all their battle magic works just the same way as before, nothing feels off to them, and certainly, nothing has caught his attention up until now.

Was this change only limited to physical materialized Magic? If so, then it must have something to do with how the world of Remnant is composed.

Dust, the term used in every evolution theory, mankind was born from Dust. Similar to their world, everything is born from Stardust. But critically different.

Focus back to the point. How many and how much has changed? How long would a Fire Flower last? Would it be shorter than before? How would a Flower Point summoned Power-Up function compare to a real materialized copy? How short would a Super Star's invincibility time last? And more importantly…

How effective is a 1-Up Mushroom now? Would it revive a person alright just as before, or will it no longer work?

For the first time, Ludwig was both hesitant, and scared to find the answer.

This certainly changes everything. He grimaced, the testing conducted by him and Lord Junior was only limited to Super Mushroom and was done in a hurry, as they haven't had enough time to find out other common Power-Up's function differences.

Of course, the possibility that he is overthinking this is up there, but this is a situation he does not want to risk, and he still has yet to mention this to anyone, not even his siblings…

How the heck are we going to test a 1-up Mushroom. That, is the question.

Furrowing in his mind, Ludwig believes that many actions and many plans need to be reconsidered and re-evaluated; this has certainly changed everything, no more room for fooling around and underestimating.

And he certainly had lost several aces in his sleeve, now that they couldn't abuse Power-Up as their advantage. He had lost one leverage over Ozpin.

Pushing down the urges to facepalming, Ludwig sighed. Knowing their luck, more problems are sure to come their way, he knew of it.

What would Lord Bowser do?

Music ends

"What are you doing?" But of course, things lately just don't seem to go his way, as one voice comes up to confront Ludwig.

"Don't tell me you're locking yourself inside your little world again." Opening an eyelid, Ludwig saw his sister staring at him contemptuously, the crossed arms and raised eyebrow were a giveaway.

"What did we say about being anti-social when participating in social activities?" The fashioned tomboy narrowed her eyes condemnedly at him.

One of Ludwig's many quality features as a loyal member of the Koopa Corps, efficient working, earnestness, foresight, and cool-head; but at the cost of over shouldering responses and duties, and pride, lots and lots of pride. The Koopaling is simply obsessed with perfection, likes doing anything himself to ensure everything works as intended.

And to Wendy, a single cast of looks at her brother tells her that Ludwig is trying to do all the work… again.

With a sigh, the tomboy spoke. "Dummy, this is a relaxing party, not working, get your definition straight will you?"

With a tired exhalation, Ludwig went to his defense. "Dear sister, I was merely evaluating the people attending this party from aside."

Of course, the pinkette simply doesn't buy it. "Uh-Huh… And you are not even planning to interact with them." The sister spat her criticism in Ludwig's face, as a matter of fact.

The slight flinch tells Wendy all she needs to know, guilty as charged, and Ludwig is not going to admit it because he's too prideful for his own good.

Oh brother, why must you always be such a stick in the mud? Always work this and work that.

It's a good thing that Wendy had the perfect countermeasure for this specific sibling situation. A privilege power known as: 'Dear Little Sister'.

'Three cheers for being young siblings.' The tomboy smirks devilishly and smugly in her mind.

With that thought, Wendy drew a long exhale, then proceeded to pout, put up her best disappointing face, and cross her arms.

Uh-oh. Was the instant thought Ludwig had once he realized what Wendy was attempting.


- Elsewhere in the Boss Minions' party

- Playing Music: Electrodrome - Mario Kart 8 (Deluxe) Ost -

Energetic music banged loudly in the background, yet someone was not feeling it. That someone being the deputy of Beacon Academy.

Glynda Goodwitch helplessly watched the madness unfold in front of her with much despair. In all her professional life as an educator in Beacon, never had she experienced this much unprofessionalism, irresponsible, and down-right blood-pressure rising situation. Any person that wants to be a Huntsman or Huntress is certainly worth their own amount of quirky tales. But this has gone from beyond just quirky.

A party was thrown on the freaking first day of the semester. With the said party being decided in a rush no less. And she has no saying or control over this.

Did the newly hired teachers break the rule? No, by all definitions of the school ground rules, not a single one was broken.
Does she have any reason to criticize them in a literal way? No. Not unless they break a rule first.
Was her displeasure justified? No, it's more of a personal preference, opinion and bias, and mayhaps a bit of a selfish grudge.
But does she have the right to be mad? Yes. She HAD, and that's a hill she's willing to fight and die on.

No no, deep breath, Glynda, deep breath.

Sometimes it genuinely scared her of how efficient these otherworldly guests really are. Need a personal weapon to blend in? Decide their pick in under a week and with the finalized blueprint drawn; Teaching course picking? Done under an hour of discussion, with class schedule sorted out and timetable all written and provided with rooms for swapping; Need their own living space? Immediately build a freaking castle in under a week. When they set their mind on something, it shall be done, almost as if nothing stopped them.

At least they didn't have their mind set on conquering Remnant…

Somehow, that line of thought does not sound reassuring in her mind; as if proven how terrible this idea was, a shiver crawls down Glynda's spine, openly mocking her, making the woman cringe.

Needless to say, it was later in the year that Glynda understood the sheer irony of this particular moment and the fact of how much the universe hated her. But that is a story for another time…

The cup of steaming warm tea in her hands failed to simmer down her boiling annoyance, not even the nerve-soothing aroma nor the sweet flavor could ease her mood. At least their taste in tea and snacks is good though.

'Deep breath, Glynda, deep breath, don't let this get to you, it's only for tonight, tomorrow everything shall return to order.' The deputy tried meditation… in the middle of the party, not exactly the best surrounding to do so, but what choice does she have?

Her zen moment was interrupted as a voice reached out to her. "Was the party not up to your standard?" Turning her head, Glynda saw King Bob-omb approaching.

Closing her eyes annoyingly, Glynda grumbled as she turns away from the old bomb man, her reason for displeasure being that the man was supposed to be the reasoning voice of their bizarre group; Yet the old man did nothing to allow this occurrence to happen. "No, I'm just having difficulty registering the idea of having a party on the first day of the semester."

Musing over her words, King Bob-omb absorbed the lady's words pensively, then, after a pause, gave his reply. "Is that so? Yet the absolutely gloomy look and that aura of - ahem, pardon - murdering intent emit from your body tell a different story."

Although very slightly, Goodwitch's posture stiffened, which tells Bob-omb he was right with his hypothesis. With amusement in the old Bob-omb's mind, he tested another theory of his. "Do you find us unreliable? Or yet, untrustworthy?"

His choice of words immediately got a favorable reaction from the headmistress. The lady turns to face him with a wary look, definitely uncomfortable with the turn this conversation is going.

After all, it is without a doubt, after seeing how capable they are, nobody in their right mind would want to make an enemy with them unless they're openly looking for trouble and a bad time. Especially not to mention when they're currently in the relationship of employees and employer.

Although not exactly his expertly nor cup of tea, King Bob-omb does not mind terrorizing people who thought lowly of them every now and then, the title and social status they wear were not just for the look, they were kings for reason, and assist dominance can be fun if you do it correctly. There's a good reason why there are so many people willingly allegiance to the Bowser Kingdom despite the reputation the kingdom holds.

More importantly, this was just a taste of what was to come. And Remnant eventually shall feel the regime of Lord Bowser. It is inevitable.

Chucking on the inside, the old bomb feels sorry for the human madam, just a little. "It seems I have upset you, my apology, perhaps I have come off too suddenly and harshly, what I meant to say was: do we somehow provide you the reason for doubts with our actions?"

Letting out an annoyed and exhausted long sigh, Glynda sees no reason to let the issue continue brewing. "I just find it very difficult to imagine how your king allowed such… loosen governance and discipline running around on a daily basis."

Chucking, King Bob-omb elucidated Goodwitch's skepticism. "Well, for that, I supposed our world was at a time of peace, normally, we don't have to worry about some world-ending crisis or an ever-looming threat dangering everybody." Left unsaid is the fact they ARE usually the ones that threaten their own world's peace, but nobody needs to know that.

With yet another long sigh, Glynda gives her honest thoughts. "Perhaps it is because of the difference in lifestyle as you said, it's incredibly difficult for us to imagine living a carefree life that's so…" She abruptly halted, searching for her words.

"Bizarre?" The gentlemen bomb tilted his head amusedly as he made a guess.

"Chaotic."

"Ouch, but fair enough I suppose."

The blonde lady shook her head as she took a sip of her tea before continuing. "Exactly my point of frustration, you're very aware of your own abnormalness!"

- Changing playing music: Big Blue - Mario Kart 8 -

Hearing that, King Bob-omb laughed louder. "What can I say? That's just how we roll." He turned toward the crowd that was gathering in front of King Boo and Petey, the inseparable duo was performing a music show to hype up the party. "Since our life revolves around magic, entertainments, and standards were also pushed to a much drastic length, every day is an adventure in our world."

He watches the duo engage in a music solo duel, King Boo shredding his guitar while Petey blows his saxophone passionately. And the crowd went crazy as the two went back and forth with their performance.

Shaking his head, King Bob-omb thought in understanding, the two always knew how to gather the spotlight all to themselves, even in a different world no less.

Her point proved, message her temper, Glynda continued her argument. "Ignoring the different life stander, it's the attitude most of you're showing that's getting on my nerves." Turning around, stress was all visible in her voice. She points at King Boo, the source of the majority of anger and stress over her in the past few weeks. "Especially him."

Cocking an eyebrow, Bob-omb quipped. Finding Goodwitch's misfortune very entertaining. "Getting personal now are we?"

Suppressing down a blood vine from popping up on her forehead, Glynda replied. "You'll have to excuse me for finding it absurd that he was able to keep his title and position as a, quote on quote, "King" with an attitude that strives on acting like a man-child and fooling around on a 24/7 schedule. And the fact that all of you treat this like that is a normal thing is just baffling and common sense breaking."

Stroking his mustache, Bob-omb spoked. "When you put it that way, it really doesn't paint the nicest picture I supposed. Still, it's not like we have the right to tell him how to live his life." With a somewhat apologizing laugh, King Bob-omb shook his head in amusement. "But your feedback is noted, we'll be sure to improve our overall performance from now on. Rest assured, we took our job very seriously, temporary or not, any assignment that was tasked upon us, we'll carry out the duty with utmost preoccupation. THAT, I promise you, we're very professional when it comes to working."

Doubting, yet finding the man's word to be genuine, Glynda bargained. "If you can make HIM behave, or keep him on a tight leash, then I would be so… so appreciative." She already had enough on her plate being the headmistress, she doesn't need another load. Give that to Ozpin.

Hearing the request, Bob-omb shook with laughter, his mustache waving with glee. "(Chucks) Now… that would be an impossible task you're asking me I'm afraid."

Glynda just rolled her eyes as she huffed. "How am I not surprised?"

Raising his palm, King Bob-omb sees the need for clearance. "Oh, no, it seems you've mistaken me. I'm not declining the request because it's impossible to do so, but because no one in the universe had the right to do that to him."

Goodwitch crossed her arms as she huffed. No doubt seeing the word as an excuse.

Making sure they weren't being eavesdropped, Bob-omb whispered. "Well, it was never my place to tell this story, but… to give you a general picture. The reason why Boo is always goofing is his own way of grieving."

That, was not what Glynda was expecting to hear, all her guesses were rotated around the idea that Boo was a happy-go-lucky, childish man growing up with nobody ever reprimanding him, or just an unruly spirit by nature.

Grieving, that, was in no way what she was prepared to hear.

Her annoyance turned into confusion, and Glynda's own curiosity was ticked. "Grieving?"

- Music stopped -

The bomb man's shoulder slumped slightly, as if the revelation he was doing have brought back some unpleasant memory, Bob-omb paused for a moment, searching for his word.

"You know… People live, but we all live for different reasons. We may be comrades, following the same lord, serving the kingdom for a common vision, but in the end. We all lived a different life and different reasons."

Questions form in her mind, but Goodwitch stays silent, letting the man speak.

"Just please refrain from mentioning these words to Boo, he really dislikes being reminded of his past..."

With a somewhat dejected exhale, as he watched his ghastly friend having a good time, Bob-omb finish his sentence. "After all, he's living not just for himself, but those who can no longer be here to enjoy life."

The message was immediately understood, and Glynda suddenly found herself coming to a halt. "N-no longer here?" She sputtered.

"Again, it was not my place to tell his story, but, I believe it's necessary for you to understand there is always a reason."

"What… exactly do you mean by that?" Asked Goodwitch, her voice uncertain as her words, no doubt looking for a confirmation from him, yet she probably already had a guess on the answer.

A guess she does not wish to be correct.

The Bob-omb King simply replied back tantalizingly. "I think the important question you should be asking is: What do you understand?"

The reply he gets was the silent Goodwitch is having.

The bomb king mused, this reaction is exactly what he was hoping for, time to bring this conversation to a closure. "As for how you wish to proceed on with this knowledge, that is up to you, should you desire to learn the full story of what happened. Although, just don't force Boo. He really dislikes talking about it."

"Anyway, please enjoy the party. If you'll excuse me, I want to gather some feedback on our party." With his message being done, King Bob-omb leaves the deputy to her own thoughts.

As soon as Goodwitch left his sight, the monarch signed, that was rather a low move. Using his own friend as a card for manipulation. How does Lord Ludwig do this all the time? He questioned.

'Hopefully… this will get her off our back for the time being. We can't exactly initiate our plan with an eye constantly watching.'

Now that they're officially employed, they have lesser time and freedom to themselves, even though they're double-crossing the school, it doesn't mean they could do it openly.

Regardless, anything for the greater good of Bowser Kingdom, if needed, King Bob-omb is willing to share his own fair share of predicament.

Ironically, his own history is perhaps the worst above all Boss Minions.

Steering himself straight, Bob-omb shakes off the old wound, this is no time to drown in the past. They got a whole new world awaiting them to conquer.


- Playing Music: Bowser's Minions March - Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions Ost -

- Back at the party.

"Gotta say, I was not expecting to see a party being thrown right on the first day of the semester." Spoked one fashioned lady, who wore a stylish brown scheme attire.

This girl is none other than Coco Adel, leader of Team CFVY. "The Headmaster's mind sure is difficult to predict." The mysterious man really does have a reputation for making decisions that throw people off loops.

"I'm fairly certain nobody is expecting this to be the way the first day would go." Voiced Velvet Scarlatina, as Fox Alistair and Yatushashi Daichi nodded in concur, in which their leader playfully dismissed their opinion.

Then, turning her gaze, Coco focused on the most peculiar batch of the new year freshmen as she eyed them secretly behind her sunglasses. The extra two teams that were recommended, the group of 8 that Coco and her team have spotted on the campus multiple times in the past few weeks before the new year initiation. A group of 8 that was certainly shrouded in mystery. They do get the style tho, she'll give them that. Very easy to identify.

The fashionist then approaches the newest peer she's trying to know, a certain youngest student of Beacon academy. "So you must be the leader of the mysterious teams via recommendations, certainly not expecting to see someone this young to be enrolled in."

The one she was speaking to was none other than Bowser Junior, who pointed his nose in the air as he heard the coffee color girl's words. "Of course, that just further proved that we are awesome!"

Cocking an eyebrow, Coco let out an amused smirk. "Confident now are we?"

"You bet! I'm going to be the greatest Huntsman in history!" The young princess in secret pointed an arm in the air as he declared loudly and proudly.

"Ho? That's quite a bold claim you're making there."

"Not just a claim, it is a promise. I'm gonna be the strongest person on this planet, and nobody is gonna stop me from achieving it!"

From the sideline, the Koopalings and Boss Minions that happen to hear the commotion watch the Koopa Prince's declaration with a fond smile, the kid is slowly but surely getting more and more mature to resemble his father. Really the perfect example of [Like father like son.]

It certainly would be better if he can be more considerate and not as headstrong and stubborn as Bowser. They all prayed, they really don't need another Bowser 2.0.

Thanks to her shades, Coco shot a quick glance around the room and saw many students have their own reactions to the energetic kid's declaration. Some snickered, some shook their heads, and some huffed in mild annoyance. No doubt finding the word cute, childish, or ingenuous. All were not taking him seriously, which is quite rude. But like she's one to talk, as she's one among those who doubt.

Yet the unwavering grin and confidence on the kid's face tells her this kid is no ordinary, he was serious with his claim.

Her interest evokes, Coco decides to humor this kid. "Well, that's certainly some goal you're aiming for, Coco Adel. Leader of Team CVFY, current strongest team of the second year." Gotta brag when the chance presents itself, let's see how the kid would react.

Hearing that, instead of being intimidated or embarrassed, the kid's eyes lit up, Bowser Junior zoomed in on Coco's face. "Really? Then you must be strong! Oh I know! Let's duel! First one that gets 10 wins out of 15 matches is the strongest!"

Without a proper chance to react, Junior grabbed Coco by the arm, then proceeded to drag her to the outside, leaving her and her teammate dumbfounded. The strong reaction and grip were not what she was expecting.

Thanks to her fashion accessories, Coco's look of surprise was covered, but that doesn't mean she had the right card to get out of this situation. 'Why is it always the quirky one that wants to be huntsmen?'

Thankfully, rescue was on the way already, the Koopa prince suddenly found himself airborne as someone grabbed him by the collar. "Squirt, don't go around and pick up fights randomly." Turns out the one that stopped the hyperactive child was Roy.

Like chastising a misbehaved Chain Chomp, Roy ordered. "Now hands off her."

"But I asked nicely." Pout the prince.

Roy could only sigh, sensing a déjà vu. "That's not how it worked, this is a school, not our home turf."

"Well, that's just stupid." Reluctantly, Junior let go of Coco.

"Well squirt, as far as I'm aware, you can't pick fights openly and randomly on the school ground." Roy then paused, waiting for his word to settle in Junior's mind to make sure it didn't go over the brat's ears. "However! I Do know that students can file in forms to request sparring matches in combat class-" Hearing this, the fire in Junior's eye returns, this time burning intensely like an actual Super Star's radiance.

'Oh boy, here we go again.' Roy rolled his eyes tiredly.

"Really? How come nobody ever told me that?"

"Have you even read the school regulations, student guidelines and terms of service?" The sunglasses brawner quipped, already knowing the answer he's gonna get.

The irony, yes, Roy knows big words. People often mistake Roy to be the all-muscle-brain brawner, but bam, night school has granted him the sacred power known as knowledge. Thanks, Kamek! Thanks for teaching me the importance of knowledge gathering.

The silence and averting gaze plus the sheepish whistle told him that the young prince hasn't bothered to read any of them, even after this entire time since they started living here.

Training, defeating Mario, making new robotic inventions, making Bowser proud, wondering how's mama Peach been?, scribbling, pranking, having 3 meals on time, and having fun; these are all Junior ever focused on in life, anything else is of little concern to him.

Again, woes on Roy for deciding they should Roshambo to determine who's watching over Junior today.

Sometimes, the world just hates you.


- In the main hallway of the Minion castle, with Lemmy.

- Playing Music - Emerald Circus - Paper Mario: Color Splash OST -

'Remember the plan, just some simple tricks, no need for crazy performance, especially negate performance that looked murderous. Negative emotion attracts Grimms.'

Standing in the center of the room, with his inseparable bounce ball underneath his feet as a makeshift stool, confidence and excitement swelling in his chest, Lemmy draws a deep breath.

"Ladies and gentlemen, humans and faunus, huntsmen of all ages! May I have your attention!"

Grooving jams in the backgrounds that are not intense and unresisting to not bust a move; lights equipment under their control to create stage focus, and the presence of a potential crowd. The perfect atmosphere he could ever ask for! Lemmy had found himself a great opportunity at this party.

And now, he shall let them in for a small taste of the grand glory that will soon come over the entire Remnant.

Hearing the Koopaling's loud speaking, those that were enjoying the party turned their attention to the jester.

Seeing he had gotten the attention of a small crowd, the smile on Lemmy's lips expanded. "You're moments away from experiencing the newest form of entertainment in all its glory!" Despite not being an official orator as he's more into being a circus performer, Lemmy knows how to be one and what to be said to provoke people's attention and interest, and an effective orator he is right now indeed.

Among the crowd that's paying attention, Lemmy spots a familiar orange-haired girl dressed in pink, dragging a boy with long black hair with one pink stripe in the bangs dressed in green.

Not far behind them, a girl dressed in white, accompanied by a Portly man with a gray mustache and a lanky man with wild green hair watched with attention.

"The things you're about to see may shock you. They might astound you. But they'll definitely impress you." Now that he had created enough speculation on his announcement with the suspense, time to mark history. "Without further ado, allow me to introduce our first act of the night…"

Spreading both arms wide, Lemmy proudly introduced his masterpiece to Remnant.

"Lemmy's Super Illusion Show!"

"Ohhhhh~" Chimed in a very excited Nora from the audience, already liking where this is going.

Raising one hand in the air with fingers crossed. "SPOTLIGHT!" Lemmy vocalizes loudly as the spotlight suddenly cast onto him.

Some raised their gaze at the ceiling, thinking there must have been a spotlight set on the ceiling, yet they find that there was none, the light magically appeared out of nowhere.

With the stage set, Lemmy pulled out his recently upgraded trusty wand from thin air. "Now feast your eyes on this! My magic wand! PHENOMENAL ARCANE POWER…in a slim and user-friendly stick!"

Again, in the crowd, Nora awed in wonder.

"Now you see me…" Lemmy led the flow with suspensions, then, with a sudden swing of the wand toward himself, the light in the rooms went out in one short blink.

But as soon as the light went out and back, Lemmy was nowhere to be seen from his spot on the ball.

"Now you don't!" His voice echoes in the room, making the audience gasp in surprise.

Where did he go? Asked the crowd as they gaze around the room, wondering where could he go?

"Did you see that Ren? He disappeared in just a blink!"

"Yes Nora, I saw that too."

Crossing her arms, Weiss huffed unimpressed. 'Magic isn't real, it must have been the work of a semblance, a teleport based if I had to guess.' She thought, but decided to humor the guy and let him play his little show first.

Although… this turtle Faunus seems to have excellent control over his semblance, she'll give him that. The teleport was clean, she didn't spot any aura effect or particle effect that could be traced or indicate an activation. So that further proves that they're skilled semblance users.

The heiress narrows her eyes, looks like these extra teams composed entirely of Turtle Faunus family are competent peers she'll have to keep a mind on. She may not be a leader, but Weiss Schnee will be the best, that fact is never going to change.

Then, the ownerless ball starts moving on its own, it first rotates around as if looking left and right, searching for its owner, realizing the master is nowhere in sight, it then moves, leaving its spot, rolling around in a circle around the stage.

The master, however, wasn't actually gone. "Hey, what the- Bally! You shouldn't be moving! That was not part of the script!" Lemmy's voice sounded across the room, confused and alerted. Yet the ball ignored his order, still rolling on at its pace without care.

Voice with annoyance, Lemmy spoke. "Ugh, I know I should've chosen Bouncy to assist me instead. Ok, you, girl, the one with the ginger hair and pink vest." With his word spoken, another spotlight opened up and shone upon Nora.

Surprised and excited, Nora took a second to realize she's been called, she asked toward the ceiling curiously. "You calling me?"

"Yes, you! Can you help me round up Bally? I kinda need him to stay in place to perform my next trick."

Without even a second of hesitation, Nora marched forward and picked the ball overhead. "You got it!"

Just as the crowd started thinking this performance is kinda amateur and underwhelming, something strange happened, something that couldn't be explained.

As if losing gravity, the ball rises up in the air, taking Nora with it, as her feet leave the floor.

Instead of being surprised and maybe showing a little concern, Nora gushed at the position she was in. "Ohhhhh~ Ren! Look! I'm floating against my will and control!"

The crowd watched with wonder and amazement, the doubts from earlier repealed.

In their spot, Port laughed joyfully as he clapped his hand like a child, clearly enjoying the performance. "Ho ho! Bart, what do you think of it?"

Adjusting his glasses, Oobleck played along with the joke and smiled as he gave his input. "Well, from the look of it, it must have been, magic, of course."

From the side, Weiss listens to the conversation with a flabbergast mind, are the teaching staff for real now?! Even if it's just for playing along the gag, a certain line must be drawn. Magic doesn't exist, it must have been multiple semblances at work from behind the scene. Teleportation, telekinesis, gravity nullifying. Only irrational fools would think magic exists.

Was she the only sane person in this place?

As the audience wonders what trick or semblances did Lemmy use to make the ball and Nora afloat. The Great Illusionist Lemmy spoke. "Ok, Bally, this is getting ridiculous. And you know what? I think that's enough playtime for you."

"Off you go." As Lemmy finished. The bouncing ball exploded in a pop, confetti bursting everywhere from within the inflated plastic fabric. The sudden storm of colorful cloth obscures the stage, along with Nora.

When the colorful rain settled down, together with the explod ball, Nora had disappeared from the stage, the pile of confetti being the only thing that occupied the stage.

Again, the audience watched with great anticipation, holding their breath as they were unsure if the performance is over or not. Then…

"Ta-da!" Emerging from underneath the confetti pile, Lemmy phased through the floor as if he was hiding underneath the solid mass the whole time.

From the crowd, many clapped their hands in applause. In which Lemmy took bows in response. "Thank you! Thank you! You're all so easily entertained."

"But!" Raising a finger to silence the crowd. "The act is not over yet." Brushing the colorful paper bits off him, Lemmy take out a balloon, and began to blow it.

As he put more and more air into the balloon, the stretching rubber expanded, soon bigger than a fist, then a head, then a shell, and bigger than Lemmy himself.

Then, holds out a pinky, showing the sharp nail on his fingertip. Without any further explanation, Lemmy brought the sharp pin to the tension surface.

"POP!" This time, instead of the confetti, the balloon popped with glitter, pink glitter.

And in the center of the shiny chaos, a wild Nora appears.

"TA-DA!" Said girl sang happily with her arms spread wide.

From the crowd, Lemmy received a welcome and enthusiastic round of applause. In which the future of Lemmy Koopa's circus business took with stride and pride.


- With Bowser Junior.

The young prince had once again, working that devilish mind of his to his daily scheming, and has found an acceptable alternative for his maniac battle lust.

Arm wrestling! Muscles don't lie, baby.

Believing the need to announce his presence in this school, as well as providing that he's the strongest, Prince Bowser Jr. had decided, in order to do so, the fastest way is to defeat the strongest students among the senior years.

And lo and behold, a group of senior year students brought themselves directly to his attention. What luck!

However, much to the misfortune of Team CFVY, they're the ones that'll have to do the taxing job known as satisfying the hard-to-please Koopa prince.

And right now Yatsuhashi is questioning his luck in the peculiar situation he's in.

Their arms crossed and locked, facing him with utmost confidence and eagerness, the towering senior student found himself staring at a kid with an appearance that couldn't be less than 12.

And he's about to do arm wrestling with the said kid.

'This seems overkill, doesn't it?' Thought Yatsuhashi.

His team leader, on the other hand, seems to support the idea of teaching the kid a lesson in humidity. As he had been instructed to win the contest.

"Alright, you ready?" Called an unfamiliar voice, which brings Yatsuhashi back to the present. As the sunglasses brawner, Roy, asks him if he's ready for the battle of strength.

Looking back at his teammates, Coco gave her trademark smirk of mischievous, which means she actually want to knock down a peg with this child; Velvet gave a weak and uncertain smile and thumb up, her animal instinct telling her this is not gonna end well; while Fox just shrugged as he munched down on the tasty muffin provided by the party.

Nodding his head, Yatsuhashi focused on the arm that was locked against his, guess he is doing this then.

"Ready? Go!"

Soon as Roy announced the start, Yatsuhashi felt a surge of strength emerge to push against his, its source from a young soul whose own face does not match the power he possessed.

Bowser Junior, for all his boasting and overemphasizing word, actually do have the power to back himself up.

Respond immediately, Yatsu pulls more strength into his arm while adjusting his balance, pushing Junior back.

Said Faunus kid, however, seems to be exhilarated by the comeback and answered back with more strength to match the senior student.

"Gee, Yatsuh, you don't need to pity the kid." From behind, Coco voiced, knowing Yatsu, the guy would no doubt stick to honorable protocol and make concessions so the kid won't lose faces, but unknown to her, the big guy actually met a formidable opponent who is currently putting up a good fight.

Grunting, Yatsuhashi comment. "I supposed it goes without saying that one must never judge a book from its cover." The senior student commented in surprise, finding it shocking that someone this youth possessed this much strength.

Said youngster smirked devilishly at the compliment. "Then I hope you're ready to lose big guy, 'cause I'm winning this!" Soon as Jr. made his comeback, Yatsu found himself struggling again with a much bigger force than before, the big guy slowly finding his body leaning and bending toward the table, his arm struggling to push back.

"!" Shocking, Yatsu straight himself and give his all to push back. Before, he was concerned about crushing some freshmen; but now he's more worried about losing to a junior. If the best team in their grade loses. Ain't no way Coco is ever gonna let him off from this.

Furrowing, Yatsu pours all his strength to engage the monstrosity that is Bowser Junior's inherited strength from his beastly father.

Said Koopa Prince now feels the full strength of his opponent, realizing that it was stronger than his. Instead of feeling intimidated, Junior grinned in delight. Finally, some worthy challenging, who knows school can be this fun?

It certainly would be the best if he don't have to do the math.

Grin and bear it. Junior's motto. Was now living to its fullest, as the kid is grinning from ear to ear, giving his all to conquer the challenge before him.

The big guy does possess incredible strength, possibly just a little bit behind Morton and Roy, but still, nothing compared to dad. Great, it seems the power level in this world isn't that much of a different compared to theirs, it certainly will be fun to show everyone he's the strongest.

"Now that's more like it!" Junior remarked, a feat the Koopa Prince rarely does. Just a little bit more, and he'll have this victory secured.

The reality, however, doesn't seem to agree with the prince, as a strange noise of something solid splintering occurred.

*CRACK!* Then, faster than a blink of an eye, the table isn't physically as strong as both human and disguised faunus, and the table gave away under the immense pressure both teens' applied.

Both contestants and the audience watch the now broken table in awkward silence.

"Aw Come ON! That table was a brand new purchase!" Cried King Boo from the other side of the room.


To be... continued?

...

...

Story... resume...


- Somewhere in the land most deadly to mankind

*CLANK! **CLANK! *CLANK! *CLANK! *CLANK! *CLANK! *CLANK!

The loud banging noise of metal clashing echoes in the air, while the atmosphere was filled with the smell of metals being boiling in the furnace in a seething fashion.

From the side, Authur Watts watched the process of weapon smithing with great interest. Normally, such a basic level of forging doesn't propose any value to him.

Today, however, was a different occasion.

*Sssssseezzzzz!

The freshly hammered metal was quickly quenched into a pound of water, causing steam to rise from the surface of the cool liquid. All while the maker of the metal does the work in a breathless silence.

The metal was quickly pulled out from the water, the smith inspecting the result of the work.

"..."

Seemly satisfied with his work, without another word, the weaponsmith discarded the metal to the side, alongside the stacking pile of useless prototypes, before resuming his work, the smith brings his hand to a long lever, then, the stove that was holding the melted liquid metal poured the container onto a table. The liquefied metal glows brightly while emitting tremendous heat.

Pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat, Watts dares not move his eyes away for even a second. The secret of magic forging now lies barely before him, and he wishes to discover the difference between normal forging and properly recording everything.

Without any word, the weapon smith brings his giant sledgehammer onto the glowing metal.

*CLANK! **CLANK! *CLANK! *CLANK! *CLANK! *CLANK! *CLANK!

The rhythmical noise of metal bashing sound once more, each strike comes with pressurizing force; and each slam aims with envisioned shape in mind; the liquified metal soon starts forming a distinct shape, a shape of a giant hand-hold hammer with legs.

Watching with mild fascination, Watts looked on as a big Creep-sized bipedal hammer come to, the red glow of the heat disappeared from the body, as the new creation took its final shape.

Then, the anthropomorphic hammer stood on both legs, angry cartoonish eyes opening up on the mallet head. The thing looked around curiously, before noticing its maker, and quickly bowed down deeply, thier hammer face slamming on the table, making a loud "Ton".

Finally showing emotions for once, Smithy smirked pleasedfully as the Mad Mallet bowed respectfully to their lord. Him, the interdimensional warlord.

Unfortunately, thanks to everything being foiled and destroyed by Mario and his married band, with Exor gone, Smithy had to start over from the ground up, which means rebuilding his own factory and army.

Of course, it's gonna be a slow and taxing process, and there's the problem he won't be able to mass produce his arm like before, but luckily Smithy had plenty of time, after all, he's an inorganic being, and he doesn't have to worry about aging, over time, the Smithy Gang will surely add in number.

If only there's some wish-granting artifact that could rebuild Exor in a signal line of wish…

Heh, that would be an amusing sight.

"If you don't mind me asking, Sir Smith, what exactly do you plan to achieve with an animating hammer? Are you perhaps planning on making assistants to help you forging?" Asked Watts, carefully dodging his own curiosity about the inorganic life-form, there's still much they don't know about their new partner.

"A weapon without a mind wielding it would be useless and harmless, so, ask yourself, flesh bag..." Never stopping his work, the animatronic being asked suspensefully while reaching the lever to lower the stove again, letting the wondering questions hang in the air before delivering the answer.

"What happens when you put a living mind into an army of weapons?"


To be... continued...