Lesson One - A Monster School Fic

Chapter Twenty Seven - Combat Class

obligatory disclaimer: I don't know how to swordfight

above art by SockTheGladiator and CandyThePuppy
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"This," Herobrine produced a bucket, holding it up to show the class its contents. "Is powder snow. Who here can tell me what special properties it has?" Several hands went up, and you glanced around the classroom. Kaden's didn't come as a surprise to you, since he came from a cold biome, and Marrow had raised her hand as well, as had Morpheus and Azara. "Marrow," Herobrine called on her, and Marrow cleared her throat.

"Powdered snow, unlike packed snow, can't support the weight of an average person," she explained. "If you try to walk over it, you'll sink and freeze."

"Correct." Herobrine nodded approvingly. "Does anyone know how to safely walk over powder snow?" Kaden and Azara's hands stayed up, while everyone else's fell. "Azara?"

"Wear leather boots." Azara's voice was flat and deadpan. "The boots help distribute your weight so that you don't sink through the snow." You looked over in mild surprise. Azara was a nether resident, you were really impressed that she knew stuff about colder biomes.

"Correct, Azara, very good." Herobrine set down the bucket on his desk. "Powder snow is often found in mountainous areas, such as grove and snowy slopes biomes. It can also be obtained by collecting snowfall in a cauldron. Who can tell me what someone might want to use powder snow for?"

You started to tune out of the discussion as class went on, your fellow students offering a few ideas for what powdered snow could be used for. Cray had immediately suggested a trap, which Herobrine had acknowledged before moving on to Fade. You didn't have much to offer, so you stayed quiet, focusing instead on Morpheus where he sat on your left.

He looked happy today, engaging in the class discussion and smiling, but you knew better now than to take that at face value. After Morpheus had confided in you the previous night about his depression, you were determined to give him as much support as you could, even when it looked like he didn't need it.

You and Morpheus had sat out on the roof for about half an hour last night, chatting and enjoying the stars, before you convinced him to go back inside with you and rest. You'd spent about an hour laying awake after returning to your room, just thinking about the conversation you'd had. You had a hunch, based on what Morpheus had said about his family, that they had a hand in him feeling as bad about himself as he did. You weren't sure if you were going to be able to undo that damage, but you were sure as heck going to try.

"Y/N?" Your teacher's voice caught your attention, and you hastily looked over, trying to retroactively figure out what the discussion had been about before you were called on. "Can you tell me what kinds of creatures can walk safely over powder snow?" You blanked, your mouth dropping open for a second as you tried to remember if you'd ever learned that.

"Uh..." you stammered out. "Foxes?"

"Foxes is correct," Herobrine praised. "Good job. Rabbits, also, will not sink through powdered snow. Can anyone tell me what creatures will not be harmed by powder snow, even if they should sink into it?"

"Strays!" Kaden blurted out, apparently tired of being skipped over. "I won't get hurt by powder snow."

"That is correct, Kaden, but please raise your hand," Herobrine reminded him gently. "What else?" Kai's hand shot up, and Herobrine pointed to her. "Go ahead, Kai."

"Polar bears," Kai announced. "Their fur keeps them warm."

"Correct, Kai, very good."

As your teacher focused on Dusk in the front row, Morpheus leaned over to you and whispered, "Long night?" You glanced over at him, and he grinned at you. "You seem kinda out of it."