Thread: The Dirty Part of Physics [ClockworkCadence ║ Ryees]

It was hard to ignore the death glare Helen had shot her way after realizing a certain color of green was shining through a translucent white. Olivia mentally smacked herself for not taking into account the fact that the woman had on white clothing before she resorted to using waterif there was a good way to make friends with someone, dousing them in liquid and exposing their bra to the world was not one of them. Instead, she focused her attention on the owl on the board, the violent display of the number zero being shredded into white bits by the owl a fine, but horrifying distraction. The crumpled remains of zero lay in unrecognizable chunks, white lines of blood trickling down the board as the owls talon crudely sliced a one atop the carcass of zero, standing like a triumphant victor. It made her a bit afraid of how far Professor Sherlins mind may be gone. Yet the one also caused her a bit of apprehension, considering all of the rest of the names on the board. This was certainly not the last time shed step into this circle today. One was just the beginningtwo may be even harder, considering the fact that the entire class had been watching with great interest to figure out just how she dueled. They knew at least one of her tricks, and who knows what else they may have noticed on their ownher strong defense, her relatively weak offense, the fact that she could only focus on one spell at a time even if she was able to use her wand and her free hand for magic, even the fact that she leaned her weight a bit forward in her stance. She didnt know what other people saw when they watched her, but she knew that they were all looking for a weakness, for informationwhat she was capable of, what she wasnt, how to throw her off. The next duel may very well be the last one of the day for her. A tiny squeak of surprise caused her attention to fall back on her not-quite companion, her hand pressed against a nearly-transparent barrier that seemed to span the perimeter of the circle with a confused and slightly indignant expression. With a bit of interest, a curious gaze observed her own surroundings, finding the same barely-there glass. When did that get there? Of all the things Professor Sherlin could have done, sticking them in a fishbowl was definitely not expected. Of course, by this point, Olivia should have realized it was unsettlingly futile to ever try to predict the mans actions. His voice sounded clear despite the glass surrounding her, his intentions once again filled with nothing but the oddest ways to teach them that somehow ended up effective along the way. He seemed to enjoy his job in this moment, giving what was probably the first glance into just how he ended up in this teaching position here in the first place. Maybe he really had a passion for thisand that would make sense, considering how hard he seemed to want to push them and how challenging and surprising his methods were. Preparing them for anything and everythingperhaps he really did want to make sure everyone had the ability to survive, despite his apparent lack of care for their wellbeing hed demonstrated thus far. Helens response to the question he'd posed was impressively thoughtfulit looked like she genuinely learned something and took the lesson to heart. It wouldnt be surprising if her next duel saw a noticeable shift in how she performed. Maybe Olivia underestimated hershe appeared be rather bright, and dedicated to bettering herself. Maybe thats how she didnt end up sucked out the door at the beginning of the class. Olivia had expected the question to be directed over to her, the slightly amused expression on her face from actually hearing the phrase Sherlin point being utilized falling as his words sank in. An introspective look dawned on her visage as her gaze wandered to nowhere in particular, her words careful and thoughtful. My reliance on my environment is risky, at best. I cant focus on two spells at once, which would leave me open to attacks if Im in the middle of casting something environment-based. Even then, Helen very well could have noticed my intentions or still fought through the distraction, which means I would have accomplished nothing in terms of gaining the upper hand. I got lucky. In a duel where I cant use strategy, however Sapphires landed on the woman retreating to her seat, hoping her words might smooth over some of the unintended animosity sparking between them. Im pretty certain she would have won. Her spells are strongmuch more than mine are. She has good offense, and I have good defense. Its the kind of match that would drag on until my stamina gave in, because I dont have enough offensive capabilities to really turn the tide. Its a weakness Im going to need to focus on as time progresses. The glasss slight shine dissipated, indicating satisfaction with her answerfootsteps began a calm retreat to her desk, a soft sigh of relief ghosting out of her lungs as everyone's attention was finally off of her.