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

Shed survived his first spellspells?and that was an accomplishment in itself. It might have sounded arrogant, but she doubted anybody in this class could have done the same, mostly because she couldnt even believe she had done it herself. But here she was, still standing, a dull ember of flame left from the earlier spell burning a mote of dust near her feet as she solidified her stance again. For a moment, she was grateful for her anxious cautionhad she underestimated him, she surely wouldnt have put up so strong of a shield, which could have ended very badly, to say the least. Respect her opponents abilities, but remember that she has her own talents to utilizea lesson shed heard many times through her years. Yet witnessing just what Professor Sherlin was capable made her realize just how much more she had yet to learn. Lessons such as the fact that dual-casting apparently counted as one spell, as he shifted his position without losing the intense point in her direction. It was half-expected, but there was still a mental curse floating within her head somewhere as she sank her weight into the floor a bit further, wand poised to defend against whatever new, odd spell concoction he decided to throw her way. There was just one more chance for him to win, but now she knew what kind of power to expect. If she could muster the strongest shield she could, he wouldnt touch her, and then maybe all of this could finally be over. Or not , she realized in the back of her mind, as his sort of endurance-training method of the winner dueling until they couldnt anymore would just mean shed be thrown right into another match against one of her classmates. For a moment, she considered how much easier things could be to just give in now, knowing full well that she couldntshe wanted to learn, she wanted to improve. These things werent going to happen unless she confronted them head on. Though that sure as hell didnt make the task any easier. Professor Sherlins first word was surprisingly clear before it fell into the odd amalgamation of sound, deep and unnerving. Olivia had been prepared to cast another shield, determined to stay standing, but her brows furrowed at the implication of that word. Finite. Finite Incantatem? What could he use negating magic for in the middle of a duel? Her shield, she realized with a joltthat was the only thing shed cast that could even possibly be negated, anyway. That sort of magic was never really used in combat unless it was absolutely necessary. Hell, she didnt even know if it was something that could be used against a shield, but if Professor Sherlin was going for it, then it must work, which was bad news for her. This would leave her extremely vulnerable to whatever else he decided to cast with itwith one spell, he could strip her of her one strength. Was it worth fighting against, trying to deflect it anyway? Was it worth the risk? She didnt have the time to decide. The flashes of sharp light came into view, and Olivia suddenly found her body moving. It quickly dropped onto the ground below and flattened against the tiles as a warm rush of energy whizzed above her, tossing her dark brown hair about as the magic nearly dragged its sharp talon down her back. The adrenaline pulsing through her head muffled the sound of the spells sizzling against the wall behind her, dissipating into nothingness. With a hasty breath, she jumped back up to her feet, wide eyes finding her opponent again as she tensed and raised her wand, ready for another spell mixture that never came. It took her a moment to realize that this was spell number twohe couldnt cast any more, unless he decided to go against his own rules. Shed managed to avoid it, and now he was essentially unarmed. Somehow, shed gotten through his challengeit was still too unbelievable to accept, her posture still poised to guard against whatever else he might throw at her, even if nothing would come. After all, he might just decide to change his rules at the last minute, as some sort of lesson. The rules. Some small bit of awareness in the back of her head reminded her that she had two spells left to cast. She could disarm him, but as he stayed stoically still, she hardly saw the pointhe was going to keep his word. Rules were rules, it seemed. There was no need for further conflictnow was the time for mercy. Her wand lowered to her side, the prepared posture shifting to something cautious but casual. I wont cast a spell against a man that cant or wont retaliate. Im sorry, Professor. The wand next to her thigh sparked a lazy flame that began to drift towards the floor, a small gush of water promptly summoned from the tip of the wood falling to extinguish the ember and splash against the floor below. Two spells. Not quite used in the context of dueling, but two spells all the same. The duel was overat least, she hoped.