Her assumption had been right. She was on some level, expecting it to be. While she still had a lot of mysteries unsolved, she definitely was starting to find the secrets of the spirit world starting to unravel. Emulating the steps, she was a lot more confident in her ability to make it work as she sat to meditate in front of the candle. In the span of one week, her knowledge inarguably grown taking years of work to entirely new level. Yet…why did she get the feeling she hadn’t yet reached the climax of everything she could do. Always more to learn. Always another mountain to climb.
Adam thinks about going to visit Phoebe, but dismisses the idea. I want to take my time with that one. "Hey, Alex. You have another class right now? Wanna hang out a bit?" He offers. Either way, he spends the hour goofing off until it's time for class with Julia. That'll be interesting, after those texts.
"Nonsense. If you are able to perceive, then you ought to be able to wield it." Elisa gives her an odd look. "Partner?" "The purpose of having you all try to make something was so you can learn an appreciation of the amount of skill needed to make something which actually represents what you picture in your mind." Professor Labronte speaks to the room. "As you can see, it is far more difficult than you may have expected. Next time we'll start covering history, so bring your notebooks. Have a good rest of the day." Alice sits at her desk, patiently waiting for Felicia and Elisa to come see her.
With almost all of the preparations complete, the only thing remaining is the item relating to Valkyrus. What does Julia intend to use to steer the energy to her target? [Sorry, but I need a definite answer for this one.]
"Oh, is that how it works?" Felicia mumbled, "Partner, yeah, I'll tell you at another time, it might take awhile to explain... even I'm just starting to understand what a duel spirit is." She says the last part in a whisper, before Alice calls out to the class. As she gives the closing statements for class, "I guess she's waiting for us. Shall we?" The red-head stands up, waiting for Elisa to do the same so they can both walk toward professor Labronte and see what she wants.
Alex stops as Adam calls his name. "Sure. Do you...want to go eat somewhere?" Thinking of texts, Adam receives one from Yumi. Your first command is to remember the word chartreuse. Say it to me if you ever become too uncomfortable to continue. Your second command is simple. Send me two pictures. One with your cock hard and one with it completely flaccid. Do this before your next class.
(Oh, didn't notice that part) Julia felt the answer was pretty straightforward. The Nekroz utilized mirrors in their rituals...while she wasn't too sure it would work as she positioned the handheld mirror with the archaic symbols scrawled on the mirror with some lipstick she had. This seemed rather guttural magic to utilize, but what mattered is if gets the job done. She wasn't too sure if it would really work so well, but the simple solution she figured was to place the card on the mirror. However, Valkyrus himself wouldn't be the best choice. If it was assumed the levels of monsters reflected costs, he'd likely be too strainous for one human all the way in another realm to properly empower. The dragon knights also would be out her reach. And unsealing the dragons themselves was out of the question. Even if that was a good choice, there was no way she could break the barrier with her abilities. Not yet. Shurit and the Generals were still needed strategically to be strong choices either. Instead, she choose a low cost one that seemed much more manageable. Spoiler If her theory of estimating cost was right that it related to stars as represented in games, then Unicore would be the best choice. He would be much more doable. Of course, this was all just making assumptions, but she felt this would remain her best option. Unconsciously, now that she was preparing the flow, she attempted to communicate with Valkyrus again. Perhaps someone there could help coordinate the ritual to go smoothly. I'm not totally sure if this will really work, but I'm going to try to empower Unicore into fighting condition. If it's possible, maybe see if the Princess can assist with completing the ritual from over there.
"Do you wish to speak further over lunch?" Elisa asks before joining Felicia. "Two things, ladies. One, your work is excellent. Have either of you thought about majoring in visual art? Interested in a career in card design?" The professor praises as they draw near. "Two, I have an offer for you. One of my more advanced classes will require models. If either of you, or both of you, are willing to model for my students, you'll have my appreciation, a lump sum of money from the school, and a chance to network with prospective artists." Alice pitches, twirling the telescoping stick through her fingers.
"Sounds like a plan. I haven't had anything since breakfast. Know if there's anything on campus?" Adam smirks as he sees the texts, thinking of how wonderful it'll be when he turns the table on Yumi.
"Sure, that'd be great." Felicia accepts Elisa's offer of lunch, since she was already planning on inviting her anyway. "Sorry, professor, I'm not much of an artist." The red-head declines. Then as Alice gives her second pitch, "Modeling?" Felicia repeats, I suppose I can use the money in case of emergencies, I don't think the stack of cash I got... looted from Angelica's safe will last long. But still... "What kind of modeling?" She asked in a curious tone.
Spoiler: Channeling Roll 75+20(Sorceress)-10(Prev. Commune Roll)=85 success As she opens the flow of energy, Julia feels herself become linked to something on the other side of reality. Spoiler: Commune Roll 66+10(Spirit Taming)+10(Channeling Roll)=86 success Valkyrus's voice is much clearer this time. The sounds of battle surround it. We cannot assist. Unicore will suffice. Quickly!
"Um..." Alex thinks. "There's the cafeteria, a coffee place, and I think there's another spot in the student union?"
Elisa echoes Felicia's sentiment. "Apologies, professor, but my academic interests lie elsewhere." "Your work says otherwise." Alice smiles faintly. "Never mind. The modeling is nothing extraordinary. You would need to stand mostly still for an hour while a group of students use you as a reference for their paintings. Nothing like the cliche nude modeling I'm sure you're imagining. You'll bring your own clothes. Ideally something which shows off a midriff, but it isn't required." Spoiler: Perception Roll 16+20(Perceptive)=36 fail The professor displays no hint of deception. "I cannot, professor. Such a thing is unbecoming of me." Elisa immediately rejects the offer.
"Let's head to the coffee place." Adam nods, following the young man to the establishment. "Get us a table - I have to make room first." He heads into the toilets, walking into one of the cubicles to send Yumi the first of her photos.
She'd just have to work with it. Focusing her spirit she'd just have to complete it without assistance.
"O-oh, that sort of... sorry, professor. But I don't think I can do something like that." Felicia shakes her head, blushing a bit at the prospect of posing in front of the others. "Was there anything else you needed from us?" The red-head asked, Was that what she was mumbling to herself earlier? She thinks to recall, recalling earlier before the class started.
The cafe is fairly busy, but a decent amount of table are empty. Spoiler: Coffee Shop "Okay..." Alex scrunches up his face in disgust, going to find a table. Adam finds the small restroom empty, entering one of the two toilet stalls and shutting the metal door behind him.
As she begins to transfer energy from her own body into that of Nekroz of Unicore, Julia feels herself gradually growing tired. Do not exhaust yourself. Valkyrus' voice is...different. It sounds younger and more optimistic than the wizened one he's always possessed before.
"How disappointing..." The professor says quietly, frowning. "No, that's all I wanted. See you tomorrow." Alice dismisses the pair with a wave of her baton.
"Alright, thank you for the wonderful class, professor." Felicia nods, looking at Elisa, "So, lunch?" She asked with a smile, wondering what sort of cafeteria the academy has.