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While grateful that Salem elected to leave the table rather than attempt some unsubtle bonding method with him, Max didn't outwardly show it. He continued to eat wordlessly, pointedly ignoring the rest of the group as usual. At least they were off the topic of magic for now, though still treading dangerously close to it. 

As the other mages began to shuffle off at the sound of the bell, Max patiently kept in his seat for a few moments to avoid having to walk alongside any of them, though he did give the Retriever an acknowledging... glance when the blond waved at him. When he deemed the coast clear, he threw away his trash and exitted the cafeteria, making a beeline for Cerulean Hall.

This professor looked like a total hack too, though Max supposed looking like a comic book character could be indicative of 'eccentric genius' rather than 'wackjob who shouldn't have been hired'. His vampire was taking a nap behind him too, this could easily be some cushy gig acquired through nepotism rather than actual magical talent. Great.

As Dr. Arjun started lecturing, however, Max arched an eyebrow in pleasant surprise. He was sunk down in his seat, lounging in a mirror of Gregor's nonchalant pose, but he was paying rapt attention all the same. This tattooed cueball seemed to be doing a decent job of introducing magic, though Max wondered why they weren't given this lecture before any of their other classes. Knowing that there were more distinctions in affinity than just primary elements and everything else would've been infinitely useful earlier. He assumed he was a tertiary element then, or at least a conditional that acted like a tertiary, much to his chagrin. Why did he have to get the literal hardest option? What was wrong with fireballs and flying rocks? Some divine force was clearly out to get him.

He was tempted to skip right to the mind mage option despite the professor's warning, honestly. What's the worst that could happen? It hurts? It could potentially save him weeks of effort. Though he supposed he could put up with a diviner first, at least to see if he could spare himself the discomfort. Max raised his hand patiently while Flower Boy asked his question about vampires - must've been nice having the liberty to discuss pointless theoretics since Salem already knew how his magic worked. Maybe he'd get to ask what macaroni and cheese was next. Sheltered prick.

[color=8585AD]"Can you give examples of tertiary affinities?"[/color] Max spoke up as soon as Manuel was finished talking to Salem. His tone was more attentive than usual, if a bit weary, but he didn't bother sitting up straight from his prior reclining position, [color=8585AD]"And maybe how difficulties with them can be tackled? Anecdotes are fine, I've given up on 'one-size-fits-all' answers at this point."[/color] 

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