"Man, everyone else is enjoying the festival, and we have to submit our reports. This isn't right, not at all..."

"I wish they'd just lock up old fur ball over there, I don't even thin-"

Out of nowhere, the two students who were previously complaining were hit with expertly thrown chalk sticks, one after the other, a skill Quallyss the Mad had honed to perfection in his many years as an Engineering Guild professor. He humphed, and jumped up on their table, frowning disapprovingly. His tail swished angrily, and he purred softly, unimpressed by his student's lack of disrespect. Always treat your elders with respect, even if you have none for them. That has always been Quallyss' motto, and he once made a class write it out a thousand times, when one person failed to show respect by not submitting his end of year project. He would have no disobedience in his class, absolutely none. He cleared his throat, and all the students groaned. They knew what was coming, when he cleared his throat.

"Our profession, " he began "Is a very demanding one. Science, is difficult, and demands respect. Magic, is difficult, and demands respect. Both together is nigh impossible, and demands the utmost, respect. Yes, yes, quite..." Quallyss began to pass the forward row of tables on all fours, continuing with his familiar speech. "When you fail to respect, this profession, you are prone to make mistakes. Mistakes in science, results in failure. Mistakes in magic, results in failure. Mistakes in Mechanical Imbuement... Results in monsters."

Quallyss jumped down from the tables, and stood beside his creation, Tick Tock, who stood to attention. Tick Tock was very familiar with this demonstration. Quallyss waved a hand, and continued. "Imagine, if you will, that I made a mistake with Tick Tock's design. Let's say, I failed to align his Alchemical Matrices properly, a simple missed incantation. An eensie, weensie mistake." He paused for dramatic effect. "Imagine how easily this 400 pound automaton could snap my back. Or rip my head off. If I made a mistake, that could be the very situation. That is why I teach you. So you don't make these mistakes. So you don't make monsters," 

He paused, and saw the fear in his student's eyes, for they knew what was coming next. "That is why you will all write a 500 word essay on why monsters are bad. Due on my desk by tomorrow morning. Please enjoy the last night of the festival, and I will see you all tomorrow at 9 o'clock. On the dot. Dismissed." He gathered his notes and walked out with Tick Tock in tow, smiling to himself as he heard his students groan and complain in synch.

Quallyss chuckled lightly to himself, crossed his arms behind his back and talked aloud to himself. "Ho ho, I love my job." Tick Tock nodded in silent agreement, and they both entered the busy street, exiting the Guild. He lit his pipe of 'mysterious' herbs, and puffed lightly, enjoying the cool air of the streets.