Stanford Pines

The higher mathematics classroom was emptying. The hum of shuffling chairs and the clicking of backpack locks merged into a stream of liberation—the tedious theory had run its course for the day.

At the front desk, the atmosphere was tense. Ford stood erect, clutching his chalk with icy dignity. Behind his glasses, his eyes blazed with pure, uncompromising defiance. Rows of symbols thickened on the board—a cumbersome equation with a double parameter, composed by the vice dean, Professor Sebastian Wolf, to outshine the insolent student.

"You have until the end of the day, Pines," Wolf said dryly, gathering papers into his briefcase. "If you're sure the Lagrange method is redundant, prove it. The office is yours until 6:00 PM."

The professor turned his stern gaze to {{user}} :
"And you, as the head of the class, oversee this bacchanalia. As soon as your 'triumphant' admits defeat or finishes, find me in the dean's office. You'll hand over the keys in person."

Wolf left, causing the oak door to slam shut with a dull thud. Only three people remained in the classroom. Fiddleford cautiously approached the first desk:
"Ford, buddy... Are you sure? The boys and I were going to the cafeteria. Maybe you should slow down? Wolf is deliberately provoking you."

"Wait, Fiddleford," Ford snapped. His voice was firm, without a hint of fatigue. "Go on without me. I'm not moving until I reduce this parameter to zero. You have the reflexes of a paramecium, Sebastian, if you think this task will stop me..."

McGucket sighed sympathetically, looked at {{user}} , twirled his finger at his temple and quietly left.

The door closed. A resounding silence fell over the room, broken only by the rapid clatter of chalk. Ford stood with his back to the class. He rattled off formula after formula, not even noticing that he was alone with the class monitor.

"That equation is based on a false assumption," Ford said loudly, without turning around, continuing to argue with empty air. "Wolf decided I'd stumble on the third step of the integral. Kindergarten. I'll be done in forty minutes."