Through Heaven's Eyes

Chapter 5 - Silent Battles.

The classroom buzzed with the low murmur of conversations and the soft scratch of pencils against paper. Warmth hung in the air as Mrs. Bauer's crisp voice rose above the noise, commanding attention. She paced at the front, her hands punctuating each word as she delved into the intricacies of the ODM-gear.

"Remember, the key is balance—both physically and mechanically," she explained, turning to the board where diagrams of the omni-directional mobility gear were drawn. "The cables are your lifeline, but the gas propulsion is your edge. Master both, and you master the battlefield. Friday's exam will test your theoretical understanding, so don't slack on reviewing the technical manuals."

Ivana shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling a pit form in her stomach. Three weeks of studying, countless hours spent staring at diagrams and notes, yet she still felt lost—adrift in a sea of information that refused to stick. She stared down at her own notes, a mess of scribbles and half-formed thoughts. 

The complex mechanisms of the ODM-gear blurred on the page. She let out a silent groan and dropped her pen. Asking questions now felt impossible. What if she revealed just how behind she was? What if she looked stupid? The pressure to prove she was capable, to become the strongest, kept her locked in silence.

The lesson dragged on, minutes stretching into an agonizing eternity, until finally Mrs. Bauer rang her small bell, signaling the end of class. "Alright, class dismissed," she called out. "Remember, Friday's exam covers everything we've discussed this month. Be sure to review your materials."

Ivana moved sluggishly as she packed her books, feeling crushed under the weight of the upcoming exam. Next to her, Armin was still scribbling notes, but he paused as Mrs. Bauer passed by.

"Mrs. Bauer," he called, "will the section on gear maintenance from Chapter Six be on the exam?"

Mrs. Bauer gave a brief smile. "Good question, Armin. Yes, there will be a few questions on the mechanics of upkeep and repair. It's crucial to know how to fix the gear in the heat of battle."

Ivana's ears perked up, her hands pausing mid-movement. She'd skimmed that part, but it hadn't fully clicked. Maybe she should revisit it—

"Ivana," Mrs. Bauer's voice cut through her thoughts, startling her. Ivana looked up, meeting her teacher's gaze for the first time all class.

"How do you feel about the exam? Any questions for me?" Mrs. Bauer's tone was gentle but expectant. 

Ivana's face flushed. She wanted to admit she was struggling, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she forced a tight smile. "No, I've got everything under control," she lied, her voice wavering. 

Mrs. Bauer nodded, though doubt flickered in her eyes. "Alright then. Just make sure you're reviewing, okay?" 

"Yes ma'am," Ivana replied softly, forcing a gentle smile as she turned to leave.

At lunch, the dining hall buzzed with a mix of excitement and dread, the air thick with talk of the upcoming exam. Plates were mostly untouched as students fired questions at each other, trying to steady their nerves.

"I swear, if I mess up the propulsion questions, I'm screwed," Sasha groaned, slumping forward. "It's all about adjusting for wind resistance, right? Or am I making that up?"

Connie snorted, shaking his head. "You literally just answered your own question, genius."

Sasha blinked, then laughed sheepishly. "Oh... right. Maybe I'm more ready than I thought."

Mina gave her a reassuring pat on the back. On the opposite side of the table, Jean stretched his arms, letting out a dramatic sigh. "This exam is sucking the soul out of me. I don't  know if I'll make it to Friday."