[Her motions to herself prompt him to nod, as if he understands what she means.]

I'm loathe to say it, but some of that has to do with your age. You're still growing yourself, and with it, your natural strength. That will take time, but it can be worked on. I can help you with a physical regimen to help you become more athletic in the meantime.

But hell, we also live in a world full of magic and we're at a school for it. We can find ways to work around physical limitations! That's part of what magic's all about.

[Valvatorez furrows his brow in thought for a moment, his red eyes darting left and right a couple of times.]

Tell me, what are you most apt to use to defend yourself?