I remember that first day vividly.
Very, very vividly.
After we got out of the mechas, we were immediately herded into a huge lift along with a few other kids who had arrived by mecha as well. The fifty or so of us fit into the lift comfortably and with room to spare.
"Gifted program. Prepare to exit." A tall and burly lift operator called out.
"Bye Emma! All the best! Thanks for not telling me anything about my very important first day!" I said to her half sincerely and half sarcastically.
"You're welcome." She grinned at me. "Whatever happens, don't give up! AND make sure you look after Tes!"
She gave Tes a quick hug and then stepped out of the lift as soon as the doors opened.
Apparently they had gotten quite close during the past few days.
I had no idea what happened.
The past few days were a blur of absorbing mecha cores and then trying my best to ingest them as fast as I could.