The amphitheater-style theatre buzzed with hushed conversations, a symphony of whispers echoing off the walls. Asher, from his vantage point in the back row, observed the peculiar social phenomenon unfolding before him.
Students had already begun clustering together like magnets drawn to steel, gravitating toward those they'd identified as powerful during their shared ordeal. His journalistic instincts tingled - there was something almost supernatural about how quickly these alliances had formed.
The contemplative silence was broken by a clear, confident voice. Steven Fletcher, a tall boy with wire-rimmed glasses and an air of academic precision, raised his hand. "Sir, if I may ask, how do keepers restore a person's sense?" The question hung in the air like morning mist.
Before Stanley could respond, another hand shot up, and Asher wasn't surprised to see it was Kira's. Her voice carried through the theatre with practiced ease, "I believe from your explanation it is referred to as memories. What I don't understand is how to find the real core amidst battle."
The reaction was immediate and electric. Heads whipped around, eyes widening as they fixed on Kira. Some faces showed admiration, others disbelief, and a few wore expressions of barely concealed jealousy. But Kira remained unfazed, her posture relaxed yet professional. Years of being in the spotlight as a teen reporter had taught her how to wear attention like a second skin.
Mr. Stanley's face transformed with a knowing smirk, clearly impressed by how quickly she'd grasped concepts that typically took months to comprehend. His response came with measured grace: "Well, I will give answers in one sentence. Restoration of memories and finding the core go hand in hand, you cannot fix without mending, finding the core is the way to restoration, at most times the core lingers around the first phase of a dream, rarely in the last."
Kira's pen danced across her notebook, capturing every word with practiced efficiency. Meanwhile, Derek's face scrunched up in confusion, his political upbringing clearly not helping with this particular subject matter. He leaned toward Asher, whispering urgently, "Man, you will explain to me later, please?" Asher responded with one of his signature looks - a mixture of exasperation and subtle amusement that spoke volumes without saying a word.
Stanley's expression grew more serious as he continued, his voice taking on a darker tone. "I will add one thing though," he said, commanding complete attention. "Appearance of the core at the early stage can either mean ease or unwanted problems. The core attracts nightmares. If you are lucky, the nightmares are harmless; if not, they can be deadly. Getting through them means a chance to get to the subconsciousness and switching out the cores, which can also be harmful. But I'm sure you all will be fine."
His exit left a vacuum of uncertainty, and the theatre erupted into dozens of animated discussions. The overhead speakers crackled to life: "Dear keepers, this is the end of today's lesson. You may return to rooms before dinner or hangout at the common room."
The crowd dispersed like scattered leaves, some flowing toward the common area while others retreated to their private sanctuaries. Asher made to stand, but Yuno's quiet voice anchored him in place. "Hey, I thought we were speaking of the event stuff?" Kira and Derek nodded in agreement, forming a united front against Asher's attempted escape.
"He's kind of a party pooper," Kira teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Asher turned to face her, his silence speaking volumes. Her responding smile was infectious as she led them through the winding corridors to the common area. They claimed a secluded corner, far from the chattering masses, where a crystal bowl filled with colorful candies sat invitingly on a low table.
Everyone except Asher eagerly reached for the treats, sampling different flavors with childlike enthusiasm. Derek, noticing Asher's hesitation, couldn't resist asking, "Why aren't you taking any, do you also have a rule against candies, mr?"
"Not really," Asher replied, his voice neutral as ever, "but I don't indulge in any kind either."
"Taste it," Kira insisted, her voice warm with encouragement, "it tastes good, trust me." After a moment's hesitation, Asher selected a piece, though he immediately steered the conversation elsewhere. "So what's the agenda?"
Before they could delve into their discussion, Derek reminded them of his earlier confusion. Kira stepped in, breaking down Stanley's complex explanation into digestible pieces. Once understanding dawned in Derek's eyes, they began sharing their perspectives on the creature encounter and their aspirations for improving their abilities.
Their strategic planning session was cut short by another blaring announcement: "Assemble to the cafeteria." The sound echoed through the common area, pulling them back into the structured reality of their new lives.