Taro, Min, and Liu observed the exchange with expressions ranging from concern to confusion. Finally, Taro stepped forward.
"Professor," he began respectfully, "what exactly is happening? We felt those energies and then..."
Lin sighed, not releasing her grip on Ren. "Adult business," she responded dryly. "Things that don't concern first-year students, however impressive their recent achievements might be."
She looked meaningfully at Ren as she said this last part, her gaze leaving no room for argument.
"But..." Ren insisted, looking out the window where his fungus had already disappeared into the shadows. The absence of the mushrooms from his hair left him feeling strangely incomplete, like missing a limb.
"No buts," Lin declared, her tone final. "You'll stay here until the situation normalizes."
Ren looked directly into Lin's eyes, abandoning any pretense of submission.
