Chapter 26: The Syllabus and the Mana Spillover
The day was a relentless marathon of logistics and strategic omission. **Yolanda**, her subtle comms piece allowing constant, private conversation with **Earth**, shadowed **Carter** through an endless procession of meetings. She was rapidly evolving, internalizing the complexities of founding a multi-billion-dollar entity under the guise of an international tech firm.
The core mission was two-fold: recruitment and curriculum development.
First, the final meeting was held with the **recruitment team**—a hand-picked group of social workers and former child services investigators chosen for their discretion and empathy. **Amina**, blessedly calm thanks to Earth's constant, subtle application of **Light Magic** to soothe her core, was present as the undeniable proof of the urgent need.
"They won't want to trust us with their children," Carter told the recruiters, his voice serious. "Parents are fiercely protective. But these children are out of control. Their powers are manifestations of the six elements—fire, water, earth, air, light, and dark. You will educate the parents on these elements, using the technology of Earth's System to make it understandable."
He stressed the mission's core value. "We're not snatching kids; we're offering salvation. You must approach them with profound empathy. These kids are a danger to themselves and their families."
Next came the most crucial meeting: the finalization of the faculty. The **six highly credentialed educators**—the individuals who would soon become the professors of Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Light, and the assistant Air/Forge expert—sat in a special session with Carter, Yolanda, and the holographic Earth. They were bewildered by the "advanced bio-electric theory" that served as their cover story.
"Pandora's Academy system typically begins at age twelve with a five-year program," Carter explained, projecting diagrams of elemental mana flow. "But these children are newborns. We need to adapt."
"A six-year program, starting with elementary age, is essential," **Yolanda** interjected, her conviction already cemented in her new role. "These kids need fundamental education alongside their powers. We can't just throw them into combat drills."
Earth's holographic globe pulsed in agreement. "Yolanda's assessment is accurate. The curriculum will blend Earth's primary education with Pandoran magical theory. First and second-year students will not progress beyond a **Tier 1 spell**—simple mana manipulation, core calming, and elemental resistance."
This was the hardest sell. These were professionals accustomed to textbooks and established pedagogy, yet they were being asked to teach magic. Surprisingly, the reaction was a palpable mixture of awe and fear, but **Dr. Elaine Moss**, a distinguished, cynical physics professor slated to teach Air magic, suddenly let out a sharp, derisive laugh.
"This is a **f\*\*\*ing joke**," Dr. Moss declared, slamming her palm on the table, the sound echoing in the high-tech silence. Her laughter was cold and dismissive. "I'm a physicist, son. You expect me to believe in 'elemental affinities' and 'mana cores'? This is children playing with daddy's money. It's a colossal hoax. I'm sorry, but I cannot attach my reputation to this. I'm out."
She stood abruptly, gathering her briefcase. The other five professors looked at her, then back at Carter, their faces strained but silent.
"Dr. Moss," Carter said evenly, not raising his voice. "The world is changing. We wish you luck outside."
Dr. Moss paused at the door. "Luck? You're the one who needs luck, running this asylum. Good day, Director Johnson." And she was gone.
"Well," Yolanda whispered, taking a deep breath. "Now we have five professors and an assistant. We can hire the replacement later."
"We will proceed with five and the assistant," Carter agreed. "The changing world outside is our greatest recruiter, but also our greatest filter."
News channels ran 24/7, reporting not only on the "Awakened" children but on strange occurrences in the **animal kingdom**—sudden, aggressive mutations, glowing wildlife, and inexplicable ecological events. The remaining professors were unnerved, but morbidly curious. The fear of being left behind by an undeniable truth held them in place.
### Ribs and Recruiting
A break was called. Yolanda, guided by Earth, sent the still-overwhelmed faculty candidates to the sprawling, modern cafeteria to get acquainted with the newly hired kitchen staff.
There, they met the incredible **Chef Chuck**. A short, jovial Black man with magnificent dreadlocks, he was a legendary **barbecue chef from Memphis**. His charisma and distinctive hair made him look so much like a Pandoran that Carter instantly took a liking to him. Chuck had been offered a generous salary, but Carter, after tasting a sample of his legendary ribs, doubled it on the spot, matching Yolanda's unprecedented offer. The ribs were a matter of national security, ensuring high morale.
As the future professors got acquainted over a few racks of perfectly smoked ribs, the three leaders of the Academy took a much-needed break in Carter's office. Amina, nestled in her magically cooled bassinet, slept soundly.
"That went better than expected," Yolanda admitted, sipping a bottle of water. "They're scared, but they're staying. We have our five professors and an assistant."
"We move forward," Carter noted, a wry smile touching his lips.
But their break lasted only a few seconds.
The holographic Earth suddenly flared, pulling up a live feed from a major news station. The banner across the bottom screamed: **"BREAKING NEWS: GLOBAL ANIMAL MUTATIONS ACCELERATING. GOVERNMENT ADVISORIES ISSUED."**
Carter jolted upright, his eyes fixed on the screen, a realization dawning. The mana was not contained to the children.
"Oh shit, Earth! What did I do now?" Carter demanded.
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