The crystal categorization and collection class had gained followers after Professor Song's sacrifice, but in Ren's opinion, it had lost its magic without Zhao's presence as its heir.
The substitute auxiliary professor was competent, certainly, but he lacked that special warmth that had characterized Song. And for now, gone were those cunning survival lessons that Zhao had sporadically delivered when he wasn't on mission.
Deciding his time would be better spent elsewhere than in an optional theory class, Ren headed toward the library. Three pending projects awaited him that wouldn't correct themselves, and the library's silence was perfect for concentrated work.
Thanks to Finch and Theodore and their dramatic words (and performances) of encouragement, the knot in his chest had loosened considerably. He still felt responsible for the potential chaos his 'stolen' ring might cause, or his parents' situation, but it no longer weighed on him as heavily.
