It turned out even Noble couldn't have anticipated the splash that her group appearance would make.
Having hidden behind a literal mask of anonymity for years, Noble had been well shielded from a significant portion of Queen Bee's fanbase. With the introduction of Fireshing, that wall was shattered.
Many people knew of the lovable Sarai and her remarkable bakery. Most of her goods were toasted with flames lit by her Aspect. Her success in the last Dreamscape tournament had increased her notoriety and flooded her with new business.
But now…
Now she was the only known link to the Queen of the Dreamscape! Not only that, she was the only duelist to ever fight alongside the enigmatic powerhouse. The fiery woman's performance had turned more than a few heads.
Fireshing's fame soared.
People poured in from all over the city to Sarai's bakery hoping to get an autograph and ask their burning questions. Reporters followed the woman wherever she went to the point that her sister Saph would pose as her to take them off the scent.
The response was so overwhelming that the two women decided it was not wise to meet and practice as they originally planned. The only place they were safe to meet and discuss any kind of strategy was inside the Dreamscape.
So instead of practicing in the safety of Noble's dojo or at the Academy, the pair endured trial by fire.
But they persevered.
Each duel brought them nearer to working completely in unison. Each injury or close call taught them a new lesson to study afterward. Each victory, rather than filling them with pride, motivated them to seek a more decisive win the next time
And every loss…
Well, in a month of battles–there were none.
After their first battle, Queen Bee and Fireshing were much more careful about their selection process. While it was not a guarantee of victory, it did keep them from getting matched with a cohort of seven players–the maximum–as well as give them some idea of whom they were up against when they entered a dream.
When it was all said and done, the Blazing Bees had more than thirty victories for three weeks' worth of work. Between having to visit the actual Dream Realm and studying past mistakes, this was all the team had been able to compete.
Really, it was a respectable number.
'Especially while having two jobs and a family,' Bee scoffed lightly.
"Professor Noble?"
"Ah yes," Noble winced. Her thoughts had pulled her away from her classroom full of students and the query that had just been made. "Could you repeat your question?" Noble looked at the young man in the front row.
"Ah, I guess 'Memory synergies' might not be the right term. What I mean is…how can I make sure my Memory usage is efficient?" Hamish tried to reframe his thought.
The professor considered his words for a moment. "That is something most Awakened take a lifetime to perfect. Practice with your Memories. Know their strengths and limitations. This gets harder as you get more of them, but for now, know each Memory inside and out. Then when a Nightmare Creature bears down upon you, your response on what and how to use your assets will be automatic."
"Understood," Hamish answered, though Noble could sense his hesitation. "So you are saying the key to efficiency is fast thinking?"
"Your mind is your most valuable weapon. It is a tool that, when used well, can take the place of lackluster armor or charms. Expand your knowledge in depth and breadth. Being well-armed mentally will help you be efficient in almost any area, not just Memory usage."
"Yes ma'am." With his comment, the curious student seemed to have fallen deep into a train of thought. Perhaps he was already practicing what he had just learned.
As no one else was raising their hand and Noble had no more wisdom to impart, the professor gave a decisive nod. "That's all for today. You still have eight weeks before the solstice, but that time will evaporate, trust me. Use it wisely. You cannot retrieve it once it is gone."
'Well most people can't,' Noble mentally amended her statement. She thought of Thorai and her time-snatching ability. Would that kind of privilege be a boon or a burden? 'Both, probably.'
"I'll be gone this afternoon as usual," Noble said as the students began filing out of the room. "If you need to use the Memory chamber or need any other assistance, Bee Two should be able to assist you. If not, a message will be taken down for me to look at in the morning."
Noble went to organize the printouts from the Memories she had gathered that morning.
'Two tools and a charm. Nothing noteworthy but still good to file away.' Noble collected the papers and put them in their proper place.
She then went to tidy the rest of the room. With no one but her Android to keep her company, Noble could finally relax with no one else's emotions assaulting her senses.
So the professor was a little disappointed when she heard the door to her classroom open behind her.
"I'll be with you in a minute," Noble said reflexively over her shoulder.
"Uh, Professor. I think I need some help with a Memory or something," the high falsetto voice teased.
Freezing, Bee dropped the datapad back on her desk and spun around. Her face lit up with excitement.
"Sarai!" The professor rushed forward and hugged her friend. "I haven't seen you in ages."
The words were not just for show in case someone walked by. While Bee and Fire had spent plenty of time together lately, Noble and Sarai had not had a chance to converse like old friends.
"It is good to see your smiling face as well," the baker lowered her voice back to its normal register. "I was beginning to think it would never happen!"
"Why? Were you followed? I'll take care of them!" The professor suddenly felt like a mother bear ready to protect her cubs.
"No, no. No one was allowed to follow me into the Academy and then I ducked into a restroom to change my appearance." Fire grinned.
Noble noticed the lady's red hair did look almost black in the classroom's light. She also held glasses in her hand, which she must have been wearing in the hall.
"Don't worry too much. Saph is going to pass by the front of the Academy in a few minutes to distract anyone still sniffing around." Fire flipped her hair behind her shoulder as if brushing away the press.
"Your sister is very kind," Noble breathed a small sigh of relief before releasing an excited squeal. "I'm so very glad to see you. I have a couple of hours before I need to check in downtown."
"Would you like to catch an early lunch?" Sarai asked.
"Yes, please! If you think you can manage it without getting swarmed." Noble smirked at her bee pun.
"I think we will be safe."
"Alright, but first…" the professor looked at her friend expectantly.
"What?" Sarai pulled her lips to one side in confusion.
"That Memory you wanted me to look at! Cough it up!" Nobles eyes shown with childish glee.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot!" Sarai nodded. "Look at this!"
A moment later a rain of sparks filled the air.