Lyra met with her independent research professor, Lissandra, who informed her about the upcoming end-of-research evaluation by the Lazarus Corporation. The professor introduced Lyra to the administrator who would be overseeing the evaluation, Dr. Eliza Hartwell.
Dr. Hartwell was incredibly supportive of Lyra's work, expressing her belief that the Lyra Potion had the potential to change the world. Lyra, feeling encouraged by Dr. Hartwell's words, shared all of her current progress on the potion, discussing the intricacies of her research and the challenges she had faced along the way.
After the meeting, Lyra ran into Ben, her independent researcher colleague and fellow alchemist. As they caught up, Lyra mentioned her newly discovered essence ability, which had manifested during the battle with Adrian. Ben, intrigued, explained that essence techniques could evolve during stressful situations, and that gaining more power was essential to understanding one's true self and bringing out the best in them.
Curious about Ben's own essence technique, Lyra asked him about his research. Ben's expression turned stern as he looked at her and simply said, "Undead." Lyra, feeling slightly unsettled by his response, politely excused herself and headed back to her dorm.
On her way, she bumped into Elias, who greeted her with a warm hug. Elias invited Lyra to the next resistance meeting, mentioning that Cherry had some important intel to share with her. Lyra, eager to learn more about the ongoing struggle against the Sanguine society, agreed to attend, her mind already racing with the possibilities of what Cherry might reveal.