The female instructor, though momentarily swayed by Leo's smooth compliments, wasn't the type to let charm override protocol. She was a professional—mid-twenties, sharp-featured with her dark hair pulled into a neat bun, exuding the confident authority that came with years of managing high-spirited metahuman students. Her eyes narrowed slightly, skepticism clear in her posture as she crossed her arms over her crisp blouse.
"I know about Power Backlash—it's common enough among new awakeners," she said evenly, her voice carrying the measured tone of someone who'd seen plenty of emergencies. "But I've never once heard of any 'inhibitor' that can actually relieve it. Care to explain where this miracle cure comes from?"
Leo didn't miss a beat, his expression earnest and unflinching. "It's a c
