A Realization Late Evening    

"At least they're calling the trainees up one by one," Fifi commented, perched on Cain's shoulder. "Gives them a chance for individual feedback — actually useful critiques."

Cain nodded, though doubt lingered in his mind. One training session wasn't going to transform anyone's voice overnight, no matter how good the advice.

Improvement took time, patience, and practice — something most of them didn't have in abundance.

"Still," Cain muttered, "it's better than being thrown into the deep end without any guidance."

Fifi shrugged. "True, but don't expect miracles. It'll take more than one critique to find your voice."

Cain knew that.

When Riku stepped up to perform, there was a subtle shift in the room. He had been nervous, but the moment he opened his mouth to sing, his voice was steady and smooth, surprising even some of his fellow trainees.