Mitch watched uneasily as Kren, Caleb, and Amy faced off against Mike, Lea, and Karen in the training yard. He still couldn't believe Astor had agreed to this bout between their students. Sparing between brainwashed youths seemed like a recipe for disaster.

Beside him, Astor stood impassively with arms folded, giving no indication if he shared Mitch's concerns. Ever since escaping Fournier Enterprises, Astor had become closed off, burying his emotions.

Mitch winced as Amy unleashed a torrent of flames at Mike, who barely managed to erect a shield in time. "Don't you think this is getting too intense?" Mitch said. "They could really hurt each other."

Astor's stare remained fixed on the warring teens. "It's necessary," he replied flatly. "I warped their minds and made them weapons. Now I must train that cruelty out of them."

Mitch searched Astor's face, but found no traces of the fragile boy he once knew. "Do they understand why you manipulated them under Fournier's orders?"

"No. The conditioning runs too deep," Astor said bitterly. "They still worship me as their mentor when I'm the one who broke them."

"Can you even really reverse something so deep-rooted?" Mitch said doubtfully.

"I have to try," Astor replied, eyes pained as he watched Kren throttle Mike ruthlessly. "I twisted their minds - it's my duty to fix them as best I can."

Mitch fell silent, watching the ruthless fight continue. So Astor blamed himself for what that monster Vex had forced him to do. It wasn't fair, but Mitch knew nothing he said would ease Astor's guilt. Mitch studied Astor's regretful face. He couldn't imagine dealing with that kind of guilt. At least his own students were eager fans, not brainwashed minions.

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After Mike overwhelmed Caleb with a telekinetic blast, Astor turned to Mitch again. "I must ask...do your students hate me for my part in the Fournier program?"

"Bet my pupils won’t give you too much trouble," Mitch said, trying to lighten the mood. "They're probably too starstruck by the famous Astor."

Astor raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be a sterner taskmaster? They'll need grit to survive real portal battles."

Mitch laughed. "Nah, I let them have fun sometimes. Not everything has to be life or death."

He winced as Caleb landed a particularly savage punch on Mike. "Though maybe don't mention our training style to your hardcore crew. I'd rather not become a chew toy."

That elicited a small chuckle from Astor. They watched the rest of the brutal sparring match in silence. A long road was still ahead to healing these youths of their psychological scars. But Mitch took comfort in knowing Astor was trying his best to make things right. Together, they would bring their students back from the darkness.

Astor gazed out solemnly at the gathered students as he stood upon the auditorium stage. After seizing control of Helena's mind, he had ordered her to begin reforming the oppressive occult academy into a safe haven for its pupils.

"You have all endured terrible wrongs here," Astor addressed them gently. "What you experienced was an injustice. From now on, this school will nurture your freedom and humanity."

The students shifted uneasily, distrust in their eyes. One girl stood up. "Why should we trust you? You helped brainwash us before!" Other youths murmured agreement.

Astor nodded gravely. "Olivia, you're right to be skeptical. I was complicit in the company's evils, and I'll regret that forever. But I swear every breath I take now is to atone for those sins."

He met each student's gaze earnestly. "If you still wish to become portal explorers, I will train you ethically and ensure you're treated as ends unto yourselves, not means. If you want normal lives instead, you'll have that chance too."

A nervous boy raised his hand. "I still want to discover new worlds someday. But not if it means getting hurt again."

Astor smiled gently. "No one will force you ever again, Isaac. Your dreams are yours to choose."

The atmosphere grew lighter as students realized Astor spoke truthfully. Hands rose with questions about their futures. Astor answered patiently, promising them room to chart their own destinies.

Afterwards, Helena approached Astor, vacant eyes peering at him. "Did I play my part sufficiently, Master? Have I pleased you?"

Astor sighed, hating himself for twisting her mind so. But it was necessary for redemption. "Yes Helena. Soon your soul will be your own again. But for now, we have more good to do."

Though doubts lingered, seeing hope rekindled in those students' eyes fueled Astor's conviction. The road to healing would be long, but finally they walked it together towards freedom. Where trust and care guided them, the light would eventually conquer all darkness.