It's a difficult question, one that he's not prepared for. He takes a moment to sip his tea. He's inclined to say 'of course not, it's all nonsense', but...maybe that's not the best approach right now.

"If what they say is true, we're not their first new students unfamiliar with the concept. Follow their instructions and take good notes. And if you can't at first, ask questions."

Oh, he was planning to ask about a hundred questions to start.