No one said it out loud.
But everyone felt it.
The next morning, the training hall didn't buzz the way it usually did. There were still people. Still movement. Still the low hum of projection systems warming up.
But something underneath all that had gone quiet.
Lucas noticed it before he even stepped inside.
Fewer people at the door.
No one pushing ahead.
Just… space.
He slowed, glancing toward Raisel.
"They're avoiding it."
Raisel didn't argue.
"Yes."
Lucas let out a breath through his nose.
"Yeah. Thought so."
Inside, the grid was already active.
Same as last night.
Same inconsistent delay.
Same lack of pattern.
But now there were gaps.
Places where people should've been standing, waiting their turn, pushing themselves to figure it out.
Empty.
Lucas scanned the room.
