The next change didn't come with an announcement.
That was the first sign something was wrong.
Lucas realized it halfway through the morning block, right when the projection grid flickered before activating. It wasn't the usual clean startup. The light stuttered for a split second, just enough to throw off the rhythm everyone had settled into.
He noticed it.
So did a few others.
No one said anything.
The wave came anyway.
"Left," Lucas called, stepping into position.
The arc curved in fast and low, almost identical to the standard opening pattern. He redirected it cleanly, the formation holding without strain.
But something felt off.
The timing.
The wave arrived a fraction earlier than expected.
Lucas adjusted for it without thinking, but the awareness stuck in the back of his mind.
"Did you feel that?" he asked quietly as the cycle reset.
Raisel nodded.
"Slight acceleration."
Lucas frowned.
"That's new."
Dreyden didn't respond.
He was watching the grid.
