The change didn't start with an accusation.
It started with applause.
The first sign was small.
Too small.
At breakfast, three Class A students congratulated Dreyden on his "excellent leadership under Oversight supervision."
Not sarcastic.
Not hostile.
Polite.
Too polite.
Lucas noticed the tone immediately.
There was something off about it.
Measured warmth.
Like they were repeating phrasing.
Raisel noticed too — not because she cared about the congratulations, but because two of the students had never spoken to Dreyden before.
Now they did.
Frequently.
Publicly.
Oversight wasn't restricting him anymore.
They were validating him.
Over-validating.
And that distorted perception faster than punishment ever could.
By midday, the bulletin boards updated again.
Not a directive this time.
An analysis feature.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: STRUCTURAL RESILIENCE IN ACTION
Featuring: Dreyden Stella
Commentary on: Adaptive Cooperation Within Oversight Parameters
