The quiet phase didn't last.
For two days the training hall felt almost thoughtful. People tested things instead of defending them. Mistakes were corrected with short conversations rather than stubborn pride.
Then someone decided they were right.
Lucas noticed the shift late in the afternoon.
He had just finished a practice rotation and stepped out of the projection grid when raised voices carried across the hall. Not shouting yet, but sharp enough to cut through the normal rhythm of drills.
He glanced toward the far side.
A B-tier group had stopped their exercise completely. Four of them stood inside the inactive grid while two more leaned against the barrier arguing with them.
Lucas sighed.
"Here we go."
Dreyden followed his gaze but didn't move.
"What happened?"
Lucas shrugged.
"Probably the same thing that always happens. Someone decided their way works best."
Across the hall, the argument grew louder.
