Dean's notes stopped being casual at once.
Because that list did not read like theory.
It read like reports.
Var's expression did not change. "Unlike subject-origin mutations, external corruption fields do not require biological consent, compatibility, or prior instability in the exposed population. They impose a pattern. That is what makes them strategically significant."
A beta student near the back raised a hand, then seemed to regret it immediately when Var looked at him.
"Yes."
"Is this," he started carefully, "the same category associated with the restricted zone reports near the Capital?"
There it was, the same area Arion was dispatched to right after returning from Palatine with Dean. Dean kept his eyes on the slides as he didn't want to think about what he and Arion did after.
Var answered without hesitation, which somehow made it worse. "Yes."
No one moved.
