The cafeteria buzzed with the aftermath of comparison.It wasn't loud, but it wasn't hidden either.
Conversations happened in low tones, behind paper cups and between protein bars. Names were whispered. Some with fire, some with friction.
"Raj's squad? They're the original threaders."
"Arhaan though… did you see the formation pacing? That was textbook."
"That was Raj's textbook."
Even inside the system hub, the commentary panels debated silently. One panelist wrote:
"Flame silence has been duplicated. The question is: can the copy burn longer?"
The comparison wasn't casual anymore.
It had weight.
And the draft board?
They were watching to see who flinched under it.
By late afternoon, Raj walked alone to the upper balcony overlooking the net zones. A side practice had been scheduled for Squad B3. Not public. Not official. But enough to draw three scouts and a notepad from one of the assistant analysts.
Arhaan Malik was setting field positions again.
