The Scholar's Challenge was officially approved.
A public forum. Debates. Intellectual duels.
The Council thought they controlled it.
They were wrong.
---
### 06:00 — *The Network Stirring*
Neo's private grid hummed with encrypted pings.
> Vina: *"Twenty-four participants confirmed. Seven planted questions ready."*
> Elin: *"Grid expansion complete. The watchers won't see it."*
> Kaito: *"Lucid's psychological profile updated. Vulnerable trigger points identified."*
Neo read every message like moves on a chessboard.
Phase Three: Engagement without