The atmosphere changed as Liam descended beneath the central structure.
The upper floors had grown comparatively quiet, but the underground chamber remained busy.
Voices carried upward through the stairwell, accompanied by the clatter of tools, the movement of containers, and occasional instructions being exchanged between work groups.
Somewhere below, a student raised their voice.
"No, not that container! The one beside it!"
A moment later, another voice answered defensively.
"They look identical!"
"Because you're holding them backward!"
Liam continued down the stairs.
'Dylan?'
He listened for another second.
No. Different voice.
'Apparently the condition is spreading.'
By the time he reached the lower entrance, the full extent of the operation became visible.
The reservoir chamber had changed considerably since its discovery.
