The terrifying chorus of thousands of identical voices ceased in an instant, leaving the vast municipal plaza smothered in sudden, unnatural silence.
The silence let Hajin hear individual voices again, the first sign that the compulsory chorus no longer held them.
The sea of citizens did not murmur, cheer, or converse among themselves, turning in fluid, synchronized arcs to resume their mundane daily routines.
Loccy tightened her grip upon her buckler, glancing cautiously at the eerie silence of the crowded thoroughfare.
"Not a single person is speaking to their neighbor, even after that terrifying chorus."
Juna kept her fiery wings partially unfurled, scanning the high crystalline tiers with vigilant, unblinking focus.
"They do not need to speak when the network already tells them where to step."
They navigated the polished avenues with absolute spatial efficiency, weaving past one another without a single collision or polite apology.
