Then came the squeak. Not of sneakers—of a chair. Mr. Harrison rose from his desk.

“Mr. Leon,” he finally murmured, low enough that only Leo heard. “Level 10 on Slope unlocks a shortcut. Try hugging the left wall at the jump.”

Mr. Harrison winked, then announced to the class: “Five more minutes before the filter resets. Whoever beats my high score on Retro Bowl gets a homework pass.”

Leo blinked.