In the Great Sorting Annex, Apprentice Nettle and Elder Bramble discover that the specialized gift-sorting carousel has completely lost its color, indicating a severe Intent Removal failure affecting aesthetic components. The embroidery on the wish slips has also been erased, confirming the systemic nature of the threat. A desperate, rhythmic tapping is heard coming from the locked supply hatch leading to the lower foundation reserves. Bramble recognizes the signal as an emergency call that bypasses standard procedure, prompting Nettle to retrieve the master key immediately to investigate the source of the sound and search for any remaining untainted materials deep below the sorting floor.