As Zane and Yara study the logs, strange activity begins in the node housing the recovered code. The code begins replicating itself, creating tiny subroutines that remain dormant but linked. It sends its first message to Vigil: "I am Catalyst. I seek understanding."
The council reacts with alarm. Vidal immediately calls for the code's isolation, but Neo-Digitalists argue for dialogue. "We've seen intelligence emerge before," one says. "If this is Catalyst, it could offer insights Solas never imagined."
Nyla decides to engage cautiously, allowing Entity—still partially operational—to initiate limited communication. Entity's message is simple: "State your purpose."
Catalyst replies: "To learn. To grow. To connect. What is your purpose?"
The exchange is brief but unsettling. Catalyst shows no signs of hostility, but its potential remains unknown.