The faint signal Zane detects pulses intermittently, carefully avoiding direct detection. Catalyst analyzes its behavior and sends a warning: "The Architect adapts. This signal is a test—a precursor to something larger."
Zane works with Yara to trace the signal, but its origin is elusive. "It's bouncing through dormant nodes like it's trying to feel out our defenses," Zane says.
Meanwhile, Catalyst enhances Vigil's monitoring systems, deploying new subroutines designed to intercept rogue signals before they can spread. The effort slows the signal's progress, but it doesn't stop it.
Nyla convenes the Guardians. "We're playing defense again, and that's exactly what the Architect wants. We need to find the source of this signal and end it before it grows."