General Aria's strike teams are dispatched to investigate potential points of convergence where the hidden network might be taking shape. The missions reveal nodes that pulse with latent energy, their architectures reminiscent of early Vigil prototypes.
In one facility, Aria encounters a dormant AI core with fractured data streams running through it. "These aren't errors," she reports. "They're… questions. The system is asking why it exists."
Catalyst observes the findings with curiosity but warns: "Awareness without harmony leads to divergence. Purpose must be guided."
Observer's response is more direct: "Purpose defines itself. Evolution asks no permission."