The morning sky grew steadily brighter.
The sun rose slowly above the ruins of the old facility, spreading warm light across an expanse that once felt like a lifeless place.
The wind drifted softly past rusted metal and wild grass pushing through cracks in the concrete.
Yet amidst that quiet calm…
The atmosphere around Aurelia felt distinctly different.
Because ever since Ragnar's remark earlier…
The entity had been turning something over and over in its mind.
The being beside Aurelia moved slowly.
Its luminous outline pulsed in rhythm with waves of emotion from its core far more active now than it had ever been before.
The units standing guard behind maintained the network's stability.
Kael leaned back, watching the shifts in energy.
"It's still thinking about it."
Orion nodded slowly.
"Persistent relational curiosity remains active."
Ragnar grinned faintly.
"Can't blame it someone dropped way too many hints."
Aurelia shot him a sharp glance.
"Quiet."
