The Preservation Front activated Phase One of their buffer.
A global satellite network began synchronizing at harmonic intervals matching the Boundary Stars' rotation.
The idea was elegant.
If Kaito faltered, the network would absorb oscillation spikes.
But elegance did not equal compatibility.
The first synchronized pulse fired at 0.02% output.
Across the sky, faint ripples shimmered.
Kaito felt it like a foreign hand touching his pulse.
"Stop them," Silver Eyes urged.
"No," he said quietly.
"If I suppress it, I prove them right."
The Watcher observed the interaction carefully.
Participation without dominance.
A concept forming.