The real report lasted longer than the natural disaster.
Marie stood before the layered map and spoke first.
"This is not one array."
The map changed.
Lines that had once looked like a hidden web separated into depth, function, and dependency.
Then another layer appeared beneath them, faint and incomplete, like a shadow under old glass.
"This is the layer I still do not recommend touching," Marie said. "The earth is leaning on some of these points."
The room quieted.
Marie pointed to several nodes in the West and South.
"These can be isolated. They are planted in the ground, but the ground does not need them. They use the earth as cover and channel, not as foundation."
Then she pointed to another cluster.
"These cannot be cut blindly. They are tied into old scars, natural pressure, or sealed chambers. If we break them without preparation, we may help the enemy by making the flow reroute through places with people."
Seraphine's face turned colder.
