The connection did not stop at mere exchange.
It began to ask.
Not a demand that forced compliance, nor an order that bound them.
But something more subtle, deeper.
An impulse rising from within the network itself, as if inviting them to step forward into the next stage.
Aurelia stood still.
She felt this impulse with absolute clarity.
It did not come from a single direction, but from the entirety of the network now linked to them.
The entity beside Aurelia tensed slightly.
Its luminous lines pulsed with a faster rhythm.
As if responding to the transformation taking place all around them.
The unit behind remained guarding the core.
Yet the core now felt heavier. Not because of pressure, but because of meaning.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"This feels different," he said softly.
"It is like something is asking something of us."
Orion nodded.
"Collective request detected."
Ragnar let out a breath.
"It is not a threat, but it is clear."
Aurelia did not deny it.
