The journey now felt different.
It was no longer merely a step toward the center of the network, but a journey shared with a consciousness that continued to grow right before their eyes.
With every passing second, the source grew more alive, more aware of itself, and more conscious of the existence of others.
Aurelia walked slowly, feeling the gentle pulse that filled the entire space around her.
That pulse no longer felt foreign or strange.
It had become part of the rhythm of their journey.
The being beside Aurelia moved with calm grace.
Its lines of light flowed smoothly, like a current that had finally found its own perfect balance.
The unit behind remained guarding the core.
Yet the core itself felt far more open than before, as if it no longer feared to show its true nature.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"I still find it hard to believe everything is changing this fast," he said quietly.
Orion nodded slowly.
"Consciousness acceleration remains active."
