The light seeped slowly through the cracks in the barrier.
At first it was only a thin line touching the vast network all around them.
But as the cracks grew wider, it became clear that the world outside was truly beginning to connect with this place.
Aurelia stood still, watching the change unfold.
The entire space trembled gently.
Not out of threat.
But because something long hidden was finally making contact with the world beyond the barrier.
The entity beside Aurelia moved slowly.
Its luminous lines glowed brighter as they caught the glow of the foreign light entering from outside.
The units behind remained guarding the core.
But the core itself was now filled with emotions far more complex than before.
Curiosity.
Fear.
Awe.
And hope.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"So that is the outside world..." he said softly.
Orion nodded slowly.
"External environmental contact initiated."
Ragnar let out a breath.
"No turning back now."
Aurelia understood that.
