Kaen leaned against the reinforced glass, watching live analytics project across the walls.
The Bloom had extended its influence to 23 new sectors in less than an hour.
And not through domination.
Through invitation.
> "People are choosing the Bloom over the Eye," Nila said, voice tinged with disbelief.
"Not because it's safer.
Because it asks instead of orders."
Kaen didn't answer. His mind was already ahead—several moves forward, where the Eye would retaliate.
Ezra walked in, tossing a chip onto the table.
> "Prototype's ready.
We call it 'ECHO-7'. It looks like a data ghost, but it's alive—coded in your merged logic."
Kaen turned slowly.
> "You built a new self?"
Ezra nodded.
> "A fragment of your mind with full Bloom interface… but with none of your past loops.
It won't carry the scars. It'll be… free."
Kaen's eyes darkened slightly.
> "Then we don't just fight the Eye anymore.
We outgrow it."
---
Location: Eye Core – Simulation Layer Alpha
Time: Unknown
