Rift Voyager

The meeting had begun an hour before the Ordeal of the Dusk.

My confidantes—Charis, Verina, Viviane, Lupina, and Kuzunoha—were present as expected.

But tonight, there were two additional presences.

Erika, my ever-faithful owl.

And Primus—the first Cognitive Engine I had ever activated.

Unlike other Cognitive Engines that functioned as extensions of the Neuromorphic Network, Primus was unique. Her presence here wasn't just symbolic—she was a manifestation of the bastion's awareness itself, directly interfacing with the Neuromorphic Network in real-time. With her in this room, the Landship itself listened.

But none of that was the primary focus tonight.

Viviane had something to say.

I leaned back in my seat, swirling my tea in slow, lazy motions, my ever-shifting smirk curling in anticipation. "Viviane, since you were the one to request this meeting, the floor is yours."