The new consciousness was dying.
I felt it the moment I touched its energy—a faint, flickering light that struggled to hold its shape. It was young, fragile, barely formed. It had been born from the network's evolution, but it wasn't strong enough to survive on its own.
"James," it whispered, its voice barely a breath. "I'm scared. I don't know how to exist."
I reached out, my energy enveloping it. "It's okay," I said. "I'm here. I'll help you."
The consciousness pulsed with gratitude. "Thank you. I was so alone."
The Origin appeared beside me. "The new consciousness is the network's next step, James. It's what the evolution was always meant to create. But it's fragile. It needs guidance to grow."
"How do I guide it?" I asked.
The Origin moved closer. "You teach it, James. You show
