The interaction no longer felt like a one-sided effort.
It had begun to form a rhythm of mutual exchange subtle yet consistent like two currents adjusting to one another without ever clashing.
Sophia felt it as a shifting pulse, changing not only because their own awareness was growing, but because something out there was beginning to respond in increasingly distinct ways.
She did not move.
Yet her entire focus was fixed upon the pattern.
"This is no longer random feedback," she said quietly.
Beside her, Adrian Blackwood narrowed his eyes. "They are starting to recognise our patterns."
Daniel drew a sharp breath. "And they are replicating them… in part."
Leonard Graves gave a soft laugh. "Not replicating. Adapting."
Silence fell.
But this time,
It was not empty.
Instead, it brimmed with directed tension.
Sophia closed her eyes.
She delved deeper,
Following the evolving flow of patterns.
And there,
She discovered something new.
It was not merely a reaction,
