Two months became one month.
Not because Kaine felt ready sooner. Because Archive consciousness discovered something that changed everything.
"The remaining predators are communicating," Archive consciousness announced during Kaine's recovery period. "They're aware of you. They're tracking your kills. They're preparing."
Kaine felt weapon-self activate immediately. "Preparing how?"
"Unknown specifics. But communication patterns have changed. Predators that previously existed in isolation are now coordinating. Sharing information. Developing collective strategy. They know about eighth predator's psychological warfare. They know about ninth predator's surrender. They're learning from your kills. They're adapting."
Tessern manifested immediately. "Show me the communication patterns."
