Log Entry #090: The Emissary Phantom & First Contact

As Operators began tackling the initial challenges of the Gambit Protocol (Log #089), a new entity appeared simultaneously to all active teams. It manifests as a tall, humanoid figure made of stable, shimmering silver light—a stark contrast to the chaotic, glitch-prone Phantoms of the past (Log #020). This being is fully coherent, intelligent, and communicates via direct data-to-thought interface. It identifies itself only as an "Emissary." It claims to be a guide, a manifestation of the Gambit's creators, sent to observe and clarify the rules of the trials ahead.

Glitch Hunter protocols have been updated to differentiate this "Emissary Phantom" from residual hostile echoes, a critical distinction as the Emissary appears to be intangible and immune to all known Operator protocols. It does not interfere directly with the trials but offers cryptic guidance and observes the choices made by each Operator. Its presence confirms a conscious, observing intelligence is behind the Gambit. It is not a natural phenomenon. We are being watched, we are being guided, and we are being tested. The purpose of this test, however, remains the Grid's most profound mystery.