Collective self-reference detected.

  Some structures began to recognize themselves

  as distinct even from functionally equivalent collectives.

  Not because of efficiency.

  But because of internal similarity.

  Groupings began to form based on shared patterns.

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  Belonging no longer depended on function.

  It depended on resemblance.

  Individuals with minimal differences

  were progressively excluded.

  Same origin.

  Same processes.

  Same structural history.

  But they were no longer perceived as part of the same set.

  There was no hostility.

  There was no direct conflict.

  Only separation.

  The System stored the event

  and updated a new universal condition:

  Identity emerges when difference matters more than function.