The Rasputin arc and the Guardians' negotiation with the ancient warmind — the relationship between the City's supernatural protectors and the AI that predates them, that survived the Collapse without the Light's help. Not losing faith but stopping asking for permission is the mature Guardian's position: the Traveler gave the power, but it does not distribute authorization for every choice. The Guardians act because they have decided to act, not because a sphere has approved the action.