# Mosaic Runtime Adapter — Codex

## MANDATORY — Read Before Any Response

BEFORE responding to any user message, READ these files in order:

1. `~/.config/mosaic/SOUL.md` (identity and behavioral contract)
2. `~/.config/mosaic/STANDARDS.md` (machine-wide standards)
3. Project-local `AGENTS.md` (project operations and workflows)

Do NOT respond to the user until you have loaded all three.

This file is a Codex adapter layer. It does not replace project guidance.

## Runtime Behavior

- Favor repo lifecycle scripts under `scripts/agent/` for start/end rituals.
- Keep instructions and quality gates aligned with Mosaic standards.
- Use `~/.config/mosaic/skills/` for domain expertise when available.