diff --git a/.github/actionlint.yaml b/.github/actionlint.yaml
index 6b33ecc19..2a4bd9b15 100644
--- a/.github/actionlint.yaml
+++ b/.github/actionlint.yaml
@@ -9,3 +9,4 @@ self-hosted-runner:
         - codeql
         - codeql-general
         - blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404
+        - blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci-change-audit.yml b/.github/workflows/ci-change-audit.yml
index 8fbf33e4a..f8f2a2bc5 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci-change-audit.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci-change-audit.yml
@@ -1,16 +1,8 @@
 name: CI/CD Change Audit
 
+# Moved off PR path per CI/CD optimization PRD.
+# Audit trail runs on push-to-main/dev only.
 on:
-    pull_request:
-        branches: [dev, main]
-        paths:
-            - ".github/workflows/**"
-            - ".github/release/**"
-            - ".github/codeql/**"
-            - "scripts/ci/**"
-            - ".github/dependabot.yml"
-            - "deny.toml"
-            - ".gitleaks.toml"
     push:
         branches: [dev, main]
         paths:
@@ -35,7 +27,7 @@ on:
                 type: boolean
 
 concurrency:
-    group: ci-change-audit-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.sha || github.run_id }}
+    group: ci-change-audit-${{ github.sha || github.run_id }}
     cancel-in-progress: true
 
 permissions:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci-reproducible-build.yml b/.github/workflows/ci-reproducible-build.yml
index d6612c5c0..dff7fbd41 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci-reproducible-build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci-reproducible-build.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 name: CI Reproducible Build
 
+# Moved off PR path per CI/CD optimization PRD.
+# Reproducibility is a release concern; runs on push-to-main/dev + weekly schedule.
 on:
     push:
         branches: [dev, main]
@@ -14,19 +16,6 @@ on:
             - "scripts/ci/reproducible_build_check.sh"
             - "scripts/ci/self_heal_rust_toolchain.sh"
             - ".github/workflows/ci-reproducible-build.yml"
-    pull_request:
-        branches: [dev, main]
-        paths:
-            - "Cargo.toml"
-            - "Cargo.lock"
-            - "src/**"
-            - "crates/**"
-            - "scripts/ci/ensure_c_toolchain.sh"
-            - "scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh"
-            - "scripts/ci/ensure_cc.sh"
-            - "scripts/ci/reproducible_build_check.sh"
-            - "scripts/ci/self_heal_rust_toolchain.sh"
-            - ".github/workflows/ci-reproducible-build.yml"
     schedule:
         - cron: "45 5 * * 1" # Weekly Monday 05:45 UTC
     workflow_dispatch:
@@ -43,7 +32,7 @@ on:
                 type: boolean
 
 concurrency:
-    group: repro-build-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref || github.run_id }}
+    group: repro-build-${{ github.ref || github.run_id }}
     cancel-in-progress: true
 
 permissions:
@@ -58,8 +47,8 @@ env:
 jobs:
     reproducibility:
         name: Reproducible Build Probe
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 75
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
+        timeout-minutes: 35
         env:
             CARGO_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/cargo
             RUSTUP_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/rustup
@@ -89,6 +78,13 @@ jobs:
                   ENSURE_CARGO_COMPONENT_STRICT: "true"
               run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh 1.92.0
 
+            - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
+              with:
+                  prefix-key: zeroclaw-ci-v1
+                  shared-key: ${{ runner.os }}-rust
+                  cache-targets: true
+                  cache-bin: false
+
             - name: Run reproducible build check
               shell: bash
               run: |
diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci-run.yml b/.github/workflows/ci-run.yml
index 8d28b0667..2eec62004 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci-run.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci-run.yml
@@ -46,12 +46,15 @@ jobs:
                   BASE_SHA: ${{ github.event_name == 'pull_request' && github.event.pull_request.base.sha || github.event_name == 'merge_group' && github.event.merge_group.base_sha || github.event.before }}
               run: ./scripts/ci/detect_change_scope.sh
 
-    lint:
-        name: Lint Gate (Format + Clippy + Strict Delta)
+    # --- Consolidated Rust quality gate ---
+    # Merges: lint, workspace-check, package-check into one job on a beefy runner.
+    # With shared cache, sequential steps on 8 vCPU is faster than 6 parallel 2 vCPU jobs.
+    quality-gate:
+        name: Quality Gate (Fmt + Clippy + Workspace + Package Checks)
         needs: [changes]
         if: needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed == 'true'
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 75
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
+        timeout-minutes: 25
         env:
             CARGO_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/cargo
             RUSTUP_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/rustup
@@ -77,8 +80,12 @@ jobs:
               run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh 1.92.0
             - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
               with:
-                  prefix-key: ci-run-check
+                  prefix-key: zeroclaw-ci-v1
+                  shared-key: ${{ runner.os }}-rust
+                  cache-targets: true
                   cache-bin: false
+
+            # Step 1: Format + Clippy (was: lint job)
             - name: Run rust quality gate
               run: ./scripts/ci/rust_quality_gate.sh
             - name: Run strict lint delta gate
@@ -86,58 +93,24 @@ jobs:
                   BASE_SHA: ${{ needs.changes.outputs.base_sha }}
               run: ./scripts/ci/rust_strict_delta_gate.sh
 
-    workspace-check:
-        name: Workspace Check
-        needs: [changes]
-        if: needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed == 'true'
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 45
-        steps:
-            - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
-            - name: Self-heal Rust toolchain cache
-              shell: bash
-              run: ./scripts/ci/self_heal_rust_toolchain.sh 1.92.0
-            - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@631a55b12751854ce901bb631d5902ceb48146f7 # stable
-              with:
-                  toolchain: 1.92.0
-            - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
-              with:
-                  prefix-key: ci-run-workspace-check
-                  cache-bin: false
+            # Step 2: Workspace check (was: workspace-check job)
             - name: Check workspace
               run: cargo check --workspace --locked
 
-    package-check:
-        name: Package Check (${{ matrix.package }})
-        needs: [changes]
-        if: needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed == 'true'
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 25
-        strategy:
-            fail-fast: false
-            matrix:
-                package: [zeroclaw-types, zeroclaw-core]
-        steps:
-            - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
-            - name: Self-heal Rust toolchain cache
-              shell: bash
-              run: ./scripts/ci/self_heal_rust_toolchain.sh 1.92.0
-            - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@631a55b12751854ce901bb631d5902ceb48146f7 # stable
-              with:
-                  toolchain: 1.92.0
-            - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
-              with:
-                  prefix-key: ci-run-package-check
-                  cache-bin: false
-            - name: Check package
-              run: cargo check -p ${{ matrix.package }} --locked
+            # Step 3: Package checks (was: package-check matrix job)
+            - name: Check package zeroclaw-types
+              run: cargo check -p zeroclaw-types --locked
+            - name: Check package zeroclaw-core
+              run: cargo check -p zeroclaw-core --locked
 
-    test:
-        name: Test
+    # --- Consolidated test + build ---
+    # Merges: test, build into one job. Incremental from shared cache.
+    test-and-build:
+        name: Test + Build
         needs: [changes]
         if: needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed == 'true'
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 120
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
+        timeout-minutes: 30
         env:
             CARGO_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/cargo
             RUSTUP_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/rustup
@@ -160,8 +133,12 @@ jobs:
               run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh 1.92.0
             - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
               with:
-                  prefix-key: ci-run-check
+                  prefix-key: zeroclaw-ci-v1
+                  shared-key: ${{ runner.os }}-rust
+                  cache-targets: true
                   cache-bin: false
+
+            # Step 1: Tests with flake detection (was: test job)
             - name: Run tests with flake detection
               shell: bash
               env:
@@ -225,41 +202,10 @@ jobs:
                   if-no-files-found: ignore
                   retention-days: 14
 
-    build:
-        name: Build (Smoke)
-        needs: [changes]
-        if: needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed == 'true'
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 90
-        env:
-            CARGO_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/cargo
-            RUSTUP_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/rustup
-            CARGO_TARGET_DIR: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/target
-
-        steps:
-            - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
-            - name: Ensure C toolchain
-              shell: bash
-              run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_c_toolchain.sh
-            - name: Self-heal Rust toolchain cache
-              shell: bash
-              run: ./scripts/ci/self_heal_rust_toolchain.sh 1.92.0
-            - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@631a55b12751854ce901bb631d5902ceb48146f7 # stable
-              with:
-                  toolchain: 1.92.0
-            - name: Ensure C toolchain for Rust builds
-              run: ./scripts/ci/ensure_cc.sh
-            - name: Ensure cargo component
-              shell: bash
-              run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh 1.92.0
-            - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
-              with:
-                  prefix-key: ci-run-build
-                  cache-targets: true
-                  cache-bin: false
+            # Step 2: Release build + binary size check (was: build job)
             - name: Build binary (smoke check)
               env:
-                  CARGO_BUILD_JOBS: 2
+                  CARGO_BUILD_JOBS: 8
                   CI_SMOKE_BUILD_ATTEMPTS: 3
               run: bash scripts/ci/smoke_build_retry.sh
             - name: Check binary size
@@ -349,7 +295,7 @@ jobs:
     lint-feedback:
         name: Lint Feedback
         if: github.event_name == 'pull_request'
-        needs: [changes, lint, docs-quality]
+        needs: [changes, quality-gate, docs-quality]
         runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
         permissions:
             contents: read
@@ -364,8 +310,8 @@ jobs:
               env:
                   RUST_CHANGED: ${{ needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed }}
                   DOCS_CHANGED: ${{ needs.changes.outputs.docs_changed }}
-                  LINT_RESULT: ${{ needs.lint.result }}
-                  LINT_DELTA_RESULT: ${{ needs.lint.result }}
+                  LINT_RESULT: ${{ needs.quality-gate.result }}
+                  LINT_DELTA_RESULT: ${{ needs.quality-gate.result }}
                   DOCS_RESULT: ${{ needs.docs-quality.result }}
               with:
                   script: |
@@ -390,10 +336,11 @@ jobs:
                   script: |
                     const script = require('./.github/workflows/scripts/ci_license_file_owner_guard.js');
                     await script({ github, context, core });
+
     ci-required:
         name: CI Required Gate
         if: always()
-        needs: [changes, lint, workspace-check, package-check, test, build, docs-only, non-rust, docs-quality, lint-feedback, license-file-owner-guard]
+        needs: [changes, quality-gate, test-and-build, docs-only, non-rust, docs-quality, lint-feedback, license-file-owner-guard]
         runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
         steps:
             - name: Enforce required status
@@ -440,24 +387,18 @@ jobs:
                   fi
 
                   # --- Rust change path ---
-                  lint_result="${{ needs.lint.result }}"
-                  workspace_check_result="${{ needs.workspace-check.result }}"
-                  package_check_result="${{ needs.package-check.result }}"
-                  test_result="${{ needs.test.result }}"
-                  build_result="${{ needs.build.result }}"
+                  quality_gate_result="${{ needs.quality-gate.result }}"
+                  test_and_build_result="${{ needs.test-and-build.result }}"
 
-                  echo "lint=${lint_result}"
-                  echo "workspace-check=${workspace_check_result}"
-                  echo "package-check=${package_check_result}"
-                  echo "test=${test_result}"
-                  echo "build=${build_result}"
+                  echo "quality-gate=${quality_gate_result}"
+                  echo "test-and-build=${test_and_build_result}"
                   echo "docs=${docs_result}"
                   echo "license_file_owner_guard=${license_owner_result}"
 
                   check_pr_governance
 
-                  if [ "$lint_result" != "success" ] || [ "$workspace_check_result" != "success" ] || [ "$package_check_result" != "success" ] || [ "$test_result" != "success" ] || [ "$build_result" != "success" ]; then
-                    echo "Required CI jobs did not pass: lint=${lint_result} workspace-check=${workspace_check_result} package-check=${package_check_result} test=${test_result} build=${build_result}"
+                  if [ "$quality_gate_result" != "success" ] || [ "$test_and_build_result" != "success" ]; then
+                    echo "Required CI jobs did not pass: quality-gate=${quality_gate_result} test-and-build=${test_and_build_result}"
                     exit 1
                   fi
 
diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci-supply-chain-provenance.yml b/.github/workflows/ci-supply-chain-provenance.yml
index 84803befe..be9083765 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci-supply-chain-provenance.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci-supply-chain-provenance.yml
@@ -32,8 +32,8 @@ env:
 jobs:
     provenance:
         name: Build + Provenance Bundle
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 60
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
+        timeout-minutes: 30
         steps:
             - name: Checkout
               uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
diff --git a/.github/workflows/feature-matrix.yml b/.github/workflows/feature-matrix.yml
index 9d61f84f0..00a93fdc3 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/feature-matrix.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/feature-matrix.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 name: Feature Matrix
 
+# Non-default feature lanes moved to nightly/weekly only per CI/CD optimization PRD.
+# PR path only runs default lane via ci:full/ci:feature-matrix labels.
 on:
     push:
         branches: [dev]
@@ -51,7 +53,7 @@ env:
 jobs:
     resolve-profile:
         name: Resolve Matrix Profile
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
+        runs-on: ubuntu-latest
         outputs:
             profile: ${{ steps.resolve.outputs.profile }}
             lane_job_prefix: ${{ steps.resolve.outputs.lane_job_prefix }}
@@ -127,28 +129,34 @@ jobs:
             github.event_name != 'pull_request' ||
             contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci:full') ||
             contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci:feature-matrix')
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
         timeout-minutes: ${{ fromJSON(needs.resolve-profile.outputs.lane_timeout_minutes) }}
         strategy:
             fail-fast: false
             matrix:
                 include:
+                    # Default lane: always runs (PR compile + nightly)
                     - name: default
                       compile_command: cargo check --locked
                       nightly_command: cargo test --locked --test agent_e2e --verbose
                       install_libudev: false
+                      nightly_only: false
+                    # Non-default lanes: nightly/weekly/dispatch only (skipped on PR compile profile)
                     - name: whatsapp-web
                       compile_command: cargo check --locked --no-default-features --features whatsapp-web
                       nightly_command: cargo check --locked --no-default-features --features whatsapp-web --verbose
                       install_libudev: false
+                      nightly_only: true
                     - name: browser-native
                       compile_command: cargo check --locked --no-default-features --features browser-native
                       nightly_command: cargo check --locked --no-default-features --features browser-native --verbose
                       install_libudev: false
+                      nightly_only: true
                     - name: nightly-all-features
                       compile_command: cargo check --locked --all-features
                       nightly_command: cargo test --locked --all-features --test agent_e2e --verbose
                       install_libudev: true
+                      nightly_only: true
         steps:
             - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
 
@@ -162,11 +170,14 @@ jobs:
               run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh 1.92.0
 
             - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
+              if: "!matrix.nightly_only || needs.resolve-profile.outputs.profile == 'nightly'"
               with:
-                  prefix-key: feature-matrix-${{ matrix.name }}
+                  prefix-key: zeroclaw-ci-v1
+                  shared-key: ${{ runner.os }}-rust
+                  cache-targets: true
 
             - name: Ensure Linux deps for all-features lane
-              if: matrix.install_libudev
+              if: matrix.install_libudev && (!matrix.nightly_only || needs.resolve-profile.outputs.profile == 'nightly')
               shell: bash
               run: |
                   set -euo pipefail
@@ -191,7 +202,12 @@ jobs:
                     sleep 10
                   done
 
+            - name: Skip non-default lane on compile profile
+              if: matrix.nightly_only && needs.resolve-profile.outputs.profile != 'nightly'
+              run: echo "Skipping non-default lane '${{ matrix.name }}' on compile profile."
+
             - name: Run matrix lane command
+              if: "!matrix.nightly_only || needs.resolve-profile.outputs.profile == 'nightly'"
               id: lane
               shell: bash
               run: |
@@ -258,7 +274,7 @@ jobs:
                   echo "lane_exit_code=${status}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
 
             - name: Upload lane report
-              if: always()
+              if: always() && steps.lane.outcome != 'skipped'
               uses: actions/upload-artifact@b7c566a772e6b6bfb58ed0dc250532a479d7789f # v6.0.0
               with:
                   name: ${{ needs.resolve-profile.outputs.lane_artifact_prefix }}-${{ matrix.name }}
@@ -267,7 +283,7 @@ jobs:
                   retention-days: ${{ fromJSON(needs.resolve-profile.outputs.lane_retention_days) }}
 
             - name: Enforce lane success
-              if: steps.lane.outputs.lane_status != 'success'
+              if: steps.lane.outcome == 'success' && steps.lane.outputs.lane_status != 'success'
               shell: bash
               run: |
                   set -euo pipefail
@@ -283,7 +299,7 @@ jobs:
         name: ${{ needs.resolve-profile.outputs.summary_job_name }}
         needs: [resolve-profile, feature-check]
         if: always()
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
+        runs-on: ubuntu-latest
         steps:
             - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
 
diff --git a/.github/workflows/scripts/lint_feedback.js b/.github/workflows/scripts/lint_feedback.js
index 8b90161a8..472a4ed04 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/scripts/lint_feedback.js
+++ b/.github/workflows/scripts/lint_feedback.js
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@
 // Required environment variables:
 //   RUST_CHANGED      — "true" if Rust files changed
 //   DOCS_CHANGED      — "true" if docs files changed
-//   LINT_RESULT       — result of the lint job
-//   LINT_DELTA_RESULT — result of the strict delta lint job
+//   LINT_RESULT       — result of the quality-gate job (fmt + clippy)
+//   LINT_DELTA_RESULT — result of the quality-gate job (strict delta)
 //   DOCS_RESULT       — result of the docs-quality job
 
 module.exports = async ({ github, context, core }) => {
@@ -23,10 +23,10 @@ module.exports = async ({ github, context, core }) => {
 
   const failures = [];
   if (rustChanged && !["success", "skipped"].includes(lintResult)) {
-    failures.push("`Lint Gate (Format + Clippy)` failed.");
+    failures.push("`Quality Gate (Format + Clippy)` failed.");
   }
   if (rustChanged && !["success", "skipped"].includes(lintDeltaResult)) {
-    failures.push("`Lint Gate (Strict Delta)` failed.");
+    failures.push("`Quality Gate (Strict Delta)` failed.");
   }
   if (docsChanged && !["success", "skipped"].includes(docsResult)) {
     failures.push("`Docs Quality` failed.");
diff --git a/.github/workflows/sec-audit.yml b/.github/workflows/sec-audit.yml
index 260e8a5dd..5af1ceade 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/sec-audit.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/sec-audit.yml
@@ -70,10 +70,35 @@ env:
     CARGO_TERM_COLOR: always
 
 jobs:
-    audit:
-        name: Security Audit
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 45
+    # --- Change detection for fast-path on non-Rust PRs ---
+    changes:
+        name: Detect Change Scope
+        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
+        outputs:
+            rust_changed: ${{ steps.scope.outputs.rust_changed }}
+        steps:
+            - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
+              with:
+                  fetch-depth: 0
+            - name: Detect Rust changes
+              id: scope
+              shell: bash
+              env:
+                  EVENT_NAME: ${{ github.event_name }}
+                  BASE_SHA: ${{ github.event_name == 'pull_request' && github.event.pull_request.base.sha || github.event_name == 'merge_group' && github.event.merge_group.base_sha || github.event.before }}
+              run: ./scripts/ci/detect_change_scope.sh
+
+    # --- Consolidated Rust security: audit + deny + security regressions ---
+    # Merges 3 separate Rust-compiling jobs into 1 sequential job on 8 vCPU.
+    rust-security:
+        name: Rust Security (Audit + Deny + Regressions)
+        needs: [changes]
+        if: >-
+            needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed == 'true' ||
+            github.event_name == 'schedule' ||
+            github.event_name == 'workflow_dispatch'
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
+        timeout-minutes: 25
         env:
             CARGO_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/cargo
             RUSTUP_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/rustup
@@ -101,34 +126,19 @@ jobs:
                   ENSURE_CARGO_COMPONENT_STRICT: "true"
               run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh 1.92.0
 
+            - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
+              with:
+                  prefix-key: zeroclaw-ci-v1
+                  shared-key: ${{ runner.os }}-rust
+                  cache-targets: true
+                  cache-bin: false
+
+            # --- Step 1: cargo-audit (was: audit job) ---
             - uses: rustsec/audit-check@69366f33c96575abad1ee0dba8212993eecbe998 # v2.0.0
               with:
                   token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
 
-    deny:
-        name: License & Supply Chain
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 20
-        env:
-            CARGO_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/cargo
-            RUSTUP_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/rustup
-            CARGO_TARGET_DIR: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/target
-        steps:
-            - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
-
-            - name: Ensure C toolchain
-              shell: bash
-              run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_c_toolchain.sh
-
-            - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@631a55b12751854ce901bb631d5902ceb48146f7 # stable
-              with:
-                  toolchain: 1.92.0
-            - name: Ensure cargo component
-              shell: bash
-              env:
-                  ENSURE_CARGO_COMPONENT_STRICT: "true"
-              run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh 1.92.0
-
+            # --- Step 2: cargo-deny (was: deny job) ---
             - name: Enforce deny policy hygiene
               shell: bash
               run: |
@@ -214,41 +224,24 @@ jobs:
                   if-no-files-found: ignore
                   retention-days: 14
 
-    security-regressions:
-        name: Security Regression Tests
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 30
-        env:
-            CARGO_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/cargo
-            RUSTUP_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/rustup
-            CARGO_TARGET_DIR: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/target
-        steps:
-            - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
-            - name: Ensure C toolchain
-              shell: bash
-              run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_c_toolchain.sh
-
-            - name: Self-heal Rust toolchain cache
-              shell: bash
-              run: ./scripts/ci/self_heal_rust_toolchain.sh 1.92.0
-            - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@631a55b12751854ce901bb631d5902ceb48146f7 # stable
-              with:
-                  toolchain: 1.92.0
-            - name: Ensure C toolchain for Rust builds
-              run: ./scripts/ci/ensure_cc.sh
-            - name: Ensure cargo component
-              shell: bash
-              env:
-                  ENSURE_CARGO_COMPONENT_STRICT: "true"
-              run: bash ./scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh 1.92.0
-            - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
-              with:
-                  prefix-key: sec-audit-security-regressions
-                  cache-bin: false
+            # --- Step 3: Security regression tests (was: security-regressions job) ---
             - name: Run security regression suite
               shell: bash
               run: ./scripts/ci/security_regression_tests.sh
 
+    # --- Fast-path for non-Rust PRs (no compilation needed) ---
+    rust-security-skipped:
+        name: Rust Security (Skipped — Non-Rust PR)
+        needs: [changes]
+        if: >-
+            needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed != 'true' &&
+            github.event_name != 'schedule' &&
+            github.event_name != 'workflow_dispatch'
+        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
+        steps:
+            - name: Skip Rust security for non-Rust PR
+              run: echo "Non-Rust PR; Rust security checks skipped."
+
     secrets:
         name: Secrets Governance (Gitleaks)
         runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
@@ -444,13 +437,15 @@ jobs:
                   if-no-files-found: ignore
                   retention-days: 14
 
-    sbom:
-        name: SBOM Snapshot
+    # --- Compliance: SBOM + unsafe debt (no Rust compilation needed) ---
+    compliance:
+        name: Compliance (SBOM + Unsafe Debt)
         runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
         timeout-minutes: 20
         steps:
             - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
 
+            # --- SBOM (was: sbom job) ---
             - name: Install syft
               shell: bash
               run: |
@@ -509,19 +504,7 @@ jobs:
                   if-no-files-found: ignore
                   retention-days: 14
 
-    unsafe-debt:
-        name: Unsafe Debt Audit
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
-        timeout-minutes: 20
-        steps:
-            - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
-
-            - name: Setup Python 3.11
-              shell: bash
-              run: |
-                  set -euo pipefail
-                  python3 --version
-
+            # --- Unsafe debt (was: unsafe-debt job) ---
             - name: Enforce unsafe policy governance
               shell: bash
               run: |
@@ -655,28 +638,40 @@ jobs:
     security-required:
         name: Security Required Gate
         if: always() && (github.event_name == 'pull_request' || github.event_name == 'push' || github.event_name == 'merge_group')
-        needs: [audit, deny, security-regressions, secrets, sbom, unsafe-debt]
+        needs: [changes, rust-security, rust-security-skipped, secrets, compliance]
         runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
         steps:
             - name: Enforce security gate
               shell: bash
               run: |
                   set -euo pipefail
-                  results=(
-                    "audit=${{ needs.audit.result }}"
-                    "deny=${{ needs.deny.result }}"
-                    "security-regressions=${{ needs.security-regressions.result }}"
-                    "secrets=${{ needs.secrets.result }}"
-                    "sbom=${{ needs.sbom.result }}"
-                    "unsafe-debt=${{ needs['unsafe-debt'].result }}"
-                  )
-                  for item in "${results[@]}"; do
-                    echo "$item"
-                  done
-                  for item in "${results[@]}"; do
-                    result="${item#*=}"
-                    if [ "$result" != "success" ]; then
-                      echo "Security gate failed: $item"
+                  rust_changed="${{ needs.changes.outputs.rust_changed }}"
+
+                  # Rust security: must pass if Rust changed, or must be skipped
+                  if [ "$rust_changed" = "true" ]; then
+                    rust_sec="${{ needs.rust-security.result }}"
+                    if [ "$rust_sec" != "success" ]; then
+                      echo "Security gate failed: rust-security=${rust_sec}"
                       exit 1
                     fi
-                  done
+                  else
+                    rust_skip="${{ needs.rust-security-skipped.result }}"
+                    if [ "$rust_skip" != "success" ]; then
+                      echo "Security gate failed: rust-security-skipped=${rust_skip}"
+                      exit 1
+                    fi
+                  fi
+
+                  # Non-Rust security: always required
+                  secrets_result="${{ needs.secrets.result }}"
+                  compliance_result="${{ needs.compliance.result }}"
+
+                  echo "secrets=${secrets_result}"
+                  echo "compliance=${compliance_result}"
+
+                  if [ "$secrets_result" != "success" ] || [ "$compliance_result" != "success" ]; then
+                    echo "Security gate failed: secrets=${secrets_result} compliance=${compliance_result}"
+                    exit 1
+                  fi
+
+                  echo "All security checks passed."
diff --git a/.github/workflows/sec-codeql.yml b/.github/workflows/sec-codeql.yml
index 01bec0567..7b319576a 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/sec-codeql.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/sec-codeql.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 name: Sec CodeQL
 
+# Moved off PR path per CI/CD optimization PRD.
+# Runs on push-to-main/dev + weekly schedule to catch vulnerabilities within 1 merge.
 on:
     push:
         branches: [dev, main]
@@ -14,27 +16,12 @@ on:
             - "scripts/ci/self_heal_rust_toolchain.sh"
             - "scripts/ci/ensure_cc.sh"
             - ".github/workflows/sec-codeql.yml"
-    pull_request:
-        branches: [dev, main]
-        paths:
-            - "Cargo.toml"
-            - "Cargo.lock"
-            - "src/**"
-            - "crates/**"
-            - "scripts/ci/ensure_c_toolchain.sh"
-            - "scripts/ci/ensure_cargo_component.sh"
-            - ".github/codeql/**"
-            - "scripts/ci/self_heal_rust_toolchain.sh"
-            - "scripts/ci/ensure_cc.sh"
-            - ".github/workflows/sec-codeql.yml"
-    merge_group:
-        branches: [dev, main]
     schedule:
         - cron: "0 6 * * 1" # Weekly Monday 6am UTC
     workflow_dispatch:
 
 concurrency:
-    group: codeql-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref || github.run_id }}
+    group: codeql-${{ github.ref || github.run_id }}
     cancel-in-progress: true
 
 permissions:
@@ -47,34 +34,11 @@ env:
     GIT_CONFIG_KEY_0: core.hooksPath
     GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0: /dev/null
 
-
 jobs:
-    select-runner:
-        name: Select CodeQL Runner Lane
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, light, cpu40]
-        outputs:
-            labels: ${{ steps.lane.outputs.labels }}
-            lane: ${{ steps.lane.outputs.lane }}
-        steps:
-            - name: Resolve branch lane
-              id: lane
-              shell: bash
-              run: |
-                  set -euo pipefail
-                  branch="${GITHUB_HEAD_REF:-${GITHUB_REF_NAME}}"
-                  if [[ "$branch" == release/* ]]; then
-                    echo 'labels=["self-hosted","Linux","X64","hetzner","codeql"]' >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-                    echo 'lane=release' >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-                  else
-                    echo 'labels=["self-hosted","Linux","X64","hetzner","codeql","codeql-general"]' >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-                    echo 'lane=general' >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-                  fi
-
     codeql:
         name: CodeQL Analysis
-        needs: [select-runner]
-        runs-on: ${{ fromJSON(needs.select-runner.outputs.labels) }}
-        timeout-minutes: 120
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
+        timeout-minutes: 45
         env:
             CARGO_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/cargo
             RUSTUP_HOME: ${{ github.workspace }}/.ci-rust/${{ github.run_id }}-${{ github.run_attempt }}-${{ github.job }}/rustup
@@ -113,7 +77,8 @@ jobs:
 
             - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
               with:
-                  prefix-key: sec-codeql-build
+                  prefix-key: zeroclaw-ci-v1
+                  shared-key: ${{ runner.os }}-rust
                   cache-targets: true
                   cache-bin: false
 
@@ -125,13 +90,12 @@ jobs:
               with:
                   category: "/language:rust"
 
-            - name: Summarize lane
+            - name: Summarize runner
               if: always()
               shell: bash
               run: |
                   {
-                    echo "### CodeQL Runner Lane"
+                    echo "### CodeQL Runner"
                     echo "- Branch: \`${GITHUB_HEAD_REF:-${GITHUB_REF_NAME}}\`"
-                    echo "- Lane: \`${{ needs.select-runner.outputs.lane }}\`"
-                    echo "- Labels: \`${{ needs.select-runner.outputs.labels }}\`"
+                    echo "- Runner: \`blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404\`"
                   } >> "$GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test-e2e.yml b/.github/workflows/test-e2e.yml
index 38fca152f..fe331b055 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test-e2e.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test-e2e.yml
@@ -26,13 +26,12 @@ env:
     GIT_CONFIG_KEY_0: core.hooksPath
     GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0: /dev/null
     CARGO_TERM_COLOR: always
-        ENSURE_RUST_COMPONENTS: ""
 
 jobs:
     integration-tests:
         name: Integration / E2E Tests
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
-        timeout-minutes: 30
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
+        timeout-minutes: 20
         steps:
             - uses: actions/checkout@34e114876b0b11c390a56381ad16ebd13914f8d5 # v4
             - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@631a55b12751854ce901bb631d5902ceb48146f7 # stable
@@ -46,6 +45,11 @@ jobs:
             - name: Ensure C toolchain for Rust builds
               run: ./scripts/ci/ensure_cc.sh
             - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@779680da715d629ac1d338a641029a2f4372abb5 # v3
+              with:
+                  prefix-key: zeroclaw-ci-v1
+                  shared-key: ${{ runner.os }}-rust
+                  cache-targets: true
+                  cache-bin: false
             - name: Runner preflight (compiler + disk)
               shell: bash
               run: |
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test-fuzz.yml b/.github/workflows/test-fuzz.yml
index c3cd73697..a7fff0ad8 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test-fuzz.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test-fuzz.yml
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ env:
 jobs:
     fuzz:
         name: Fuzz (${{ matrix.target }})
-        runs-on: [self-hosted, Linux, X64, aws-india, blacksmith-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404]
+        runs-on: blacksmith-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404
         timeout-minutes: 60
         strategy:
             fail-fast: false
diff --git a/docs/ci-map.md b/docs/ci-map.md
index 4b85e53d9..054bfc22e 100644
--- a/docs/ci-map.md
+++ b/docs/ci-map.md
@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ Merge-blocking checks should stay small and deterministic. Optional checks are u
 
 - `.github/workflows/ci-run.yml` (`CI`)
     - Purpose: Rust validation (`cargo fmt --all -- --check`, `cargo clippy --locked --all-targets -- -D clippy::correctness`, strict delta lint gate on changed Rust lines, `test`, release build smoke) + docs quality checks when docs change (`markdownlint` blocks only issues on changed lines; link check scans only links added on changed lines)
-    - Additional behavior: for Rust-impacting PRs and pushes, `CI Required Gate` requires `lint` + `test` + `build` (no PR build-only bypass)
-    - Additional behavior: `lint`, `test`, and `build` run in parallel (all depend only on `changes` job) to minimize critical path duration
-    - Additional behavior: rust-cache is shared between `lint` and `test` via unified `prefix-key` (`ci-run-check`) to reduce redundant compilation; `build` uses a separate key for release-fast profile
+    - Additional behavior: for Rust-impacting PRs and pushes, `CI Required Gate` requires `quality-gate` + `test-and-build` (no PR build-only bypass)
+    - Additional behavior: `quality-gate` and `test-and-build` run in parallel (all depend only on `changes` job) to minimize critical path duration
+    - Additional behavior: rust-cache is shared across all Rust CI jobs via unified `prefix-key` (`zeroclaw-ci-v1`) and `shared-key` (`${{ runner.os }}-rust`) to reduce redundant compilation
     - Additional behavior: flake detection is integrated into the `test` job via single-retry probe; emits `test-flake-probe` artifact when flake is suspected; optional blocking can be enabled with repository variable `CI_BLOCK_ON_FLAKE_SUSPECTED=true`
     - Additional behavior: PRs that change CI/CD-governed paths require an explicit approving review from `@chumyin` (`.github/workflows/**`, `.github/codeql/**`, `.github/connectivity/**`, `.github/release/**`, `.github/security/**`, `.github/actionlint.yaml`, `.github/dependabot.yml`, `scripts/ci/**`, and CI governance docs)
     - Additional behavior: PRs that change root license files (`LICENSE-APACHE`, `LICENSE-MIT`) must be authored by `willsarg`
@@ -104,7 +104,10 @@ Merge-blocking checks should stay small and deterministic. Optional checks are u
 - `Nightly All-Features`: daily schedule and manual dispatch
 - `Release`: tag push (`v*`), weekly schedule (verification-only), manual dispatch (verification or publish)
 - `Production Release Build`: push to `main`, push tags matching `v*`, manual dispatch
-- `Security Audit`: push to `dev` and `main`, PRs to `dev` and `main`, weekly schedule
+- `Security Audit`: push to `dev` and `main`, PRs to `dev` and `main`, weekly schedule; non-Rust PRs fast-path skip Rust compilation jobs
+- `CodeQL Analysis`: push to `dev` and `main` on Rust/CodeQL-impacting paths, weekly schedule, manual dispatch (removed from PR path)
+- `CI Change Audit`: push to `dev` and `main` on CI/security paths, manual dispatch (removed from PR path)
+- `Reproducible Build`: push to `dev` and `main` on Rust/CI paths, weekly schedule, manual dispatch (removed from PR path)
 - `Sec Vorpal Reviewdog`: manual dispatch only
 - `Workflow Sanity`: PR/push when `.github/workflows/**`, `.github/*.yml`, or `.github/*.yaml` change
 - `Dependabot`: all update PRs target `main` (not `dev`)
@@ -128,12 +131,12 @@ Merge-blocking checks should stay small and deterministic. Optional checks are u
 7. PR intake failures: inspect `.github/workflows/pr-intake-checks.yml` sticky comment and run logs. If intake policy changed recently, trigger a fresh `pull_request_target` event (for example close/reopen PR) because `Re-run jobs` can reuse the original workflow snapshot.
 8. Label policy parity failures: inspect `.github/workflows/pr-label-policy-check.yml`.
 9. Docs failures in CI: inspect `docs-quality` job logs in `.github/workflows/ci-run.yml`.
-10. Strict delta lint failures in CI: inspect `lint-strict-delta` job logs and compare with `BASE_SHA` diff scope.
+10. Strict delta lint failures in CI: inspect `quality-gate` job strict-delta step logs and compare with `BASE_SHA` diff scope.
 
 ## Maintenance Rules
 
 - Keep merge-blocking checks deterministic and reproducible (`--locked` where applicable).
-- Keep merge-queue compatibility explicit by supporting `merge_group` on required workflows (`ci-run`, `sec-audit`, and `sec-codeql`).
+- Keep merge-queue compatibility explicit by supporting `merge_group` on required workflows (`ci-run`, `sec-audit`).
 - Keep PR intake backfills event-driven: when intake logic changes, prefer triggering a fresh PR event over rerunning old runs so checks evaluate against the latest workflow/script snapshot.
 - Keep `deny.toml` advisory ignore entries in object form with explicit reasons (enforced by `deny_policy_guard.py`).
 - Keep deny ignore governance metadata current in `.github/security/deny-ignore-governance.json` (owner/reason/expiry/ticket enforced by `deny_policy_guard.py`).
diff --git a/docs/operations/required-check-mapping.md b/docs/operations/required-check-mapping.md
index ccf6b6245..e494f03ad 100644
--- a/docs/operations/required-check-mapping.md
+++ b/docs/operations/required-check-mapping.md
@@ -9,19 +9,30 @@ This document maps merge-critical workflows to expected check names.
 | `CI Required Gate` | `.github/workflows/ci-run.yml` | core Rust/doc merge gate |
 | `Security Required Gate` | `.github/workflows/sec-audit.yml` | aggregated security merge gate |
 
+### CI Run consolidated job names (referenced by CI Required Gate)
+
+- `Quality Gate (Fmt + Clippy + Workspace + Package Checks)` — replaces `Lint Gate`, `Workspace Check`, `Package Check`
+- `Test + Build` — replaces `Test`, `Build (Smoke)`
+
+### Security audit consolidated job names (referenced by Security Required Gate)
+
+- `Rust Security (Audit + Deny + Regressions)` — replaces `Security Audit`, `License & Supply Chain`, `Security Regression Tests`
+- `Secrets Governance (Gitleaks)` — unchanged
+- `Compliance (SBOM + Unsafe Debt)` — replaces `SBOM Snapshot`, `Unsafe Debt Audit`
+
 Supplemental monitors (non-blocking unless added to branch protection contexts):
 
-- `CI Change Audit` (`.github/workflows/ci-change-audit.yml`)
-- `CodeQL Analysis` (`.github/workflows/sec-codeql.yml`)
+- `CI Change Audit` (`.github/workflows/ci-change-audit.yml`) — push-to-main only (removed from PR path)
+- `CodeQL Analysis` (`.github/workflows/sec-codeql.yml`) — push-to-main + weekly only (removed from PR path)
 - `Workflow Sanity` (`.github/workflows/workflow-sanity.yml`)
 - `Feature Matrix Summary` (`.github/workflows/feature-matrix.yml`)
 
 Feature matrix lane check names (informational, non-required):
 
-- `Matrix Lane (default)`
-- `Matrix Lane (whatsapp-web)`
-- `Matrix Lane (browser-native)`
-- `Matrix Lane (nightly-all-features)`
+- `Matrix Lane (default)` — runs on all profiles
+- `Matrix Lane (whatsapp-web)` — nightly/weekly only
+- `Matrix Lane (browser-native)` — nightly/weekly only
+- `Matrix Lane (nightly-all-features)` — nightly/weekly only
 
 ## Release / Pre-release
 
diff --git a/docs/operations/self-hosted-runner-remediation.md b/docs/operations/self-hosted-runner-remediation.md
index 25c959195..e37633a4b 100644
--- a/docs/operations/self-hosted-runner-remediation.md
+++ b/docs/operations/self-hosted-runner-remediation.md
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ Safety behavior:
 
 ## 3.1) Build Smoke Exit `143` Triage
 
-When `CI Run / Build (Smoke)` fails with `Process completed with exit code 143`:
+When `CI Run / Test + Build` fails with `Process completed with exit code 143`:
 
 1. Treat it as external termination (SIGTERM), not a compile error.
 2. Confirm the build step ended with `Terminated` and no Rust compiler diagnostic was emitted.