diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4b012e13..98d07859 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@ PROMETEU is the machine. The VM/runtime is one subsystem inside that machine.
 
 Authoritative documents:
 
-- [`docs/runtime/virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md`](docs/runtime/virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md) is normative for VM/runtime invariants.
-- [`docs/runtime/specs/README.md`](docs/runtime/specs/README.md) describes the broader PROMETEU machine, hardware model, and fantasy console context.
+- [`docs/runtime/virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md`](docs/vm-arch/ARCHITECTURE.md) is normative for VM/runtime invariants.
+- [`docs/runtime/specs/README.md`](docs/specs/README.md) describes the broader PROMETEU machine, hardware model, and fantasy console context.
 - Supporting material under `docs/` may expand, explain, or propose changes, but it must not silently collapse the whole machine into the VM layer.
 
 ---
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/README.md b/docs/runtime/learn/README.md
index 41bb32ef..d005c2c1 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/README.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/README.md
@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ It exists to explain the fantasy handheld's mental model, influences, tradeoffs,
 ## Authority
 
 - `docs/runtime/learn/` is not a canonical source of technical contract.
-- The machine's normative surfaces live in [`../specs/`](../specs/README.md).
-- The VM/runtime's internal invariants live in [`../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md`](../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md).
+- The machine's normative surfaces live in [`../specs/`](../../specs/README.md).
+- The VM/runtime's internal invariants live in [`../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md`](../../vm-arch/ARCHITECTURE.md).
 
 ## Reading Order
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-asset-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-asset-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
index 6c82f848..95cae8e2 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-asset-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-asset-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@
 Status: historical snapshot in `learn`, not normative.
 Current normative anchors:
 
-- [`../specs/15-asset-management.md`](../specs/15-asset-management.md)
-- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
+- [`../specs/15-asset-management.md`](../../specs/15-asset-management.md)
+- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
 - [`mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md`](mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md)
 
 ## Status
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-audio-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-audio-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
index 3b7289d7..39d6845f 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-audio-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-audio-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@
 Status: historical snapshot in `learn`, not normative.
 Current normative anchors:
 
-- [`../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md`](../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md)
-- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
+- [`../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md`](../../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md)
+- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
 - [`mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md`](mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md)
 
 ## Status
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-cartridge-boot-protocol-and-manifest-authority.md b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-cartridge-boot-protocol-and-manifest-authority.md
index 1ed5f1ce..478eae7b 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-cartridge-boot-protocol-and-manifest-authority.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-cartridge-boot-protocol-and-manifest-authority.md
@@ -2,9 +2,9 @@
 
 Status: pedagogical / historical
 Normative anchors:
-- [`../specs/13-cartridge.md`](../specs/13-cartridge.md)
-- [`../specs/12-firmware-pos-and-prometeuhub.md`](../specs/12-firmware-pos-and-prometeuhub.md)
-- [`../specs/14-boot-profiles.md`](../specs/14-boot-profiles.md)
+- [`../specs/13-cartridge.md`](../../specs/13-cartridge.md)
+- [`../specs/12-firmware-pos-and-prometeuhub.md`](../../specs/12-firmware-pos-and-prometeuhub.md)
+- [`../specs/14-boot-profiles.md`](../../specs/14-boot-profiles.md)
 
 This document records the historical rationale behind removing `entrypoint` from the cartridge manifest and moving cartridge boot authority into the executable artifact itself.
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-game-memcard-slots-surface-and-semantics.md b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-game-memcard-slots-surface-and-semantics.md
index 009cb8b7..e63e3978 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-game-memcard-slots-surface-and-semantics.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-game-memcard-slots-surface-and-semantics.md
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 Status: historical snapshot in `learn`, not normative.
 Current normative anchors:
 
-- [`../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
-- [`../specs/16-host-abi-and-syscalls.md`](../specs/16-host-abi-and-syscalls.md)
-- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
+- [`../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](../../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
+- [`../specs/16-host-abi-and-syscalls.md`](../../specs/16-host-abi-and-syscalls.md)
+- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
 - [`mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
 - [`mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md`](mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md)
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-gfx-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-gfx-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
index 8385d160..77f1f99d 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/historical-gfx-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/historical-gfx-status-first-fault-and-return-contract.md
@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@
 Status: historical snapshot in `learn`, not normative.
 Current normative anchors:
 
-- [`../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md`](../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md)
-- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
+- [`../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md`](../../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md)
+- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
 - [`mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md`](mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md)
 
 ## Status
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-asset-management.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-asset-management.md
index 9f9e7a9d..aa706594 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-asset-management.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-asset-management.md
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 Status: pedagogical
 Companion specs:
 
-- [`../specs/13-cartridge.md`](../specs/13-cartridge.md)
-- [`../specs/15-asset-management.md`](../specs/15-asset-management.md)
-- [`../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md`](../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md)
+- [`../specs/13-cartridge.md`](../../specs/13-cartridge.md)
+- [`../specs/15-asset-management.md`](../../specs/15-asset-management.md)
+- [`../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md`](../../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md)
 
 Origin decisions:
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-audio.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-audio.md
index f2d69bbd..3e3089b7 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-audio.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-audio.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Audio Mental Model
 
 Status: pedagogical
-Companion spec: [`../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md`](../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md)
+Companion spec: [`../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md`](../../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md)
 
 The right mental model for audio in PROMETEU is an active peripheral with a budget, not "automatic sound".
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-gfx.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-gfx.md
index 0049e017..b2874c4c 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-gfx.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-gfx.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 # GFX Mental Model
 
 Status: pedagogical
-Companion spec: [`../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md`](../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md)
+Companion spec: [`../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md`](../../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md)
 
-Related asset spec: [`../specs/15-asset-management.md`](../specs/15-asset-management.md)
+Related asset spec: [`../specs/15-asset-management.md`](../../specs/15-asset-management.md)
 
 PROMETEU treats graphics as an explicit peripheral, not as a modern GPU.
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-input.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-input.md
index 18270ca5..991d043a 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-input.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-input.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Input Mental Model
 
 Status: pedagogical
-Companion spec: [`../specs/06-input-peripheral.md`](../specs/06-input-peripheral.md)
+Companion spec: [`../specs/06-input-peripheral.md`](../../specs/06-input-peripheral.md)
 
 PROMETEU treats input as sampled state, not as an asynchronous event.
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-observability-and-debugging.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-observability-and-debugging.md
index e0d164d6..d078fa84 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-observability-and-debugging.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-observability-and-debugging.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Observability and Debugging
 
 Status: pedagogical
-Companion spec: [`../specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md`](../specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md)
+Companion spec: [`../specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md`](../../specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md)
 
 PROMETEU was designed to be observable.
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-portability-and-cross-platform.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-portability-and-cross-platform.md
index a472bdff..a88a53e1 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-portability-and-cross-platform.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-portability-and-cross-platform.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Portability and Cross-Platform Execution
 
 Status: pedagogical
-Companion spec: [`../specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md`](../specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md)
+Companion spec: [`../specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md`](../../specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md)
 
 PROMETEU treats portability as an architectural property of the machine, not as an after-the-fact adaptation.
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md
index 3818a0ba..ef13c427 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Save Memory and MEMCARD
 
 Status: pedagogical
-Companion spec: [`../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
+Companion spec: [`../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](../../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
 Historical snapshot: [`historical-game-memcard-slots-surface-and-semantics.md`](historical-game-memcard-slots-surface-and-semantics.md)
 
 PROMETEU treats persistence as explicit hardware, not as invisible save behavior.
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md
index 932606f9..d69af0e8 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-status-first-and-fault-thinking.md
@@ -3,11 +3,11 @@
 Status: pedagogical
 Companion specs:
 
-- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
-- [`../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md`](../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md)
-- [`../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md`](../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md)
-- [`../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
-- [`../specs/15-asset-management.md`](../specs/15-asset-management.md)
+- [`../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md`](../../specs/16a-syscall-policies.md)
+- [`../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md`](../../specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md)
+- [`../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md`](../../specs/05-audio-peripheral.md)
+- [`../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](../../specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
+- [`../specs/15-asset-management.md`](../../specs/15-asset-management.md)
 
 PROMETEU uses a status-first model so the host/runtime boundary does not hide operational errors as silence, improper `Trap`, or accidental `Panic`.
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-time-and-cycles.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-time-and-cycles.md
index 8ce5eee0..c81a526b 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-time-and-cycles.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-time-and-cycles.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Time Model and Cycles
 
 Status: pedagogical
-Companion spec: [`../specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md`](../specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md)
+Companion spec: [`../specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md`](../../specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md)
 
 PROMETEU treats time as an explicit part of the machine.
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-touch.md b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-touch.md
index bd29445d..fd8e9402 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-touch.md
+++ b/docs/runtime/learn/mental-model-touch.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Touch Mental Model
 
 Status: pedagogical
-Companion spec: [`../specs/07-touch-peripheral.md`](../specs/07-touch-peripheral.md)
+Companion spec: [`../specs/07-touch-peripheral.md`](../../specs/07-touch-peripheral.md)
 
 PROMETEU uses TOUCH as an absolute, deterministic pointer, not as a gesture-rich surface.
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md b/docs/specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md
similarity index 98%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md
rename to docs/specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md
index ebfc0b19..6b6dc338 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md
+++ b/docs/specs/01-time-model-and-cycles.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Domain: machine timing and cycles
 Function: normative
 
-Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-time-and-cycles.md`](../learn/mental-model-time-and-cycles.md)
+Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-time-and-cycles.md`](../runtime/learn/mental-model-time-and-cycles.md)
 
 ## 1 Scope
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/02-vm-instruction-set.md b/docs/specs/02-vm-instruction-set.md
similarity index 96%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/02-vm-instruction-set.md
rename to docs/specs/02-vm-instruction-set.md
index 494b5a84..3313b495 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/02-vm-instruction-set.md
+++ b/docs/specs/02-vm-instruction-set.md
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ It is intentionally narrower than the broader machine specs:
 - verifier boundary;
 - relationship between the VM and adjacent specs.
 
-For the bytecode-level instruction contract, see [`../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md`](../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md).
+For the bytecode-level instruction contract, see [`../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md`](../vm-arch/ISA_CORE.md).
 
 ## 1 Scope
 
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ Each frame:
 
 ## 4 Instruction Families
 
-The public VM instruction surface is documented at the bytecode level in [`../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md`](../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md). At the machine/spec level, the instruction families are:
+The public VM instruction surface is documented at the bytecode level in [`../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md`](../vm-arch/ISA_CORE.md). At the machine/spec level, the instruction families are:
 
 - execution control:
   - `NOP`, `HALT`, `JMP`, `JMP_IF_FALSE`, `JMP_IF_TRUE`, `TRAP`, `FRAME_SYNC`
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/02a-vm-values-and-calling-convention.md b/docs/specs/02a-vm-values-and-calling-convention.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/02a-vm-values-and-calling-convention.md
rename to docs/specs/02a-vm-values-and-calling-convention.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/02b-vm-function-values-and-closures.md b/docs/specs/02b-vm-function-values-and-closures.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/02b-vm-function-values-and-closures.md
rename to docs/specs/02b-vm-function-values-and-closures.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/03-memory-stack-heap-and-allocation.md b/docs/specs/03-memory-stack-heap-and-allocation.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/03-memory-stack-heap-and-allocation.md
rename to docs/specs/03-memory-stack-heap-and-allocation.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md b/docs/specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md
similarity index 99%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md
rename to docs/specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md
index 54863093..518744f2 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md
+++ b/docs/specs/04-gfx-peripheral.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Domain: virtual hardware: graphics
 Function: normative
 
-Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-gfx.md`](../learn/mental-model-gfx.md)
+Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-gfx.md`](../runtime/learn/mental-model-gfx.md)
 
 ## 1. Overview
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/05-audio-peripheral.md b/docs/specs/05-audio-peripheral.md
similarity index 98%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/05-audio-peripheral.md
rename to docs/specs/05-audio-peripheral.md
index 1eeb80db..0061d301 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/05-audio-peripheral.md
+++ b/docs/specs/05-audio-peripheral.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Domain: virtual hardware: audio
 Function: normative
 
-Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-audio.md`](../learn/mental-model-audio.md)
+Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-audio.md`](../runtime/learn/mental-model-audio.md)
 
 ## 1 Scope
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/06-input-peripheral.md b/docs/specs/06-input-peripheral.md
similarity index 96%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/06-input-peripheral.md
rename to docs/specs/06-input-peripheral.md
index 759dbea3..3706584e 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/06-input-peripheral.md
+++ b/docs/specs/06-input-peripheral.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Domain: virtual hardware: input  
 Function: normative
 
-Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-input.md`](../learn/mental-model-input.md)
+Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-input.md`](../runtime/learn/mental-model-input.md)
 
 ## 1 Scope
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/07-touch-peripheral.md b/docs/specs/07-touch-peripheral.md
similarity index 97%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/07-touch-peripheral.md
rename to docs/specs/07-touch-peripheral.md
index 9034de52..c96dfc30 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/07-touch-peripheral.md
+++ b/docs/specs/07-touch-peripheral.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Domain: virtual hardware: touch
 Function: normative
 
-Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-touch.md`](../learn/mental-model-touch.md)
+Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-touch.md`](../runtime/learn/mental-model-touch.md)
 
 ## 1 Scope
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md b/docs/specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md
similarity index 98%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md
rename to docs/specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md
index 4882d5e9..2ee17090 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md
+++ b/docs/specs/08-save-memory-and-memcard.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Domain: virtual hardware: save memory  
 Function: normative
 
-Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](../learn/mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
+Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md`](../runtime/learn/mental-model-save-memory-and-memcard.md)
 
 ## 1 Scope
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/09-events-and-concurrency.md b/docs/specs/09-events-and-concurrency.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/09-events-and-concurrency.md
rename to docs/specs/09-events-and-concurrency.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/09a-coroutines-and-cooperative-scheduling.md b/docs/specs/09a-coroutines-and-cooperative-scheduling.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/09a-coroutines-and-cooperative-scheduling.md
rename to docs/specs/09a-coroutines-and-cooperative-scheduling.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md b/docs/specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md
similarity index 97%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md
rename to docs/specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md
index 75712466..45159504 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md
+++ b/docs/specs/10-debug-inspection-and-profiling.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Domain: machine diagnostics
 Function: normative
 
-Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-observability-and-debugging.md`](../learn/mental-model-observability-and-debugging.md)
+Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-observability-and-debugging.md`](../runtime/learn/mental-model-observability-and-debugging.md)
 
 ## 1 Scope
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md b/docs/specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md
similarity index 97%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md
rename to docs/specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md
index 00febdac..58383bbc 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md
+++ b/docs/specs/11-portability-and-cross-platform-execution.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Domain: portability contract
 Function: normative
 
-Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-portability-and-cross-platform.md`](../learn/mental-model-portability-and-cross-platform.md)
+Didactic companion: [`../learn/mental-model-portability-and-cross-platform.md`](../runtime/learn/mental-model-portability-and-cross-platform.md)
 
 ## 1 Scope
 
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/12-firmware-pos-and-prometeuhub.md b/docs/specs/12-firmware-pos-and-prometeuhub.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/12-firmware-pos-and-prometeuhub.md
rename to docs/specs/12-firmware-pos-and-prometeuhub.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/13-cartridge.md b/docs/specs/13-cartridge.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/13-cartridge.md
rename to docs/specs/13-cartridge.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/14-boot-profiles.md b/docs/specs/14-boot-profiles.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/14-boot-profiles.md
rename to docs/specs/14-boot-profiles.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/15-asset-management.md b/docs/specs/15-asset-management.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/15-asset-management.md
rename to docs/specs/15-asset-management.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/16-host-abi-and-syscalls.md b/docs/specs/16-host-abi-and-syscalls.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/16-host-abi-and-syscalls.md
rename to docs/specs/16-host-abi-and-syscalls.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/16a-syscall-policies.md b/docs/specs/16a-syscall-policies.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/16a-syscall-policies.md
rename to docs/specs/16a-syscall-policies.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/specs/README.md b/docs/specs/README.md
similarity index 93%
rename from docs/runtime/specs/README.md
rename to docs/specs/README.md
index aeb31f5e..f8429fff 100644
--- a/docs/runtime/specs/README.md
+++ b/docs/specs/README.md
@@ -19,11 +19,11 @@ Belongs in `docs/runtime/specs/`:
 Does not belong in `docs/runtime/specs/` as the primary canonical source:
 
 - internal architectural invariants of the VM/runtime:
-  [`../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md`](../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md);
+  [`../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md`](../vm-arch/ARCHITECTURE.md);
 - bytecode-level ISA:
-  [`../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md`](../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md);
+  [`../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md`](../vm-arch/ISA_CORE.md);
 - pedagogical guides and learning material:
-  [`../learn/README.md`](../learn/README.md);
+  [`../learn/README.md`](../runtime/learn/README.md);
 - agendas, proposals, and plans:
   `docs/runtime/agendas/` and `docs/runtime/pull-requests/`.
 
@@ -87,8 +87,8 @@ In the current state, no chapter under the active `docs/runtime/specs/` root is
 ## Authority Model
 
 - `docs/runtime/specs/` defines the PROMETEU machine and its external execution surfaces.
-- [`../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md`](../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md) remains the canonical authority for internal VM/runtime invariants.
-- [`../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md`](../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md) remains the authority for the bytecode ISA.
+- [`../virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md`](../vm-arch/ARCHITECTURE.md) remains the canonical authority for internal VM/runtime invariants.
+- [`../virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md`](../vm-arch/ISA_CORE.md) remains the authority for the bytecode ISA.
 - When a chapter here touches the VM, it may complement but must not contradict the canonical VM/runtime architecture.
 
 ## Rules for Future Chapters
diff --git a/docs/runtime/virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md b/docs/vm-arch/ARCHITECTURE.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/virtual-machine/ARCHITECTURE.md
rename to docs/vm-arch/ARCHITECTURE.md
diff --git a/docs/runtime/virtual-machine/INTRINSICS.csv b/docs/vm-arch/INTRINSICS.csv
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/virtual-machine/INTRINSICS.csv
rename to docs/vm-arch/INTRINSICS.csv
diff --git a/docs/runtime/virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md b/docs/vm-arch/ISA_CORE.md
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/runtime/virtual-machine/ISA_CORE.md
rename to docs/vm-arch/ISA_CORE.md