To evaluate the true potential of a Layer1 project, the quality of early ecosystem development often speaks louder than quantity. Recent actions on the testnet clearly demonstrate how Dusk is gradually advancing from the underlying protocol to upper-layer applications.

The role of $DUSK is shifting. Initially serving as a fuel for network security, it is now gradually evolving into an important participant in ecosystem governance, while also becoming a key medium for resource staking. This evolution is not accidental—it reflects the project's strategic adjustment.

Interestingly, Dusk did not follow the trend of creating homogeneous public chain applications. Instead, it precisely targeted three niche areas that require strong privacy and regulatory backing: issuance and trading of RWA (Real World Assets), privacy-preserving DeFi, and institutional-grade data markets. These three sectors share a common characteristic—their demand for on-chain privacy and regulatory compliance is extremely rigid.

Because of this specialized positioning, the developer toolkit attracted a different set of builders. They do not care about popular tracks but genuinely think about how to compliantly and securely transfer assets like bonds, private equity, or carbon credits "invisibly" onto the blockchain.

This focus has formed a high-barrier early ecosystem cycle: professional needs attract professional developers → developers create professional applications → professional applications attract institutional users and capital. What does this mean for $DUSK holders? On one hand, there will be substantial growth in network usage; on the other hand, as these high-net-worth financial activities gradually move on-chain, the token will deeply integrate into the core operations of various financial protocols, truly becoming the vital blood in this "dark pool" network.

As the mainnet approaches, the moat of this niche track is becoming increasingly clear.