diff --git a/core/pkg/rqlite/batch.go b/core/pkg/rqlite/batch.go
index 67f8d4f..60c6054 100644
--- a/core/pkg/rqlite/batch.go
+++ b/core/pkg/rqlite/batch.go
@@ -236,13 +236,28 @@ func coerceInt64(v interface{}) (int64, error) {
 //   - Rows arrive as []map[string]interface{} just like c.Query — columns
 //     are populated via the rqlite "associative" response shape.
 func (c *client) BatchQuery(ctx context.Context, ops []BatchOp) ([]OpResult, error) {
+	return c.BatchQueryConsistency(ctx, ops, ReadConsistencyWeak)
+}
+
+// BatchQueryConsistency is BatchQuery with an explicit read-consistency level.
+//
+// ReadConsistencyWeak (what BatchQuery passes) routes the batch to the leader
+// so every row reflects the latest committed write — at the cost of a leader
+// round-trip. ReadConsistencyNone routes to the serving node's LOCAL SQLite
+// (~1ms, no leader hop) and is ONLY safe for reads that don't need
+// read-your-own-writes freshness — see ReadConsistency and bug #235.
+//
+// none-level reads run on connNone; if that connection isn't configured the
+// batch transparently uses the weak connection (correct, just slower).
+func (c *client) BatchQueryConsistency(ctx context.Context, ops []BatchOp, rc ReadConsistency) ([]OpResult, error) {
 	if len(ops) == 0 {
 		return []OpResult{}, nil
 	}
 	if len(ops) > MaxBatchOps {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("rqlite.BatchQuery: too many ops (%d > max %d)", len(ops), MaxBatchOps)
 	}
-	if c.conn == nil {
+	conn := c.queryConn(rc)
+	if conn == nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("rqlite.BatchQuery: native gorqlite connection not configured (use NewClientWithDSN or NewClientWithConn)")
 	}
 
@@ -261,7 +276,7 @@ func (c *client) BatchQuery(ctx context.Context, ops []BatchOp) ([]OpResult, err
 		}
 	}
 
-	qrs, err := c.conn.QueryParameterizedContext(ctx, stmts)
+	qrs, err := conn.QueryParameterizedContext(ctx, stmts)
 	if err != nil {
 		// gorqlite returns a slice of QueryResult even on partial failure;
 		// extract per-op errors if available, else surface the joined err.
diff --git a/core/pkg/rqlite/client.go b/core/pkg/rqlite/client.go
index 604617c..0cf0645 100644
--- a/core/pkg/rqlite/client.go
+++ b/core/pkg/rqlite/client.go
@@ -27,14 +27,29 @@ func NewClient(db *sql.DB) Client {
 // or "https://..."). Both connections share configuration but are independent
 // HTTP clients.
 //
-// Returns an error if the gorqlite native dial fails. The *sql.DB is not
+// It also opens a SECOND native connection pinned to level=none, used by the
+// opt-in local-read path (BatchQueryConsistency). gorqlite's consistency level
+// is per-connection, not per-query, so a dedicated connection is the only way
+// to offer none-level reads without disturbing the default weak reads.
+//
+// Returns an error if either gorqlite native dial fails. The *sql.DB is not
 // validated here — callers should already have done that.
 func NewClientWithDSN(db *sql.DB, dsn string) (Client, error) {
 	conn, err := gorqlite.Open(dsn)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("rqlite.NewClientWithDSN: native dial failed: %w", err)
 	}
-	return &client{db: db, conn: conn}, nil
+	connNone, err := gorqlite.Open(dsn)
+	if err != nil {
+		conn.Close()
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("rqlite.NewClientWithDSN: native dial (none-level) failed: %w", err)
+	}
+	if err := connNone.SetConsistencyLevel(gorqlite.ConsistencyLevelNone); err != nil {
+		conn.Close()
+		connNone.Close()
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("rqlite.NewClientWithDSN: pin none consistency: %w", err)
+	}
+	return &client{db: db, conn: conn, connNone: connNone}, nil
 }
 
 // NewClientWithConn wires the ORM client when the caller already has a
@@ -55,6 +70,49 @@ func NewClientFromAdapter(adapter *RQLiteAdapter) Client {
 type client struct {
 	db   *sql.DB
 	conn *gorqlite.Connection
+	// connNone is a second native connection pinned to level=none. Used only
+	// by BatchQueryConsistency(ReadConsistencyNone) for fast LOCAL reads that
+	// skip the leader hop. nil for clients built without a native connection
+	// (NewClient) or via NewClientWithConn — in which case none-reads degrade
+	// to the weak conn (always correct, just slower).
+	connNone *gorqlite.Connection
+}
+
+// ReadConsistency selects the rqlite read-consistency level for a read path.
+// rqlite consistency applies to READS only; writes always traverse Raft.
+//
+//   - ReadConsistencyWeak (default): the serving node forwards the read to the
+//     leader, so it always observes the latest committed write. On a
+//     cross-region cluster this costs a full leader round-trip per read
+//     (feat-6: ~273ms on the Singapore↔leader hop).
+//   - ReadConsistencyNone: the serving node answers from its LOCAL SQLite
+//     without contacting the leader (~1ms). It may return a slightly stale
+//     snapshot when this node is a follower lagging in Raft replay, so it is
+//     ONLY safe for reads that do not need to observe a write made earlier in
+//     the same invocation (bug #235). Read-your-own-writes flows must stay on
+//     weak, or fold the read into a DBTransaction post-commit query.
+type ReadConsistency string
+
+const (
+	ReadConsistencyWeak ReadConsistency = "weak"
+	ReadConsistencyNone ReadConsistency = "none"
+)
+
+// useNoneConn reports whether a read at consistency rc should use the
+// dedicated none-level connection. Pure decision split out for unit testing
+// without a live rqlite dial.
+func useNoneConn(rc ReadConsistency, hasNoneConn bool) bool {
+	return rc == ReadConsistencyNone && hasNoneConn
+}
+
+// queryConn picks the native connection matching the requested read
+// consistency. Returns the weak (leader-routed) connection when none-level is
+// not requested or not available; weak is always correct, only slower.
+func (c *client) queryConn(rc ReadConsistency) *gorqlite.Connection {
+	if useNoneConn(rc, c.connNone != nil) {
+		return c.connNone
+	}
+	return c.conn
 }
 
 // Query runs an arbitrary SELECT and scans rows into dest.
diff --git a/core/pkg/rqlite/read_consistency_test.go b/core/pkg/rqlite/read_consistency_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4b0e11a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/pkg/rqlite/read_consistency_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+package rqlite
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/rqlite/gorqlite"
+)
+
+// feat-6: opt-in level=none reads remove the cross-region leader hop that weak
+// reads pay on every query. These pin the connection-selection logic so a
+// none-read can never accidentally route to the leader-bound connection (which
+// would silently re-impose the 273ms hop the whole change exists to avoid).
+
+func TestUseNoneConn(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		name    string
+		rc      ReadConsistency
+		hasNone bool
+		want    bool
+	}{
+		{"none requested + available", ReadConsistencyNone, true, true},
+		{"none requested + unavailable", ReadConsistencyNone, false, false},
+		{"weak requested + available", ReadConsistencyWeak, true, false},
+		{"weak requested + unavailable", ReadConsistencyWeak, false, false},
+		{"empty (default) + available", ReadConsistency(""), true, false},
+	}
+	for _, tc := range cases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := useNoneConn(tc.rc, tc.hasNone); got != tc.want {
+				t.Errorf("useNoneConn(%q, %v) = %v; want %v", tc.rc, tc.hasNone, got, tc.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestQueryConn_selectsNoneConnWhenAvailable(t *testing.T) {
+	weak := &gorqlite.Connection{}
+	none := &gorqlite.Connection{}
+	c := &client{conn: weak, connNone: none}
+
+	if got := c.queryConn(ReadConsistencyNone); got != none {
+		t.Error("ReadConsistencyNone must select the dedicated none-level connection")
+	}
+	if got := c.queryConn(ReadConsistencyWeak); got != weak {
+		t.Error("ReadConsistencyWeak must select the leader-routed connection")
+	}
+	if got := c.queryConn(ReadConsistency("")); got != weak {
+		t.Error("default (empty) consistency must select the leader-routed connection")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestQueryConn_degradesToWeakWhenNoneConnAbsent(t *testing.T) {
+	// NewClientWithConn / NewClient build clients without a none connection.
+	// A none-read must fall back to the weak conn — always correct, just
+	// slower — never to a nil connection.
+	weak := &gorqlite.Connection{}
+	c := &client{conn: weak, connNone: nil}
+
+	if got := c.queryConn(ReadConsistencyNone); got != weak {
+		t.Error("none-read must degrade to the weak connection when connNone is nil")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/engine.go b/core/pkg/serverless/engine.go
index 4f7b11f..1504be4 100644
--- a/core/pkg/serverless/engine.go
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/engine.go
@@ -746,6 +746,7 @@ func (e *Engine) registerHostModule(ctx context.Context) error {
 			NewFunctionBuilder().WithFunc(e.hWSSend).Export("ws_send").
 			NewFunctionBuilder().WithFunc(e.hWSBroadcast).Export("ws_broadcast").
 			NewFunctionBuilder().WithFunc(e.hFunctionInvoke).Export("function_invoke").
+			NewFunctionBuilder().WithFunc(e.hFunctionInvokeAsync).Export("function_invoke_async").
 			NewFunctionBuilder().WithFunc(e.hLogInfo).Export("log_info").
 			NewFunctionBuilder().WithFunc(e.hLogError).Export("log_error").
 			Instantiate(ctx)
@@ -1209,6 +1210,35 @@ func (e *Engine) hFunctionInvoke(ctx context.Context, mod api.Module,
 	return e.executor.WriteToGuest(ctx, mod, out)
 }
 
+// hFunctionInvokeAsync is the WASM-callable wrapper for FunctionInvokeAsync.
+// Fire-and-forget: it dispatches the target function to run concurrently and
+// returns immediately so the caller's frame loop isn't blocked on the target's
+// I/O. The target inherits the caller's identity (incl. WS client ID) and is
+// expected to deliver its own result to the client via ws_send.
+//
+// Inputs mirror hFunctionInvoke (name + payload pointers). Returns 1 when the
+// invocation was ACCEPTED (queued), 0 on a read failure or backpressure
+// rejection — the guest can fall back to a synchronous function_invoke or
+// surface "busy" to the client.
+func (e *Engine) hFunctionInvokeAsync(ctx context.Context, mod api.Module,
+	namePtr, nameLen, payloadPtr, payloadLen uint32) uint32 {
+	name, ok := e.executor.ReadFromGuest(mod, namePtr, nameLen)
+	if !ok {
+		return 0
+	}
+	payload, ok := e.executor.ReadFromGuest(mod, payloadPtr, payloadLen)
+	if !ok {
+		return 0
+	}
+	if err := e.hostServices.FunctionInvokeAsync(ctx, string(name), payload); err != nil {
+		e.logger.Warn("function_invoke_async rejected",
+			zap.String("name", string(name)),
+			zap.Error(err))
+		return 0
+	}
+	return 1
+}
+
 // hWSSend is the WASM-callable wrapper for WSSend.
 // Inputs: clientID + raw frame bytes. clientID may be empty — in that case
 // the host falls back to the current invocation's WS client (if any).
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfuncs_test.go b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfuncs_test.go
index 817832d..2565398 100644
--- a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfuncs_test.go
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfuncs_test.go
@@ -146,6 +146,10 @@ func (m *mockHostServices) FunctionInvoke(ctx context.Context, name string, payl
 	return nil, nil
 }
 
+func (m *mockHostServices) FunctionInvokeAsync(ctx context.Context, name string, payload []byte) error {
+	return nil
+}
+
 func (m *mockHostServices) HTTPFetch(ctx context.Context, method, url string, headers map[string]string, body []byte) ([]byte, error) {
 	return nil, nil
 }
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/async_invoke_test.go b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/async_invoke_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8c3a3aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/async_invoke_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,176 @@
+package hostfunctions
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/DeBrosOfficial/network/pkg/serverless"
+	"go.uber.org/zap"
+)
+
+// feat-6 / feat-12: function_invoke_async lets a single stateful dispatcher
+// (rpc-router) fan out slow per-RPC handlers WITHOUT freezing its serial frame
+// loop. These pin: the target runs with inherited identity, the call returns
+// immediately, the payload is copied before return (guest memory is reused),
+// missing wiring is rejected, and the in-flight cap applies backpressure.
+
+// recordingInvoker captures Invoke calls. When blockOn is non-nil the
+// goroutine inside Invoke blocks on it — used to hold in-flight slots for the
+// backpressure test.
+type recordingInvoker struct {
+	mu      sync.Mutex
+	reqs    []*serverless.InvokeRequest
+	called  chan *serverless.InvokeRequest
+	blockOn chan struct{}
+}
+
+func (r *recordingInvoker) Invoke(ctx context.Context, req *serverless.InvokeRequest) (*serverless.InvokeResponse, error) {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	r.reqs = append(r.reqs, req)
+	r.mu.Unlock()
+	if r.called != nil {
+		r.called <- req
+	}
+	if r.blockOn != nil {
+		<-r.blockOn
+	}
+	return &serverless.InvokeResponse{Status: serverless.InvocationStatusSuccess}, nil
+}
+
+func newAsyncHF(inv serverless.FunctionInvoker, semSize int) *HostFunctions {
+	h := &HostFunctions{logger: zap.NewNop()}
+	if semSize > 0 {
+		h.asyncInvokeSem = make(chan struct{}, semSize)
+	}
+	if inv != nil {
+		h.SetInvoker(inv)
+	}
+	return h
+}
+
+func asyncCtx() context.Context {
+	return serverless.WithInvocationContext(context.Background(), &serverless.InvocationContext{
+		Namespace:    "ns-test",
+		WSClientID:   "client-1",
+		CallerWallet: "0xwallet",
+	})
+}
+
+func TestFunctionInvokeAsync_runsTargetWithInheritedIdentity(t *testing.T) {
+	inv := &recordingInvoker{called: make(chan *serverless.InvokeRequest, 1)}
+	h := newAsyncHF(inv, 4)
+
+	if err := h.FunctionInvokeAsync(asyncCtx(), "sync-deltas", []byte(`{"x":1}`)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	select {
+	case req := <-inv.called:
+		if req.FunctionName != "sync-deltas" {
+			t.Errorf("FunctionName = %q; want sync-deltas", req.FunctionName)
+		}
+		if req.Namespace != "ns-test" {
+			t.Errorf("Namespace = %q; want ns-test", req.Namespace)
+		}
+		if req.WSClientID != "client-1" {
+			t.Errorf("WSClientID = %q; want client-1 (inherited so target can ws_send its own reply)", req.WSClientID)
+		}
+		if req.CallerWallet != "0xwallet" {
+			t.Errorf("CallerWallet = %q; want 0xwallet", req.CallerWallet)
+		}
+		if string(req.Input) != `{"x":1}` {
+			t.Errorf("Input = %q; want {\"x\":1}", req.Input)
+		}
+		if req.TriggerType != serverless.TriggerTypeWebSocket {
+			t.Errorf("TriggerType = %v; want WebSocket", req.TriggerType)
+		}
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("target was never invoked")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFunctionInvokeAsync_noInvokerReturnsError(t *testing.T) {
+	h := &HostFunctions{logger: zap.NewNop(), asyncInvokeSem: make(chan struct{}, 4)}
+	if err := h.FunctionInvokeAsync(asyncCtx(), "x", nil); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected an error when no invoker is wired")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFunctionInvokeAsync_noInvocationContextReturnsError(t *testing.T) {
+	h := newAsyncHF(&recordingInvoker{}, 4)
+	if err := h.FunctionInvokeAsync(context.Background(), "x", nil); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected an error when there is no invocation context")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFunctionInvokeAsync_backpressureWhenSaturated(t *testing.T) {
+	block := make(chan struct{})
+	inv := &recordingInvoker{called: make(chan *serverless.InvokeRequest, 1), blockOn: block}
+	h := newAsyncHF(inv, 1) // single in-flight slot
+
+	// First call acquires the only slot; its goroutine blocks inside Invoke.
+	if err := h.FunctionInvokeAsync(asyncCtx(), "slow", nil); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("first call should be accepted: %v", err)
+	}
+	<-inv.called // ensure the goroutine has entered Invoke and is holding the slot
+
+	// Second call: the cap is reached → must be rejected (backpressure).
+	if err := h.FunctionInvokeAsync(asyncCtx(), "slow2", nil); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected backpressure rejection when the in-flight cap is reached")
+	}
+
+	// Release the first invocation so its slot frees and the goroutine exits.
+	close(block)
+}
+
+func TestFunctionInvokeAsync_slotReclaimedAfterCompletion(t *testing.T) {
+	// Proves the defer-release returns the slot: with a single-slot cap, a
+	// second call must succeed once the first target has finished.
+	inv := &recordingInvoker{called: make(chan *serverless.InvokeRequest, 2)}
+	h := newAsyncHF(inv, 1)
+
+	if err := h.FunctionInvokeAsync(asyncCtx(), "first", nil); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("first call should be accepted: %v", err)
+	}
+	<-inv.called // first target ran (non-blocking invoker) → its slot is freed on return
+
+	// Retry until the deferred release has run (the goroutine releases the
+	// slot just after Invoke returns; poll briefly to avoid a timing flake).
+	deadline := time.Now().Add(2 * time.Second)
+	var err error
+	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+		if err = h.FunctionInvokeAsync(asyncCtx(), "second", nil); err == nil {
+			break
+		}
+		time.Sleep(5 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("second call should succeed after the first slot is reclaimed; got %v", err)
+	}
+	<-inv.called
+}
+
+func TestFunctionInvokeAsync_copiesPayloadBeforeReturn(t *testing.T) {
+	inv := &recordingInvoker{called: make(chan *serverless.InvokeRequest, 1)}
+	h := newAsyncHF(inv, 4)
+
+	payload := []byte("original")
+	if err := h.FunctionInvokeAsync(asyncCtx(), "x", payload); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Simulate the guest reusing its memory the instant the host call returns.
+	for i := range payload {
+		payload[i] = 'X'
+	}
+
+	select {
+	case req := <-inv.called:
+		if string(req.Input) != "original" {
+			t.Errorf("payload was not copied before return; target saw %q (guest-memory reuse corrupted it)", req.Input)
+		}
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("target was never invoked")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/context.go b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/context.go
index c997661..18a9422 100644
--- a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/context.go
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/context.go
@@ -2,11 +2,28 @@ package hostfunctions
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/DeBrosOfficial/network/pkg/serverless"
 	"github.com/DeBrosOfficial/network/pkg/serverless/triggers"
+	"go.uber.org/zap"
 )
 
+// asyncInvokeMaxInFlight bounds concurrently-running FunctionInvokeAsync
+// goroutines across the whole gateway. Each async invocation still passes
+// through the engine's own execution semaphore; this cap bounds the GOROUTINES
+// so a client flooding WS frames can't spawn an unbounded number of pending
+// invocations. When hit, FunctionInvokeAsync rejects so the guest applies
+// backpressure (e.g. falls back to a synchronous invoke or returns "busy").
+const asyncInvokeMaxInFlight = 256
+
+// asyncInvokeTimeout bounds a single async invocation. Detached from the frame
+// ctx (which is cancelled when ws_frame returns), so it carries its own
+// deadline — generous enough for cross-region work, tight enough that a stuck
+// invocation eventually frees its in-flight slot.
+const asyncInvokeTimeout = 30 * time.Second
+
 // SetInvocationContext sets the current invocation context on the
 // singleton field. STATELESS execution path uses this (paired with
 // ClearContext) for per-call binding via the executor's setter/clearer
@@ -115,6 +132,99 @@ func (h *HostFunctions) FunctionInvoke(ctx context.Context, name string, payload
 	return resp.Output, nil
 }
 
+// FunctionInvokeAsync runs another function in the same namespace CONCURRENTLY
+// and returns immediately, WITHOUT blocking the caller or returning the
+// target's output. It exists so a persistent dispatcher (rpc-router) — a
+// single stateful instance that must process frames serially — can fan out
+// slow per-RPC handlers without freezing its frame loop for the full
+// (cross-region) duration of each one. The handlers run in the engine's
+// execution pool and deliver their own results to the client via ws_send
+// (they inherit the same WS client ID).
+//
+// The target inherits the caller's identity exactly like FunctionInvoke.
+// Returns an error only when the call can't be ACCEPTED: no invoker wired, no
+// invocation context, or the in-flight cap is reached (backpressure). Failures
+// INSIDE the target are not reported here — they surface via the target's own
+// logging / ws_send, because the caller has already moved on.
+func (h *HostFunctions) FunctionInvokeAsync(ctx context.Context, name string, payload []byte) error {
+	h.invokerLock.RLock()
+	inv := h.invoker
+	h.invokerLock.RUnlock()
+	if inv == nil {
+		return &serverless.HostFunctionError{
+			Function: "function_invoke_async",
+			Cause:    serverless.ErrFunctionInvokeNotAvailable,
+		}
+	}
+
+	cur := h.currentInvocationContext(ctx)
+	if cur == nil {
+		return &serverless.HostFunctionError{
+			Function: "function_invoke_async",
+			Cause:    serverless.ErrFunctionInvokeNotAvailable,
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Bound in-flight goroutines. nil sem = bare test construction → unbounded
+	// (production always builds it in NewHostFunctions). A full channel means
+	// we're saturated; reject so the guest applies backpressure.
+	if h.asyncInvokeSem != nil {
+		select {
+		case h.asyncInvokeSem <- struct{}{}:
+		default:
+			return &serverless.HostFunctionError{
+				Function: "function_invoke_async",
+				Cause:    fmt.Errorf("too many in-flight async invocations (max %d)", asyncInvokeMaxInFlight),
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Copy identity AND payload before returning: the invocation context can
+	// be swapped (auth.refresh) and `payload` is a VIEW into guest memory that
+	// the next frame may overwrite — the goroutine outlives this call, so it
+	// must own its inputs.
+	//
+	// The struct copy is shallow: snapshot.CallerClaims / EnvVars share the
+	// source maps. That is safe because an InvocationContext's maps are
+	// immutable after construction (auth.refresh swaps the whole pointer via
+	// UpdateInvocationContext rather than mutating in place); no code writes
+	// these maps on a live context. Keep that invariant if you touch the
+	// refresh path, or clone the maps here.
+	snapshot := *cur
+	payloadCopy := make([]byte, len(payload))
+	copy(payloadCopy, payload)
+	logger := h.logger
+
+	go func() {
+		if h.asyncInvokeSem != nil {
+			defer func() { <-h.asyncInvokeSem }()
+		}
+		bgCtx := serverless.WithInvocationContext(context.Background(), &snapshot)
+		bgCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(bgCtx, asyncInvokeTimeout)
+		defer cancel()
+
+		req := &serverless.InvokeRequest{
+			Namespace:        snapshot.Namespace,
+			FunctionName:     name,
+			Input:            payloadCopy,
+			TriggerType:      serverless.TriggerTypeWebSocket,
+			CallerWallet:     snapshot.CallerWallet,
+			CallerIP:         snapshot.CallerIP,
+			WSClientID:       snapshot.WSClientID,
+			CallerClaims:     snapshot.CallerClaims,
+			CallerJWTSubject: snapshot.CallerJWTSubject,
+			TriggerDepth:     snapshot.TriggerDepth,
+		}
+		if _, err := inv.Invoke(bgCtx, req); err != nil && logger != nil {
+			logger.Warn("function_invoke_async target failed",
+				zap.String("name", name),
+				zap.String("namespace", snapshot.Namespace),
+				zap.Error(err))
+		}
+	}()
+	return nil
+}
+
 // GetEnv retrieves an environment variable for the function.
 func (h *HostFunctions) GetEnv(ctx context.Context, key string) (string, error) {
 	cur := h.currentInvocationContext(ctx)
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/database.go b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/database.go
index 80e0fd1..4ec4f53 100644
--- a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/database.go
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/database.go
@@ -191,6 +191,39 @@ func (h *HostFunctions) DBTransaction(ctx context.Context, opsJSON []byte) ([]by
 // rqlite layer.
 type dbQueryBatchRequest struct {
 	Ops []rqlite.BatchOp `json:"ops"`
+	// Consistency is the optional rqlite read level for this batch.
+	// "" / "weak" (default): leader-routed, always fresh. "none": fast LOCAL
+	// read (~1ms, no leader hop) — ONLY safe for reads that don't need
+	// read-your-own-writes freshness (see rqlite.ReadConsistency / bug #235).
+	// feat-6: lets read-heavy functions skip the cross-region weak-read hop.
+	Consistency string `json:"consistency,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// batchQueryConsistencyClient is the optional capability a Client exposes when
+// it can serve reads at an explicit consistency level. The production
+// *rqlite.client implements it; bare test mocks don't. Kept OFF the
+// rqlite.Client interface so the none-read path doesn't churn every mock.
+type batchQueryConsistencyClient interface {
+	BatchQueryConsistency(ctx context.Context, ops []rqlite.BatchOp, rc rqlite.ReadConsistency) ([]rqlite.OpResult, error)
+}
+
+// resolveBatchQuery runs the batched read at the requested consistency.
+// Empty or "weak" → the default leader-routed read. "none" → a fast local read
+// via the consistency-capable client (degrading to weak only when the client
+// can't serve an explicit level — weak is always correct). Unknown values are
+// rejected here at the boundary rather than silently downgraded.
+func (h *HostFunctions) resolveBatchQuery(ctx context.Context, ops []rqlite.BatchOp, consistency string) ([]rqlite.OpResult, error) {
+	switch consistency {
+	case "", string(rqlite.ReadConsistencyWeak):
+		return h.db.BatchQuery(ctx, ops)
+	case string(rqlite.ReadConsistencyNone):
+		if ext, ok := h.db.(batchQueryConsistencyClient); ok {
+			return ext.BatchQueryConsistency(ctx, ops, rqlite.ReadConsistencyNone)
+		}
+		return h.db.BatchQuery(ctx, ops)
+	default:
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid consistency %q (allowed: \"none\", \"weak\")", consistency)
+	}
 }
 
 // dbQueryBatchResult is the JSON wire shape returned to WASM callers.
@@ -258,7 +291,7 @@ func (h *HostFunctions) DBQueryBatch(ctx context.Context, opsJSON []byte) ([]byt
 	batchCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, dbQueryBatchTimeout)
 	defer cancel()
 
-	results, err := h.db.BatchQuery(batchCtx, req.Ops)
+	results, err := h.resolveBatchQuery(batchCtx, req.Ops, req.Consistency)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, &serverless.HostFunctionError{Function: "db_query_batch", Cause: err}
 	}
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/db_consistency_test.go b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/db_consistency_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..996fa7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/db_consistency_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,127 @@
+package hostfunctions
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/DeBrosOfficial/network/pkg/rqlite"
+)
+
+// feat-6: DBQueryBatch gained an opt-in "consistency":"none" field so
+// read-heavy functions can skip the cross-region leader hop. These pin the
+// routing: "none" must reach the consistency-capable path, the default must
+// stay on the always-fresh leader read, an incapable client must degrade
+// safely, and an unknown value must be rejected at the boundary (never
+// silently downgraded).
+
+// consistencyAwareClient implements BatchQuery AND the optional
+// BatchQueryConsistency capability, recording which path was taken.
+type consistencyAwareClient struct {
+	rqlite.Client
+	batchQueryCalls  int
+	consistencyCalls int
+	lastConsistency  rqlite.ReadConsistency
+}
+
+func (c *consistencyAwareClient) BatchQuery(ctx context.Context, ops []rqlite.BatchOp) ([]rqlite.OpResult, error) {
+	c.batchQueryCalls++
+	return []rqlite.OpResult{}, nil
+}
+
+func (c *consistencyAwareClient) BatchQueryConsistency(ctx context.Context, ops []rqlite.BatchOp, rc rqlite.ReadConsistency) ([]rqlite.OpResult, error) {
+	c.consistencyCalls++
+	c.lastConsistency = rc
+	return []rqlite.OpResult{}, nil
+}
+
+// weakOnlyClient implements only BatchQuery (no consistency capability), so a
+// none-read must degrade to the leader-routed BatchQuery rather than failing.
+type weakOnlyClient struct {
+	rqlite.Client
+	batchQueryCalls int
+}
+
+func (w *weakOnlyClient) BatchQuery(ctx context.Context, ops []rqlite.BatchOp) ([]rqlite.OpResult, error) {
+	w.batchQueryCalls++
+	return []rqlite.OpResult{}, nil
+}
+
+func TestResolveBatchQuery_noneRoutesToConsistencyPath(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &consistencyAwareClient{}
+	h := newHFWithDB(fake)
+
+	if _, err := h.resolveBatchQuery(context.Background(), []rqlite.BatchOp{{Kind: rqlite.BatchOpQuery, SQL: "SELECT 1"}}, "none"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
+	}
+	if fake.consistencyCalls != 1 || fake.batchQueryCalls != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("none must route to BatchQueryConsistency; got consistency=%d weak=%d", fake.consistencyCalls, fake.batchQueryCalls)
+	}
+	if fake.lastConsistency != rqlite.ReadConsistencyNone {
+		t.Errorf("expected ReadConsistencyNone, got %q", fake.lastConsistency)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveBatchQuery_defaultAndWeakUseLeaderRoutedRead(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, consistency := range []string{"", "weak"} {
+		fake := &consistencyAwareClient{}
+		h := newHFWithDB(fake)
+		if _, err := h.resolveBatchQuery(context.Background(), nil, consistency); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("consistency=%q unexpected error: %v", consistency, err)
+		}
+		if fake.batchQueryCalls != 1 || fake.consistencyCalls != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("consistency=%q must use weak BatchQuery; got weak=%d consistency=%d",
+				consistency, fake.batchQueryCalls, fake.consistencyCalls)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveBatchQuery_noneDegradesWhenClientLacksCapability(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &weakOnlyClient{}
+	h := newHFWithDB(fake)
+
+	if _, err := h.resolveBatchQuery(context.Background(), nil, "none"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
+	}
+	if fake.batchQueryCalls != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("none must degrade to BatchQuery when capability absent; got %d calls", fake.batchQueryCalls)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveBatchQuery_invalidConsistencyRejected(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &consistencyAwareClient{}
+	h := newHFWithDB(fake)
+
+	_, err := h.resolveBatchQuery(context.Background(), nil, "bogus")
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("invalid consistency must return an error, not silently downgrade")
+	}
+	if fake.batchQueryCalls != 0 || fake.consistencyCalls != 0 {
+		t.Error("invalid consistency must not run any query")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestDBQueryBatch_consistencyNoneRoutesLocal(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &consistencyAwareClient{}
+	h := newHFWithDB(fake)
+
+	in := []byte(`{"consistency":"none","ops":[{"sql":"SELECT 1"}]}`)
+	if _, err := h.DBQueryBatch(context.Background(), in); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
+	}
+	if fake.consistencyCalls != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("DBQueryBatch with consistency=none must route to the local read; got %d", fake.consistencyCalls)
+	}
+	if fake.lastConsistency != rqlite.ReadConsistencyNone {
+		t.Errorf("expected ReadConsistencyNone, got %q", fake.lastConsistency)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestDBQueryBatch_invalidConsistencyErrors(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &consistencyAwareClient{}
+	h := newHFWithDB(fake)
+
+	in := []byte(`{"consistency":"bogus","ops":[{"sql":"SELECT 1"}]}`)
+	if _, err := h.DBQueryBatch(context.Background(), in); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("DBQueryBatch must reject an unknown consistency value")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/host_services.go b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/host_services.go
index 281d116..2b25cd9 100644
--- a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/host_services.go
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/host_services.go
@@ -75,5 +75,6 @@ func NewHostFunctions(
 		httpClient:       tlsutil.NewHTTPClient(httpTimeout),
 		logger:           logger,
 		logs:             make([]serverless.LogEntry, 0),
+		asyncInvokeSem:   make(chan struct{}, asyncInvokeMaxInFlight),
 	}
 }
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/types.go b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/types.go
index 347d112..b082ee3 100644
--- a/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/types.go
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/hostfunctions/types.go
@@ -69,6 +69,15 @@ type HostFunctions struct {
 	invoker     serverless.FunctionInvoker
 	invokerLock sync.RWMutex
 
+	// asyncInvokeSem bounds the number of concurrently-running
+	// FunctionInvokeAsync goroutines across the gateway. A buffered channel
+	// used as a counting semaphore: a slot is taken before spawning and
+	// released when the goroutine finishes. When full, FunctionInvokeAsync
+	// rejects (backpressure to the guest) instead of spawning unbounded
+	// goroutines under a frame flood. Built in NewHostFunctions; nil only in
+	// bare test construction (treated as unbounded there).
+	asyncInvokeSem chan struct{}
+
 	// TURN config — feat-9. Cached at NewHostFunctions; immutable for
 	// the gateway's lifetime so no lock needed. Empty TURNSecret means
 	// `turn_credentials` host fn returns a configured=false envelope
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/mocks_test.go b/core/pkg/serverless/mocks_test.go
index a834667..60ad60f 100644
--- a/core/pkg/serverless/mocks_test.go
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/mocks_test.go
@@ -259,6 +259,10 @@ func (m *MockHostServices) FunctionInvoke(ctx context.Context, name string, payl
 	return nil, nil
 }
 
+func (m *MockHostServices) FunctionInvokeAsync(ctx context.Context, name string, payload []byte) error {
+	return nil
+}
+
 func (m *MockHostServices) HTTPFetch(ctx context.Context, method, url string, headers map[string]string, body []byte) ([]byte, error) {
 	return nil, nil
 }
diff --git a/core/pkg/serverless/types.go b/core/pkg/serverless/types.go
index b68c35e..ec384b9 100644
--- a/core/pkg/serverless/types.go
+++ b/core/pkg/serverless/types.go
@@ -572,6 +572,22 @@ type HostServices interface {
 	// rpc_error to the client.
 	FunctionInvoke(ctx context.Context, name string, payload []byte) ([]byte, error)
 
+	// FunctionInvokeAsync invokes another function in the same namespace
+	// CONCURRENTLY and returns immediately — it does NOT wait for or return
+	// the target's output. The target runs in the engine's execution pool
+	// inheriting the caller's identity (wallet, JWT claims, WS client ID),
+	// and is expected to deliver any result to the client itself via ws_send
+	// (it has the same WS client ID).
+	//
+	// This is the non-blocking counterpart to FunctionInvoke, for a
+	// persistent dispatcher (rpc-router) that must not freeze its single
+	// stateful instance for the full duration of a slow target invocation.
+	// Returns an error only when the invocation could not be ACCEPTED (no
+	// invoker wired, no invocation context, or in-flight cap reached) — not
+	// for failures inside the target, which surface via the target's own
+	// logging/ws_send.
+	FunctionInvokeAsync(ctx context.Context, name string, payload []byte) error
+
 	// HTTP operations
 	HTTPFetch(ctx context.Context, method, url string, headers map[string]string, body []byte) ([]byte, error)