diff --git a/.changeset/direct-route-composition.md b/.changeset/direct-route-composition.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ddbedaf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/direct-route-composition.md
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+---
+"@bomb.sh/router": minor
+---
+
+Allows `route()`, `command()`, and `extend()` to accept child routes and
+commands directly, preserving inferred route paths, methods, and models.
+
+The public `routes()` helper has been removed. Pass children directly inside
+`route()` and `command()`, and use `extend(child, other)` for reusable groups or
+dynamic resolver results.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 94281a9..92f748b 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -40,7 +40,6 @@ import {
   name,
   option,
   route,
-  routes,
   schema,
   toggle,
   version,
@@ -52,19 +51,15 @@ export const app = command(
   description("Run and manage local service simulators."),
   version("1.0.0"),
   toggle(name("verbose")),
-  routes(
+  command(
+    name("serve"),
+    option(name("port"), schema(z.number().default(4000))),
+  ),
+  route(
+    name("database"),
     command(
-      name("serve"),
-      option(name("port"), schema(z.number().default(4000))),
-    ),
-    route(
-      name("database"),
-      routes(
-        command(
-          name("clean"),
-          toggle(name("dryRun")),
-        ),
-      ),
+      name("clean"),
+      toggle(name("dryRun")),
     ),
   ),
 );
@@ -79,6 +74,10 @@ HELP /database
 HELP /database/clean                           EXECUTE /database/clean
 ```
 
+Nest `route()` and `command()` directly inside another route, command, or
+`extend()`. Each child is mounted at that point in the pipeline. Use `extend()`
+to package reusable groups of children and other elements.
+
 The root name identifies the executable; it is not repeated in route IDs.
 `simulacrum serve` therefore selects `/serve`, not `/simulacrum/serve`.
 
@@ -200,14 +199,14 @@ to `resume()`. The schema's input type determines what `resume()` accepts; its
 validated output is passed to the extension, including any schema transforms.
 
 ```ts
-import { command, dynamic, name, parse, routes } from "@bomb.sh/router";
+import { command, dynamic, extend, name, parse } from "@bomb.sh/router";
 import * as z from "zod";
 
 const app = command(
   name("plugins"),
   dynamic(
     z.array(z.string()),
-    (plugins) => routes(...plugins.map((plugin) => command(name(plugin)))),
+    (plugins) => extend(...plugins.map((plugin) => command(name(plugin)))),
   ),
 );
 
diff --git a/examples/routes-checkpoint.ts b/examples/routes-checkpoint.ts
index 10eea97..44443ec 100644
--- a/examples/routes-checkpoint.ts
+++ b/examples/routes-checkpoint.ts
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ import {
   name,
   option,
   route,
-  routes,
   schema,
   toggle,
   version,
@@ -18,30 +17,26 @@ export const app = command(
   description("Run and manage local service simulators."),
   version("1.0.0"),
   toggle(name("verbose")),
-  routes(
+  command(
+    name("serve"),
+    option(name("port"), description("server port"), schema(z.number())),
+    checkpoint(),
+    option(name("host"), description("server host"), schema(z.string())),
+    option(
+      name("protocol"),
+      description("server protocol"),
+      schema(z.enum(["http", "https"])),
+    ),
+  ),
+  route(
+    name("database"),
     command(
-      name("serve"),
-      option(name("port"), description("server port"), schema(z.number())),
-      checkpoint(),
-      option(name("host"), description("server host"), schema(z.string())),
+      name("clean"),
+      toggle(name("dryRun")),
       option(
-        name("protocol"),
-        description("server protocol"),
-        schema(z.enum(["http", "https"])),
-      ),
-    ),
-    route(
-      name("database"),
-      routes(
-        command(
-          name("clean"),
-          toggle(name("dryRun")),
-          option(
-            name("output"),
-            description("output path"),
-            schema(z.string()),
-          ),
-        ),
+        name("output"),
+        description("output path"),
+        schema(z.string()),
       ),
     ),
   ),
diff --git a/examples/routes.ts b/examples/routes.ts
index dfa6eac..bc19b25 100644
--- a/examples/routes.ts
+++ b/examples/routes.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ import {
   name,
   option,
   route,
-  routes,
   schema,
   toggle,
   version,
@@ -17,29 +16,25 @@ export const app = command(
   description("Run and manage local service simulators."),
   version("1.0.0"),
   toggle(name("verbose")),
-  routes(
+  command(
+    name("serve"),
+    option(name("port"), description("server port"), schema(z.number())),
+    option(name("host"), description("server host"), schema(z.string())),
+    option(
+      name("protocol"),
+      description("server protocol"),
+      schema(z.enum(["http", "https"])),
+    ),
+  ),
+  route(
+    name("database"),
     command(
-      name("serve"),
-      option(name("port"), description("server port"), schema(z.number())),
-      option(name("host"), description("server host"), schema(z.string())),
+      name("clean"),
+      toggle(name("dryRun")),
       option(
-        name("protocol"),
-        description("server protocol"),
-        schema(z.enum(["http", "https"])),
-      ),
-    ),
-    route(
-      name("database"),
-      routes(
-        command(
-          name("clean"),
-          toggle(name("dryRun")),
-          option(
-            name("output"),
-            description("output path"),
-            schema(z.string()),
-          ),
-        ),
+        name("output"),
+        description("output path"),
+        schema(z.string()),
       ),
     ),
   ),
diff --git a/lib/command.ts b/lib/command.ts
index 1cd5acf..a73d6a3 100644
--- a/lib/command.ts
+++ b/lib/command.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 // deno-lint-ignore-file ban-types
-import type { Check, Fold, Materialize, Unary } from "./pipeline.ts";
+import type { Fold, Materialize } from "./pipeline.ts";
+import {
+  type Input,
+  type Normalize,
+  normalize,
+  type Validate,
+} from "./route.ts";
 import type { Definition, Done, Route } from "./types.ts";
 
 export type CommandZero<N extends string = string> = Route<
@@ -10,11 +16,11 @@ export type CommandZero<N extends string = string> = Route<
 
 export function command<
   const N extends string,
-  const E extends readonly Unary[],
+  const E extends readonly Input[],
 >(
   start: Definition<N>,
-  ...elements: E & Check<CommandZero<N>, E>
-): Materialize<Fold<CommandZero<N>, E>> {
+  ...elements: E & Validate<CommandZero<N>, E>
+): Materialize<Fold<CommandZero<N>, Normalize<E>>> {
   let zero: CommandZero<N> = {
     ...start,
     methods: ["help", "execute"],
@@ -29,8 +35,8 @@ export function command<
     }],
   };
 
-  return elements.reduce<unknown>(
+  return normalize<E>(elements).reduce<unknown>(
     (value, element) => element(value as never),
     zero,
-  ) as Materialize<Fold<CommandZero<N>, E>>;
+  ) as Materialize<Fold<CommandZero<N>, Normalize<E>>>;
 }
diff --git a/lib/extend.ts b/lib/extend.ts
index 0aeb43e..94ebb3a 100644
--- a/lib/extend.ts
+++ b/lib/extend.ts
@@ -1,10 +1,12 @@
-import { brand, type Extension, type Unary } from "./pipeline.ts";
+import { type Input, type Normalize, normalize } from "./route.ts";
+import { brand, type Extension } from "./pipeline.ts";
 
-export function extend<const E extends readonly Unary[]>(
+export function extend<const E extends readonly Input[]>(
   ...elements: E
-): Extension<E> {
-  return brand<Extension<E>>((start: unknown): unknown =>
-    elements.reduce<unknown>(
+): Extension<Normalize<E>> {
+  let normalized = normalize(elements);
+  return brand<Extension<Normalize<E>>>((start: unknown): unknown =>
+    normalized.reduce<unknown>(
       (value, element) => element(value as never),
       start,
     )
diff --git a/lib/route.ts b/lib/route.ts
index 2da3588..a309597 100644
--- a/lib/route.ts
+++ b/lib/route.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 // deno-lint-ignore-file ban-types
 import {
   brand,
-  type Check,
   type Fold,
   type Materialize,
   type MethodElement,
@@ -18,11 +17,11 @@ export type RouteZero<N extends string = string> = Route<
 
 export function route<
   const N extends string,
-  const E extends readonly Unary[],
+  const E extends readonly Input[],
 >(
   start: Definition<N>,
-  ...elements: E & Check<RouteZero<N>, E>
-): Materialize<Fold<RouteZero<N>, E>> {
+  ...elements: E & Validate<RouteZero<N>, E>
+): Materialize<Fold<RouteZero<N>, Normalize<E>>> {
   let zero: RouteZero<N> = {
     ...start,
     methods: ["help"],
@@ -37,10 +36,10 @@ export function route<
     }],
   };
 
-  return elements.reduce<unknown>(
+  return normalize<E>(elements).reduce<unknown>(
     (value, element) => element(value as never),
     zero,
-  ) as Materialize<Fold<RouteZero<N>, E>>;
+  ) as Materialize<Fold<RouteZero<N>, Normalize<E>>>;
 }
 
 export function version(semver: string): MethodElement<"version"> {
@@ -58,7 +57,25 @@ export function executable(): MethodElement<"execute"> {
   }));
 }
 
-export function routes<const C extends readonly AnyRoute[]>(
+export type Input = Unary | AnyRoute;
+
+export type Normalize<E extends readonly Input[]> = {
+  [K in keyof E]: Normalized<E[K]>;
+};
+
+// Walk invalid pipelines only, reporting errors on the original arguments.
+export type Validate<S, E extends readonly Input[]> =
+  [Fold<S, Normalize<E>>] extends [never] ? Invalid<S, E> : unknown;
+
+export function normalize<const E extends readonly Input[]>(
+  elements: E,
+): Normalize<E> {
+  return elements.map((element) =>
+    typeof element === "function" ? element : routes(element)
+  ) as Normalize<E>;
+}
+
+function routes<const C extends readonly AnyRoute[]>(
   ...children: C
 ): RoutesElement<C> {
   return brand<RoutesElement<C>>((route: AnyRoute) => {
@@ -75,3 +92,18 @@ export function routes<const C extends readonly AnyRoute[]>(
     };
   });
 }
+
+// Distribute over unions so Fold can retain its conservative union handling.
+type Normalized<E extends Input> = E extends Unary ? E
+  : E extends AnyRoute ? RoutesElement<readonly [E]>
+  : never;
+
+type Invalid<S, E extends readonly Input[]> = E extends readonly [
+  infer Head extends Input,
+  ...infer Tail extends readonly Input[],
+]
+  ? Fold<S, readonly [Normalized<Head>]> extends infer Next
+    ? [Next] extends [never] ? readonly [never, ...Tail]
+    : readonly [Head, ...Invalid<Next, Tail>]
+  : never
+  : E;
diff --git a/mod.ts b/mod.ts
index a2884ea..215f43e 100644
--- a/mod.ts
+++ b/mod.ts
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ export type {
   Symbol as CLISymbol,
 } from "./lib/read.ts";
 
-export { executable, route, routes, version } from "./lib/route.ts";
+export { executable, route, version } from "./lib/route.ts";
 export type { RouteZero } from "./lib/route.ts";
 
 export { toggle } from "./lib/toggle.ts";
diff --git a/test/argument.test.ts b/test/argument.test.ts
index 198c947..c862ddb 100644
--- a/test/argument.test.ts
+++ b/test/argument.test.ts
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ import {
   name,
   option,
   parse,
-  routes,
   schema,
   toggle,
 } from "@bomb.sh/router";
@@ -168,7 +167,7 @@ describe("argument()", () => {
       let app = command(
         name("app"),
         argument(name("workspace"), schema(type("string"))),
-        routes(auth0),
+        auth0,
       );
       let result = parse(app, {
         argv: ["local", "auth0", "service.json"],
@@ -191,7 +190,7 @@ describe("argument()", () => {
       let app = command(
         name("app"),
         argument(name("workspace"), schema(type("string | undefined"))),
-        routes(auth0),
+        auth0,
       );
       let result = parse(app, { argv: ["auth0"] });
 
@@ -345,7 +344,7 @@ describe("argument()", () => {
         argument(name("target"), schema(type("string"))),
         dynamic(type("unknown"), () =>
           extend(
-            routes(command(name("auth0"))),
+            command(name("auth0")),
           )),
       );
       let increment = parse(app, { argv: ["auth0"] });
diff --git a/test/dynamic.test.ts b/test/dynamic.test.ts
index 9ef04b2..f72bcf4 100644
--- a/test/dynamic.test.ts
+++ b/test/dynamic.test.ts
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import { schema } from "../lib/param.ts";
 import { parse } from "../lib/parse.ts";
 import { printHelp } from "../lib/print.ts";
 import { cli } from "../lib/read.ts";
-import { route, routes, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
+import { route, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
 import type {
   AnyRoute,
   ChildrenOf,
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
       name("simulacrum"),
       dynamic(
         z.custom<Plugin>((value) => value === plugin),
-        (plugin: Plugin) => extend(routes(plugin)),
+        (plugin: Plugin) => extend(plugin),
       ),
     );
     type Next = ContinuationOf<typeof app>;
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
       name("simulacrum"),
       dynamic(
         commands,
-        (plugins: PluginSet) => extend(routes(...plugins.commands)),
+        (plugins: PluginSet) => extend(...plugins.commands),
       ),
     );
 
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
           ),
       ),
       option(name("raw"), schema(type("string | undefined"))),
-      routes(serve),
+      serve,
     );
 
     expectType<Equal<RequirementOf<typeof app>, readonly string[]>>(true);
@@ -441,13 +441,11 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
       version("1.2.0"),
       option(name("config"), schema(type("string"))),
       checkpoint(),
-      dynamic(type("unknown"), () => routes(command(name("dyn")))),
+      dynamic(type("unknown"), () => extend(command(name("dyn")))),
       option(name("delay"), schema(type("number"))),
-      routes(
-        command(
-          name("serve"),
-          option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
-        ),
+      command(
+        name("serve"),
+        option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
       ),
     );
 
@@ -582,10 +580,10 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
               plugins: z.array(z.object({ name: z.string() })),
             })),
             (value) =>
-              routes(command(name(value.plugins[0].name.toUpperCase()))),
+              extend(command(name(value.plugins[0].name.toUpperCase()))),
           ),
         );
-        let app = command(name("server"), routes(child));
+        let app = command(name("server"), child);
         let first = parse(app, { argv: ["plugins", "--help"] });
         assertIncrementAt(first, "/plugins");
 
@@ -604,7 +602,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
           name("server"),
           dynamic(
             z.string().min(1, "plugin name is required"),
-            (value) => routes(command(name(value))),
+            (value) => extend(command(name(value))),
           ),
         );
         let first = parse(app, { argv: [] });
@@ -652,7 +650,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
         };
         let app = command(
           name("server"),
-          dynamic(asynchronous, (value) => routes(command(name(value)))),
+          dynamic(asynchronous, (value) => extend(command(name(value)))),
         );
         let first = parse(app, { argv: [] });
         assertIncrement(first, {});
@@ -729,9 +727,9 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
         let clean = command(
           name("clean"),
           toggle(name("truncate")),
-          dynamic(type("unknown"), () => extend(routes(auth0))),
+          dynamic(type("unknown"), () => extend(auth0)),
         );
-        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), routes(clean));
+        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), clean);
         let increment = parse(app, {
           argv: ["clean", "--truncate", "auth0"],
         });
@@ -771,9 +769,9 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
         let clean = command(
           name("clean"),
           toggle(name("verbose")),
-          dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(routes(auth0))),
+          dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(auth0)),
         );
-        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), routes(clean));
+        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), clean);
         let increment = parse(app, {
           argv: ["clean", "auth0", "--verbose"],
         });
@@ -804,10 +802,10 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
           dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) =>
             extend(
               toggle(name("audit")),
-              routes(auth0),
+              auth0,
             )),
         );
-        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), routes(clean));
+        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), clean);
         let increment = parse(app, {
           argv: ["clean", "--audit", "auth0"],
         });
@@ -838,10 +836,10 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
           dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) =>
             extend(
               option(name("target"), schema(type("string"))),
-              routes(auth0),
+              auth0,
             )),
         );
-        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), routes(clean));
+        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), clean);
         let increment = parse(app, {
           argv: ["clean", "--target", "auth0"],
         });
@@ -864,10 +862,10 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
           dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) =>
             extend(
               toggle(name("audit")),
-              routes(auth0),
+              auth0,
             )),
         );
-        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), routes(clean));
+        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), clean);
         let increment = parse(app, {
           argv: ["clean", "auth0", "--audit"],
         });
@@ -896,7 +894,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
           name("clean"),
           dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend()),
         );
-        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), routes(clean));
+        let app = command(name("simulacrum"), clean);
         let increment = parse(app, { argv: ["clean", "auth0"] });
 
         expect(increment).toMatchObject({
@@ -929,7 +927,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
         let app = command(
           name("simulacrum"),
           option(name("config"), schema(type("string"))),
-          routes(clean),
+          clean,
           dynamic(
             type({ root: "true" }),
             (_root: { readonly root: true }) => extend(),
@@ -981,7 +979,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
         let auth0 = command(name("auth0"));
         let app = command(
           name("simulacrum"),
-          dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(routes(auth0))),
+          dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(auth0)),
         );
         let first = parse(app, { argv: ["auth0", "--help"] });
 
@@ -1018,7 +1016,7 @@ describe("dynamic()", () => {
           option(name("config")),
           dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => option(name("dyno"))),
           option(name("delay")),
-          routes(command(name("serve"))),
+          command(name("serve")),
         );
         let first = parse(app, { argv: ["--help"] });
 
@@ -1053,7 +1051,7 @@ Options:
         let release = route(name("release"), version("2.0.0"));
         let app = command(
           name("simulacrum"),
-          dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(routes(release))),
+          dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(release)),
         );
         let first = parse(app, { argv: ["release", "--version"] });
 
@@ -1071,7 +1069,7 @@ Options:
         let serve = command(name("serve"));
         let app = command(
           name("simulacrum"),
-          dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(routes(serve))),
+          dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(serve)),
         );
         let first = parse(app, { argv: ["serve"] });
 
diff --git a/test/env.test.ts b/test/env.test.ts
index 5f2954d..8927294 100644
--- a/test/env.test.ts
+++ b/test/env.test.ts
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import { extend } from "../lib/extend.ts";
 import { option } from "../lib/option.ts";
 import { schema } from "../lib/param.ts";
 import { parse } from "../lib/parse.ts";
-import { route, routes } from "../lib/route.ts";
+import { route } from "../lib/route.ts";
 import { toggle } from "../lib/toggle.ts";
 import type { ModelOf, Schema } from "../lib/types.ts";
 
@@ -40,8 +40,8 @@ describe("environment binding", () => {
         name("clean"),
         option(name("dryRun"), schema(z.string())),
       );
-      let database = route(name("database"), routes(clean));
-      let app = command(name("simulacrum"), routes(database));
+      let database = route(name("database"), clean);
+      let app = command(name("simulacrum"), database);
       let result = parse(app, {
         argv: ["database", "clean"],
         envs: [{
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ describe("environment binding", () => {
         name("pg:clean"),
         option(name("clientID"), schema(z.string())),
       );
-      let app = command(name("simulacrum"), routes(clean));
+      let app = command(name("simulacrum"), clean);
       let result = parse(app, {
         argv: ["pg:clean"],
         envs: [{
@@ -476,7 +476,7 @@ describe("environment binding", () => {
           name: "settings",
           value: { AUTH0_PORT: "9001" },
         }]),
-        routes(auth0),
+        auth0,
       );
       let result = parse(app, { argv: ["auth0"] });
 
@@ -503,7 +503,7 @@ describe("environment binding", () => {
           name: "settings",
           value: { AUTH0_PORT: "9001" },
         }]),
-        routes(auth0),
+        auth0,
       );
       let result = parse(app, { argv: ["auth0"] });
 
@@ -531,7 +531,7 @@ describe("environment binding", () => {
           env("PORT"),
           schema(z.number()),
         ),
-        routes(auth0),
+        auth0,
       );
       let result = parse(app, {
         argv: ["auth0"],
@@ -603,7 +603,7 @@ describe("environment binding", () => {
       );
       let app = command(
         name("simulacrum"),
-        dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(routes(auth0))),
+        dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(auth0)),
       );
       let increment = parse(app, {
         argv: ["auth0"],
@@ -660,7 +660,7 @@ describe("environment binding", () => {
       let app = command(
         name("simulacrum"),
         option(name("config"), schema(z.string())),
-        dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(routes(auth0))),
+        dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(auth0)),
       );
       let increment = parse(app, {
         argv: ["auth0", "--help"],
diff --git a/test/fold.test.ts b/test/fold.test.ts
index 6bbd110..7f82e63 100644
--- a/test/fold.test.ts
+++ b/test/fold.test.ts
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import { option } from "../lib/option.ts";
 import { schema } from "../lib/param.ts";
 import { parse } from "../lib/parse.ts";
 import { mark, type Transform } from "../lib/pipeline.ts";
-import { route, routes, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
+import { route, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
 import { toggle } from "../lib/toggle.ts";
 import type {
   AnyRoute,
@@ -40,11 +40,9 @@ const staticApp = command(
   withEnvs([]),
   version("1.2.0"),
   toggle(name("verbose")),
-  routes(
-    command(
-      name("serve"),
-      option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
-    ),
+  command(
+    name("serve"),
+    option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
   ),
 );
 
@@ -169,106 +167,106 @@ const options = [
 ] as const;
 
 const children = [
-  routes(command(name("c0"))),
-  routes(command(name("c1"))),
-  routes(command(name("c2"))),
-  routes(command(name("c3"))),
-  routes(command(name("c4"))),
-  routes(command(name("c5"))),
-  routes(command(name("c6"))),
-  routes(command(name("c7"))),
-  routes(command(name("c8"))),
-  routes(command(name("c9"))),
-  routes(command(name("c10"))),
-  routes(command(name("c11"))),
-  routes(command(name("c12"))),
-  routes(command(name("c13"))),
-  routes(command(name("c14"))),
-  routes(command(name("c15"))),
-  routes(command(name("c16"))),
-  routes(command(name("c17"))),
-  routes(command(name("c18"))),
-  routes(command(name("c19"))),
-  routes(command(name("c20"))),
-  routes(command(name("c21"))),
-  routes(command(name("c22"))),
-  routes(command(name("c23"))),
-  routes(command(name("c24"))),
-  routes(command(name("c25"))),
-  routes(command(name("c26"))),
-  routes(command(name("c27"))),
-  routes(command(name("c28"))),
-  routes(command(name("c29"))),
-  routes(command(name("c30"))),
-  routes(command(name("c31"))),
-  routes(command(name("c32"))),
-  routes(command(name("c33"))),
-  routes(command(name("c34"))),
-  routes(command(name("c35"))),
-  routes(command(name("c36"))),
-  routes(command(name("c37"))),
-  routes(command(name("c38"))),
-  routes(command(name("c39"))),
-  routes(command(name("c40"))),
-  routes(command(name("c41"))),
-  routes(command(name("c42"))),
-  routes(command(name("c43"))),
-  routes(command(name("c44"))),
-  routes(command(name("c45"))),
-  routes(command(name("c46"))),
-  routes(command(name("c47"))),
-  routes(command(name("c48"))),
-  routes(command(name("c49"))),
-  routes(command(name("c50"))),
-  routes(command(name("c51"))),
-  routes(command(name("c52"))),
-  routes(command(name("c53"))),
-  routes(command(name("c54"))),
-  routes(command(name("c55"))),
-  routes(command(name("c56"))),
-  routes(command(name("c57"))),
-  routes(command(name("c58"))),
-  routes(command(name("c59"))),
-  routes(command(name("c60"))),
-  routes(command(name("c61"))),
-  routes(command(name("c62"))),
-  routes(command(name("c63"))),
-  routes(command(name("c64"))),
-  routes(command(name("c65"))),
-  routes(command(name("c66"))),
-  routes(command(name("c67"))),
-  routes(command(name("c68"))),
-  routes(command(name("c69"))),
-  routes(command(name("c70"))),
-  routes(command(name("c71"))),
-  routes(command(name("c72"))),
-  routes(command(name("c73"))),
-  routes(command(name("c74"))),
-  routes(command(name("c75"))),
-  routes(command(name("c76"))),
-  routes(command(name("c77"))),
-  routes(command(name("c78"))),
-  routes(command(name("c79"))),
-  routes(command(name("c80"))),
-  routes(command(name("c81"))),
-  routes(command(name("c82"))),
-  routes(command(name("c83"))),
-  routes(command(name("c84"))),
-  routes(command(name("c85"))),
-  routes(command(name("c86"))),
-  routes(command(name("c87"))),
-  routes(command(name("c88"))),
-  routes(command(name("c89"))),
-  routes(command(name("c90"))),
-  routes(command(name("c91"))),
-  routes(command(name("c92"))),
-  routes(command(name("c93"))),
-  routes(command(name("c94"))),
-  routes(command(name("c95"))),
-  routes(command(name("c96"))),
-  routes(command(name("c97"))),
-  routes(command(name("c98"))),
-  routes(command(name("c99"))),
+  command(name("c0")),
+  command(name("c1")),
+  command(name("c2")),
+  command(name("c3")),
+  command(name("c4")),
+  command(name("c5")),
+  command(name("c6")),
+  command(name("c7")),
+  command(name("c8")),
+  command(name("c9")),
+  command(name("c10")),
+  command(name("c11")),
+  command(name("c12")),
+  command(name("c13")),
+  command(name("c14")),
+  command(name("c15")),
+  command(name("c16")),
+  command(name("c17")),
+  command(name("c18")),
+  command(name("c19")),
+  command(name("c20")),
+  command(name("c21")),
+  command(name("c22")),
+  command(name("c23")),
+  command(name("c24")),
+  command(name("c25")),
+  command(name("c26")),
+  command(name("c27")),
+  command(name("c28")),
+  command(name("c29")),
+  command(name("c30")),
+  command(name("c31")),
+  command(name("c32")),
+  command(name("c33")),
+  command(name("c34")),
+  command(name("c35")),
+  command(name("c36")),
+  command(name("c37")),
+  command(name("c38")),
+  command(name("c39")),
+  command(name("c40")),
+  command(name("c41")),
+  command(name("c42")),
+  command(name("c43")),
+  command(name("c44")),
+  command(name("c45")),
+  command(name("c46")),
+  command(name("c47")),
+  command(name("c48")),
+  command(name("c49")),
+  command(name("c50")),
+  command(name("c51")),
+  command(name("c52")),
+  command(name("c53")),
+  command(name("c54")),
+  command(name("c55")),
+  command(name("c56")),
+  command(name("c57")),
+  command(name("c58")),
+  command(name("c59")),
+  command(name("c60")),
+  command(name("c61")),
+  command(name("c62")),
+  command(name("c63")),
+  command(name("c64")),
+  command(name("c65")),
+  command(name("c66")),
+  command(name("c67")),
+  command(name("c68")),
+  command(name("c69")),
+  command(name("c70")),
+  command(name("c71")),
+  command(name("c72")),
+  command(name("c73")),
+  command(name("c74")),
+  command(name("c75")),
+  command(name("c76")),
+  command(name("c77")),
+  command(name("c78")),
+  command(name("c79")),
+  command(name("c80")),
+  command(name("c81")),
+  command(name("c82")),
+  command(name("c83")),
+  command(name("c84")),
+  command(name("c85")),
+  command(name("c86")),
+  command(name("c87")),
+  command(name("c88")),
+  command(name("c89")),
+  command(name("c90")),
+  command(name("c91")),
+  command(name("c92")),
+  command(name("c93")),
+  command(name("c94")),
+  command(name("c95")),
+  command(name("c96")),
+  command(name("c97")),
+  command(name("c98")),
+  command(name("c99")),
 ] as const;
 
 const hundredCommand = command(name("hundred"), ...options);
@@ -276,6 +274,8 @@ const hundredRoute = route(name("hundred"), ...options);
 const hundredExtension = extend(...options);
 const extendedRoute = route(name("extended"), hundredExtension);
 const hundredChildren = route(name("children"), ...children);
+const extendedChildren = command(name("children"), extend(...children));
+const mixedChildren = command(name("mixed"), ...options, ...children);
 
 describe("pipeline fold", () => {
   it("infers a concrete static route", () => {
@@ -453,7 +453,7 @@ describe("pipeline fold", () => {
       withValues([]),
       withEnvs([]),
       version("1.0.0"),
-      routes(command(name("child"))),
+      command(name("child")),
       identity,
       option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
     );
@@ -597,7 +597,7 @@ describe("pipeline fold", () => {
   it("composes nested built-in batches through an identity macro", () => {
     let identity = extend();
     let nested = extend(
-      routes(command(name("child"))),
+      command(name("child")),
       withValues([]),
     );
     let hybrid = extend(
@@ -633,7 +633,22 @@ describe("pipeline fold", () => {
     >(true);
   });
 
-  it("folds one hundred child-route elements", () => {
+  it("folds one hundred direct children through routes, commands, and extensions", () => {
+    expectType<
+      Equal<
+        ChildrenOf<typeof extendedChildren>,
+        ChildrenOf<typeof hundredChildren>
+      >
+    >(true);
+    expectType<
+      Equal<
+        ChildrenOf<typeof mixedChildren>,
+        ChildrenOf<typeof hundredChildren>
+      >
+    >(true);
+    expectType<
+      Equal<ModelOf<typeof mixedChildren>, ModelOf<typeof hundredCommand>>
+    >(true);
     expectType<Equal<ChildrenOf<typeof hundredChildren>[0]["name"], "c0">>(
       true,
     );
@@ -684,7 +699,7 @@ describe("pipeline fold", () => {
   it("types union-valued elements conservatively", () => {
     let element = Math.random() > 0.5
       ? option(name("port"), schema(type("number")))
-      : routes(route(name("child")));
+      : extend(route(name("child")));
     let app = route(name("union"), element);
 
     expectType<Equal<typeof app, AnyRoute>>(true);
diff --git a/test/multiple.test.ts b/test/multiple.test.ts
index 4351d03..23e608b 100644
--- a/test/multiple.test.ts
+++ b/test/multiple.test.ts
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ import { dynamic } from "../lib/dynamic.ts";
 import { extend } from "../lib/extend.ts";
 import type { AnyParam, Param } from "../lib/param.ts";
 import { brand, type IdentityElement } from "../lib/pipeline.ts";
-import { routes } from "../lib/route.ts";
 import {
   command,
   type ModelOf,
@@ -315,7 +314,7 @@ describe("multiple()", () => {
     let app = command(
       name("simulacrum"),
       option(name("config"), multiple(), schema(z.array(z.string()))),
-      routes(child),
+      child,
     );
     let result = parse(app, {
       argv: [
@@ -346,7 +345,7 @@ describe("multiple()", () => {
     let app = command(
       name("simulacrum"),
       option(name("config"), multiple(), schema(z.array(z.string()))),
-      dynamic(type("unknown"), () => extend(routes(child))),
+      dynamic(type("unknown"), () => extend(child)),
     );
     let first = parse(app, {
       argv: [
diff --git a/test/parse.test.ts b/test/parse.test.ts
index c596b3f..589355b 100644
--- a/test/parse.test.ts
+++ b/test/parse.test.ts
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import { name } from "../lib/definition.ts";
 import { option } from "../lib/option.ts";
 import { schema } from "../lib/param.ts";
 import { parse } from "../lib/parse.ts";
-import { route, routes, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
+import { route, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
 import { toggle } from "../lib/toggle.ts";
 import type { AnyRoute, Done, IntentsOf, Route } from "../lib/types.ts";
 
@@ -14,28 +14,22 @@ let app = route(
   name("simulacrum"),
   version("1.2.0"),
   option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
-  routes(
-    route(name("auth0")),
-    route(
-      name("database"),
-      routes(route(name("clean"))),
-    ),
+  route(name("auth0")),
+  route(
+    name("database"),
+    route(name("clean")),
   ),
 );
 
 let tree = command(
   name("simulacrum"),
   toggle(name("verbose")),
-  routes(
+  command(
+    name("database"),
+    toggle(name("verbose")),
     command(
-      name("database"),
+      name("clean"),
       toggle(name("verbose")),
-      routes(
-        command(
-          name("clean"),
-          toggle(name("verbose")),
-        ),
-      ),
     ),
   ),
 );
@@ -58,11 +52,9 @@ let options = command(
 let segments = command(
   name("simulacrum"),
   option(name("host"), schema(type("string"))),
-  routes(
-    command(
-      name("serve"),
-      option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
-    ),
+  command(
+    name("serve"),
+    option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
   ),
 );
 
@@ -448,19 +440,15 @@ const plain = cli(route(name("simulacrum")));
 const scoped = cli(
   route(
     name("simulacrum"),
-    routes(
-      route(name("auth0"), version("2.0.0")),
-    ),
+    route(name("auth0"), version("2.0.0")),
   ),
 );
 const commands = cli(
   command(
     name("simulacrum"),
-    routes(
-      command(
-        name("database"),
-        routes(command(name("clean"))),
-      ),
+    command(
+      name("database"),
+      command(name("clean")),
     ),
   ),
 );
diff --git a/test/print.test.ts b/test/print.test.ts
index cc34c05..6e221b9 100644
--- a/test/print.test.ts
+++ b/test/print.test.ts
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import { option } from "../lib/option.ts";
 import { schema } from "../lib/param.ts";
 import { parse } from "../lib/parse.ts";
 import { printErrors, printHelp, printVersion } from "../lib/print.ts";
-import { route, routes, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
+import { route, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
 import { toggle } from "../lib/toggle.ts";
 
 let app = route(
@@ -27,35 +27,31 @@ let app = route(
     name("verbose"),
     description("Show detailed startup and request diagnostics."),
   ),
-  routes(
-    route(
-      name("database"),
-      description("Inspect and maintain simulator state."),
-      routes(
-        command(
-          name("clean"),
-          description("Remove generated records and reset database state."),
-          version("2.0.0"),
-          option(
-            name("schema"),
-            description("Limit cleanup to a single database schema."),
-          ),
-          toggle(
-            name("dryRun"),
-            description("Show what would be removed without changing data."),
-          ),
-        ),
-      ),
-    ),
+  route(
+    name("database"),
+    description("Inspect and maintain simulator state."),
     command(
-      name("serve"),
-      description("Start every configured simulator."),
+      name("clean"),
+      description("Remove generated records and reset database state."),
+      version("2.0.0"),
       option(
-        name("port"),
-        description("Listen on this port."),
+        name("schema"),
+        description("Limit cleanup to a single database schema."),
+      ),
+      toggle(
+        name("dryRun"),
+        description("Show what would be removed without changing data."),
       ),
     ),
   ),
+  command(
+    name("serve"),
+    description("Start every configured simulator."),
+    option(
+      name("port"),
+      description("Listen on this port."),
+    ),
+  ),
 );
 
 let required = command(
diff --git a/test/route.test.ts b/test/route.test.ts
index 29e2fed..05d6414 100644
--- a/test/route.test.ts
+++ b/test/route.test.ts
@@ -1,11 +1,16 @@
 import { expect } from "@std/expect";
 import { describe, it } from "@std/testing/bdd";
 import { type } from "arktype";
+import * as z from "zod";
+import { command } from "../lib/command.ts";
+import { dynamic } from "../lib/dynamic.ts";
+import { extend } from "../lib/extend.ts";
+import { parse } from "../lib/parse.ts";
 import { description, name } from "../lib/definition.ts";
 import { option } from "../lib/option.ts";
 import { schema } from "../lib/param.ts";
 import { mark, type Transform } from "../lib/pipeline.ts";
-import { route, routes, type RouteZero, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
+import { route, type RouteZero, version } from "../lib/route.ts";
 import { toggle } from "../lib/toggle.ts";
 import type { AnyRoute, ChildrenOf, Done, ModelOf } from "../lib/types.ts";
 
@@ -108,7 +113,7 @@ describe("route() types", () => {
     );
     let result = route(
       name("simulacrum"),
-      routes(serve),
+      serve,
     );
 
     expectType<
@@ -233,6 +238,160 @@ describe("route() types", () => {
   });
 });
 
+describe("direct child composition", () => {
+  it("preserves nested paths, methods, and models", () => {
+    let clean = command(name("clean"), toggle(name("dryRun")));
+    let database = route(name("database"), clean);
+    let serve = command(
+      name("serve"),
+      option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
+      version("1.0.0"),
+    );
+    let app = command(
+      name("app"),
+      toggle(name("verbose")),
+      database,
+      extend(route(name("status"))),
+      serve,
+    );
+    let wrapped = command(
+      name("app"),
+      toggle(name("verbose")),
+      extend(route(name("database"), extend(clean))),
+      extend(route(name("status"))),
+      extend(serve),
+    );
+
+    expectType<Equal<typeof app, typeof wrapped>>(true);
+    let result = parse(app, {
+      argv: ["--verbose", "database", "clean", "--dry-run"],
+    });
+    expect(result).toMatchObject({
+      ok: true,
+      method: "execute",
+      route: "/database/clean",
+      model: { dryRun: true },
+      models: {
+        "/": { verbose: true },
+        "/database": {},
+        "/database/clean": { dryRun: true },
+      },
+    });
+    if (!result.ok || result.method !== "execute") {
+      throw Error("expected execute");
+    }
+    if (result.route === "/database/clean") {
+      expectType<Equal<typeof result.model, { dryRun: boolean }>>(true);
+    }
+    if (result.route === "/serve") {
+      expectType<Equal<typeof result.model, { port: number }>>(true);
+    }
+    expect(parse(app, { argv: ["database", "--help"] })).toMatchObject({
+      ok: true,
+      method: "help",
+      route: "/database",
+    });
+    expect(parse(app, { argv: ["serve", "--version"] })).toMatchObject({
+      ok: true,
+      method: "version",
+      route: "/serve",
+    });
+    expect(parse(app, { argv: ["database"] })).toMatchObject({
+      ok: false,
+      code: "method-not-allowed",
+      route: "/database",
+    });
+  });
+
+  it("packages children in reusable extensions and applies them directly", () => {
+    let child = command(name("child"), toggle(name("enabled")));
+    let extension = extend(child, toggle(name("verbose")));
+    let app = extension(command(name("app")));
+    let nested = route(name("app"), route(name("group"), extension));
+
+    expectType<Equal<ModelOf<typeof app>, { verbose: boolean }>>(true);
+    expectType<
+      Equal<ModelOf<typeof nested, "/group/child">, { enabled: boolean }>
+    >(true);
+    expect(parse(app, { argv: ["--verbose", "child", "--enabled"] }))
+      .toMatchObject({
+        ok: true,
+        method: "execute",
+        route: "/child",
+        models: { "/": { verbose: true }, "/child": { enabled: true } },
+      });
+    expect(parse(nested, { argv: ["group", "child"] })).toMatchObject({
+      ok: true,
+      method: "execute",
+      route: "/group/child",
+      model: { enabled: false },
+    });
+  });
+
+  it("introduces children through a dynamic extension", () => {
+    let app = command(
+      name("app"),
+      dynamic(type("number"), (port) =>
+        extend(
+          command(
+            name("serve"),
+            option(name("port"), schema(z.number().default(port))),
+          ),
+        )),
+      command(name("clean")),
+    );
+    let first = parse(app, { argv: ["serve"] });
+    if (!first.ok) throw Error("expected increment");
+    let result = first.resume(4000);
+    expect(result).toMatchObject({
+      ok: true,
+      method: "execute",
+      route: "/serve",
+      model: { port: 4000 },
+    });
+    if (!result.ok || result.method !== "execute") {
+      throw Error("expected execute");
+    }
+    if (result.route === "/serve") {
+      expectType<Equal<typeof result.model, { port: number }>>(true);
+    }
+    let clean = parse(app, { argv: ["clean"] });
+    if (!clean.ok) throw Error("expected increment");
+    expect(clean.resume(4000)).toMatchObject({
+      ok: true,
+      method: "execute",
+      route: "/clean",
+      model: {},
+    });
+  });
+
+  it("retains conservative inference for arrays and unions", () => {
+    let children = [command(name("child"))];
+    let app = route(name("app"), ...children);
+    expectType<Equal<typeof app, AnyRoute>>(true);
+    let child = Math.random() > 0.5 ? command(name("one")) : route(name("two"));
+    let union = command(name("app"), child);
+    expectType<Equal<typeof union, AnyRoute>>(true);
+  });
+
+  it("rejects children after non-route outputs and in parameter pipelines", () => {
+    let child = command(name("child"));
+    let count = (_value: AnyRoute) => 1;
+    check(() => {
+      // @ts-expect-error a child cannot be mounted on a number.
+      route(name("app"), count, child);
+      // @ts-expect-error a child cannot be mounted on a number.
+      command(name("app"), count, child);
+      // @ts-expect-error options accept parameter transformations.
+      option(name("port"), child);
+      // @ts-expect-error a child extension requires a route.
+      option(name("port"), extend(child));
+      // @ts-expect-error the parameter schema cannot follow a child operation.
+      route(name("app"), child, schema(type("number")));
+    });
+  });
+});
+
 type Equal<L, R> = (<T>() => T extends L ? 1 : 2) extends
   (<T>() => T extends R ? 1 : 2)
   ? (<T>() => T extends R ? 1 : 2) extends (<T>() => T extends L ? 1 : 2) ? true
diff --git a/test/value.test.ts b/test/value.test.ts
index 79ddc65..0ad463b 100644
--- a/test/value.test.ts
+++ b/test/value.test.ts
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ import { extend } from "../lib/extend.ts";
 import { option } from "../lib/option.ts";
 import { schema } from "../lib/param.ts";
 import { parse } from "../lib/parse.ts";
-import { routes } from "../lib/route.ts";
 import type { Parse, Schema } from "../lib/types.ts";
 import { withValues } from "../lib/values.ts";
 
@@ -60,7 +59,7 @@ describe("value sources", () => {
     let app = command(
       name("simulacrum"),
       option(name("delay"), schema(type("number"))),
-      routes(auth0),
+      auth0,
     );
     let input = {
       argv: ["auth0"],
@@ -326,7 +325,7 @@ describe("value sources", () => {
         name: "settings",
         value: { auth0: { port: 9001 } },
       }]),
-      routes(auth0),
+      auth0,
     );
     let result = parse(app, { argv: ["auth0"] });
 
@@ -347,7 +346,7 @@ describe("value sources", () => {
       name("simulacrum"),
       option(name("port"), schema(type("number"))),
       option(name("target"), schema(type("string"))),
-      dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(routes(auth0))),
+      dynamic(plugins, (_plugins: Plugins) => extend(auth0)),
     );
     let increment = parse(app, {
       argv: ["--target", "local", "auth0", "--port", "9001"],
@@ -455,7 +454,7 @@ describe("value sources", () => {
     let app = command(
       name("simulacrum"),
       option(name("auth0")),
-      routes(auth0),
+      auth0,
     );
     let input = {
       argv: ["auth0"],