Rule · Chapter 1
cr:1.4.4
An attack-layer is a layer with a resolution ability that can generate the attack (with) effect[8.5.38] . An attack-layer is not an attack. Resolving the attack (with) effect can produce an attack.
Example: Emperor, Dracai of Aesir has the text “Action – {r}{r}{r}: Search your deck for Command and Conquer, attack with it, then shuffle,” which is an activated ability that creates an attack-layer. The attack-layer needs to resolve before the Command and Conquer is found and put on the combat chain as an attack.