The White Tower's Choice

Deep within the London Wardens Headquarters, the "White Tower."

The circular chamber known as the "Contemplation Room" lived up to its name only in its sound absorption. Thick, dark wood paneling muted voices but couldn't stifle the palpable tension crackling in the air. A massive ring-shaped holoscreen dominated the central table, silently replaying edited, yet still harrowing, footage: the horrors inside Mimir's Forge, the birth and destruction of the Flesh Golem, Alan Shaw's near-death state before the core detonation, and Viktor Kovach's venomous final glare. The image froze on a close-up of Alan, unconscious, being carried out by Lena—his face deathly pale, blood smeared, looking heartbreakingly fragile.

Seven figures sat around the table, the highest echelon of the London Wardens. At the head sat Oliver Thorne, the White Tower. Impeccable in a tailored charcoal suit, silver hair pristine, hands folded calmly on the polished surface, his expression was an unreadable mask. His icy blue eyes, reflecting Alan's frozen image, held a profound, unnerving calm.

To Thorne's left sat Lena White, having just delivered her debrief. Fatigue and a lingering grief etched lines on her face beneath her clean Warden uniform. Her report had been thorough, objective, sparing no detail, including Alan's pivotal, self-sacrificial role in "harmonizing" the Golem's core and Viktor's covetous labeling of him as the "perfect catalyst."

To Thorne's right sat Security Director Renard Black. Around fifty, he was built like tempered steel, with a near-shaved head and a prominent scar running from brow to jaw, lending his stern face a fierce cast. His black uniform was crisp, the silver shield-and-crossed-swords insignia on his shoulders gleaming coldly. He sat with arms crossed, leaning forward slightly, his hawk-like gaze fixed on Alan's image on the screen, radiating intense distrust and hostility.

The other four members completed the council: Operations Commander Helen West (a capable middle-aged woman), Chief Runesmith Ignatius Bohr (a white-haired, thick-spectacled elder), Logistics and Medical Director Max Chen (a perpetually worried-looking man of Asian descent), and Envoy Julian Rothschild (a polished, sharp-eyed man handling external liaisons). Their expressions were a mix of gravity, contemplation, concern, and scrutiny.

"The report and records have been reviewed," Thorne's voice cut the silence, unnervingly level. "Agent White, you and your team accomplished the near-impossible. Destroying Mimir's Forge, neutralizing the Withering source, eliminating Ouroboros operative Viktor Kovach. Outstanding service. Fallen comrades will receive full honors."

Lena gave a slight nod, voice rough. "Duty, sir. The cost... was severe."

"Cost is intrinsic to action," Thorne's gaze shifted to the screen. "Alan Shaw... his actions, particularly the 'Harmonization' of the Golem's core at the critical juncture, were the pivot point. His demonstrated 'Harmonizer' ability, its unique mechanics and vast potential, far exceed our initial assessments." He summoned a new data projection—dense energy waveforms and analysis, key metrics highlighted in red. "Per Medbay and R&D's joint assessment: Shaw is critically depleted, core damaged, but vitals stabilizing. His Harmonizing ability exhibits remarkable resilience and self-repair. Crucially, it demonstrated unique 'soothing' and 'channeling' properties against multiple extreme, chaotic energy flows, even briefly countering Viktor's degraded 'Conflux of Elements' mimicry. This holds incalculable strategic value against Ouroboros, especially their command of dangerous Prime Glyph-related forces."

Thorne paused, his gaze sweeping the table, finally settling on Renard's rigid posture.

"Therefore, I formally propose: Alan Shaw, codename 'Harmonizer', be inducted into the London Wardens' highest-tier 'Core Potential Initiative (CPI)'. He will receive top-tier medical resources, specialized runic and Anima control training under Master Bohr's direct supervision, and... restricted access to non-core, relevant ancient lore. We will invest resources to guide, enhance, and standardize his ability, forging him into a key asset against Ouroboros and for maintaining London's Veiled World equilibrium."

The proposal landed like a boulder in a still pond.

"I vehemently oppose!" Renard Black's voice was a drawn blade, cold and sharp. He slammed a fist on the table, leaning forward, the scar stark under the lights. "Director Thorne! This proposal is recklessly dangerous!"

He stabbed a finger at Alan's image, hand trembling slightly with suppressed fury. "Look at him! A street kid with a shadowed past! His grandfather, Sean, that herbalist, is a gaping question mark! Ouroboros attacked that shop for an ancient Eastern scroll! Sean himself remains missing! What does it all mean? We have no idea! Alan Shaw is a walking, talking secret!"

Renard pulled up another file: energy spikes from Alan's uncontrolled episodes, the library wraith incident, the violent fluctuations during the Forge battle.

"His ability? Unique, yes! But look at this data! Wildly unstable! Passive absorption he can't shut off, active channeling like juggling nitroglycerin! He accidentally triggered a runic lock by proximity! He neutralized the Golem core but nearly killed himself doing it! Viktor called him the 'perfect catalyst'! What does *that* imply? It means his ability is a double-edged sword, possibly even a dagger... pointed at us! Can we guarantee he's not an Ouroboros plant? Can we guarantee his mysterious grandfather won't reappear and use him for some hidden agenda?"

His gaze, like ice drills, swept the council.

"Induct him into CPI? Grant top clearance and resources? Access ancient lore? This is creating a monster we may not control! An Anima bomb on a hair trigger! His potential is matched only by his risk of catastrophic failure! If Ouroboros turns him, or if he turns due to some trigger (like his grandfather), the fallout would be apocalyptic! All of London, the entire Veiled World balance, could shatter because of him!"

His voice was final. "I demand the initiation of the highest-level 'Risk Containment Protocol (RCP)'! Immediate transfer of Alan Shaw to the 'Stasis Vault' for permanent containment and monitoring under Security Division oversight! And if necessary... activation of the 'Neutralization Protocol' contingency to eliminate this high-risk, uncontrollable variable! We cannot let perceived 'value' blind us to the existential threat!"

"The Stasis Vault? Neutralization?" Lena couldn't stay silent, her voice tight with anger. "Director Black! Alan nearly died protecting London! He saved our lives! He saved thousands in the Withering zone! He's not a threat; he's a hero! Is this how Security treats heroes?"

"Hero?" Renard scoffed, his sharp gaze turning on Lena. "Agent White, your personal feelings cloud your judgment! His actions are commendable, but his instability and background are undeniable facts! The Wardens' duty is to safeguard London's stability, not indulge emotional attachments to individuals! Heroes can turn traitor; potential can become annihilation! Security's duty is to neutralize threats at the source!"

"Neutralize?" Chief Runesmith Bohr adjusted his spectacles, his tone scholarly and calm. "Director Black, your approach is draconian. The Stasis Vault environment would cripple his ability's development, possibly induce mutation. Neutralization is the absolute last resort. Alan Shaw's ability is unprecedented, a vital research subject for understanding Anima fundamentals, particularly countering Prime Glyph corruption. Destroying it is a colossal loss and a scientific regression."

"Science?" Renard shot back. "Master Bohr, security transcends science! One uncontrolled 'specimen' could obliterate your lab and this entire headquarters!"

Commander Helen West frowned deeply. "Renard, your concerns have merit. But Director Thorne's proposal isn't without value. Shaw's ability was indispensable in a critical action against Ouroboros. Containment or destruction weakens us. Perhaps... a compromise? Rigorous monitoring, limited support, no access to core secrets? Keep him contained but observable?"

"Observable?" Renard retorted, unmoved. "Commander West, 'observing' a live bomb is gambling with everyone's lives! When he loses control, or when Ouroboros takes him, it will be too late! The price is too high!"

Director Max Chen spoke worriedly: "Medbay assesses Alan Shaw is critically weak, core damaged. Both CPI's intensive regimen and RCP's stasis could cause irreversible harm. Ensuring his survival and basic recovery should be the immediate priority. Can the decision... wait?"

Envoy Julian Rothschild tapped the table lightly, his voice smooth but carrying weight. "Colleagues, we must also consider external perceptions. The Crimson Conclave, Silver Moon Pact, Arcanum, Wildheart Circle... they are watching the Withering resolution. Shaw's role likely won't remain secret. If he's perceived as a hero only to be secretly imprisoned or 'dealt with,' it would devastate the Wardens' credibility and relations. Conversely, publicly inducting him into a core program demonstrates our foresight and strength, enhancing our position."

The room erupted into heated debate. Those leaning towards Thorne's CPI (Bohr and Rothschild citing research value and diplomacy, West favoring controlled utilization) clashed fiercely with Renard's hardline containment faction. Chen's concerns and Lena's outrage fueled the fire. Thorne remained silent throughout, fingers tapping the table almost imperceptibly, his gaze inscrutable.

The focus remained unwavering: the value and risk embodied by the unconscious teenager, a balance teetering over an abyss.

As the debate reached an impasse, Thorne's fingers stilled. He spoke, his quiet voice instantly silencing the room:

"The risk is real. Significant." He acknowledged Renard's point. "But the value is equally irreplaceable. Especially as the threats from Ouroboros and the Prime Glyphs escalate."

He summoned the final page to the holoscreen – a document stamped with the highest encryption, codename "Origin Echo." The content was heavily redacted, save for one highlighted sentence: "...Target Subject (Alan Shaw)'s 'Harmonizing' energy signature exhibits a faint yet inexplicable deep resonance with theoretical energy models of the Prime Glyphs 'Strands of Fate' and 'Echo of Soul.' His bloodline origin or ability essence may touch upon ancient, fundamental mysteries. Requires highest-priority observation and study."

Seeing this, even Renard's eyes narrowed fractionally. Bohr inhaled sharply, scholarly fascination warring with shock behind his spectacles. The others looked stunned.

Thorne's gaze slowly traversed their shocked faces, finally resting on Alan's image. His voice held a finality that brooked no argument:

"Therefore, my decision is: Upon stabilization, Alan Shaw will be transferred immediately to the 'White Tower Observatory' – our highest-tier facility for监护 (jiānhù - custodial care), research, and potential guidance. Under my direct supervision."

"He will receive optimal medical care. Simultaneously, a joint task force led by Master Bohr's Runes Research team and a Tier-One Surveillance Unit appointed by Director Renard will be stationed within the Observatory."

"Subject to ensuring his safety and mental stability, conduct limited, controlled ability assessment and guidance training. Access to core classified materials or original ancient artifacts is strictly prohibited."

"All his actions, energy fluctuations, physiological and psychological states are to be recorded and analyzed 24/7. Any anomaly triggers immediate reporting and contingency protocols."

"This decision is final. Codename: 'Project Watcher'. Effective immediately."

Thorne's gaze, heavy as stone, locked onto Renard's livid face. "Director Renard, you will oversee the surveillance unit and security protocols. Remember, it is 'Watching,' not 'Caging.' I expect to see his potential guided within secure parameters, not strangled by fear. Understood?"

Renard's face contorted, the scar standing out lividly. He understood. Thorne's decision was immutable. This seemingly compromise was, in reality, the White Tower forging a third path with absolute authority – a path where Alan Shaw was both a precious specimen and a potential weapon, placed under the most intense scrutiny and "watched" from the highest vantage point.

He drew a sharp breath, forcing down his fury, his voice grating: "Understood, sir. Security will fulfill its 'Watching' duties." He emphasized "Watching," his eyes cold and hard.

Thorne gave a slight nod, his gaze returning to Alan on the screen.

"Then this council is adjourned." He stated calmly, as if decreeing not the fate of a teenager under perpetual scrutiny, but a minor administrative matter.

The heavy doors slid open silently. The council members filed out, minds churning with disparate thoughts. Lena lingered last. She glanced at Thorne's impassive profile, then back at the fragile image of Alan on the screen. She felt no relief, only a deeper chill and profound unease.

The White Tower's choice was made. Alan Shaw, the boy from the East End streets, was irrevocably swept into the heart of the storm. His future no longer held obscurity, but the highest level of attention, the tightest surveillance, and a perilous, pre-ordained path as the "Harmonizer," paved with thorns and enigmas, under the unblinking gaze of the Tower.