The news of Solen's recovery spread through the Xylan city like wildfire, faster than any energy pulse. The once dull crystalline body of young Solen now glowed with a soft, steady light, a testament to the success of Chen He's Resonance Chamber. Velin Lumina, Solen's father, became Chen He's most vocal champion, speaking of the human doctor's "miraculous light-weaving" and the "awakening chamber."
Soon, Chen He's clinic was overwhelmed. Families with children suffering from Crystal Stagnation arrived from every part of Xylos, some traveling for cycles. The queue outside his door stretched for what seemed like miles, filled with hopeful Xylans, their children's dim glows a poignant plea.
He worked tirelessly, the Modifier System guiding him through each new patient, identifying subtle variations in their condition. He could tell, with [Pediatric Vulnerability Assessment] Level 2, which children had a chance, and which were too far gone for even his advanced methods. He performed session after session in the Resonance Chamber, pushing himself to the limits of his endurance. Kael, his Xylan assistant, became indispensable, managing the influx of patients and meticulously recording data.
But the success also brought unwanted attention.
One cycle-day, a delegation arrived. They were not sick Xylans seeking help, but official representatives from the High Council of Lumina, the ruling body of the city, led by a stern-faced Xylan elder named Zylos.
"Human Chen He," Zylos stated, his voice a deep, resonant thrum that usually commanded immediate respect. "Your methods are… unprecedented. Your 'Resonance Chamber' has performed wonders."
Chen He nodded, wary. "I am simply trying to help."
"Indeed," Zylos continued, his glowing eyes fixed on Chen He. "Such a powerful device, such a unique talent… it cannot remain solely in the hands of one individual, especially one not of Xylos. The High Council decrees that the Resonance Chamber, and all its schematics and knowledge, must be transferred to the public domain, for the benefit of all Xylans."
Chen He felt a cold dread settle in his stomach. Give up the Resonance Chamber? It was intertwined with the Modifier System, with his own unique understanding. He couldn't just hand over blueprints for a device that relied on calculations and materials that only he, guided by his secret system, truly understood. It wasn't just a machine; it was an extension of his hidden power.
"With all due respect, Elder Zylos," Chen He began, choosing his words carefully, "the chamber requires… specialized knowledge to operate. It is not a simple device. And the treatment is complex."
Zylos's glow intensified, a sign of his displeasure. "Then you must share this knowledge, Human. You will instruct our top healers. You will reveal the precise components, the exact frequencies. This is for the greater good of Xylos."
It was an ultimatum. If he refused, he could be forced to comply, or worse, exiled. And if he did comply, the secret of the Modifier System, the very foundation of his new life, would be at risk. He couldn't expose the system, couldn't reveal that his miracles came from a source no one else could see or comprehend. His second chance depended on his secret.
He looked at the waiting crowd outside, the hopeful faces, the dimming glows of their children. He had come here to save lives, but now, his very ability to do so was threatened by his own success.