The moment your hand touches the symbol, the entire tower thrums with energy. The glow intensifies, spreading outward in a geometric pattern that encompasses the clearing. The air itself seems to crystallize around you, and for a moment, reality appears to fold in impossible ways.

A tall, white-furred figure suddenly appears beside you, moving with startling speed. With precise movements, it places a crystalline device against the symbol you touched. The energy field stabilizes, then slowly recedes.

“Curiosity,” the creature says, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses, “is both humanity's greatest strength and its most persistent danger.” He looks at you with eyes that hold centuries of knowledge. “Those symbols are part of an ancient defense network. One that protects secrets that could reshape your understanding of this world – or destroy it, in the wrong hands.”

What do you do?

Choice 4C: Apologize and ask about the defense network

Choice 4D: Question why such defenses are needed here