Booker shifted uneasily as Director Phip led him into a sterile laboratory. The old man had been oddly secretive about this meeting.

"What exactly are we doing here, sir?" Booker asked.

Phip's eyes glinted. "I've brought you to witness the results of my grandest experiment - awakening powers without exposing subjects to the portal's unpredictable forces."

He gestured to where a young woman in a lab coat waited. "Allow me to introduce my granddaughter and lead researcher, Dr. Amber Phip."

Amber gave Booker a searching look. "A pleasure. My grandfather speaks highly of you."

Booker nodded in greeting, curiosity piqued. This safe awakening method could be revolutionary if it worked.

Phip guided Booker to an observation window overlooking a sealed chamber. Inside sat a teenage girl, appearing nervous.

"My great-granddaughter Selena has volunteered to demonstrate the process for us," Phip explained. He gave Amber a nod.

Amber initiated a series of switches, powering up strange arcane machinery surrounding the chamber. Selena shifted apprehensively as the devices hummed and glowed.

"It's perfectly safe, I assure you," Phip remarked to Booker. But there was an unsettling gleam in his eyes.

For long moments, nothing happened. Then Selena suddenly convulsed, screaming in pain as mystical energy crackled around her. Booker lurched forward in alarm but Phip stopped him.

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"Wait, it's working!" the old man said excitedly. Inside the chamber, Selena thrashed and wailed as raw power poured into her.

When the smoke finally cleared, she sat huddled on the floor, sobbing quietly. Booker turned to Phip in dismay. "You tortured your own kin for power! How could you?"

Selena convulsed momentarily as mystical energy washed over her, but soon relaxed, breathing hard but unharmed. Phip turned to Booker, eyes alight.

"It worked! A controlled awakening without endangering young lives in the portals," the old man said excitedly.

He grasped Booker's shoulder. "Don't you see - this could save countless innocents from exploitation and trauma."

Booker nodded slowly. "I understand the potential. But are you sure the process is harmless?"

Phip nodded firmly. "Amber has run meticulous trials and safety checks. Any discomfort passes quickly."

He peered through the glass as Amber helped steady Selena. "We take great care not to overexpose their auras. Moral science guided by compassion - that is my sole aim."

Booker studied the idealistic director and had to admit Phip seemed sincere in wanting to protect youth. And if this method worked, it could revolutionize their approach for the better.

"My apologies for doubting your motives," Booker said. "Your dedication to helping people is admirable. Let's work together to usher in an ethical new era of exploration."

Phip broke into a wide grin and shook Booker's hand vigorously. "Well said, my boy! Together we will serve as stewards against darkness and guide others to the light."

As they discussed the improvements this technology could bring, Booker felt hopeful again. With conscientious souls like Phip overseeing progress, they could temper innovation with care and conscience. The future yet held promise, if people of principles led the way.

Raven followed Captain Ruslan uneasily through the sterile halls of the Aegis facility. She still did not understand why they had requested her presence today alongside Lieutenant Wolfe. The mysterious military group had been highly secretive in recent communications.

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Raven's sense of unease only grew as she and Wolfe followed the Aegis escorts deeper into the secure facility. Something felt off - the walls seemed to warp and blur at the edges of her vision.

Raven's steps faltered as they entered a secured chamber, and Ruslan began explaining Project Aegis - an advanced portal shielding system to reinforce vulnerable breach points.

"With your unique abilities, you may allow us to stabilize the system," Ruslan told her and Wolfe.

Raven shared an uneasy look with Wolfe. "You want us as test subjects?"

"More like partners," Ruslan clarified. "With your help perfecting Aegis, we could turn the tide against the coming darkness."

Raven hesitated, thinking of the heavy toll this fight had already taken. But she knew with the portals, there could be no backing down.

Finally she met Ruslan's gaze. "Alright, I'm in. Tell me where to begin."

Wolfe voiced his agreement beside her. Together, they would lend their powers to this mysterious project for the greater good.