diff --git a/cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go b/cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go
index 68b53142..99d1d7f9 100644
--- a/cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go
+++ b/cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go
@@ -539,10 +539,11 @@ func processNormalMessage(
 			return
 		}
 
+		interimReplyEnabled := blockReplyEnabled || channels.ShouldDeliverGeneratedProgress(chatBehavior, streaming)
 		// Dedup: if block replies were delivered and the final content matches the last
 		// block reply, suppress the final message to avoid duplicate delivery.
-		// Only applies when blockReply is enabled (otherwise nothing was delivered).
-		if blockReplyEnabled && outcome.Result.BlockReplies > 0 && outcome.Result.Content == outcome.Result.LastBlockReply && len(outcome.Result.Media) == 0 {
+		// Only applies when an interim reply mode is enabled (otherwise nothing was delivered).
+		if interimReplyEnabled && outcome.Result.BlockReplies > 0 && outcome.Result.Content == outcome.Result.LastBlockReply && len(outcome.Result.Media) == 0 {
 			slog.Debug("inbound: dedup final message (matches last block reply)",
 				"channel", channel, "run_id", rID)
 			deps.MsgBus.PublishOutbound(bus.OutboundMessage{
diff --git a/docs/05-channels-messaging.md b/docs/05-channels-messaging.md
index 65e8fa46..83c26476 100644
--- a/docs/05-channels-messaging.md
+++ b/docs/05-channels-messaging.md
@@ -75,12 +75,17 @@ Normal channel messages pass through the shared inbound debouncer before agent e
 
 `gateway.chat_behavior` controls optional channel-only delivery polish:
 
-- `quick_ack` sends one short acknowledgement after a configurable delay, only for non-streaming channel runs.
+- `quick_ack.mode = "llm_generated"` uses the existing main-turn `block.reply` event as the natural progress response for non-streaming channel runs. It does not make a separate LLM call.
+- `quick_ack.templates` are fallback messages. In generated mode, the first template is sent only if no generated `block.reply` arrives before `quick_ack.min_delay_ms`.
+- `quick_ack.mode = "fixed_template"` preserves the older fixed-template acknowledgement behavior.
+- `quick_ack.mode = "off"` disables chat-behavior quick acknowledgement without disabling explicit `gateway.block_reply`.
 - `final_split` splits long final text replies into a bounded number of paragraph messages.
 - Per-channel `chat_behavior` overrides inherit the gateway config unless a field is explicitly set.
 
 Splitting is intentionally conservative. Replies containing fenced code, tables, lists, quotes, JSON/XML-ish blocks, or URL-only paragraphs remain a single message. Media replies and streaming deliveries are not split.
 
+Progress messages are not added to session history by this behavior. Existing run timeline handling for `block.reply` remains unchanged.
+
 **Multi-attachment coalescing (#63).** Messages carrying attachments do NOT bypass the debouncer — that pre-fix shortcut was the source of N-replies for one user action. Instead, when media is present the effective window is `max(configured, mediaFloor)` so multi-file uploads land in the same buffer and flush together. Three surfaces apply the same invariant:
 
 | Surface | Buffer key | Trigger |
diff --git a/internal/channels/chat_behavior.go b/internal/channels/chat_behavior.go
index b35bff67..df853c11 100644
--- a/internal/channels/chat_behavior.go
+++ b/internal/channels/chat_behavior.go
@@ -12,6 +12,14 @@ const (
 	defaultFinalSplitMax   = 3
 	defaultFinalSplitDelay = 500
 	defaultAckTemplate     = "Got it. Working on it..."
+
+	QuickAckModeLLMGenerated  = "llm_generated"
+	QuickAckModeFixedTemplate = "fixed_template"
+	QuickAckModeOff           = "off"
+
+	QuickAckSourceGenerated = "generated"
+	QuickAckSourceTemplate  = "template"
+	QuickAckSourceOff       = "off"
 )
 
 type ResolvedChatBehavior struct {
@@ -22,6 +30,7 @@ type ResolvedChatBehavior struct {
 
 type ResolvedQuickAckConfig struct {
 	Enabled    bool
+	Mode       string
 	MinDelayMs int
 	Templates  []string
 }
@@ -46,8 +55,11 @@ type ChatBehaviorPreview struct {
 }
 
 type AckPreview struct {
-	ShouldSend bool   `json:"shouldSend"`
-	Content    string `json:"content,omitempty"`
+	ShouldSend      bool   `json:"shouldSend"`
+	Content         string `json:"content,omitempty"`
+	FallbackContent string `json:"fallbackContent,omitempty"`
+	Mode            string `json:"mode,omitempty"`
+	Source          string `json:"source,omitempty"`
 }
 
 type SplitPreview struct {
@@ -57,6 +69,7 @@ type SplitPreview struct {
 func ResolveChatBehavior(global, override *config.ChatBehaviorConfig) ResolvedChatBehavior {
 	resolved := ResolvedChatBehavior{
 		QuickAck: ResolvedQuickAckConfig{
+			Mode:       QuickAckModeLLMGenerated,
 			MinDelayMs: defaultQuickAckDelayMs,
 			Templates:  []string{defaultAckTemplate},
 		},
@@ -89,6 +102,9 @@ func applyChatBehavior(dst *ResolvedChatBehavior, src *config.ChatBehaviorConfig
 		if src.QuickAck.Enabled != nil {
 			dst.QuickAck.Enabled = *src.QuickAck.Enabled
 		}
+		if src.QuickAck.Mode != nil {
+			dst.QuickAck.Mode = normalizeQuickAckMode(*src.QuickAck.Mode)
+		}
 		if src.QuickAck.MinDelayMs != nil {
 			dst.QuickAck.MinDelayMs = max(0, *src.QuickAck.MinDelayMs)
 		}
@@ -127,18 +143,84 @@ func cleanTemplates(values []string) []string {
 
 func PreviewChatBehavior(global, override *config.ChatBehaviorConfig, opts ChatBehaviorPreviewOptions) ChatBehaviorPreview {
 	resolved := ResolveChatBehavior(global, override)
+	return PreviewResolvedChatBehavior(resolved, opts)
+}
+
+func PreviewResolvedChatBehavior(resolved ResolvedChatBehavior, opts ChatBehaviorPreviewOptions) ChatBehaviorPreview {
 	preview := ChatBehaviorPreview{
 		Resolved: resolved,
 		Split:    SplitPreview{Parts: SplitFinalMessages(opts.Content, resolved.FinalSplit)},
 	}
-	if ShouldSendQuickAck(resolved, opts.IsStreaming) {
-		preview.Ack = AckPreview{ShouldSend: true, Content: resolved.QuickAck.Templates[0]}
-	}
+	preview.Ack = buildAckPreview(resolved, opts.IsStreaming, opts.HasToolCalls)
 	return preview
 }
 
 func ShouldSendQuickAck(behavior ResolvedChatBehavior, streaming bool) bool {
-	return behavior.Enabled && behavior.QuickAck.Enabled && !streaming
+	if !behavior.Enabled || !behavior.QuickAck.Enabled || streaming {
+		return false
+	}
+	switch effectiveQuickAckMode(behavior.QuickAck.Mode) {
+	case QuickAckModeLLMGenerated, QuickAckModeFixedTemplate:
+		return true
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+func ShouldDeliverGeneratedProgress(behavior ResolvedChatBehavior, streaming bool) bool {
+	return behavior.Enabled &&
+		behavior.QuickAck.Enabled &&
+		!streaming &&
+		effectiveQuickAckMode(behavior.QuickAck.Mode) == QuickAckModeLLMGenerated
+}
+
+func normalizeQuickAckMode(mode string) string {
+	switch strings.TrimSpace(mode) {
+	case QuickAckModeFixedTemplate:
+		return QuickAckModeFixedTemplate
+	case QuickAckModeOff:
+		return QuickAckModeOff
+	default:
+		return QuickAckModeLLMGenerated
+	}
+}
+
+func effectiveQuickAckMode(mode string) string {
+	if strings.TrimSpace(mode) == "" {
+		return QuickAckModeLLMGenerated
+	}
+	return normalizeQuickAckMode(mode)
+}
+
+func buildAckPreview(behavior ResolvedChatBehavior, streaming, hasToolCalls bool) AckPreview {
+	mode := effectiveQuickAckMode(behavior.QuickAck.Mode)
+	preview := AckPreview{Mode: mode}
+	if !behavior.Enabled || !behavior.QuickAck.Enabled || streaming {
+		preview.Source = QuickAckSourceOff
+		return preview
+	}
+	if mode == QuickAckModeOff {
+		preview.Source = QuickAckSourceOff
+		return preview
+	}
+	if len(behavior.QuickAck.Templates) == 0 {
+		return preview
+	}
+	if mode == QuickAckModeFixedTemplate {
+		preview.ShouldSend = true
+		preview.Source = QuickAckSourceTemplate
+		preview.Content = behavior.QuickAck.Templates[0]
+		return preview
+	}
+	preview.ShouldSend = true
+	if hasToolCalls {
+		preview.Source = QuickAckSourceGenerated
+		preview.FallbackContent = behavior.QuickAck.Templates[0]
+		return preview
+	}
+	preview.Source = QuickAckSourceTemplate
+	preview.Content = behavior.QuickAck.Templates[0]
+	return preview
 }
 
 func SplitFinalMessages(content string, cfg ResolvedFinalSplitConfig) []string {
diff --git a/internal/channels/chat_behavior_events_test.go b/internal/channels/chat_behavior_events_test.go
index 6eb84449..442e29e5 100644
--- a/internal/channels/chat_behavior_events_test.go
+++ b/internal/channels/chat_behavior_events_test.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ func TestHandleAgentEvent_QuickAckNonStreamingOnly(t *testing.T) {
 		Enabled: true,
 		QuickAck: ResolvedQuickAckConfig{
 			Enabled:    true,
+			Mode:       QuickAckModeFixedTemplate,
 			MinDelayMs: 0,
 			Templates:  []string{"On it."},
 		},
@@ -60,6 +61,7 @@ func TestUnregisterRun_CancelsPendingQuickAck(t *testing.T) {
 		Enabled: true,
 		QuickAck: ResolvedQuickAckConfig{
 			Enabled:    true,
+			Mode:       QuickAckModeFixedTemplate,
 			MinDelayMs: 50,
 			Templates:  []string{"On it."},
 		},
@@ -85,6 +87,7 @@ func TestCancelQuickAck_BlocksInFlightSend(t *testing.T) {
 			Enabled: true,
 			QuickAck: ResolvedQuickAckConfig{
 				Enabled:   true,
+				Mode:      QuickAckModeFixedTemplate,
 				Templates: []string{"On it."},
 			},
 		},
@@ -99,3 +102,97 @@ func TestCancelQuickAck_BlocksInFlightSend(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("cancelled quick ack emitted message: %+v", got)
 	}
 }
+
+func TestHandleAgentEvent_GeneratedProgressCancelsFallback(t *testing.T) {
+	behavior := ResolvedChatBehavior{
+		Enabled: true,
+		QuickAck: ResolvedQuickAckConfig{
+			Enabled:    true,
+			Mode:       QuickAckModeLLMGenerated,
+			MinDelayMs: 50,
+			Templates:  []string{"Fallback."},
+		},
+	}
+
+	mb := bus.New()
+	mgr := NewManager(mb)
+	mgr.RegisterChannel("test", &chatBehaviorTestChannel{name: "test"})
+	mgr.RegisterRunWithBehavior("run-1", "test", "chat-1", "msg-1", map[string]string{"local_key": "chat-1/topic"}, uuid.Nil, false, false, true, behavior)
+
+	mgr.HandleAgentEvent(protocol.AgentEventRunStarted, "run-1", nil)
+	mgr.HandleAgentEvent(protocol.AgentEventBlockReply, "run-1", map[string]string{"content": "I will check that now."})
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	got, ok := mb.SubscribeOutbound(ctx)
+	if !ok {
+		t.Fatal("expected generated progress outbound message")
+	}
+	if got.Content != "I will check that now." || got.Metadata["local_key"] != "chat-1/topic" {
+		t.Fatalf("generated progress outbound = %+v, want generated content and routing metadata", got)
+	}
+
+	ctx, cancel = context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 75*time.Millisecond)
+	defer cancel()
+	if got, ok := mb.SubscribeOutbound(ctx); ok {
+		t.Fatalf("fallback emitted after generated progress: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestHandleAgentEvent_GeneratedModeFallsBackWithoutBlockReply(t *testing.T) {
+	behavior := ResolvedChatBehavior{
+		Enabled: true,
+		QuickAck: ResolvedQuickAckConfig{
+			Enabled:    true,
+			Mode:       QuickAckModeLLMGenerated,
+			MinDelayMs: 0,
+			Templates:  []string{"Fallback."},
+		},
+	}
+
+	mb := bus.New()
+	mgr := NewManager(mb)
+	mgr.RegisterChannel("test", &chatBehaviorTestChannel{name: "test"})
+	mgr.RegisterRunWithBehavior("run-1", "test", "chat-1", "msg-1", nil, uuid.Nil, false, false, true, behavior)
+
+	mgr.HandleAgentEvent(protocol.AgentEventRunStarted, "run-1", nil)
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	got, ok := mb.SubscribeOutbound(ctx)
+	if !ok {
+		t.Fatal("expected fallback quick acknowledgement")
+	}
+	if got.Content != "Fallback." {
+		t.Fatalf("fallback content = %q, want Fallback.", got.Content)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestHandleAgentEvent_QuickAckModeOffPreservesExplicitBlockReply(t *testing.T) {
+	behavior := ResolvedChatBehavior{
+		Enabled: true,
+		QuickAck: ResolvedQuickAckConfig{
+			Enabled:   true,
+			Mode:      QuickAckModeOff,
+			Templates: []string{"Fallback."},
+		},
+	}
+
+	mb := bus.New()
+	mgr := NewManager(mb)
+	mgr.RegisterChannel("test", &chatBehaviorTestChannel{name: "test"})
+	mgr.RegisterRunWithBehavior("run-1", "test", "chat-1", "msg-1", nil, uuid.Nil, false, true, true, behavior)
+
+	mgr.HandleAgentEvent(protocol.AgentEventRunStarted, "run-1", nil)
+	mgr.HandleAgentEvent(protocol.AgentEventBlockReply, "run-1", map[string]string{"content": "Explicit block reply."})
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	got, ok := mb.SubscribeOutbound(ctx)
+	if !ok {
+		t.Fatal("expected explicit block reply outbound message")
+	}
+	if got.Content != "Explicit block reply." {
+		t.Fatalf("explicit block reply content = %q", got.Content)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/channels/chat_behavior_test.go b/internal/channels/chat_behavior_test.go
index faf2bd10..8c71f513 100644
--- a/internal/channels/chat_behavior_test.go
+++ b/internal/channels/chat_behavior_test.go
@@ -10,10 +10,12 @@ import (
 )
 
 func TestResolveChatBehavior_InheritsGlobalAndChannelOverride(t *testing.T) {
+	fixedMode := QuickAckModeFixedTemplate
 	global := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
 		Enabled: new(true),
 		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{
 			Enabled:    new(true),
+			Mode:       &fixedMode,
 			MinDelayMs: new(750),
 			Templates:  []string{"On it."},
 		},
@@ -50,6 +52,68 @@ func TestResolveChatBehavior_InheritsGlobalAndChannelOverride(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestResolveChatBehavior_DefaultQuickAckModeIsLLMGenerated(t *testing.T) {
+	global := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
+		Enabled:  new(true),
+		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Templates: []string{"Fallback."}},
+	}
+
+	got := ResolveChatBehavior(global, nil)
+
+	if got.QuickAck.Mode != QuickAckModeLLMGenerated {
+		t.Fatalf("QuickAck.Mode = %q, want %q", got.QuickAck.Mode, QuickAckModeLLMGenerated)
+	}
+	if !ShouldDeliverGeneratedProgress(got, false) {
+		t.Fatal("generated progress disabled for non-streaming llm_generated mode")
+	}
+	if !ShouldSendQuickAck(got, false) {
+		t.Fatal("fallback quick ack disabled for non-streaming llm_generated mode")
+	}
+	if got.QuickAck.Templates[0] != "Fallback." {
+		t.Fatalf("fallback template = %q, want configured fallback", got.QuickAck.Templates[0])
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveChatBehavior_QuickAckModeOffKeepsFallbackDisabled(t *testing.T) {
+	mode := QuickAckModeOff
+	global := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
+		Enabled:  new(true),
+		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Mode: &mode, Templates: []string{"Fallback."}},
+	}
+
+	got := ResolveChatBehavior(global, nil)
+
+	if got.QuickAck.Mode != QuickAckModeOff {
+		t.Fatalf("QuickAck.Mode = %q, want off", got.QuickAck.Mode)
+	}
+	if ShouldDeliverGeneratedProgress(got, false) {
+		t.Fatal("generated progress enabled in off mode")
+	}
+	if ShouldSendQuickAck(got, false) {
+		t.Fatal("fallback quick ack enabled in off mode")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveChatBehavior_ExplicitFixedTemplateMode(t *testing.T) {
+	mode := QuickAckModeFixedTemplate
+	global := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
+		Enabled:  new(true),
+		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Mode: &mode, Templates: []string{"Working."}},
+	}
+
+	got := ResolveChatBehavior(global, nil)
+
+	if got.QuickAck.Mode != QuickAckModeFixedTemplate {
+		t.Fatalf("QuickAck.Mode = %q, want fixed_template", got.QuickAck.Mode)
+	}
+	if ShouldDeliverGeneratedProgress(got, false) {
+		t.Fatal("generated progress enabled in fixed_template mode")
+	}
+	if !ShouldSendQuickAck(got, false) {
+		t.Fatal("fixed template quick ack disabled")
+	}
+}
+
 func TestSplitFinalMessages_ConservativeParagraphSplit(t *testing.T) {
 	cfg := ResolvedFinalSplitConfig{Enabled: true, MinChars: 20, MaxMessages: 3}
 	text := "First part is useful.\n\nSecond part is also useful.\n\nThird part closes it."
@@ -84,9 +148,10 @@ func TestSplitFinalMessages_DoesNotSplitUnsafeMarkdown(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 func TestPreviewChatBehavior_NoSideEffects(t *testing.T) {
+	fixedMode := QuickAckModeFixedTemplate
 	global := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
 		Enabled:    new(true),
-		QuickAck:   &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Templates: []string{"Working."}},
+		QuickAck:   &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Mode: &fixedMode, Templates: []string{"Working."}},
 		FinalSplit: &config.FinalSplitConfig{Enabled: new(true), MinChars: new(10), MaxMessages: new(2)},
 	}
 
@@ -99,18 +164,62 @@ func TestPreviewChatBehavior_NoSideEffects(t *testing.T) {
 	if !got.Ack.ShouldSend || got.Ack.Content != "Working." {
 		t.Fatalf("Ack preview = %+v, want send Working.", got.Ack)
 	}
+	if got.Ack.Mode != QuickAckModeFixedTemplate || got.Ack.Source != QuickAckSourceTemplate {
+		t.Fatalf("Ack preview mode/source = %q/%q, want fixed_template/template", got.Ack.Mode, got.Ack.Source)
+	}
 	if len(got.Split.Parts) != 2 {
 		t.Fatalf("Split parts = %#v, want two parts", got.Split.Parts)
 	}
 }
 
-func TestManagerResolveChatBehavior_UsesChannelOverride(t *testing.T) {
+func TestPreviewChatBehavior_GeneratedModeReportsFallback(t *testing.T) {
 	global := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
 		Enabled:  new(true),
-		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Templates: []string{"global"}},
+		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Templates: []string{"Fallback."}},
+	}
+
+	got := PreviewChatBehavior(global, nil, ChatBehaviorPreviewOptions{
+		Content:      "Part one.\n\nPart two.",
+		IsStreaming:  false,
+		HasToolCalls: true,
+	})
+
+	if !got.Ack.ShouldSend || got.Ack.Mode != QuickAckModeLLMGenerated || got.Ack.Source != QuickAckSourceGenerated {
+		t.Fatalf("Ack preview = %+v, want generated-first send decision", got.Ack)
+	}
+	if got.Ack.Content != "" || got.Ack.FallbackContent != "Fallback." {
+		t.Fatalf("Ack preview content/fallback = %q/%q, want empty/Fallback.", got.Ack.Content, got.Ack.FallbackContent)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestPreviewChatBehavior_GeneratedModeWithoutToolCallsReportsTemplateFallback(t *testing.T) {
+	global := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
+		Enabled:  new(true),
+		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Templates: []string{"Fallback."}},
+	}
+
+	got := PreviewChatBehavior(global, nil, ChatBehaviorPreviewOptions{
+		Content:      "Short final answer.",
+		IsStreaming:  false,
+		HasToolCalls: false,
+	})
+
+	if !got.Ack.ShouldSend || got.Ack.Mode != QuickAckModeLLMGenerated || got.Ack.Source != QuickAckSourceTemplate {
+		t.Fatalf("Ack preview = %+v, want template fallback decision", got.Ack)
+	}
+	if got.Ack.Content != "Fallback." || got.Ack.FallbackContent != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("Ack preview content/fallback = %q/%q, want Fallback./empty", got.Ack.Content, got.Ack.FallbackContent)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestManagerResolveChatBehavior_UsesChannelOverride(t *testing.T) {
+	fixedMode := QuickAckModeFixedTemplate
+	global := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
+		Enabled:  new(true),
+		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Mode: &fixedMode, Templates: []string{"global"}},
 	}
 	override := &config.ChatBehaviorConfig{
-		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Templates: []string{"channel"}},
+		QuickAck: &config.QuickAckConfig{Enabled: new(true), Mode: &fixedMode, Templates: []string{"channel"}},
 	}
 	mgr := NewManager(bus.New())
 	mgr.RegisterChannel("test", &chatBehaviorTestChannel{name: "test", behavior: override})
diff --git a/internal/channels/events.go b/internal/channels/events.go
index e3fc7b8f..8b71741e 100644
--- a/internal/channels/events.go
+++ b/internal/channels/events.go
@@ -271,12 +271,9 @@ func (m *Manager) HandleAgentEvent(eventType, runID string, payload any) {
 	}
 
 	// Handle block.reply: deliver intermediate assistant text to non-streaming channels.
-	// Gated by BlockReplyEnabled (resolved from gateway + per-channel config at RegisterRun time).
+	// Gated by explicit block_reply or generated-progress chat behavior.
 	// Streaming channels already deliver via chunks, so skip to avoid double-delivery.
 	if eventType == protocol.AgentEventBlockReply {
-		if !rc.BlockReplyEnabled {
-			return
-		}
 		content := extractPayloadString(payload, "content")
 		if content == "" {
 			return
@@ -288,6 +285,9 @@ func (m *Manager) HandleAgentEvent(eventType, runID string, payload any) {
 		if streaming {
 			return // streaming already delivered via chunks
 		}
+		if !rc.BlockReplyEnabled && !ShouldDeliverGeneratedProgress(rc.ChatBehavior, streaming) {
+			return
+		}
 
 		m.cancelQuickAck(rc)
 		rc.mu.Lock()
diff --git a/internal/config/config_channels.go b/internal/config/config_channels.go
index 0a703956..35d60d7f 100644
--- a/internal/config/config_channels.go
+++ b/internal/config/config_channels.go
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ type ChatBehaviorConfig struct {
 // QuickAckConfig controls one short acknowledgement before longer non-streaming runs.
 type QuickAckConfig struct {
 	Enabled    *bool    `json:"enabled,omitempty"`
+	Mode       *string  `json:"mode,omitempty"`
 	MinDelayMs *int     `json:"min_delay_ms,omitempty"`
 	Templates  []string `json:"templates,omitempty"`
 }
diff --git a/internal/gateway/methods/chat_behavior.go b/internal/gateway/methods/chat_behavior.go
index f87ec830..87397256 100644
--- a/internal/gateway/methods/chat_behavior.go
+++ b/internal/gateway/methods/chat_behavior.go
@@ -72,14 +72,10 @@ func (m *ChatBehaviorMethods) handlePreview(_ context.Context, client *gateway.C
 	} else {
 		resolved = channels.ResolveChatBehavior(m.cfg.Gateway.ChatBehavior, nil)
 	}
-	preview := channels.ChatBehaviorPreview{
-		Resolved: resolved,
-		Split: channels.SplitPreview{
-			Parts: channels.SplitFinalMessages(params.Content, resolved.FinalSplit),
-		},
-	}
-	if channels.ShouldSendQuickAck(resolved, params.IsStreaming) {
-		preview.Ack = channels.AckPreview{ShouldSend: true, Content: resolved.QuickAck.Templates[0]}
-	}
+	preview := channels.PreviewResolvedChatBehavior(resolved, channels.ChatBehaviorPreviewOptions{
+		Content:      params.Content,
+		IsStreaming:  params.IsStreaming,
+		HasToolCalls: params.HasToolCalls,
+	})
 	client.SendResponse(protocol.NewOKResponse(req.ID, preview))
 }
diff --git a/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-01-characterization-tests.md b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-01-characterization-tests.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0b7c6fa1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-01-characterization-tests.md
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+---
+phase: 1
+title: Characterization Tests
+status: completed
+priority: P1
+effort: ''
+dependencies: []
+---
+
+# Phase 1: Characterization Tests
+
+## Overview
+
+Lock current behavior before changing semantics. These tests should fail only where issue #118 intentionally changes default quick acknowledgement from fixed templates to generated progress plus fallback.
+
+## Requirements
+
+- Functional: prove current template-only quick ack behavior and `block.reply` delivery gates.
+- Functional: prove existing final dedup depends on delivered `block.reply`.
+- Non-functional: tests must not use external LLM calls or channel network calls.
+
+## Architecture
+
+Use existing unit-test surfaces:
+- `internal/channels/chat_behavior_test.go` for resolver and preview decisions.
+- `internal/channels/chat_behavior_events_test.go` for timer, fallback, streaming, and block reply delivery.
+- Existing pipeline tests in `internal/pipeline/stages_test.go` already cover `block.reply` only when tool calls exist; add only if a behavior gap is discovered.
+
+No DB, migration, or integration fixture is needed.
+
+## Related Code Files
+
+- Modify: `internal/channels/chat_behavior_test.go`
+- Modify: `internal/channels/chat_behavior_events_test.go`
+- Optional modify: `cmd/gateway_consumer_normal_test.go` if a focused final-dedup test already exists nearby
+- Read: `internal/pipeline/think_stage.go`
+- Read: `internal/agent/loop_pipeline_adapter.go`
+
+## Implementation Steps
+
+1. Add resolver tests showing old default template behavior and the intended new default mode contract.
+2. Add event tests for generated progress canceling fallback before fallback timer sends.
+3. Add event tests for fallback sending only when no `block.reply` has been delivered.
+4. Add streaming guard test: generated progress/fallback must not duplicate streaming chunks.
+5. Add compatibility tests for explicit fixed-template mode so users can keep old behavior.
+6. Run the focused Go test package and confirm new tests fail before implementation.
+
+## Success Criteria
+
+- [ ] Tests describe generated-first, template-fallback behavior.
+- [ ] Tests prove no separate LLM call is required.
+- [ ] Tests and review prove this issue adds no new persistence path.
+- [ ] Tests fail before Phase 2/3 implementation and pass after.
+
+## Risk Assessment
+
+Risk: tests accidentally assert impossible "instant" LLM output. Mitigation: state generated progress depends on main-turn `block.reply`, not pre-LLM response.
diff --git a/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-02-config-contract.md b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-02-config-contract.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c773ceea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-02-config-contract.md
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+---
+phase: 2
+title: Config Contract
+status: completed
+priority: P1
+effort: ''
+dependencies:
+  - 1
+---
+
+# Phase 2: Config Contract
+
+## Overview
+
+Add an explicit quick acknowledgement mode contract so fixed templates stop being the default behavior while old configurations remain representable.
+
+## Requirements
+
+- Functional: default `chat_behavior.quick_ack` mode is generated-first with template fallback.
+- Functional: explicit fixed-template mode preserves old behavior.
+- Functional: existing `templates` field remains the fallback template list.
+- Functional: config preview returns enough metadata for UI to explain generated vs fallback decisions.
+- Non-functional: additive JSON config only; no migration.
+
+## Architecture
+
+Proposed additive shape:
+
+```json
+{
+  "gateway": {
+    "chat_behavior": {
+      "enabled": true,
+      "quick_ack": {
+        "enabled": true,
+        "mode": "llm_generated",
+        "min_delay_ms": 1000,
+        "templates": ["Got it. Working on it..."]
+      }
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+Mode semantics:
+- `llm_generated`: generated `block.reply` is preferred; `templates` are fallback if no generated progress arrives before `min_delay_ms`.
+- `fixed_template`: old behavior; send template after `min_delay_ms` when eligible.
+- `off`: disables chat-behavior quick acknowledgement only; explicit `gateway.block_reply=true` must still preserve existing block reply delivery.
+
+Implementation detail: use string constants in `internal/channels/chat_behavior.go`; keep config structs string-based to avoid custom JSON code.
+
+## Related Code Files
+
+- Modify: `internal/config/config_channels.go`
+- Modify: `internal/channels/chat_behavior.go`
+- Modify: `internal/gateway/methods/chat_behavior.go`
+- Modify: `internal/channels/chat_behavior_test.go`
+- Read: `cmd/gateway_system_config_sync.go`
+
+## Implementation Steps
+
+1. Add `Mode *string json:"mode,omitempty"` to `QuickAckConfig`.
+2. Add `Mode string` to `ResolvedQuickAckConfig`.
+3. Define accepted modes near existing quick ack defaults.
+4. Update `ResolveChatBehavior` to default quick ack mode to `llm_generated` while retaining fallback templates.
+5. Treat nil/empty mode as `llm_generated`, even when legacy configs have `templates`; this is the requested default change. Treat unknown strings as `llm_generated` and test the fallback.
+6. Update `ShouldSendQuickAck` or split it into clearer helpers if needed:
+   - fallback timer eligibility
+   - fixed template delivery eligibility
+   - generated progress delivery eligibility
+7. Update preview response so UI can show whether acknowledgement is generated-first, fixed-template, or off.
+8. Keep `templates` cleaning behavior but document it as fallback templates.
+
+## Success Criteria
+
+- [ ] Existing JSON config remains backward compatible.
+- [ ] Default resolver no longer treats fixed template as the primary quick ack.
+- [ ] Unknown/empty templates still resolve to the fallback default string.
+- [ ] Preview can distinguish generated-first from fixed-template behavior.
+
+## Risk Assessment
+
+Risk: changing default mode breaks users expecting old fixed-template quick ack. Mitigation: expose explicit `fixed_template` mode and keep `templates` field semantics intact.
diff --git a/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-03-runtime-delivery.md b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-03-runtime-delivery.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b2b50109
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-03-runtime-delivery.md
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+---
+phase: 3
+title: Runtime Delivery
+status: completed
+priority: P1
+effort: ''
+dependencies:
+  - 1
+  - 2
+---
+
+# Phase 3: Runtime Delivery
+
+## Overview
+
+Route generated progress through existing `block.reply` channel delivery and use fixed templates only as the fallback path.
+
+## Requirements
+
+- Functional: generated `block.reply` can be delivered for chat behavior even when global `gateway.block_reply` is false.
+- Functional: explicit `gateway.block_reply=true` preserves current full block reply behavior.
+- Functional: fallback template cancels when a generated `block.reply` arrives.
+- Functional: streaming channels skip generated progress/fallback to avoid duplicate chunks.
+- Non-functional: do not store generated progress and do not create another LLM call.
+- Non-functional: do not change existing run timeline recorder behavior.
+
+## Architecture
+
+Current flow:
+- `cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go:242` resolves global/per-channel `block_reply`.
+- `cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go:245` resolves `chat_behavior`.
+- `internal/channels/events.go:276` drops `block.reply` unless `RunContext.BlockReplyEnabled` is true.
+- `internal/channels/events.go:292` cancels quick ack when a `block.reply` is delivered.
+
+Target flow:
+- Register runs with both explicit `block_reply` and chat behavior.
+- In channel event handling, allow `block.reply` delivery when either:
+  - explicit block reply is enabled, or
+  - chat behavior quick ack mode is `llm_generated` and non-streaming.
+- In generated-progress mode, mark `blockReplySent` and cancel fallback timer after a generated message is published.
+- Keep final dedup aligned with actual delivered generated progress, not only explicit `gateway.block_reply`.
+
+## Related Code Files
+
+- Modify: `internal/channels/events.go`
+- Modify: `internal/channels/runs.go`
+- Modify: `internal/channels/manager.go`
+- Modify: `cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go`
+- Modify: `internal/channels/chat_behavior_events_test.go`
+- Read only: `internal/agent/run_timeline_recorder.go`
+- Read: `internal/pipeline/think_stage.go`
+- Read: `internal/pipeline/observe_stage.go`
+- Read: `internal/agent/loop_pipeline_adapter.go`
+
+## Implementation Steps
+
+1. Add runtime helper(s) that answer:
+   - should schedule fallback template?
+   - should deliver generated `block.reply`?
+   - was a generated/fixed interim message delivered and should final dedup run?
+2. Update run registration context if a new resolved flag is needed; avoid shared mutable global state.
+3. Change `AgentEventBlockReply` handling to use generated-progress eligibility as well as explicit block reply.
+4. Keep streaming guard before publishing outbound.
+5. Ensure fallback timer is canceled when generated progress publishes.
+6. Ensure final dedup checks actual delivered interim reply when chat behavior generated mode delivered one.
+7. Keep retry/tool status messages unchanged unless tests show direct conflict.
+
+## Success Criteria
+
+- [ ] Non-streaming channel can receive LLM-generated progress from main-turn `block.reply` with `gateway.block_reply=false`.
+- [ ] Fallback template sends only if no generated progress was delivered before delay.
+- [ ] Streaming channel gets no duplicate progress messages.
+- [ ] Existing explicit block reply behavior and final dedup remain covered.
+
+## Risk Assessment
+
+Risk: generated progress could duplicate final answer if final dedup remains tied to explicit block reply only. Mitigation: base dedup on actual delivered interim reply count/content.
diff --git a/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-04-dashboard-controls.md b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-04-dashboard-controls.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b4c4bfc4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-04-dashboard-controls.md
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+---
+phase: 4
+title: Dashboard Controls
+status: completed
+priority: P2
+effort: ''
+dependencies:
+  - 2
+  - 3
+---
+
+# Phase 4: Dashboard Controls
+
+## Overview
+
+Update the Behavior UI so the default is generated progress, and fallback templates are presented as fallback, not the main acknowledgement content.
+
+## Requirements
+
+- Functional: global Behavior card can select quick ack mode.
+- Functional: per-channel override schema can override quick ack mode where current quick ack enabled override exists.
+- Functional: UI preview explains generated-first vs fallback/fixed behavior.
+- Non-functional: all new user-facing strings use existing i18n namespace and en/vi/zh locale files.
+- Non-functional: keep component files under the repo's 200-line guidance or split a focused child component.
+
+## Architecture
+
+Current UI:
+- `normalizeChatBehavior` defaults templates to `"Got it. Working on it..."` in `ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-section.tsx:128`.
+- `BehaviorChatCard` labels templates as quick ack templates in `ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-chat-card.tsx:115`.
+- Per-channel schema only overrides `chat_behavior.quick_ack.enabled` in `ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-schemas.ts:31`.
+
+Target UI:
+- Add a mode control with values generated-first, fixed-template, off.
+- Rename template textarea copy to fallback templates.
+- Keep delay field as fallback/fixed delay.
+- Preserve mobile input font size rule: `text-base md:text-sm` on inputs/selects if custom components require class names.
+
+## Related Code Files
+
+- Modify: `ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-section.tsx`
+- Modify: `ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-chat-card.tsx`
+- Modify: `ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-schemas.ts`
+- Modify: `ui/web/src/i18n/locales/en/config.json`
+- Modify: `ui/web/src/i18n/locales/vi/config.json`
+- Modify: `ui/web/src/i18n/locales/zh/config.json`
+- Optional create: a focused child component under `ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/` if `behavior-chat-card.tsx` would exceed 200 lines
+- Modify: `docs/05-channels-messaging.md`
+
+## Implementation Steps
+
+1. Add mode to `ChatBehaviorValues`.
+2. Normalize default mode to `llm_generated`.
+3. Add mode control and copy that explains no extra LLM call.
+4. Rename template labels/hints to fallback template language.
+5. Update preview rendering for generated-first/fallback/fixed states.
+6. Add per-channel schema override for `chat_behavior.quick_ack.mode`.
+7. Add i18n keys to all three config locale files.
+8. Update channel messaging docs with new semantics and explicit no-storage note.
+
+## Success Criteria
+
+- [ ] Dashboard no longer presents fixed template as default immediate response.
+- [ ] Config payload includes `quick_ack.mode` when changed.
+- [ ] Per-channel override can inherit/generated/fixed/off.
+- [ ] All new UI strings are localized.
+- [ ] Component size guidance is respected or consciously documented.
+
+## Risk Assessment
+
+Risk: adding controls could bloat the existing card. Mitigation: split a small quick-ack settings component if the file crosses 200 lines.
diff --git a/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-05-validation-and-ship-handoff.md b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-05-validation-and-ship-handoff.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6a3b4140
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/phase-05-validation-and-ship-handoff.md
@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+---
+phase: 5
+title: Validation and Ship Handoff
+status: completed
+priority: P1
+effort: ''
+dependencies:
+  - 1
+  - 2
+  - 3
+  - 4
+---
+
+# Phase 5: Validation and Ship Handoff
+
+## Overview
+
+Run focused and broad validation, update plan status/docs, ship a beta PR, run PR review/fix loop, and report back on issue #118.
+
+## Requirements
+
+- Functional: every acceptance criterion in `plan.md` is validated by tests, build, or explicit review.
+- Functional: issue #118 gets plan comment, implementation report, branch/PR link, and label transition.
+- Non-functional: do not push secrets or unrelated changes.
+
+## Architecture
+
+This phase is process-only. It uses the existing GitHub CLI workflow and repo validation commands. Beta shipping targets `dev` because README describes `dev` branch pushes as beta release path.
+
+## Related Code Files
+
+- Modify: plan status files in this plan directory
+- Modify: docs only if implementation changes public channel behavior
+- No runtime files unless review finds actionable issues
+
+## Implementation Steps
+
+1. Run focused Go tests:
+   `go test ./internal/channels ./internal/config ./internal/gateway/methods`
+2. Run SQLite-tag focused tests:
+   `go test -tags sqliteonly ./internal/channels ./internal/config ./internal/gateway/methods`
+3. Run broad compile/static checks:
+   `go build ./...`
+   `go build -tags sqliteonly ./...`
+   `go vet ./...`
+4. Run web validation:
+   `cd ui/web && pnpm test -- --run`
+   `cd ui/web && pnpm build`
+5. Run `git diff --check` and inspect `git status --short`.
+6. Commit and push implementation with `ck:git cp` semantics.
+7. Create beta PR to `dev` and link issue #118.
+8. Run review-pr fix loop until no actionable findings remain.
+9. Comment issue #118 with implementation summary, PR URL, validation status, and final label update.
+
+## Success Criteria
+
+- [ ] All focused tests pass.
+- [ ] PG and SQLite build pass.
+- [ ] Web build passes.
+- [ ] PR exists against `dev`.
+- [ ] Review/fix loop reports approve or no actionable findings.
+- [ ] Issue label moves from `ready to implement` to `ready to ship beta`.
+
+## Risk Assessment
+
+Risk: broad integration/race tests require local services and may be unavailable. Mitigation: run all local deterministic checks; report any unavailable service-backed checks honestly.
diff --git a/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/plan.md b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/plan.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0eec3d69
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/plan.md
@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+---
+title: Issue 118 LLM-Generated Channel Progress
+description: >-
+  TDD plan for digitopvn/goclaw#118: make channel immediate/progress replies
+  LLM-generated through the existing main-turn block.reply path, with fixed
+  quick_ack templates retained only as fallback.
+status: completed
+priority: P2
+branch: codex/issue-118-llm-generated-progress-messages
+tags:
+  - issue-118
+  - channels
+  - chat-behavior
+  - block-reply
+  - tdd
+blockedBy: []
+blocks: []
+created: '2026-05-31T08:55:50.410Z'
+createdBy: 'ck:plan'
+source: skill
+---
+
+# Issue 118 LLM-Generated Channel Progress
+
+## Overview
+
+Implement the approved cheapest path for issue #118.
+
+Decision locked by user:
+- No separate LLM call for immediate/progress messages.
+- Use the existing main-turn `block.reply` event as the generated channel progress message.
+- Keep `quick_ack.templates` only as fallback.
+- Do not store progress messages.
+
+Hard product constraint: without a separate LLM call, GoClaw cannot guarantee a natural LLM-generated message before the main model emits content. The generated progress message is available when the main LLM emits assistant content before tool calls; otherwise a configured fixed template fallback may fire after the fallback delay.
+
+Current implementation facts:
+- `QuickAckConfig` has `enabled`, `min_delay_ms`, and `templates` only, so mode/fallback semantics need an additive config field in `internal/config/config_channels.go:11`.
+- `ResolveChatBehavior` currently defaults templates to `"Got it. Working on it..."` and `ShouldSendQuickAck` only checks enabled plus non-streaming in `internal/channels/chat_behavior.go:57` and `internal/channels/chat_behavior.go:140`.
+- `run.started` schedules quick ack immediately via `internal/channels/events.go:42`.
+- `block.reply` channel delivery is currently gated only by resolved `BlockReplyEnabled` in `internal/channels/events.go:276`.
+- Main-turn generated content already emits `block.reply` from tool iterations in `internal/pipeline/think_stage.go:148`, then sanitizes in `internal/agent/loop_pipeline_adapter.go:107`.
+- Final dedup depends on `blockReplyEnabled` in `cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go:542`.
+- `internal/agent/run_timeline_recorder.go:137` already maps existing `block.reply` events to assistant-message timeline items. This issue must not add new persistence or broaden recorder behavior; existing timeline behavior is out of scope unless tests show a direct regression.
+
+Scope:
+- Backend config contract and resolver.
+- Channel event delivery semantics.
+- Preview API and dashboard controls.
+- Documentation and issue handoff.
+
+Explicitly out of scope:
+- New LLM provider call.
+- DB schema, timeline/archive persistence, or message history storage for progress messages.
+- Changing existing run timeline recorder semantics.
+- Raw chain-of-thought or tool trace exposure.
+- Per-agent prompt rewriting beyond existing main LLM output.
+
+## Phases
+
+| Phase | Name | Status |
+|-------|------|--------|
+| 1 | [Characterization Tests](./phase-01-characterization-tests.md) | Completed |
+| 2 | [Config Contract](./phase-02-config-contract.md) | Completed |
+| 3 | [Runtime Delivery](./phase-03-runtime-delivery.md) | Completed |
+| 4 | [Dashboard Controls](./phase-04-dashboard-controls.md) | Completed |
+| 5 | [Validation and Ship Handoff](./phase-05-validation-and-ship-handoff.md) | Completed |
+
+## Dependencies
+
+- GitHub issue: `digitopvn/goclaw#118`
+- Related existing plan: `../260529-1210-human-like-channel-chat-behavior/plan.md`
+- Existing generated-content source: `internal/pipeline/think_stage.go`, `internal/agent/loop_pipeline_adapter.go`, `internal/pipeline/observe_stage.go`
+- Existing channel runtime: `internal/channels/events.go`, `internal/channels/runs.go`, `cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go`
+- Existing config/runtime contract: `internal/config/config_channels.go`, `internal/channels/chat_behavior.go`, `internal/gateway/methods/chat_behavior.go`
+- Existing web config UI: `ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-section.tsx`, `ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-chat-card.tsx`, `ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-schemas.ts`
+- Existing docs: `docs/05-channels-messaging.md`
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+
+- [ ] Default enabled chat behavior prefers LLM-generated progress from main-turn `block.reply`, not fixed templates.
+- [ ] No extra LLM request is introduced.
+- [ ] Fixed templates remain configurable fallback only.
+- [ ] Fallback does not fire after a generated `block.reply` has already been delivered.
+- [ ] Streaming channels still avoid duplicate progress delivery.
+- [ ] Existing explicit `gateway.block_reply` behavior and final dedup continue to work.
+- [ ] Preview API describes generated-vs-fallback behavior without sending messages.
+- [ ] Dashboard config reflects generated default, fallback template semantics, and all new UI text is localized in en/vi/zh.
+- [ ] No new DB/archive/session-history storage is added for progress messages by this issue.
+
+## Validation Commands
+
+```bash
+go test ./internal/channels ./internal/config ./internal/gateway/methods
+go test -tags sqliteonly ./internal/channels ./internal/config ./internal/gateway/methods
+go build ./...
+go build -tags sqliteonly ./...
+go vet ./...
+cd ui/web && pnpm test -- --run
+cd ui/web && pnpm build
+git diff --check
+```
+
+## Open Questions
+
+None. User selected the no-extra-LLM, main-turn `block.reply`, no-progress-storage path.
diff --git a/plans/reports/260531-1555-issue-118-plan-redteam.md b/plans/reports/260531-1555-issue-118-plan-redteam.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..27bff49a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/reports/260531-1555-issue-118-plan-redteam.md
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+# Issue 118 Plan Redteam
+
+Plan: `plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/plan.md`
+Date: 2026-05-31
+
+## Findings
+
+### Fixed
+
+1. Persistence wording was too absolute.
+   - Evidence: `internal/agent/run_timeline_recorder.go:137` already maps existing `block.reply` events to assistant-message timeline items.
+   - Risk: plan could promise "no progress messages are stored" while existing event recorder already handles `block.reply`.
+   - Fix: plan now says this issue adds no new persistence and does not broaden recorder behavior.
+
+2. `off` mode semantics could accidentally disable explicit `gateway.block_reply`.
+   - Evidence: `internal/channels/events.go:276` currently gates block replies by `RunContext.BlockReplyEnabled`, independent from chat behavior.
+   - Risk: quick ack mode `off` could be over-implemented as a global block reply kill switch.
+   - Fix: phase 02 now says `off` only disables chat-behavior quick acknowledgement; explicit `gateway.block_reply=true` must keep working.
+
+3. Legacy nil mode behavior needed a firm decision.
+   - Evidence: current `QuickAckConfig` has no mode in `internal/config/config_channels.go:11`.
+   - Risk: implementation could infer old fixed-template behavior from non-empty `templates`, silently preserving the old default.
+   - Fix: phase 02 now says nil/empty mode resolves to `llm_generated`, even when legacy configs have templates. This is the requested default change.
+
+## Remaining Risks
+
+- Generated progress cannot be guaranteed before tool execution without a separate LLM call. Plan states this explicitly.
+- Fallback template and later generated progress may both be visible in long runs. Implementation must keep this bounded by existing one-ack behavior plus existing `block.reply` semantics.
+- UI work may push `behavior-chat-card.tsx` past 200 lines. Phase 04 calls for a focused split if needed.
+
+## Verdict
+
+Plan is ready to implement after the fixed findings above.
+
+## Open Questions
+
+None.
diff --git a/plans/reports/260531-1555-issue-118-plan-validation.md b/plans/reports/260531-1555-issue-118-plan-validation.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7b9f77d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/reports/260531-1555-issue-118-plan-validation.md
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+# Issue 118 Plan Validation
+
+Plan: `plans/260531-1555-issue-118-llm-generated-channel-progress/plan.md`
+Date: 2026-05-31
+
+## User Decisions Checked
+
+- No separate LLM call: preserved in overview, phases 01, 03, and validation criteria.
+- Use main-turn `block.reply`: preserved in overview and runtime phase.
+- Do not store progress messages: plan now scopes this as no new persistence or recorder broadening.
+- Templates fallback only: preserved through `llm_generated` mode and `fixed_template` compatibility.
+
+## Code Claims Checked
+
+- `QuickAckConfig` lacks mode today: verified in `internal/config/config_channels.go:11`.
+- Default template is currently fixed: verified in `internal/channels/chat_behavior.go:14` and resolver defaults at `internal/channels/chat_behavior.go:57`.
+- `run.started` schedules quick ack: verified in `internal/channels/events.go:42`.
+- `block.reply` channel delivery is gated by `BlockReplyEnabled`: verified in `internal/channels/events.go:276`.
+- Main LLM content emits `block.reply` on tool iterations: verified in `internal/pipeline/think_stage.go:148`.
+- Sanitization happens before emitting `block.reply`: verified in `internal/agent/loop_pipeline_adapter.go:107`.
+- Final dedup currently keys off explicit block reply enablement: verified in `cmd/gateway_consumer_normal.go:542`.
+- Existing timeline recorder handles `block.reply`: verified in `internal/agent/run_timeline_recorder.go:137`.
+
+## Whole-Plan Consistency Sweep
+
+- No stale claim that generated response is guaranteed "instant".
+- No plan step creates a DB migration or new storage table.
+- No plan step adds a provider or second LLM request.
+- Backend, UI, docs, tests, and ship handoff are represented.
+- Open questions are resolved by the user's selected direction.
+
+## Validation Commands for Implementation
+
+```bash
+go test ./internal/channels ./internal/config ./internal/gateway/methods
+go test -tags sqliteonly ./internal/channels ./internal/config ./internal/gateway/methods
+go build ./...
+go build -tags sqliteonly ./...
+go vet ./...
+cd ui/web && pnpm test -- --run
+cd ui/web && pnpm build
+git diff --check
+```
+
+## Open Questions
+
+None.
diff --git a/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/en/config.json b/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/en/config.json
index 5b5c079c..03d56b46 100644
--- a/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/en/config.json
+++ b/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/en/config.json
@@ -133,9 +133,13 @@
   "behavior.chatEnabled": "Enable channel delivery behavior",
   "behavior.chatEnabledHint": "Applies globally, with optional per-channel overrides.",
   "behavior.quickAck": "Quick acknowledgement",
-  "behavior.quickAckHint": "Send one short acknowledgement before longer non-streaming runs.",
-  "behavior.quickAckDelay": "Delay (ms)",
-  "behavior.quickAckTemplates": "Templates",
+  "behavior.quickAckHint": "Prefer the main LLM's block reply; use templates only as fallback.",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode": "Mode",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.llm_generated": "LLM-generated with fallback",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.fixed_template": "Fixed template",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.off": "Off",
+  "behavior.quickAckDelay": "Fallback delay (ms)",
+  "behavior.quickAckTemplates": "Fallback templates",
   "behavior.finalSplit": "Final reply splitting",
   "behavior.finalSplitHint": "Split long final replies into safe paragraph messages.",
   "behavior.finalSplitMinChars": "Min chars",
@@ -143,6 +147,7 @@
   "behavior.finalSplitDelay": "Delay (ms)",
   "behavior.preview": "Preview",
   "behavior.previewAck": "Ack",
+  "behavior.previewGeneratedAck": "Generated by main LLM; fallback: {{fallback}}",
   "behavior.previewNoAck": "No acknowledgement for this sample.",
   "behavior.previewParts": "{{count}} final message part",
   "behavior.previewParts_plural": "{{count}} final message parts",
diff --git a/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/vi/config.json b/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/vi/config.json
index 4207d0ea..cfd0574b 100644
--- a/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/vi/config.json
+++ b/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/vi/config.json
@@ -133,9 +133,13 @@
   "behavior.chatEnabled": "Bật hành vi gửi tin theo kênh",
   "behavior.chatEnabledHint": "Áp dụng toàn cục, có thể ghi đè theo từng kênh.",
   "behavior.quickAck": "Xác nhận nhanh",
-  "behavior.quickAckHint": "Gửi một tin xác nhận ngắn trước các lượt chạy không streaming lâu hơn.",
-  "behavior.quickAckDelay": "Độ trễ (ms)",
-  "behavior.quickAckTemplates": "Mẫu tin",
+  "behavior.quickAckHint": "Ưu tiên block reply từ LLM chính; chỉ dùng mẫu tin làm fallback.",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode": "Chế độ",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.llm_generated": "LLM sinh, có fallback",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.fixed_template": "Mẫu cố định",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.off": "Tắt",
+  "behavior.quickAckDelay": "Độ trễ fallback (ms)",
+  "behavior.quickAckTemplates": "Mẫu fallback",
   "behavior.finalSplit": "Tách phản hồi cuối",
   "behavior.finalSplitHint": "Tách phản hồi cuối dài thành các đoạn tin nhắn an toàn.",
   "behavior.finalSplitMinChars": "Ký tự tối thiểu",
@@ -143,6 +147,7 @@
   "behavior.finalSplitDelay": "Độ trễ (ms)",
   "behavior.preview": "Xem trước",
   "behavior.previewAck": "Xác nhận",
+  "behavior.previewGeneratedAck": "LLM chính sinh; fallback: {{fallback}}",
   "behavior.previewNoAck": "Mẫu này không gửi xác nhận.",
   "behavior.previewParts": "{{count}} phần phản hồi cuối",
   "behavior.pendingCompactionTitle": "Nén tin nhắn chờ",
diff --git a/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/zh/config.json b/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/zh/config.json
index e3749f4a..e702e38f 100644
--- a/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/zh/config.json
+++ b/ui/web/src/i18n/locales/zh/config.json
@@ -133,9 +133,13 @@
   "behavior.chatEnabled": "启用频道投递行为",
   "behavior.chatEnabledHint": "全局生效，可按频道覆盖。",
   "behavior.quickAck": "快速确认",
-  "behavior.quickAckHint": "在较长的非流式运行前发送一条简短确认。",
-  "behavior.quickAckDelay": "延迟（毫秒）",
-  "behavior.quickAckTemplates": "模板",
+  "behavior.quickAckHint": "优先使用主 LLM 的 block reply；模板仅作为回退。",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode": "模式",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.llm_generated": "LLM 生成并带回退",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.fixed_template": "固定模板",
+  "behavior.quickAckMode.off": "关闭",
+  "behavior.quickAckDelay": "回退延迟（毫秒）",
+  "behavior.quickAckTemplates": "回退模板",
   "behavior.finalSplit": "最终回复拆分",
   "behavior.finalSplitHint": "将较长最终回复拆成安全的段落消息。",
   "behavior.finalSplitMinChars": "最小字符数",
@@ -143,6 +147,7 @@
   "behavior.finalSplitDelay": "延迟（毫秒）",
   "behavior.preview": "预览",
   "behavior.previewAck": "确认",
+  "behavior.previewGeneratedAck": "由主 LLM 生成；回退：{{fallback}}",
   "behavior.previewNoAck": "此示例不会发送确认。",
   "behavior.previewParts": "{{count}} 个最终回复片段",
   "behavior.pendingCompactionTitle": "待处理消息压缩",
diff --git a/ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-instance-form-dialog.tsx b/ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-instance-form-dialog.tsx
index 50070318..104d5c1a 100644
--- a/ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-instance-form-dialog.tsx
+++ b/ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-instance-form-dialog.tsx
@@ -134,7 +134,12 @@ export function ChannelInstanceFormDialog({
     setConfigValues((prev) => ({ ...prev, [key]: value }));
   }, []);
 
-  const coerceBoolSelects = (cfg: Record<string, unknown>, schema: FieldDef[]) => {
+  const coerceSelects = (cfg: Record<string, unknown>, schema: FieldDef[]) => {
+    const selectKeys = new Set(schema.filter((f) => f.type === "select").map((f) => f.key));
+    for (const key of selectKeys) {
+      if (cfg[key] === "inherit") delete cfg[key];
+    }
+
     const boolSelectKeys = new Set(
       schema.filter((f) => f.type === "select" && f.options?.some((o) => o.value === "true")).map((f) => f.key),
     );
@@ -159,7 +164,7 @@ export function ChannelInstanceFormDialog({
     const cleanConfig = Object.fromEntries(
       Object.entries(configValues).filter(([, v]) => v !== undefined && v !== "" && v !== null),
     );
-    coerceBoolSelects(cleanConfig, configSchema[values.channelType] ?? []);
+    coerceSelects(cleanConfig, configSchema[values.channelType] ?? []);
 
     // Drop the legacy bitrix24 public_url field if it leaked from an older
     // channel row's config — gateway now derives the URL from the portal's
@@ -244,7 +249,7 @@ export function ChannelInstanceFormDialog({
     const cleanConfig = Object.fromEntries(
       Object.entries(configValues).filter(([, v]) => v !== undefined && v !== "" && v !== null),
     );
-    coerceBoolSelects(cleanConfig, configSchema[channelType] ?? []);
+    coerceSelects(cleanConfig, configSchema[channelType] ?? []);
     setLoading(true);
     setError("");
     try {
diff --git a/ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-schemas.ts b/ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-schemas.ts
index 8bb00243..f8b0bf72 100644
--- a/ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-schemas.ts
+++ b/ui/web/src/pages/channels/channel-schemas.ts
@@ -26,9 +26,17 @@ const blockReplyOptions = [
   { value: "false", label: "Disabled" },
 ];
 
+const quickAckModeOptions = [
+  { value: "inherit", label: "Inherit from gateway" },
+  { value: "llm_generated", label: "LLM-generated with fallback" },
+  { value: "fixed_template", label: "Fixed template" },
+  { value: "off", label: "Off" },
+];
+
 const chatBehaviorOverrideFields: FieldDef[] = [
   { key: "chat_behavior.enabled", label: "Human-like Delivery", type: "select", options: blockReplyOptions, defaultValue: "inherit", help: "Override gateway quick acknowledgement and final reply splitting." },
   { key: "chat_behavior.quick_ack.enabled", label: "Quick Acknowledgement", type: "select", options: blockReplyOptions, defaultValue: "inherit", help: "Override quick acknowledgement for this channel." },
+  { key: "chat_behavior.quick_ack.mode", label: "Quick Ack Mode", type: "select", options: quickAckModeOptions, defaultValue: "inherit", help: "Generated uses the main LLM block reply; templates are fallback only." },
   { key: "chat_behavior.final_split.enabled", label: "Final Reply Splitting", type: "select", options: blockReplyOptions, defaultValue: "inherit", help: "Override final multi-message splitting for this channel." },
 ];
 
diff --git a/ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-chat-card.tsx b/ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-chat-card.tsx
index 6a5ddb47..f0fa6b5a 100644
--- a/ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-chat-card.tsx
+++ b/ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-chat-card.tsx
@@ -6,13 +6,18 @@ import { useWs } from "@/hooks/use-ws";
 import { Card, CardContent, CardDescription, CardHeader, CardTitle } from "@/components/ui/card";
 import { Input } from "@/components/ui/input";
 import { Label } from "@/components/ui/label";
+import { Select, SelectContent, SelectItem, SelectTrigger, SelectValue } from "@/components/ui/select";
 import { Switch } from "@/components/ui/switch";
 import { Textarea } from "@/components/ui/textarea";
 
+const quickAckModeValues = ["llm_generated", "fixed_template", "off"] as const;
+type QuickAckMode = (typeof quickAckModeValues)[number];
+
 export interface ChatBehaviorValues {
   enabled?: boolean;
   quick_ack?: {
     enabled?: boolean;
+    mode?: QuickAckMode;
     min_delay_ms?: number;
     templates?: string[];
   };
@@ -25,7 +30,7 @@ export interface ChatBehaviorValues {
 }
 
 interface PreviewResponse {
-  ack?: { shouldSend?: boolean; content?: string };
+  ack?: { shouldSend?: boolean; content?: string; fallbackContent?: string; source?: string };
   split?: { parts?: string[] };
 }
 
@@ -101,6 +106,23 @@ export function BehaviorChatCard({ value, onChange }: Props) {
                 disabled={!value.enabled}
               />
             </div>
+            <div className="grid gap-1.5">
+              <Label htmlFor="chat-behavior-ack-mode">{t("behavior.quickAckMode")}</Label>
+              <Select
+                value={value.quick_ack?.mode ?? "llm_generated"}
+                onValueChange={(mode) => patchAck({ mode: mode as QuickAckMode })}
+                disabled={!value.enabled}
+              >
+                <SelectTrigger id="chat-behavior-ack-mode" className="text-base md:text-sm">
+                  <SelectValue />
+                </SelectTrigger>
+                <SelectContent>
+                  {quickAckModeValues.map((mode) => (
+                    <SelectItem key={mode} value={mode}>{t(`behavior.quickAckMode.${mode}`)}</SelectItem>
+                  ))}
+                </SelectContent>
+              </Select>
+            </div>
             <div className="grid gap-1.5">
               <Label htmlFor="chat-behavior-ack-delay">{t("behavior.quickAckDelay")}</Label>
               <Input
@@ -150,7 +172,7 @@ export function BehaviorChatCard({ value, onChange }: Props) {
             {t("behavior.preview")}
           </div>
           <div className="space-y-2 text-muted-foreground">
-            <p>{preview?.ack?.shouldSend ? `${t("behavior.previewAck")}: ${preview.ack.content}` : t("behavior.previewNoAck")}</p>
+            <p>{formatAckPreview(preview, t)}</p>
             <p>{t("behavior.previewParts", { count: preview?.split?.parts?.length ?? 1 })}</p>
           </div>
         </div>
@@ -159,6 +181,15 @@ export function BehaviorChatCard({ value, onChange }: Props) {
   );
 }
 
+function formatAckPreview(preview: PreviewResponse | null, t: (key: string, options?: any) => string) {
+  const ack = preview?.ack;
+  if (!ack?.shouldSend) return t("behavior.previewNoAck");
+  if (ack.source === "generated") {
+    return t("behavior.previewGeneratedAck", { fallback: ack.fallbackContent ?? "" });
+  }
+  return `${t("behavior.previewAck")}: ${ack.content ?? ""}`;
+}
+
 function NumberField({ label, value, disabled, onChange }: { label: string; value: number; disabled: boolean; onChange: (v: number) => void }) {
   return (
     <div className="grid gap-1.5">
diff --git a/ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-section.tsx b/ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-section.tsx
index 6dd32554..7cedc08c 100644
--- a/ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-section.tsx
+++ b/ui/web/src/pages/config/sections/behavior-section.tsx
@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ function normalizeChatBehavior(value: any): ChatBehaviorValues {
     enabled: value?.enabled ?? false,
     quick_ack: {
       enabled: value?.quick_ack?.enabled ?? true,
+      mode: value?.quick_ack?.mode ?? "llm_generated",
       min_delay_ms: value?.quick_ack?.min_delay_ms ?? 1000,
       templates: value?.quick_ack?.templates ?? ["Got it. Working on it..."],
     },