Rules imply that the "ward" keyword applies to *permanents*, not *spells* that eventually become permanents.
This is a bug that makes spells that yield "ward" permanents more difficult to counter than they should be.
702.21. Ward
702.21a Ward is a triggered ability. Ward [cost] means “Whenever this permanent becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter that spell or ability unless that player pays [cost].”
702.21b Some ward abilities include an X in their cost and state what X is equal to. This value is determined at the time the ability resolves, not locked in as the ability triggers.
I have seen this too.
Rules imply that the "ward" keyword applies to *permanents*, not *spells* that eventually become permanents.
This is a bug that makes spells that yield "ward" permanents more difficult to counter than they should be.
702.21. Ward
702.21a Ward is a triggered ability. Ward [cost] means “Whenever this permanent becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter that spell or ability unless that player pays [cost].”
702.21b Some ward abilities include an X in their cost and state what X is equal to. This value is determined at the time the ability resolves, not locked in as the ability triggers.