‘Aye, let us plant here then, Earl!’ As soon as those words run through my mind, a sound similar to that of a glass pane shattering echoes outward. The kiln in my belly bursts open and a single sensation buries itself into the deepest reaches of my mind... Anguish! All I can describe it as is anguish! I drop to my knees, catching myself with my left hand as my right moves to my shell. My mind trembles under the sensation as my hand grips the shell like someone who has just suffered some type of mortal injury.

From within, a burning bright light of purple that reminds me of the sun itself slowly floats out—dust, dirt, and snow that had lain upon the ground arise.

Light reflects on the haze that forms my petite hand as a spinning purple orb, around the size of an acorn, drifts through my hand undeterred. The dust, dirt, and snow rotate around the orb, picking up speed the closer it moves until it is sucked into the orb.

The small purple sun descends toward the red tile floor. As it makes contact with the tiles, the light grows almost blinding while smoke rises from the stone as if it is being burned like wood.

Showing nary any resistance, the purple sun scorches its way through the stone and earth below. As it sinks a bubbling liquid of violet, red, black, and gray overflows from the hole obscuring the seed’s light. When enough of this molten liquid fills the hole it solidifies, leaving a glass-like substance. This essentially seals the hole from outside influence.

A loud, harsh pop reverberates from beneath the stone’s surface, shaking the snow outside causing it to tremble and settle. At the same time, thin lines of clear glass bud from the solidified liquid seal and slowly spread within the grooves of the tiles.

An uncanny sensation descends unto me as if my form has been divided into two. It is a feeling I have never known previously, and describing it is uniquely challenging. Below my feet, I feel a strange pounding reminiscent of a heart.

The sensation of division, along with the pain, starts to subside, so I turn my gaze toward the kiln. Tiny strands of glass spread from the edges of the fractures on the kiln’s surface like sutures of twine. [1] Once the fracture has been sealed by the twine, it twists into a liquid, sealing the shell.

Earl Interface:

Germination Stage Start

“The Body Seeks Exemption.”

Congratulations! The First Step Has Been Taken.

Tower Seed is planted and spreading lines and roots. Anniversary of this moment shall be marked within the interface, and a reminder, including a summary of the year’s actions, shall be reported annually. Tower possibilities will be accessible post-germination.

The time of germination is expected to take approximately... forty-five days.

Current Effects in Germination Stage

- Essence rate of loss while in Domain will drop slightly.

- Shell will repair itself while in the Domain.

- Mana will rejuvenate faster within Domain.

Warning: User will be required to enter a semi-conscious state when time remaining is fifteen-days or germination will not be able to progress further.

Reminder: The Tower can be considered the Kiln’s body while the Shell and Flame are the soul and spirit. If any of these three perishes, the user may also cease to exist.

Recommendation: as germination progresses, it is recommended that the user do the following; ‘Explore surroundings,’ ‘acquire books (Biology/Ecology recommended),’ and ‘assist progression with three separate manual germination tasks.’

A rather sizable purple wall appears. ‘That is a lot of information.’

Most of it are things Earl has mentioned before, but one thing causes me to rub my chin and internally squint. ‘First things first… that reminder, Earl. When did thou mention that the seed’s death would result in my own? If thou art referring to the time thou vaguely referred to the tower as my ‘body’, I shall be quite upset! I would most definitely say that reminder should have come earlier… Perhaps, it is my own fault for not realizing.’

I look toward the ceiling for a moment absorbing the information before turning back toward the wall. ‘I have never heard the word ‘germinate’ past the times Earl or the Cosmic System has stated them. Still, I believe I may ascertain its meaning based on how Earl is using it.’

The beating below the ground slows while I reread Earl’s wall several times over. I cannot help, but shake my head at the prospect that I must spend over a fortnight hiding before I can move to the next step. [2] As this goes on the beating below my feet fads until it ceases. Yet, my connection seems to persist. The connection almost feels like a string is tied around me. I circle the room testing this connection and whether this way or that there is always a slight tug directing me toward the kiln.

‘I suppose the recommendations are understandable, but what does thou mean by manually helping the seed to progress?’

Earl Interface:

The first task would include selecting four mature trees to set as Nodes? Each node will reduce germination time by 12 hours and bring the area within the Tower’s ‘Domain.’ The maximum distance from seed is 200 linear feet.

Does the user wish to progress the germination manually?

[Yes] [No]

I read through the purple wall a few times. ‘Aye, why not do this while I scout the area further. Moreover, it seems like I may make certain that the Domain is at its maximum size, meaning I may get the benefits within the largest possible area.’

The opening within the floor liquifies and unseals itself. A small measure of light leaks from the opening as four small glowing motes exit. It reseals itself and the four motes float aimlessly in the air. I reach toward one of them, and as if it senses me it enters my fingertip, moves up my arms, and to the kiln. Here it floats around the kiln as the moon does around the Earth. Repeating this three more times I soon have four lights, floating around the kiln’s shell.

‘Let’s follow Earl’s recommendation and explore the surrounding area more thoroughly. Mayhaps I might find more things to eat while I am about. The wind has been affecting my haze; I am glad I chose that adaptation.’

However, just as I am about to depart, a new light, dissimilar to the others, exits the hole. This one is violet in color, much brighter, and almost drips like molten metallic metal. Same as the other motes, it drifts toward the shell, but instead of floating, it expands. Engulfing and surrounding the shell, on all sides, it twists and turns shrinking in size. Once the shell is coated in the molten liquid, it bursts into violet flames and burns away.

‘...Was that meant to happen?’

When the last of it burns away the shell seems to be back to the way it was. I poke my belly outward, bend my back and nack, and move close to inspect it. Yet before I may, one of the Cosmic System’s walls appears.

Congratulations!

You have earned Shell Level 1

10 Skill Points Awarded

Congratulations!

You have earned Flame Level 1

10 Skill Points Awarded

‘Oh! Levels! Is this because of the thing that has attached itself to the shell? Hmm, and I have been rewarded more of these skill points? For what exactly?’ I move my fingers to the shell, inspecting it closely. As my fingers run over its surface I notice it seems less rough. It is subtle, but I can tell. Moreover, the flame within might be a bit brighter now. ‘Is it because of this “level” jargon? Earl, does thou know anything about these “levels?”’

To my delight, Earl actually responds to my question!

Earl Interface:

Oort Stained Tower Glass Kiln Guide

Kiln Leveling

A Kiln’s Shell and Flame have three known methods of advancing. Upon entering the sprout stage, the primary method of leveling the Flame will become available.

1. Enter the next stage of growth.

2. Develop the shell.

3. Siphon sufficient quantities of Essence to the Flame. (Available After Sprout Stage)

‘It is good he responded to this. This is important information.’ I straighten my back, studying the wall and memorizing the three methods. ‘Grow, develop, and siphon? That is how I must become stronger? So, for now, I suppose I should simply focus on the next stage of growth. Although I am not certain how exactly I go about developing the Shell. Earl, how would I go about developing the Shell?’

Earl’s wall vanishes, and another replaces it.

Earl Interface:

Oort Stained Tower Glass Kiln Guide

Developing the Shell

If the user wishes to develop the Shell past the growth stages, the user must seek out and cannibalize another Kiln. This is the only known method of adding additional complexity to the Shell.

‘Cannibalize? What is that meant to imply? Surely, it does not mean what I believe it to!’ My thoughts become momentarily muddled. ‘I… I am not certain how I should feel about nor think of this. Would other Kiln not be someone like me? Which means I would essentially eat another individual in the same situation as me! Furthermore, does this mean that other Kiln will be endeavoring to devour me!? As if I required additional reasons to secure my safety!’

I clench my hazy fist.

‘I should not get too entangled in this thinking! It might be some time before I ever encounter another Kiln. Perhaps, there are not even any other Kiln anyplace near me! I should just focus on what I can do at this moment, which is the tasks and gaining strength.’

Feeling overwhelmed yet again, I ease my worries away by taking some time to count to a thousand and admire the delightful architecture of my newly established Domain.

‘This is also a good opportunity to progress the Naturalist skill.’

Standing directly over the tower seed, I face toward the fountain and begin walking while counting each step. After counting out three hundred steps, I find myself standing almost directly in the center of the fountain.

Thus, I return to the seed and adjust my angle and count again. The process is a bit difficult as I have to move around obstacles, but after a few attempts, I believe I have succeeded. Finally, I arrive between two trees, spin, and approach the furthest tree I deem is within range.

While inspecting the tree, I touch the tree with the cattail, and one of Earl’s purple walls appears.

Earl Interface:

Tree Type: American Larch.

Distance from seed 195.4 feet.

Estimated worth of 1 Essence and 0.2 Vitrum weekly.

Establish Node 1?

[Yes] [No]

‘American. Verily, am I still in the New World? I believed so but had yet to confirm. Why American, though? Should it not be an English Larch? Well, I suppose they may name it whatever they wish. More importantly, Is one Essence a good quantity? Perchance every tree within the domain will give an Essence a week?’

I shake my head to return my thoughts to the task at hand. ‘Anyhow, aye, it is nearly morning, so I cannot dally for long,’ I respond to Earl.

A light floats away from the shell. Despite the winds, it seems undeterred as it inches closer to the tree. When it makes contact, it blends into it, and, like veins, light flows through the tree. The outer bark cracks wide, revealing more veins within the wooden insides of the tree are starting to pulsate with haze of various colors. A puff of black haze leaks from the fissure, and then with a woody clank, the bark clamps shut, returning the tree to its original appearance.

‘That… that looked a bit ominous.’ Scanning the area around me, I resume my thoughts, ‘There is not anyone hereabouts at the moment, so it should be fine. Besides, all this wind is blowing bits of my haze away, so I need to act with haste if I can afford to do so.’

Unfurling its tendrils, I raise the cattail and pluck a leaf from the tree in hopes of advancing my Naturalist skill. The leaf bubbles and sizzles as the fleshy bits slough off and evaporate, leaving behind, for the merest moment, the macabre sight of a leaf bereft of all but its artery-like veins, it soon crumbles into wisps of dust and joins my haze.

Earl’s wall appears, and I note that he still refers to it as “American Larch,” even after making it into a Node. The only difference is Earl does not state that it is “Non-Magical” as he typically does.

The wind howls, removing me from a stupor. Returning to the seed, I face at a new angle and again count my steps. After my previous efforts, I am able to achieve this much quicker.

I arrive at a tree in the midst of sparse hedges. Reaching out with the cattail, I make contact.

Earl Interface:

Tree Type: Austrian Pine.

Distance from seed 198.2 feet.

Estimated worth of 2 Essence weekly.

Establish Node 2?

[Yes] [No]

Earl’s wall induces me to tilt my head. ‘Unless they have begun speaking English, I do not believe I am in the Archduchy of Austria, that is for certain. Hmm, and this tree is worth two Essence, but nary a Vitrum. That is interesting.’ I cross my arms and nod. ‘Aye, this shall be node 2!’

A light floats toward the tree, causing it to crack open before releasing some black haze and returning to normal. Plucking a leaf, I absorb it as I did before, and as again, I watch the process of the leaf changing to haze.

‘I hope this is actually helping my skill.’

Backtracking to the seed, I face the opposite of ‘node 1’ and march onward. This time it is a bit more difficult as I have to consider the grand staircases. Finding the nearest tree, it seems to be slightly different due to being placed in the center of a wide stone path.

‘In the middle of a path or not, this should be fine, I suppose.’

Earl Interface:

Tree Type: Amur Cork.

Distance from seed 197.5 feet.

Estimated worth of 1 Essence and 0.2 Vitrum weekly.

Establish Node 3?

[Yes] [No]

A new purple wall appears.

‘I do not recognize the word “Amur” either. The Essence and Vitrum are closer to the first tree. Perhaps the second tree gave more Essence because it’s an evergreen tree? That is the only noticeable difference.’ I shrug and swing my head left to right. ‘I shall learn eventually! Aye, this one as well!’

Similarly to the other two, the same thing occurs, I consume a leaf and then return to the seed, except this time, I move opposite node 2. This location is also surrounded by stone like the Amur cork, but unlike the Amur, it sits near the black road.

Earl Interface:

Tree Type: London Plane.

Distance from seed 193.1 feet.

Estimated worth of 1 Essence and 0.2 Vitrum weekly.

Establish Node 4?

[Yes] [No]

‘London Plane? I could not possibly be in London, could I? Nay, certainly I would recognize at least some aspects of this city... I shall figure that out soon enough, however, for now, aye.’

For the final time, a similar process occurs. After selecting the last node and consuming a leaf, I glance around and find the snowstorm seems to be slowing a tad. I notice a large ‘ride’ moving down the road with a wide shovel attached to the front. The shovel forces extensive quantities of a snowy slurry from the road, creating a robust wave of snow and debris. I flee back to the seed before it can bury me.

‘I should look into finding somewhere to hide myself. Though, first, I believe there were some blue and brown containers near the fountain. Let us see if anything is in them, shall we, Earl? Oh! I shall also continue sampling more leaves for the Naturalist skill!’