"You're growing well," Noah muttered, crouching down to inspect the fern. He ran a finger along one of the long, frigid leaves, marvelling at its progress. "I wonder how your brother’s doing," he added with a smirk, already thinking about the second Frost Fern he had planted a few days prior in another pot inside.
Straightening up, Noah wiped his hands on his shorts and headed back inside to take care of his morning routine. After a quick rinse in the sink, he moved to the kitchen, grabbing two glasses from the cupboard. Opening the fridge, he reached for the carton of juice, the cold air a brief reprieve from the sweltering heat outside. He poured the golden liquid into both glasses, returning the carton to the fridge with a satisfied sigh.
While Noah put the carton in the fridge, he checked his old completed quest
Noah smiled as he read over the completed quest details, satisfaction washing over him. The rewards were more than worth the effort—the Hybrid Seed Blueprint alone opened up possibilities he hadn’t even dared to imagine. He couldn’t wait to see what the Botanical Alchemy Kit could do.
As he swiped to dismiss the notification, a soft chime echoed through the room, signalling the arrival of a new quest.
Noah’s grin widened as he read the new objective. “Alright,” he muttered under his breath, already imagining the steps he’d need to take. This one was going to be tricky, especially with the no-tools modifier. The stakes were higher, but the potential rewards—he glanced at the promised Field Research Journal—were far too good to pass up. His mind raced with possibilities, balancing excitement with the nagging realization that this would demand more precision than anything he’d attempted before.
Lost in thought, he absently reached to close the fridge door.
The moment it swung shut, Noah nearly dropped the glasses in shock.
“Sun juice,” she replied flatly, her tone more a command than a request. Without waiting for permission, she reached for one of the glasses he had just poured and downed it in a single, unapologetic gulp.
Noah stared, wide-eyed. "Good morning to you too, I guess," he muttered under his breath as Nova set the empty glass down with a satisfied sigh. Her posture relaxed slightly, the tension in her shoulders easing as if the juice had restored some part of her.
"You’ve been up for hours, haven’t you?" Noah asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "You always have that look like you’ve been scheming something."
Nova tilted her head, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "Observant. And yes, I’ve been… thinking."
“That doesn’t sound ominous at all,” he quipped, sipping his juice. “Do I even want to know?”
Nova’s smirk widened as she leaned against the counter, her golden eyes practically glowing with mischief. “That depends,” she said smoothly, her fingers idly tracing the rim of the empty glass. “Do you prefer knowing what’s coming, or would you rather be surprised?”
Noah arched an eyebrow, lowering his glass as he studied her. “Considering the last time you ‘thought’ about something, we ended up knee-deep in magical weeds, I’m not sure I like either option.”
“It worked out, didn’t it?” Nova countered, brushing off his concern with a wave of her hand. “Besides, this is different.”
“Different how?” Noah pressed, narrowing his eyes.
Nova’s smirk softened into something more thoughtful as she gestured vaguely toward the yard. “Your Frost Ferns—they’re thriving. It’s a testament to what happens when nature is given just the right nudge. But it’s also a reminder.” Her gaze flicked back to him, sharp and serious now. “This land, your world—it’s teetering on the edge of something delicate. The balance you’re trying to rebuild? It’s not just about planting seeds and hoping for the best.”
Noah frowned, setting his glass down on the counter. “What are you getting at?”
“Magic isn’t patient,” Nova said, crossing her arms as she leaned forward slightly. “It’s not going to wait for you to catch up. You’ve sparked something here—something bigger than those little ferns. But if you don’t start thinking ahead, the magic you’re nurturing might outgrow you.”
A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the faint hum of the fridge. Noah’s mind raced, her words sparking a mixture of intrigue and unease.
“Okay,” he said finally, exhaling a slow breath. “What do you suggest, oh wise and cryptic one?”
Nova’s lips twitched in amusement. “I suggest we make some preparations. You’ve already proven you can plant and grow magic, but now it’s time to see if you can control it.”
Noah tilted his head, his curiosity getting the better of him despite his wariness. “Control it how?”
“Training,” she said simply, pushing away from the counter and walking toward the window. Her gaze swept over the yard, her eyes lingering on the faint shimmer of magic that surrounded the Frost Fern. “You need to understand how magic flows through this land—and through you. The more you grow it, the more it will grow with you. And that can be… unpredictable.”
Noah followed her gaze, his mind still turning over her words. “And what happens if I don’t?”
Nova turned to face him, her expression unreadable. “Then your world might end up like that fridge of yours.”
“What?” Noah blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone.
“Cool and organized on the surface,” Nova said, gesturing to the fridge behind him, “but full of things you’ve forgotten about—until they start to stink.”
Noah groaned, running a hand down his face. “That analogy is terrible.”
Nova’s smirk returned, sharper now. “But accurate.”
He sighed, finishing off his juice and setting the glass in the sink. “Fine,” he said, glancing back at her. “We’ll do it your way. But don’t expect me to go along with any of your ridiculous plans without asking questions.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Nova replied smoothly, though the glint in her eyes suggested otherwise.
Noah shook his head, muttering under his breath as he moved toward the door. “I have a feeling I’m going to regret this.”
“Oh, you will,” Nova called after him, her tone almost gleeful. “But it’ll be worth it.”
Stepping outside, the heat hit him like a wall, thick and unrelenting. The Frost Fern’s cool mist curled around his ankles, a fleeting relief against the oppressive warmth. He exhaled slowly, eyes drifting over his growing plants, each one a small defiance against the barren world around him.
A little later, Noah panted heavily, pausing to wipe the sweat from his brow. The sun was relentless, its rays bearing down on him as he crouched near the freshly overturned soil. Two new plots of earth now lay before him, their neat rows a testament to his hard work. His hands ached from the digging, and dirt clung stubbornly to his fingertips and clothes, but he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.
Once the plots were ready, Noah reached into the seed inventory, retrieving the hybrid seeds he had painstakingly grown during his time in the dungeon. Each seed held a faint shimmer, almost like it was alive with magically potential.
He started with the Celestial Aegis Blossom, placing the seed gently into the cool soil. Next came the Radiant Aqua Sunbloom, its seed glimmering with a soft blue hue, reminding him of the ocean’s tranquil depths. Finally, he planted the Mystic Nexus, its seed exuding an almost imperceptible hum, as though it carried some ancient resonance within.
With precision and care, he covered each seed with the freshly turned dirt, patting the soil down firmly but gently. Satisfied, he stood and grabbed the magical watering can he’d been given earlier, its surface etched with faint runes that shimmered faintly as it activated. The water trickled out, sparkling as it soaked into the ground, leaving behind a faint glow as it nourished the seeds.
As Noah stepped back, he watched the soil for a moment, half expecting the seeds to respond instantly. But the plots remained still, the promise of growth hidden beneath the earth. He exhaled, wiping more sweat from his face, and allowed himself a small smile.
"Alright, you three," he murmured, his tone half joking, half serious. "Let’s see what you’ve got."
The faint rustle of leaves from the nearby Frost Fern offered a cooling reprieve as he stood under its refreshing mist. Though the seeds were planted and watered, the weight of anticipation settled heavily on him.
Noah wiped his hands on his shorts as he stepped inside, shaking off the last remnants of dirt clinging to his skin. The cool air inside was a welcome contrast to the sweltering heat outside, and he let out a relieved sigh as he crossed the threshold.
Noah stared at the message, his fingers tightening slightly around the phone. A town hall meeting? His gut told him this wasn’t just some routine gathering—especially not after what happened with the graveyard and those men poking around his land.
He glanced at the time. 10:47 AM. That didn’t leave him much time to process, let alone prepare.
With a sigh, he tucked the phone back into his pocket and grabbed a cold bottle of water from the fridge. Twisting the cap off, he took a long sip, letting the chill soothe the heat still clinging to his skin from working outside. His mind churned through possibilities—was this about the supposed natural spring they were looking for? Or was it something bigger?
Behind him, a familiar presence made itself known. “You’ve got that look again,” Nova said from where she leaned against the counter, arms crossed, one brow arched in mild amusement.
Noah turned, lifting his phone slightly. “Town meeting. Starts in about forty minutes.”
Nova tilted her head, her amusement shifting to something more thoughtful. “Think it has to do with what we overheard?”
“I’d be shocked if it wasn’t,” Noah muttered, setting his water down. “Either way, I need to be there. If they’re making plans about my land, I want to hear it from them.”
Nova’s golden eyes gleamed with interest. “Want backup?”
Noah smirked. “I was hoping you’d ask.”
noah pulled up just nearby the graveyard, as they approached the town hall seeing people slowly filling inside, Noah noticed how out of place the town hall appeared amid the dilapidated structures surrounding it. Its facade gleamed in the fading sunlight; the windows were clear and polished, and the old brick walls seemed freshly reinforced. The closer they got, the more obvious it became that this building had been maintained, possibly even restored, while the rest of the town languished in neglect and decay.
A small crowd had gathered outside, their voices merging into a low murmur that filled the air with a nervous energy. Noah exchanged wary glances with a few townsfolk he vaguely recognized, their expressions a mix of worry and hope. The tension was palpable, like a taut string ready to snap, and it sent a shiver down his spine.
Noah and Nova slipped inside just as the heavy wooden doors creaked open, their hinges groaning with effort. The interior was dimly lit, the light from a few sparse lamps flickering against the walls, casting shadows that danced like ghosts in the corners. Rows of wooden benches lined the room, all facing a raised platform at the far end, where a solitary podium stood beneath the glow of a single hanging bulb.
They found seats near the back, blending into the shadows. Noah’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the faces around him. Some looked anxious, others resolute, but all were clearly here for something important, something that carried weight.
An older man, with silver hair neatly combed and a face etched with lines of authority and wear, stepped up to the podium. He tapped the microphone, causing a sharp screech that made everyone wince. Then, he began to speak, his voice carrying a note of gravity that silenced the remaining murmurs.
“Thank you all for coming,” he said, his tone sombre, the lines on his face deepening with each word. “As many of you know, our town has faced its share of difficulties lately.” He paused, letting his words settle over the crowd like a heavy fog.
“The water pump is nearly beyond repair,” he continued, and immediately, a wave of frustrated whispers rippled through the room. He raised a hand, calling for silence. “We need new parts or, more likely, a new pump altogether. And that’s going to require funding or donations.”
Noah felt a familiar frustration rising within him. This wasn’t new. The town had been grappling with its water supply for months, maybe years. He’d heard it all before—the pleas for help, the barely concealed desperation.
The man’s voice grew sharper, almost defiant, as if sensing the crowd's impatience. “We will search for water beneath the land,” he announced, his voice suddenly tinged with enthusiasm. A murmur of approval swept through the crowd, but all Noah could hear was the thundering of his heartbeat in his ears.
His fists clenched, nails biting into his palms. Something felt off about this whole situation, like they were being led somewhere they didn’t want to go. The hopeful chatter around him grew louder, merging with the rush of blood in his ears. He sensed there was more to this, something that wasn’t being said.
But I have my own solution, he thought, a reckless idea taking shape in the back of his mind. A huge risk, but maybe… just maybe, it could work.
He glanced at Nova, who was watching him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Her eyes were sharp, searching his face for a sign of what he was thinking.
She leaned in slightly, her voice low enough that only he could hear. “You’ve got that look,” she murmured.
Noah exhaled slowly. “What look?”
“The one that means you’re about to do something either really smart or really stupid.” Her lips curled into the faintest smirk. “Usually the latter.”
He didn’t respond immediately, his mind racing with possibilities. If they wanted water, if they were willing to dig into land they had no claim to… then maybe he could beat them to it. His land was already changing, already growing something more than what this town understood. If the right plants could thrive, if they could generate magic-infused water, then…
Noah’s thoughts snapped back to the present as the town official at the podium cleared his throat.
“That’s not the only matter we must address tonight,” the man continued. “There has also been an outside offer—an investment in our town, in exchange for access to specific land.”
Noah’s stomach twisted. Here it comes.
The murmurs of the townsfolk turned to a ripple of concern, voices rising in hushed questions. Nova’s fingers tapped lightly against her knee, a sign of her growing impatience.
“Before we continue, I’d like to introduce someone who has taken a keen interest in our town’s potential. Dr. Eleanis, if you would?”
A sharp silence settled over the hall.
Noah’s eyes snapped to the entrance just as the doors swung open. Dr. Eleanis walked in with precise, measured steps, her heels clicking against the wooden floor in a steady rhythm. Dressed sharply, her posture radiated authority, her presence commanding instant attention.
Noah felt his pulse spike. Who was she, and why did someone like her suddenly appear out of the blue?
Eleanis approached the podium with ease, her sharp gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd before landing, however briefly, on Noah. He tensed.
“Good evening,” she began, her voice polished yet devoid of warmth. “I’ll be brief. My team and I have reason to believe this region holds significant resources—ones that could be crucial for the future of this town.”
A murmur swept through the room, some intrigued, others wary.
“We are currently conducting geological assessments,” she continued. “And our preliminary findings indicate that this town is positioned over a reservoir unlike any other.”
Noah’s grip on the bench tightened. A reservoir? Or was this something else entirely?
Eleanis folded her hands together, perfectly composed. “However, tapping into these resources will require cooperation. And that includes the willingness to adapt to a new future.”
Nova shifted beside him, her posture rigid with tension. “They’re dressing this up as an opportunity,” she muttered, “but it smells like a takeover.”
Noah exhaled sharply. “Yeah. And I have a feeling this is all centered around my land, and the world tree.”
Eleanis continued, unaware—or perhaps indifferent—to the growing unease in the room. “This isn’t a decision to be made lightly, of course. But if we want progress, we must be willing to take bold steps. And that means utilizing land that is best suited for the town’s survival.”
Noah’s stomach turned. They want my land. They’re just waiting for the town to pressure me into giving it up.
He barely heard the rest of her words as his thoughts churned. They don’t know what’s already happening there. They don’t know about the magic growing beneath their feet. But if they start digging… they might find out.
The hall grew restless. Some whispered excitedly, others frowned in uncertainty. Price, the town official, stepped forward again. “We’ll open the floor to discussion,” he said. “This is an opportunity for everyone to speak their mind.”
Noah clenched his fists, inhaling deeply. He didn’t want to speak yet. Not until he knew exactly what was happening here.
But as Eleanis’ gaze flickered to him once more, a knowing glint in her eyes, one thing became very clear.
This wasn’t just about water. This was about something much bigger.
The air in the town hall grew thick with an unspoken tension. The weight of expectation pressed down on Noah like a lead blanket, the hum of murmured discussions around him a stark contrast to the sharp awareness drilling into his thoughts. Nova remained silent beside him, her golden eyes watching the scene unfold with a predator’s patience.
Then, as if drawn by some unseen force, Eleanis' gaze met his again—lingering, assessing. She knows something.
Noah’s pulse pounded in his ears, but he kept his expression neutral, unreadable. If she even suspects what’s happening on my land… I need to get ahead of this.
Before he could formulate a plan, a voice from the crowd broke the tension.
“What exactly are these ‘resources’ you’re talking about?” an older woman, her face weathered by time, asked from the front row. “Are we talking about drilling? Mining?”
Eleanis smiled, but there was something clinical about it, something too precise. “We are looking at multiple possibilities, including mineral extractions, potential geothermal energy sources, and of course, tapping into deep-water reservoirs.” She spread her hands in a practiced gesture. “All of which could bring prosperity back to this town.”
Another man spoke up, his tone skeptical. “And what happens to the land when you’re done? What guarantees do we have that this doesn’t just leave us worse off?”
Eleanis' gaze remained steady. “There will be contracts in place. Agreements ensuring that the town benefits from these developments, long-term.”
Noah nearly scoffed aloud. Long-term? That’s the lie people always tell before they take what they want.
His hands curled into fists, but he stayed silent, waiting.
Nova, however, leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper only he could hear. “You should speak.”
Noah hesitated. He wanted more information first—more than what they were spoon-feeding the town. But he could feel the attention shifting, the unease in the room growing like an untamed wildfire. He knew exactly what was going to happen next.
Someone would suggest his land.
And if they did that before he had a say, then the pressure from the town would be overwhelming.
I need to control the narrative.
Taking a breath, Noah stood.
The murmurs quieted slightly, a few heads turning in his direction. Eleanis’ brows lifted ever so slightly, as if she had been expecting this.
He let the silence hang just long enough to command attention before speaking.
“Forgive me if I don’t quite buy into all of this,” he started, keeping his tone calm but firm. “We’ve heard promises before. None of them ever seemed to fix this town. So why should we believe this one will be any different?”
Eleanis didn’t react right away, her gray eyes calculating as she studied him. When she finally spoke, her voice was smooth as polished steel. “That’s a fair concern. But this time, the data backs it up. The difference is in what’s beneath this land. It has potential unlike anything we’ve seen before.”
Noah forced himself to keep his breathing even. They really don’t know what’s growing there.
Price, the town official, turned toward him, his expression neutral, but Noah could see the wheels turning behind his eyes. “Noah, you own a fair amount of land out past the old water hole, don’t you?”
There it was.
The first step toward making him the focal point of this entire discussion.
“I do,” Noah admitted, carefully keeping his voice unreadable.
Price nodded. “Would you be willing to allow an evaluation? Just to see if your land is one of the more viable areas for this project?”
The pressure was immediate, a subtle shift in the room’s energy. People wanted this to work. People wanted to believe they could have something better. And if Noah refused outright, it would only paint him as the obstacle in their way.
Before he could respond, Nova spoke instead.
“Wouldn’t it be smarter,” she said smoothly, “to first evaluate all viable areas rather than focusing on one person’s land first?” Her golden gaze flicked toward Eleanis, a challenge buried in those sharp eyes. “Surely you’ve already started that process, haven’t you?”
Eleanis’ lips curled at the edges, a nearly imperceptible smirk. “Of course. But given the proximity of Noah’s land to existing geological anomalies, it makes for a natural starting point.”
Noah felt his stomach twist. Anomalies. They’ve already picked up on the changes.
He needed to get home. Now.
He exhaled slowly. “I’ll think about it,” he said, his voice giving nothing away.
Price nodded, but there was a glint in his eyes. “Fair enough. But time isn’t on our side, Noah.”
Noah just inclined his head, already calculating his next move.
Eleanis spoke once more. “Thank you for your consideration.” But something in her tone suggested she was already planning for what came next.
As the discussion moved on, Noah sat back down, his mind racing. Nova glanced at him, her smirk gone.
“We need to move fast,” she murmured.
Noah nodded, his gut already telling him what was coming.
They weren’t just looking for water. And they weren’t going to wait for permission.
Shortly after the meeting ended, Noah and Nova drove home in silence. The night air was thick with the residue of unease, the tension from the town hall meeting still clinging to them like an invisible weight. The headlights of the car cut through the darkness, illuminating the cracked asphalt road ahead, while the faint glow of the town behind them slowly faded into the distance.
Nova finally broke the silence, her sharp gaze flicking toward Noah. “What are you planning?” she asked, her voice low, almost conspiratorial.
Noah drummed his fingers against the steering wheel, debating how much to say. He exhaled slowly, then admitted, “We have a magical puddle of water.”
Nova blinked, her brows shooting up in surprise. “A what?” She leaned in slightly, her golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. “Wait, you mean the one near the sapling?”
He nodded. “Yeah. It’s been growing, changing. I think—no, I know—it can be expanded. If I can upgrade it enough, I might be able to provide water to the town.”
Nova sat back, crossing her arms as she processed his words. The wheels in her mind were already turning. “So instead of letting them dig into your land looking for a water source, you’ll create one?”
“That’s the idea,” Noah muttered, his grip tightening on the wheel. “But I don’t know how many upgrade tokens I need.”
Nova’s lips curled into a small smirk, clearly impressed. “That part’s easy. I can figure it out.”
The thought settled in Noah’s mind like a steady pulse of determination. If I can make this work, it’ll give the town what they need while keeping them off my land. A win-win.
His focus remained on the road ahead, but a new question burned in the back of his mind. “While we’re on the subject,” he asked, sparing a quick glance at her, “how do I even earn upgrade tokens?”
Before she could answer, the sudden blare of a horn shattered the quiet.
Noah instinctively pressed the brakes, his body tensing as a massive truck barreled past them. The vehicle was old but heavy-duty, its trailer covered with a thick tarp, concealing whatever it carried. Its taillights glowed red like smouldering embers as it roared ahead, kicking up dust and loose gravel in its wake.
Nova straightened in her seat, following the truck with narrowed eyes. “Why are they heading eastw—”
“in that direction was a meteor crash site, but nothing was there,” Noah finished grimly.
"nothing at the time, but doesn't mean things chance over time." A heavy silence settled over them again.
Another truck rumbled past, followed by two more, their headlights carving sharp beams through the darkened landscape. It wasn’t just one delivery—it was a full-scale operation.
Nova let out a slow breath, her fingers tapping lightly against the dashboard. “They’re not wasting any time.”
Noah clenched his jaw. This wasn’t just about water anymore. The town’s desperation was one thing, but the sudden influx of trucks meant something bigger was happening. Something that had nothing to do with helping the people here.
“They’re moving like they’re on a deadline,” Nova muttered, her tone edged with suspicion.
“Yeah,” Noah murmured, watching the dust settle in the truck’s wake. “And I bet that deadline doesn’t include asking permission.”
The silence between them stretched as they drove the rest of the way home. Every thought that crossed Noah’s mind only made him more certain—whatever Dr. Eleanis and her people were up to, it wasn’t just about finding water.
When they finally pulled into Noah’s driveway, the sight of his home brought only a temporary reprieve. The warm glow from the porch light, the faint shimmer of magic in the backyard, and the comforting stillness of the night—all of it felt fragile now, like something that could be taken away at any moment.
As Noah shut off the engine, Nova turned to him, her voice quiet but firm. “We need to move fast,” she said, echoing the thought that had been rattling in his head since the moment Eleanis had walked into that town hall.
Noah exhaled, nodding, his jaw set with determination. If they want water, I’ll give them water. But it’ll be on my terms.
And if they tried to take more than that?
they entered the house, and Noah sat down rubbing his temples, feeling the weight of the decision pressing on him. “I need to figure out how to upgrade the puddle. If it’s the best solution, then I have to make it work. But I also need to be careful. There’s something about this whole situation that doesn’t sit right with me.”
As they walked away from the town hall, the cool evening air provided a refreshing contrast to the intensity of the meeting. Nova turned to Noah with a determined look. “Alright, let’s talk about those upgrade tokens. They’re essential for enhancing your magical puddle and ensuring it can provide enough water for the town.”
Noah glanced at her, curiosity piqued. “How do we get them?”
Nova took a deep breath, preparing to explain. “Upgrade tokens are usually earned through various means related to magic and the world around us. Here’s a breakdown of how you might be able to acquire them:
“Wait—would the point store have some?” Noah asked, his eyes lighting up with sudden realization.
Nova’s expression shifted slightly before she nodded. “Good thinking, Noah. The point store often stocks upgrade tokens, but availability depends on what’s currently in rotation and how many points you’ve accumulated.”
A flicker of hope stirred in Noah’s chest. “I’ve saved up a decent amount, but I haven’t checked the store in a while. It’s worth a look.”
“Definitely,” Nova agreed. “The point store can be unpredictable. Sometimes, it offers rare items that could save us a lot of time and effort. If upgrade tokens are available, we might have a shortcut.”
Noah didn’t waste another second. He summoned the interface in his mind, and with a thought, the familiar store screen materialized before him, a faint glow hovering in the air. He navigated to the store section, his heartbeat quickening as the list of available items flickered into view.
Nova leaned in slightly, eyes sharp as she scanned the listings. “Alright, let’s see what’s in stock.”
Noah’s gaze flicked across the screen, starting from the more affordable options and scrolling upward. Potions, crafting materials, and basic magical tools filled the lower tiers. He nearly bypassed the high-cost section until something made him stop in his tracks.
Noah’s eyes widened as he scrolled through the Point Store, his gaze locking onto a listing: Upgrade Tokens x10 – 10,000 Points. A wave of urgency washed over him as he quickly checked his point balance. His stomach dropped.
“I don’t have anywhere near that many points,” he muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. He barely had enough for a single token, let alone the bulk he’d need to make any real progress.
Nova leaned in closer, scanning the screen with a critical eye. “That’s a steep price,” she acknowledged, her voice carrying a tinge of sympathy. “But it’s not impossible. There are ways to earn points quickly—it just depends on what challenges or tasks are available. If we focus on it, we can build up what you need.”
Noah exhaled sharply and continued scrolling—then stopped. Further down, another listing caught his attention, something he hadn’t seen before:
Tier Two Upgrade Tokens x5 – 50,000 Points.
His brow furrowed in confusion. “Nova,” he began, still staring at the display, “I didn’t even know there was another type of upgrade token. These Tier Two ones… how many types are there?”
A knowing smile played at Nova’s lips. “Ah, you’ve stumbled onto the upgrade tiers,” she said, folding her arms. “There are actually multiple types, each one meant for different levels of enhancement.”
Noah turned to face her fully. “Okay, break it down for me.”
Nova lifted a finger as she began her explanation. “First, you’ve got Tier One Upgrade Tokens—the most common type. They handle minor upgrades, like small improvements to structures, basic magical boosts, or increasing durability. They’re affordable but limited in what they can do.”
Noah nodded, already familiar with those. “And the Tier Two ones?”
Nova’s expression grew more serious. “Tier Two Upgrade Tokens are a major step up. These aren’t just for minor improvements; they can transform things. If you used them on your puddle, for example, it wouldn’t just expand a little—it could turn into a full-fledged spring, maybe even something self-sustaining. They’re much rarer and a lot more expensive, as you’ve noticed.”
Noah’s mind whirled with possibilities. “And the third tier?”
Nova’s smirk faded into something more thoughtful. “Tier Three Upgrade Tokens are the most powerful standard type. They don’t just enhance; they evolve. A Tier Three upgrade doesn’t just strengthen something—it changes its very nature. We’re talking about altering landscapes, creating permanent magical ecosystems, or unlocking latent abilities in powerful artifacts. They’re almost never sold in the store and usually require high-level quests, major accomplishments, or system-recognized feats.”
Noah swallowed, processing the weight of her words. “And… that’s it?” he asked, though he already suspected the answer.
Nova hesitated for just a fraction of a second before she spoke again. “There’s one more.” Her golden eyes gleamed, and her voice lowered slightly. “A fourth type—almost mythical. It’s called the God Token, or System Token. It’s beyond rare, and it’s used for upgrades so powerful they can alter reality itself.”
Noah’s breath hitched. “Alter reality? How the hell do you even get one of those?”
Nova exhaled slowly, her tone measured. “You don’t ‘get’ one. They’re granted. And only in extraordinary circumstances—things that break the system’s normal rules. Divine intervention, world-changing events, or accomplishing something impossible.” She tilted her head. “Most people go their entire lives without ever seeing one. Some even doubt they exist.”
Noah was silent for a moment, his mind racing at the sheer scale of what she’d just told him. “So, for now,” he said, refocusing, “we need Tier One tokens, but eventually, Tier Two might be the best bet for the puddle.”
Nova nodded. “Exactly. Start with what’s manageable. As you take on more challenges and complete quests, you might get access to the higher tiers naturally.”
Noah closed the store interface, his determination solidifying. “Lets see what upgrades I can apply to the puddle,” noah said.
As they reached the rocky outcrop where the puddle shimmered faintly in the dappled light, Noah exhaled, gesturing toward the small pool of water. “So, this is the puddle,” he said with a smirk.
Nova peered down at it, her expression unreadable. “You weren’t kidding about it being small,” she remarked, kneeling beside it. “I was expecting… well, something less puddle-like.”
Noah chuckled, but his focus remained on the interface he had just pulled up. The upgrade menu flickered into view, hovering before him like a holographic projection. His fingers hovered over the available options.
“Alright,” he said, glancing at Nova. “Should I try calling your name and see if it’ll let you do anything?”
Nova arched a brow. “Worth a shot.”
Noah exhaled and spoke aloud. “Nova.”
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, to Noah’s surprise, the interface flickered and shifted, its glow dimming for a second before a new menu attempted to load. A sharp chime rang out, followed by a notification appearing across the display:
External Administrator Detected: Limited Access Denied.
Nova blinked, tilting her head slightly. “Huh. That’s new.”
Noah’s brow furrowed. “What the hell did you just do?”
“I—” Nova frowned, shaking her head. “I didn’t do anything. But it definitely reacted to me.”
Noah stared at the message, feeling a growing unease. He hadn’t expected Nova’s presence to trigger anything, let alone cause an outright rejection from the system. Limited Access Denied? That wasn’t a normal restriction—it was a deliberate block.
Nova crossed her arms, contemplating. “Try calling for Alice,” she suggested, her golden eyes sharp with curiosity.
Taking a steady breath, Noah did as she asked. “Alice?”
The moment her name left his lips, a soft, melodic voice echoed faintly in his mind—clear and reassuring, yet only for him to hear.
“Welcome, Noah. How can I assist you today?”
The familiar voice brought an immediate sense of relief. He hadn’t called on Alice in a while, but she was still there.
“Hey, Alice,” Noah greeted. “I’m trying to upgrade a small water puddle. Can you help with that?”
“Of course,” Alice responded smoothly. “Please provide me with the details of the upgrade you wish to perform.”
Noah glanced at Nova, who was watching him intently. She couldn’t hear Alice, but she recognized when he was interacting with the system.
“We’re considering using upgrade tokens,” Noah explained aloud, keeping Nova in the loop. “We need to know how many we’d need and what our options are.”
There was a brief pause before Alice’s response. “Understood. I will analyze the current state of the puddle and provide you with the necessary information.”
As they waited, Nova leaned against a nearby rock, her gaze still fixed on Noah. “She’s efficient,” she remarked, smirking slightly. “Wish I had a magic voice that answered all my questions.”
Noah chuckled. “It’s definitely useful, but sometimes she takes things a little too literally.”
Before Nova could respond, Alice’s voice returned, but with an unexpected shift in tone—gentle and inquisitive.
“By the way, Noah, how is Nova faring? I’ve noted her presence and wanted to check in.”
Noah’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, glancing at Nova before answering. “She’s doing well. She’s been helping me figure out these upgrades and keeping me company.”
There was a brief silence, then Alice’s voice softened, almost warm. “I’m glad to hear that. It is important to have strong, reliable allies—especially when dealing with significant undertakings like this.”
Nova’s expression shifted, her amusement turning into intrigue. “Wait—did Alice just ask about me?”
Noah grinned. “Yep. Guess she’s interested in how you’re doing.”
Nova hummed thoughtfully, arms still crossed. “Smart system.”
Alice continued, her voice carrying a subtle, almost analytical curiosity. “Understanding the dynamics of those assisting with your progress is important. Positive interactions can sometimes lead to unexpected benefits or enhanced results.”
Stolen story; please report.
Nova let out a small laugh. “So, system AI’s got philosophy now?” She smirked at Noah. “Didn’t know friendships could influence upgrades.”
Noah chuckled. “Apparently, everything in this world has mechanics tied to it.”
Before they could dwell on that thought, Alice’s voice returned, shifting back to its professional cadence. “I have completed the initial analysis of the puddle. To proceed with the upgrade, I will now provide a list of available Tier One upgrade options.”
Noah straightened, his heart picking up pace. Here we go.
Noah scrolled through the upgrade menu, his eyes flicking over the options as Nova leaned in beside him. “Alright, we’ve got increased water capacity and a basic filtration system. Both seem useful, but since the puddle is magical, drinking from it might already provide a mana boost or something similar.”
Nova crossed her arms, considering. “That’s true, but if we only add filtration, there might not be enough water to make a real difference. Capacity comes first.”
Noah nodded, locking in his choice. He pulled a Tier One Upgrade Token from his inventory, rolling it between his fingers before activating it. The token dissolved into shimmering light, and Alice’s voice chimed in.
“Upgrade in progress.”
Both he and Nova turned their attention to the puddle as ripples spread across its surface. The water darkened for a moment, then surged outward, its edges shifting as if breathing. Within seconds, the shallow puddle deepened and stretched wider, now about a foot deeper and expanding in all directions.
“Upgrade complete.” Alice’s tone carried a note of satisfaction.
Noah exhaled and stretched, but something felt off. A faint hum lingered in the air—not loud, not obvious, but just enough to make his skin prickle.
Nova caught the shift in his demeanor. “What?”
Noah frowned, glancing at the upgrade interface. “There’s a locked option.”
Nova’s expression sharpened. “Locked usually means something else needs to be done first—an item, another upgrade, or a specific condition.”
Noah’s fingers hovered over the grayed-out text. Sustainable Growth was tempting but required five tokens—way more than he had. But this hidden upgrade…
The way it just sat there, veiled in secrecy, unreadable, made his gut twist.
As if sensing his thoughts, Alice’s voice chimed in again.
“Would you like me to provide the conditions required to unlock the hidden upgrade?”
Noah and Nova exchanged a glance.
“…Yeah,” Noah said, inhaling deeply. “Let’s see what we’re dealing with.”
Processing…
The air around them shifted. The puddle’s glow flickered, and the ground beneath them hummed—a deep vibration, just at the edge of perception, like something waking up.
Then, Alice spoke.
“To unlock the hidden upgrade, a Celestial-tier plant must be cultivated near the water source.”
A beat of silence.
Nova let out a sharp breath. “Celestial-tier?”
Noah’s mind reeled. He had barely started working with hybrid plants, and now he needed something beyond even that?
Alice, unfazed by their reactions, continued. “Would you like to receive a list of potential Celestial-tier flora?”
Noah exhaled. “Yeah… let’s see what we’re dealing with.”
As Alice processed the request, Nova crossed her arms, her gaze locked on the now faintly glowing puddle.
“Looks like your ‘puddle’ just turned into a whole damn quest.”
Noah could only nod, a new weight settling in his chest.
This wasn’t just about water anymore.
Something bigger was happening.
And whatever was behind that locked upgrade…
It was something worth chasing.
"Nova why would the system provide me with a magical puddle with a locked option on it, and what would it turn into if it was unlocked?" Noah ask
Nova’s golden eyes flickered with curiosity, her arms still crossed as she studied the softly glowing puddle. She took a slow breath, considering Noah’s question. “That’s the real mystery, isn’t it?”
She knelt down beside the water, dipping her fingers just beneath the surface. The ripples that spread out weren’t normal—they shimmered, almost like light refracting through crystal. A soft hum pulsed against her fingertips, subtle but unmistakable.
“The system doesn’t just give things out randomly,” she murmured. “Everything has a purpose. If this puddle came with a hidden upgrade, that means it was always meant to evolve into something more.”
Noah sat back on his heels, his mind racing. “But why keep it locked? Why make me jump through hoops to unlock it?”
Nova pulled her fingers away from the water, wiping them on her sleeve. “Maybe it’s a test.”
Noah gave her a skeptical look. “A test for what?”
She smirked. “For you, obviously.”
His brows furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Nova straightened, her expression thoughtful. “Think about it—your system is pushing you toward something bigger. First, the hybrid plants, now this. Magic is returning to your land, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.”
Noah let that sink in. His land was changing—slowly, but undeniably.
He exhaled sharply, staring at the rippling water. “And if I unlock it? What does it turn into?”
Nova’s smirk faded slightly, replaced with something more serious. “That depends on the nature of the upgrade. Celestial-tier plants are no joke, Noah. They don’t just grow anywhere. They reshape environments. They carry unique magic. And if one is required to unlock this upgrade…”
She trailed off, her gaze locking onto his.
“Then this isn’t just a puddle.”
A cold realization settled over Noah.
Nova continued, her voice quieter now. “If I had to guess… this could be the start of something ancient. Maybe even something powerful enough to change the very nature of your land.”
Noah clenched his fists. His mind spun through the possibilities. If this was true, then whatever was hiding behind that locked upgrade wasn’t just an improvement. It was a transformation.
Noah swallowed, feeling the weight of Nova’s words settle deep in his chest. This wasn’t just about upgrading a water source—it was about something far bigger, something the system had been leading him toward all along.
Before he could fully process it, Alice’s voice chimed in again, clear and measured.
“Processing request… Compiling a list of viable Celestial-tier flora.”
The air grew still, an almost electric tension settling around them as they waited.
Then, the interface flickered, and a new menu materialized before Noah’s eyes.
The following plants meet the requirements for the hidden upgrade.
Noah’s breath hitched as he stared at the list. These weren’t just rare—they were on a completely different level. They didn’t just grow; they actively changed the land around them.
Nova tilted her head, listing to the options. “These aren’t just plants, Noah.” Her voice was quieter now, more serious. “These are forces of nature.”
Alice’s voice remained steady. “Would you like more details on any specific flora? Or shall I filter the list based on environmental compatibility?”
Noah hesitated. Every choice had weight. The Windecho Sunbloom would transform the very air around them, the Celestial Aegis Blossom was practically a guardian spirit, and the Droplets of Everdeep could revolutionize the entire town’s water supply.
He exhaled, the decision looming over him.
“Alice,” he said finally, “filter for the best match with my current environment.”
Noah inhaled sharply, his eyes flicking back to the screen as the list condensed.
Only one name remained highlighted.
His pulse quickened.
Celestial Aegis Blossom.
He frowned. “Wait… but I already have that one.” His fingers hovered over the interface, a mix of confusion and cautious curiosity building in his gut. “Alice, are you saying this is the only viable option?”
Alice’s voice remained composed, but there was an unusual pause before she answered.
“Correct. Based on the conditions of your environment, available resources, and existing magical infrastructure, the Celestial Aegis Blossom is the only currently viable choice.”
Noah exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He had been hoping for more flexibility—maybe one of the new plants Alice listed, something more adaptable. But now…
Nova crossed her arms, her golden eyes sharp. “Hold on, Alice. You listed four possible plants. Why is only one left? What’s wrong with the others?”
Another pause. Then, Alice’s tone shifted slightly, more… measured.
“The Windecho Sunbloom requires sustained high winds beyond what is naturally present in this environment. A forced attempt to grow it would result in suboptimal development and potential failure.”
Nova clicked her tongue. “Fair. And the Everdeep Droplets?”
“No natural ley line is accessible within the current radius of Noah’s land.”
Noah tensed. A ley line. He had never even considered that factor before.
Nova nodded slowly. “That makes sense. It would need a much stronger mana flow to function properly. And the Veilroot?”
Alice hesitated.
Then, her voice dropped slightly, as if relaying something delicate.
“Luminara Veilroot is classified as a high-demand plant. The market for its seeds is currently monopolized by larger organizations and private buyers. Attempts to acquire them typically result in immediate purchase by external forces, often at price points exceeding hundreds of thousands of points.”
Noah’s grip on the device tightened. “Wait… you’re telling me these plants are so valuable that they’re practically extinct in trade?”
“Correct. The Celestial Aegis Blossom, while still rare, remains the most obtainable due to its connection to ancient guardian flora. It is not as commercially exploited as the others.”
Nova let out a low whistle. “So what you’re saying is… we lucked out by already having one.”
Alice’s voice softened, almost amused. “A unique form of luck, yes.”
Noah exhaled, shaking his head. “Guess that settles it. The Aegis Blossom is our only real choice.”
"All alright thanks, Alice, I will get back in contact with you as soon we unlock that option," Noah said.
“Thank you, Noah. And please, take care of Nova. Also,” her voice dipped into a playful whisper, “tell that witch to contact me. I miss her.”
Noah let out a chuckle. “Will do, Alice. Thanks for the help.” The upgrade interface dimmed, confirming the process had finished.
Nova nudged him lightly with her elbow. “So, what’s the plan? You gonna plant it now, or do you want to prep the area first?”
Noah rubbed the back of his neck, eyes narrowing in thought." I already have one seed planted down there" he pointed to one of the garden beds he dug out earlier.
"but since I want this unlocked soon I plant my last one now, and use some growth catalyst potion"
Nova raised an eyebrow. “Going straight for the boost, huh? You really want this upgrade unlocked fast.”
Noah shrugged, already moving toward the garden bed where the first Celestial Aegis Blossom seed was buried. “If this is the key to unlocking the hidden option, I don’t see a reason to wait. The sooner I get this plant thriving, the better.”
He crouched down, carefully digging a small hole in the fresh soil beside the first seedling. With precise movements, he placed the second Celestial Aegis Blossom seed into the earth, covering it with a gentle press of his palm.
Nova leaned over, watching curiously. “Alright, let’s see if that fancy potion makes a difference.”
Noah pulled a Growth Catalyst Potion from his inventory, the liquid inside swirling with a faint golden shimmer. Popping the cork, he carefully poured a measured amount onto the soil where the seed rested. Instantly, the ground absorbed the potion like a sponge, and the air around them seemed to hum with latent energy.
The effect was immediate. The soil pulsed once, a soft ripple spreading outward. Then, a small shoot emerged—tiny, but unmistakably alive.
Noah and Nova both took a step back as the magic settled.
“Well,” Nova mused, crossing her arms. “That was fast.”
Noah exhaled, staring at the newly sprouted seedling. It was growing faster than anything he’d ever seen before, its leaves already beginning to unfold, shimmering faintly under the soft glow of the late evening. The last slivers of sunlight painted the horizon in streaks of orange and deep purple, while the first few stars timidly blinked into existence above them.
Alice’s voice chimed in. “Detected rapid growth acceleration. Monitoring effects.”
Noah let out a slow breath. “Now, we wait.”
Nova smirked, glancing up at the shifting sky before returning her gaze to the plant. “Yeah… but I have a feeling we won’t be waiting long.”
They watched in silence as the seedling unfurled itself, its delicate leaves stretching toward the dimming sky. The plant pulsed with a faint inner light, reflecting the deep purples and golds of the setting sun. Each new sprout shimmered faintly, like dew catching the first glimmer of starlight.
The air around them shifted—subtle, but noticeable. A gentle breeze stirred, carrying with it a scent both familiar and unplaceable, something fresh yet ancient. The ground beneath the seedling trembled just slightly, as if recognizing the power taking root.
Noah swallowed, barely able to believe how quickly it was growing. "Is it supposed to do that?" he muttered, watching as another set of leaves unfurled, their edges glowing softly in the fading light.
Nova’s golden eyes were locked onto the plant, her usual smirk replaced by something more serious. “No,” she admitted, voice hushed. “This is… different.”
Alice chimed in again, her tone crisp but carrying an undercurrent of intrigue. “Growth acceleration exceeding standard parameters. Possible environmental adaptation in progress.”
Noah’s pulse quickened as he exchanged a glance with Nova. The energy in the air wasn’t just ordinary magic—it felt charged, alive. The ground beneath their feet vibrated with an almost imperceptible hum, the kind that settled deep in the bones, like a distant echo of something ancient stirring.
The seedling continued to grow, its stem thickening, its leaves stretching higher. With each passing second, it seemed to drink in the last remnants of sunlight and the faint glow of the emerging stars. Wisps of light curled off its edges, almost like a mirage, shifting between colors—deep blues, silver-laced greens, and the soft gold of embers fading into the night.
Noah ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “This isn’t normal, right? Even for a celestial-tier plant?”
Nova shook her head, watching intently. “Not even close.”
Alice’s voice returned, more alert than before. “Anomaly detected. Energy signature does not match standard celestial-tier flora parameters. Adjusting scans.” A brief pause, then, “Potential deviation from expected growth cycle. This plant is evolving beyond projected thresholds.”
The words sent a chill through Noah. “Evolving?” He turned to Nova, who was already stepping closer, eyes narrowing as she studied the plant.
“Not just evolving,” she murmured, reaching out toward one of the leaves. “It’s… adapting.”
Before her fingers could brush against it, the plant suddenly shuddered, and a pulse of soft light radiated outward. The late evening breeze kicked up in response, swirling around them like a whisper of something unseen.
Noah tensed. The plant was reacting to them.
Alice chimed in again, her tone sharper. “Environmental sync in progress. Unknown factors influencing growth. Proceed with caution.”
Nova let out a slow breath, lowering her hand. “Yeah, no kidding.”
The stars above seemed brighter now, casting long, shifting shadows over the yard. The hum in the air grew stronger. Noah wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but for the briefest moment, he swore he could hear something—like a distant chime, ringing in perfect harmony with the night.
The Celestial Aegis Blossom pulsed, its petals unfolding in slow, deliberate movements, shifting from their pure, starlit white to an iridescent spectrum of colors. Deep purples, fiery golds, and shimmering teals danced across its surface, refracting light as if woven from the very essence of the sky. It was no longer just a flower—it was a beacon of life, an entity evolving into something beyond mere flora.
Then, the ground rumbled.
Noah staggered slightly as a wave of unseen force rippled outward, causing the dry, compacted earth to split and overturn, revealing something impossible. The once-barren land beneath his feet was changing, renewing. Cracked soil was pushed aside, replaced by a lush, fertile layer of untouched earth, rich and dark, pulsing faintly as if it had just awoken from a deep slumber.
The Celestial Blossom’s glow intensified, bathing Noah and Nova in an ethereal radiance. It felt alive, aware… waiting.
Then, from nowhere, a whisper slipped through the air like a breath of wind.
"Give me seeds."
Noah's breath caught. The voice was not human—it was neither soft nor loud, neither distant nor close. It simply existed, pressing into his mind like an unshakable truth.
His hands moved on instinct, reaching into his inventory. Aquatic Earthgrass seeds. He had plenty from previous dungeon dives. Carefully, he scattered a handful into the freshly overturned earth.
The moment the seeds touched the ground, the earth drank them in.
Not buried—consumed.
Noah took a sharp step back as tendrils of glowing energy spread beneath the surface, threading through the soil like veins of liquid starlight. The changes were instant.
Noah barely had time to take it in before the puddle he had once upgraded trembled… then surged outward.
The water stretched and expanded, deepening, widening, as if responding to the celestial-tier plant’s energy. The soil at its edges softened, reshaping itself into smooth, natural banks, no longer resembling a simple pond but something far grander. The air hummed with an unseen force, an unshakable presence that settled over them like the weight of something ancient, watching, waiting.
Then—
?? System Alert: New Species of Blossom Detected – Celestial Rainbow
?? Magical Levels Increasing: Warning – Noah’s Backyard Has Reached Tier 1 Magic Zone
?? Warning: Magical Fluctuations Detected in Coolabah Springs
?? Warning: World Shard Fragment Detected
?? Warning: Potential Additional Fragments May Exist Nearby
Noah’s stomach dropped.
A World Shard Fragment?
He didn’t even have time to process it before a new shift in the air made him freeze.
As if responding to some unseen call, every single seed and plant on Noah’s land began to glow.
Not just a flicker—not just a shimmer—but a full cascade of light.
The Aquatic Earthgrass shimmered with an eerie bioluminescence, each strand rippling like waves under moonlight. The Radiant Aqua Sunblooms pulsed with golden hues, casting shifting patterns on the deepening pond. Even the soil itself seemed to carry an inner luminescence, tiny veins of light threading through the earth.
Then, before their eyes, the glow spread.
Not just within Noah’s backyard—but beyond.
Nova’s sharp intake of breath mirrored Noah’s stunned silence as the light didn’t stop at the fences. The glow slithered outward, creeping into the untamed land beyond, spilling into the nearby dry patches of earth, seeping into the very foundation of the town.
The ground hummed. The air trembled.
Nova exhaled slowly, voice barely above a whisper.
“I… I think people are going to notice us now.”
A pause. Then she added with a forced smirk, “Could be worse.”
Noah’s head snapped toward her, horrified.
“You had to say it, didn’t you?”
And, as if the universe had been waiting for her words, the World Tree began to glow.
No, not just glow—change.
Its once frail sapling frame stretched taller, thicker, sturdier. The single, delicate sprout of leaves unfurled into something more pronounced.
Tiny new branches sprouted outward, twisting and curling toward the sky as if reaching for the stars now blinking into existence overhead. The bark pulsed gold and silver, threads of magic weaving through its veins like a living conduit. The trunk had thickened, now reaching Noah’s waist, glowing like a lantern in the night.
Then—
The world around them shuddered.
?? System Alert: The World Tree Has Entered Stage Two Growth.
?? World Tree Development Accelerated by Nearby Magical Energy.
?? Warning: Magic Levels in Noah’s Territory Have Surpassed Tier 1 – Magic Fluctuation Detected.
Noah’s breath hitched.
The first warning was bad enough. The second was manageable.
But the third?
It meant one thing.
Someone—or something—was bound to come looking around.
In town
It started with the sky.
A flash—so brilliant, so sudden—lit up the horizon like a second sunrise. It wasn’t lightning, nor was it a passing phenomenon. It lingered, pulsed, expanded.
People stopped in their tracks, heads snapping toward the distant glow. It wasn’t fire. It wasn’t normal. It was something else.
“What the hell is that?” a man muttered, shielding his eyes as the eerie radiance stretched across the skyline.
The entire town watched, frozen.
Then, a wave rolled in.
Not of sound, not of wind—but of something felt.
A deep thrum in the bones. A whisper beneath the skin. The kind of energy that unsettled the soul because it shouldn’t exist.
And then—the plants answered.
?? A potted fern outside a bakery pulsed softly, its leaves kissed with silver light.
?? Vines draped over a shop awning curled slightly, as if waking from slumber, their tips glowing faintly.
?? Even the withered flowers by the old fountain—ones long thought dead—stirred, color returning to their petals.
“What the hell—” a florist whispered, stumbling back as their hanging plants shimmered with soft, rhythmic light.
It spread fast.
From window boxes to wild grasses, from towering trees to the smallest sprout peeking through cracked pavement.
They were all glowing.
And through it all, the massive light in the sky remained, unwavering, a beacon calling to something unseen.
Some townsfolk stepped back, afraid.
Others stepped forward, drawn in.
And at the heart of it all, the mayor stood outside town hall, his face pale as he whispered—"Find out where that’s coming from."
And so, the search began.
The military encampment at the meteor crash site had been a picture of rigid order—until the sky ignited.
It wasn’t an explosion. It wasn’t fire. It was something else entirely.
A blinding column of light shot into the sky from beyond the hills, so intensely bright that it pierced through the night like a beacon. At first, the soldiers thought it was some kind of flare, a test detonation, or an experimental satellite malfunction. But it didn't fade. It grew, pulsing like a living thing, stretching upwards until it disappeared into the swirling clouds above.
Then came the wave.
Not heat. Not sound. But something deeper.
Something that crackled in the air like static before a storm, humming in the bones, settling in the gut like a slow-building pressure change.
Men and women staggered, gripping equipment and each other. Radios emitted bursts of garbled noise, cutting in and out as if fighting to stay connected. The air itself felt wrong, charged in a way no one could explain.
A communications officer ripped off his headset, wincing. “Did you feel that?”
A soldier standing by the supply truck swore under his breath. “Felt it? It damn near went through me.”
Then—the meteor responded.
The fractured rock, still half-buried in the crater, began to change.
Veins of luminous blue streaked across its jagged surface, like cracks filled with molten energy.
A low, vibrating hum resonated outward, not a sound but a pressure in the chest, the kind of sensation one felt rather than heard.
Flickering charge rippled through the air, causing metal equipment to spark, monitors to distort, and sensors to glitch violently.
Commander Renfield, who had been standing near the main tent, immediately turned to the nearest officer. “Get me a reading on that thing. Now.”
Dr. Eleanis was already ahead of him, fingers flying over the screen of her tablet. Her face lost all color.
“Sir—” she started, voice trembling. “We have a problem.”
Renfield’s stomach twisted. “Define problem.”
Eleanis swallowed hard, turning the screen toward him.
Energy levels increasing at an exponential rate.
Unidentified atmospheric anomaly detected.
Fluctuations in the local magnetic field. Possible geologic event.
Then, the real warning appeared.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DESTABILIZATION DETECTED. SOURCE UNKNOWN.
Renfield’s jaw tightened. “What the hell does that mean?”
As if in answer, the meteor pulsed again.
And then—the plants responded.
At first, it was subtle.
The sparse desert shrubs, brittle and dry from the arid climate, shimmered.
Then, the cacti glowed, their spines casting faint iridescent hues.
The very earth beneath their feet rumbled, as if something deep underground was shifting, awakening.
The wind changed direction abruptly, moving in unnatural patterns, swirling in spirals rather than flowing freely.
Eleanis stared at her instruments.
Nothing made sense.
The state-of-the-art military-grade equipment, built to measure radiation, seismic activity, and electromagnetic fluctuations, was throwing out absolute nonsense.
Every system was overloading.
- Seismic activity: increasing.
- Electromagnetic fields: erratic.
- Localized temperature fluctuations: inconsistent.
- Unidentified energy source: surging.
“Sir,” a soldier called out, his eyes locked on the meteor, “it’s reacting to whatever the hell is happening out there.”
Renfield’s mind was already racing. “We need eyes on that light source. Now.”
“We’re scrambling a drone,” an officer confirmed, barking into his radio. “But with these interference levels, we might lose the signal. We might need boots on the ground.”
Dr. Eleanis wasn’t listening anymore.
Her gaze was locked onto the sky, her breath slow, measured.
Noah and Nova looked at each other, people had either noticed that light show, or soon be coming their way.
or already on their way.
"Nova we need a plan, people are going come this way we need to do something" Noah began to panic
Nova grabbed Noah’s shoulders, giving him a firm shake. “Breathe,” she ordered, her golden eyes locked onto his. “Panicking isn’t going to stop them from coming. We need a plan, and we need it now.”
Noah exhaled sharply, forcing himself to focus. She was right. People were coming. Whether out of curiosity, concern, or something worse—he had no idea. But that beacon of light was impossible to ignore, and their quiet little sanctuary had just been thrust into the spotlight.
His mind raced. “We can’t hide this,” he muttered, glancing back at the glowing pond, the pulsing Celestial Blossom, and the shimmering vines curling over the garden. Everything radiated an unnatural luminescence like the entire backyard had been dipped in starlight. There was no disguising it.
Nova’s gaze flicked to the distant hills. “We buy time,” she said decisively. “We can’t stop them from coming, but we can control the narrative when they get here.”
Noah frowned. “And how do we do that?”
Nova smirked. “Simple. We act like we have a damn clue what’s going on.”
He gave her a flat look. “We don’t.”
She shrugged. “Then we fake it until we do.”
Noah sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Alright, fine. But what do we actually tell them?”
Before Nova could answer, Alice’s voice chimed in.
“Incoming activity detected. Approximate time until first arrivals: six minutes.”
Nova cursed under her breath. “That fast?”
Alice continued. “Multiple sources detected. Civilian movement from town: confirmed. Unidentified aerial drone approaching from the south.”
Noah stiffened. “Drone?”
Nova’s expression turned grim. “Military?”
Alice responded instantly. “Unknown. However, the drone does not match standard civilian models.”
Noah’s stomach dropped. This wasn’t just the town’s problem anymore.
Nova’s smirk vanished, her expression hardening. “Well. That complicates things.”
Noah took a deep breath. They needed a plan. Now.
Noah’s fingers flew to the interface, his heart pounding as he navigated to the Point Store. There had to be something—anything— that could divert attention, cover their tracks, or at least buy them time.
Nova watched Noah's fingers fly over his interface, even though she couldn't see what he was doing she guessed it was to try to find some items. he begins to mumble “Come on, come on, Give us something useful.”
The store flickered.
New Items Available.
Noah’s breath caught as a few new options appeared at the top of the list:
Noah’s mind raced. They needed something subtle enough to fool the town but strong enough to divert the military-grade drone. He flicked through the details rapidly.
Nova listen to what he read of picking two that would do the job. the Controlled Discharge Beacon. And Illusion Veil “If they’re tracking energy signatures, we give them one—just not here.”
Noah nodded. It made sense. If they could push the source of attention away, they wouldn’t have to scramble to hide anything physically.
"There is just one issue I don't have the points for it or for any of them" Noah said
Nova cursed under her breath, running a hand through her hair. “Of course,” she muttered. “Figures we find the perfect solution, and you’re short on points.”
Noah exhaled sharply, his mind racing. “How many points do I even have left?” He flicked open his interface, checking his balance. 770 points. Not enough for the Controlled Discharge Beacon.
Noah’s eyes darted through his inventory, scrolling frantically. There had to be something he could sell, trade, or repurpose. Time was running out, and that drone wasn't going to sit idle for long.
Noah's breath caught as he spotted the Growth Points x15 - 10,000 Store Points trade option. His mind raced.
That’s insane…
Growth Points were precious, used to evolve the World Seedling, upgrade the Celestial-tier plants, and fuel long-term magical development. He had been saving every single one he earned. But right now, he had an immediate problem—people were coming. If he didn’t act fast, the entire town and whoever controlled that drone would soon be knocking on his doorstep.
Nova’s voice cut through his thoughts. “You’re hesitating.”
Noah clenched his fists. “It’s a huge loss.”
“It’s also our best shot,” Nova countered, crossing her arms. “If they find out what’s happening here, we’re going to have much bigger problems than losing Growth Points. and I explain more about growth points later, from what is common knowledge.”
She wasn’t wrong. If they found the pond, the World Seedling, the magical surge— it wouldn’t just be curiosity anymore. It would be controlled.
With a deep inhale, he selected the trade option and hit confirm.
System Notice: -15 Growth Points. +10,000 Store Points added. New Balance: 10,770.
System Notice: -8,300 Points. Items Purchased.
The metallic Controlled Discharge Beacon materialized in Noah’s hands, its sleek, compact design humming faintly with energy. Beside it, a faintly glowing blue crystal hovered just above his palm—the Illusion Veil. Unlike the beacon, which was a physical device, the crystal pulsed softly, shimmering like rippling water, shifting as if blending with its surroundings.
Nova leaned in, intrigued. “So… how do these work?”
Noah scanned the instructions quickly, his eyes darting over the details.
- Purpose: Redirects and disperses high-energy surges, creating a false discharge point.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Effect Radius: 10 km.
- Additional Function: Emits a natural energy signature, blending with the environment to mimic a natural phenomenon.
- Purpose: Creates a localized perception filter, masking visual and magical anomalies.
- Effect Radius: 500m.
- Illusion Type: Distorts observed details, making affected objects appear as normal, non-anomalous terrain.
- Recharge Time: 24 hours.
Noah’s grin widened. “This… might actually work.”
Nova smirked. “Good. Now let’s go fool some people, where do we begin?.”
"do you have a bow and arrow?" Noah suddenly asks.
"ah yes...how did you know" she questioned him.
"I explain later but give me an arrow and anything to tie something with, ".noah ask
Nova raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. She reached into her inventory and pulled out a sleek, black-feathered arrow, its tip razor-sharp. A coil of thin but sturdy twine followed, which she tossed to Noah.
He caught both, already moving fast. “This will work.”
Nova crossed her arms. “Are you going to tell me why I just gave you an arrow, or do I get to keep guessing?”
Noah worked quickly, tying the beacon securely to the shaft of the arrow, double-knotting the twine for good measure. “Because if I set this up manually, someone might notice me running around in the open. But if I shoot it into place…”
Nova’s smirk returned, understanding dawning in her eyes. “Then it looks like it came from the sky. Like a strike from above.”
“Exactly.” Noah tested the weight of the arrow, ensuring the beacon wouldn’t slip mid-flight. He turned toward the old ridge, now barely visible in the distance. “If we time this right, we can make it look like whatever happened originated there.”
Nova pulled her bow from her back with an easy motion, rolling her shoulders. “I can make that shot.”
Noah stepped aside, giving her space. “Then while you take the shot, I going set up this illusion.”
Nova nocked the modified arrow, her golden eyes narrowing as she gauged the distance. The ridge was far, but not impossible. With a deep breath, she adjusted her stance, shifting her grip slightly as wind currents rippled around her.
Noah watched in awe as a faint current of mana gathered around Nova’s form, her connection to wind magic subtly influencing the air.
Without hesitation, she released the arrow.
The arrow cut through the sky, sailing effortlessly toward the ridge. The beacon activated mid-flight, crackling with blue-white energy as it streaked across the sky like a falling star.
Then—impact.
A burst of artificial lightning erupted on the ridge, illuminating the entire area. A powerful boom followed, echoing through the valley, rattling windows and sending waves of electric energy crackling through the air.
From a distance, it looked exactly like a natural energy surge—wild, uncontrolled, and impossible to trace back.
Nova lowered her bow, a satisfied smirk on her lips. “I’d say that was a perfect shot.”
Noah exhaled, his heart still racing. “Now let’s see if it worked.”
The drone hovered for a moment longer, its mechanical eye locked onto the shimmering anomaly in the backyard. Though it lacked the processing power for immediate analysis, the unknown energy signature was distinct, foreign.
Before it could linger, the spike in energy from the distant ridge overrode its programming. The flash of unnatural lightning and its residual electromagnetic interference sent the drone into immediate recalibration.
A soft beep sounded in the command vehicle.
NEW PRIORITY: RELOCATING TO ENERGY EVENT—PRIMARY SITE DESIGNATED.
The drone pivoted sharply, its rotors adjusting course as it began a direct flight toward the ridge, leaving behind the glowing backyard, its anomaly merely tagged for later review.
In the lead black SUV, Major Vincent Calloway watched the updated telemetry.
A shifting map of the desert terrain, heat signatures, and real-time energy readings filled his screen. The drone’s feed confirmed it—the strike location was now their priority.
But…
Calloway’s fingers drummed against the armrest, his expression unreadable. The convoy had been heading toward another location before this sudden interference. Something else had triggered a lower-level signal earlier, back near the town’s outskirts. A secondary anomaly.
It was faint, but it was there.
And if his instincts were right—it wasn’t random.
The younger officer beside him turned, adjusting his earpiece again. “Sir, orders?”
Calloway exhaled slowly. “Send a small recon team to the ridge—standard assessment protocol. I want boots on the ground in ten minutes.”
A pause.
“…And the secondary anomaly?” the officer asked cautiously.
Calloway’s sharp gaze flicked to the dimming glow of the town in the distance. “We’ll flag it for further review. If this event proves to be a false lead, we redirect immediately.”
The officer hesitated, then nodded. “Understood.”
With one sharp gesture, Calloway signaled the convoy’s division. Two vehicles peeled off, heading for the ridge. The rest remained in position, engines humming, waiting for the next command.
The major leaned back, eyes narrowing at the data on the screen.
Something about this didn’t add up.
And he intended to find out why.
The low hum of engines filled the air as cars and trucks slowed to a stop outside of Noah’s home. Their headlights cast long shadows over the dry, cracked road, illuminating the scene with an eerie glow.
From the vehicles, townsfolk stepped out cautiously, their faces etched with curiosity, unease—and, in some cases, barely restrained frustration.
The glow was fading.
Not just at Noah’s house, but near the riverbed, along fences, creeping up walls—everywhere. The plants that had once illuminated the dark were now dimming, their strange radiance receding like the last embers of a dying fire.
But the real reason they had gathered wasn’t just the light show.
It was him.
A tall, gruff man stepped forward, voice cutting through the murmurs.
“I knew it. I knew this was Noah’s doing.”
His voice carried authority, and the way others turned toward him made it clear—he wasn’t just speaking for himself.
Harold Price, a long-time resident, one of the more outspoken members of the community, and someone with a lot to say about Noah’s land.
“You all saw what happened,” he continued, his voice rising. “This freak light show wasn’t natural. And now? Look at it! The glow’s fading, but that doesn’t change what we saw.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
“He’s blocking the town’s only chance at real water.”
“He stopped us from testing the land. What’s he hiding?”
“This is exactly why we need the investors—to fix this town.”
Harold turned, fixing his glare on the house.
“Noah has a choice,” he declared. “Either he sees reason and stops getting in the way of progress—or we make sure he doesn’t get the chance to ruin this for the rest of us.”
A dangerous murmur spread through the gathered townsfolk.
Noah hadn’t just drawn attention.
He had drawn a storm.
Nova stood near the window, watching the cars line the dirt road, the people stepping out in growing numbers.
Her golden eyes flicked to Noah, who was staring through the curtains, his jaw tight.
“Well,” she murmured, arms crossed. “I’d say that’s… a lot of people.”
Noah let out a sharp exhale. “Yeah,” he muttered. “Too many.”
The low hum of voices outside turned into raised discussions—not quite shouting, but close.
“They’re blaming you,” Nova observed.
Noah ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. Of course, they were.
The town saw the lights.
They saw the magic.
And now, they were afraid.
Or worse… angry.
“What’s the plan?” Nova asked, her voice unreadable.
Noah’s fists clenched at his sides.
"I going go talk to them, I not sure what I can do...but I got to try something"
Noah stepped onto his porch, the weight of the gathered crowd pressing down on him like a storm cloud ready to break. Men and women stood at the edge of his land, their faces twisted with frustration, anger, and desperation. Some glared at him outright, while others looked away, their expressions tinged with something closer to guilt.
His gaze swept across the gathered townsfolk, stopping briefly on two police officers—both casually sipping cold beers as if this was nothing more than a weekend spectacle.
Noah took a slow breath before speaking, his voice carrying over the murmuring crowd.
“This is unexpected. May I ask why all of you are standing at the edge of my land?”
A man near the front, likely the ringleader, stepped forward, puffing out his chest. “We know the weird glow came from your land, Noah. Whatever’s happening, it’s coming from here. You’re hiding something.”
Another voice—this time a woman—shouted from somewhere in the back. “We need water. If something’s under this land, we should have the right to search for it.”
Noah’s hands curled into fists. Of course. This was exactly what he had feared.
His gaze flicked back to the police officers, who made no move to intervene. Just standing there, drinking beer, watching it all unfold like a damn soap opera.
“You do know that would be trespassing, right?” Noah’s voice was calm but laced with steel as he met the ringleader’s gaze.
The man scoffed, taking a step forward. “We don’t care. We’re desperate. Either get out of the way, or let us search for what we need.”
A ripple of agreement passed through the crowd.
Noah exhaled sharply through his nose, his patience snapping like a dry branch. He took a step forward, his presence daring the mob to come closer.
“A few days ago,” he began, his voice low but carrying an edge of restrained fury, “a group of people tried sneaking onto my land—digging for water. I never signed anything. I never agreed to it. No one even had the damn decency to ASK me if I’d be willing to let them look.”
His eyes burned as he stared into the crowd, his chest rising and falling with the force of his breath. “Now, here you all are, demanding my land like you’re entitled to it, blaming me for something you don’t even understand. Glowing plants? Strange energy? Do you hear yourselves?”
The townspeople shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
“You want to tear down my home for something you’re not even sure is there. Do you even hear how insane that sounds?”
His last nerve had been cut.
His final shred of patience? Gone.
This town had always been struggling, always looking for someone else to blame. And now? Now they had decided it was him.
His jaw clenched, heart hammering. He had two choices. Fight them… or outthink them.
And Noah had never been one to just roll over.
Noah’s breath hitched as the words cut through him like a blade.
His own boss.
The man who had given him a job when he had nothing, when he was scraping by with barely a dollar to his name, now stood among the mob—threatening him.
"Let us through, or we will hurt you."
Noah’s chest tightened, his pulse pounding in his ears. He had expected desperation. He had expected anger. But this? This was betrayal.
His hands trembled—not with fear, but with something deeper, something hotter. He felt the mana inside him stir, like coals being fanned into a raging fire.
His voice, when it came, was barely a whisper. Yet it carried like a howl on the wind.
"Why are you here?"
His boss’s face twisted, pained but resolute. "Because my family is dying, Noah. You know the situation in town. The only water we get is from the one store that still stocks it. And even then, half the time the shelves are empty."
Noah stared, his vision tunneling in on the man who once stood beside him. Now, he was standing against him.
His shoulders shook as a familiar burn spread through his veins. But it wasn’t just rage.
It was mana.
Something inside him awoke.
A pulse.
A shift.
The air thickened around him, pressing against his skin like static before a storm. His mana swirled—untamed, raw, and furious.
Nova took a cautious step closer, sensing the shift. “Noah…” her voice was careful, edged with concern.
But Noah didn’t hear her.
The crack in the earth widened, fissures spreading outward from where Noah stood. The air hummed with something primal, something untethered.
And then, through the roaring of his own anger, he heard it—
A whisper.
"Noah."
His breath hitched.
"Noah, we could build this house together. It might be run down, but it'd be a great project. You like getting your hands dirty. You do love your plants."
A voice—Dorian’s voice.
His best friend. Gone for a year now.
But here, now, it was like he was right beside him again, a phantom in his mind.
Noah’s fingers curled into fists. His breath shook.
The fire in his chest flickered—a moment of hesitation, a moment where the weight of the past pressed against the fury of the present.
And then—
"What’s it gonna be, Noah?"
A voice, real and sharp, dragged him back into the now.
His boss.
The man he once trusted. The man who had given him a chance when no one else would.
Now? He stood among them—among the ones who would tear everything away.
"You gonna let us search, or not?"
A voice from the crowd—sharp, demanding.
Then—
"Rush him!"
Noah’s breath caught. They weren’t waiting.
They charged.
Some clambered over the fence, others forced their way inside. Glass shattered. Wood splintered. The sounds of his home being ripped apart filled the air—shelves knocked over, furniture overturned, the crash of broken dishes.
Noah ran.
His boots pounded against the dirt as he sprinted for the backyard, his heart hammering in his chest. Behind him, chaos surged through his house. Walls cracked, possessions were destroyed, lives invaded.
And then—he heard it.
Nova. Struggling.
A sharp grunt. A muffled curse.
Noah whipped around.
Inside, past the broken doorway—a knife.
Held against Nova’s throat.
The glint of steel.
The smirk of a bastard who thought he had control.
And beside him—a gun.
A police-issued weapon. Pointed at him.
Nova’s golden eyes blazed, her body twisting as she rammed her head backward. A sickening crack—her captor’s nose exploded in a spray of red. His grip loosened, and Nova didn’t hesitate.
Her knee slammed up.
A strangled cry.
The knife clattered to the floor.
Nova broke free.
Panting, she staggered back toward Noah, her hands clenched into fists, shaking with adrenaline. She wasn’t unscathed—but she was standing.
"Fucking bitch!" someone in the crowd spat.
Noah’s jaw clenched. His hands curled into fists.
More voices.
"Maybe we don’t even need him. Look at this place."
"Some of these plants—" a woman’s voice, eager, greedy. "—they produce cooling mist. We could use them."
Noah’s stomach turned.
They weren’t just here for water anymore.
They wanted everything.
His home. His land. His life.
And they had crossed the line.
his boss stepped forward and smirking, "You don't have to do it like this Noah" he was striking as if he had won,
"Care to explain what these ferns are? Never know a plant to produce such a nice coldness before." something glinted in his eyes at Noah
"You don't-" Bang the sound pierced the air as Noah looked around noticing Nova was fine, but she was staring in horror at Noah, and then he felt it a dull feeling in his chest. he looked down and saw blood running down his shirt. he was shot.
The world seemed to freeze, every sound muffled except the ominous thud of Noah's own heartbeat. He staggered back, his hand clutching the searing pain that blossomed across his chest. Blood, warm and relentless, soaked through his shirt, spreading with each labored breath.
His eyes met Nova's—wide, horrified, reflecting the gravity of what had just transpired. The crowd around them fell into stunned silence, the raucous shouts dying down as they witnessed the unthinkable—Noah, now grievously wounded, gripped his chest weakly.
The smirk on his boss's face crumbled into confusion and fear. The gunshot wasn’t supposed to be lethal; it was meant merely as a show of force. The realization did nothing to change the grim reality.
Noah fell to his knees. "Not yet. Not like this, you...you all don’t understand what you have done," he rasped, defiance flickering against the darkening edges of his vision.
The World Tree, a silent sentinel until now, burst into a radiant glow. Its leaves shimmered with intense light, and the air around it distorted, pulsing with unleashed power.
Pain began to fade as sensation ebbed from his limbs. Nova’s face hovered above, tears rimmed with red streaming down her cheeks, her eyes burning with seething hatred.
"Step, crunch," echoed the sound of earth underfoot in the silence.
Nova’s reaction was swift and fierce. Her magic, a torrent of wind and energy, swept through the crowd. She summoned a gust that knocked the advancing mob off their feet, her voice booming across the clearing. "WHO SHOT HIM?!" she raged, tears streaming.
"Easy, lady, let us help," Noah's boss interjected weakly.
"You fools, if he dies, your world will end," Nova hissed angrily, sending another blast of wind towards a group to the left, pushing them onto the ground as cuts bit into their skin.
Some in the crowd recoiled, their faces a mix of shock and fear. The gunman, his weapon still smoking, stood rooted to the spot, realization dawning on him as he stared at the havoc he had wrought.
"What do you mean, girl?" the boss said, glancing nervously at someone to his right. But Nova didn’t glance that way; instead, she unleashed another wave of wind, blasting people into the cliff face, injuring them severely.
But Noah’s thoughts and attention turned inward. A flicker at the edge of his vision signalled his declining state: [System Override Detected.] [Emergency Protocols Activating…] [Primary User Life Status: Critical, Life-Threatening. Commencing Mana Stabilization. Warning: Critical Injury.]
The World Tree glowed an angry red, its roots beginning to pull people's limbs beneath the earth, its rage causing the roots to become sharp and thorn-like.
"Stop," Noah gasped out, looking towards the tree, "don’t be like them, don’t let fear and anger consume you. You are better than that, better than them." He felt a root wrap around his hand. As Noah’s blood poured onto the ground, the tree drank some of it up, using its life core function to force in an attempt to keep him alive.
Noah closed his eyes as the sounds of footsteps and wind began to swip across the land echoed around him. he was in darkness feeling fading away as a green window opened.
“world tree wants to give a part of its Bareilly life functioning to give you new life, warning world tree will die”
‘stop’ he whispered to the tree, not knowing if it would hear him. ‘you too will die, and my world needs you’ he whispered.
Even then the system window disappeared. Leaving only three blinking lines at the bottom of his sight.
With what was left of his will he opened the interface.