Platinum Rewards and a Catastrophe

Sasha returned with a bag, from which she produced a seed, a key, and a small, winged object that fluttered to the floor. These, she explained, were Alab's rewards: a Seed of the Spark Tree (which would provide air in Mozza when planted), the Morphing Key of Sora (capable of opening any door or lock with an opening, and also serving as a portal back to Mozza from Gaia), and Bright Eyes, Tim (a recording familiar that could capture aerial views and transmit recordings to Alab).

Alab questioned the need for an air-producing seed, but Sasha explained that in six months, after Polo's Thesis was complete, the light, air, and gravity currently sustained by Polo's Sparks would vanish, plunging Mozza into darkness – a challenge known as the Genesis. Alab, already overwhelmed by his new reality, felt a surge of frustration. He was barely coping with the war in Gaia, and now he faced another crisis in Mozza.

Sasha informed him that he needed to find a source of light and gravity in Gaia, as well as a patch of land for the seed. The Morphing Key, however, offered a solution: a new door, the Gatekeeper, had appeared, allowing him to transport these necessities from Gaia to Mozza. The Dream Summon, which had been causing him fatigue, could now be deactivated, though Alab hesitated due to the cost of entering the Gatekeeper.

Alab briefly tried to communicate with Polo, whose door was materializing, but Polo was unresponsive. Despite his frustration, Alab found some solace in the other rewards. The Morphing Key offered countless possibilities, and Tim, the recording familiar, could be invaluable. He planned to use Tim to record the upcoming battle.

He instructed Tim to record for thirty seconds, then used the "Link" command to review the footage, marveling at the drone-like perspective. He also tested "View," which displayed the recording on a large, curved screen. This recording familiar would be a great help in his chronicling efforts.

Touching a cube on Tim's comb caused smoke to appear, revealing Merlin's Mahika and Treasures Store, now a Level 2 Thesis. Merlin, unusually quiet, simply waved and smiled. Sasha explained that the store's upgrade was triggered by the appearance of the familiar.

With only five minutes remaining, Merlin urged Alab to purchase Tim's Memory Cube for 3000 IPs, which would extend Tim's recording capacity to two hours. Alab, torn between the Memory Cube and skills from the Magic Book, decided to browse the latter. He then discovered a crucial detail: magic purchases were limited to once a month and lasted only a month.

This revelation, coupled with the dangers of war, made Alab realize he needed to leave the army as soon as possible. He purchased the Memory Cube, which was then absorbed by Tim, displaying the message "Memory: 2 hours."

As the light in Mozza dimmed, Merlin gave Alab a bracelet. "This can encompass dimensions," Merlin explained. "The hole will turn green if there's news from Mozza, and red for urgent concerns."

Alab felt better equipped for Gaia, though still apprehensive. He resolved to learn the rules of this world, and perhaps, one day, break them.