Preparing for the Dive

"Listen closely, The tutorial world is an instantiation of a category of worlds referred to as closed worlds. The weight of the logic that supports it is much greater than that which you experienced at the Borderlands or here."

Kant and Tau were seated outside a mismatched coffee shop which made up the entirety of the world. I say mismatched because while the shop sported plastic chairs, plastic tables, and neon lights, it was primarily constructed from rough-cut timber and unpolished cobbles. This small world was situated just below a dense collection of larger worlds, each contributing its luminosity to create the patch of light that spanned the whole of the sky.

The three of them had popped into the world, right in front of the shop. Phi immediately ran off to look at the edge of the world, where the street fell away into the void. After a brief scan, Tau concluded that they were the only customers. As she and Kant took seats at the table, Kant had started to explain the process required to enter one of those worlds above them.

"There are two common methods of entering mortal worlds: diving and projection. The latter is achieved through the construction of an avatar based on the logic of the world which is manipulated from beyond the world. This method is generally preferred, given the usually substantial conceptual distance between the avatar and the god itself. Ah, nothing for me, but something novel for this one would be appreciated."

A waiter had come out of the cafe to take their order. Hearing Kant's order, she nodded and left them.

"Anyway," Kant continued, "the independence between avatar and self results in a lack of reciprocal consequence from the destruction of the avatar, making this method substantially safer as an option for operating within mortal worlds. However, it is also more of a drain on domain stamina, given that the god must simultaneously maintain their own existence, the existence of an avatar, which is usually of differing logic, as well as the connection between the avatar and the god, which usually requires establishment of a bridge between the different logical systems."

{Should we just pretend we understand what he's talking about?}

[I don't know about the different logic systems, but a drain on domain stamina is bad...]

"So… I guess I'll be using the other method?" Tau asked hesitantly.

"Indeed. Diving involves placing yourself within the logic of the world. Of course, this would be difficult if your original logic conflicted with that of the world, in which case self-modification or origin-regulation would be required. However, should your original logic coincide with that of the world, you may temporarily relinquish your burden of existence to the world itself, enhancing your domain stamina recovery."

"Then, the reason for the test..."

"Yes. Discovering your original logic allows us to identify compatible tutorial worlds, facilitating your dive experience."

The waitress returned with a glass of foaming purple liquid, which she placed before Tau, who could only stare as slimy dark purple blobs bobbed about on the surface.

[Well… this sure looks appetizing...]

{Really… this is a drink?}

The waitress stood there, clearly waiting to collect an empty glass.

{Might be worth a try...}

[Your call.]

Tau took a sip and pulled back, surprised. The drink wasn't bad at all. It was warm and sweet, with a faint numbing sensation. Most interesting of all, the liquid felt as light as air; it was more like she had breathed it in instead of drinking it. The warmth of the drink spread quickly through her body like a wave, reaching her extremities and bouncing back.

"Wow."

"Quite good, right?" Kant asked, chuckling.

"It's a supreme revival potion, nicknamed Tears of God by the mortals."

A shadowy figure materialized into existence in the seat next to Kant's.

"But that's no name for business, who would enjoy drinking tears?" the figure continued, "I'm thinking of calling it Nectar. You know, named after the drink of the gods."

"I am unaware of the reference," Kant replied.

"Well, you would be." The figure smiled, shaking its head.

"It really is quite good," Tau interjected, "You should try some."

"It is fine," Kant held up a hand, "I would not be able to taste it anyway. Incompatible logic."

"So this is the new one, huh." The shadowy figure gestured towards Tau.

"Yeah, I'm new. And who might you happen to be?"

"Already so bold!" The figure laughed. "Once upon a time, I was an innkeeper known as Robert Moore, but now, I'm nobody."

"What do you mean?"

"This."

The figure spread his arms, showing off his shadowy form.

"I've been chosen by the Keeper to observe this section of the multiverse. My existence sums up to just being another set of his eyes and ears. My mortal life is all but forgotten."

He flapped his arms up and down, creating smokey trails of shadow that slowly rejoined his form.

"I'd be lying if I said it isn't cool, living so long, seeing so much, and all, but still, it can be a very frustrating job sometimes."

{The Keeper?}

[Don't ask me. I'm still stuck on the Innkeeper part. It feels familiar, but I can't quite put my finger on it.]

{Don't think too hard.}

[Robert Moore. Supplementary information: used to be an Innkeeper (description required), currently an observer (description required) under the employ of the Keeper (profile required). Profile generation complete.]

{That's nice. Make one each for Kant, Phi, and Four too.}

[Uhg… I regret.]

{Keep up the good work!}

Tau finished her drink. The dark purple blobs remained floating in the empty cup.

"Ah, just ignore those. The potion required a certain mana level to remain viable, and those alchemical products are just there to handle mana leakage. They probably don't taste very good."

The waitress left with the glass.

"Well, it has been nice," Kant said, getting up, "Tau, you understand the principles of diving now, correct?"

"Since my original logic is compatible, a simple entry should be sufficient. As a positive side effect, my domain stamina recovery speed will be boosted. That's all, right?"

Kant nodded, "Exactly, go and tell Phi that we will be going shortly."

"Sure."

Tau went to fetch Phi, who had inexplicably carved a series of steps into the concrete sidewalk on the other side of the street which led down towards the void.

"My apologies, I will restore it before we leave."

"It's fine. Personally, I think this place needed some new scenery anyway..."

Robert's voice trailed off.

"On a more serious note, the Keeper requests your presence."

"The Keeper, you say. Your connection is still operational?"

"The network is indeed slowly falling apart, but for now, my section is mostly unaffected. I still regularly submit observational data to be archived."

"I see. So, what does his highness request of me this time?"

"I'm not too sure on the details, but it feels like some sort of investigation mission."

"He is aware that I have retired, yes?"

"Don't complain to me. I'm just the messenger."

"Is it urgent?"

"Not very. Just drop by next time you're in Vagus."

"Sure."

By this time, Tau was returning with a smug-looking Phi, who was immediately deflated by a scolding from Kant about those stairs.

"Well, we will be departing now," Kant held up his hand.

"See y'all soon," Robert waved.

Kant deployed his domain, engulfing Phi and Tau, and they popped out of the world, shooting upwards towards the sprawl of light.

Tau held her breath. She had no idea what to expect.

"There is no need to be nervous," Kant reassured her, "These worlds were basically tailor-made to suit you. Simply allow your intuition to take over, and everything will fall into place."

And with that, the three of them entered the light.