Chapter Five: The Type Tower

His physical body had not entered the tower; his outline was assembled from projections, an administrator badge hanging on his chest. Bai Mi stood one level below, her silver dress sharpened by the well's wind. “At last,” Shen Zhuo said. “I've looked for that hand for twelve years.” Gu Yan blocked the port. “You knew about manifestations.” “I knew work could live. I didn't know where the creator permissions were hidden. You are useful, Gu Yan. You open files no one else can.” Bai Mi stared at the hand, pale as paper. “Close it.” She was not afraid of deletion. She was afraid of the hand. Shen Zhuo raised his badge. Every layer bearing his credit jumped to the top. The well's walls closed around Gu Yan.