Looking at the seemingly useless rock, Blake hoped that their logic for summoning the Administrator would work. As a former scientist, there were many organisms that they were familiar with. A category known as extremophiles could be bought in the store. These tough little microorganisms could live anywhere. From space, to volcanoes, even human armpits could house these complex lifeforms with little to no harm. However, a sample of roughly 10,000 of them cost 1,000 system points! While they could definitely violate whatever strange code the Counsel had set, that was too much for Blake! It took a century just to passively earn a single system point! Exploring the entire world netted a measly 100 points and surviving the world changing asteroid was 10,000 points! Despite the kindness of the local Administrator, it felt that their gift of 1,000,000 points was a sore spot for the System. But it felt more like System was just stingy to begin with.
So, something else that could still violate the code at minimal cost was needed. The hunch that Blake had was that outside influences for a planet's natural evolution couldn't be brought into the world. Even books were comprised of paper, which had complex organic chemistry and structures that weren't found on this dead burning sphere. If the theory that complex life arose after the bombardment of asteroids carrying water and protein building blocks was true, then how many billions of years of evolution could be skipped by Store purchases? Blake had to search through the store with this in mind at a minimal cost.
Purchasing animals, even pets, costs thousands or even tens of thousands of points. There were even mythical creatures like dragons and phoenix that cost near 100,000 points for an egg! Obviously these wouldn't work, so Blake started looking at plants. These were much more reasonable at hundreds or more points to start out with. The majority of them even came in pots with dirt, so it seemed that sustainable harvesting was the norm. However, this was still too expensive! This pay-to-win system was merciless! Only spending a single point would do.
This is how the moss covered rock was found. Either it was either supposed to be an ornament or strange basic ingredient. But it still fell under Blake's needs. Moss was still a complex organism compared to things like plankton and protozoa. Perhaps because it was useless that it was so cheap. Either way, as the rock was purchased, the System gave out the warning.
"System Notice: Participants has violated Rule 66002 mandated by the Council. An Administrator has been contacted for further punishment."
Had anyone seen how gleeful Blake was at this warning, any onlooker would think that they were a masochist. Yet not even three seconds had passed before a familiar voice popped in.
"Rules violation? How? Are you pulling my leg, System? There's no one around here on this planet save for some primitive Lava Snakes. Who's breaking the rules? I've got a Magic Sun going supernova in a few decades and I need to ensure the explosion can seed other star systems." The cheerful voice had taken a pouting tone as it had been bothered at a critical time. Sensing the confusion, Blake spoke up first.
"Greetings Administrator. I apologize for the disruption. I've had a lot of questions this last century and only just found out a method of contacting you. I'm willing to take a punishment if required, but beg you mercy in light of my predicament."
Taking an almost comical attitude with the Administrator, Blake spoke as if they were a peasant in front of a king. Inwardly, they were hating every word coming out of their mouth. Not knowing how the Administrator would act to blatant rule breaking, it was prudent to be cautious.
"...Who are you and why are you talking like that? Wait, Blake?!" Instead of scorn, only surprise was in the Administrator's voice.
"Yes? That is me."
"Why are you a rock? You were a level 3 organism before your reincarnation! How is this even- SYSTEM!!! What did you do? Explain yourself." The fury that Blake was expecting finally came, only it was directed to an unexpected place.
"Query acknowledged. System was given prerogative by Administrator to ensure Participant survival for the 24 hour grace period. Before introduction of the Magic Source Meteor, limited options available prompted use of soul trimming of Participant. All major senses were removed, as well as former muscle memory to fit Participant's soul in current form. Growth of Participant is nearing limit, even with highly saturated magical environment present." The system responded uncaring towards the Administrator's outburst.
"Given by Administrator? So...this is my fault? Shouldn't you have been a little more gentle, System? Sigh, no matter what's done is done. It's not like I can use New Form again now." Sorrow crept into the Administrator's voice as their inexperience led to an unexpected consequence.
"You can't give me a New Form perk again? Why not? What should I do now if I can't?"
"Well…" Administrator hesitated before continuing. " It has to do with the soul trimming mentioned earlier. You see, the New Form perk requires all previous experience to be reset and be molded to the new form. Imagine a soul's growth over the course of its lifetime. When it is born, it is small. But as more skills, perks, and experience is gained, the soul evolves. New Form is like taking a fully grown apple tree and shoving it into a seed. Obviously, a lot of stuff needs to be cut out before you have room to do that. Take the Former Memories perk. That keeps a portion of the soul instead of wiping it out. The more retained, the more work it is to transfer Participants souls. Up to a point at least.
As for what to do next, I dunno! But whenever I need to pass the eons, I just take a nap! Well, I'm a pro napper now, so I can just zone out for millennia at a time. You're next to this nice Mana Geyser, so it's a great place to sleep. Maybe something will change for you as well if you do. You've got plenty of points, so just get that skill and practice your magic."
The lengthy explanation answered many of the concerns that Blake had. Now knowing that New Form was possible, but at the cost of all of the experience that Blake had gained was a conundrum. Would they really want to toss away all of their hard earned skills and perks? Shuttering inwardly at all the pain they went through, the answer was clear. Rocks were cool! Built-in immortality, a tough body, and the envy of every kid's first rock collection.
Voicing again towards the Administrator, Blake asked.
"So no punishment for breaking the rules? Are there any others that I need to know?"
"Oh, yes punishment! Well, given the circumstances, I'll just knock your Telekinesis down a few levels. As for rules, the main one is to maintain balance. Jumping past the natural evolution of things like what you did, glassing a planet of all life, and other things like that. Since I didn't give you an explanation earlier, I reset your demerits. Oh, and you can reach me through this module. You're my first Participant, so any feedback can help me be a better Administrator. See ya!"
With the cheery voice disappearing, Blake suddenly felt like a void was ripping off a piece of their soul. The pain only lasted for less than a millisecond, but it was enough to make the volcano torture seem like child's play. Gasping, a System notice rang out.
"Participant's skill, Telekinesis, has been decreased by two levels in accordance to Administrator punishment. Levels may be regained."
After refocusing their attention to the surroundings, Blake realized that this might be the best place to nap and train. The Administrator wasn't shy to suggest it, and the magic pouring out may have given birth to the fire elementals in the magma lake. Just being here would be extremely beneficial. Here would be Blake's new home. At least for now. As the saying goes, a rolling stone gathers no moss.