Meaning behind Save system?

[alone in the town]

Sure, but the longer letter wouldn't require nine literal pieces of paper, either. The red square feels like more of an abstract symbol of the letter, rather than a direct, physical manifestation. The letter, itself, is massively important. It is the purported catalyst of the entire adventure, it (very quietly) hints at its own true nature as it degrades over time. I can see the expanded collection of red squares at the end to hint at the unabridged version of the letter which awaits, and that brings everything to a climax.

[Droo]

Sure, but the longer letter wouldn't require nine literal pieces of paper, either. The red square feels like more of an abstract symbol of the letter, rather than a direct, physical manifestation. The letter, itself, is massively important. It is the purported catalyst of the entire adventure, it (very quietly) hints at its own true nature as it degrades over time. I can see the expanded collection of red squares at the end to hint at the unabridged version of the letter which awaits, and that brings everything to a climax.

Hey, what happened to Ryantology?

[alone in the town]

Never heard of him!

[Droo]

He smelled funny.