A New World, An Immersive Game Experience

Eldrian simply stayed where he was. He watched as the soldiers at Tier 5 and above who would normally be captains of a squad at the minimum, rushed into the front lines.

How those who normally led, were now just another soldier. And how only those at Tier 7 and above had the right to form a squad. Though, for the most part, things were too chaotic for them to actually manage this properly.

At most, the captains would pick a commander or general they are acquainted with and follow them. Partly to try and maintain some semblance of military order, but mostly in the hopes of avoiding death.

With the liches all pressing forward, everyone knew that not only would their death be a true one. Given the scale of the battle, this was likely the case even without them. However, the liches added the fact that their deaths would add to the enemy's numbers.

No one wanted to become an unwilling betrayer. Undeath itself was scary enough, not to mention the possibility of killing their friends.

Eldrian watched all this in silent reflection. He did not rush forward because he knew he couldn't do much, nor could Ceph. They might be able to kill a few, especially some of the weaker Unwilling. However, the danger was far too great.

He watched and didn't feel that he was too weak. He watched and simply tried to learn, tried to make sense of how thousands fought thousands.

He watched to learn how despite spells destroying entire areas covering double-digit meters, that did nothing to sway the flow of the battle.

'It is insane how much must be constantly considered in such a battle.'  He realized that he had always tunnel-visioned.

He had tried his best to help where he could, but he would almost instantly get himself killed if he tried this here. He realized that battles before Tier 5 and after were simply on a different level.

After a few minutes, Eldrian managed to overcome his shock and realization. With his mind becoming less occupied he started to worry about his friends.

He believed that Elizabeth and the others should be fine, in fact, he had gotten replies from them so that should be right.

However, Evale was in the thick of it. So was Pelaros, Katania... 'Vivian, I hope you managed to escape the fight.'  Eldrian thought and recalled when he had made a stop in Kynigo.

'She was so sad... But also so proud. And my feelings at that time, where so...'  Eldrian smiled as he recalled holding the baby in his arms. Little Zedion, named after his father.

'She cried but hadn't allowed her emotions to overcome her. She is truly a great woman, a great mother.' Eldrian thought, wondering if he would have managed to recollect himself so quickly if he were to someday hear his wife had died.

'Granted, she had expected it. Most people in this world accept that death is normal. However... It must have been hard, and I was certainly no help back then.' Eldrian smiled as he recalled how Ceph had been better than him at making Ziraili smile after the news.

Rubbing the little alicorn's head next to him, Eldrian's smile grew.  'He was great, I was so stuck in the emotions that weren't even my own. He, however... He realized her pain and knew just how to distract her.'

Eldrain's sights turned to the battle again, by now the number of the undead was around half of that of the army. The newly turned undead were often killed before they could stabilize, making this tactic of the liches quite useless.

Outside of the forest, far away, a group of dwarves clad in full black armor was fighting a figure whose only description could be that of a death knight.

They fought desperately to keep him contained, struggling greatly to not allow him to escape. The surrounding hills and grasslands turned into scraps from their fight.

That, however, is another fight. The one before Eldrian and his recall and realization made him realize something crucial.

'I-I think what I have is a mix of a friendship and a crush. It certainly isn't the love that Medion had for his wife. And for the most part, I have been pushing down the crush part and focusing on our friendship.'

'But... Is that what I want?'  Eldrian looked at the battle and he realized that he truly had no idea what he would do if he heard Vivian had died in the chaos.

'It will certainly hit me harder than with Sabrea... But... Is that all?'  The topic however was not a fun one to even consider. It formed a bit in his stomach and gripped at his heart, squeezing it so much that he would swear he was having a heart attack.

Eldrian sighed, 'Hey Ceph, have you ever had a crush?'

'Ah crush?' Tilting his head sideways, the little alicorn looked at Eldrian in utter confusion.

The question was so out of the blue, and the timing was just downright terrible. There was a massive battle happening before their eyes for goodness sake.

'No, why?' Ceph replied, wondering if he should have had one by now. He shook his head to clear the strange thoughts that were now filling it.  'No, normally that only happens after we reach Tier 4'

For magical creatures, their Tier is normally not based on their talent, but rather their age. This is especially true for the stronger beasts. As such, normally they use Tier instead of age to classify growth stages.

Tier 1 to 2 is basically a toddler, Tier 3 and 4 childhood, with Tier 5 being late teens and Tier 6 being early adult life.

'It is silly, just forget it.' Eldrian replied, slightly blushing as he wondered just why he thought Ceph would have advice for him on what to do.

After a few seconds of feeling awkward, Eldrian decided to change the subject.  'It seems like the battle is going well at least.'

'Of course, without the Oni the undead are all much weaker.'

'True, though the magic tower also makes a massive difference. It keeps them from grouping together, and also stops them from trying to surround the army. It basically allowed the soldiers to decide how they want to fight.'

Ceph nodded, not caring much about the tactic. While the magic tower was great and all, it was quite lacking compared to his parents. And as such, it didn't really seem great to the little alicorn.

'Right, I am quite curious. When do you think you will reach Tier 4?' Eldrian asked and Ceph misunderstood.

'Why-why? Do you want me to get a crush?'

Hearing the silly reply, Eldrian couldn't help but have a laugh escape as his smile grew to its max.

'Not at all. We need to become stronger, I plan to practice a great deal and improve as quickly as I can. But, how does it work for you?'

Ceph didn't reply right away, he pondered on it for a moment. 'Actually, since we bonded and you reached Tier 4, I have felt this pull on my mana. No, pull isn't the right word.'

'It is more like an itch. I think if I wanted I can try to break through, but...'

'What is it?'

AN: A big thanks to everyone who continues to support this novel on WN.