A New World, An Immersive Game Experience

'Seems I was right,' Eldrian smiled. "I've also learned a great deal about magic and even crafting. Perhaps I could share this information in exchange for help?"

Silence settled for a moment, followed by a burst of laughter. They all had the same thoughts: 'What could a Tier 5 Chosen know that they did not?' Dwarves were known for their crafting abilities. Only the High Elves could claim better craftmanship, true High Elves.

"A trade of information?" Boran asked after waiting a while to have the dwarves calm down. "I'm afraid you will first have to prove that the information is of use."

"Alright then. Do any of you know of runic casting?" Eldrian asked, about to showcase his ability but stopping at the last moment. "Can I perform some magic?" He asked nervously, realizing that he almost made a terrible blunder. One that could have gotten him killed and any chance of receiving help destroyed.

"You may," Boran replied.

With confirmation, Eldrian paused again, considering the best showcase. 'A barrier is probably the best. Wind formation in circular form superimposed with my visualization of blocking all attacks, perhaps a shock wave upon contact repelling the attacker should do... Mmm, harder than just relying on instincts to form it, but I need to showcase runic casting, not dynamic. It's quite complex, so I will need to make a circuit.'

After taking a moment to compose himself, Eldrian moved his hand through the air. At first everyone was confused, and then absolute shock settled in as the dwarves all saw the very familiar runes floating in the air. Somehow, someway, remaining in place like they were part of the air.

How Eldrian drew the runes all connected was truly strange and soon his appearance seemed to turn hazy as the air fizzled and distorted. Astounded, a few dwarves couldn't help themselves and took a step forward. Eldrian's words reaching them barely in time.

"I wouldn't come too close! I've designed..." Eldrian paused and looked at the magic circuit, thinking, 'Doesn't this kind of look like a magic circle? Perhaps that might work better as a label than 'circuit'.'

"This magic circle, composed of runes, I designed to cover me in a shield of wind. Anything that comes into contact with the circle will be blown away. You are free to test this, but do note that the amount of mana I pushed into the circle is equivalent to a large scale offensive Tier 5 spell."

Eldrian's words, and especially his confidence, caused the dwarves to take a step back. Viggo, who was next to him instead, was looking left and right like a headless chicken. "Umm, is it save for me to be—"

"You're fine. Sadly, the circle is quite simple. I forgot to define the direction. So please don't stray to the edges until I cancel it. I'm not clear on what will happen if you disturb the barrier." Eldrian confirmed that Viggo had calmed down before turning to the barrier in curiosity, 'So sound can travel through without a problem? Is this because of how I visualized it working?'

Viggo hadn't really calmed down. He was actually stuck in place in fear. To Eldrian, using an amount of mana required for a large scale Tier 5 spell was simple—it was simple only for him. Such spells required around 500MP, and most Tier 5 mages only had around 750MP.

Just to have their mana flow to actually cast the spell would be a significant burden, not to mention the mental exhaustion that would follow from the sudden drop in mana inside of them. It was due to this that everyone was staring at the barrier in apprehension. Their gazes focused on the elf standing calmly inside. A hint of fear growing in their hearts.

"A large-scale offensive Tier 5 spell?" One dwarven noble finally asked doubtfully. It defied common sense. There was no way anyone could cast such a spell in just a few seconds. It should take dozens of seconds to simply move the required mana.

"The amount of mana?" Eldrian turned to the questioning dwarf. He wore what Eldrian assumed was the noble wear of Ganalin. Thick clothing almost looking like a gambeson of black, red and blue colors. The black formed the base of the clothing while the red peered out from underneath and the blue shone through engraved decorations, some of which appeared to be active runes. The design wasn't bad, but it didn't look comfortable.

Eldrian continued, "The amount of mana I used is indeed equivalent to what large scale Tier 5 spells would consume. At least, I think it is. But of course I can still increase the amount if it isn't sufficient."

Eldrian said this so casually that for a moment, what he had said didn't register in the surrounding dwarves' minds. When it did, many took multiple steps back. Those who did not thought that Eldrian was boasting, while those who did considered the rumors about him in Pordor when he helped against the reavers. Extrapolating from these rumors, it seemed unlikely that Eldrian was lying.

"Ah yes, you likely want to test its effectiveness. Why don't you throw a Tier 5 spell at it? Of course, we shouldn't forget where we are." Turning to Boran, who peered down from upon his throne, Eldrian asked, "Would it be alright to test the effectiveness of this magic barrier of mine?"

"Yes, but let us not use any fire spells. Wind and fire can quickly run out of control."

"Excellent thinking!" Eldrian smiled and returned his focus to the crowd. "You heard him, but do be careful. I'm not exactly sure how it is going to react since this would be my first time actually using this magic circle design."

Of course, Eldrian's words made the crowd even more nervous. The dwarven nobles were all wary of testing the barrier, while most of them were of decent Tier. All being above Tier 5. Few were experienced with combat and even less experienced with danger.

These here were Boran's direct retainers (the guards and a few select individuals) or the nobles who hid behind their status to avoid being drafted. Many had even sent their heir in their place.

Finally, a dwarf with a graying beard stepped forward. Shaking his head disapprovingly at all the dwarves who had distanced themselves from Eldrian as he moved out of the crowd. These were all nobles who had forced themselves into the meeting to attempt and gain favor from Boran.

How they had heard of it despite the short notice was beyond him and Boran. And now, to showcase their true colors so clearly, it made it even more apparent that they must be removed from all matters. Their incompetence was simply too great.

"Perhaps we should limit the strength of the spell thrown at your barrier, then?" The graying dwarf said, "I shall first send a simply wind blade against the barrier. Please do be on guard for if it cuts through."

Saying so, the dwarf moved his arm and a sent out his spell almost instantly. Eldrian immediately activated mana sense and focused his sight surrounding the dwarf. He didn't spy on the dwarf, but focused where he expected the spell to be. Since wind blades were basically invisible, only a disturbance in the air gave away their location, but there was no way he would be able to see that through his own barrier.

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