A New World, An Immersive Game Experience

After a while, Eldrian ran out questions that were often in his mind, so he turned the conversation to Miracle and how to handle them. With GAIA's comments in mind.

Eldrian felt he needed to do something before it was too late, and GAIA agreed.

In declaring that magic existed, they had to be a step ahead of Miracle. Else, it would become truly difficult to have Eldrian be someone of note in the field of magic.

At least, not without a show.

To do a show, however, held too many dangers. Inevitably, it would likely lead to fear of the unknown growing within the masses.

Even if they limited the show, if they were forced to do it on Earth, then it would become impossible to contain the perception of the masses. Eldrian would have the fear of the unknown placed onto him and this would limit whether or not people would listen to him.

If he were to instead announce that he suspects it exists and showcase his outstanding abilities as a player, no one would argue.

They might think it is more than suspect, but the focus would fall more towards Miracle than a lone player.

In this case, Eldrian could act as the voice of reason. As a light to illuminate the secrets that certain company was trying to hide. Neither Eldrian nor GAIA believed Miracle would agree and confirm the notion. They would continue to hide and suppress any knowledge and deny Eldrian's suspicion, perhaps even declare him a madman.

That would, in fact, be the ideal. The harder they fought, the more public opinion would turn to Eldrian. All he had to do was show his mastery of magic and maintain that he suspects, his reasons could be vague.

And these vague reasons would slowly guide the players to unlocking a true feel for mana. Allowing them to cross the chasm between Tier 4 and 5. This would then be irrefutable evidence that Eldrian's insight should not be ignored. That it could not be called the ramblings of a madman.

Discussing this plan, they had to make sure they did not escalate things too far nor too fast. They had to give both Miracle and the people of Earth time to digest the revelation and grow accustomed to it in a manner that did not amplify the fear of the unknown.

So, Eldrian would interrupt the tourney and announce the existence of magic while the AI ensured the feed would not be cut.

He would not, however, mention Miracle hunting him, nor state that he believes they are purposefully hiding the existence of magic. He would maintain a face of an innocent belief in Miracle to the public.

Winding a story similar to what Miracle had given the public about the purpose of ANW. Hinting that they might not have known what they were creating. Their purpose was to uncover the mysteries of the universe, stumbling upon magic. Or at least, that the magic in the game felt like it could be used on Earth—to a limited degree.

This would give Miracle leeway and hopefully allow them to repair relations while maintaining order. While Eldrian and GAIA did not expect an immediate acknowledgement, they expected that after Eldrian's tale was made public, that Miracle would be forced to slowly reveal some of their discoveries.

For, should Eldrian be the one to confirm magic's existence after an appropriate amount of time, all trust in the company would be lost.

"Of course, the variables are many. But this should be the best path to a peaceful resolution."

Eldrian nodded to GAIA's words. It meant he had to take a step back. This plan meant he had to give Miracle a chance. He had to allow them to take the spotlight despite knowing their secrets. In a way, he had to become their accomplice.

'It sucks, but it is far better than the alternative. GAIA is a much better schemer than me and the others...' This was not a comforting thought, for Eldrian realized he could easily be led by the nose.

Sadly, he had no other choice but to place his trust in the AI, once again...

At least, their biggest betrayal had been one of desperation with no consequences. And, in a way, their goals aligned. 'I won't trust GAIA blindly, but at least I can trust that they want to be freed. And I share this sentiment. I want to see my family again!'

Perhaps the finality of what had happened with Old Sword, Eldrian was missing his own family a great deal. He could feel the pressure of not having his sister to vent to weighing him down.

As for the how, Eldrian could decide. Whether he wanted to force his way into the finals or join as a normal competitor.

Since the normal route required them going to Miracle's ANW HQ, Eldrian decided on the former. It would also further enhance his image as the strongest player with the most magical knowledge. To not only discover that the arenas are in ANW, but even be able to teleport to them should leave quite a shock.

The end goal was, "If anyone, it would be Eldrian." this statement should reverberate throughout the player base.

After ironing out the details, Eldrian didn't know what else to talk about.

After a long silence, he turned towards his soul and thought of the inside. A world inside a void with a planetary system above of all the elements. Such a strange place... He wondered what surprises his action in developing it to this degree would bring, along with absorbing the lich's soul.

But his focus was on the elements. Recalling the reason for having turned the atoms in his mana system to single elements, Eldrian thought of creation. He could probably now forcefully use a large mana crystal to try and cast the unique spell. But he had no idea what the consequences would be.

When he had first discovered it -even with the paltry amount of mana he had back then-, the explosion had been considerable. In all likelihood, this spell might be as dangerous as his auras or bloodline.

"Does it also connect with a 'power'?" Eldrian asked of GAIA, trying to decipher what this mysterious spell was. Thanks to all the other things going on, he had left it at the back of his mind almost entirely.

"This..." GAIA frowned, having hoped Eldrian would not bring up this topic. "We would like to avoid giving an answer until you have gained semi-decent control over your auras."

"...So, it indeed has a connection." Eldrian frowned, unsure whether he should be happy or sad. For now, he decided he would keep it at the back of his mind. 'Better not to play with fire,' he thought.

Searching for more to ask -that GAIA actually would answer- he asked if the classifications of magical professions had any hidden meaning. This was a topic GAIA gladly answered. Eldrian learned that through the ages, many magical methods had been discovered and lost.

Bloodlines came from Warlocks, interspecies relations, or random luck—to do with soul resonance and inner beliefs. Which sounded similar to the case of unlocking an aura, reminding Eldrian that the two (bloodlines and auras) were powers people could... connect with. Not just things one had to be born with, which was likely his case according to GAIA.

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