A New World, An Immersive Game Experience

"Even so, I still don't understand what you are, Two." Turning to Ziraili, Eldrian paused. "AI, gods, artificial life. That I wrap my head around. But what are you? You were a part of me, but now... you're not?"

"You really don't need to think about it." Two confessed, "It is like asking what a human is."

"And I have an answer for that!" Eldrian countered.

"True. You do..."

"Perhaps the best choice is to consider Two like a fragmented self. Imagine a part of your soul splitting apart. At first, it was reliant on the rest of you to even remain in existence, requiring a deep connection where your thoughts were linked."

"However, as you grew stronger, Two also grew. And as you lessened your connection, he formed a sense of self. In short, he became less reliant and formed his own existence. However, he is still a part of you. He cannot live outside your soul."

'Does that...' Eldrian paused, deciding to rather ask his question than just ponder it. "Are you saying I created life?"

"In a sense, yes. You can consider the process similar to mitosis."

'This doesn't make sense... no, I guess I more can't believe something like this. I still believe life is something sacred and the idea of creating it divine... but why? Miracle did it with the AI, the AI did it with all the natives of Gaia...'

Eyes lighting up in realization, Eldrian looked between the only other entities in his soul and asked, "Is this how you created the natives of Gaia?"

Ziraili smiled. "It is not quite that simple. But you idea is not wrong. Of course, this was before my time. I know that the so called higher races were created in this manner. Those of mythical classification, or higher."

"So, that's why..." Eldrian fell into thought. At least he now understood why some races could live for eternity and others only a hundred years or even less.

There was still the question of how they could live so long. Ashliel's circumstances were still clear in Eldrian's mind. 'Is their sense of time diluted? Can they pass hundred, even thousands of years as if in a dream, and then in crises focus on timeframes as short as days?'

While these questions were fascinating, Eldrian knew now was not the time to dive into them. "I've been sensing recently that our coordination has become lacking."

"Yes, I apologize for that." Two bowed as a form of apology. "I've been exploring what I can and can't do. Since we absorbed the lich, I've been noticing changes. Especially when I was processing it."

'I totally just threw that work at him.'

"No, don't think I am upset about it. I think it would be best if going forward you consider me similar to the AI. And in our soul I have admin privileges."

"Huh? What does that mean?"

"It means while I have certain control over our soul, I cannot do anything too drastic. For example, I can't make an entire world." Pointing to their surroundings, Two emphasized this feat. Of course, he had helped back then. But it was Eldrian's permission that allowed him to.

"I still don't really get it. This is all so... strange..." Although he still had many things to ask, Eldrian felt they had dawdled long enough. "How are we going to move forward?"

"For now, I think it would be best to leave the magic to me." Two replied. "Your focus has been... somewhat distracted."

"All of the magic?" Eldrian asked, not going to argue the distracted part. He knew Two was more proficient than him. It was part of the reason he wanted to mind link. To catch up on everything Two has learned from all the books Eldrian threw at him.

However, even though the situation might be dire, Eldrian did not want to force a mind link onto Two. Especially if it would bring forth adverse affects for one or both of them.

"Naturally not. However, I would like to manage the spells that we use the mana in our soul for. While you use the mana in our avatar to support you in a fight. When needed, I can refuel the avatar. And else wise, I will act in a supportive capacity."

"Have you no further questions for me?" Ziraili asked, noting that the two were planning to return to the world and aid the city. She found this turn of events rational, but questionable. After all, she had promised to answer all questions forthright.

"I do, but now is not the time." Eldrian replied, "And I am sure Two wants to know what divinity is, or be given some... if that would be possible?"

"Then we shall talk again when things are calmer." Ziraili said, making to leave.

—

"It appears you have woken. That is much faster than I expected. We've sent someone to take over the tower. They should arrive shortly." Penthine smiled gently. While Eldrian's initial arrival had been quite the problem, it had allowed them to gain the advantage.

However, Eldrian did not reply. He seemed focused elsewhere, and shockingly, he was not focused on the now harmonic magic crystals. 'Does he not care for it, or...?'

As feared, Eldrian was focused on another topic. "I did not expect them to have these numbers..." On his map, Eldrian saw the map filled with red. Somehow, well over ten thousand elites had passed the frontline.

—

"How could you throw me off!?" Elizabeth yelled as soon as she caught up with Ceph.

"I made sure you won't die. Besides, you're a Chosen, aren't you? Even if you died, it would only have meant losing some experience." Ceph defended himself.

"You!? Could you not at least have warned me?!"

"Talking in my natural form required me to use magic. I was otherwise preoccupied. Wasting time to convey my message would have let the opportunity slip."

"Then do the telepathic message thing!" Elizabeth roared, not willing to back down. She had seen her life flash before her eyes.

In that moment, she had forgotten all about being inside a game. Flailing and screaming at Ceph as she plummeted through the air. She had truly thought she would die. An experience she had not had in the game since way back when she was still a noob.

"You are not accustomed to it. And you miss most of the messages I send."

"You've sent more than one?"

"I've sent five during our flight. But you heard nothing. Your mental state is too chaotic."

Elizabeth found Ceph's tone rather rude, but she couldn't argue that she had been in full on panic during the entire flight. After all, she had nearly died because Ceph didn't account for the effect such sudden acceleration would have on her body.

As a mythical creature, Ceph did not even notice the danger. And Eldrian, the special case that he was, also never even mentioned it.

"Besides, it worked out in the end, didn't it?" Ceph pushed on, determined that he was right.

Grumbling, Elizabeth decided she would let it slide for now. After all, they were still on the battlefield. And while she and Ceph had been arguing, others had died. Moving to provide aid where she could, Ceph did the same.

Both, however, paused as they received a message from Eldrian.

'Ceph, I need you to come pick me up.'

[Elizabeth, heres the current situation. Their forces are far more than expected. I've done a quick scan of the west, and there weren't many Tier 7s. I'll focus there, share this with the players. I already informed the mayor, but a more detailed report would be handy.]

[Can't you... Fine...]

'On my way. You still in the same tower?'

'Yeah.'

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:)