A New World, An Immersive Game Experience

This certainly wasn't ironclad. Just like the walls could be scaled or flown over, it was possible to go beneath them despite efforts to remove the possibility. And as the city was currently focusing its power on suppressing the enemies still inside, there wasn't much they could do but stay on guard.

A creature efficient at digging was certainly a problem. If it was capable enough, it could pierce through the hardened earth. Certain demons were known for being capable of breaking the walls themselves. There also existed such siege weapons.

However, the siege weapons were outranged by magic towers. 'There must be some of them. I'd expect Vodi or something similar to be present too,' Evale thought, her eyes attempting to peer into the enhanced darkness of the night. The light of the stars unable to reach the ground.

The veil of darkness made it impossible to observe their foes. Its cover would allow such devices or creatures to move within range. 'What is their plan? Or is the entire siege a distraction? Why are things seeming handled?'

Evale had expected much worse, given the reports. The chaos in the city was what she expected on the walls, too. Not this. Not the slow siege, where it appeared more that the enemy was buying time than trying to overwhelm them.

Given that the devils had revealed their hand, most cities were sure to be in chaos. Kynigo had been rescued from it thanks to Eldrian's previous work. And given that, it felt strange that the situation wasn't worse than it was.

She doubted their enemy could attack the entire kingdom. Most likely, the North and East were suffering the most. However, all devils would have to make their escape after this. There had to be more.

Evale sighed as she thought of their lack of information. In such a situation, waiting felt like the wrong option. "Eldrian, how long for you to recover?"

Looking towards Ceph, Eldrian paused. "Give us twenty minutes.'

Perhaps not a shocking time frame, but it was still frightening to imagine that Eldrian could fight again so soon. Of course, most players would regain all their stamina and mana between 10 and 30 minutes. Depending on their gear.

But Eldrian appeared completely bereft of gear. His armor was in tatters, as was his clothing. Nor did it appear that he wore any rings, necklaces, or other magical items. To go back into a fight in such a condition simply seemed like lunacy.

Given his display of might, the surrounding players did not question it. Though Nikki advised Eldrian to change his clothes to retain his modesty. "That's just a waste of money." Eldrian countered, their conversation bringing to light how close he was to nudity.

Just a few more attacks and what remained would fall apart. Despite his words, Eldrian decided to change before moving out. After all, he knew he was being streamed. While this was his avatar and not his actual body, he was comfortable in it and would indeed be embarrassed to have thousands of people see his virtual self naked.

"Right, take this." Evale said, throwing a three mana crystals at Eldrian. Agreeing that he should change. While his new clothes would be ruined again, she knew of instances where people faltered because of their clothes.

Most would be caught up in their adrenaline. But if it made you pause for even just a second, it could still lead to your death.

"Thanks. I'll be sure to use them well." Smiling, Eldrian stored the crystals and looked toward the darkness. Observing the occasional charge as foes and allies fell alike.

'They are certainly up to something... Do they not know that their numbers are known?' Eldrian grinned as he thought of this. Indeed, it would be strange if their enemy knew.

After all, it wasn't like communication over fast distances was a simple thing. It relied on structures such as magic towers or expensive magic items that required a good amount of mana to deliver messages.

Eldrian found it strange just how lacking it was, considering that teleportation was a thing.  'But, given that this world is one that has been tampered with. I guess it isn't too strange that some things appear far more advanced than others. But why is communication so lacking?'

Regardless of the reason, communication was lacking. Which meant even if there were previous enemies who knew of this ability of his. Informing their allies on the other side of the kingdom was unlikely. 'Besides, it is also being kept guarded in the kingdom...'

'Mmm, I can't say it hasn't been leaked. But if it has, they likely think Elizabeth is the source, not me. Does this mean they are stalling us here, trying to keep our focus on the North?'

As soon as the idea hit him, Eldrian shuddered. Expanding his map, he searched all borders for enemies. Zooming in and out repeatedly, until he found three different armies. Eldrian identified a few in each group.

One army was the undead in the east. They were marching on Trigora and Tripeak from Nothernian. Then there was a horde of monsters moving through the vol mountains to the west. And, of course, the north was being attacked in full by a mix bunch of foes.

'Two, what do you think?' Eldrian asked his other half before bringing chaos to the surrounding people.

'The east is something the kingdom would expect. But the west not. Considering the Vol Mountains stretches along the entire forested region and is inhabited by the Volvren dwarves, the kingdom likely believes an attack unlikely from there.'

—

Arriving at the mayor's mansion, Eldrian had changed into a fresh pair of clothes and was soon welcomed by the guards. The player having contacted the mayor having already organized a meeting between them.

Brought to the top of the mansion, Eldrian entered the mayor's study. Finding an elderly lady waiting for him, before her, a massive table spread out with a map of the city. At a glance, it was easy to see the destruction the enemy's surprise had wrought, but things appeared quite contained at the moment.

"I heard you bring news." Her tone was flat, she appeared quite tired.

"Indeed, and it is not good news. I suspect the attack on the north is a distraction."

"Is that so? Are they moving with the undead in the east?" Penthine asked. Appearing aware of this already.

"Indeed, Trigora and Tripeak are already under siege."

Eldrian's information simply made the mayor nod her head. "Seems your ability is the real deal. Is there more to their trap?"

"I'm afraid so. It luckily does not appear the orcs are coming from the southwest, nor are the vampires moving from the drylands. Kynigo is also capable of stopping the undead that are wandering their way from the encroaching."

"Then the west? Or is the middle east also under threat?"

"I've yet to find any foes north of Tripeak in the east. But, sadly, a horde of monsters near a million strong is moving through the Vol Mountains." Eldrian did not know how many there actually were, but that group appeared almost as dense as a city on his map.

He felt a million was a safe bet.

Penthine seemed unable to accept what she had heard. After a while, she sighed. "What part of the Vol Mountains?"

"Around Naraan, but I assume they will head towards Dvereka first."

"And you are sure they aren't marching on the dwarves?"

"I have no certainty. But their numbers suggest trouble, regardless."

"Indeed..." Penthine sighed and mumbled something under her breath. Before taking out a curious magical item, its appearance that of a bird. "Lady Ianthe, I have new information. Please inform the duke as soon as possible..."

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