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nEven after having come to this conclusion, Eldrian did not know what it meant. He did not know what he needed to do to actually manage to live in both worlds. He felt his current approach was decent but certainly not great. That is if he stopped treating the game world as a game and more as a second reality.

nWhat does this mean for me? Eldrian wondered as he looked at the streams flowing, considering only two. One being his life on Earth, and the other his life here in ANW and on Gaia.

nFollowing Zamia's words, he realized that the more effort he placed into one, the less the other would have. It was common sense, but one could easily convince oneself that it was not true. That both would still stay equal.

nHe also realized that like she had said, due to this some things unexpected might happen.

nAs she said, it might not be bad. Eldrian told himself, thinking about the money he had made in tips and the talk he would soon have with the representative. Realizing that he needed to try and gain as much as he could during that talk.

nThe best option would be if he could make a living through the game. Yet at the same time, Eldrian did not want to stop his studies. While they certainly were less interesting than magic, they were still interesting. He enjoyed his classes and so far he had been doing good. Granted most of the things they had covered were still just the basics. But he did not want to stop going to university.

nI just don't have enough time. Eldrian felt this stayed true, be it in the game world or IRL.

nAt this point, it was not like he had forgotten the two deaths his actions had caused. He did not know if he ever would, but he realized that it was something outside of his control. While his actions did lead to it, he did not wish for it. This comforted him greatly, being able to tell himself that it was not his fault. At least not directly.

nHe would try his best to never cause something like this again, but Eldrian did not know if he would be able to. He knew what war was, while he had never lived it nor experienced it. He knew what to expect, and it certainly was not a safe place.

nI think this is enough self-reflection. Eldrian told himself. He did not know the answers, but that was alright. He at least knew the questions now. This he felt was already a large step forward in the right direction.

nGiving the spring one more glance, he wondered what made it special. But this thought only flashed through his mind for a second, quickly replaced by what needed to be done.

nHeading towards Zamia and Agamemas, he asked aloud,

"How can I become stronger, quickly.

"

nMost of those in the group turned towards him, Zamia leaving to talk to Eldrian. 'That is not a simple thing to ask, becoming stronger is not something which just comes to a person. It takes time.'

n'I do not have time.' Eldrian replied, frustrated that the game had not released months earlier. Giving players some time to get used to the game.

n'True, you do not have much time. You also still need to finish the mission of bringing your friend back.'

nEldrian mentally stumbled upon being reminded of this, having for a moment only wished to become stronger and forget about the rest.

n'I suggest that you finish that first, and seeing as you no longer need to clear the caves... I will go save the woman held captive there, but you will be responsible for bringing them to safety. This forest will soon become a battlefield and thus can't be called safe.'

nEldrian did not quite understand the last part, feeling that it was still far off. But he completely agreed to the first, glad that Zamia was going to save them.

nHe did not know if he would be able to ask the others to place themselves in danger for some strangers. He certainly would not have asked, only letting them know about it and then giving the choice to them.

nYet it would have caused him to feel guilty, placing such a burden on them. After thanking Zamia for the favor, he and she talked about what would be best for him to grow.

n'I think it would be for the best if you go finish your mission. Then find a way to come back here, I am willing to help you further. Or rather, I know of a place where elves live. I can take you there.'

nEldrian did not jump on this, realizing that this was the train option he had thought of earlier. Where he would leave everyone to go get stronger. He would have gladly chosen this if he knew that those he left would be safe, but this was not even remotely close to a certainty. It was almost certain that the opposite would happen.

n'That sounds great, but I can't go for long. I can't let them fight alone.' Eldrian replied, looking at the group as he said this. He felt that doing this would mean giving up on them. While it might work and be a great hero's journey, he did not wish for that. He would rather fight with them, doing his best to help at all times.

n'The other option is that you go back and only come back here once you reach Tier 3. This way will take you far longer, and you might not be able to return at that time. Yet I can't bind your soul with Cephaphyr before you manage to reach Tier 3.'

n'That... That is unfortunate,' Eldrian replied, feeling down that he would lose such a great companion. It would be the only in-game character who he would be able to take on any mission, both their lives assured thanks to the binding.

nHe still felt that it was better to go and fight. Not doing so felt like a cowardly approach to him.

n'In that case, I can't just leave you to your own devices. If I did then it would take you ages to reach Tier 3. So why don't I explain to you what I know of elves and all other types of magics. Be it used by High Elves, demons, devils, beasts, or humans. It is going to take some time though, so first go and tell everyone what is going on.'

nEldrian did as Zamia said, as he turned to head to everyone, she took to the sky. Having no reason to delay saving the women any longer.

nArriving at the group Eldrian first looked in on Vivian, who by now was completely healed. Seeing her lying curled up into a ball, clearly cold, Eldrian again felt dumb to no have packed a blanket. He would for sure use a large part of his inventory for camping equipment next time. He had only thought about food and water since he logged off when he needed to rest.

nHence camping equipment was useless for him, but it was not for others. He also made a mental note to not just have spare clothes for himself, he would try and get some unisex clothing for others. They did not have dimensional storages, and could not really afford to carry so much during missions.

nWhile they were part of the army this would not be a problem, since there was an entire division focused on this stuff. There were also some companies in each division that took care of it for their division.

nAfter having his regret and looking once more at her tattered clothing, Eldrian stood up and turned to the rest. Explaining to them that Zamia had gone to finish their task and rescue the women still inside the caves. He also told everyone that it would be their task to take care of these women after.

nNo one had a problem with this, they were already grateful that the Alicorns would help them save them. All of them would have felt terrible quilt if they left them, yet entering the caves again was too dangerous for their little group. Not without a better reason.

nThe party knew this would make their return journey even harder, but none of them thought of giving up on the women just because of that. That would be like spitting in the Alicorn's face, since she would be saving them.

nEldrian then explained that Zamia would be teaching him about magic, and that he did not know how long it would take. As such he told everyone to get comfortable, giving them some meat to prepare for everyone. The unknown number of girls too, this left Eldrian with none to spare. But he did not mind, he was certain there were edible plants in the forest. They had just never bothered to look since they were focused on other things and he had an easier option at hand.

nHaving settled this Eldrian started meditating as he waited for Zamia to return, finding that doing so was easier again. Surprised he quickly looked at his affinity again, finding that it did increase again. Not as much, he remembered it to be 97.1- and now it was 97.21%.

nA slight increase, but the effect on mana control was large. This time he made sure to note this number down, using one of the note-taking functions of the system. Something he had never bothered to use before.

nSpending a few minutes to get used to the change, Eldrian pushed to see how much he could do now. Finding that he could add the mana flow to his hands, but not his fingers nor his feet.

nThis was because when it reached his hands it split into many parts, which he struggled to maintain. Keeping this going for just a few seconds caused him to start sweating from the effort.

nHe continued to do this until Zamia returned, which did not take long. She came back within an hour, around thirty ladies following her. At which point Eldrian could keep the mana flowing for a full ten seconds.

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