n

n

nIt was total chaos, yet Eldrian knew that he couldn't do anything to help. Most of his spells were rendered useless against the flaming skeletons, while in terms of physical strength and speed he and Vivian were both far outclassed.

nLuckily, it seemed that the soldiers had things under control. The number of Flaming Reanimated making it to them wasn't more than a handful, and soon no more arrived. The sounds of battle in the distance also quickly became less and less as the undead were pushed back.

n

"What do you think happened?

" Vivian asked into the air, not aimed at anyone in particular.

n

"Not too sure,

" One of the many soldiers waiting here said,

"From what I heard it sounds like one of the liches went on a killing spree.

"

n

"Right, that is indeed what happened. I was in one of the groups who barely managed to escape.

" A centaur said, his side sporting a massive cut, still bleeding in certain parts. Seeing it, Eldrian quickly cast Anthise and Therapeia on the centaur..

n

"Thanks,

" Immediately the pain became less as he was filled with energy and the wound quickly stopped bleeding. A single Therapeia wasn't enough to heal the wound, but the centaur's own resilience took it from there. Starting the healing process, and while it would be slow, it will heal in a few days.

nNodding, Eldrian then asked how something like this could have happened. How it could have become so bad.

n

"No idea, I just know that we had to run for our lives. Even lost my squad in the rush.

"

nWith no other information available they had quickly settled in to wait for the attack to subside. It was a shocking thing for everyone when they realized that anyone below Tier 5 was basically useless.

nWhile they might be able to assist in the fight, doing so would increase the casualties by an insane amount. Yet, most people were below Tier 5.

nWhen the sun started to rise, everyone finally started slowly returning to the camp after confirming that the attack had been pushed back. Fighting was still ongoing, but this was now between the corruption and camp.

nThe formation masters had also managed to restore the arrays and walls. The arrays had in fact helped at the start of the battle, but were never meant to combat a horde of Unwilling. The uses of the arrays were meant to help against the hordes of weaker undead. It had little effect against stronger ones.

nDuring the wait, Eldrian had gone around to help those who needed healing. At the very least casting Anthise on them to help them recover. It was a draining task, especially with the number of injured. Thus, when everyone started moving back, he instead slid down to the ground to get some rest.

n'Again, I am not strong enough...' Eldrian didn't consider this as a bad thing this time, rather he just had to come to accept it. The entire attack he could do nothing more than hide and wait. Yet, he wasn't alone and this was why he wasn't upset at the fact.

n'I need to do something about it, continuing to try and push on at Tier 3 is not wise. And pushing past Tier 3 is also not going to work.' Eldrian thought again of the little black Alicorn and despite the possible downsides, he realized it would be the best move to go and meet him again.

nEldrian wasn't even sure if Zamia and Agememas were still going to go through with binding their souls. Heck, he still had no idea how it worked. But, it was his best shot at becoming able to protect himself in the war.

n

"Vivian...

" Eldrian paused and wondered whether he should go alone or ask her to come with. After just a moment of hesitation, he decided to go alone. He recalled how dangerous it was to cross the Chaos lands and didn't wish to put her in that situation again.

n

"Do you remember the forest of Avgi?

" Eldrian asked and it took Vivian a few seconds to recall. Nodding her head, she asked why he suddenly brought it up.

n

"I think I should head back there.

"

n

"Why?

" Vivian asked, already understand that he wanted to go alone, and she knew she couldn't go with him. Not without being seen as a deserter.

nDeserters weren't treated as terribly as in most armies, but it was still a stain on one's record that would never be cleared. It would basically make it impossible to ever rise in the ranks, she would always be a footsoldier if she deserted. No matter what heights in power she reached in the future.

nIn fact, in a few days she was required to go back to the front. Her time for healing was up and she knew this would make Eldrian worry and for good reason. Yet, she felt she had to do her best to help where she could.

nEldrian took a moment to explain to her the promise Zamia had made with him. After which he decided to get going.

n

"Evale!

" Eldrian shouted upon seeing her on his way back, atop his eight-legged steed.

n

"Haru,

" Turning to the elf she smiled, while he had yet to turn in his reward for the quest. Most of the leaders knew that he had cleared more than 50 areas on his own. While Evale wasn't a leader, she was one of the top 20 fighters here and thus also heard about it.

n

"I am going somewhere for a bit,

" Eldrian said, leaving the centaurette a little confused. Especially since Eldrian didn't feel like explaining where he was going. Instead, he said he would do his best to return within a week or two at most.

nBefore leaving, Eldrian stopped by Vivian again and the two shared a last meal while wishing each other the best. Eldrian asking her to do her best to survive, even if it meant running away and abandoning her post.

nWith a strange feeling, he started setting out. Using his map to find the shortest route without rivers or mountains in the way. As he galloped at full speed, Eldrian also kept at his training. Using Anthise to keep the Agima at speed and casting spells nonstop.

n...

nEldrian climbed out of the immersion chair and found his balance questionable at best. This, however, was something he just had to go through. As even in the game whenever he climbed down from Ember (the name he had given to his steed) he would often lose his balance.

nHe was doing his best to travel as fast as was possible, meaning he had gone the entire day almost straight. Only stopping to let Ember eat and drink, the barrels Eldrian still had in his inventory were very useful. Making it possible to even ignore searching for ponds or rivers for water.

nAfter getting used to being on his own feet again, Eldrian threw a quick breakfast together and moved down out to get some fresh air. Passing the players he didn't know and finding Elizabeth also outside.

n

"You ready?

" Eldrian asked as he joined her in the shade of the various trees around the entrance to the building.

n

"No.

" Elizabeth replied with a smile,

"But there is no more waiting, is there?

"

n

"Nope,

" Eldrian smiled and looked at the sky.

"Are we meeting in your virtual home as always?

"

n

"Yeah, I just needed some fresh air.

"

n