Eldrian stopped, defeated. Like so many times before he had an idea of what to do but no idea how to accomplish this idea.

It would take time and experimentation. Yet, he also realized that he had been away from Kynigo for too long. So, after being left at a loss he started getting ready to go back.

'Are you sure you want to leave?' Zamia asked, using a mental connection to keep this conversation private.

'Mmmh,' Eldrian mentally nodded, 'I need to go back and see what the situation is. I've been hearing concerning things.'

Eldrian had made sure to always keep in contact with Elizabeth and the others, and as such he knew that the situation with the orcs was not improving in the slightest. Luckily, no knew troubles had popped up near Kynigo. Still, the news of the invasion slowly advancing was troubling.

Zamia mentally acknowledges this, knowing that Eldrian was aware of his limits. He didn't have any grand ideas of stopping the invasion by himself, but he did want to help with what he could where he could. And that was admirable.

Eldrian had been pondering on what he would do for a long time now. Some part of him wanted to just stay with his friends and enjoy the time. However, he couldn't do that knowing everything he did.

Another part of him also wanted to do what he could to help those who were affected by the war, like the maids he had hired. Again, he knew that the time was not right. First, the security of the kingdom had to be ensured.

Continuing to simply learn magic was also not an option, while doing so might help him make advancements quicker, there was no guarantee they will be quick enough. And while there was also no guarantee that he could do much to help in the war, he felt that was the better thing to do.

...

"You're back!

" Vivian smiled and quickly moved to hug Eldrian who had just arrived at the manor he had bought and lent to her.

Smiling, he returned the hug. Knowing that by the end of the week she would have to go back to duty made the hug all the more special.

Luckily, there didn't seem to be much danger. While the two caught up, Ceph instead went ahead to find his friends to play.

After around an hour of just talking, Eldrian decided that he would need to share some of what he had learned with Vivian.

"Wha-what are you saying?

" Vivian stammered as the news was not something she could wrap her head around.

What Eldrian was talking about was something so grand and destructive that even the characters in myths and legends would not be able to stand against it. People from myths and legends!

Eldrian sighed and gave her a few minutes to accept the news that the true danger was not the monsters, demons, and devils. But instead, what they are running from and bringing on themselves.

"How- What can we do?

"

"I'm not sure, but stopping the invasion from spreading will help.

" Eldrian's tone made it clear that he was not going to sit and wait.

"What's your plan?

"

"I don't really have one, but I can't just keep practicing and experimenting. I need to do something.

"

Of course, Vivian was aware of how fast and strong Ceph was. So she did not question how he would get to the other side of the kingdom where the invasion was slowly progressing forward. She also felt that the two of them would be quite the force to be reckoned with.

Eldrian still wanted to push himself more into studying magic and he wouldn't stop trying. He hoped that experience would help him gain some inspiration and naturally he wasn't going to rush to the frontlines recklessly.

What he did instead was catch up with everyone. He visited Myropsis and watched as she was now able to keep semi-control of a Tier 0 spell constantly. She was now at Rank 1, where she was able to alter the spell's flight up to 90% at a time.

She could not instantly halt it or invert the velocity, but it was nonetheless amazing.

Unfortunately, the visit did not give either party inspiration for a breakthrough. Still, it was nice to just talk a bit about magic and their experiences with learning mana control.

After that Eldrian had gone to visit Evale and Evules. He was quite shocked at how large their town, Trowcrawling, had become. It almost gave the feel of a game with it already having houses sprawling into the rest of the Trow forest.

Granted, about a month had passed. Still, the number of buildings that had been built was 'game-like'. Not to mention the defenses, the first wall was being built around two and a half kilometers from the town center. And it was mostly completed, though for now, it was indeed just a wooden wall. But it was a massive seven meters tall and three meters thick.

"Orcs?

" Evale echoed after Eldrian shared the reason why he had come, after sharing some pleasantries and catching up.

Of course, he had also asked Myropsis what she knew but her knowledge was more theoretical than anything. While useful, not of much immediate use to him.

"We don't know much about them, I've only fought a few smaller orc bands a few times. The biggest thing they have going for them is their natural strength and resilience.

"

Evules nodded and added,

"Yes, don't try to fight a war of attrition with them. They have an uncanny natural regeneration and insane stamina. Rather, make sure the damage you do is significant.

"

This had always been Eldrian's philosophy in fighting, regardless he thanked them for the information and after toured the town with Ceph. It was quite interesting how they had incorporated parts of the forest as parks and even temples.

The town almost looked like it was designed by a druid of dryads. Smiling at the thought, Eldrian took a few pictures and shared them with Erik and Elizabeth. Telling them they should come enjoy the sights when they needed a rest or change of pace.

It certainly did not appear like a place built to house the refugees from the war.

...

"Be safe,

" Eldrian said after separating from a long hug.

Vivian nodded and mentally prepared herself again. Today she was going back to duty and Eldrian was going to leave for Amrough.

"I'll try to visit as often as I can,

" Eldrian said but he didn't know how often that would be. He understood from the undead invasion of Pyknos forest just how busy a war could keep you. And this time his role would not be to figure out a solution to an unknown but to simply fight.

After a few more minutes, the two finally headed their separate ways. As Eldrian and Ceph walked towards a nearby park to set of from -so as to not scare passersby- Ceph asked.

"Is she your crush?

"

Eldrian smiled at the silly question. It truly helped lift his mood a bit and allowed him to not think of the difficult time to come. Eldrian only replied after they reached the park.

"Yes, yes she is.

"

AN: A big thank you to everyone who continues to read and support the story on WN.