A New World, an immersive game experience

"I hear we are to thank you for tonight," Pelaros said, having followed the reports to try and figure out what the hell had happened. They were ready for another grueling fight against the undead, while the miasma bombs landed on them and the city indiscriminately. 

Instead, the fighting ended halfway just as the barrier fell. The undead retreating with their tails between their legs. 

"Yeah, I picked up a few things recently." Eldrian nodded, finally stable after Ceph continually healed him for nearly ten minutes straight. The damage was more than just HP, SP, and MP. Rejuvenation and healing stabilized those while Eldrian's mind tried to stabilize itself. 

The chaos left behind from such extreme hatred and then a sudden absence of those same emotions was not something easy to handle. It left his mind in a chaotic mess of random thoughts, pains, and fury.

"We can't rely on it" Eldrian added after a few seconds. 

"What?! How can you say-"

"I'm dead serious! Don't expect me to be able to cast it again." Eldrian looked Pelaros square in the eyes, his gaze affecting the much higher Tiered centaur. Causing him to shiver as to what Eldrian could be this concerned about. 

"It is time that you all learn the truth," Eldrian said, telling them to come to his mansion with all the commanders and leaders of the city. Of course, he wasn't going to share that this was a simulation, he didn't want them to enter an existential crisis. However, he did need to explain things.

...

'Well, that sure is a quick way to get my levels back and more.' Eldrian almost felt like laughing, if only the situation wasn't as dire. 

With that attack, he had killed around fourteen thousand lower undead (skeletons and zombies), and a thousand vampires, give or take a few dozen. Eldrian certainly wasn't going to complain that all the spells that he had affected had counted as him working with someone to achieve the kills. 

All in all, he had gained 2 billion XP. A mind-boggling amount, but only enough to shoot him up to level 36. Though he was just 12M short of the next level.

With such a massive jump, Eldrian now had 40 free attributes to spend. However, conscious of the consequences of being underdeveloped he didn't plan to ever have less than 20 free attributes in the bank, 25 once he reached Tier 5. 

As such, he had twenty he could spend now. And he immediately spent them on agility (347 -> 368)*. As always, he understood that not being hit was better than taking a hit well. And he had never lacked damage. 

Spirit magic also did not rely on any attribute, and while he did not want to rely on it. As a trump card, it was certainly most useful. 

This was not the end of things, midst the ten thousand kill notifications he had also gained two new titles and an option, a shocking option. One he was afraid of but slightly inclined to take. 

[Title gained: Manipulator of Chaos]

[Through continually making use of the aspect of Chaos in a controlled manner, you have gained a deeper understanding of Chaos than most ordinary beings. Chaos has no rules, no limits. Yet, it can be contained.]

['Feed upon mine own emotions'; that has been your policy. Bringing order to Chaos, placing a limiter on Chaos-- Your life]

[Continue to use Chaos and your future will become even more confusing, even more unpredictable.]

[Title gained: Sharer of Wrath]

[Overwhelmed by your anger, you have unconsciously released your aura of wrath in a non-destructive manner. Instead of letting it consume you, you let it influence those around you. Multiplying your own and their hate many times over in a type of self-feeding loop.]

[Ability gained: Aura leak]

[Release a small amount of your aura's power, influencing those around you. With time you might be able to target it, and even share the strengthening effect of your aura with your allies. Or even use it to instill fear into those you face.]

[However, beware! If your allies cannot maintain their sense of self they will become lost to wrath. Entering a bloody rage, wishing to kill all who enter their path of destruction.]

'That's useful, but dangerous...' Eldrian was on the fence about if he should be happy about this or not. However, the true problem was the option after the titles. 

[Eldrian, if you wish to continue on this path, be warned: There will be no turning back. However, if you want to fight destiny, then this will be how.]

[<Hidden Class Quest Unlocked; Kosmos>]

'Kosmos, what the hell does that even mean?' The natural assumption was that it had something to do with the word 'cosmos'. But Eldrian couldn't even begin to think of what it truly might mean as it was simply another word for the universe. 

Of course, Eldrian was also wary of the message to him. He knew it was from GAIA and he couldn't be certain whether GAIA wanted him to take this path for him or for them. Though those two things might not be mutually exclusive, he still wanted to be wary. 

In the end, it mattered little. He was going to do what it took to change things, to hopefully save this world and his own. For now, he decided not to open the hidden class quest. He had plenty of matters he needed to deal with first. 

'I'll decide later if it is worth the risk. While I wait for Pelaros, I need to sort things out here.'

"Aspen!" 

"Yes, my lord?" Aspen dived into the study with respect, news of Eldrian's new heroics had spread throughout the city already. His retainers had quickly flocked back; however, Eldrian had shoed everyone who had abandoned him and those left behind during his absence. 

They weren't wrong to do so. But them leaving after he was gone, without proof of his death. It was clear that they had truly only wanted to make use of him to improve themselves. 

Eldrian actually did not mind this. However, he had never been comfortable with having so many people under his command. He would much rather have only three people he trusted than ten whose motives he had to consider when dealing with them.

In his absence, Aspen had taken on the burden of maintaining the estate and staff. Though most had left, along with the retainers. 

Working with Tjan and Brazan they had sold his other house, taking in Maia and the others who were still there and wanted to continue to help where they could. Even if there would be no salary. 

"Please bring me all the books you can on runes and arrays." Eldrian tossed the emblem he had gotten from Sofiera (the mage association head), just in case even in times like these they tried to limit knowledge. 

While waiting, Eldrian called the maids he had hired from the sleazy retailer. Thanks to Aspen they were no longer under his fist. Thanking them for their hard work he gave each on a gold coin worth in silver. Telling them to go enjoy their day. 

When they seemed hesitant, Eldrian ordered them to do so. 

With that done, he then called Tjan and Brazan. Tjan sported a large scar across his chest, the start of which could be seen near his neck, though the rest was hidden by his shirt. 

Shockingly, he was Tier 3 already, and level 20 at that. His speed of development was monstrous when compared to normal people. Almost equivalent to a player's. In comparison, Aspen was still only Tier 3 even after all these months. 

"Tjan, I hope you kept contact with Pheonix." 

"I have,"

"That's good news, please contact Elizabeth discreetly and ask her to come here. Don't explain why, or that I am back."

"Surely she will know already."

"No, she might suspect with the rumors. Don't confirm anything, just bring her here. And ask her to tell the guild to not speak of the rumors for now."

Nodding, Tjan left to accomplish his task, not asking why. He trusted that Eldrian had a reason. His leaving left only Brazan in the room. 

* The extra 1 agility gained is thanks to the soul absorption bonuses (from when he killed and absorbed Milgoroth's soul).

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