A New World, an immersive game experience

'Regardless, if I am correct. If it isn't that I simply became more proficient in controlling mana. If it is that the size of one's mental space influences one's connection with mana. Then levels are actually quite important, far more than I considered...'

Levels...

Another label, an indication of the total amount of XP one had. Gained by killing others or completing quests, though Eldrian was cut off from the latter option. Having not received any quests since the Miracle incident. At least no standard quests.

...Levels, lost by dying.

XP, the foundation of levels, used in creating and maintaining the functions of his interface.

'Somehow it can be used as a source of... Magic? But it is beyond me and too dangerous.' Eldrian did not wish to waste time considering this topic again. He already knew that he had no idea how to actually use it to fuel spells, outside of situations of great stress.

He knew that sometimes he did use it, his auras were one way of accessing the power of lifeforce. Eldrian suspected spirit magic was similar but far weaker. He would rather not need it, understanding that its usage would likely lead to instability in mana.

'Regardless, I do feel that levels must be part of the reason why my control of mana has grown and is so far above what is expected. The norm for Tier 5 is a level around 20 to 30. I am level 41, a level most often seen in Tier 7's. This might mean that my connection with mana is at the level of a Tier 7.'

'It likely isn't the only factor, but I feel certain it is a factor in why I can connect with and control mana so effortlessly. I will need to research magical barriers and test to see how easily I can overwhelm the barrier of a Tier 7 mage. If it is close then levels are the greatest factor, if I find it effortless then it is likely my bloodline or something.'

'I should also try and determine if other players experienced the same growth. This might be something to do with my affinity having reached a 100%. It should be the same for the natives of ANW, but for players, I suspect affinity is a requirement to link XP with their mental space.'

'As for this space, since it is my mind naturally it is larger than its actual container (my brain). After all, anyone can imagine something massive inside their mind. It isn't the same as the realm of artifacts or dimensional storages. But there might be a commonality.'

'Considering dimensional storages as black holes might be an interesting notion. Their bending of space (and time) is simply because of their mana density and not the actual density of matter... Though, if mana falls under matter is another debate. But I shall ignore it for now.'

Eldrian felt that the storages bent time simply because food didn't spoil in his inventory. Granted a player's inventory was likely special, but normal dimensional storages of even the smallest size still have this attribute.

'I won't be able to explain this to anyone since what I use as my basis isn't something they would understand. But this was quite productive. I have a much clearer understanding of things now.'

Eldrian paused, considering one more point. That levels are lost upon death, that souls dissipate after death. From what Vivian had said there seemed to be cases where they could stay in the world, but most often they retreat to the realm of souls to avoid dematerialization.

'Since upon death a soul starts dissipating, it is safe to assume that this mental space of the dead would quickly crumble unless it is somehow protected. Undeath might stall this or it might not, I guess that is the difference between the ranks of undead.'

'A lower undead would have their mental space degrade to a mindless being. An unwilling will suffer the torment of their mental space being corrupted and their will bent...' Eldrian shuddered, recalling his battle against the revenant heart that had nearly taken over his soul.

'Higher undead then are ones who do not fight and allow the corruption, I can only assume that their mental space would be... It would actually be like Ashliel's I guess. Partly destroyed. Only parts of the person remaining.'

'What of Awakened undead?' There was surprisingly little information on them, from what Eldrian could gather they were extremely rare and normally the leaders of undead nations. But there were a few unique ones that could come into existence through very rare circumstances. They were said to be as strong as Mythic creatures. More terrifying in fact, their connection with death made them far more lethal than any living creature.

'Again, a distraction. Ashliel, since her condition persists after being saved by GAIA, does that mean even the AI cannot repair a soul? That once a part of it has dissipated it is lost forever?'

'Perhaps they can't help her since she isn't originally from this world? After all, their powers are linked to the code of the simulation, but they should be masters of magic too... Did they simply not want to help? Or are they truly incapable of restoring a person's soul?'

The thought was a terrifying one, especially since Eldrian knew that he had once damaged his soul. The space of his mental room had been tiny and its representation that of a bleeding heart. Filled with holes, nearly torn apart.

Luckily he had been able to repair the damage. Eldrian wasn't sure if his auras played a part back then since it was before they actually truly formed. They had guided him to find his soul in the magic abyss but had not taken on the form of mists as he knew them now.

'I was truly lucky, if I hadn't been able to find my soul back then, the damage might have become permanent...' Overcoming the cold sweats that covered his entire being, Eldrian took some time to calm down and continue on.

'What would happen if I am reset to level 1 now?' He found the idea equally terrifying. But he quickly calmed down upon considering it.

'I think it would depend on how it happens. If it is through repeated deaths, then likely something similar to Ashliel. The fact that she still has a sense of self is actually proof of her incredible will.' Eldrian would not wish what had happened to her on his worst enemy. To be torn apart as a person, such torment was too great.

'Yet, that is what devils do, isn't it?' Thinking of this, his heart turned cold. From all that he had heard and learned of them, he finally understood where their power came from. Eldrian had no idea how they turned a person's mental space into food for strength. How they converted it to something that could physically alter reality, but they were able.

They fed on a person's very soul. And they didn't even eat it directly, they were likely incapable. Instead, they needed to agitate a person's mind, to generate chaos into their mental space. They fed on the chaos introduced, on the emotions that carried the powers of lifeforce.

Emotions seemed to be a constant carrier and bridge to the powers of lifeforce.

'That is... Horrible.' Eldrian had recently grown sympathetic with their plight since Miracle was behind the scenes forcing them forward, but upon realizing what they actually did. Having it finally click, no longer just be a vague idea. No longer just words that he had heard but rather an understanding which he could connect with his own experiences.

He held no mercy for them, no longer.

If anyone would go to such extremes, then their very core must be corrupted.

'Yet, aren't we as players similar?' The thought stunned Eldrian overwhelmingly so.

AN: A big thanks to everyone who continues to support the on Web.