A New World, an immersive game experience

As always, the announcements were extravagant and over the top. But considering how much Miracle was spending to make the tournament a massive hit, this was to be expected.

Of course, with guilds having a hundred members participating, and most having plenty of players in reserve, not everyone went forth as representatives. Usually, the guild leader and vice leaders represented the guilds, though other players were included in some cases.

Eldrian, for his part, had wanted to sit out the entire ordeal and only show up for the battles. However, this year was a little different. Before the semis officially started, there would be an interview with all the players (individual matches), teams, and guilds (representatives) who had made it this far.

With the massive waves Eldrian had been making, his presence had been requested. And while he felt it a pain, Eldrian had some questions of his own.

He wouldn't ask them on camera, but he needed to figure out what was going on. The scale of the tournament had far surpassed what he had expected.

Naturally, Eldrian suspected it had something to do with the fact that they had found a way to gather mana. Though he wasn't a 100% confident.

The updates he was getting kept him informed, but only through second-hand information. And he had no way to validate it. This was his opportunity.

As soon as Eldrian walked into the familiar grounds, he sensed the change.

Miracle was truly doing it.

Sure, the density increase wasn't too insane. But by Eldrian's account, it was probably double what was normal for Earth. Or in other words, a fifth of the density found in ANW—instead of a tenth.

While this was a massive increase, it was something Eldrian had expected. And if the density just in the area was this massively increased, Eldrian had to suspect that the labs—where they were 'catching'/'generating' the mana—were at ANW's level.

That... was a problem.

'The question is if this is in Ziraili's speculations, or past it.' Eldrian concluded. At the same time, he knew that what was happening here was the controlled magnetic collection method.

The other labs were sure to surpass this one. Which meant problems might be appearing sooner than expected.

'Is this linked to the tournament? Or is the tournament so extravagant simply due to the extra cash flow from the market update? And Miracle wanting to expand their influence?' Eldrian asked himself, watching as people played with the holograms that filled the area. And wondering how much was purely technological. 𝚋𝚎𝚍𝚗𝚘𝚟𝚎ｌ.𝚘ｒｇ

'No. Magic should still be limited to an elite few. And only to their bloodline powers, with variations.' Eldrian quickly shut down the idea that Miracle was suddenly possible of utilizing magic.

'The bracelets I gave Jen should still prove capable.' Eldrian consoled himself. He didn't expect things to go south, but it was better to be prepared.

"Eldrian?" Elizabeth called out to him, her voice tinged with concern. He had become so distracted that he had separated from the group.

Sadly, Eldrian hadn't been able to give his friends anything. But, again, he felt it unlikely for things to go south. This time, he had communication with one of the top brass of the company.

"I'm fine." Eldrian replied, turning to Ilmadia and asking, "Did you feel it?"

Of course, she wasn't an elf IRL. Eldrian, for his part, hardly any elfish features left. While he had mutated back when everything went to shit, he had since learned to control his features.

In fact, tapping into his human and elf sides had been key to logging into ANW without a headset. Though that was more because they acted as beacons for him to focus onto, rather than being actual methods.

Ilmadia, in person, was a normal girl—or woman. She was a little older than Eldrian—like most of the Flaming Hearts. And her tanned skin was quite the difference compared to her Moon Elf snow-white skin.

"I did." She replied, a deep frown on her face.

Until now, they only knew and understood the situation from Eldrian's explanations. But, upon stepping foot back on Miracle's ANW branch HQ, everyone felt it.

Well, not everyone. Judith had no clue what the group was frowning about, and Therdul was right there with her. Zyviss, or Chris if one were to go by his real name, had at least noticed something was off. But he couldn't quite place his finger on it.

"We need to be careful," Nikki advised, and the others nodded.

Ilmadia, however, paused. "Hey, Eldrian..." She hesitated.

"Yeah?"

"Nevermind."

"No, what is it?"

"It's just..." She felt conflicted, but after taking a look around, she felt this might be the perfect time to ask and try this. But first, she had to ask something else.

"How do you think the holograms work?"

"Simple, really." Quickly coming to understand what Ilmadia was hesitating about as he answered. "They required that participants say the spell incantations out loud. The holograms are voice activated."

Eldrian closed his eyes to confirm this. He quickly spread his Mageia out over the area. And while he could feel several of those playing with the holograms forming their will, their own Mageia. They did not manage to guide, control, and transform the surrounding mana. Even with the density being twice what was normal for Earth.

However, the fact that they could manifest their will outside their bodies was concerning. Extremely so. This discovery made Eldrian freeze.

The group realized something was going on and didn't press Eldrian. They waited for him to tell them what was up.

"I see. I thought it might be possible..." With all the holograms nearby, Ilmadia had thought she might be able to try casting a weak Tier 0 spell. Hiding behind the holograms, while using the denser mana to ease the activation.

She had never been able to cast any magic on Earth. Much to her chagrin.

"It should be..." Eldrian said, but hesitated. He had no idea if doing so would endanger his friend.

"I know. It isn't the smartes option, but..." She paused again. "I still want to try."

"Well, if you are sure." Eldrian nodded. Decided to take a few counter measures in case Miracle had some way to measure people's ability to guide mana.

It might sound strange to think they can, but Eldrian knew they were capable of measuring mana. With the right calibration, their devices should be able to detect spells being formed.

This might be the true reason for the 'casting simulators'. To find those with talent who haven't been discovered through ANW.

Then again, it was also possible that it was just a fun idea to gain more perspective buyers and fans.

As for Eldrian's security measures against possible detection, they involved a few barriers. An anti-magic to catch any spells that might be in action. An unactivated light filtration to disrupt sight should things go wrong, and of course, Eldrian's Mageia spread through the area. To detect if anything were to go wrong.

Once his preparations were done, Eldrian gave Ilmadia the go-ahead. At the same time, he told the others they could also try if they wanted.

Nikki jumped at the idea, as did Erik. Elizabeth didn't. Sadly, her profession as a priest didn't translate to a world were the gods were absent—or even nonexistent.