A New World, an immersive game experience

Athtar continued, "This is another part why it is so much harder for stronger races to become legends. Their natural ability is far higher than that of the standard races. In the same manner, this is why it is considered bad if someone advances through Tiers too quickly."

"Quick growth certainly hints at great talent, but it also means that their foundation will always be lacking. At the same time, due to their talent, the gap that they have to overcome is all the larger. If rushed, it often becomes something that can never be fixed."

"And crossing the gap to become a legend is not the only solution. After all, there are a number of people who can fight against legends despite not being one themselves. You have a few in your guard, do you not?"

Amnur nodded, while the armor he had provided Tovack was certainly also a part of the reason he could face legends. One couldn't disregard all the training Tovack had done, all the knowledge he had made his own.

"It is strange though," Athtar mumbled, "If we consider Tovack you would assume he should be able to become a legend. His understanding is truly at the same level as most, while your equipment does boost his power, it only closes the gap and allows him to execute what he is truly capable of at that level. It is still his skill that allows him to fight at that level."

"Exactly, it must be because he did not gain it on his own," Amnur concluded.

"I agree, but let's clarify. It is not because he did not gain it on his own, but rather because he has not pushed further on his own."

Amnur nodded, he understood what Athtar was saying. "That is what you meant earlier?"

"Indeed, Tovack has become reliant on what he had been taught and this is limiting him. We do not know if he had the potential without intervention, and there is no proof that he would be blocked if he pushed himself further now."

"If he wished to progress further, there is no rule that says he can't. However, he will have to overcome the hurdle of having guidance, the last step is something that must be done by oneself. There is no one way, nor has there ever been a repeated method so we can't even try to help him in that regard."

"Despite there never being a repeated way, it is always something that must be done alone and the dangers of attempting it are not to be ignored. For some, it is better to simply accept their limitations."

Of course, the group was talking inside a barrier again. The dwarf in question had been present; however, he had left shortly after they had been teleported to the plains. Searching for the survivors of Diades and wishing to ensure that they are not prayed upon by a random band of orcs.

After all, if they did all that and the entire city's population was still killed in the end then it would have all been for nothing. Tovack was certain that this was what Amnur would want since his lord had stepped in to help the kingdom.

Naturally, he dared not intrude on their conversation and instead quickly mobilized the rest of the guards to help the kingdom where they could while they were here.

"Then, are we to teach the kid?" Amnur asked after taking some time to digest what Athtar had said.

"No." The answer surprised the three for just a second before they understood what Athtar meant just as he clarified, "We will guide him, but not teach him."

Nodding, they agreed with the sentiment. All of them understood the implications, but Athtar still mentioned it to make sure everyone was on the same page.

"I'm sure you all know that simply handing someone the answer does them no good. They must make the realization on their own or they will be ever reliant on you."

"Are you staying?" Zamia asked after a few seconds of silence.

"I think I might. I am curious to see the progress Eldrian will be able to show us given time."

"However..." Zamia paused, "I'm certain he will prioritize helping the kingdom, he is the type to rush forward to help even if he is unable. It is something which has repeatedly ended badly, yet he keeps doing it."

"Even knowing that it might end terribly, he always repeats it."

"However, you can't say it is because he believes himself invincible." Agamemas chimed in, "He knows his limits, or at least normally he is well aware of it."

"Well, then let's give him some peace of mind," Athtar said, it was quite unheard of for legends to interfere directly with a kingdom. However, none in the group questioned it. They were all curious what Eldrian would do if the pressure that had been on his shoulders was lifted, if only for a moment.

...

Eldrian woke after a few days, it turns out the dwarves had decided to speed up their support of Taurus- or so the official story went. They didn't directly go and fight the orcs, but they did supply all the border cities, old and new, with ten cannons and a hundred cannonballs within these days.

These cities were Juzna, Vistico, Vlisia, Silva, and Naraan. Of these, Vlisia had gotten an additional fifteen and two hundred cannonball as it was both a larger city and under far more pressure as one of the corners of the kingdom. If it fell, it would truly mean that the southwest was lost.

With this, the cities were able to fend off the attacks with the orcs even withdrawing from a few. While all cities were still under heavy pressure knowing that the orcs were baring their fangs, they would not fall soon and some had even gotten time to breathe and organize themselves.

The orcs after having sustained massive damage thanks to the cannons had realized the change of circumstances, and not having a clear understanding of the new weapon they started raiding the surrounding lands instead. Aiming to both resupply their resources and deprive the surrounding cities of the possible food income.

However, a new invention soon made its appearance which caused a devastating loss to the orcs who tried this. Its design was truly simple, an annihilation cannon installed on a metal cart. The weight was too much for normal horses, instead, it was drawn by a team of Tier 6 centaurs.

Yet, this mobile bringer of destruction proved to be a fatal blow to the orcs. Capable of killing entire warbands from kilometers away. It struck fear into the hearts of the orcs and allowed the kingdom to stabilize the war situation.

Of course, it was not very mobile but this was not understood well by the orcs. And the fact that its power rivaled a magic tower caused the orcs to go on the defensive. Knowing that they could now lose Chieftains, or even Warlord out in the field had truly slowed their advance.

It was thanks to the efforts of the players that its immobility was not known by the orcs. Through using the players as both information relays and transporters of the cannon, it was even possible to give the impression that there was not just one of these in play.

This had caused the invasion to basically come to a halt while the orcs tried to confirm the new situation.

While it sucked that the dwarves didn't simply send their elites to annihilate the orcs, especially with the legends present. Heck, the legends could have spent just a few minutes to clear the orcs. This was still a great relief to hear.

Eldrian was informed of all this through a message Elizabeth had sent him once she had been able to enter the game again. After having organized everything first, of course.

'I shouldn't blame them...' Eldrian mumbled, considering the legends and their inactivity. 'They have no obligation to save the kingdom and they must have their reasons for not doing so.'

Eldrian had a slight headache as he sat in the room with his friends, called here for a meeting by Pelaros. He had woken just a few minutes ago, most things were still unclear. He wanted to first confirm with Two if everything was alright, but he couldn't do that right now.

AN: A big thanks to everyone who continues to support the story by simply reading on Web, voting for the story, or sharing comments.. It is all greatly appreciated.