A New World, an immersive game experience

"Did the AI trick him?" Elizabeth asked next.

According to the plan, the AI would prevent anyone from arriving and Miracle from cutting off the stream. Clearly, they had not stopped people from arriving. And there was no way any of them could know if they even needed to prevent Miracle from cutting the stream with how things had developed.

It appeared that Miracle had everything in control.

"No, I don't think they did. But they failed to hold up their end of the deal." Ashliel replied.

Normally, the AI had full control within ANW. But it wasn't like Miracle had no means of combating the AI's control. The simplest method would be implementing another AI to counter the current. It need not even be one as advanced as the others.

They could even tackle the code themselves and they could always threaten the AI, and even implement certain punishment to force them to work. In the end, something had worked and Miracle had control.

—

"Is he planning on taking the kid all for himself?"

"It appears so. However, I don't get why he's giving the kid a chance."

"I guess it's in his nature. He believes in giving everyone a fair shot."

"Fair shot? Do you think he'll limit his attributes to give the kid an even match?"

"If the kid realizes the possibility and brings it up, Zaphreal will probably agree. In that case, he will be in the disadvantage until he gets used to his weakened avatar."

"Do you think he will even need to move? I'm sure the kid won't even last a minute."

"He sure was full of himself. Barging in here thinking we had no ability to stop him..."

—

"I can't accept these terms as they stand." Eldrian declared, revising his stance. He wanted three additional clauses.

He could only hope that Zaphreal would agree. Thus far, it seemed that the man was at least somewhat reasonable. Though it might only be because he was confident in his victory and didn't want to muddy things as the others would. This in itself was at least something Eldrian could be thankful for.

"Firstly, I do not know how strong you are. If you are of a higher Tier than me, then I doubt I would stand a chance fighting you."

"We can use the system to balance this." Zaphreal commented, surprised that Eldrian thought of this considering the situation. "What else?"

"Secondly, I want a clause for a draw."

"Do you think that makes any sense? Coming to a draw would be near impossible."

This would only happen if both were brought unconscious and unable to kill the other. Even in this case, simply leaving it to time would bring forth the true winner. Though that would drag things out and be truly boring for the viewers. They could also have it be the first to lose conciousness loses, but indeed that would be less entertaining. And Zaphreal had to keep in mind that a show was being made out of this entire debacle.

"Regardless, I want it to be added!" Eldrian refused to budge, and ultimately Zaphreal didn't care. So he agreed. Ensuring that the match ended quickly was, after all, something he wanted. Having things drag out would only be detrimental.

"Fine. What else?" Zaphreal asked.

"I want you to write up the contract here and now. Also, use simple and clear language which cannot be viewed other than intended." Eldrian declared.

"Alright." Nodding, Zaphreal took out a new ancient scroll. Noticing the mana flowing through it, Eldrian noted that it was a magical item. However, currently there were no words and no will within it.

'Good, seems he isn't trying to trick me.' Nodding, Eldrian watched as the red-haired man wrote up the new contract details. Analyzing while he did how he infused his will into the pen. 'This is similar to the contracts in ANW, only instead of simply pushing mana into the ink as you would with magic items, you need to push mageia too.'

In essence, it was a step more difficult. But as a result, it removed the need of having a god oversee the contract. However, Eldrian still could not figure out how it worked once completed.

Standard contracts were simple. The gods enacted punishment, if required. But this, he just couldn't make sense of how it will be enforced—in a way that prevented cheating. Eldrian kept feeling that a third party had to be involved, otherwise the will of the person signing it would influence the contract too much.

This, however, was a good thing for him. It meant Eldrian just might be able to trick it as planned.

"Sign here." Zaphreal said after finishing the renewed contract.

Reading over the contents, Eldrian made sure that things were laid down plainly and there was no room left for interpretation. Only once he was completely satisfied, after a few slight alterations, did Eldrian take the pen and lean over the table.

"What is it you wish to gain?" Eldrian asked, pen at the ready but stalling just a bit more in the hopes of a last-minute savior. Sadly, no one came to his aid.

"I thought that would be obvious... You." Zaphreal answered, and Eldrian didn't know how to take it. He wasn't sure if Zaphreal wanted him for experiments or as a source of power—like some sort of battle slave. Regardless, Eldrian did not wish to find out.

'Can't afford any mistakes. Two, you ready to guide the lich's lifeforce?'

'Yes. I'll move it just outside our soul. Envision it going into the pen,' Two replied.

Focusing inward, Eldrian tried to notice the foreign lifeforce slipping out of him. Finding it after a few seconds, he took control and tried to have it mimic his standard mageia as closely as possible.

He worked quickly, hopefully quick enough to not let Zaphreal notice anything strange. To cover for the pause, Eldrian apologized. "I'm afraid this is my first time infusing my will like this."

It wasn't exactly the truth, but it was indeed his first time infusing the foreign lifeforce he had in his soul. Zaphreal simply nodded, seemingly having suspected Eldrian's lack of experience. Sighing in relief, Eldrian moved to the dotted line and signed.

'Please let this work,' He prayed as he finished his name and lifted his hand. The contract lighting up and burning into ashes. Glowing ashes which turned invisible to the naked eye, but to Eldrian's mana sight it lifted from the table they had signed the contract upon. Floating toward the two of them and infusing into their foreheads.

Eldrian could feel the foreign substance fighting to break through his magical defenses. It reminded him of the assault of chains from the lich. As he didn't want things to lead to a misunderstanding, he lowered his defenses and took the chance to guide the substance himself.

It floated through his body, finally finding its way to his heart. Where it then tried to invade even deeper. 'Guess it wants into my soul. It is similar to when I channel mana into my mana soul.' Eldrian noted, guiding it as he would mana.

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