"Haha, we're back!"
"Such fresh air. I missed it!"
"Guys, let's go levelling!"
"I still have a quest left to finish!"
"Does anyone know the outcome of the war? What happened after the three devils escaped?"
With a flash of light Liam and his friends appeared in Greypine Town together with all the guild members. Even with the sudden addition of 1000 people the town was far from cramped. However, the excited chatter coming from all sides was quite chaotic. Many players immediately rushed for the teleporter, causing a traffic jam. However, something suddenly attracted a lot of attention.
"Guys, look over here. There is an old storyteller in front of the tavern!"
"Here as well. I'm certain that old woman never appeared before. Let's listen what she has to say."
"Over there is another one!"
The presence of three mysterious storytellers attracted a lot of attention. The players split up and crowded around them. Liam brought his friends over as well, assuring them that it wouldn't take much time.
In front of a popular tavern sat an old man with white hair, simple clothes, and a crane leaning against the wall next to him. Despite his old appearance he seemed to enjoy the lively scene as he scanned the players with a smile on his lips. After a considerable crowd had gathered, the old man finally began to talk, his voice magically reaching everyone's ears.
"Adventurers! I have been anticipating your return! The world has been awaiting you for half a year. The was between order and chaos has brought much change. And yet as the world needed you, you unfortunately disappeared. If the gods hadn't assured us, many people would have lost hope!"
This short opening instantly brought everyone great surprise. A whole half a year had passed since the big war? Did the story advance by so much?
"Old man, how did the war end?"
"What about the devils?"
"Was the order faction able to leave Hell?"
"Did everyone survive?"
Swarmed with questions the old man raised his hands, signalling the crowd to be quiet. It took almost two minutes for the commotion to quiet down. The old storyteller continued, and the players listened, sometimes frowning sometimes cheering:
"I know you have many questions. Much is for you to explore by yourself. But let me give you a rough overview.
The three high devils had been freed. With the help of the devil Basnimn the order faction survivors managed to retreat from Hell. Zelgor the Titan battled with Void King Op for seven days and nights before the void king escaped back into the void, his injuries severe.
Afterwards the situation in the order faction turned chaotic. After the betrayal of the third prince and the injured king of basilisks, the Rising Basilisk Empire was in turmoil. And turmoil in the empire causes chaos in the entire Central Plains. Many opportunistic fence sitters suddenly stirred up trouble, seeking to enrich themselves. Some guardians died, others are injured, and the order faction lost too many soldiers leaving it weak. Thus, the perfect opportunity for all these ambitious individuals has come.
Unexpectedly, at this moment of need the nephilim are stepping forth to aid others. Having reconnected with the three high devils, the original nephilim regained control over dark magic. With light in one hand and darkness in the other the nephilim returned to their peak. In order to avoid suspicion from the order faction, the broken council has called upon all nephilim to quell chaos and aid the weak.
However, not only the order faction is in chaos but also the chaos faction. Even more than usual. Enraged upon being attacked and imprisoned the three high devils began fighting the other devils. The fight lasted for a full month, and it is said that at that time unbearable pressure filled all of Hell, the sky was crying, and the earth was shaking. The fight ended without a definite result, but the three high devils regained their prestige and the feud still persisted, now being carried out by the devils' subordinates.
You see, adventurers, this is the current state of the world. Now this old man implores you. Please go out and aid the weak. Our order faction needs you to restore order and reduce suffering!"
None of the players reacted much to the old man's pitiful expression. All they heard were 'quests, quests, quests'. Now that the storyteller stopped talking, the players immediately discussed amongst themselves. Some started spinning various theories about the situation while others immediately rushed to the teleporter, eager for quests.
However, some players didn't act without thinking. They suddenly realized something. With such a big change coming to the world it would surely affect their old quests. And indeed, one glance at the journal revealed that most old quests had changed or in the worst case they had even been cancelled. For example, Liam still had an open quest from the time when he investigated the remains of a void dweller for Therim. Now that the guardian was injured it would naturally affect the quest. Only the extent of the change remained to be seen.
But for players above level fifty other quests were of no importance right now as everyone was eager for advanced classes. The information provided by Liam had already spread among the members of Dream Avenue. They were unable to hold back their excitement as they rushed for the teleporter.
Meanwhile Balm addressed Liam:
"Expert, is the story important for the class quest?"
"I can't tell yet. It depends on the quest you will get. Just keep it in mind for now. However, if you have any questions later on you can always ask me."
"Got it."
"Alright. So… anything else?", asked Quickstep. Seeing Liam shake his head the female warrior spoke with a grin:
"Ok then. The next time we meet I hope everyone has their desired class!"
Quickstep let out a laugh and split from the group, walking towards the teleporter. The others had nothing left to discuss and also headed for the teleporter a second later. But because of the dense crowd Quickstep hadn't made much progress when her friends caught up.
"Well, that's awkward now…"
Luckily the situation didn't last for too long. The friends reached the teleporter and travelled to different destinations. The City of Life, Duabalis Harbour, Svebrial, Elven Territory…
The friends scattered throughout Crunaboul. Meanwhile Liam landed in the extremely familiar Duabalis City. Immediately he noticed the big changes the city had underwent. Many of the formerly empty plots were now plastered with buildings. People of all races had moved to the city seeking the security brought by the powerful nephilim. Soldiers patrolled the city, each group led by at least one nephilim who proudly presented their white and black wings, radiating a mighty aura.
The city hasn't been this prosperous in a long time. Liam admired the sight as he walked towards the Winged Mountain. As he got closer, he could feel the piercing gazes from the front. They came from ten nephilim which were stationed at the entrance to the winged mountain, scrutinizing everyone who came close.
Liam only nodded at the guards as he was allowed to pass. Although only nephilim were permitted into Winged Mountain this place had also regained some vitality. More nephilim than in the past were busying about the mountain paths. Everyone proudly displayed their white and black wings, revelling in the feeling of regaining their former strength. Liam followed the path just as he did the very first time he came to Duabalis City.
On the way he came across many valiant nephilim entering and leaving their small, temple-like buildings. A soothing melody filled the air above the mountain. After following the winding path Liam arrived in front a small stone hut. The stone hut was shrouded by colourful trees producing a picturesque scene. Liam stopped outside the stone hut and looked around for a bit, but he could quickly tell that no one was at home. Thus, he continued on his way.
Another few seconds later the sounds of battle reached Liam's ears. He arrived in front of a small training arena consisting of a dirt floor surrounded by a solid stone wall. Liam entered and was immediately hit by shockwaves as two nephilim clashed, spreading sparks of holy light with each exchange. One of the nephilim was a woman with long white hair and one eye missing. It was Ganrala the Brave who taught Liam his [Holy Tempest] class a while back. The other combatant was another female nephilim, a similarly powerful warrior.
However, Liam was not here for the two fighters but for one of the spectators. He fixed his eyes on the tall, dark-haired nephilim. His bare chest proudly revealed large scars telling stories of many battles. The man spread his wings wide, showing off their glory. Among all the nephilim Liam had seen so far, he indeed had the most impressive wings. Extremely large, each feather like an intricate dagger, exuding an air of majesty, suppressing others with their mere presence.
Liam knew he had found his target. This man was Reychnalyn, Guardian of Nephilim, and the only person who could teach the [Chaotic Tempest] class.