Before logging on after classes, Eldrian first had a look at the forums. As was normal for him, having been his routine since he started playing A New World.

Today he found some surprises. The first players had finally passed single digits in level, with another having followed close to the first. They were now both dominating the global level rankings as level tens.

Eldrian sighed as he saw these updates, realizing that the entire level he had gained did not amount to much. He was still only decent in his own empire. He was around top 10 in Phallos and top 200 in the entire Empire.

This was not the only surprise Eldrian found. One of these two who had reached level ten had also reached Tier 2. This player called Diablo explained here how he had managed it, contributing a very large factor of his success on his equipment.

He stated that if not for his Tier 5 breastplate and Tier 6 weapon he would have never managed to beat the Tier 2 beast alone.

Eldrian sighed as he read this, wondering if the requirements for this was truly so high. He did not think so, feeling certain he would be able to kill a few Tier 2 beasts on his own. If he had learned Observe sooner he might know that he had in fact done this before.

Then again Eldrian did have a really strong weapon which he relied on, thus his opinion was naturally skewed. Having missed how much better his was than what normal players had.

Diablo was quite generous in his post, explaining what beast he had killed and how. He also explained that he had a party nearby to save him should he feel he would die. This he said was really important, as it allowed him to never fear losing his levels. Something which also helped him in his fights, the free attributes having certainly helped him come out on top.

He then went on and shared with everyone what reaching Tier 2 had given him. His class was focused on melee combat. As such his reward was 10 constitution, 10 strength and 5 agility. Along with a similar but larger increase in his HP. He explained that he felt there was a bonus percent HP given with each Tier. Linking this to the fact that his free attributes gave more HP than they used to.

This post had earned quite a number of tips and Eldrian also felt it deserved some. Sending Diablo a dollar himself as thanks. Eldrian did not give more since the information was not really important for him, only interesting.

Having read this Eldrian was reminded of what Zamia had told him about High Elves. He quickly wrote his own post to warn others who were still sticking with the High Elven race. Hoping this would help them grow and avoid pitfalls.

{To those who have chosen the High Elven race and are still going. Beware! Do not Tier up!}

Eldrian had gone into detail about his path in learning magic, he was no longer concerned that people would use his knowledge to harm the NPCs. All the players were fully supporting and trying to help the NPCs in this invasion. At least there were none who posted anything harmful to NPCs in general.

There might still be a few posts belittling a few NPCs, but these were personal matters. Petty squabbles mostly. This was something to be expected since nothing had ever been perfect. There would always be some people who simply disliked each other. Most of the commenters also understood this and would not belittle the players as long as they did not take this squabble too far.

For his postEldrian did not need to add much proof in his post, having been proven to be the best High Elf player in the entire game. Simply the fact that he was the only one to reach Tier 1 showed this, then there was also the fact that his level was five higher than all the other High Elves.

Then there was also the fact that most of those who were still trying to be High Elves were dedicated. They were dedicated to the struggle and took all advice they could find seriously. They might not blindly follow the advice, but they would also not blindly ignore it.

On another note, those trying to bring guns in have managed to make muskets. The nobles in their country had quickly dismissed it though. For good reason, magic and archery were both far better than muskets. Even at Tier 1 both would be miles ahead in both range and accuracy. Damage seemed to be up to debate.

The players making the guns had tried to explain that this was only the beginning, the start. But those nobles had not listened, believing it to be a waste of time, materials and money.

Back in the game Eldrian immediately got his mind invaded by Cephaphyr.

'Your back! I was so worried!' Cephaphyr also ran to him, snuggling his head against Eldrian's waist.

Eldrian smiled as he felt comforted by this simple act. He did not have many friends. Truthfully he only had Erik, the others he had made were only classmates. He had never gone out with them.

This was mostly on Eldrian since he always had to play ANW. Feeling the true concern Cephaphyr had for him, Eldrian felt reassured again. This told him that putting in so much time in the game was not a waste. This game and its world were real. It might not be the normal real, but Eldrian felt that the people lived.

Eldrian started patting Cephaphyr's head as he replied, 'I did tell you that I have to go to sleep.'

'But! But! But you didn't say you would disappear!' Cephaphyr complained, causing Eldrian's smile to grow even more.

'I did. I remember telling you right as I was falling asleep that I was going to disappear.'

'Buttt!'

Eldrian chuckled as he heard Cephaphyr's complaint, wondering how the little Alicorn had become so attached to him in so little time. He did not mind it, in fact, Eldrian loved it. It really made him feel special.

The reason for Cephaphyr's attachment was actually simple. He was always shunned by everyone other than his parents. Even though he knew they loved him, he always felt that there was a distance between him and his parent.

Keeping things from him, stopping him from doing what he wanted. Telling him to always be careful. Cephaphyr felt he understood why, but he did not really understand. This had torn at him subconsciously, making him feel alone in the world.

Eldrian was the first person who had truly been kind to him. Not caring about the color of his coat, even going so far as to rub his coat and appreciate his feathers. Something which felt strangely nice and comforting to Cephaphyr.

Cephaphyr felt Eldrian was the first person who was treating him well, without any prejudice. He did not want to return to his normal life now that he had experienced this kind of treatment.

After a few more seconds of patting Cephaphyr Eldrian realized that everyone was awake and looking at him weirdly.

Well, now to tell them what they are in for. Eldrian thought, readying himself to explain what had happened and what was going on. Before he could start he was interrupted by Sabrea who rushed up and embraced him.

She had only waited until Cephaphyr was no longer blocking her pathway.

"Thank you so much! If... If not for you..." She started crying as she held the stiff Eldrian who was completely unprepared.

The close contact sent his mind into a little shock as he could feel Sabrea's breasts pressing against his chest. She was still in her torn clothing, her armor resting in Eldrian's inventory.

Eldrian swallowed with difficulty and returned the embrace. He might be inexperienced and shy around women, but he knew how to comfort them. Having often needed to do this for his sister, his thoughts were pure then and he was desperately trying to bring his current ones to the same state.

Rubbing her back he replied as her sobs became less. "It is alright. Everything turned out alright."

Eldrian did not really believe this himself, knowing now that Cadriel and Evapius were both dead. He reasoned it was better than all of them, it was also better than Sabrea dying.

After a long time, Sabrea finally let go. Blushing she quickly moved back and left the spotlight to Eldrian who was still a little confused. His body reacting unexpectedly.

This is a game. Get a hold of yourself!He told a certain part of himself as he took a few deep breaths.

"What do you all want to know?" Eldrian asked once he felt he was in a good enough state of mind. As he did he also started controlling his mana to let it circulate through him, having found the day before that it really helped him clear his mind. Even if it would also tire him, he needed to calm down.

"What happened?" Terlas asked, the last thing he remembered was being attacked by a really strong horse with both wings and a horn. He had never even heard of such creatures and only one kick had broken more than six of his ribs.

He was wondering just how he was alive after that. He only slightly remembered flying through the top of the trees due to the kick. After which he had blacked out.

Eldrian took a deep breath. "Andreas was a devil." He said, expecting an outburst of emotion. Instead finding complete silence.