A cold day in the middle of winter, I was walking from my house to the campus. Any normal person would be taking the bus or riding a car in this weather. Besides some people working on the road, I might be the only person walking this early morning.

It might be crazy to be commuting without any vehicle, but I was only meters away from the campus and I am wearing an exceptional thermal jacket although it is not the reason why I was walking.

The day after I notice my physical fitness affects my character in New World, I am trying to build up my stamina. Walking might be a good start for it since I do not want to go to the gym yet.

"You've commuted again? It has been a week already since you started and you're still going. I don't know the reason but that's amazing."

Aria, who usually greets me in the morning, asked.

"Playing New World requires a lot of stamina real-time. I'm training my body to cope up with it."

"You also heard about that? You're really up to date when it comes to new stuff in New World. Just last week you were telling me you won't touch it."

"Yeah, I also thought that would be the case. Don't worry, you will understand when you play the game. The ETHER Link is finally going to be released today anyway."

"Will you be leaving earlier today?"

Someone with a familiar voice heard our conversation and came closer to join in the conversation.

She was Michelle, one of the few people we interact with during this subject. She was a simple and honest girl who barely talks which makes her not stand out in this class. We only somehow became friends with her because she was always our groupmate in the activities done on this subject.

Along with Aria, Michelle was also enthusiastic about the upcoming New World. She was also waiting excitedly for the release of the ETHER Link today.

"DigiCom would be putting the ETHER Link as soon as twelve noon so I have decided we leave before eleven. We may have many competitors in getting hands-on the earliest batch."

"Geh~ Isn't that too early. I need to attend Professor Wright's class to help my grades."

"There would be no classes in the afternoon. Seems like many teachers also have decided to get the Link as early as possible"

A group of boys were telling us this useful information while they pack their things preparing to leave. It should still be early to be leaving.

Never mind, the professor who has perfect attendance was also absent today.

"Should we leave also? I hear noises already."

"Yeah we should or else we would be queuing in the line for a long time like never before. It's probably the first time in years since online delivery is less popular than purchasing in the shop."

We followed everyone who has the same plan and rushed to DigiCom, the closest store that would be selling the ETHER Link today.

"Is it open yet?"

"I'll pay you money to take your place."

"Reserve my spot, I'm going to the restroom for a while,"

It looks like we were a little bit late. The line has already reached up to the next crosswalk. It could be worse considering how much hype this thing has going on up to this date. However, the people I am with does not seem to think this.

"Oh! My! God! How long would I not be playing New World? Today should be the day!!!"

"It's not like we're going to wait for hours here. At most, we would only be queuing for at most 20 minutes after the opening."

"That would still be 20 minutes later to start the game. Money is not easy to get when you're not strong in New World. Having the best start is the most important thing. It is only 20 minutes, but those same 20 minutes could make us millions in the future."

"Ok, geez. Calm down."

"Haha. Cherry is right, you should calm down. It's not like we can do anything about it although I get your point. Time is the most valuable currency during this time."

"Since I don't have business here, I'll get some drinks for us."

"I want some bubble tea"

"Soda is fine for me"

I left them and went to the nearest shop to avoid Aria's complains. The line has already reached two street corners and it was getting further and further. People are quite late for the party. I cannot blame them since quick delivery and online purchase is the norm in today's technology.

The cafe I went into also has a lot of customers shouting and ordering. The machine behind the counter was working overtime to take everyone's order. It was not until a few minutes that I finally got my order up.

"What weapon will you choose?"

"I'm planning to play like a tank and go with shield and sword, or hammer, or mace. There's a lot to choose. I'll decide when I'm in the game"

"It's almost time. We should probably go back. Your brother will be upset if we are gone for so long."

I was not able to avoid eavesdropping to some people who were also waiting to order. The weapons are really a popular feature of this game. Deservingly so because the whole combat system of New World is revolving around the dozens of weapons available in the game. Little did they know, even carrying those weapons are a burden. I will not be surprised if many turn to daggers and short sword.

Leaving the shop, I saw the line finally moving forward. I rushed to where Aria and Michelle are supposed to be. And in only a short time I was gone, they were already inside DigiCom.

Since I was not in the line, I don't have the privilege to go in with all these people who were and are waiting for minutes. With no other choice, I waited outside for them while watching some videos on my phone.

"Let's immediately go home! We need to set this up!"

I did not need to wait long. Aria and Michelle who came out shouting, are dead set in going home already. I do not want to break their bubble, so we went on home.