Back in Prento it was still the familiar lively scene.
Liam reached the town square where her holiness Lewriova was working on the large teleportation platform, constantly accompanied by a horde of admiring fans.
"Have you heard? Those elf losers found a new NPC, claiming she is more beautiful than our Lewriova!"
"Nonsense! How could this be possible! They simply never got a glimpse of perfection like we did."
"Exactly!"
"Lewriova is our goddess!"
"Please marry me, goddess!"
Liam watched the scene with a chuckle. He recalled his past life.
Soon, players would create some sort of beauty list, sparking fierce internet discussions.
Sometimes those rankings would lead to fiercer wars than the fight over legendary items. And the gorgeous NPCs still wouldn't look twice at the players fighting in their name.
As Liam approached the teleportation platform, someone happily addressed him form the side.
"Oh, a new face? Bro, I am glad you found enlightenment. Come, tell us why you think Lewriova is the most beautiful NPC in the world!"
Liam glanced to the side. Finding a pair of sleezy eyes he coughed and quickened his steps.
"Ahh, another lovestruck fool. Going straight for Lewriova? Do you think you can get a reaction out of…"
Suddenly the young man's words got stuck in his throat. He and his friends stared dumbstruck as Liam set foot on the teleportation platform.
Lewriova turned her head gracefully, smiling at Liam, the world around her losing all color.
"Adventurer! Thank you for destroying Reylar's curse. I didn't expect it to interfere so strongly with the teleportation platform.
But now that it is gone, nephilim from this town can finally travel the world again!"
"I just did what everyone would do, your holiness."
"I am glad you can say this. Do you want to travel right now?"
"Yes, please."
A notification popped up before Liam, showing him all possible travel locations.
There were usually two types of possible targets.
Large cities which could be traveled to as long as your faction didn't have a hostile relationship with them. Or small spots which can be unlocked by visiting once.
However, right now Liam only had a single option:
Duabalis City, the main city of all original nephilim.
As soon as he accepted, a bluish light engulfed him, his body vanishing from the spot.
The players watching below were dumbfounded.
"Who is this guy?"
"He talked to our goddess!"
"He will be my eternal enemy!"
"I want to follow and learn from him!"
"Did our goddess just smile?"
Well, at least these people had their priorities set straight.
Liam opened his eyes as he felt the floor under his feet again. Teleportation in the game felt more like a short flight, usually leaving people dizzy the first few times.
Fortunately, Liam didn't have to worry about this as he left the teleportation platform with stable steps.
He found himself in a large circular building, the ceiling a high dome. Eight teleportation platforms took up most of the space.
The walls were painted in a solemn grey without much decoration, shimmering mysteriously under the teleportation platform's constant illumination.
There was almost no moment of silence, the platforms in constant use. People went in and out every second of the day.
However, despite this being Duabalis, the original nephilim's main city, one would mostly meet other races, with humans being the most numerous.
But goblins, beastkin and others could be found as well.
Liam wasn't surprised. He knew that he nephilim didn't have a large population while enjoying peace and quiet most of the time. It was rather rare to find them busying themselves in the city.
Pushing through the crowd Liam left through a large arc. He put his hand against his forehead, shielding his eyes against the blinding sun.
He gazed at the strange mountain in the distance, which took the form of a pair of wings. A magical fog played around it, hiding the abodes of nephilim, who only allowed those they acknowledged to step onto their mountain.
Right now, the sun shone through the valley between the mountains, reflecting off the magical fog, illuminating the vast city sprawling below in various colors.
Liam knew that the nephilim planned for this spectacle, which occurred once a day. It was sold as an auspicious sign to 'dumber' or 'lesser' races, boosting the original nephilim's struggling reputation.
Guess they hired a good PR person.
Liam chuckled inwardly as he followed the crowd onto a large main street. Judging from this place one could think the city was densely populated but this couldn't be farther from the truth.
Duabalis City spanned an entire island. It was way too big for the few people daring enough to live close to the nephilim. Even within the city there were large patches of forests and fields.
The only reason why it was called Duabalis City and not Duabalis island was because of the enormous wall spanning the entire coast, offering solid protection, even able to form a magic barrier above the entire city.
The incredible building was named Saltae after one of the nephilim's most powerful ancestors.
But just as Liam stepped on the city's extensive street, a cold voice entered his ears.
[Server Announcement:]
[Teleportation is now open for all players level 10 and above.]
[Raking list: Level is now open for all players.]
[Global chat is now open for all players.]
A chat window instantly plopped up before Liam, messages scrolling like crazy.
Liam couldn't even read them fast enough. Just as he hid the chat window, another notification rang in his ears.
[Congratulations on making it onto the Ranking list: level.]
[Do you want to hide your name?]
Liam pondered for a while before deciding to reveal his name. He took a look at the ranking list, not able to suppress a grin.
For now, only him and Silver Blade were on the list. But as soon as his team came online, all ten places would naturally be taken by them.
Star Gazer should feel the pressure now…
With the ranking list open for all, the global chat was going crazy as well.
"Damn, two people have made it to level 10!"
"How did they do it? Do they know some crazy farming spots?"
"Does someone know them? Bleary Mirage and Silver Blade?"
"F*ck, which race are they playing? I want to switch!"
The commotion Liam caused was big, but it was only an appetizer for later when the rest of the team came online.
Liam couldn't help but feel a sliver of excitement. He couldn't entirely deny his competitive nature.
The young man walked along the main street with a grin on his face. His eyes swept over the buildings on both sides.
Those were surprisingly spacious, with some empty patches between them. The shopkeepers all had a rough air to them as they praised their wares.
Green plants grew along the mostly wooden houses, giving the city a lively and natural feel.
But the scenery soon changed when Liam reached a majestic gate. It was framed by two spiraling towers, the mystical and powerful atmosphere dissuading people from getting close.
Two stern-faced nephilim in gorgeous white armor guarded the gate, not letting anyone in.
When Liam came closer the two guards mustered him skeptically.
He quickly went into the game's options, choosing to reveal his characteristic wings.
Immediately the guard's faces turned friendly.
"Adventurer, welcome home."
"Thank you, brother."
Liam nodded at the guard who treated him like a real nephilim. They opened the gate for him, allowing him to enter the home of the original nephilim.
[Discovered Wing Mountain. Reward: 50EXP]
[EXP: 230/2000]
Liam took in the beautiful scenery before him. Winding paths went up the two magical mountains.
Small, temple-like buildings were scattered on the mountains, which were inhabited solely by original nephilim. A few of the powerful beings could be seen wandering on the roads, accompanied by a soothing melody engulfing the entire area.
In his old life even Liam only managed to come here twice, as the nephilim were known not to invite strangers.
Thus, he had some difficulties orienting himself. He struggled along the mountain paths, finding himself in a dead end more than once.
Liam would've lamented the waste of time if he didn't find two treasure chests along the way, giving him a good-looking level 10 helmet and a strong spell scroll.
But finally, he arrived before a small stone hut. Despite its size the building looked sturdy, with picturesque stone benches placed outside below colorful trees. Everything was well taken care of.
Liam dug deep into his memory to reassure himself before taking a step forward and suddenly kneeling down before the stone hut.
For a few minutes nothing happened. Liam almost began to doubt himself before a deep voice finally came out of the hut.
"Leave!"
Liam knew he was at the right spot, not moving a muscle.
"I don't know who told you of this place, but I won't let you in."
"Leave!"
"I don't teach anymore!"
The voice coming from inside the hut was stubborn. Liam knew that it was pointless to answer, waiting for a good ten minutes.