New Eden: Live to Play, Play to Live



Nalafein had his eyes locked on the portal, not recognizing its construction. Teleportation magic may come in many forms, but most of them were already in use commonly.

But this portal was completely unfamiliar to him. When Astaroth spoke up, he snapped his attention back to him.

Killi, meanwhile, wasn't so easily impressed, given it looked like something he had already seen. It made him wonder just how much of their world's technology of fiction this game had plagiarized.

'Have these game creators no shame?' he thought.

If he had known that nothing on this side came from programing, his mind would turn in an entirely different direction, but he was still in the dark about this.

"I would want to talk about your destination," Astaroth said, climbing down the stairs.

This drew a few curious gazes and frowns, as most of the delegation thought they knew what they needed to know about it.

"Is there anything more we need to know?" Nalafein asked, not liking surprises.

"Yes. There is one last thing. At the top of the tower or tree, whoever you want to call it, there is an entity of great power. I would ask that you not try to go see it or force yourself on it, under any circumstance. The fewer people know it is there, the less trouble will befall the lands you now own."

Nalafein was slightly worried about the revelation. An entity that needed to stay hidden was never a good omen.

"And what if we decide to try, anyway?" Killi asked, his curiosity rising.

Astaroth locked eyes with him.

"It will be at your own risk. The entity in question can wipe you from this world in a heartbeat. Better to leave it alone."

Killi's curiosity levels rose even more. Who wouldn't want to try his hand at such a challenge?

But Astaroth looked serious about this 'wipe you from this world' thing. He wasn't sure he would risk it himself.

But maybe he could send a few expendable players?

But it was a matter to consider later. For now, it was primordial to focus on his guild's development.

With their fresh territory and endless possibilities, there would be much work ahead.

Astaroth received the notification from the portal and smiled.

"Well! You are now all set to go. The portal only stays open for a minute, so if you have anything else to say, now is the time."

Nalafein snapped out of his thoughts and took a step closer to Astaroth, extending his hand.

"Thank you. For everything. The Ash Elves will never forget what you did for them."

Astaroth grabbed the extending hand, smiling warmly.

"Prince Nalafein, think nothing of it. You freed me when I needed it most. Without you, I could have hardly become what I am now. Consider this only as a favour repaid."

The prince smiled back. Words may not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but these words echoed within him.

He pulled his hand back from their clasp and started stepping up the stairs. Gelum'vire stayed silent, only nodding his head toward the abnormal.

Astaroth returned his nod as the mage followed behind the prince.

Killi stopped in front of Astaroth and Phoenix, saluting them both.

"Even though there are so many strings attached, that I feel like a puppet, thank you for this opportunity. I will make the most of it and become the largest guild in New Eden. That much I promise."

Astaroth chuckled at his words.

"You are no puppet. I said we wouldn't take advantage of you, and I promise we won't. Consider this more of a favour owed. When the time comes, I only want to know you will answer our call."

Killi nodded his head. He always repaid favours.

He looked at Phoenix, smiling at her.

"You did it, ember girl. You finally burn brighter than anyone else. Congratulations on reaching the top. But don't grow complacent. New powerhouses rise every day."

Phoenix smiled softly at the words.

Killi had been one of the first pro players that had acknowledged her, and hearing him say she had made it filled her with glee.

"Thank you, old-timer. But New Eden is where you can make your comeback. Don't waste this chance."

Killi chuckled before spinning his heels toward the portal and walking away.

Phoenix waited until he and his vice leader were almost across it before calling out to the vice leader.

"Hey, Cardinal!"

The vice leader heard his name and turned around.

Phoenix ignited her entire form, lifting off the ground a few feet, as fire came out of her, making herself look like a star in the cosmos, completely eclipsing the light from the player. His eyes went wide, the display of power taking him by surprise.

But before he could accept her challenge, Astaroth used telekinesis and shoved him through the portal.

Phoenix slowly landed, as the flames extinguished, and giggled at her boyfriend's action.

"You know, he wouldn't have been able to one-up me this time. You didn't need to push him through the portal."

Astaroth smirked.

"I know. But imagine his frustration, when he appears on the other side of the continent, unable to try his hand at it at all. At least until you meet again."

Phoenix could indeed imagine his face, as he lost his occasion to prove himself, and she brought her hand up to her lips, laughing.

Alex spoke up in his mind, trying to send a message to Nemus, while Kary laughed.

'I don't know if you can hear me, but I sent over the new proprietors of the tower. Please treat them well, and try not to let them see you. I warned them to leave you alone, but I doubt they'll listen.'

A response came soon after.

'I know. Don't worry. If I don't want to be found, no one on this planet will find me.'

Her answer satisfied him, and he focused back on Phoenix.

"Alright. Let's get Leon back in charge and get back to levelling. We've wasted enough time."

Phoenix nodded her head, and they both headed back up the staircase. They had much to do, still, before they could go out of the kingdom.