Chapter 75: The World of Eternia As night fell, Xin settled down to immerse himself in the game, but a constant vibration of his phone disrupted his focus. He had put his phone on silent to avoid the notifications from their high school GC, but he realized that he couldn’t evade them forever. Sooner or later, he would have to confront Meilyn again, and it seemed better to face it sooner than later. With a heavy breath, Xin picked up his phone and unlocked it. The screen was flooded with greetings and inquiries about his whereabouts the first time he pressed the chat. Xin hesitated for a moment before starting to type, responding to each message with simple lines and providing updates on his condition. The responses came pouring in seconds, a mix of well wishes, questions about his recovery, expressions of joy that he had finally awakened, and how he was doing. Amidst the flood of messages, Xin’s heart skipped a beat when he noticed Meilyn’s name among the participants in the chat. He hesitated momentarily, then steeled himself and continued typing, keeping his tone neutral and polite as he exchanged words with her. The conversation flowed like a river, a mix of emotions and memories surging to the surface as they interacted once again. However, Xin was aware that his hopefulness bordered on naivety. The narrative of their relationship had reached its conclusion the instant he tumbled down that flight of stairs. Reality beckoned, and Xin understood it was time to shift his focus and embrace the present. Moreover, his agenda was teeming with pressing matters, rendering the idea of nurturing a romantic connection an inconsequential afterthought. ǁ Giggles Galore ǁ Meilyn: I’m glad that you’re back, Xin. Daryl: Uh-oh . . . Something’s going on. Shane: Meilyn, Xin is back, so break up with that guy already. LOL. Gina: Come on, guys. You’re making things awkward for them. Vein: Hold up. Does Xin know you have a boyfriend? Meredith: They’re from the same school, so yeah. Ben: That’s rough. You two were like lovebirds in high school. Penny: Xin, you’re still coming to the reunion, right? Flor: Xin, now that you’re single. You should date me. I’m totally hotter than Meilyn. Dixon: You lack the boobs Dixie: Let it go, everyone Carol: Am I the only one who found the name of our GC weird? . . . multiple people are typing . . . ǁ Xin came to a decision that it was time to bid farewell to the ongoing chat and immerse himself in the gaming world. Whether they thought he was avoiding the situation or not, he didn’t mind; he just hoped that the buzz about his return would eventually fade away, so he wouldn’t be the center of attention all the time. After saying goodbye, Xin logged in to Guildbane; his focus shifted to the hunt for Golem materials, a task that now took precedence. Once inside the game, the System prompted options for him to choose his starting point, and he opted for Icy Hill in the Dwarven Continent, the location of Snow Angels HQ. Xin took a moment to study the map of Eternia. The vast and intricate world of Eternia sprawled before its denizens like an endless canvas painted with myriad colors and landscapes. At the heart of this digital realm were the major continents, each a distinct realm of wonders and challenges that catered to the unique races that called them home. Continent of Ardanar Humans –– The diverse and adaptable humans established their sprawling cities and kingdoms across Ardanar. Towering citadels, bustling marketplaces, and serene villages created a harmonious blend of architectural styles, reflecting their unity in diversity. Celestia Angels –– A realm of ethereal beauty and heavenly elegance, Celestia was the domain of the angelic race. Their crystalline spires and floating islands on clouds were bathed in divine light while magnificent gardens and fountains graced every corner. Abyssal Wastes: Demons –– A stark contrast to the other lands, the Abyssal Wastes exuded an aura of darkness and torment. Demon strongholds, forged from obsidian and shadow, rose ominously from the blackened ground, surrounded by twisting canyons and sulfurous pits. Sylvan Glades Elves –– The elves flourished in the Sylvan Glades, where ancient and towering trees formed their homes. Elaborate treehouses, elegant bridges, and hidden enclaves blended seamlessly with the lush, emerald-hued landscape. Wildermoor Beastfolk –– The Beastfolk called Wildermoor their realm, a land teeming with untamed wilderness and diverse ecosystems. From vast savannas to dense jungles, their settlements ranged from cliffside villages to burrows carved into hillsides. Dwarven Expanse Dwarves –– Beneath soaring mountain ranges, the Dwarven Expanse concealed intricate networks of underground cities and caverns. Imposing forges, intricate architecture, and magnificent halls were carved into the heart of the earth. Crown Jade Woods Sprites –– Among the treetops and shimmering waterfalls, the Sprites made their homes in the aerial paradise of Crow Jade Woods. Delicate floating platforms, interconnected by bridges of light, created a surreal and enchanting atmosphere. There were also smaller races who found their places within the gaps between major continents. Halflings, Tieflings, Gnomes, Orcs, merfolk, centaurs, and various other races forged their communities along the fringes of the dominant lands. Their architecture, customs, and lifestyles reflected their unique cultural identities. Connecting these realms were vast seas, treacherous mountains, deep forests, and expansive deserts, each region hosting its own set of challenges and secrets. Rivers, lakes, and waterfalls crisscrossed the landscape, serving as vital lifelines for trade and communication between the diverse races. Eternia, a world of endless exploration and discovery, was a testament to the creativity and imagination of its creators. From the grandeur of celestial spires to the serenity of forested glades, from the bustling markets of human cities to the haunting beauty of demon strongholds, the world of Eternia beckoned adventurers to carve their own stories and etch their legacies upon its diverse tapestry. A surge of exhilaration coursed through Xin’s veins as he cast his gaze upon the intricate map of Eternia. The world stretched out before him like a vast tapestry of opportunities waiting to be unraveled –– a vast treasure horde waiting to be claimed! ==== A/N ==== Hey guys, 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶 Just drop by to tell you that if you have questions, and suggestions, just leave it in the comments for I read that everyday. I read Paragraph comments too, but not that often so it may take a while for me to reply you there. CHEERS! 🥂