Started to play again and need help

[elden25]

I started playing this game in 2014 around the 4.0 something era, got some good friends and a guild that felt like family. Eventually, I got tired of the grind and took some short-long breaks and managed to get my character to 65. I never really did the instances except the ones required so I wasn't really fully aware of how to upgrade in terms of stats. The only things I did were legion activities and sieges then I stopped playing as other things came up in my life.

So now I am back, the servers have merged and I decided to abandon my main sorc and stick with my then-level 80 cleric since I enjoy healing more. Everyone's already sort of powerful and I'm more nervous talking to people so I hope someone can clarify since there's sooo many new things.

Retail Aion questions: https://xender.vip/ https://omegle.onl/

What do I do to improve gear?

Which instances should I do first?

I'm currently stuck on level 83 with no clear pointer. I have a couple campaigns in Ashparanta but enemies take literally an hour to kill, is that normal?

I have completed the tutorial that gives the helper gear and bought from the shop to get the cubes as well as gear in general.

Any tips and pointers are very much appreciated.

Edited January 31 by elden25