I have not played L2 in more than 4 years and the last time I was really into the game, I was on a Chronicle 4 server.

Now my friends invited me to play on a new x5 server with Hi5

What new content and features can I expect assuming everything is working as intended? (I've been told it is)

I'm starting new characters from scratch so what Im most concerned about is leveling as fast a possible to get the to endgame and then start to gear them up, any tips on the fastest way to level and where are the best hunting grounds at higher levels.

Regards

Kind of the same, new zones are few so you'll figure it out.