Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

The stone in the center of the clearing was a light gray, with many cracks and marks that told the story of centuries past. Its surface was rough to the touch, as if the roots of the surrounding trees had embraced it over time, and there was a rune written on it that Kaizen remembered well from exploring this region some time ago.

The evening light created a play of dancing shadows on the stone and grass. A light breeze blew through the area, causing the leaves to rustle gently, making a serene sound.

As Kaizen watched the clearing, he noticed that the sky was tinted with shades of orange and pink. The sound of distant running water added a gentle soundtrack to the environment, matching the distant bird songs.

The mysterious Descragon had not yet arrived, but Kaizen could sense that she was getting closer. The location seemed to have been carefully chosen for a quiet and private meeting, away from the curious and indiscreet glances of the other players.

Kaizen decided to sit on the stone and took a moment to reflect on the past of the race, the wars that had nearly wiped them out, and the importance of the race finding a way to coexist with the other races of Midgard. The place, though peaceful and serene at the moment, made Kaizen think of the scars of the Descendants’ turbulent past.

Depending on the other party’s proposal, Kaizen was determined to help them find a solution to their challenges.

As the sun slowly set over the horizon, bathing the clearing in a golden glow, Kaizen awaited his meeting with the mysterious person, ready to discover the purpose that had led them to seek Kaizen out this time.

Kaizen waited patiently by the strange stone when Xisrith finally emerged from the shadows of the trees. His red eyes met Kaizen’s, and a look of surprise crossed his face.

𝞸𝑣𝑳xt.𝗇𝓔t

“You’re… that guy.” She said, taking a deep breath. “Okay, this certainly wasn’t something I was expecting.”

Kaizen recognized the Descragon as much as she recognized him. Xisrith was a player he had helped when he was still a novice exploring the outskirts of Holinda.

“Well, this is an unexpected reunion. How are you? How have your adventures been since we last met?”

“Things have been a bit challenging, but I’m fine, I prefer challenges to playing as a normal human.”

“I feel you are too honest.”

“A little bit. Actually, I came here today to ask for your help. From what my clansmen have told me, you are a powerful player, and the head of my clan thinks that a strong human is exactly what we need for an important mission.”

“A mission?”

“I hate to say this, but if it is true that you defeated the butchers of my clan, you are certainly stronger than me, who is just a negotiator, so I am asking for your help. I am a member of a clan of Descendants, and I was recently sent to negotiate with some humans from the Kingdom of Vrikhodour. We are seeking official protection for the Descendants. However, my clansmen believe that in order to have any chance of success, I need an extremely strong human at my side to provide security and to put pressure on them by showing that we have contacts as well”.

“And your companions have thought of me for this task?”

“Yes, exactly. It was through them that I learned of your extraordinary abilities. We believe that your presence at my side will convince the humans of our seriousness and determination. You are the key to this crucial negotiation.” Xisrith said and looked into his eyes.

“I understand the importance of this mission. If I can help ensure peace and official protection for the Descendants, I am willing to cooperate. But why me, there are many other skilled players out there.”

“I have no friends who play this game, nor could I form parties with other players, considering that any player of another race would get a lot of XP from killing me. And since you have gained the respect of my clanmates and are one of the few humans who know of our existence, they believe you are the right person.”

Kaizen smiled. “I am honored by the trust placed in me. I agree to be part of this mission and help them in their quest for peace, and this mission could not come at a more opportune time. I am very interested in the kingdom of Vrikhodour.”

“That is good. I will pack some horses and supplies and we will leave as soon as you are ready. The journey will take a day or two, considering the rest stops, the speed of the horses, and the road we will travel.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Kaizen said, opening her system interface.

She was a bit surprised and inquired:

“What are you doing?”

Kaizen opened his inventory and clicked on the icon of a teleportation stone he had obtained in Zephyrion, the capital of Vrikhodour.

Xisrith looked at Kaizen, surprised and with a gleam of curiosity in her eyes. “Do you really have a teleportation stone to another realm? I never thought I would have the chance to use one. How did you get it?”

Kaizen smiled, remembering his many adventures and the challenges he had overcome.

“It was a difficult feat, but it was worth it. While exploring the far corners of Midgard, I eventually discovered an ancient secret chamber in Zephyrion, the capital of Vrikhodour. There, I was able to defeat a powerful guardian and receive the teleportation stone as a reward. It was an arduous journey, but the reward was worth every challenge.

Xisrith stared in amazement at the stone in Kaizen’s hands. “Is that true?” She asked naively.

“Actually, no. I bought it from a common shop when I traveled to Zephyrion last week.” Kaizen said, holding out his hand and offering Xisrith a teleportation stone.

The player closed his eyes and stared at Kaizen in disappointment. Then he took the teleportation stone and asked:

“So if you bought it in a store, it must have been cheap.”

“It was a thousand dollars each.”

Xisrith was startled, and instead of picking up the stone with one hand, he held it carefully, squinting his eyes. “I’ll be careful then.”