Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

𝓞𝐕𝑳𝒩xt.𝐜𝑶𝓜

“Wait a minute, so you mean the King and the evil entity were sealed together in the King’s Sword? That explains a lot… But if what you say is true, how is the entity communicating if it is sealed?” Kaizen inquired of Aelon as he heard the end of the story.

Aelon looked up at Kaizen with eyes full of accumulated wisdom and a gentle breeze blew, stroking his hair, and replied, “The evil entity is partly made of pure chaos, no wonder the more destruction its armies caused, the more powerful it became. So, when The Eye of Hermodr destroys the natural element that makes up the supernatural and paranormal, destabilizing environments of supernatural creatures and among other things, the entity gains more strength, even imprisoned and, although I do not believe that the entity can communicate with words, it can interfere in some way in the real world.”

Kaizen’s eyes widened with a mixture of fascination and apprehension. He began to comprehend the magnitude of the challenge that lay before them. It was not only a physical battle against visible enemies, but also a constant struggle against the darkness that threatened to corrupt all of Midgard.

“Then we must protect the King’s Sword and prevent the evil entity from being unleashed by the Eye of Hermodr…” Kaizen said thoughtfully, placing a hand on his chin and thinking.

Aelon nodded, an expression of approval on her aged face. She admired Kaizen’s determination, seeing in him the same courageous spirit that had inspired the first King of Tretidian.

“You understand, Kaizen.” said Aelon in a soft tone of voice. “The battle against the darkness is an arduous task, but you are not alone. Midgard relies on those who are willing to confront evil, protect hope, and preserve the light. More than ever, you need to find allies, powerful allies, because this latest attack on the Tretidian Capital will not be the only one. Remember, the more chaos they manage to cause, the greater the entity’s influence and power over Midgard becomes, and he won’t stop until he ends it all…”

“The Ragnarok…” muttered Kaizen.

“Exactly. If he can start the Ragnarok, not even the best warriors of Asgard will be able to defeat him, because his strength will be unrivaled.”

Kaizen felt a chill run down his spine at hearing the dreaded word. In that moment, he remembered what everyone had already told him, about the job of a Psyker, about his crucial role in causing Ragnarok or preventing it. The final fate of Midgard, the end of the world as he knew it, was a terrifying possibility that had been hanging over him since he started playing Rise Online, no wonder that was the reason he named the best sword he could forge with that word.

“We cannot allow that to happen.” Kaizen stated firmly. “I will do everything in my power to gather powerful allies and stop the evil entity. Midgard deserves a chance to live in peace.”

Aelon smiled, impressed with the young man’s courage and willpower. She knew Kaizen was ready from the start, but it was her duty to tell him about the past, lest the same mistakes be repeated in the future.

“I know you can do it, Kaizen,” Aelon said, placing a comforting hand on the young man’s shoulder. “You possess the tenacity and wisdom to face what lies ahead. Find the bravest warriors, the most experienced sages and the most powerful magical beings. Together, you will form an army that knows no fear. However, before all that, you deserve to know the truth.”

“Truth?” Kaizen asks, surprised.

“Yes, about your position as a Psyker.” Aelon declared, his voice echoing with a mixture of gravity and hope. “My young man, Psykers are rare and powerful beings, gifted with a special connection to the cosmic energies that flow throughout the universe. They have the ability to shape and control these energies for various purposes. Throughout the millennia, Psykers have been the guardians of the balance between the forces of light and darkness. They are responsible for protecting not only Midgard from supernatural threats, but also all the worlds that make up Yggdrasil.”

Kaizen nodded and sighed. “I know… Maybe I’m not doing a very good job.”

Aelon interrupted Kaizen with a gentle gesture. “That’s not true, Kaizen. You have been doing a good job as a Psyker so far. Your courage and determination are remarkable, and you have met the challenges that lay before you with bravery. Do not forget that it is normal to feel overwhelmed at times like this. You carry a heavy burden, but you also possess incredible potential to meet it.”

Kaizen looked at Aelon, his eyes showing gratitude for her words of encouragement.

“The evil entity is powerful, Kaizen. Whatever that is exactly, it is much older than us, much older even than the human race. I do not know if it arose in another world of Yggdrasil or beyond, from something we do not understand.” Aelon continued. “But you also have power within you. The connection you have with the cosmic energies is unique, valuable and growing stronger. You have the potential to become the most powerful Psyker that has ever existed.”

“You say there have been other Psykers, but until recently I wasn’t sure if I was the first or not. If they have existed, why are there no remnants of them?”

“Psykers have a peculiar fate,” Aelon continued. “Because of the nature of their powers, they are not like heroes of wars, they always act more in the shadows. They leave no visible traces of their existence where they pass, nor when they leave. Their presence is engraved in stories, legends and in the hearts of the people who have been affected by their presence. They leave an intangible legacy that perpetuates itself in memories and in the fabric of reality. However, this is all as far as I know, because all I know are fragments of history.”

Kaizen listened intently, processing the information. “I have one last question, please.”

“Yes, you may.”

“Who are you exactly?” Kaizen inquired.