Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player



The next day, the sun was almost hidden, faintly illuminating the clearing where Kaizen and Xisrith met again. Though it was late afternoon, the air was cool from the surrounding trees. Both were ready to begin their journey to the capital of Vrikhodour.

"Everything is ready," Kaizen said, looking at Xisrith with determination. "Let's use the teleportation crystals and get to Vrikhodour's capital quickly."

Xisrith nodded and took a deep breath to prepare herself for the unique experience she was about to have, after all, she had never used a crystal like this before.

Kaizen held her teleportation stone tightly, feeling the magical energy pulsing through it. Xisrith held her stone as well, fascinated. Together, they activated the crystals simultaneously by simply saying the name of the city they wanted to go to. A magical glow enveloped their bodies and they felt a slight tingling sensation as they were transported through space.

In an instant, the clearing disappeared, giving way to a completely different landscape. They found themselves in the center of one of Zephyrion's main plazas, where many players spawned or met their friends. The place was buzzing with activity and movement. Players of various races and classes gathered, chatting and conducting business. The sound of excited voices and laughter filled the air, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that somehow seemed to harmonize with the airships that crossed the sky toward the docking port.

Xisrith looked around, impressed by the vibrancy of the city.

The majestic buildings with detailed architecture rose up around the square, forming a dazzling backdrop. Towering statues of legendary adventurers adorned the surroundings, bringing a sense of history and grandeur to the place.

"This place is truly magnificent," Xisrith commented, admiring the details of the square and the infectious energy emanating from every corner. "It's a city that seems to live and breathe."

Kaizen smiled, also appreciating the welcoming atmosphere. "Yes, it seems to be a place where the best players gather to share their quests, forge alliances, and seek new achievements. Now, however, we must find the human representatives we are to meet with. What is the location they have given you?"

"The Basilica of the Saint."

Kaizen opened her holographic map as she spoke and searched for the place mentioned. "It's not far from here. Let's get going."

"Right." Xisrith said, still admiring the surroundings.

The two moved on, walking through the busy streets of Vrikhodour, marveling at the imposing architecture and meticulous details of the surrounding buildings. The architecture was a mixture of modernism and medievalism, preserving the rich details in the buildings, but not abandoning the presence of metal, glass, and other more advanced materials.

The streets were lined with strong players in shining armor, mages in colorful robes, and merchants offering a variety of items and equipment, from staffs to monster remains.

As they moved through the streets, Kaizen and Xisrith took in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The sound of footsteps echoing off the stone floors, accompanied by laughter and lively conversation, made the entire city seem like one long tap dance performance.

The aromas of local spiced foods filled the air, whetting the appetites of passersby.

The Basilica of the Saint soon stood before them, a magnificent structure with towering stone spires and colorful stained glass windows. It was a sacred place where players of certain classes and religions came to pay their respects and seek spiritual guidance in exchange for rewards.

As they entered the basilica, Kaizen and Xisrith sensed a serene atmosphere. The muffled sounds of footsteps echoed off the stone walls, while the light filtering through the stained glass windows created a play of colors on the interior surfaces and wooden benches. They approached the main altar, where an NPC stood guard. He was dressed in a white robe, indicating his position as an official representative of the city, and a welcoming smile appeared on his face as he noticed Kaizen and Xisrith's arrival.

"Welcome to the Basilica of the Saint," the man said in a calm and respectful voice, even though Xisrith wore a magical hood to hide his horns. "We know the purpose of your visit and are ready to hear what you have to say.

Kaizen and Xisrith exchanged a look of determination. They knew that this meeting would be crucial in ensuring the protection and recognition of the Descendants. It was an opportunity to forge a lasting alliance between the human players and their race. So please come with me, I will take you to the member of the royal court who will receive you.

The two players nodded and followed the man.

The representative led Kaizen and Xisrith through the ornate corridors of the basilica, past paintings and tapestries depicting scenes from legendary battles and historical moments in the city. The soft sound of a harp echoed through the room, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere. Finally, they reached an imposing door where the representative announced the arrival of the visitors. The door opened to reveal a spacious room lit by crystal chandeliers. In the center of the room was a throne occupied by an imposing figure.

He was a tall, thin man with small eyes and long white hair. He wore shining armor and carried a large spear beside the throne. When he saw Kaizen and Xisrith, he nodded in greeting.

"Welcome," he said in a deep, authoritative, yet somehow receptive voice. "I am Duke Frugold. We have heard of your demands and are ready to hear what you have to say. Speak clearly."

Kaizen stepped forward, feeling the responsibility that rested on his shoulders; after all, he was there to protect them.

"Thank you for seeing us, Duke Frugold. My name is Klaus, I am a human, and I am in charge of Xisrith's security, as she does not know the area."

"It's very nice to have a fellow human with whom I can use common sense."

Xisrith, in turn, knelt down and bowed her head and torso. "It is an honor to converse with a member of the royal court such as yourself. Thank you for having us."

At that moment, while Xisrith's head was down, the Duke picked up the cup from the next table and began to drink, causing Kaizen to clench his eyes in suspicion.