Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

The return of Kaizen and his group to the Tretidian Capital was marked by a commotion that quickly spread throughout the central square.

The players, who had initially looked at them with surprise and caution, now crowded around them, talking loudly and very curious about the group that had just magically appeared before their eyes.

Alina, noticing the crowd's reaction, whispered to Kaizen:

"Looks like you've suddenly become quite well known around here."

Kaizen nodded slightly, his gaze scanning the varied expressions of those present. He had almost forgotten that the NPCs had no way of knowing what happened in the real world and therefore didn't know that Kaizen had revealed his true identity.

"It must be because of what you did in the Capital of Mibothen, defeating the other demons and the Eye of Hermodr," replied Og'tharoz.

Kaizen nodded in agreement. At least Rise Online's artificial intelligences were so quick to analyze scenarios and come up with plausible explanations that he didn't have to put much effort into it.

Among the crowd of players, voices were raised in excited conversation and speculation about the group's sudden appearance.

"Did you see it? It's Kaizen! The guy who defeated all those demons!"

"I hear he's become Evolved, he's even more powerful than ever!"

"Look at his group, they all have incredible equipment!"

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"Are they planning some epic mission?"

"Where did they come from? They're wearing cold clothes, could they be exploring the Giant's Mountains? It's very cold there."

Meanwhile, Kaizen walked with the group out of the square and everyone made way for them, like sharks through schools of fish. His steps were firm and Kaizen's serious posture conveyed an unshakeable confidence.

Alina followed at his side, watching people's reactions with a slight smile on her lips.

"They have NPCs in their group too! How powerful do these NPCs have to be to keep up with Kaizen?"

Such a racket caught the attention of a group of noble NPCs passing by, and suddenly a familiar voice called out to Kaizen.

"Make sure it's not Kaizen!" Arthas, former head of the Tretidian Kingdom's Kingsguard, shouted.

A dozen of the kingdom's guards accompanied him, and Victor's smile widened at finally seeing Arthas well, especially after almost seeing him dead after the last attack on the Tretidian Royal Palace.

"You seem to be returning from your trip. How was it, Kaizen?"

"The journey was challenging but rewarding, Arthas," Kaizen replied, his voice firm and assured, reflecting the confidence he had acquired throughout his journeys.

Arthas, with his piercing blue eyes, analyzed Kaizen for a moment before nodding approvingly. "You seem to have done great things since we last met," he commented, referring to the events that had shaken not only the Kingdom of Tretidian, but the entire world of Midgard. He gestured to the guards around him, indicating that they should relax, as there was no immediate threat.

"Kaizen!" Suddenly a female voice exclaimed.

When Kaizen turned around, he was embraced by Ravastine, and her voice carried genuine emotion.

"It's a pleasure to see you again after so long." Her red eyes shone with a mixture of joy and concern.

Kaizen accepted Ravastine's embrace with respect, aware of the significance of this gesture in public. "Princess Ravastine," he greeted, bowing his head slightly in respect. "It is my honor to see you again, especially after such tumultuous times."

The presence of the princess among the players and NPCs in the central square did not go unnoticed by the curious.

Murmurs quickly spread, commenting on the rarity of such a close encounter with royalty.

Some of the more daring players even approached to try and catch a glimpse of the princess, but were promptly restrained by Arthas' guards.

"Ehh? Does he really have such a personal relationship with one of the princesses?!!"

"I'm so jealous. I wanted to be hugged by her like that."

"If I'm not mistaken, Kaizen saved the Royal Palace more than once, that must be why they seem so close!"

Princess Ravastine was known for her keen intelligence and her skill with the sword. Her beauty was as legendary as her skills.

"Where are you coming from?" Ravastine inquired as she stepped away from the arm.

"Niflheim." Kaizen casually replied.

Many of the people around heard him, but didn't want to believe their own ears.

"He said 'Niflheim'? Did I hear that right? Nah, it must be a mistake."

Ravastine was surprised too, but only for a second. "Have you gotten that strong already? It seems like yesterday that a simple vampire was giving us so much trouble. Right, I can't fall behind! I'll train even harder with my sword!"

The meeting between Kaizen, Ravastine and Arthas in the central square of Tretidian was marked by a mixture of admiration, curiosity and respect. As the crowd murmured and curious eyes turned towards the group led by Kaizen, the three protagonists of this scene realized that they were causing too much of a stir.

Kaizen, always aware of the impact of his actions and the reactions around him, took the initiative to suggest that it was time to leave. He knew that the presence of Princess Ravastine among the players and NPCs might attract more attention than they wanted at that moment.

With a meaningful glance at Ravastine and a discreet nod to Alina and the rest of the group, Kaizen indicated that it was time to say goodbye.

"Princess Ravastine, Arthas, it has been a pleasure to see you again and to share this brief moment of reunion," said Kaizen in his calm voice as he straightened his flowing cloak. "However, I believe that our presence here is generating more commotion than desired. It would be wise to be on our way."

Ravastine nodded, understanding the situation and recognizing the wisdom behind Kaizen's words. "Kaizen is right. We don't need to attract any more attention than we already are. Until next time, then."

Arthas, always attentive to detail and the safety of the kingdom, agreed with a solemn nod. "Take care, Kaizen and all your group. If you need anything, you know where to find us."

With goodbyes said and curious looks still following in his footsteps, Kaizen activated his <Psychokinesis> ability, which electrified the air around him.

An aura of energy enveloped the group, and in an instant, they rose into the air as if they could float.

The icy Tretidian wind caressed their faces as they flew towards the horizon.