Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

The trip to Olaynore wasn't as productive as Kaizen had hoped it would be, after all, he wanted to come back with the answer to Muspelheim, but it wasn't a total waste of time either. He got some important information about the gods, including those that do and don't exist in Rise Online.

"Are you telling me that that warning I got about the other gods isn't totally unfounded? Well, that's not a very good thing to hear." Emma said.

Klaus, who was on the other end of the phone, laughed briefly. "I know, I know, but it's exciting, don't you think?"

"Um... I'm not sure. I mean, it's exciting, but, you know, before there was doubt about when a player would reach an important command post within RO, like an army commander and maybe even a king, but now we're talking about gods, Klaus. That sounds much bigger and dangerous."

"Yes, except that at least one theory of mine has already been completely ruled out."

"Theory?"

"I had the theory that in RO there was more than one mythology coexisting, because the item that gave me the title Master of Languages, which allows me to understand practically all languages, was called 'Bastet's Blessing'."

"Bastet...? Oh yes! The Egyptian goddess?!"

"Exactly, from there you can already imagine how my mind spun with this possibility, but from what I understand, this is an ancient religion, from a world before RO. I don't know if this is some kind of easter egg from the other game companies that Hongué Holdings bought before producing Rise Online, maybe it is."

Emma sat down and slumped back on the sofa. "Urff! It's a lot to think about, isn't it?"

Klaus smiled and also sat down on a wooden bench that was in the middle of the trail he walked during the night. "Anyway, I'm sorry for calling just to tell you about this. I guess I could have left it until tomorrow."

The red-haired girl raised her head and straightened her posture. "No, I'm not complaining. I could listen to you talk for hours."

Somehow, Klaus knew she was just being nice this time. "All right, but let's get down to business, shall we?"

"Okay... Actually, I was going to call you as soon as you answered my message. There's something I want to talk about."

"All right, I'm listening."

Silence hung for a few moments between Klaus and Emma, only broken by the soft whisper of the wind in the forest where Klaus stood.

"You know, Klaus, we're both involved in this special program, but we haven't discussed this month's challenge yet. You remember that every month there's a challenge, don't you? The first was the camp challenges, and the second was the tournament in Los Angeles."

Klaus nodded, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead. He had completely forgotten that every month there was one of these challenges. "Of course, how could I forget? It was all so intense."

"Exactly. And it looks like this month will be no different, at least that's what I've heard in the corridors."

"What do you know?"

"Nothing that's confirmed, but, well, I hear they're planning something different this time. Something that directly involves Rise Online. Since Hongué Holdings directly sponsors the program, they want to make a move."

Klaus arched an eyebrow, a glimmer of interest lighting up his eyes. "Rise Online? In this month's challenge? That's unusual."

Emma sighed before continuing. "Yes, it's just a rumor circulating among the students here. But, you know, there's usually some truth in rumors that circulate like that. From what I've heard, the dynamic will be different, but it still won't involve players from outside the program."

Klaus' eyes narrowed slightly, thoughtfully. "Well, that adds a new element to the equation. Usually, these challenges count as a grade too."

"I'm not sure it will be any different this time, Klaus. But considering how unpredictable these challenges can be, I'd say it's a possibility. And, you know, I thought it would be fair to let you know before any official announcement."

Klaus nodded, appreciating Emma's attitude. "I thank you for the information, Emma... And do you think you'll take part?"

"If it's by invitation, certainly not. Honestly, I'm a bit tired after all these events in a row and I need a normal month of study. I'm not even going to the Archery Department every day. But what about you? Are you going to take part?"

"No, I don't think so, unless Charles asks me to. I was interested in learning more about artificial intelligence by being in this program, but I have a lot of classes behind me."

Night shrouded the trail in an eerie gloom as Klaus and Emma pondered the possible outcomes of the next challenge. The sounds of the forest he was in, from the soft rustling of leaves to the distant murmurs of nocturnal animals, made everything very relaxing.

Klaus adjusted his position on the wooden bench, feeling the roughness of the texture against his back.

A cold wind played with Emma's hair, as she sat by her bedroom window. Her blue eyes were fixed on the darkness beyond the reach of the moonlight.

"Emma, do you think they're going to change the dynamic of RO for the challenge?" Klaus broke the silence, his voice laden with curiosity.

She tilted her head, considering the question. "What do you mean?"

"You know, RO has championships, but usually the place and time of the fight is set within the game, there isn't an arena made specifically for the championship, but so far there hasn't been an official championship either.

If we take into account the history of these challenges, and that the last one was considered a nationally and internationally successful show, they may be looking to use the fame gained by the special program to hold their first official championship. And considering the importance of Rise Online this time, I think we can expect something surprising."

Alina pondered what it would mean for the program and the participants. "If it involves Rise Online, maybe an in-game challenge is the best and worst case scenario for them, and your theory makes a lot of sense."

"I hope I'm not right. A championship now..."

"You're not ready yet, are you?"

"Not until my brother can be in the audience to see me. It's different from the Three Great Human Kingdoms Championship, completely different."