Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

Kaizen, Andrew and Alina had set up a small camp under a large rock that offered partial cover. This place was almost twenty meters from the ice dwarf village which, at this distance, was almost invisible because of the wind dragging the snow that constantly fell from the sky.

After a few minutes of lighting the fire, they noticed three silhouettes approaching even in this "mist".

Andrew drew part of his sword, but Kaizen held back his fist. "Don't worry, it's our people. It looks like they got some good information faster than we expected."

Alina, the group's mage, stood up next to the fire, put her two hands together, spun them around and when a red magic circle appeared from the junction of her hands, a bubble of heat formed around them, gradually expanding until it reached Jayaa, Xisrith and Og'tharoz. The warmth of this magical bubble melted every snowflake that dared to enter it.

The adventurers, enveloped in the magical bubble of warmth, immediately felt relief from the biting cold that enveloped them. The snow on their shoulders evaporated on contact with the magical barrier, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Jayaa removed the hood of her cloak, revealing her beautiful face. "Ah, what a relief this magic is," said Jayaa, her eyes meeting Alina's. "Our thanks, Alina."

Alina smiled, gratified by the appreciation. "It's the least I can do. After all, you've been exposed to this cold all this time."

As Jayaa expressed her gratitude, Og'tharoz, the demon, put a hand to his chin as he watched the magic with fascination and surprise. His yellow eyes sparkled with interest as he analyzed the magic bubble.

"How many of these spells do you know, Alina?" asked Og'tharoz, his deep voice echoing under the protection of the magic bubble. "That's an incredible skill. I can hardly believe I'm feeling warm in here, while the ice reigns outside."

Alina, leaning back slightly, replied with humility. "I know a few elemental spells, especially those related to fire and heat. This one in particular is an incantation to protect against extreme cold. However, every wizard has his own specialty, and this is just one of the tools in my repertoire."

Og'tharoz nodded approvingly. "Impressive as always. You mages have truly remarkable skills."

"Now that we're all gathered and warmed up again, I think we should discuss our strategy," Kaizen suggested, looking at Xisrith. "What have you discovered?"

The flame of the campfire danced to the rhythm of the icy wind that blew through the area, even with the heat bubble. Xisrith, with his serene expression, took the floor when everyone sat down to talk.

"In the village of the ice dwarves, we found more than we expected," she began, her red eyes reflecting the shadows of the firelight. "Most of the inhabitants seemed fearful, avoiding eye contact and muttering worried words among themselves. It seems that the lord exercises quite an oppressive hold over them."

Xisrith took off the scabbard in which her sword rested, to place her sword near the fire.

"We talked to some dwarves who dared to share information with us. We found out that the lord's servants are led by a powerful lieutenant, and that the most common race in this world are dark elves. A dark elf known as Valthorn is responsible for coming to this village on a weekly basis. He is a loyal, cunning and cruel servant, much feared by the villagers.

It seems that the incursions of the lord's servants have increased in frequency and violence in recent months."

"The village is not under a constant state of surveillance, but the dwarves, despite their hardy temperament, are clearly suffering. Many of them have had friends and family killed by exhaustion in recent months." Og'tharoz said.

As they spoke, Jayaa nodded, confirming everything.

"It seems that by being in this village, we've already managed to infiltrate the outskirts of the lord's domain," Xisrith continued. "However, something doesn't smell right here, and according to the dwarf who revealed the most information to us, there's something even more sinister here.

It seems that the lord only attained this power because of some evil help, he didn't say much, but it could be some entity. The dwarves, although they don't have precise details about some things, know little about it, so it could just be a rumor too."

The wind howled outside the shelter created by the bubble, echoing the tension that hung in the atmosphere. Alina, the mage, listened intently, her eyes fixed on the flames of the campfire, taking in every word.

Kaizen stood up. "I don't think it matters to us whether they're involved in something dark or not. If we can help those who are suffering, we'll do our best, but if it's a mission with a long history, we won't have time for that." He then looked at Og'tharoz. "Every minute that passes, our companion's wife suffers more in hell, and it would be too selfish for us to want to help everyone."

Og'tharoz nodded in agreement, symbolizing his gratitude for Kaizen's thought.

"I agree, but we must prepare for what is to come," declared Xisrith, his voice laden with determination. "If we're going to challenge the lord and his servants, we need to be ready for anything. We've never been to another world, so we need to be cautious."

Alina nodded in agreement. "We will face whatever lies before us," she said, her voice echoing with promise. "No matter how dark the path may seem, we will find the light at the end of the tunnel."

Jayaa smiled, a bright smile. "Together we're invincible, there's nothing to worry about."

If the bard could see the future, he wouldn't have this. After all, what the future held for them was the most difficult battle of their lives up to that point, even more difficult than the battle against the Ten Demons or any other enemy they might encounter in Midgard.

In Niflheim, there were no other players for more than one reason, and the main reason wasn't even the inaccessibility of travel between worlds, but its monsters, deadly even for players of Level 150 or more, and one of them in particular was feared even by Thor, the God of Thunder.