Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

The red brick room seemed to vibrate with Surtr's presence, the air trembling with the intensity of his flames. The heat in this place was stifling, the light from the cascades of magma casting dancing shadows on the walls of the chamber.

Kaizen, Og'tharoz, Alina, Andrew, Jayaa, Xisrith and Bloody Lily looked at each other, each dealing with the growing sensation of standing before a god in their own way.

Og'tharoz stepped forward, and his red eyes tried to match Surtr's menacing presence.

"Shut up! You know why we're here, Surtr!" he exclaimed with hatred just at hearing Surtr's voice. "Release my wife's soul, or you'll face my wrath!"

Surtr smiled, a cruel smile that only intensified the flames around him. "Ah, Og'tharoz... your wife's soul..." he muttered, as if recalling a distant memory. "Do you really think you can make me do something? I'm your creator, I'm your father."

Alina, her eyes shining with determination, approached Og'tharoz, and already activated a magic circle. "Don't underestimate our power, Surtr. We've crossed seven circles of Hell to get here."

Surtr laughed again, a laugh that seemed to shake the foundations of the chamber. "I'm not underestimating you," he said. "In fact, I'm impressed. You've managed to survive all the challenges I've thrown your way, including most of my most powerful demons. However, I must confess, I'm disappointed in my own safety that you let yourselves get here so easily. I expected more entertainment."

Bloody Lily narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying that this has all been another game for you?" she asked, her voice laced with disdain.

Surtr nodded, his smile widening. "Ah, I remember you, red-haired woman. You were the one who went through my challenges the other time for a deal, weren't you? You were very good that time. Anyway, to answer your question: yes, this is all a game to me. You are all pawns on my board.

In fact, each circle, each challenge, was a piece of my plan to test your abilities and find out what you were capable of. There are some very weak people before you, but even they have proved useful at times."

Andrew, still processing the magnitude of the situation, stepped forward. "So you knew we were coming and set all this up to test us?"

Surtr looked at Andrew, his flames seeming to burn more intensely. "Of course I knew. From the moment Zylok failed to fulfill his contract, I knew Og'tharoz would come looking for revenge. And you," he said, pointing at the group, "are just one part of that story."

Kaizen, who until then had kept his expression impassive, stepped forward. His presence was calm, but emanated power.

"Surtr, if you knew we were coming, you should know that we won't give up for anything. You underestimate us if you think we're going to back down now."

Surtr became more serious and this time there was a hint of respect in his eyes. "You're the leader, right? And that aura... You're the Psyker. Yes, perhaps I underestimated you. I thought Cerberus would be a lot more trouble, but you pulled his collar and didn't let him touch you.

It was incredible and quite ingenious. But that doesn't matter now. You're here, in my domain, and I have the total advantage."

Og'tharoz raised his right hand and because he was a demon the flames around him reflected the intensity of his hatred. "Then let's end this right now! Let my wife's soul go, or I'll rip it out of you myself!"

Surtr slowly rose from his throne, his gigantic figure making the room seem even smaller. "You are welcome to try, Og'tharoz. However, know that this will be your last mistake."

Before Og'tharoz could advance, Alina placed a hand on his arm, her expression serious. "We need to be smart about this," she whispered. "Surtr seems to want to say something. We need to find out what he really wants."

Og'tharoz looked at Alina, his anger fighting against reason. Finally, he nodded. "Right. But I won't wait long."

Kaizen, observing everything carefully, said:. "Surtr, is it just me or do you want to keep playing?"

"You read my mind."

"Then let's play. But know that we won't stop until we get what we want."

Surtr looked at Kaizen, his eyes shining with interest. "All right, Kaizen. Let's play. But remember, in this game, I make the rules."

He raised a hand and, with one movement, the chamber began to change. The red brick walls turned into a vast arena, with pillars of fire rising from the ground. The heat intensified, and the air was charged with tension.

"Welcome to my arena," Surtr said, his voice reverberating through the space. "Here, you will have to prove your worth. If you all manage to survive my three challenges, maybe, just maybe, I'll consider releasing the soul of Og'tharoz's wife."

Blood Lily narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixed on Surtr. "You want us to fight you?"

Surtr shook his head, his laughter echoing again. "No, my dear. There would be no fun in fighting mortals like you."

"So, what are these challenges?" Kaizen asked, his voice resonating calmly.

Surtr raised a hand, and a large flaming portal appeared before them. "Each challenge will be more difficult than the last," he explained. "You must work together and show the true power of your skills." Discover stories with m,v l'e-.net

Og'tharoz clenched his fists, the flame of hatred still burning in his eyes. "Let's get this over with," he growled, his voice hoarse with tension.

Alina, always calm, warned him. "We need to stay calm and cool-headed," she said softly. "We can't afford to make mistakes."

Andrew nodded, supporting Alina's words. "We need to be smart and calculated," he said, looking at each member of the group. "We have to survive these challenges and secure the freedom of your dear wife. Remember, the strength of our group lies in our unity."

Surtr watched their interaction with interest. "The first challenge!" he announced, "will be a test of brute strength!"

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