Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

Although Valthorn didn't like Kaizen, and neither did Kaizen like the leader of that fleet of dark elves, they were forced to put up with each other.

Kaizen needed Valthorn alive to obtain crucial information about Niflheim and the lord who ruled over the region known as the Frozen Plains. For this reason, the player supported Valthorn, and only for this reason.

Valthorn was no different. He didn't trust Kaizen at all, in fact, he even felt a little disgusted just looking into Kaizen's eyes, but he could feel with every fiber of his body how powerful Kaizen was, so he accepted the deal proposed by the human.

When Valthorn and Kaizen shook hands, it was Talfor who felt most relieved. He felt he could trust Kaizen, and perhaps with another enemy from Valthorn's perspective, the dwarves could finally have some peace.

"I think we'll be able to find room for you in some of our carriages and..." Valthorn said to Kaizen as they left the inn through the front door.

Before he could finish his sentence, he stopped talking abruptly because he felt the icy touch of a sword on his neck.

In addition, Valthorn came across a surprising sight. In the area in front of the inn, several of his men were on their knees, their hands tied back with some kind of ring magic. Og'tharoz, a sturdy man with hair, held a spear against the dark elves of Valthorn's fleet. Next to him, Xisrith, the agile warrior, was mounted on a Shaccar, but not just any Shaccar, but Vlathorn's own.

Alina, the sorceress, was holding a grimoire in her hands and a bunch of swords were clasped together over her head.

Jayaa, the bard, had his arms crossed and was sitting on a crate of supplies, while a row of dwarves were taking back their supplies.

Valthorn paled as he realized that most of his subordinates had been surrendered by Kaizen's skilled companions. An expression of irritation and surprise appeared on his face as he found himself momentarily disarmed by the cunning of his new allies.

Kaizen, for his part, smiled with satisfaction, as if this turn of events was part of a meticulous plan. "As you can see, Valthorn, trust is something you earn. I didn't know if you would accept a deal or not, so I took precautions. My only job was to distract you inside while my friends did the hard work."

The dark elves inside the inn quickly wanted to act, but Valthorn stopped them by raising his right hand.

Controlling his anger, Valthorn tried to maintain a calm tone. "You dare betray me? I accepted this alliance, and now you..." He didn't move a muscle in his head to look sideways, because the blade of Andrew's sword was glued to his neck.

Kaizen nodded to Andrew, and then he lowered his sword and stepped back. "It's not treason, Valthorn. Just a precaution. Now we can go our separate ways in a more... collaborative way. Everyone, please let them go."

The tension in the air hung like a thick fog as Valthorn's dark elves were freed from their bonds. Valthorn, still stunned by the turn of events, exchanged furtive glances with his subordinates, trying to discern the impact of this unexpected alliance. Kaizen, on the other hand, remained unperturbed, as if the whole episode had been foreseen in his plan from the start.

The silence was broken by Alina raising her hands, dispelling the ring magic that was keeping the dark elves immobilized. Her eyes shone with an expression of caution as she cast a meaningful glance at Kaizen, as if she was aware of more than she was revealing.

"We're going to need each of you in top form to take on Niflheim," Kaizen declared, looking at Valthorn with an expression that mixed confidence and suspicion. "I'm sure this will be a dangerous journey, and the only way we'll survive it is by working together."

Valthorn, still reluctant, nodded. He knew that Kaizen was in control of the situation, and the alternative could be much worse. The dark elves began to pull themselves together, exchanging glances with each other, but knowing that they were at a disadvantage. Kaizen and his companions were very strong.

Talfor, the dwarf, approached Kaizen, trying to help mediate the situation. "Niflheim is no place for internal disagreements, realize that, boys. If you fight in the middle of the road, you'll both die."

Kaizen nodded in agreement, "You're right, Talfor. We need to establish our rules and clear objectives. The morning will be long. Let's get together to plan the trip and get some rest.

The group headed inside the inn later, now with a different objective. The dark elves, although released, remained cautious, aware that they were under the surveillance of unlikely allies. Valthorn, for his part, was trying to find a loophole to regain control of the situation, but Kaizen's imposing presence kept him in line.

Inside the inn, a table was improvised for the strategy meeting. Kaizen began to draw up the plan, unfolding a map of the Frozen Plains. "Niflheim looks like a treacherous land, full of deadly creatures and extreme weather conditions. We're heading into the heart of danger, and our survival will depend on our cooperation.

Valthorn, swallowing his pride, tried to contribute information about the dangers that awaited them. "We'll need supplies, but not as much as we had in the carriages," said Xisrith. "Kaizen, I suggest we use the resources of Valthorn's fleet to make sure we have what we need to face Niflheim."

Valthorn nodded reluctantly. "Do whatever is necessary, but remember that I am still the leader of this fleet. You're going to pay a visit to the lord and talk, that's all."

The mood in the room oscillated between mistrust and mutual need.

"You'll need an experienced guide in these icy lands," suggested Talfor. "Someone who knows the natural traps and safe paths.

"I agree. Valthorn, do your men have sufficient knowledge of the region, or will we need to seek outside help?"

Valthorn declared that his elves knew the Frozen Plains like no one else. "We know how to survive there, but don't expect favors or blind loyalty."

Kaizen smiled subtly. "As long as our goals remain aligned, that will be enough."

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