Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

"Um... was I too lenient with my punishment? Very well then, Klaus, I sentence you to reveal your true name to us!"

Kaizen felt a chill run down his spine at the king's request. He knew that revealing his true name was dangerous information that could endanger not only his mission, but also his own life.

With a calm expression, Kaizen looked directly into the king's eyes and replied:

"I understand the gravity of the situation, but I cannot reveal my true name. There are dark forces that seek my footsteps and may use this information against me and those I seek to protect. I ask your forgiveness for my refusal, but it is a matter of survival.

The counselors, still outraged by the original proposed punishment, were even more disgusted by Kaizen's refusal. The advisor to the left of the throne stepped forward in anger:

"Your Majesty, this intruder defies your authority! He refuses to follow your orders, and now he refuses to reveal his true name! This is unacceptable!"

The advisor to the king's right also expressed his indignation. "We cannot allow this impostor to continue hiding his true identity! He may pose a threat to the security of the kingdom. We must act decisively!"

While the advisors argued fiercely, King Walkul Dragonsbane remained calm, but his expression showed a mixture of disappointment and determination. He raised his hand again, silencing the advisors.

"Councilors, I understand your concerns, but I must also consider the importance of Klaus' mission. If there are people who consider him an enemy, then he must keep his identity secret for his own protection, not least because if he truly helps us this time, those same people may consider us enemies in the future if our connection is revealed. However, Klaus, you must understand that this concession comes at a price."

Kaizen nodded without hesitation. "And what is that price?"

"If you refuse to reveal your true name, I will make the following agreement: You will be under constant surveillance and your freedom will be restricted. You will not be allowed to leave the kingdom without my permission, and you must remain at the disposal of the kingdom at all times. If you agree to these conditions, I will consider that we have served your maximum sentence.

The advisors were surprised by the king's more conciliatory approach, but still expressed their distrust of Kaizen.

As Kaizen considered accepting his new obligations, Xisrith, Duke Frugold's victim and mediator in the negotiations, decided to intervene and stepped out from behind a pilaster, making herself visible to everyone in the room. There was silence for the next second as King Walkul Dragonsbane, the advisors, and Kaizen stared at Xisrith in surprise. She was indeed a Descragon, and there was no denying it. She had a long, thin tail and a pair of round horns on her head, unique features of two races: the Tieflings and the Descragons. However, Xisrith had no red skin, no scales, so she could only be a Descendragon.

The king, not recognizing her, frowned and asked curiously, "Who are you? And how did you get in here?"

"Guards! Guards!" One of the advisors shouted again, but no matter how hard the men outside tried to push the door, it wouldn't even move as Kaizen secretly held it down with <Psychokinesis>.

Maintaining her posture, Xisrith replied with determination:

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, for my intrusion. I am Xisrith, the victim of Duke Frugold's plans. I was the mediator in the negotiations between my clan and his nation, which were sabotaged by him, and I have been hiding and watching the events until this moment for my own safety."

"So you are such a victim?" The king inquired.

Xisrith nodded silently.

The king's advisors muttered among themselves, trying to understand the situation. The advisor to the left of the throne spoke first, still suspicious:

"How can we be sure of your identity and your accusations, Xisrith? And what is your connection to this infiltrator?"

Xisrith looked directly at the king, "I understand your doubts, but I can prove my identity and my words, Your Majesty. I was the intermediary sent to negotiate with Duke Frugold on behalf of my clan. Klaus was my bodyguard. However, he betrayed our trust and sent men to attack me, and I don't know the reason why."

Kaizen, surprised by Xisrith's appearance, decided to step in to back up his words. "During my fight against the invaders sent by your brother, I had time to ask some of them questions, and I can tell you: the Duke is up to something big. Xisrith was the target of a kidnapping attempt because of his connection to the negotiations, or perhaps because of his rare race."

The advisor to the right of the throne raised a skeptical eyebrow. "And how can we trust a potential traitor?"

Kaizen took a deep breath, aware that he had to convince everyone of his sincerity, including these petulant old men. "I understand your concerns, but I have been recommended by Xisrith's clan to accompany her. My intention is to protect Xisrith and ensure her safety, that's all. Even if it means not making the treaty you so desperately need.

King Walkul Dragonsbane watched the interactions between Xisrith and Kaizen carefully, trying to understand the veracity of the information presented. Finally, he nodded with a smile on his face.

"Very well... Your willingness to protect Xisrith is commendable, Klaus. If her clan has recommended you, then I place my trust in you as well. Council members, you have heard his words. Kaizen will no longer be treated as a traitor, but as an ally in the protection of Xisrith and the dismantling of Duke Frugold's plans.

The advisors, while still expressing some suspicion, nodded in agreement with the king's final decision. It was obvious that Xisrith's appearance and the information revealed by Kaizen had changed the perspective of the situation.

King Walkul Dragonsbane turned his attention to Xisrith and said gravely:

"Xisrith, I am glad that you have revealed your presence and shared your information with us. We will ensure your safety and uncover Duke Frugold's plans together. As for you, Kaizen, I will not continue with the offer I made earlier. Instead of being treated as a prisoner, we will consider you an ally in the fight against Duke Frugold.

Kaizen nodded, accepting the terms. "I appreciate your understanding, Your Majesty. I am ready to fulfill my role and help protect Xisrith and her clan."

With the situation resolved and a new alliance formed, King Walkul Dragonsbane summoned his advisors to discuss the next steps in confronting Duke Frugold and his threats to Xisrith's kingdom. Together, they devised a strategy to uncover the Duke's plans and neutralize any threat that hovered over the kingdom.