Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

Chapter 497 Arriving In Niflheim (Part 1)

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After what was, to say the least, an exhausting trek across long, misty plains, Kaizen and the Descragon party suddenly found themselves in the middle of a village of ice dwarves.

Ice dwarves were common creatures of Niflheim, according to Kaizen's research. Unlike their Midgard counterparts, ice dwarves were even larger than humans and had blue skin like thick blocks of ice, but they still spoke of a passion for blacksmithing.

Kaizen, curious about the new world and inspired to get answers about where they were, dressed a man to hide his human face and approached an ice dwarf who appeared to be resting on the outside of a forge.

Amidst the clatter of coordinated hammers hitting thick iron bars inside the hut next to them, Kaizen introduced himself as a traveler, making it clear that he did not want to reveal too much about himself, and asked about the region.

The ice dwarf in question did not seem very enthusiastic for a few moments, but soon gave in.

Then, sitting on a stone bench next to the large hut, Kaizen took the time to listen to what the Ice Dwarf had to say.

"This region is divided into several areas, each with its own peculiarities," the dwarf said in a deep, deep voice. Then, with a motion of his head, he gestured for Kaizen to look at the top of a mountain near the village as he continued, "You know, the mountains of Niflheim are imposing and hold deep secrets. However, I bet none are as intimidating or as well known as the Mist Emperor's Palace.

As Kaizen turned his gaze to the indicated spot, a strong wind blew, momentarily dispersing the mist. There, above the clouds, he saw the imposing silhouette of a giant's skull between two mountains. The skull's eyes glowed with a sinister light.

"The Mist Emperor is the central figure of this region, and his political influence extends throughout the frozen lands. I bet you already know his name, since it is said that he will be the next Guardian of Niflheim.

Kaizen raised his eyebrows, puzzled by the new information. The dwarf went on to explain that the Emperor was an enigmatic and powerful figure whose rule was marked by tyranny.

"The Emperor demands absolute loyalty from his subjects and enforces his will through a series of lords and village chiefs," the dwarf explained. "These lords oversee the various cities and towns in his region, called the Ice Farms, and ensure that labor and resources flow to the empire."

Why can't emperors ever be good people? Kaizen thought innocently. '... Maybe because they are dictators? É... Maybe that really is the reason.

Kaizen listened intently to the ice dwarf's words, absorbing every detail about the Emperor of Mist and his oppressive rule over the Ice Farms. The description of the central, enigmatic figure further aroused the disguised traveler's curiosity.

As the dwarf explained the loyalty demanded by the Emperor and the role of the village chiefs and lords, Kaizen felt a mixture of indignation and resignation. He understood that the people of this region of Niflheim lived under an authoritarian regime where their lives were controlled by the Emperor and his representatives.

It is sad to see such a skilled people as the Ice Dwarves subjected to such tyranny,' Kaizen thought. They deserve a chance to live in freedom and prosperity, but that's not my problem. I just want to find this thing and get out of here as soon as possible.

As the cold wind blew, causing snowflakes to dance in the air amidst the fog, Kaizen turned his gaze back to the ice dwarf beside him, thanking him for the information. Now aware of the Emperor and the political dynamics of Niflheim, Kaizen knew he had to be careful, and that unlike his experiences on Midgard, this time he did not want to get involved with a ruling NPC. With that in mind, he got up from the stone bench and walked away from the blacksmith's hut, nodding to the dwarf as he thanked him for the valuable information.

Kaizen decided it was time to gather his party and make a plan to map the region. He could have asked the dwarf more questions, but that might have given away their intentions, so he decided against it.

The Descragons and Xisrith were hidden, a little farther into the village, and yet as Kaizen approached their location, he could see their red eyes floating in the mist before he even saw their faces. Seeing them like that was almost like seeing the eyes of a cat in the darkness, and it made Kaizen laugh wryly.

"You should cover your faces. Your eyes will glow and reveal your location to anyone at least five meters away before you realize you are being watched." Kaizen said, moving closer and removing the hood from his head.

Everyone seemed relieved to see Kaizen back and immediately went to greet him, eager to hear the news.

Kaizen smiled at them and felt welcomed, but led them further away from where they were. This way, the possibility of anyone accidentally passing near them was reduced.

Gathered in a secluded spot in the Ice Dwarf village, Kaizen began to explain the discoveries he had made about the Emperor of Mist and the Ice Farms. He explained how the Emperor exerted his oppressive influence over the region, and how the hierarchical system responsible for overseeing the Empire's labor and resources worked.

"Based on the information I've received, our main objective doesn't change much, but it will require even more caution. If there is an emperor, lords, and a bunch of assholes scattered around here, there is also wealth, so there will be guards and trouble. I want to scout the area to find the right place to start looking for what I'm looking for, but you can give your opinion as well," Kaizen said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and discretion.

The Descragons listened attentively to Kaizen's words, showing interest and understanding. However, one of them raised his hand and directly questioned the purpose of Kaizen's quest.

"Klaus, I believe I speak for all of us who have agreed to follow you until you reach your goal. However, you mentioned that you were searching for something. Could you tell us exactly what it is and why it is so important that you have to come to another world to find it?" the Descragon named Kara asked, looking curiously at Kaizen.