Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

When Kaizen saw the results of all the battles of the eighth rounds, he smiled unconsciously. He recognized some of the names, very strong players with whom he had already had the pleasure of sharing the battlefield, whether crossing blades and covering his back. At the same time, Kaizen noticed names he had never seen before. This made him even more excited, as it meant that there would be new challenges ahead. The competition was becoming increasingly fierce, and he was more than determined to do his best to fight anyone for the prize item of Legendary rank.

As such, Kaizen's heart was beating faster with the anticipation of the upcoming fights. He knew he needed to continue honing his skills and strategies to face the unknown opponents, and he was excited about the opportunity to test his skills against talented competitors, only his next opponent was not a complete stranger like the last one, but an old colleague, a former friend.

The bracket was not reversed every round, so Kaizen's next opponent would be Evan Elliot, one of his old teammates in Myth2. Kaizen felt the adrenaline rush through his veins when he found this out, and this feeling did not leave his body for a moment as he prepared himself mentally for the upcoming battles. He was more confident than ever in his abilities, but he also knew that he couldn't underestimate Evan, because he remembered him as a very intelligent boy who was certainly calmer and more experienced than before.

Kaizen knew that he would have to give it his all and change his way of thinking a little to overcome the barriers Evan would impose, as well as use the experience and knowledge he had gained along his journey.

With a determined look on his face, Kaizen stood up and made his way to the arena, feeling ready and completely rested from the first fight.

Kaizen was dressed in his black armor and his long sword called the Eye of the Storm hung from his belt. He walked with firm and confident steps, but without showing arrogance or contempt for his opponent. He knew that Evan was probably a very skilled player if he had gotten that far on his own, so he certainly deserved his attention and care.

As he entered the battlefield of the Valkyria Arena, he saw Evan on the other side, and the whole heated, shrill atmosphere was completely silent to him. They both smiled, staring at each other. This was like their real reunion, an X1 after almost ten years.

Evan was wearing a white robe and a blue cloak, and he held a wooden staff with a blue stone on the end. He had short blond hair cut short and bright blue eyes. He gave his characteristic tight-lipped smile at the sight of Kaizen and nodded his head in greeting, and before the battle began, they approached each other to greet each other in the center of the arena.

"Hello, Kaizen. It seems like eons since we first faced each other," Evan said in a friendly voice.

"Hello, Evan. That's right, it's been a long time since we've fought. How are you?" replied Kaizen with a cordial tone.

"I am doing very well, thank you. How has your adventure in Rise Online been? I didn't have time to ask when we met earlier yesterday."

"Um. I believe it's been amazing. I have explored many places, met many people, and learned many things. As you might imagine, I haven't played anything since Myth2. And for you? How has it been? I must confess that it was a tremendous surprise to meet up with you, who said you would retire at twenty-five," Kaizen returned the question.

"Hey, I have retired. Now I only play casually and commercially, after all this game is too profitable not to play. Also, this game is very different from Myth2, but it also has many similarities, so I can draw on my knowledge." said Evan enthusiastically.

Kaizen agreed with a smile. "I think I understand what you mean. And sometimes I think that game is more fun too."

"Yes, that's true. But you know what's more fun?" asked Evan with a twinkle in his eyes.

"What?" inquired Kaizen with interest.

"Being able to finally fight you!" exclaimed Evan with a mischievous grin.

"I knew you would say that!" laughed Kaizen good-naturedly.

"You still know me well, Kaizen. You know I've always enjoyed competing with you, ever since the days of Myth2. You were my favorite rival, the only one who made me sweat and push myself to the max inside the server. I get mentally tired just remembering. And I have to say that even after your retirement, you remained the best player I ever faced." Praised Evan sincerely and without smiling this time.

Kaizen looked him in the eye with relief. He always thought Evan would be angry with him, but now that seemed more like gratitude than anything else.

"Thank you, Evan. You were also one of my favorite rivals, the only one who made me fit in-game," Kaizen returned with honesty.

"Then you know what that means, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. It means that the fight now is the one that will determine which of us was better in Myth2. Just don't go fainting from overthinking it, eh?" replied Kaizen with an excited smile that stood out on his mask.

"And I'm not going to take it easy on you, Kaizen. I want the legendary item, so if you want it too, you'll have to buy it from me later! I'll give you a half million dollar discount!" warned Evan and winked one-eyed at Kaizen as he walked away.

"You said yourself you've already retired, so I won't even get tired of it." Kaizen said, snapping his shoulders.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds, feeling the tension and excitement in the air. They knew that this would be a memorable fight, a fight worthy of legends. They respected each other as players and as friends, but also challenged each other as true rivals.

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