Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

Among the thousands of players walking through the crowds, Kaizen hid behind a small tent and donned his mask, which had a rustic look with wooden details and covered only the top of his face, leaving his smile visible. He then approached the registration tent and joined the long line. As he waited, he felt that some people were staring at him as if they recognized him, but no one was brave enough to approach him. It took him a few minutes to get through, and one of the guards at the entrance to the registration tent told him to go to one of the counters inside, where a middle-aged man was sitting. He had gray hair, round glasses, and a friendly smile. He was wearing a blue vest with the symbol of the tournament: a circle divided into three parts, each with the color and symbol of a nation.

"Hello, young man," the man said, "you have come to register for the tournament, I believe."

"Yes, sir." The Psyker agreed.

"Very good, very good. What is your name?"

"Kaizen."

"Kaizen..." The man repeated and filled out the application form. - Kaizen, human, class...?

The man looked at Kaizen with curiosity, for he did not carry a sword, although he wore a great armor.

"Is it okay if I don't tell you?" Kaizen inquired.

"No, sir. Secrecy is perfectly understandable," the man said, not filling out the class portion of the form. "But just between us, you are a combat mage, aren't you?" He asked in a whisper, leaning forward.

"What makes you think that?"

"I am a born observer. His mysterious aura looks like that of a mage, even though he has the armor of a warrior. I'm pretty sure your style combines the best of both worlds."

"I hate to disappoint you, but I am not a combat mage."

"Then you are a monk!"

"Not even close."

The man sighed. "Well, be that as it may, you look special," the man said. I'm sure you'll make a big impression at the tournament.

"Actually..." Kaizen said. "I would like to ask for something."

"What is it?" asked the man.

"I would like to hide my participation from the other competitors and spectators," Kaizen said.

"Hide your entry? What do you mean, you do not want your name to be announced or included in the list of participants?" the man repeated. "But why?"

Kaizen thought of an excuse. "It's just that I have some enemies, and I want to surprise my opponents when I show up," Kaizen said.

"Ah, I see. You want to use that as a strategic advantage."

"That's right." Kaizen agreed.

"That's fine, I don't see a problem with that. After all, the tournament rules allow competitors to hide their classes and names if they wish. But you have to promise me one thing."

"What?" Kaizen asked.

"You must be careful not to cause too much structural damage or kill your opponents unnecessarily. The tournament rules allow anonymity, not least because many wards of legendary masters participate without revealing their identities to avoid being hunted, but there are also people who abuse this anonymity to kill without fear of punishment."

Kaizen nodded. "I promise that I will not kill anyone who is not a threat to me."

"Very well, then it is done. I will record your enrollment and hide your class. Here is your number and your magic bracelet. The competition area is inside the Valkyria Arena. Good luck in the tournament, Kaizen."

"Thank you, sir," Kaizen said.

He took the number and bracelet and walked away from the table. As he left the tent, he put the bracelet on his wrist and felt a slight vibration. He looked at the wristband and saw that the system allowed him to see a small screen that displayed his name, number, and class. Kaizen was relieved to see that his class and name were hidden.

Kaizen didn't want to be exposed to this crowd for much longer, so he made his way to the Valkyria Arena, the largest and most imposing monument on the border. It was an oval structure made of white stone and golden metals. It had several towers, arches, flags, and statues of Norse gods, and at the top of the arena was a huge statue of a winged woman holding a spear and a shield. It was a Valkyria, the guardian of Asgard. Kaizen became more and more impressed as he approached the arena. He felt an aura of power and glory emanating from it and wondered what it would be like to fight inside if he made it to the final round.

As he approached the entrance to the arena, he saw that there were dozens of guards dressed in red armor and horned helmets. They held spears and shields emblazoned with the Valkyria symbol.

Kaizen joined the line and when it was his turn, he stepped forward.

"Good day, sir. Are you a tournament participant?" One of the guards asked with a suspicious look on his face.

"Yes, I am." Kaizen replied, extending his arm forward.

"What is your name and your class?" Another guard asked.

"I prefer not to reveal them." Kaizen said.

"Ah, I see. You are one of those who withheld your information." The first guard said.

"Yes, I am." Kaizen confirmed.

"Don't worry, we respect your decision. The tournament rules allow it." The second guard said.

"Thank you for your understanding." Kaizen thanked him.

"But we need to check your magic bracelet to confirm your registration." The first guard said.

"Sure, no problem." Kaizen said.

He held out his arm and let the guards touch his bracelet. A screen appeared for them showing the information.

[Name: Hidden

Registration number: 3012

Class: Occult].

The guards looked at Kaizen curiously.

"You are very mysterious, sir." The first guard said.

"I have my reasons." Kaizen said.

"I bet you do, but we hope you are not one of those who abuse anonymity to kill without fear of punishment." The second said, reinforcing what the attendant warned Kaizen, which made Psyker think that this was a real concern.

"I'm not. I just want to participate in the tournament and show my skills." Kaizen said.

"Okay, then it's all right. You can enter. In the competitors area you will meet fellow competitors and prepare. There are still twenty minutes left before the deadline. If you have any questions, there will be organizers around to explain the rules and procedures of the tournament to you."

"Thanks for the information." Kaizen said.

"Good luck in the tournament, sir." the second guard said.

Kaizen nodded to the guards and entered the arena. He felt a wave of excitement and nervousness as he stepped onto Valkyria's sacred ground, wondering how many strong players he would encounter.

...

Edited by: DrHitsuji

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