Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player



[You have killed a Giant Desert Worm; you have gained +20000 XP].

[You have obtained the 'Giant Desert Worm Tooth'].

[Congratulations! You have just moved up to level 103!]

"Oh! I went up a level," Kaizen said in surprise.

Xisrith looked at him a little dumbfounded as she was covered in blue blood from the worm they had just killed. She couldn't believe he was so calm after fighting such a large creature.

While Kaizen and Xisrith were recovering from their battle with the giant desert worm, an unexpected event caught their attention. Suddenly, they heard a ripping sound, and when they looked at the remains of the slaughtered monster, they saw a small puppy. The puppy, with shiny black fur and burning eyes, eagerly approached the remains of the giant worm, tail wagging excitedly while no one paid any attention, and began to eat parts of the remains. This little cub was not even 1% the size of the giant worm.

Kaizen looked at the cub in surprise, while Xisrith watched the scene in amazement, which Psyker noticed and quickly tried to explain himself.

"Ah, that's no monster, rest assured. This little puppy is, shall we say, a pet of mine." Kaizen said, pointing at Hellround with a finger and a bead of sweat dripping down his forehead. "He usually shows up to eat the remains of the monsters I kill when he thinks everything is safe. That means he trusts you."

Xisrith was still surprised. She had no prior knowledge of Kaizen's pet, and the presence of this new member took her by surprise.

"It's okay, I guess." She said and stared at the creature.

Xisrith knew how rare it was to have a pet in Rise Online, and she knew that the easiest way to get one was to be lucky enough to get the Summoner class, so now she wondered what Kaizen's true class was. At first, she thought he was a swordsman or a warrior because of his skills, but Hellround's appearance changed her perspective.

The cub was both adorable and intimidating, revealing its voracious nature as it devoured the remains of the giant worm with a ravenous appetite. Kaizen approached the cub and reached out to stroke its head. The little hellround lifted its eyes to Kaizen as it felt his touch, and gave a soft grunt of pleasure and acceptance. It was obvious that the cub recognized Kaizen as its master and protector.

"Xisrith, this is Hellround, my traveling companion," Kaizen explained, still puzzled by the cub's sudden appearance.

Xisrith smiled and watched as the little dog greedily devoured the remains of the giant worm, understanding its fierce and predatory nature.

As the puppy ate, Kaizen once again petted him lovingly, but as the Hellround puppy enjoyed the remains of the giant worm, small changes began to occur in him that soon became large. His posture grew longer, and his appearance gradually became more robust. Scales began to appear on its fur, glowing with intensity, and black flames danced around its body, radiating an aura of power and energy.

Kaizen and Xisrith watched in amazement as the Hellround pup transformed before their eyes. What had once been a small, adorable pet now revealed itself as a full-grown Hellround, a majestic creature with imposing horns and long legs.

As the Hellround pup transformed, the change in its appearance was impressive. Its scales, now harder and brighter than ever, slowly took on a deep black hue, like darkness incarnate. His horns curved forward, sharp and menacing, while small wings began to emerge, revealing thin, translucent membranes capable of agile and swift flight.

Black flames pulsed around the adult Hellround's body, a fiery manifestation of its newly awakened power. Its eyes glowed with an intense brilliance that conveyed the intelligence and ferocity within this majestic creature.

Kaizen and Xisrith watched in amazement as his little pet transformed into a powerful and imposing creature. The bond between them grew even stronger, transcending the mere relationship of master and pet. The adult Hellround could now be a loyal and formidable fighting companion, ready to fight at its master's side under any circumstances.

When his transformation was finally over, Kaizen looked at Hellround, still surprised. "You've grown!" He shouted, but the summoner's reaction was worse than he had imagined.

Hellround looked at Kaizen and looked away, but stood next to the duo of players. This left a strange mood in the air, and to alleviate it, Kaizen said to Xisrith:

"Let's go then, there must be more creatures in this desert."

"Right." She replied, nodding.

"Hellround, come into my shadow, you'll be safer that way." Kaizen ordered, but once again the summoner didn't even listen to her.

Kaizen rolled his eyes and said, more seriously this time:

"Fine, you can keep up with us, but if you continue to act so proud just because you've grown up a little, I'm going to kick your ass." He used the <Intimidate> skill to emphasize his words.

For the first time, Hellround felt the true intimidating aura of his master and nodded with his head down.

However, as they followed just a few meters further into the desert, the ground shook again, causing everyone to jump. Kaizen, with his keen perception, realized that it was not a single giant worm, but several creatures approaching rapidly. An expression of excitement and alertness crossed Kaizen's face as he shared his new discovery with Xisrith with another simple glance.

The two players prepared for the upcoming battle, knowing that this one would be even more challenging than the last.

The wind blew harder now, bringing with it the echoes of the roar of the approaching creatures. The ground shook beneath their feet.

Kaizen, Xisrith, and their adult Hellround exchanged determined glances and positioned themselves to face the unknown.

...

If you want to see original illustrations of Rise Online characters, consider helping me on pa treon: Pa treon.com/NandoFalske

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