Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

"You are the first in many years to seek answers here. Most mortals fear the unknown and prefer to ignore the old truths. But you... you're different, aren't you?"

The creature slowly emerged from the darkness, revealing itself in all its majesty and terror. Thick, sinuous tentacles, each with hundreds of suction cups that glowed with a strong light, emerged from the shadows, like the arms of a sleeping giant awakening.

The being's central body was colossal, covered in dark, glossy skin, reflecting tiny sparks of light that danced in the watery depths. Its eyes, large and bright like emeralds, stared at Kaizen with a penetrating, almost hypnotic intensity.

'The Last Octopus Nesferati' was what it was called from what Kaizen could see above the creature's head.

"You really are different," the voice echoed again in Kaizen's mind, now with a note of curiosity and respect. "I sense the determination in your heart, human. Your search for answers is not motivated by greed or destruction, but by genuine desire."

Kaizen kept his posture firm, but couldn't help feeling a shiver run down his spine as he looked directly into the creature's eyes. "I came here because I believe there is something I want to learn. I'm not here to cause harm, I promise."

Nesferati moved slowly, his tentacles waving with surprising grace for a creature of his size. "Few are those who seek the truth with a pure heart. However, it is my duty to protect the secrets of this place. Those who came before you tried to take by force what didn't belong to them, and I repelled them. Even if I see the sincerity in your words, I cannot allow you to pass without being tested."

Kaizen felt the tension rising, but his resolve remained unshaken. "I understand your duty, guardian. However, perhaps there is a way to prove my intent without the need for violence."

The creature laughed, a deep sound that reverberated through the waters. "You are brave and wiser than you seem, human, but traditions cannot be ignored so easily. Prepare yourself, for the test begins now."

Nesferati's tentacles advanced again, moving with surprising speed. Kaizen strengthened his psychic barrier, feeling the pressure of the tentacles against his defense. The energy flowing through his body was intense, almost painful, but he kept his focus. Each impact was a test of his endurance, each wave of psychic energy a demonstration of his determination.

The confrontation was a dangerous and hypnotic dance, with Nesferati testing Kaizen's limits. With each attack, Kaizen responded with controlled movements, using his psychokinesis to deflect, block and counterattack defensively. His body was in constant motion, his eyes never leaving the creature for a second. Exclusive tales from freewebnovel

"Those skills..." Nesferati's voice echoed in his mind. "Don't tell me you're the one who's supposed to walk between the valley of life and death..."

Suddenly, the tentacles retreated, and the darkness around Kaizen began to transform. The waters churned, creating whirlpools that spun with increasing speed.

"If you're who I think you are, you'll be able to defend yourself against this too..." said Nesferati.

Kaizen felt a powerful force pulling at him, as if the lake itself was trying to swallow him up. He fought against the current, using his psychokinesis to create a counterflow that would keep him in place.

His surroundings changed and he found himself in a different setting. He was no longer in the depths of the lake, but in a vast expanse of dark water, where the light was dim and shadows danced around him. He knew it was an illusion created by Nesferati, but the sensation was incredibly real. He felt the cold of the water, the pressure in the depths and the weight of the darkness.

"This is the real test," Nesferati's voice echoed around him. "Face your deepest fears and prove your courage."

Kaizen took a deep breath, centering himself. He knew that the battle was now internal, a fight against his own demons. He felt Nesferati's presence watching his every move, his every thought. His most painful memories began to surface, scenes of loss and failure that he had buried deep in his mind. He saw familiar faces, heard the voices of people he loved and had lost along the way.

"You're not strong enough," a familiar voice whispered in his mind, a voice he recognized as his own. "You will fail and give up, as you always have..."

Kaizen clenched his fists, feeling the anger and sadness bubble up inside him. "I'm stronger than that," he muttered to himself. "I can't let my fears control me."

Little by little, he began to move through the darkness, facing every image and memory that came his way. Each step was a struggle against the tide of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, but he kept moving forward. He knew he couldn't stop, he couldn't go backwards. With each passing moment, his determination grew stronger, his heart beat more firmly.

"Yes... good... very good... But there's still more to face."

Kaizen felt a new wave of energy envelop him, a sensation of warmth that contrasted with the cold around him. He saw a light in the distance, small and weak, but constant. He knew instinctively that he had to reach that light, that it was his way out of the darkness. With each step, the light grew brighter, more intense. He felt the resistance lessen, the pressure ease.

When he finally reached the light, he felt an explosion of warmth and clarity, and the darkness around him dissipated completely.

Kaizen was back in the lake, facing the colossal Nesferati. The creature's eyes shone with a new intensity and they were closer than ever.

"You have proven your courage and determination, human. Few can overcome their own fears as you did." Nesferati's voice was now filled with admiration. "But remember, your test isn't over yet."

Kaizen nodded, knowing that the real test was yet to come. "I'm ready for whatever comes."

Nesferati moved slowly, his tentacles waving with an almost hypnotic grace. "Then so be it. Prepare yourself, for you will face my full power."

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