Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

"You know what that means, Og'tharoz," said Kaizen with a grave tone. "If you consume this seed, you will never be able to return to Midgard. You will never be able to live among mortals again."

Og'tharoz stepped forward, his presence dominating the room. "I am willing to take on that responsibility, Kaizen."

The surprise on Kaizen's face was evident. "Are you serious? That means we can never share a house together again. You would lose your freedom, and I would lose a friend."

Og'tharoz stepped close and placed a firm hand on Kaizen's shoulder. "Our friendship will not be destroyed by this. You will always be a great friend to me, no matter where I am. And as much as I hate to say it, I'm Surtr's last direct son. If there's anyone who should take charge of Hell in my father's absence, it's me."

Alina raised her voice in concern. "Og'tharoz, are you really willing to do this?"

"Yes, Alina," he replied with conviction. "It is my duty. And also my responsibility as the son of Surtr. I must ensure that Hell does not fall into chaos. You defeated my father, and I will be eternally grateful to you for that, but now I must be the guardian of this realm. There is no one else who can."

Kaizen knew that Og'tharoz had stayed in Midgard to escape Hell, Surtr and Muspelheim, so he couldn't understand why Og'tharoz now wanted to be the king of Hell. However, Bloody Lily was a little more ingenious in her reflections and conclusions.

"You want to do this for your wife, don't you?" She asked, looking at Og'tharoz.

He immediately nodded. "Without a ruler, the souls trapped in hell will begin to leak out. However, they won't take on forms but become grotesque monsters and hauntings. That's what happens when a soul doesn't have an afterlife, that's why hell exists. That would mean that my beautiful wife would be condemned to wander until she became a monster.

At least, as king of this kingdom, I'll have the authority both to prevent that from happening and to have her by my side."

Kaizen took a deep breath, fighting against the tide of emotions that raged inside him. The underground hall they were in was a vast, ancient cavern, lit by eternal flames emanating from the black stone walls. The intense heat caused drops of sweat to run down the foreheads of everyone present, and the light danced in Og'tharoz's eyes, reflecting his unwavering determination.

Kaizen looked at the small seed in his hand, a red, pulsating sphere, emanating an energy that seemed to pull the darkness from every corner of the room. He knew that this decision would change everything. His thoughts were confused, a whirlwind of memories and doubts.

He remembered the moments he had spent at Og'tharoz's side, the battles they had fought together, the times he had been frightened by him breaking through walls. Their friendship had been forged in the heat of battle and the cold of adversity.

Alina, observing Kaizen's internal conflict, approached him with an understanding look. "Kaizen," she said softly, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Sometimes, sacrificing something you love is the only way to ensure everyone's safety. Og'tharoz understands that, and so should you."

Kaizen nodded slowly, his hands trembling slightly as he held the seed. He looked at Og'tharoz, whose expression was a mixture of resolution and sadness.

Kaizen began, his voice breaking slightly. "I never imagined it would come to this. I thought that after we defeated Surtr, we would have time to rebuild, to live in peace. However, it seems that fate has other plans for us."

Og'tharoz stepped forward, his imposing silhouette eclipsing the light of the flames. "Kaizen, that's why I'm willing to make this sacrifice. It's not just for the sake of Hell, but for all those we love and want to protect. If there is no ruler, chaos will spread not just here, but in all the kingdoms."

Alina, who was watching everything with keen eyes, stepped forward and spoke in a soft but firm voice.

"Kaizen, Og'tharoz is right. You must let him fulfill his destiny. Think of the consequences if you don't. Think of the innocent souls who will suffer."

Kaizen looked at Alina, sensing that she felt it too. He knew she was right. However, the pain of separation was almost unbearable. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to find the strength within himself. When he opened them again, his eyes were resolute. He walked slowly over to Og'tharoz and held out his hand, grasping the seed between his fingers.

"Og'tharoz," he said, his voice firm but full of emotion. "Take the Seed of the King of Hell. I trust you to rule this kingdom with justice and wisdom. And I promise that, even from a distance, our friendship will never be broken."

Og'tharoz accepted the seed with a solemn nod. He looked at the small sphere in his hand, feeling the powerful energy it contained.

"Thank you, Kaizen. I swear I will do my best to protect this kingdom and all who dwell within it."

With a resolute movement, Og'tharoz raised the seed above his head. The flames around them seemed to intensify, as if hell itself was responding to the call of its new ruler. Og'tharoz closed his eyes and pressed the seed against his chest. An intense glow emanated from the point of contact, spreading throughout his body. The flames danced around him, forming a vortex of power and light.

Kaizen, Alina, Blood Lily, Andrew, Xisrith and Jayaa watched in silence. The power emanating from Og'tharoz was palpable, like a wave of heat enveloping them. The hall trembled slightly, as if hell itself was recognizing its new king.

Og'tharoz's transformation was swift but profound. His features hardened, his skin took on a darker hue and his eyes glowed with a renewed intensity. He seemed larger, more imposing, as if hell itself had granted him its strength and authority.

When the glow finally subsided, Og'tharoz opened his eyes. He looked at his friends, a wistful smile on his face.

"I am now the King of Hell," he said, his voice echoing through the hall. "But I will never forget what you did for me. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

Kaizen stepped forward and held out his hand. Og'tharoz grasped it firmly, a gesture that sealed their friendship and loyalty. "Take care, my friend," said Kaizen, his voice laden with emotion. "And remember, no matter where you are, you will always have a home with us."

Og'tharoz nodded, his gaze firm and resolute. "I know, Kaizen. And I'll always be here, looking after you all, even from a distance."

Alina, who was watching the scene with sparkling eyes, stepped forward and hugged Og'tharoz. "You will make an excellent king, Og'tharoz," she said, her voice soft. "And we will always be by your side, one way or another."

Og'tharoz returned the embrace, feeling the warmth of friendship and love surrounding him. He knew he was making the right choice, even if it meant sacrificing his own freedom.

With the ceremony over, Og'tharoz slowly moved away, walking towards the throne that was now rightfully his. He sat down, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. But he was ready. He knew that, with the support of his friends and his own determination, he could rule Hell with wisdom and justice.

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As Og'tharoz settled into his throne, Kaizen, Alina, Bloody Lily and the others prepared to leave. They knew they had accomplished their mission. The future was still full of uncertainties, but they were determined to face any challenge that came their way, confident that, together, they could overcome any obstacle.

Kaizen looked back one last time, seeing his friend on the throne of hell, and then a glowing sphere descended from the ceiling and sat on one of the throne's arms. Then this glowing orb took the form of a woman with long hair and a gentle smile, this was Og'tharoz's wife, the one who would remain by his side for eternity so as not to leave him alone.