Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

Vorian led the group down a narrow, winding corridor, where the shadows danced to the rhythm of the torches' flickering flames. The air was impregnated with the smell of moss and ancient parchments, a mixture that evoked the centuries of secrets and mysteries that permeated the walls of the underground City of Tears.

Footsteps resounded through the corridor like sighs lost in the echo of time, while Kaizen, Alina and the others followed Vorian with a mixture of fascination and apprehension. The journey seemed to lead them through the veils of time, towards an unknown destination, permeated by the weaves of ancient magic that entangled every stone and shadow of Olaynore.

Kaizen's eyes roamed the walls, searching for hidden clues and forgotten symbols that might reveal the secrets of the passage that would lead them to the Citadel. Alina, beside him, remained alert, her tense posture reflecting the tension that hung in the air like a dense fog. She didn't trust Vorian, especially after the threat he had made to her before Kaizen interfered.

Finally, after a series of turns and detours, Vorian led the group into a vast chamber, whose high walls stood like ancient sentinels around them. The white fire of flaming torches illuminated the darkness. In the center of the chamber, a large magic circle pulsed with an ethereal light, as if it contained within it the secrets of the universe.

The symbols engraved on the stones seemed to come to life, dancing in a symphony of magic and mystery.

Vorian stopped in front of the magic circle, his serious expression contrasting with the aura of fun that usually surrounded him. He raised his hand and muttered ancient words, unleashing a stream of energy that poured over the circle like water flowing through fingers.

"This is the portal that will lead us to the Citadel," Vorian explained, his voice reverberating off the walls of the chamber. "It is an ancient passage, forgotten by others I believe, and used only by me these days, but still pulsing with the power of the ancient mages who created it."

Kaizen watched with fascination as Vorian traced complex patterns in the air, channeling the energy of the magic that pulsed around them. Every gesture was precise, every word an echo of the whispers of the past, as the portal materialized before them like a gateway between worlds, emerging from each rune within the great magic circle.

Alina stood next to Kaizen, her eyes fixed on the portal with a mixture of admiration and awe. She had witnessed a lot of power in her life, especially in recent weeks, but nothing compared to the complexity of the magic before her.

"This portal will take us directly to the Citadel of the Magi unnoticed..." continued Vorian, his voice firm. "But we must be prepared for what we will find there. The Citadel is a place of power and danger, where the deepest secrets of magic are guarded by the shadows that inhabit its corridors.

The Elders trust each other as much as I trust you, so even if you're with me, that doesn't mean we won't run into trouble. You must arrive, do what you need to do and leave as quickly as possible."

Kaizen nodded, understanding the gravity of what they were about to face. He knew that the journey they had undertaken was more than a quest for knowledge; it was a quest for hidden truths and mysteries lost in the darkest corners of human history, Týr would not be someone easy to find.

With a decisive gesture, Vorian stepped through the portal, followed by Kaizen, Alina and the other members of the group. As they entered the depths of the portal, a feeling of vertigo enveloped them, as if they were being swept away by a river of stars in the midst of cosmic darkness.

When they emerged on the other side, they found themselves in a gloomy corridor, lit only by the dim light of the torches that dotted the walls. The air was impregnated with the smell of magic, a sensation that enveloped them like a cloak of mystery.

"Here we are..."

Kaizen, Alina and the other members of the group looked around and realized they were in an unusual place.

"... my quarters."

The interior of Vorian's chambers was a reflection of the Elder's personality: extravagant, exuberant and full of unsolved mysteries. The walls were adorned with antique tapestries, whose vibrant colors showed off his usually festive personality. Next to a bed more than ten meters long was a large harp, which was playing a soft melody by itself.

The ethereal sound of the harp echoed softly in Vorian's chambers, creating a magical atmosphere that seemed to dance in harmony with the torchlight. Kaizen and the other members of the group looked around, shocked by the extravagance of the Elder's chambers.

Vorian, with his characteristic smile, walked over to a small table decorated with curious objects. Colored glass bottles contained sparkling liquids and colored smoke, exuding aromas ranging from citrus fruits to exotic spices. Crystal goblets, encrusted with precious stones, were waiting to be filled with these alchemical and alcoholic concoctions.

"My dear visitors, make yourselves at home," invited Vorian, gesturing with an extravagant air to the comfortable seats distributed around the space. "This is my sanctuary. Help yourselves to the delights this place offers while I think of a way to take you secretly to the Library.

Jayaa and Andrew exchanged glances, then looked at the drinks table, as if challenging each other to a round of these things.

However, when the two boys took the first step towards the table, Xisrith put an arm in front of them and said to Vorian:

"There's no need to worry about thinking alone, tell us everything you know and the paths, and then we'll decide what the best option is, not you."

Vorian turned back and stared at the descendragon with narrowed eyes. He could hardly believe that such a simple creature was talking so greedily to him, just as he was about to show his displeasure, he looked at Kaizen and took a deep breath.

"Very well, I believe that's your right too."