The eclectic and frenetic sounds of the central square of the Tretidian capital gradually subsided as Kaizen and his group made their way through the city's cobbled streets.
The architecture of the buildings, with their slender towers and glazed windows, reassured their hearts.
The flags of the kingdom fluttered gently in the wind, while the population, initially flustered by the sudden appearance of the group, resumed their daily activities, but not without casting curious and reverent glances at the flying group.
"It's good to be back," said Kaizen, breaking the silence that had settled between them.
"I was hoping for a bit more tranquillity," commented Andrew, laughing. "I didn't imagine our arrival would be so... impactful."
Kaizen smiled. "The players here have a good sense of recognition. Let's go to my store. There we can rest and plan our next steps calmly."
After a few streets and corners, they arrived at the Raven Feather store.
The façade was discreet but imposing. The dark wooden door was decorated with intricate carvings depicting crows in flight, and a sign hung above the entrance announcing the store's name in gold letters.
Kaizen withdrew a key from an inside pocket of his cloak and, with one swift movement, unlocked the door.
"Come in," he said, pushing the door open and revealing the store's cozy interior.
As they crossed the threshold, they were greeted by a comforting warmth that contrasted dramatically with the icy cold of Niflheim. The store was exactly as they had left it: wooden shelves full of weapons, showcases displaying spectacular armor and a large stone fireplace in the back, where a soft fire crackled gently.
The atmosphere was imbued with the scent of parchment, iron and burning wood from the forge in the background.
"Nothing seems to have changed," observed Alina, smiling as she observed the details of the store.
Kaizen closed the door behind them and sighed, relieved. "It's good to be back, but it's even better to be home."
Everyone turned towards the entrance, where a familiar figure stood out against the backdrop of the street. It was a slender, graceful woman, dressed in a black cloak with red hair. Her eyes shone with an intensity that denoted a mixture of determination and familiarity.
"Emma?!" exclaimed Jayaa, surprised. "What's she doing here?" he asked and looked at Kaizen, who was walking to the door.
"She's our help." Kaizen said and opened it for Emma to enter.
Emma, or Bloody Lily as she was known in Rise Online, smiled softly at her brother. "Kaizen told me about what you guys are doing and I thought you might need an extra hand."
The other members of the group also approached, watching the new addition to their circle with interest.
"It's a pleasure to have you with us, Emma," said Kaizen, extending his hand in greeting. "You've come at an opportune moment. We have a lot to discuss and plan."
Emma accepted Kaizen's greeting with a smile. "I'm looking forward to contributing. I know that you faced significant challenges in Niflheim, and I'm here to offer my help in whatever way is necessary for us to face Muspelheim."
With the team assembled, they settled down again around the fireplace, this time all together, creating a circle. Kaizen looked at each of them, feeling a new energy pulsing in the air.
"With Emma's arrival, our next step becomes clearer," Kaizen began, his tone serious but hopeful. "We'll have valuable information about Surtr's castle, but we'll need to act wisely and quickly. With every passing moment, the more Og'tharoz's wife suffers."
Emma nodded, her serious expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "We'll be able to save her, Og'tharoz. I'm sure of it."
The demon was surprised by Emma's determination, because they didn't even really know each other beyond the battlefield against The Eye of Hermodr.
Andrew, always curious and perceptive, raised a question. "What about your guild? Won't they be upset that you're taking part in one mission over another?"
Emma nodded. "Your guild hasn't been officially founded by Zylok yet, so there's no problem. Besides, I'm the Leader of the Crimson Soldiers and I don't see a problem, why should the others?"
Emma's answer was succinct and left Andrew at a loss for words. "Indeed..."
Everyone laughed at Andrew's resigned response, including Emma.