"Charles Richards?" Kaizen asked, his voice laden with incredulity. "What are you doing here?"
Charles smiled softly, his eyes shining with a mixture of wisdom and compassion.
"Klaus Park," Charles began, his voice soft and reassuring, "don't worry. I'm here to help you understand some important things. But before we start, I'd like to congratulate you on your victory against your clone. It was a battle designed to show your own evolution."
Kaizen was still perplexed, trying to put together the pieces of a puzzle that seemed increasingly complicated.
Charles smiled again, but this time there was a depth in his eyes that hinted at unrevealed secrets. "I have to admit: you're one of the few players who have reached a level of understanding and skill that goes far beyond the ordinary. And that, young man, is something we couldn't ignore."
Kaizen crossed his arms, trying to remain calm despite his confusion. "That still doesn't explain why you're here, talking to me. What do you really want? You have my number, why didn't you call me?"
Charles sighed, the sweetness in his voice slowly giving way to a gravity that made Kaizen pay even more attention.
"Kaizen, there are things about this world that you still don't know. Things that go beyond the simple story of the game. There is a deeper truth, a great connection between the fate of this world and you, or rather your class."
Kaizen's eyes widened, feeling a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "What do you mean? What kind of connection?"
Charles took a step back and turned slightly. "Think again. You've been warned about this many times."
Kaizen took a deep breath, realizing that the conversation was taking a turn that I usually didn't like. "I know what you're talking about now. It's about the prophecies surrounding the Psykers, right?"
"Yes." Charles nodded and smiled briefly. "Your class is probably one of the most important classes in Rise Online. The class was just a prototype when the supercomputer Odin granted it to you, and look how much your actions have changed the world. You united Midgard, prevented a war, unseated the throne of the emperor of Nilfheim, and could do even more."
Kaizen looked down at his hands. "And, as a Psyker, you could choose to be responsible for destroying this world."
Kaizen felt a wave of despair wash over him. "What if I choose to kill Surtr? What does that mean for me? For everyone?"
Charles sighed, his expression becoming even more grave. "It means you'll have to use all your power as a Psyker. You'll have to go beyond any other player. It also means that it will be a battle that will test not only your skills, but also your heart and your will to protect those you love."
Kaizen felt Charles' words like a weight on his shoulders. He looked at the screen again, watching Blood Lily launch an arrow while Og'tharoz fought with unparalleled ferocity. Every second that passed was a second in which his friends were in danger, and he knew he couldn't waste any more time.
"So, if I choose not to kill Surtr, I have to leave my friends behind?" Kaizen asked, his voice full of conflict.
Charles nodded. "Yes. It's a difficult choice, but you have to understand that your decision now could determine the fate of many. Surtr is not just an ordinary enemy. He's a god."
Kaizen took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger and fear he felt. He knew that Charles was right.
"How can I trust you, Charles? How can I know that these are my only choices?" Kaizen asked, his eyes fixed on Charles'.
"You don't have to believe me. The Rise Online system itself is giving you your options.
[You have reached a choice point.]
[You must make a choice between two possible paths].
[The paths are:
1 - ABANDON MY FRIENDS.
2 - KILL SURTR.]