"Odin, forgive me for insisting, but why did you really bring me here to talk?" Kaizen asked, feeling the need to understand the real reason for this meeting. "You could have shared these observations in many ways, but you chose to bring me here yourself."
Odin looked at Kaizen with a grave expression, as if weighing each word before speaking. "There is more at stake here than mere observation and acknowledgement, Kaizen. There is an imminent threat that cannot be ignored, and you are at the center of it."
Kaizen frowned, curiosity and concern growing within him. "A threat? What are you talking about?"
Odin stepped forward, the light of the torches reflecting in his deep, ancient eyes. "The evolved ones. Those who have attained a power beyond the limits of what was originally intended for this world. Most of them choose not to interfere with the lives of lower-level players, maintaining a delicate balance. However, something has changed in the past few months."
Kaizen felt a chill run down his spine. "What has changed?"
"The Evolved have begun to group themselves into guilds," Odin explained, his voice filled with concern. "That in itself would not be a problem if these guilds did not pose such a danger. Imagine a well-coordinated attack by a group of Evolved. They could ravage an entire world in a matter of minutes, destroying everything and everyone in their path."
Kaizen tried to process the information, but the gravity of the situation seemed overwhelming. "And what can you do about it?"
"To prevent such a catastrophe, I would have to send gods to stop it," Odin continued. "But that would create more problems. Conflicts between gods and evolved players could destabilize the entire system that supports this world. The consequences would be catastrophic."
"Then why call me?" Kaizen asked, feeling a growing sense of responsibility. "What can I do to help?"
Odin stared at him, the intensity of his gaze conveying the urgency of the situation. "You, Kaizen, are different. You have an understanding and respect for this world that many players don't have. Your empathy and desire to learn make you an exception. I believe you could be the key to preventing the worst from happening."
Before he could utter another word of pessimism, Odin, the wise and powerful god, grew weary of Cephal's negativity. With a flick of his fingers, a surge of magical energy filled the air, and a sharp sound reverberated through the grand hall. In an instant, a figure materialized beside them, causing a collective gasp from those present.
It was Cephal, a formidable adversary with a reputation for spreading darkness and despair. His once piercing eyes now widened with a twisted mix of surprise, anger, and a deep-seated loathing. Yet, any attempt to voice his malicious intentions was futile, as an iron gag firmly sealed his lips, muffling his screams of rage and desperation.
The muffled sounds echoed ominously through the room, a stark reminder of the consequences of crossing Odin's path.
With a second snap of Odin's fingers, the gag disappeared and Cephal's muffled screams turned to angry words.
"You old bastard!" Cephal shouted, his eyes burning with rage. "How dare you treat me this way! I should-"
"Cephal, please calm down," Kaizen interrupted, raising a hand in a pacifying gesture.
"Calm down?! Don't tell me to calm down when it's your fault I had to go through this!!!"
"My fault? I had no idea I'd be brought here."
Odin didn't seem to mind Cephal's anger and continued talking even though Cephal cursed him.
"You're already surrounding yourself with Evolved as well. That's good. It means you won't be alone on your journey to peace. But remember, the most important thing is not who you are with, but how you act. That's what will determine whether or not the people around you will remain loyal."