Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

The corridors of the party radiated a splendor of opulence, decorated with silk curtains, gold chandeliers and luxurious tapestries that literally floated in the air. At the same time as the party was outdoors, it seemed to be inside something. Soft lighting emanated from floating magical orbs, creating a festive atmosphere that enveloped those present.

Musical instruments played enchanting melodies on an elevated stage, completely alone, without a single musician, while laughter and lively conversation filled the air. For Jayaa, seeing something like this was both frightening and fascinating.

The party guests, dressed in dazzling robes and several of them in extravagant costumes, danced in the ballroom. Couples twirled elegantly around the dance floor, moving to the rhythm of music that seemed to come out of a dream. The diversity of costumes and masks reflected the variety of specialties of the magicians present.

Kaizen, Alina, Andrew and the others mingled with the crowd, discreetly observing the nobles while looking for signs of important conversations or crucial information. Although everyone at the party was very powerful, there wasn't even a trace of a mage like the old man Kaizen had met in the Citadel of Mages.

The group, keeping a low profile, circulated among the guests, enjoying the sumptuousness of the feast while remaining on the lookout for any valuable clues.

Andrew, with his ability to attract the attention of women, discovered that his skill here was not just for that. Men were also watching him tenderly, and when Andrew turned towards a long table to escape their gaze and grab some food, he saw food so strange under the table that it turned his stomach. There were soups literally being served in the skulls of small monsters, like the little Hurko Rabbit, and also many variations of insect food.

Alina had to stay focused in order to keep the group's appearance impeccable with her illusion magic. The costumes she had conjured up seemed perfectly suited to the noble setting, making them indistinguishable from the other participants. However, even this concentration didn't stop her from being fascinated by the atmosphere of this party.

Kaizen kept his <Analyzing Eye> skill active at all times and, although seeing so many attribute and status windows open in his vision, it was necessary.

As they circulated, the infiltrators noticed a group of noble mages gathered in a more secluded and elevated area. It was like a party box. They spoke in conspiratorial whispers, always covering their mouths with their hands, and the looks exchanged between them suggested that they were plotting something. Determined to discover the content of the conversation, Kaizen looked at Xisrith and she understood that he should follow.

Og'tharoz, Jayaa, Alina and Andrew spread out around the party to get various pieces of information, just as they had done in the tavern.

As they didn't want to give the impression that they were going straight to the cabin, on the way they came across a table full of magical and exotic delicacies. Fruits that sparkled with enchantments, cakes that changed flavor with every bite and effervescent potions that exuded irresistible aromas were laid out temptingly.

Kaizen, always attentive, looked at Xisrith to disguise their approach.

The pair approached the table, pretending to be interested in the delicacies on offer. As they selected small portions, they continued to watch the noble mages for clues. However, it wasn't long before they realized that they had attracted the attention of one of the nobles.

An elderly mage, with a long beard and a shrewd expression, stepped out of the cabin area. His piercing eyes scanned each person along the way, greeting them as everyone turned to watch him pass.

Kaizen, ever astute, realized that he and Xisrith were the ones the wizard was targeting, so when he approached he greeted him with a smile.

"Good evening, master mage Rode." Kaizen said, relying solely on the information that the <Analyzing Eye> was showing him. "We are delighted with the generosity of this magical banquet. Can you tell us about these delicacies that stand out on your table?"

The elderly magician smiled, noticing Kaizen's politeness. However, before he could say a word, a sudden crash echoed through the ballroom. The floor shook slightly, and conversations ceased abruptly. All eyes turned to the center of the hall, where an imposing figure had appeared with an explosion of colors and smoke.

It was Grand Elder Magus Vorian, one of the most respected figures in the Citadel of Magi. His presence was imposing, with an aura of magical power that silenced the crowd. Vorian raised his hand in a majestic gesture, and the music automatically stopped.

"My noble colleagues and fellow human beings, thank you for being here tonight. As is customary, the annual feast of the noble mages is a time for celebration and camaraderie. However, it is also a time to reflect on our role in Olaynore..."

As the Grand Magus spoke, the people at the feast began to approach him in droves, forming a circle around him, including Master Magus Rode. It was like bees being attracted to pollen. The insiders realized that this was a unique opportunity. They hadn't imagined that one of the Elders would show up in the City of Tears, and this was a unique chance for them to get a ride.

"Our role as members of high society is unique and we play roles that most mages can't even comprehend. The new generation is forming, but while they don't take their rightful places and let us rest, we must rigorously fulfill all that we can, after all, as you know, when a wizard dies in Olaynore, his body is not buried as is customary, instead we become great and wise trees of the living forest."

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