Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

As Klaus prepared for the duel, a series of questions formed a whirlwind in his mind.

Did Lucas ask for this fight already knowing who Klaus really is, considering the mention of the nickname? Or did he ask only because he really wants to test him?

He was excited to test his skills against Lucas, but he also felt a twinge of doubt. After all, he was still a beginner in fencing, while Lucas was already advanced, so it was unusual for Lucas to simply challenge him out of the blue.

As the two of them got into position, Klaus tried to push away the negative thoughts. He was determined to show his potential and not let fear take over.

Andrew, on the other hand, watched with curious eyes, wondering what the dynamic of the confrontation between the two would be like. Surely Klaus would lose, only the real question was how would he lose, by being humiliated or showing a born ability for the area?

After a few seconds, Lucas assumed an imposing stance with his wooden sword raised with grace and confidence in front of his chest.

Klaus recognized this posture. It was a classic kendo pose, so he followed suit, firmly holding his own weapon with both hands.

The hologram room seemed to come alive around them, immersing them in a setting that was almost beyond ultra-realism.

When the two were ready, Lucas advanced without wasting any time with an agile move to test Klaus' defense. Klaus, in turn, reacted instinctively, deftly blocking the blow by placing his sword diagonally. Klaus' ankles were forced back and he was dragged back a bit, thus discovering that the defensive postures were actually much more punishing than in Rise Online.

And Klaus continued to learn as they exchanged a few slow blows. However, with each move, Klaus also felt his confidence grow, because he was adapting better than expected to the speed and precision of Lucas' attacks.

The movements of the two fencers quickly intertwined. Klaus showed surprising agility, his reflexes sharp, and his determination visible in every blow. Even with the difference in experience and technique, he struggled not to let Lucas get the better of him.

Andrew watched the battle with wide eyes, captivated by the skill and grace of the two fighters. It was fascinating to watch the swords move quickly, creating a shadow play in the hologram room. The tension intensified as the duel continued. Klaus was keen to demonstrate his potential, to prove that he was more than just a novice. With each successful hit, his confidence grew, and he allowed himself a glimpse of victory.

Despite Klaus' efforts, Lucas had superior experience and skill. He demonstrated admirable precision and fluidity in every movement, and still had a smile on his face.

Instead of being discouraged, Klaus used each momentary defeat as a learning opportunity, analyzing Lucas' movements and looking for ways to improve.

As the fight went on, fatigue began to set in, but neither of them gave in. The determination in their eyes was unwavering.

With each movement, Klaus evolved more and more. The confidence he had found within himself was like impenetrable armor blended with his incredible reflexes and monstrous natural dexterity. He was certainly not a rookie like the others.

The battle reached its climax when Lucas executed a final blow, aiming directly at Klaus' body. However, with impressive speed, Klaus reacted at the last moment, dodging the attack and counter attacking with a combination of precise movements. The impact of Klaus' sword hit Lucas' shoulder, or at least that was the impression Klaus had for a second, because Lucas managed to deflect as if he had already been expecting this counterattack. Lucas turned his back to the left and aimed the point of his wooden sword at Klaus' neck, decreeing the end of the battle.

Silence filled the hologram room, interrupted only by the heavy breathing of Klaus and Lucas. Andrew was stunned, unable to believe what he had just witnessed. Klaus, with a satisfied smile, extended his hand in a gesture of respect and gratitude to Lucas, recognizing the skill and strength of his opponent.

Lucas lowered his sword and smiled at Klaus. "You have incredible potential, Klaus. Your determination and skill are impressive for someone just starting out. Keep training and honing your techniques with us, and I have no doubt that you will become a true fencer."

Klaus, panting and with sweat dripping down his face, looked at Lucas gratefully. He knew he still had a lot to learn, but the duel against the department leader had been an enriching experience.

"If that is so, I accept the invitation to join your team in the tournament." Klaus said, resting the wooden sword on his shoulder. "However, my focus will still be on the Archery Department, so I will opt to participate in the Team Battle if it is not a problem."

"Definitely not a problem. In fact, considering that I will be participating in the Individual Duel, I will be relieved to have someone like you on the department team, so our chances of winning will increase." Lucas stated.

Andrew approached and inquired:

"Lucas, if you will participate in the Individual Duel, who will lead the team? In our department, we have decided that the department leader will participate in the team duel, while three of our best archers will go in the individual category."

"Ah! Don't worry about that." Lucas said and smiled shyly as he put his hands on his waist. "Let's just say that I'm only the leader of the department because another boy rejected the invitation first. By the way, Klaus, he's the one who told me about you and praised you so much, he also plays Rise Online, his name is Riley, but you really must know him as Orkoi."

Initially, Klaus tried to remember and it took a few seconds before he remembered and was able to correlate these two names.

Riley, aka Orkoi, was one of Bleeding Lily's companions in the Crimson Soldiers Guild. He had gray hair, was short and had a strange bird on his shoulder. Klaus remembered meeting him at the beginning of the Special Program, but since he never saw him again, he completely forgot about his existence until that moment.