Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player



"Yes, it was one of the four: Evan Elliot, Isaac Kaufman, Raiden Cortez and most likely, Peter Hopkins. My four ex-teammates."

Jayaa was silent for a moment, processing the information from the other person on the call. "Do you think one of them could have leaked this information? Why would they do that?"

Klaus sighed heavily. "I don't know for sure, but considering our history, especially my departure from the team, there's a chance that someone is trying to harm me. Perhaps as revenge." Klaus stared at the horizon through the hotel window. I recently spoke to Evan Elliot, told him what had happened, thought he understood all this, but considering that the information about my family's accident, which I did everything to conceal so as not to expose my brother's serious situation, has also been leaked, I think he may be involved."

"This is very serious, Klaus," said Jayaa. "If they really did it, then it's a terrible betrayal. Do you have any idea how to deal with it? I know some lawyers, if you want, I can pass on the contact details."

Klaus thought for a moment. "No, it's better not... First, I need to talk to them. See if they'll admit it or deny it. If the suspicion is true, we'll consider our options. But in any case, I don't want this to damage their lives, I've given them enough trouble in the past and they've looked after me very well during their travels."

"I understand..." replied Jayaa, although she really didn't understand how Klaus could even be considering suing them. "And you think you can find them where?"

"Because they did it just today, it wasn't in vain. They've been waiting for this moment. I'm sure they'll be at the stadium, so when I see them, I'll talk to them.

"All right, I'll wait for news, Klaus. By the way, you can count on me for whatever you need. I know I'm on the other side of the country, but I'll fly there if I have to."

"Thank you, Jayaa. Your help means a lot to me," said Klaus sincerely, with a subtle smile.

"We're in this together, Klaus. Now, concentrate on today's competition. Show everyone why you're special, no matter what people say."

"I'll do my best. Thanks again."

After hanging up with Jayaa, Klaus sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about what to do next. There were still many hours until dawn and even more until the start of the final, but he knew he needed to reduce the damage before all of this took a much bigger turn than expected, but first he needed to clear his head, so he put on a sweater, put on his hoodie and left his hotel room. When he got into the elevator, he had to use his ID card and pressed the button for the basement, where there were archery stands.

It wasn't a bad time to practice.

However, when the elevator doors slid open smoothly, Klaus was in for a surprise. Once again, by coincidence, Emma M. Nielsen was standing in front of him. It was the second time in a week already, but it wasn't surprising, they shared the same hotel rooms. Still, it was strange to see someone he hadn't seen in months so often, especially in the early hours of the morning before facing her in the grand final of the archery tournament.

A flash of surprise appeared in Emma's eyes, and for some reason her voice didn't come out for a moment.

"Hello, Emma." greeted Klaus, slightly puzzled by the unexpected encounter.

"Klaus, what a surprise to find you here," replied Emma, her smile exuding warmth. Her friendly and welcoming manner had always been one of the traits Klaus admired most about her.

"I was thinking of practicing a bit before the competition," Klaus shared, explaining his presence. "And you? What are you doing here?"

"Looking for something to tire me out and get a few more hours' sleep..." She replied.

And so, before Klaus knew it, Emma approached the drinks machine in the hall, took a drink for herself and another drink for Klaus, which she threw at him.

"Looks like you need it," she joked with a smile, her eyes sensing the tension he could barely conceal.

Klaus looked at what he was drinking and saw that it was an iced coffee, which he gratefully accepted and returned with a sincere smile. "Thank you, Emma. You seem to have read my mind."

As they sipped their drinks, a friendly, relaxed atmosphere permeated the room. There was no visible rancor between them, just the fluidity of a casual conversation between two friends who shared a deep history.

"Nervous?" she asked and took a sip of the lemon soda she'd gotten for herself.

"I don't know... It's the first final I've been to in a long time. What about you?"

"The fashion shows I used to take part in at the start of my modeling career, with those tight, uncomfortable clothes, that really terrified me. I think that once I've been there, nothing else seems so bad. Nervousness comes from the fear of something going wrong, doesn't it? I'm not afraid of failing, not even in the final, that means there's room for improvement."

Klaus wasn't surprised by what Emma said. He knew her worldview, and it was part of that that made him admire her so much. A soft silence followed her answer and she broke the silence herself.

"I... I saw what came out about you on social media," said Emma, gently touching on the subject that hung like a shadow over Klaus.

Klaus let out a heavy sigh. "My identity as a Kaizen being exposed isn't a problem, sooner or later I thought it would happen, that someone might remember, connect all the dots and, worst of all, reveal details of my past, details that I would rather remain buried."

Emma's frown deepened in genuine concern. "Are you okay with all this?" She asks, only she already knows the answer to that.

There was a brief hesitation in Klaus before he shared his concerns. "Actually, I don't know how I feel. I knew it would happen sooner or later, but how should I feel about all this? Angry? Ashamed? Happy? It's difficult."

"I think I know how you feel... You're worried about your family's safety, aren't you?"