Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

Chapter 874: First Circle, Limbo (Part 2)

They all advanced through the Gate of Courage, their footsteps echoing in the desolate vastness of Limbo.

The castle before them was an imposing fortress, each stone brimming with an ancient and mysterious history. As they walked, a sense of awe and respect came over the group. Their mission was clear, but the journey had only just begun.

Kaizen, ever attentive, looked around, observing every detail of the architecture. The walls were adorned with detailed reliefs that told stories of ancient souls and their courageous deeds.

Silence prevailed, interrupted only by the sound of his own footsteps.

Alina, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, approached one of the walls, running her fingers along the engravings. "It's amazing to think how many souls have passed through here before us," she commented, her voice whispering with admiration. "Those stories, those lessons... it's like the castle itself is alive."

Og'tharoz, with a darker look on his face, nodded. "Every stone, every gate, has a purpose. This place isn't just a building; it's a test, a test of our determination and strength."

Xisrith, ever practical, looked at the next gate. "We need to keep going. Time is not in our favor."

The group approached the second gate, marked with the symbol of wisdom. The doors were covered in enigmatic symbols and ancient texts, written in a language that seemed alive. A soft, wise voice echoed from the depths of the castle.

"To pass through the gate of wisdom, you must solve the riddle I keep," announced the voice, bringing an atmosphere of mystery.

Kaizen stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the gate. "What is the riddle?"

The voice replied, slowly and thoughtfully. "I am something that the more you have, the less you know. What am I?"

The group fell silent, pondering the question, and obviously Alina was the first to speak. "It could be knowledge. The more we learn, the more we realize how much we don't know."

Jayaa agreed. "It makes sense. The search for knowledge is endless, and the more we search, the more we realize the vast unknown."

Kaizen nodded, approaching the gate. "Our answer is knowledge."

The gate began to open, the wise voice sounding again. "You have understood the essence of wisdom. You may pass through."

With the gate of wisdom behind them, the group moved on to the next challenge. The third gate was adorned with the symbol of justice. The doors were carved with scenes of trials and scales, representing the search for balance and truth.

A firm, impartial voice echoed from the gate. "To pass through the gate of justice, you must prove that you can judge impartially and fairly."

In front of them, three misty figures appeared, each representing a case to be judged. The first figure was an old man, accused of stealing to feed his family. The second was a young woman, accused of betraying her kingdom for love. The third was a soldier, accused of deserting in the midst of battle for fear of death.

The group discussed each case, weighing up the facts and circumstances. Bloody Lily, with her calm and determined voice, spoke for everyone.

"For the old man, justice lies in mercy. He stole out of necessity, not malice. The young woman must be forgiven, for her crime was motivated by love, not the intention of betrayal. The soldier must be understood, for war tests everyone's limits, and his desertion was for a valid reason."

The voice from the gate replied, satisfied. "You have demonstrated the true essence of justice. You may pass."

The group moved on, leaving the gate of justice behind them. The next challenge was the gate of temperance, represented by figures of people in meditation and balance. The voice that echoed was serene and controlled.

"To pass through the gate of temperance, you must demonstrate self-control and balance."

In front of them, a table appeared, filled with temptations: food, drink, riches and power, manifested in the form of various items of Legendary, Divine and even one marked [???]. Each member of the group had to resist the temptation that most attracted them.

Kaizen, with his unwavering focus, ignored the table. He didn't need any more items.

Alina, although tempted by the rare books placed there, books that even she had never read, stood firm, remembering her mission.

Og'tharoz was drawn to love. Under the table was the key to the first circle, but he knew it wasn't real and ignored it.

Successively, everyone was tempted with something that was important to them, but they all resisted.

The serene voice spoke again. "You have shown true temperance. You may pass."

With the gate of temperance behind them, the group advanced to the gate of hope. This was adorned with scenes of rebirth and light, a symbol of renewal and faith in the future. The voice that echoed was warm and inspiring. Find endless stories on m_vl_em_p_yr

"To pass through the gate of hope, you must show that you keep the faith even in the most desperate situations."

In front of them, the landscape changed to one of complete desolation. The sky was cloudy and gray, and the land was barren and lifeless. There were the figures of themselves, one to another, begging for help.

Kaizen, with his unwavering spirit, kept hope alive in his heart. "No matter how dark the moment, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel."

Bloody Lily, with her eyes shining with determination, added. "We must believe that our efforts will bring about a better future, even when all seems lost."

Andrew and Xisrith agreed, their voices firm. "Hope is the last thing that dies. There is always a way, a solution, if we believe."

The warm voice replied. "You've kept hope alive. You can pass."

The group, now more united than ever, advanced to the penultimate gate, that of faith. This gate was adorned with scenes of devotion and spirituality, a symbol of belief and trust. The voice that echoed was reverent and sacred.

"To pass through the gate of faith, you must demonstrate your belief in something greater than yourself."

Each member of the group said a short prayer or meditation, connecting with their personal beliefs. Kaizen, although pragmatic, recognized the importance of faith in something greater, because his mother, especially after the accident she had, spent hours, days, weeks praying for her children.

The sacred voice spoke again. "You have shown true faith. You can pass."

Finally, the group approached the last gate, that of love. This gate was adorned with scenes of affection, sacrifice and compassion. The voice that echoed was soft and gentle.

"To pass through the gate of love, you must show who deserves true love and compassion."

In front of them, unfamiliar figures appeared. The first, a mother with a child in her arms; the second, a man embracing the flag of a nation; finally, a woman on her knees and behind her a demonic figure embracing her.

"Only two of these scenarios are correct."