Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

Chapter 920: GODS

The two followed Heimdall and the guards through the majestic corridors of Asgard.

With each step, Kaizen felt the weight of the situation grow. Finally, they came to a huge door, decorated with intricate carvings of legendary battles and glorious victories.

Heimdall stood in front of the door and raised his Hofund sword. An intense glow emanated from the blade and the door slowly began to open, revealing a colossal room. The sound of a thousand murmuring voices filled the air, creating an atmosphere of tense anticipation.

Inside the room, Kaizen and Cephal were greeted by a dazzling sight. The Judgment Hall was a monumental structure, with rows of Asgardians seated in bleachers that seemed to go on forever. All eyes were upon them, judging and evaluating their every move.

In the center of the room, on an elevated stage, stood the five most powerful gods of Asgard.

Each of them radiated an aura of authority and power, their presence dominating the room. Kaizen felt the weight of their gaze upon him, each god representing a fundamental aspect of the realm.

In the center was Odin, the Father of All, with his majestic cloak and single eye glowing with the wisdom of the ages. His snow-white hair and beard fell over his shoulders, and he held Gungnir, the legendary spear that never missed its mark. His piercing eyes seemed to see right through Kaizen, as if they could see into his very soul.

[You stand before the god Odin.]

To Odin's right, Thor, the God of Thunder, stood out with his muscular figure and overwhelming presence. His red hair was in pigtails, and he held the hammer Mjolnir with terrifying ease. Thunder seemed to emanate from his eyes, reflecting his indomitable strength and determination.

[You stand before the god Thor.]

Next to Thor stood Freya, the goddess of love and war. Her beauty was breathtaking, with long golden hair and bright green eyes. She wore delicate but sturdy armor, and a sword hung from her belt. Her gaze was both gentle and implacable, reflecting the duality of her nature.

[You stand before the goddess Freya.]

To Odin's left, Balder, the god of light and purity, radiated a soft, soothing light. His blond hair and blue eyes shone with a purity that seemed almost ethereal. He was the embodiment of goodness and justice, and his gaze conveyed a sense of peace as well as ruthless justice.

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[You stand before the god Balder.]

Next to Balder stood Loki, the god of trickery, his presence both enigmatic and menacing. His eyes sparkled with cunning and malice, and a mischievous smile danced across his lips. Loki seemed to relish the tension in the air, as if the trial were a spectacle created solely for his entertainment.

[You stand before the god Loki.]

All the gods, except Balder, sat on majestic thrones that rose from the floor. The tension in the room was palpable, and Kaizen could feel the heavy gaze of the Asgardians upon him.

Balder stood with a parchment in his hands, ready to read the charges.

"Kaizen, son of Migard," Balder began, his soft but firm voice echoing through the hall, "you are here to answer for several high crimes against the kingdoms. The charges are as follows: trespassing on sacred elven lands, improper use of forbidden magic, and the most serious of all, the murder of Surtr, a primal god."

Kaizen felt a shiver run down his spine at Balder's words. He looked around at the expressions of suspicion and anger on the faces of the Asgardians. There was a deathly silence in the room as everyone waited for Kaizen's response.

"Do I have the right to defend myself?" Kaizen asked, his voice firm but with a hint of nervousness.

Odin nodded, allowing him to speak.

"I will not deny my actions," Kaizen began, stepping forward even though his hands were bound. "But there are circumstances that must be considered. Surtr's death was not an act of gratuitous violence, but a necessity.

Surtr abused his power as a god, sent demons to Midgard in a pact with a human, and if it weren't for me, his demons would have ravaged this world as well as the kingdom of Mibothen, Midgard's second largest nation."

A murmur went through the room as Kaizen spoke. He knew his defense wouldn't be easy, but he had to try. He looked at Cephal, who stood next to him, and gave him an encouraging look.

"The death of a Primordial God is an act that cannot be easily justified," Balder said, his voice cutting through the murmur. "Do you understand the effect it has on the balance of the realms?"

"I understand," Kaizen replied, "but I did what was necessary to protect not only Midgard, but all the realms. Surtr was a tyrant, the worst of the worst."

Thor stood up, his eyes shining with a mixture of anger and curiosity. "You speak of protection, mortal, but do you know the consequences of killing an Original God? The balance has been broken, and now instability threatens us all. In the last week alone, I've had to defeat thousands of undead rising from their graves."

Kaizen held his gaze, despite the overwhelming pressure. "I did what anyone would do."

Kaizen wouldn't argue that he'd killed Surtr to keep his friends alive and save Og'tharoz's wife, because those gods would probably see that as selfish.

Freya leaned forward, her piercing green eyes fixed on Kaizen. "So, Kaizen, you admit that you killed Surtr?"

"Yes, I killed Surtr," he said, each word carefully measured. "But I did it not for glory or power, but to protect all the kingdoms from the destruction he would bring."

The murmur in the room grew louder, echoing off the marble walls and echoing in the hearts of those present.

Odin, with his gray beard and eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of ages, raised his hand, silencing the room.

"Kaizen," his deep voice echoed, "we understand the gravity of your actions. But you must understand that the death of a primordial god like Surtr upsets the very fabric of the realms. Any justification you offer must be weighed with extreme caution."