Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

As Kaizen lifted his companions with his psychic aura, the sensation of being lifted into the air was both exciting and disconcerting.

Andrew, Xisrith and Jayaa felt the cutting wind of the altitudes as they approached the Palace of Mist.

The sight of the Palace, now so close, was truly impressive.

The Palace of Mist stood majestically on top of the mountain, its unique shape the reason for its name. The empty skull of a frost giant had been sculpted and transformed into an imposing fortress, and from the empty eye sockets of this skull flowed an endless amount of mist, which fell towards the precipice in the middle of the mountains.

However, despite its fascinating appearance, the palace emanated a dark and sinister aura, as if impregnated with centuries of curses.

Surrounding the skull was a structure that couldn't be seen from anywhere, because the skull was too big and took up all the attention. Walls at least five meters high and watchtowers stood around the entire skull, finally forming the Palace of Mist.

Kaizen guided the group to a part of the mountain that was close to the palace, but not close enough to be noticed, where they could prepare for their approach.

As they landed, Alina used her magic to probe the palace's magical defenses. Waves of invisible magical energy pulsed from the walls, creating an impenetrable protective field for those who didn't know how to get around it.

"It's too strong," Alina muttered, her eyes shining with the concentration of her magic. "The plan to enter from above and the sides won't work until we sort this out. We need a way to weaken those defenses before we move in."

Xisrith, always thoughtful and strategic, suggested: "Perhaps we can find an alternative entrance, a weak point in the palace's defenses."

Andrew looked up at the top of the palace's ice towers and glimpsed a possible solution. "There are openings in the roofs of the towers. We could try to get in through there."

Kaizen nodded, seeing the opportunity Andrew had identified. "When the defense comes down, they'll know we're here, so let's position ourselves and trust one of us to solve this magical defense problem, what do you think?"

"I agree, but who among us will go?" Xisrith asked.

"I think the best option for disabling magical barriers would be Alina, but it could be dangerous if she goes and they manage to close the distance between her and them quickly." Andrew analyzed.

So, since Alina couldn't go, they all took aim at Og'tharoz, who seemed surprised by this.

Og'tharoz pointed at himself and asked:

"Me?"

"Yes, you know a lot about magic. It's our best option for this situation." Kaizen explained the decision. "But if you don't want that, I also think Andrew can handle it. He has some magical abilities of divine origin, so he might be able to deactivate the barrier from this place."

At that moment, Og'tharoz stopped to think about it and a second later denied the idea of Andrew going. "No, I'm going. You're all here for me, this is far more than I can ever repay, so as much as I can do to ease the burden of this mission on your shoulders, I will."

The group was gathered on a slope in the shadows of the mountains, where the wind blew gently and the silence was cut only by the murmur of conversations between them.

Kaizen approached Og'tharoz, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Are you ready for this, Og'tharoz? We don't need to take any unnecessary risks."

The demon took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility on his broad shoulders. "I am. We need to open this path to the palace. It's the least I can do."

Andrew approached too, his brown eyes shining with a divine energy. "You won't be alone. We'll be here to support you in any way you need."

Alina added: "Remember, Og'tharoz, magic is a powerful tool, but it also requires control and concentration. Keep your mind calm and focused."

Xisrith offered an encouraging smile and her sword. "You can do this. Take this as proof that we trust you."

Og'tharoz nodded, taking the katana from her once more and feeling strengthened by his friends' trust. "I'll do my best."

Then Og'tharoz climbed off the slope and disappeared into the frost that was beginning.

The tower Andrew had mentioned was the main tower of the wall to the right of the main gate. It wasn't a very easily accessible place for invaders, because it gave a view of all sides, but being a demon with as many skills as Og'tharoz gave him some advantages and options that normal people and creatures didn't have.

In this way, he easily approached the wall thanks to the fact that he was able to become intangible and practically invisible, adopting a more translucent white. Thus, he managed to go unnoticed by the dark elf archers who kept watch on the towers.

Og'tharoz floated silently to the top of the main tower, his translucent body impossible to see for the dark elves patrolling the walls, and the frost that was beginning to form in the night contributed to this.

On reaching the top of the tower, Og'tharoz carefully positioned himself on the roof, keeping an eye out for any sign of danger.

The view was breathtaking, with the lights of the city at the foot of the mountain below casting a faint glow over the icy landscape, and looking further ahead there were dozens of spots of light on the horizon, even in the unfavorable weather, which made Og'tharoz finally understand how the Emperor of Mist reigned his dominion in this extreme world.

The silence was almost palpable, broken only by the occasional sound of patrols and the icy wind that blew between the towers.

Og'tharoz concentrated, his mind delving into the intricacies of the magic that surrounded the palace's defenses. He could feel the pulsating magical energy that sustained the barriers, an intricate web of incantations and spells woven with skill and power. It was a formidable challenge, but Og'tharoz was determined to overcome it.