Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

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Aware of the delicacy of the situation, Klaus pondered every syllable uttered by the staff man, realizing that while a public statement would be useful for the media, issuing a statement now could tie a knot in that ball of string and make it thicker than Klaus wanted. For this reason, before answering, he took a deep breath, allowing the air to fill his lungs before exhaling softly with a faint denial drawing itself into his head movement.

"I appreciate that. However, right now, I feel that issuing a statement would not be appropriate. My goal is to focus all my energies on the imminent final, to invest my best on this stage. I want to eliminate any distractions that could undermine this crucial moment," Klaus said, his voice sincere and full of gratitude.

The staff member nodded in empathetic understanding. "I'm fully aware of your perspective, and we respect your decision. Should you need support in managing the crowd and the press, we are at your disposal."

A trace of a smile curved Klaus' lips, laden with genuine gratitude. "Thank you, and it's time to head to the stadium."

"That's right, please accompany me."

Together, they walked towards the van at the back of the hotel that would take them to SoFi Stadium. The drive was silent, but Klaus' mind was working tirelessly. He was curious how the public would react, would people be angry that he was Kaizen? Or the other way around? Would there be rabid fans in the stadium like there were on the webnet?

When his feet touched the ground backstage at the stadium, he felt a sensation of electricity run through his body. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and the roar of the crowd inside was already enveloping him like a sonic embrace as he prepared himself backstage.

Klaus adjusted the collar of his jacket, feeling the soft fabric under his fingers, a kind of anchor amidst the turbulence of thoughts that flooded him, because the leather jacket he wears used to belong to Rhyzer Park, his older brother. Klaus looked at Andrew, who is in the same changing room as him, as they are from the same department, and Andrew gave him a reassuring smile, understanding the emotional storm Klaus was facing.

While the staff organized the last details before the competitors entered the stadium, Klaus observed the curtain that separated the backstage from the immensity of SoFi Stadium.

The sound of the crowd reverberated like thunder nearby, and a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to absorb this energy, letting it flow through his veins like fuel for the monumental task ahead of him, and at that moment he recalled an old memory with Rhyzer, many years ago.

*

At the time, Klaus was just an eight-year-old child who didn't even do physical sports, but Rhyzer was a tall, handsome teenager and an athlete who many said could play for any university in the country in the future.

A gentle wind swayed the leaves of the trees as the brothers walked through the small park near the house where they grew up. The golden late afternoon sun bathed the scenery in warm tones.

"Rhy, let's go back to the house! It's hot out here!" Little Klaus complained, because he obviously preferred the air-conditioning.

Rhyzer, with his warm smile and calm expression, put his hand on Klaus' shoulder and knelt down in front of him.

"Stop being such a crybaby," said Rhyzer in his calm, wise voice, as if he were giving advice.

Klaus looked at his brother seriously. "But I don't want to play with the guys again, and I'm not as good as you! What if I fail? Everyone will laugh at me!"

Rhyzer laughed softly and stood up, looking ahead where some other boys were playing soccer. "It's not about being the best, Klaus. What matters is doing your best. And if you do your best, no matter what the outcome, you'll never regret it. True success lies in trying hard, in not giving up, in facing your fears. I'll always be here to support you, no matter what."

Perhaps Rhyzer had no idea of the real weight of his words at that moment, even more so for a child like Klaus who never listened to his advice, but in that moment, Klaus took on an inspiration that would remain with him throughout the years and throughout his life.

Back in the present, Klaus felt a tightness in his heart as he relived this memory. He knew that Rhyzer was with him, in a way, guiding him through the challenges he had faced so far.

Suddenly, the presenter's voice echoed through the sound system, announcing the entrance of the contestants, but the sound of the crowd was so loud that it didn't even allow Kaito backstage to hear what he said.

Klaus took a deep breath, feeling his adrenaline rise, mixed with a hint of excitement. It was an intense mix of emotions - the desire to show his best, the pressure to live up to expectations and the weight of being a symbol for his younger brother, Ard, just as Rhyzer had been for him.

Andrew, who was also one of the competitors in the final, looked at him and, with a nod, said:

"It's time, Klaus. Let's go?"

Klaus nodded, straightening his posture and allowing a determined smile to appear on his tense face. Andrew was right. It was time to face the challenge head on, as his brother Rhyzer had always taught him.

They left the backstage area, walking together towards the entrance tunnel to the field. This place was familiar to Kaito, he had been here at the Team Fencing Tournament, only he was ready to give it his all so as not to repeat the previous failure.

The crowd roared with overwhelming energy, each roar reverberating through Klaus like a wave of power. Then, when he and the other nine competitors finally entered the stadium field, with most of them positioned at a different end of the place, their eyes were bothered by the glare.

As his eyes adjusted, Klaus could see the stands stretching out before him, filled to the brim with a colorful and vibrant crowd. Flags, banners and posters with messages of support filled the scene, each one a testament to the connection the competitors in this tournament had formed with those watching.

Adrenaline pulsed through his veins, and Klaus cast a quick glance at Andrew beside him, sharing a mutual nod of encouragement before they headed towards the center of the field.

The roar of the crowd didn't diminish one bit as they prepared for the competition. 

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