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In a city where the shadows of all regions converge, the group found themselves overwhelmed by the diversity and rawness of their surroundings.
For some, it was eye-opening; for others, unsettling.
"Noxus is willing to accept everyone," Camille stated coolly, her voice as precise as the blade on her leg.
"It doesn't matter where you come from. As long as you have value, you can thrive here."
Jayce frowned and crossed his arms. The young innovator, having grown up in Piltover, couldn't help but voice his concerns.
"What about ordinary people?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief.
Piltover, though far from perfect, still maintained an air of equality and respect—at least on the surface.
Camille's response was devoid of any emotion, sharp as her words cut through the air.
"Ordinary people are the nourishment for the strong. But the strong also provide them with rewards in return. Noxus is a society built on a strict hierarchy. If you possess strength, you possess everything. And strength takes many forms—political, military, economic, or even scientific."
Her unflinching pragmatism left a mark on everyone.
While Jayce's discomfort was evident, the others were less surprised.
Mel, being a Noxian herself, listened with quiet acceptance.
Orianna, Viktor, and Seraphine had long understood Noxian ideals through their experiences with Ryan.
However, Jinx and Ezreal wore entirely different expressions—ones of fascination.
For Jinx, Noxus seemed like the perfect proving ground to test her chaotic brilliance.
Her grin widened, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Ezreal, on the other hand, wore his usual confident smirk. To him, Noxus wasn't a challenge—it was just another stage for him to shine.
His demeanor made it clear he saw himself as the hero of every story.
But Ekko stood apart, quietly contemplative as he gazed at the imposing structures below.
His thoughts lingered not on Noxus but on Zaun. Piltover, Noxus… these cities were worlds apart, yet somehow, they shared an unshakable essence.
'Perhaps my perspective is still too narrow,' he thought to himself.
'I need to see more, learn more.'
He clenched his fists slightly. Time, as always, would provide the answers he sought.
When they descended from the airship, Mel's voice broke the silence.
"It's still the same here," she murmured with a sigh.
"New rulers, but the essence remains unchanged."
Jayce trailed behind her, taking in the sights. The soldiers patrolling the streets were tall and imposing, clad in heavy armor that reflected their militaristic society.
The architecture was harsh and functional—ordinary homes built like fortresses were more prepared for battle than comfort.
The sound of a heavy roar reverberated through the street.
"Cha!"
A massive beast, nearly five meters in length, trudged forward, pulling a heavily reinforced cart behind it. Its presence dominated the street, causing pedestrians to step aside.
Jayce's gaze was drawn to the creature. Its blood-red eyes gleamed with primal intensity, and two sharp horns curved sideways from its skull.
Thick cyan scales lined its body while vicious barbs ran along its back. The beast's armor bore the dried remnants of old battles, making it all the more menacing.
"What is that?" Jayce asked, unable to mask his astonishment.
Mel glanced back at him, a faint smile on her lips.
"A dragon lizard," she explained.
"It belongs to my family—specifically, my mother. This one is still a juvenile."
She stepped forward, her hand brushing affectionately against the beast's head.
The dragon lizard let out a low, rumbling purr, lowering its massive head to meet her touch.
Jayce's hand instinctively tightened around his hextech hammer.
He had seen Mel's strength before—hidden beneath her refined demeanor—but watching her climb onto the beast with effortless grace still surprised him.
As she settled herself atop the creature, Jayce muttered under his breath, half in awe and half in disbelief.
"How does someone so… delicate have that kind of power?"
The dragon lizard let out another guttural growl, and the group moved forward.
"Get in the cart at the back. It's specially prepared for you. The dragon lizard doesn't take kindly to strangers riding it," Mel said with a faint smile, gesturing toward the carriage attached to the beast.
Compared to the enormous body of the dragon lizard, the cart looked almost toy-like, its frame dwarfed by the creature's sheer size.
Jayce hesitated, glancing at the dragon lizard. His grip tightened on his hextech hammer.
'This thing… I'm not sure my hammer could handle it.'
Reluctantly, he turned toward the cart, deciding not to take any risks.
As he climbed in, he couldn't help but steal a glance at Mel, who sat astride the dragon lizard like a knight from the old tales.
The sight unsettled him—her graceful poise seemed at odds with the raw power of the beast beneath her.
Not long after, Seraphine and the rest of the group disembarked from the airship.
"That big guy was awesome!" Ezreal exclaimed, his eyes still wide with amazement.
He turned to Ekko with a teasing grin.
"Didn't you say Zaun is strong? Let's take one of those!"
Ekko rolled his eyes at the explorer's enthusiasm, though his lips curled into a wry smile.
"If you want to fight, I'm sure Noxus has no shortage of arenas."
Ezreal immediately glanced away, his confidence faltering under Ekko's sharp gaze.
"The arena is east of the Immortal Bastion," a commanding voice interrupted.
The group turned to see a man in red and black Trifarian armor striding toward them.
His long spear glinted in the sunlight, and a high ponytail framed his face, weathered with experience. His demeanor radiated calm authority, the kind born from countless battles.
It didn't take long for everyone to form the same conclusion: this man was a veteran who had seen and survived the worst of wars.
"Winged Cavalry Commander Xin Zhao, thank you for greeting us on behalf of our teacher," Seraphine said, stepping forward and bowing respectfully.
As she looked at him, she could hear the faint echoes of a soul song—an ability unique to her. The song told his story, recounting battles and hardships.
Once a slave bought in Noxus, Xin Zhao had climbed the ranks by wielding his spear with unparalleled skill.
Wars in Shurima to the south, Demacia to the west, and Ionia to the east had honed him into what he was now—the deputy commander of the Trifarian Legion.
"I'd prefer you call me Xin Zhao," the man said, his tone firm but respectful.
"That's my real name, and the general addresses me as such."
Seraphine's lips curved into a bright smile.
"Of course, Mr. Xin Zhao. But your title is an honorable one. It reflects your undefeated reputation in the arena."
Ryan, her mentor, had often told her that her ability to hear and interpret soul songs was her greatest gift.
She used it now to connect with Xin Zhao, hearing faint traces of his soul's melody. It was quieter than most but still discernible.
She sighed in relief, grateful her recent practice had paid off.
A few concerts had sharpened her ability, enough for her to hear the soul songs of even powerful individuals like him.
Xin Zhao, ever humble, shook his head.
"Compared to the battlefield, that was nothing more than a false name."
His rigid expression softened slightly as he spoke.
"Did the general mention where we're supposed to meet him?" he asked.
"Yes," Seraphine replied, nodding.
"Our teacher instructed us to wait here. He'll come to pick us up."
Though she answered confidently, Seraphine's brow furrowed in curiosity.
The teacher's castle floated high above them in the sky, yet there was no sign of any transportation.
Surely, he didn't expect them to get up there themselves…?
Her gaze drifted downward as she pondered. Could her stage—a platform imbued with magic—somehow fly that high?
Just as the question crossed her mind, a sudden hum filled the air.
A beam of light, half-blue, and half-black, descended from the sky, its brilliance enveloping Seraphine and Orianna.
The others watched, wide-eyed, as the two were swallowed by the light.
When it faded, they were gone, leaving no trace behind.