-73- Her
Noxian year 984, late August.
After spending a few days in Bel'zhun, Linwin packed his belongings, ready to venture deep into the vast desert of Shurima again. But this time, Linwin's destination wasn't the west of Shurima; instead, he was heading southeast.
Regarding this, Zevi expressed her lack of understanding. He spent two years in the west and came back alone without bringing anything substantial. Now, shortly after returning, he was heading east. According to the desert dwellers who fled from the east to Bel'zhun, the danger there was much higher.
Although Zevi didn't understand, she didn't try to dissuade Linwin.
However, this time, Zevi wouldn't wait for Linwin in Bel'zhun. Instead, she would be accompanying a group of Zaunites, bringing two captives back to Piltover and Zaun.
Yes, Twisted Fate and Graves had "agreed" to go to Zaun, though the former agreed reluctantly.
Before parting, Zevi had a lot to say to Linwin.
"When I go back this time, they'll know you're comming back too," Zevi said after some thought. "Actually, I'm not in such a hurry to go back."
"It's okay. Everything that needed to be done is done, and we can all leave and go back. Also, Zevi, thank you for your hard work these years. I appreciate your help."
"Linwin, don't think too much. I came to Shurima not for you but because I've wanted to come here for a long time. This continent hides countless treasures, and no curious inventor can resist coming to see it for themselves."
Zevi shrugged and said. She disliked this feeling; she didn't like being the good person. Everything she did was because she feel like doing it.
Now, like Jayce, is she standing between the people of Piltover and Zaun?
No way.
Zevi is not Jayce Talis. She's not as kind or as naive as he is.
From the moment they first met, Zevi told Linwin that her family was outsiders. She used to be, to some extent, a Noxian. The Reta family squeezed into the noble class of Piltover because of her. Still, when it came to being noble, only Zevi knew the real situation.
"Well, thanks to you," Linwin smiled helplessly, paused for a moment, tightened the cloth bag in his hand, and said to Zevi, "But after going back, Zevi, your situation might be very bad. They may very well imprison you."
"It doesn't matter. Anyway, when you come back, everything will turn a new page."
"I've actually been fed up with those useless orders for a long time. I don't want to graduate and sell myself to a big family, then be forced to do things I don't like. Piltover is indeed great, but this greatness is not bestowed by councilors and major families; it's the soul and nature of every person in Piltover that make Piltover great."
Zevi raised her fist towards Linwin, speaking earnestly, "The people of Piltover naturally aspire to science, love invention, and want to pursue all the truths in the world, but the big shots hindered this nature."
"What you want to do is not attack Piltover, not taking over Piltover, but to take the lives of certain people."
"I hope what you say is true."
Linwin was silent for a moment, nodded, and extended his fist, "Thank you."
"I said, no need to be polite. I'm not doing it for you; I'm doing it for myself."
Zevi rolled her eyes dramatically, then she and Linwin bumped fists.
——————————
Noxian Calendar, Year 984, mid-September, the thirteenth day.
On the eastern edge of Shurima, in the desolate desert, Linwin is manipulating wind magic, advancing towards his target at a steady pace, always keeping an eye on the surroundings.
A gentle wind forms a transparent shield in front of Linwin, blocking the sand from hitting his face.
Flying in the air, Linwin sees a patch of green.
That place is the Kumungu Jungle.
He remembered that it was Zyra's territory?
Of course, Linwin's destination is not the Kumungu Jungle, nor is it the mysterious Icathia.
The place Linwin is heading to is near the Shuriman village close to Icathia.
He is looking for someone.
A human "monster" that is good at communication.
Linwin estimates that, with high probability, she is a five-star card, and up until now, Linwin doesn't have a single five-star card.
After nearly twenty days of travel, Linwin finally arrives at the land corrupted by the Void— Icathia.
But when thinking more carefully, he should still be in the Shurima region at the moment.
The reason he sees the purple desert and strange purple plants swaying like tentacles is that the Void corruption has spread from Icathia to Shurima.
So, she should be nearby..
Landing on the ground, Linwin restrains his aura.
After arriving at this place, it is crucial not to fly in the sky, as the Void's influence can set off a chain reaction.
Once it senses the presence of living beings, it becomes ferocious, unleashing countless void creatures to devour all life. Linwin, of course, wouldn't allow such a thing.
After walking on the ground for three days, Linwin finally found a small village on Kalihasa, near Icathia and along the Kahaali River. The villagers were surprised by his arrival since no one had come to their remote place for years.
Linwin asked the local elders some questions and was unexpectedly informed that they knew about her. However, her reputation was not good; mentioning her brought expressions of astonishment and fear.
"Are you looking for someone like a monster?"
"You're putting me in a difficult position."
But when Linwin presented a pile of supplies, the elderly desert dweller immediately smiled, revealing missing teeth, and said, "If you're talking about monsters, there are plenty on the land of Shurima, ancient gods from legends. We haven't seen them, though. But, Mr. Linwin, what I'm about to tell you is a strange occurrence in the last decade, and many have witnessed it."
The old desert dweller had some men move Linwin's belongings before continuing, "It's a monster with a purple shell, but it can speak human language!"
Linwin's eyes lit up.
"Some say it's an ancient fear from the ruins of Icathia, a monster transformed from the vengeful spirit of an empire long ago. It's bloodthirsty, killing any creature in its path."
"A boy from our village saw her in a cave, witnessed her killing a bunch of purple bugs. Fortunately, she didn't notice the boy, and he survived."
"I think she and those purple monsters are together, all bloodthirsty creatures. They seem to have turned against each other."
Linwin interrupted the old desert dweller, puzzled, "But if she really kills any living being in front of her, how do you know about her?"
"Anyone who has seen it says the same."
The old desert dweller paused, realizing he hadn't thought about this.
Indeed, more and more people claimed to have seen it over the years, yet no one died at its hands. What was going on?
"Oh!"
The old desert dweller suddenly remembered something, looking at Linwin with seriousness, "Sir, I just remembered something. Listen to me. Six months ago, there was a village called Black Wool here, a prosperous village. But now, it's turned into ruins. The culprit behind this is that monster. I heard from refugees passing by that it killed the kind village chief, burned down everyone's houses, and forced hundreds to flee, homeless."
The old desert dweller seemed to want to confirm his words.
That's a bloodthirsty monster!
But upon hearing this, Linwin sighed in relief.
Well, killing the village chief, destroying the village, and driving away the villagers—it all sounded like Kaisa's background story.
She entered the Void when she was around ten years old and survived in both worlds for over a decade. So now, she should be roughly the same age as himself?
No, not necessarily. After all, Linwin isn't sure when Kaisa fell into the Void.
But anyway, Linwin is reassured.
She and the champion he knows have no difference.
Before coming, Linwin was a bit uneasy, a bit anxious. Even though he understands the champion's background stories and has a general idea of what kind of person a champion might be, there's always some uncertainty.
At least now, looking at it, the personalities of several champion are not exactly as Linwin imagined.
But she is still herself.