25 Chapter 23

"I must admit the trip took a little longer than expected." I comment. We passed over a hill and were now staring at the Placidium of Navori. It was high up built on cliffs.

"That's because Jinx wouldn't stop distracting us by running off." Kayn grumbled.

"Hey, don't blame me! This place is just so pretty."

He glared at her "I can and WILL blame you."

I roll my eyes at the two as we start making our way up towards the sacred place. But to be fair Jinx is right, I've never seen anything so beautiful as Ionia and I doubt I'd see anything more beautiful than this continent.

Unlike Kayn and Jinx, I can also feel the sheer beauty of the magic that radiates from every single thing. I could now understand how Ionians had maintained a pacifist neutrality for so long. the land itself demands balance and nature itself will fight against those that do the land wrong. I've heard stories about people that hunt for sport end up being hunted by massive beasts themselves and things like that but now I understand. Everything in Ionia has a thread of magic connecting it to the land around it, one must be willing to balance out whenever they do something to avoid death.

For example, if you cut down a tree you have to plant a sapling to pay for the one you cut down. Another is to not waste any part of an animal's body when hunting it. Failure to do so and Ionia itself will kill you. The same thing has happened to previous invasions of the nation.

But this is different, Noxus is too large for nature to defeat. By the time the Noxians back off from Ionia it'll be burned to the ground. I can only hope we're able to convince the Ionians to fight or flee before that happens.

Another thing I noticed about this place was that everything was cautious of me. I'd notice as we travelled that wildlife avoided me and even plants would move out of the way if I went too close to it. I'm guessing Ionia can recognize the dark powers I wield and doesn't trust me.

As we entered the Placidium there were many Ionians going about their day. It seemed this place was home to many schools, judging by the large number of children. Most of them would stop to stare at us and while the students stared in curiosity the adults would look at us with distrust. Most of the stares were no doubt because of Dorghar as no doubt the Ionians would know Dorghar is made from dark magic.

We hopped off our horses and as Dorghar disappeared Jinx took Mouser to a little post near the entrance. We were approach by some young men in robes who bowed a little when they were close enough "Welcome to the Placidium of Navori travelers." The closest one spoke. "Do you have some reason for coming here?"

I bowed my head a little as a sign of respect as I told them "We do. We'd like to speak to your leaders of this place. We have information that is of great importance."

"I can certainly take you to them. But I must ask that your weapons be left here as this is a place of peace and harmony."

I nodded "That's fine." I turned to look at Kayn and Jinx who looked betrayed at me at the mention of being separated from their weapons. I tilted my head and gave them a disapproving stare "Come on now."

They groan as I take out my sword and Viper. I wrap Viper's strap around my sword as I stab it into the ground next to where Mouser waited. While Kayn also stabbed his sword into the ground next to mine, we both looked at Jinx. She put Pow-Pow into one of the bags on Mouser's saddle as I said, "Zapper too, and all those bombs I know you have."

She fell to her knees "But... But I can't be separated from them! They're like my seventh limb!" She cried.

My eyebrows twitch "We both know if there is literary no reason, we'd need them inside this place."

She looked away with an angry look, most likely trying to come up with an argument. Eventually she groaned loudly "Fine!" before she started to begrudgingly take off all her weapons. The whole process took over five minutes as everyone watched her take off a small army worth of munitions. "There!" She says after finally getting rid of all her things.

"Is that not heavy?" I asked her as we start to walk inside.

She shrugged "I couldn't really tell. But now that it's all gone, I must admit I feel like only a third of my usual weight."

I shook my head amused as we followed one of the older students through the Placidium. It seemed like a mix between school, village and temple split into three district-like areas. The village part was the lowest, then the school and the temple area was at the top. There were also many gardens in which people were meditating in.

"What do you guys learn here?" I asked the student.

"Many things. For one this place has been the birthplace of the most successful diplomats of Ionia. We still mainly practice the old ways, but we also teach more newer things like trade knowledge as well as foreign languages."

"I thought Ionians got taught how to be all passive and balance and stuff?" Jinx asked.

They chuckled "You're thinking about the many monasteries around Ionia. If one wants to focus on a certain order, they'll have to join it. The Placidium is like a place people go if they decide on what order they should devote themselves to."

He took us along a large path that went through the entire Placidium. When we reached the large temple at the top, I noticed a group of children being taught dancing. It seemed to be just some dancers but from the clear way they resembled each other it was obvious that they were a family being taught by their father. I could also tell the dance was more than it appeared, especially since the father who carefully looked at his children had a small crown-like thing floating just above his head.

"Who are they?" I asked our escort.

He glanced at them before saying "They are the Xan family. The father of them, who is named Lito Xan is teaching them an ancient traditional dance. The dance when properly performed is quite beautiful I must say."

I nodded as we continued walking. An Ionian calling something beautiful probably means for foreigners like the three of us that it's heavenly levels. When we reached the top, and I turned to look down at the whole Placidium made me feel sad. They don't even know what's coming. This place is in the heart of Navori and is important to all of Ionia so Noxus will clearly think of conquering this place. These content and happy people will be forced to flee, fight, or die.

"Are you okay Dire?" Jinx says dragging me out of my thoughts.

I smiled a little at her "I'm good."

We then walked inside the large and amazing temple. Even in all the books I've read in Piltover and in Nasus's library the brilliant architecture of this place seemed beyond the ability of humans. All three of us were rendered speechless making our escort chuckle as we kept following him.

He eventually led us to a large room with at the other end of it was a large table in the shape of a thin semicircle. Sitting at it were five men and women in long and pretty robes. It was clear this was some sort of council like the Piltovan Council.

The student had us stand in wait as he stepped forward and bowed. "Great Elders, I apologize to you all but these three say they have an important message that they say is of great importance."

The five elders weren't even looking at him, instead they were staring straight at me. The one in the middle pointed his finger at me and said "You, step forward."

The student was a little confused as he stepped away and I replaced his spot. "Great Elders, I thank you for letting me come to you." I say politely.

Before I could continue talking the elder said "What are you?"

I chuckle in a confused way "I'm sorry?"

"What are you?" He repeated. "But you seem to be favored. If Ionia saw your dark magics as a threat it would've prevented your coming here. But it still doesn't give us assurance you don't mean harm."

"I can promise you on everything I have that I haven't come here to harm anyone in this village. But I can also promise you you'd want to hear what I have to say."

"So, say it then." A female elder spoke.

I took a deep breath before saying clearly to anyone close to hear "I have disturbing news that all of Ionia should hear. I have evidence that the Nation of Noxus will invade Ionia very soon."

The five seemed not bothered at all. They almost looked like they found it funny "What is this proof?"

I walked up to the table while taking out the plans I stole from the Immortal Bastion "These are plans taken from the capital of Noxus. It shows that Noxus has been preparing for this for years. They've sent spies under the disguise of traders or explorers to learn about Ionia and important places like this Placidium."

Over the boat trip across the ocean, I had translated as much as I could from what I saw as most important to least from Noxian to Ionian. That way people could understand it if they didn't know the Noxian language.

They all looked through them and after a little bit placed them back in front of me. As I packed the plans back up, they asked me "Why should we believe this as proof?"

"You can see both stamps approving the plans by Noxian generals as well as their signatures and names in it." I say a little annoyed "Even something as simple as these is more than enough to at least take the threat seriously."

"What threat? You don't seem to understand Ionia." One of them spoke.

That ticked me off a little bit "I've read as much as I could about Ionia. I know the people here have been carefree against invaders because the land itself fights against them for you."

"So why would we need to fear these Noxians? Even if they come Ionia would ensure balance is restored."

I sigh "That may have been the case for the last few millennia, but you have to understand that Noxus has the strength to fight back against the land. And they are heartless enough to reduce this island to ash just because it stands in their way. Don't you see? They will massacre everyone here and not even the land of Ionia would be able to stop them."

The one in the middle huffed "You underestimate Ionia. So do the Noxians. Ionia will restore balance and harmony."

"And how many innocent Ionians will die before your balance is restored? The Noxians will slaughter anyone regardless of who they are, elder, adult or even child. They see your unwillingness to fight as weakness and will exploit it till, they get what they want or kill every living thing that calls Ionia it's home."

In their eyes I could see that they were having an inner battle each. To decide to choose between their beliefs and their biological instinct to fight or flee. They looked at each other nervously as the middle one nodded at them before saying to me "What is your name?"

"Dire." I answer.

"And what do you suggest we do Dire?" He questioned "Even if we believe you, there are many who won't. Ionia has survived for a time longer than history has record of. What does Noxus pose to the First Lands?"

"I don't need them to believe. I need them to be warned. Ionia has been kept away from the world for too long and now change and conflict is at it's doorstep. All Ionians will have to decide to stay the same way they are and risk the death of everything they hold dear or to accept change. Ionia will have to accept it's no longer the past or perish." I then turned away, annoyed.

I walk away with an angry look as we leave the temple. When we're out I brush my hand through my hair while taking a breath to calm down. "Why'd you up and leave like that?" Jinx asked.

"Did you not see the looks in their eyes? They weren't going to do a thing. They truly believe Ionia will protect them." I speak.

"Spineless cowards." Kayn muttered. "Like wildlife could even stand a chance against Noxian might."

"Either way, news will spread of an invasion." I sigh.

"How? I doubt those senile losers will do anything." Jinx commented.

I nodded my head in a direction. The two looked in the direction to see the student that escorted us who would've listened to the entire conversation was whispering something into another's ear. Judging by the two's looks the whispers weren't something funny or nice.

"The older people here might have lived too long for their beliefs to fully solidify in their brains. But youngsters are different, and we youngsters love to gossip as well." I grin slightly. "At least this way rumors will no doubt spread. But we need to keep going if we want the Ionians to fully take it seriously."

"Where are we going now?" Kayn asked.

"With all the mess we've caused for Noxus we would've halted the invasion for a couple weeks at least. With that time, we can make it to the Kinkou Order and the Hirana Monastery and make it back to this side of Navori so we'll be there when the invasion comes."

"Would either of them be at least not pricks?" Jinx chuckled.

I look up in thought "Hard to say, if I recall the Kinkou are about preserving the balance between the physical and spiritual world."

"What the hell is the spiritual world?" She spoke.

"Piltover had barely a thing on the spiritual world other since it's seemingly impossible to find a scientific reasoning for it. Nasus on the other hand had a lot since it seems his power is to manipulate the spiritual energy in people."

"Who's Nasus?" Kayn added.

"A dog man." Jinx shrugged.

At her answer Kayn looked at me confused. I chuckle a little and answer "To be more specific a jackal-man that's over five thousand years old." Kayn paled at the thought making Jinx and I laugh. "But anyways. The spirit realm is supposedly a realm overlapping the physical. It's where spirits originate from including Yordles."

I had a guess that the last component of my powers originates from or is connected to the spirit realm. Mainly because of my Shadows being risen dead. Nasus told me of the spirit realm being heavily involved with the afterlife. While I'm here I intend to get a better understanding of the spirit realm in order to understand my Shadows more.

We got back to Mouser as Jinx eagerly strapped herself with her weapons. Both her and Kayn let out a sigh of relief when their weapons were returned to them. After bringing out Dorghar, a feat that still makes many Ionians gasp, we were quickly on our way.

After a long ride towards the Kinkou order we decided to rest in a forest. While Jinx was sitting on a root of a large tree tinkering with some of her little devices, I had decided to train Kayn a little bit. He is clearly a prodigy with the natural instincts of a warrior.

After some sparring eventually I decided to give something a go. "So? What kind of style do you think you would use? What weapons and armor?" I asked him.

He panted a little bit before looking at himself and saying "I'm more of the agile type so heavy armor like yours wouldn't suit me. The same being a large sword or some other heavier weapon."

I agreed with him "I thought that too. Do you think something like Jinx's armor would do you?"

He stared at Jinx's armor for a little bit before shaking his head "I don't want armor."

I was amused but slightly worried "You do know that without armor there will be nothing protecting yourself from a blade or arrow, right?"

"Of course, I do. But I also know armor will slow me down. If I can prioritize speed over everything else, I can negate the need for armor. Besides, I feel like I wouldn't need it for much longer."

"What does that mean?" I ask him.

"I'm not really sure. But when you freed me from the Noxians I felt a strange sensation. I can feel a pull of power that I'm so close to reaching before slipping from my grasp."

I thought for a bit before realizing something "Come here, let me try something."

When he walked up to me, I placed a hand on his shoulder and started funneling a tiny amount of my magic into his own body. Enough so it makes his body react to it but not enough for my magic to consume his. He instantly flinched in pain and was forced to his knee.

He gripped the shoulder I had my hand on as his skin on where I had my hand started to turn black and red in color. "What the hell did you do to me?!" He demanded.

"You're a mage Kayn." I tell him, unbothered by the pain he was in. "Being in proximity to me caused the magic that courses through your body to react to my all-consuming one. What I gave you was a sliver of my magic. It naturally feeds off magic to assimilate it into my own. Now if you're so desperate for power you can prove it to me now. If you can't it will continue to feed off your magic till you die. But I promise I'll stop it before it does that."

He continued to struggle as more of his skin started to become corrupt. It slowly spread like a parasite till it covered his entire arm. As it started to grow onto his torso, I was suddenly worried that he couldn't handle it.

By the time it nearly covered his entire torso and so now creeping onto his neck I spoke "Well, that's unfortunate. It seems you can't take it."

I knew I was simply making him angrier and it worked like a charm. When I stood forward, he suddenly yelled "No!" He then looked up to glare at me "Don't come near me asshole."

He continued to struggle as Jinx walked up to my side and whispered, "Are you going to stop it?"

I chuckle as I whisper back "No. I just need to piss off more, so he can focus."

"Let me help then." She giggled before yelling out "Come on Pipsqueak! I knew you were all talk."

It seems I could never tick him off more than Jinx does as he roared like a beast. He curled his body before suddenly rearing back with a loud yell. What caught my interest was that instead of my magic leaving his body, Kayn took it. He stood tall as he smirked "Now I don't need this either." He says pulling out his sword and dropping it to the floor. He tightens his fists as a blade of pure shadow sprouted from his forearms. A long double-ended blade went from his elbows to a little past his hands.

He looked at us with a large smirk as his eyes glowed a dark red as a long strand of his hair turned bright red as well. "Now I'm the weapon." He says glowing with pride.

"Hm, I didn't expect that to happen." I comment genuinely surprised.

"What do you think would've happened?" Jinx asked.

"I imagined my magic would cause Kayn's magical ability to manifest in response to my invading magic."

"And what did happen?" Jinx then said.

"I think I did something to Kayn similar to me making a Shadow. I gave him some of my own power making him stronger."

"Can you do the same thing to me?" Jinx asked hopefully as she stared at Kayn who was whipping around the place admiring his new strength and powers.

I pat her head and say "Sorry, I think it works for Kayn because he's a mage, and a powerful one at that. The closest thing I can do is to channel my powers into your weapons and gear and give them a magical punch."

She sighed before perking up and pulling out a small bomb "Test it with this." She says eagerly. I do it as she pulls its pin and throws it into the sky. It explodes and even with being high in the air it's explosion was far greater than normal.

"Oh, great now I've become a power giving slave." I comment as Jinx drags me away demanding I do it to the rest of her things.

...

Swain's POV

"He must already be in Ionia for over a week now." Marcus commented as he walked to my side.

I stood on a balcony at the Immortal Bastion. Looking out I could see our military might be ready for a full on invasion. Very soon nearly all of our forces will be split between invading Ionia and invading the Freljordian people in the north. The world hasn't experienced this collection of soldiers preparing for war in centuries. Soon, everyone will now the might of Noxus.

"And with the plans he stole he would've no doubt warned the Ionians. We can no longer rely on the element of surprise." I added.

"Do you think Ionia will be waiting for us in arms?" He asked.

I smirked "No. Ionia is too fixed in the past to heed the boy's words. The fools think the land itself will stop us."

"You would think Darkwill would send most of the troops to Freljord. Many are wondering what can be so dangerous about an island of farmers and priests."

"Do not underestimate Ionia Marcus. People will fight when they are forced into a corner and it's very likely the Ionians to use the multiple magical artifacts the island holds. Not to mention Dire is a massive threat."

"Right, because of him this invasion was halted back by nearly a month for that mess he caused here. Do you have a plan against him?" Marcus questioned me.

I was put in charge of leading the invasion. Of course, I know why, Darkwill is threatened by me. No doubt LeBlanc also at least recognizes the threat I pose. I know they are planning to have me killed in Ionia and they are expecting it to come from Dire himself.

"The boy is the biggest threat we face in Ionia. With his undead soldiers and beasts, he can take on entire armies alone. Our biggest advantage against him is that his army requires to be in a fixed distance from him, so they can only be present in the battle if he is." (It has increased so Swain is fucked)

"So, since he can't be everywhere at once, he has no choice but to decide who he should protect and who he should left to be slaughtered." Marcus finished.

I nodded before continuing "And the other day Darkwill gave me a single person."

"A person? Who?"

"I do not know. What I do know is that they are from the Black Rose and apparently they are capable of defeating Dire or at least fight on his level."

"I imagine the Black Rose want their prize back?" Marcus asked. Marcus is the only person I've trusted with my plans which included the Black Rose and both Darkwill and Dire's involvement with the organization. Like me, he is dissatisfied with Darkwill's rule as he is just being a puppet of LeBlanc.

"I've been observing the Black Rose's efforts towards Dire, and I must admit their behavior is strange."

"How so?"

"Despite his strength they don't seem to be activity trying to retrieve him. It's as if they are simply testing him. Each time they've attacked Dire he comes out on top stronger than before."

"Do you think they are giving him strength in hopes he destroys Noxus? Who do their allegiances lie?"

"LeBlanc's is only allied to her many selves. She has never been on Noxus's side and that's why Darkwill can't rule."

"Well, I'm sure an opportunity will appear." He says as he turns to leave.

Before he leaves, I turn to him and say "Can I rely on you in Ionia?"

He looks back "I'll be there Jericho. I'm also bringing my daughter and Talon as well."

"Are you sure Katarina won't repeat what she did in Demacia? Chances are she would seek out Dire and get absolutely massacred."

"I've talked to my daughter, and I can assure you she won't do anything out of line again. And Talon is eager to get a rematch with Dire, despite the difference between the two."

"Just make sure the two don't kill themselves trying to take down a monster."

Marcus left as I was alone with my thoughts. Dire is strong. If he stood by my side taking care of Darkwill and LeBlanc would be easy let alone taking the entire world. But he's also young and I can see he was born with an innate sense of goodness. I could see it when he came to me after he went to Piltover that he could be a hero people rely on, while I become the villain everyone despises. It seems fate deems that we fight each other. But both of us could tell we don't fight for the sake of fighting, or for our own personal gain. We fight to make the world a better place. This war shall decide whose ideals are stronger.

Just like LeBlanc, I intend to test you Dire. You've survived through seventeen years of hell, but let's see if you can survive being a hero in a war. You'll have to bear the entire hope of Ionia, while witnessing the utter terrors of war.

You're young. So, let's see if you know war, boy.

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