14 Placidium of Navori.

It has been already two summers since the beginning of the Noxian invasion.

At first, it was just rumours and small clashes between the various tribes in the islands and coastal lands they set foot first.

But in the following weeks, all villages and tribes in the nearby zone quickly started falling, those who didn't submit were left alone and heavily controlled afterwards.

However, the majority of Ionians villages refused to submit, thousands of bodies started pilling up in the Noxus advance towards our lands.

As we always advocate ourselves to peace and balance, many of us foolishly believe that this invasion would pass and we would eventually return to how things were before.

Foolish indeed.

When we finally realized that this conflict would force ourselves to use violence, it was already too late for many of us. I saw my family perish in front of me, and I would have followed their path if it wasn't for the teachings that my O-ma offered me through my years.

It was then that I learn that the dance taught me by my O-ma was something else. There was the moment I feel a call from the remainings of my family shield.

Using the shards of my family shield, I killed the noxians who wanted to end my life and then ran away, taking with my those shards, as a last remaining from my family.

I don't know how much time passed crying alone and grieving over my lost. But when It was ended, a spark of vengeance and a will to continue live on was everything that I have.

I wandered by myself for a few days, until in one village that I was passing on a group of people quickly catch my attention.

They were a bunch of people like me, who joined their hands in resistance. When I heard of this I decided to join them.

We travelled for various days, were I mostly dance alongside them. Until I found myself in the Placidium once again.

Since I was a kid, my O-ma encouraged me to learn more as I was talented and loved to dance. They send me here, where I learned from the various sages, masters and schools.

After the Noxus invasion, I decided to return to family, only to find them dead.

Now here once again, we were waiting for the Noxians to reach this place.

There were rumours of various armies heading towards us. In my group they were concerned, as we were supposed to receive reinforcements from the various resistances.

But with the grim news, it seemed that only those present would be the only resistance that prevent the Noxians from taking our ancestral teaching place.

We all know it, the Placidium must not fall into their hands.

The various monks, sages and masters, alongside the students and all those who were training themselves and using the benefits of this lands were now preparing for a fierce last stand.

We knew the odds, we knew that every face around us would probably lay in the ground afterwards.

Taking at glance at my surroundings, I started to see the hundreds of warriors to prepare their weapons, armors and clothes to meet their death.

There was an unyielding and fiery atmosphere spreading around.

The fear in each of our hearts started to redece, we have already survived the worst, now it was only a path leading forwards to a new future for Ionia.

With the support of Lady Karma in the Altar, our grievances and unwillingness to bent our knees, we looked forward the waste of Noxus to reach our doors.

"Groups approaching from the south! T-They are reinforcements!" Someone shouted, quickly taking everyone's attention.

'reinforments? How's that possible? Wasn't the Noxus armies surrounding us?' I couldn't help but wonder to myself.

We quickly started moving towards the position. Passing through the various houses, pavilions and walls.

I quickly glanced around and couldn't help but noticed the smiling faces and eyes filled with hope.

Until now everyone have already steeled their resolve to die in this place. An honorable death in our ancestral land.

I started to feel my heart beating faster, a spark of hope also started to take place inside me. It shine brightly alongside my will and resolve of vengeance.

Quickly making my way through the hundreds welcoming the group, I was finally able to find a gap and see the sight in front of us.

Moving through the path alongside the mountains and river, there was a large column of Ionians marching towards us.

Warriors from different villages, tribes, clans and school were marching alongside each other in a ordered way. Leading them, various individuals in mounts where smiling at the welcome.

There were various renowned individuals among them, I started to hear around me how they were calling out at them while talking among themselves.

I started to feel a relief spreading in my chest, while some tears gathered in my eyes as some negative thoughts started to pass through my head.

Quick shaking my head and sweeping the tears, I stand there looking firmly to the people who will fight alongside us.

Amidst the cheers and loud voices, I could hears various individuals shouting among the columns, varioua masked individuals appeared and my heart tightened.

'Assasins!' It was the first time I see those individuals. Until now in the Placidium only normal apprentices, peasants and warriors were the only thing I could see while I was not meditating.

The few rumored assassin's around the Placidium, only appeared before to the various Masters and sages.

It wasn't long until the leading figures finally reached our location, quick dismounting they were welcomed by the various group captains and masters.

"Ikko! And master Yenma! It has been a long time since we've seen each other!" Said a bald elder in monk clothes while patting Ikko's shoulder.

"Baijo my old friend! It's good to see you in good shape!" Ikko patted back to the old man while smiling at him.

"Master Baijo." Yenma just nodded while also saluting to the people behind Master Baijo.

Then I saw another group of individuals approaching behind the duo, while also greeting and presenting themselves.

"We apologize to reach the Placidium this late, the various Noxians in our lands didn't allowed us to march before." Apologized Ikko while putting at sad expression on his face.

Master Baijo just shook his head while a wry smile appeared on his face "There's no need to apologize my friend, we all know the hardships we have to went through during these trying and hard times. Your arrival is moren than welcomed, as you are also the only ones who could make through here!"

When Master Baijo informed about the situation, the various leaders frowned a bit while gulping down.

Various reinforcements from all around Navori were supposed to make their way to here.

However, only this group was able to make it.

"Luckily for us, we're also organize with the various fronts from the west and south, enabling us to get this many men in the shortest time possible" Said Ikko while signaling towards the large column.

It extended from our position towards all the way the horizon, it was formed by four men wide. As the road could only afford so much to enter.

"Ten thousand Ionians that were brave enough to march here, to defend our sacred land and change the tides of this war, Master Baijo, I'm glad to tell you that we're finally here." said Yenma in a grandiose tone, quickly inspiring hope and fuelling everyone with strength and vigor.

I couldn't help myself but also get affected by his words and the sight.

Deep within me, the traditions that were once taught to me by my family was slowly receding and a new fire was starting to spread through me.

Peace and talks won't stop the enemy from taking what they wanted, only power and blood would be enough to prevent it.

"Hahaha" The hearty laugh of Master Baijo and the cheers from the various Masters and captains behind him quickly return my attention to them.

"This is more than enough Ikko, Yenma. You all did a good job, with this many of us well make the Noxians pay dear for their wrongdoings and evilness! HERE WE STAND!" A vigor suddenly engulfed the old looking monk as he suddenly shouted.

The people around quickly shout him back "HERE WE STAND!" While hitting their weapons to the ground or armor.

Then, the various leaders started to enter the Placidum while we stayed at the sides watching the reinforcements made their way through.

The people slowly started to return back to their campments around the place while I stayed behind, keep looking at the people who was entering non-stop while marching.

It wasn't until the sun was setting that the column seemed to end, and a few groups of mounted people was coming from afar.

I was about to return back with my group, until I feel a piercing gaze coming from one of the groups that were making their way through the Placidium.

A pair of green eyes were looking at me with surprise and excitement, the young man with foreign features was looking at me as if he was familiar with me.

I furrowed my brows as I seemingly have no collection in my memories that were familiar with him.

When he saw me looking back at him, he simply nodded at me and quickly looked in other direction.

I watched him entering though the walls as I finally noticed that he seemed to be bathed in blood alongside his teammates, the same coukd be said from the various other people that were following behind them.

Stranged by the weird encounter, I retreated back to my camp, with my thoughts passing through various things.

---

I saw Irelia, that's all I can say.

Although she looked more younger and a little bit different than what I remembered from the videos.

The purple? Violet? I don't know exactly what color of her armor, was still the same, but it was mostly simpel clothes and few pieces of shoulder pieces.

Still, I was glad to know that I could also count with her skills for this battle.

Although I would refrain from acting like I did with Yi. There's no point in asking for her to get deployed in one position.

I also don't want to go through the haste and tiring experience to argue with the various leaders, and there was also the fact that there's more people that I didn't know it.

I didn't want to create more enemies when I just made myself most likely one of the people who will have a god damn bounty for his head in Noxus.

There would be also various Noxus nobles would would be glad to have myself shipped towards their arena.

So yeah, I should try to use the brain a little bit more and read the situation for my advantage.

Anyway, while we were marching here, I've been learning from Yi the basics without too many advances, I suck after all.

The good thing was that I was starting to use the tremors with the wooden sword, or what was left for it.

While we were marching our scouts spotted two warbands nearby, we quickly went towards them and I was able to try the idea.

The enemy was crushed to nothingness while at the same time I was able to test the sword quake.

The result was nothing too crazy, just more reach with my attacks to have the epicenter hitting head on to the enemy.

Although I was hoping to achieve something like white beard did with his bisento.

If I could somehow move the epicenter from my hand and throw it in the middle of an army, it would be great and also enhance my attack kit.

With a broken sword, and lots of enemy pieces stick into my armor and face. I blankly returned to the rest of our group.

We also saw Master Yi in action after I asked him for it.

And all I have to say is that I did a good job trusting him with one army. The guy just sweep through the enemy lines like they were nothing.

Remember the Q he used and he was so widely know? That thing is nasty in the middle of a battle.

I dont know how he's able, but he's just a yellow-green like cutting them like they were grass.

When he finished, the entire group that conformed the avanzada from the Brotherhood was silent in shock.

With our army counting with two one man army, the spirit's were highly lifted up as we marched our way here.

In the path we have to take care of a few scouts and battalions that were starting to form a blockade. And after two days we finally reached the Placidium.

We were quickly called towards the command post in the Placidium.

I have to say something about this place, it is incredible.

The architecture, the plants, trees, even the freaking rocks are just simply too mystical.

It really fits the name of fantasy land.

The air around this place is also something else. It feel like a pleasant breeze sweeping through you body, taking away the tiredness and stress that its within you.

Passing through the various soldiers and people around the place, we were allowed to enter the strange and beautiful building that was working as the command post.

Once inside, various old geezers and cool loking guys were sitting on the ground, the room was decored in such natural and minimal way that it feels so... Natural to it.

Signaling to us for take a seat in some pillows and rugs, I took at glance and saw Kae, Yenma and Ikko sitting alongside a bald old man with strange robes.

Once Karya, Shun Ti, Master Yi and I took our seats Yenma signaled his hand towards us and said "These are captain Shun Ti from the second squadron and two of his members, alongside them is Yi from the Wuju village in Bahrl."

We all bowed our heads a little bit while I looked everyone from head to toes. To see if I knew someone or was anyone familiar.

"Renzo, the foreigner on the left is the guy I was talking about, he would be the person who will be moving around the battlefield to prevent the Noxians to engulf our troops. His abilities is something we can vouch for, as he's the reason we could break through the Noxian troops." Yenma explained while the old man looked at me deeply.

Same could be said from the other people in the room.

"Yi on the far right is the other person appointed and requested by Renzo to defend against an enemy, during our travel we were able to attest his capabilities and he could also be entrusted with one of the fronts." Yenma finally said.

The old man also glanced at Yi and keep a brief moment on him his look, only to return his looks at me.

'This is certainly uncomfortable.' I thought to myself.

I could see a few other fellas sitting near to him doing the same thing.

"Very well, we can start our planification is that's the case, you were all brought here for one reason." Said the old man as he looked not only to us but the other people sitting around.

"We can relay our messages during the battle, but it would be better for each one of you to hear it by yourselves. Make sure to later on explain to your officers." When he said this, he then moved his hand and with it a map made of white specks was formed in front of him.

Seeing the man so casually using magic I gulped down and stare at it with interest.

I also wished to use magic, maybe in the future I could replicate this old man abilities.

"We have thirteen thousands troops in the Placidium, that we need to put in at least three different fronts while also making sure that no one came from any other zone." As he said this, the map started taking shape of the various hills, rivers, mountains, building, and the terrain near the center of the map, where tall arcs and a building up in a small mountain could be seen.

"We weren't able to get the numbers of enemies, but at least thirty thousand or more are in their way." Said the old man while frowning expression could be seen in each person face.

"Previously we were facing a disadvantage of 10 to 1 . Now we closed to the gap to 2 to 1 while also getting our hands in two powerful individuals that could decimate entire groups of enemies if it's needed. Brothers and sisters, now that you know everything that is needed to be tell, please tell us how to proceed." Finally the Old man while giving the chance for everyone in the room to voice out their opinions.

A heated discussion begun and after near an hour or so, Yenma and Ikko finally said the plan.

"So, we'll be diving our forces in six different blocks of units that would be surrounding the Great Temple. Yi would be facing the enemies that came from the north and northwest, while the various Masters and sages would be facing the west and west south enemies. Meanwhile Renzo would be initially face the south and southeast enemies while then moving towards the other fronts If necessary.

The sixth block of troop would be left in the Great Temple and would cover our backs. Is that okay?" Asked Yenma one last time and everyone agree.

Then everyone started to move orderly towards the exit, we were about to do the same when the Old Man called me "Young Renzo, please come here for a moment." There was a small smile on his face.

I just simply nodded and Karya followed me as we walked in front of the old man.

"What can I do for you, sir?" I asked.

He remained silent while smiling until the various captains, master and teachers exited the spacious room. Only Yenma, Ikko and two other fellows stayed behind.

"What are you, young Renzo?" he asked finally while looking carefully at me.

I opened my eyes a bit at his questions as I automatically asked him "What?"

Then I raised my hand to Karya to not translate that and asked again "What do you mean, sir?"

This time the smile on the old man face expanded as he said "I'm a master in various techniques, one of them allow me to peer into the spirit realm, and you young man, different from any other being and thing in this land, doesn't seem to have a spirit."

When Yenma and others heard his words they opened their eyes in surprise and seriousness. Quickly looking at Renzo as if he was something dangerous.

"As I do not know of any creature or being that doesn't have a spirit, I'm wondering what exactly are you?" When he finished his words, the old man smile vanished and looked at me seriously.

I just simply sighed and closed my eyes 'Here I go' I said to myself.

Obviously my appearance in this world wasn't normal, and I was expecting something along this line to happen sooner or later.

"What I am? A human being and also a quake man" I said.

"Why I dont have a spirit? Well maybe it has something to do with my situation in this continent, you see, I simply appeared out of nowhere in the forest near the Dunpaeg Village. So maybe that could satiate your curious, as I also wish to know the reason behind my circumstances." I said calmly while looking back at the old man.

There was no reason to lie, after all this world its filled with strange things going around everywhere. Someone popping out of nowhere in the middle of a forest could be a bad joke from a mage, and my lack of spirit the result in his experimentation for all they could know.

Reasons and possibilities were vast and complex.

Hearing my words, Yenma nodded as he added "I can testify about the truth behind his appearance in Dunpaeg Village, he was taken from there by Kae and then recruited alongside a survivor from the village." He said.

Karya also added "When we first met him, he was unable to understand to us, it was only after a blessing from our lady Janna, a deity from the sky, that he was able to understand us and communicate with me."

The old man just nodded and simply said "I won't cause troubles for you young man, you are a great help for our cause, also Yenma and your companions seemed to trust into you, so I would only say to you that I will keep an eye on you." When he finished saying this, I was able to let out the air that I didnt noticed I held.

"The balance has been broken and strange things will start happening in our land, I can only assume that you are a byproduct of such thing.", He sighed while rumbling.

We were then allowed to retreat while Shun Ti and Karya were given me concerning expressions.

'Another thing to add in the list of things to look after.' With a sigh we made our way towards our camp.

Once there, Hyuna thrown me a piece of cloth to me and Karya as she said "Go clean yourselves, we have work to do."

We just nodded and went in separate ways towards a nearby stream.

Once cleaned from the enemy dry blood and pieces. We regrouped back around Shun Ti who started speaking "So, like we agreed, we're going to ambush the Noxian vanguard if we have chance. The rest of the army is one day away, so we only have this night and early morning to inflict the greatest amount of casualties in their ranks." He then glanced at me.

"Remember to not do anything reckless and go for the safe, we cannot let you get injured before the battle." I just nodded at him and then he clapped his hands.

"If that's all, let's move out guys, there's Noxian for us to kill this night!"

With cheers and high spirits we headed south as a long night await for us.