-275- Lady of the Cloud

The Hextech airship slowed down, allowing the people on board to finally stick their heads out and see the scenery. And as they looked out:

"Wow! What is that thing?"

"Look, Jess, there's a floating island over there, is that a statue? It's even bigger than the winged guardian statue I saw in the temple!"

"Is that Piltover? Then where's Zaun? I heard Zaun is an underground city."

"So many Hextech airships."

The enforcer sneered at these astonished country bumpkins. Throughout the day and night, he had grown tired of hearing them gossiping about non-stop and complain about the Twin Cities.

But as an excellent enforcer, he had to follow his mission directive—to ignore these people and safely deliver these noble children to the Twin Cities; that was his task.

But what the enforcer didn't expect was that the shocked ones were not only Demacians.

At this moment, even Lorana, a fellow Piltover resident, was stunned beyond belief. With wide eyes, she looked at the massive island below, her expression shifting from shock to pride as she listened to the aristocratic girls' exclamations.

It was a floating island in mid-air. While too far to see any structures on top, the statue... That statue must be of the great and benevolent goddess Janna.

Though only a prototype, every citizen of the Twin Cities could tell that it was the statue of the goddess Janna.

However, one person remained calm. She was tall, with sharp features, and a proud figure, wearing a gray short shirt.

Sejuani tied up her washed white hair, clenched her fists, and silently watched the island below.

This miraculous island didn't surprise her.

In Freljord, she had seen too many of such things.

Turning her gaze away, Sejuani cared more about the lives of these people.

She had used Hex-tech-made household items and knew how useful and convenient they can be.

"Lorana! Look, they really did it, but this is more than just land reclamation," Orianna exclaimed excitedly, jumping up and down and hugging Lorana's arm, thrilled.

As a member of the Twin Cities University, Orianna was well aware of Zaun's land reclamation project. She and Lorana had almost participated in the project, but they were eventually excluded because their studies were not suitable.

But now, upon closer examination, the now-calm Orianna noticed something amiss.

"This doesn't seem right, Lorana. Is this land reclamation? Land reclamation should involve filling the sea with sand to form land, but this..."

This wasn't land reclamation; this was a miracle—a massive floating island.

Even Demacians would be amazed by such a miracle.

And these young aristocrats, while being disregarded by their noble families, were all determined individuals with a sense of justice and honor. But now they were all gaping in awe and shock.

After some time away, the Twin Cities had changed dramatically. Orianna almost didn't recognize it, but this was the Twin Cities.

Before the advent of Hextech gems, who could have imagined that the future of Piltover would be filled with amazing Hextech products.

Before the Twin Cities were established, who would have thought of the emergence of Hextech water heaters, Hextech refrigerators, and Hextech air conditioners?

These things were all manufactured in a short period. The people of the Twin Cities had never stopped their pursuit. Even though the Twin Cities were already powerful, their scientists continued to explore the hidden possibilities of Hextech gems.

"Is this island created by your god?" Cithria clutched the railing nervously, timidly peeking below.

In truth Cithria was afraid of heights.

That's right, Cithria had just realized she was afraid of heights!

"No, this is created with our own power," Orianna said immediately.

"Your own power? How is that possible? Even the strongest magic can't sustain an island floating in the air." Cithria quietly retorted.

"You'll see. Once you learn about Hextech, you'll understand," Orianna said proudly, puffing out her chest confidently.

"Be careful," Lorana noticed something and stood behind Orianna, wrapping her arms around her.

"What's wrong?" Orianna didn't understand Lorana's meaning, looking up at Lorana with a pair of big eyes full of confusion.

"Be careful not to fall."

Lorana tightened her arms again.

Cithria, hearing Lorana mention the words "fall," quickly stepped back three steps, trembling with her sword in hand.

Dear god.... if someone fell down, wouldn't their body be lost forever?! It's too scary!

"What? How could we possibly fall?" Orianna broke free and then saw Cithria trembling a few steps away. She immediately said to Lorana, "See, you scared Cithria."

"Don't worry, Cithria, Lorana is just joking. We won't fall. The Hextech airship has a transparent protective shield. Even if you jump out, you'll be bounced back."

Falling down... That was definitely impossible.

The Hextech airship was moving at an astonishing speed. At such a high speed, if the open-air Hextech airship didn't have a shield, everyone on it would be blown away when it started. How could human strength stand against it?

"I..." Cithria didn't believe it.

Lorana and Orianna coaxed Cithria for a long time before she finally believed that the Hextech airship was not in danger.

The little sparrow from Cloudfield gained courage and stuck their heads out again.

And as they did, Cithria saw many people.

They were standing on a broad platform, looking at Cithria curiously as she peeked out of the airship.

A group of men wearing blue and white clothes, boots, and holding rifles were also solemnly watching the airship.

They stood straight, thin but with an imposing aura that even the dauntless vanguard on the airship were stunnee. Garen and a few soldiers all tightened their grip on their swords simultaneously.

In front of the crowd, a man stood with his hands behind his back, and beside him stood tall, handsome, but overly flashy man.

If Linwin knew what Garen was thinking, he would only smile smugly.

The Demacian Dauntless Vanguard was indeed powerful, and no one could refute that.

But the enforcers behind Linwin, they had emerged from the battle against the Noxians and even dared to fight against Nagakabouros in the Battle of Bilgewater. How could they be intimidated by the dauntless vanguard?

Well if Kayle would come flying out, there might be a chance to scare them.

As for you?

Heh.

"Alright, the airship is steady now, let's all get down."

As soon as the blue ladder appeared, the enforcers began urging people to disembark.

Orianna and Lorana rushed down eagerly, both of them running to the central platform of the airship.

"I'm back!" Orianna raised her hand and exclaimed loudly!

Sure enough, the smell at home is still pleasant!

In the air..... Huh, what's with this floral scent? Did I smell this when I left?

Orianna became confused again. The floral scent in the air was faint, not strong.

Could this be some kind of air freshener developed by the twin cities?

Then....

"Orianna!"

Colin squeezed out of the crowd and called his daughter's name loudly.

Orianna also saw Colin and then...

"Dad!"

In Colin's astonished gaze, Orianna ran towards him and then...

"I'm back." Orianna eagerly breathed in the scent from Colin.

A hint of metallic scent, and a bit of gasoline smell.

And this was a familiar smell to Orianna.

"It's good that you're back....." Colin had many things he wanted to say, but in the end, he just patted Orianna's back gently.

After emotions stabilized, Colin said, "Alright, Councilor Linwin has something to discuss with you. You'll be busy this afternoon, so let's talk properly tonight when you come back, okay?"

"Oh, right." Orianna nodded and looked up at Colin, smiling, "Sure, see you tonight, Dad."

Handing her backpack to her father, Orianna clasped her hands together again and said, "And, please take care of this."

Colin reached out to take the backpack, nodded at Orianna, and smiled. When his daughter turned away to walk towards Councilor Linwin, he smirked.

Orianna suddenly turned back and waved to Colin.

"!"

Colin immediately reined in his smile and nodded solemnly at Orianna.

This was his last bit of parental pride!

"Welcome to the Twin Cities, Your Highness."

Approaching, Linwin looked at the man in golden armor, extending his hand.

It's not hard to guess that this man isn't much shorter than Jayce and is probably handsome—no doubt he's Jarvan IV of Demacia.

Jarvan IV looked at Linwin's hand, hesitated for a moment, then removed his gray-black leather gloves and shook Linwin's hand.

Jarvan IV's hand was even larger than Linwin's.

"Thank you, but you are....?"

"Let me introduce myself." Linwin nodded, retracting his hand, and said, "I'm Linwin, I'm sure you've heard my name from His Majesty. And the one beside me is Councilor Talis of Piltover."

"Hello, Your Highness." Jayce also extended his hand. He was slightly taller than Jarvan IV and was wearing the noble dress that Mel prepared for him.

Standing there, Jayce had a broad shoulder, a muscular body, and long legs—a top male model figure.

Jarvan IV raised his head, somewhat surprised, as he looked at Jayce.

It was the first time he had seen a man who was even taller than him. Moreover, this outfit was in no way inferior to his golden armor.

Those shining gems.... Jarvan IV could tell their value.

The two men shook hands.

"Are you Linwin Laurent?"

From the ranks of the Vanguard, a soldier stepped forward, squinting at Linwin.

It's just like what Lux said.

Looking at the normal, quiet man who looked like a civil servant, where's the warrior's look?

But this man killed Sion and single-handedly defeated Noxus's army?

"Garen?"

"I've heard Lux mention you." Linwin nodded to Garen.

"Garen?" Garen silently looked at Linwin, his hand secretly activating his sword, but the feedback stunned Garen.

Can't detect?

Linwin looked at Garen, furrowing his brows.

Because just now, Linwin felt like he was pricked by something, and the one who pricked him seemed to be Garen.

Linwin ignored Garen's gaze, clapped his hands, and behind him, every enforcer swiftly approached with a package of clothes.

"Jarvan, this isn't a suitable place for conversation."

"Next, please change into these clothes and follow me."

Linwin smiled.

"Outrageous!"

As Linwin finished speaking, a soldier from the Vanguard stepped forward, his eyes like an eagle fixed on Linwin.

"How dare you address His Highness by name?"

Jayce stood beside Jarvan IV, arms crossed, with a smirk on his face. He was starting to enjoy the show.

Linwin always seems to encounter such situations, even though he's already so strong. Various rumors about Linwin have spread all over the world, but as soon as people see him in person, the doubts started to grow, and some even think, "Ah, rumors are just rumors and shouldn't be trusted at all."

He has a handsome appearance, a normal body, and lacks any intimidating presence, looking as if anyone could bully him.

Linwin glanced at the soldier and shook his head without saying a word.

He's used to it already...

Once known as the enforcer of the undercity, when he takes off his white robe and mask, he becomes a youth that anyone wants to bully.

He's just too gentle-looking.

Yes, he's just too gentle-looking.

"Why is this clothing so ugly? It looks like something a commoner would wear. I refuse to wear such clothes."

"Why aren't there any dresses? How dare you make me wear trousers?"

"The style of this clothing is exactly the same as that Orianna's. I refuse to wear such clothes."

The young noble of Demacia sneered at the clothes handed to them by the enforcers.

With a sigh, Linwin said, "Hurry up and change your clothes. All of you must."

"Students should look like students. Demacia sent you to the Twin Cities to study, not to play. You should know your mission, right?"

Linwin simply picked up the clothes from the enforcer and walked straight to Jarvan IV beside Garen.

"You!"

The soldier ignored by Linwin reached out, showing restraint by not drawing his sword, but moving forward to try to stop Linwin.

Calling out the prince's name directly was certainly disrespectful.

Even if they were allies!

But when Linwin approached him directly, at the moment when this dauntless vanguard got close, Linwin's hand somehow pressed against his face, and then, with just a gentle push.

Garen's eyes narrowed as he watched the soldier fly backward for over ten meters, rolling several times on the ground. He looked solemnly at Linwin approaching Jarvan IV.

"Jarvan III should have told you."

Linwin raised his head, looking at Jarvan IV.

Linwin smiled gently and said, "I've made quite a few agreements with His Majesty, and one of them is to make sure to manage you well. So technically speaking, I stand on the same level as your father."

"This isn't Demacia, Your Highness. This is the Twin Cities."

"This, is my territory."

Extending his hand gently, Linwin placed the clothes in Jarvan IV's arms.

"Why doesn't she have to wear them?"

Jarvan IV looked at Linwin, his expression unchanged as he asked.

"Oh, you mean her?"

Linwin turned his head and looked at Sejuani standing with her two tribesmen. It's easy to recognize the Pig Lady.

Among women, there are few who are as tall as her, plus her white hair and cold features, Linwin recognized her at once.

Sejuani stood quietly as she noticed that the conversation suddenly involved her.

But Sejuani was also curious how Linwin would respond.

Linwin explained, "She's different from you. She didn't come to the Twin Cities as a student but as an ally of the Twin Cities Federation."

Far away, Sejuani nodded in satisfaction.

They came to the Twin Cities to strengthen their relationship as allies.

The Winter's Claw raid and fight for survival.

The largest ranch in Freljord was taken by Ashe, and the northeast was dominated by the Witch Lissandra.

Unable to farm, unable to hunt.

What's left for Sejuani is only the path of plunder.

But now, the Winter's Claw has found a new way out.

"..." Jarvan IV nodded and said, "I understand."

He looked at Linwin, hesitated for a moment, recalled his father's words.

Then, he bowed his head and said, "Uncle."

"Huh?"

Linwin was stunned.

System notification, Jarvan IV and Sejuani's favorability has increased significantly, but can Jarven who looks about the same age as him really call him uncle?

And just at this moment of this little episode, a girl walked in straightforwardly, completely ignoring the tense atmosphere.

—Orianna.

Lorana couldn't stop her!

"Councilor Linwin, good afternoon!" Orianna walked up to Linwin and saluted in front of him, raising her hand to her forehead.

"Welcome back, our future student council president."

Linwin smiled and patted Orianna's shoulder.

Professor Moss already told Linwin what Orianna need to do.

After hearing it, Viktor and Zevi even thought about accepting Orianna as their disciple, but after thinking about it, they gave up.

If Orianna really succeeded in her creation, then she could possibly open up a brand new path for other to walk on.

Hextech Petricite Battle Doll, the combination of Hextech and Petricite, it's power and usefulness wouldn't be inferior to the Hextech Drake.

"Have you already met them?" Linwin asked Orianna.

The result was Orianna shaking her head vigorously.

"Except for Cithria, I don't know anyone else." Orianna pointed to the girl who was looking around.

"Cithria?" Linwin paused, not taking it seriously.

Ding: ★★★★★ Champion "Lady of the Clouds" is watching you.

Ding: "Lady of the Clouds" is curious.

Ding: "Lady of the Clouds" wants to know more about you.

Ding: "Lady of the Clouds....."

Ding:.....

Linwin looked at the girl: "???"

Lady of the Clouds?

What's that?

Does the League of Legends have such a champion?

No, there's definitely no champion named Lady of the Clouds in Demacia.

Cithria... Cithria?

His brain was running fast, and Linwin was desperately digging into his memory.

"Ah!"

Wait, isn't the protagonist of the First Shield called Cithria?

When he read that official novel, Linwin was a bit annoyed. Throughout the story, there were hardly any Demacian champion with plotlines, but instead, this soldier named Cithria, half of the book were about her! Now, seeing this, the officials are really playing a big game!

So... is this supposed to be someone like Zeri?

Is she a... champion?

Linwin looked at Cithria, who was also looking at him timidly.

Cithria looked at the hero named "Linwin Lorant," who didn't seem as tall and wide as rumored.

Instead, he looked... weaker than herself.

But after what just happened, Cithria certainly didn't think that man was weak.

Huh?

Is he looking at me?

Why is he looking at me?

Did I do something wrong again?

The little sparrow's head lowered even more.

——————