Students and Returning Home

The revelation of the impending doom had a profound impact on the inhabitants of both cities, instilling terror in their hearts. While only a few from Piltover approached me, there was a surge of Zaunites seeking a chance at a new life. Their living conditions were dire, and they faced discrimination from Piltover's elite, who viewed them as nothing more than pests.

One unexpected individual who expressed a desire to join us was Ezreal. The young adventurer was eager to explore the new continents in my world.

As I glanced to my right, I saw Sar-Elam working on the Hex gate provided by the eastern city. However, it lacked a crucial component for it to function properly: an energy source that was nearly inexhaustible. Fortunately, this was where Ryze, the wandering mage, came into play. Despite his modest magical abilities, he was a figure I deeply respected. Ryze had dedicated a significant portion of his life to apprehending and sealing the World Runes, the most powerful artifacts in this world, to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands, as they had during the Runes wars.

Yesterday, I sought out Ryze, knowing his expertise in locating and securing powerful runes. Among them was the Sorcery Rune, which he had already contained within his special prison. After explaining the impending doom facing Runeterra, Ryze agreed to monitor our use of the Sorcery Rune and the Hex Gate. However, he requested three pieces of World Runes before allowing us to depart for our world.

I accepted his terms, and now I stood with Shen, Zed, and Akali, preparing to open a portal to Ionia. It was time to explore the First Land of Runeterra, perhaps the most intriguing continent in this world.

"So what do you want to see my friend ? " asked Shen as he paced behind me with his hands in his back

"As for me," I said, focusing on the task at hand, "I have two individuals I wish to meet. One of them I hope to mentor; she possesses unparalleled potential, the most promising talent I've encountered in all of Runeterra."

"Ionia will be fortunate to have you," Shen remarked, his hands clasped behind his back as he paced.

Zed interjected, his tone tinged with bitterness, "And what of our conflict, Shen? What was its purpose if we're now venturing to another world? What meaning does defending our homeland against the Noxians hold?"

"Every action has significance, Zed," Shen replied calmly, his gaze steady. "It is you who diverged from our teachings, embracing the Shadow Technique and leading astray those who sought a distorted path."

Akali observed Shen and Zed's familiar debate with a knowing smile, a silent witness to their recurring disagreement.

With the portal now open and our destination set, we stepped through with Jhin's inert form in tow, effectively quelling the ongoing argument.

Upon arrival, the vitality of Ionia washed over me, a stark contrast to the subdued energy of other regions I had visited. This land pulsed with Spirit Magic, resonating with the essence of Asha, as only Asha's disciple had access to spiritual magic in Ashan.

As we emerged from the portal, we were met with the respectful salutes of martial artists, disciples of Shen's order, who guided us to a tranquil chamber where we gathered around a table.

As Shen poured tea, he began to impart wisdom about Ionia's spiritual nature. "Ionia is a realm where every action carries consequences," he explained. "Harmony with nature is paramount; disrupting the balance may provoke a fierce response. Violence is not condoned here; the land itself defends against aggression, often with formidable and unpredictable retribution."

I nodded in agreement as I savored the tea, its familiar taste evoking memories of years past.

"Rest assured, Master Shen," I assured him, "violence is not a tool I wield lightly. My kingdom values diplomacy and peaceful resolution above all else. However, there are times when even the gentlest among us must assert themselves."

"So I've heard from your demonic friend about your kingdom's reputation for peace," Shen remarked, casting a glance at Zed, who removed his helmet to reveal a face marked by scars and a grim expression.

"Your kingdom already surpasses what Ionia was before the Noxian invasion," Zed declared, prompting a nod from Shen. "We were arrogant to believe that peace alone could resolve conflict. We have all suffered greatly."

A heavy silence settled over us as I rose from my seat. "Master Shen, Master Zed, Shadow Fist Akali, I will be setting out on my journey shortly. I have someone I wish to mentor today," I announced, bidding them farewell.

"Oh, Lucas! I nearly forgot to mention—there's something troubling stirring in the Shadow Isles of late," Shen added as I narrowed my eyes in concern. With a nod, I bid them farewell and closed the door behind me, allowing the trio to rest.

As I made my way swiftly through the training grounds, I approached the temple's entrance. Knowing my destination lay far from here, I transformed into a beam of light and shot towards the isolated island.

–

Ionia was breathtakingly beautiful, teeming with life and saturated with mana. As I approached the island, I felt the powerful presence emanating from it. My senses were heightened as I marveled at the natural wonders around me.

In the sky, a flying temple defied the laws of physics. Without hesitation, I directed myself toward it and materialized at what appeared to be the entrance. Stepping inside, I was immediately met with an overwhelming gravitational force that threatened to pull me to the ground. With quick thinking, I countered the force by applying an equal and opposite force beneath me, allowing me to remain standing.

"I come in peace!" I shouted, but my words were met with another assault, this time resembling a black hole, attempting to draw me in.

[Dispel]

With a wave of my hand, I dispelled the threat, but more followed suit. Each attack grew more desperate, but I effortlessly countered them with simple spells of my own.

The attacks lacked finesse, merely compressed mana hurled in my direction. They were easily dispelled, lacking the intricate layers of protection that skilled mages would employ to thwart such defenses.

"Enough of this!" I exclaimed as I channeled my mana into my fist, shattering the layers of walls in the temple.

As the attack ceased, I transformed into light and rushed toward the openings I created. Inside, I found a beautiful woman encased in the wall, likely due to my mana. She wore nightwear that accentuated her curves, her eyes filled with both hatred and fear.

"Why did you attack me? I came in peace. If I had intended harm, I could have easily bombarded your flying castle from the sky," I questioned, seeking an explanation for her aggression.

"So, you don't attack people who trespass in your house?" she retorted, her voice tinged with sarcasm as she freed herself from the wall, floating in front of me. I swiftly draped one of my mantles over her, shielding her exposed body. Gratitude flickered in her eyes before being replaced by a dangerous glint as her magic surged with her emotions.

"What do you want, then?" she demanded, her voice distorted by the thick mana in the air.

"I want you to become my disciple," I stated firmly. "You're wasting your talent. You possess the ability to use magic instinctively, with just your thoughts. With guidance, you could achieve so much more than you have thus far."

"And what makes you think that I'll accept your offer?!" she demanded, her tone filled with vehemence. "The last man who offered to teach me siphoned my power and tried to contain me! He claimed I was too dangerous, but instead of offering guidance and helping me understand my abilities, he tried to kill me!"

Her outburst caused the entire temple to compress, and I swiftly teleported outside. From there, I watched as the temple transformed into a ball, contained within her hand as she glared at me. Her white hair danced wildly around her, my coat still draped over her shoulders.

"You see my power. Now, if you want me as a disciple, defeat me!" she challenged, launching a barrage of dark orbs toward me while applying a gravity lock.

I sighed, knowing this wouldn't be easy. Syndra's powers were akin to Gremmy's from Bleach, capable of turning imagination into magic. It was dangerous if used incorrectly, but also incredibly potent – which was precisely why I wanted her as my disciple.

Dispelling her gravity prison with a wave of my hand, I then conjured an enormous armor made of light, wielding a spear of equal magnitude.

With a swift motion, I launched an attack, aiming to cleave through Syndra's defenses. However, she quickly formed a shield of compressed gravity, deflecting my strike.

Undeterred, I dispelled the spear and attempted to crush her from above with my armored fists. But Syndra reacted swiftly, compressing them with her own powers.

Chuckling at her resilience, I formed another spear and hurled it toward her, determined to test her abilities further.

She attempted to defend once more, but this time I intensified the power behind the spear, enlarging it and accelerating time around it. The spear shattered her defense and struck her, sending her hurtling through the sky.

With precision, I aimed a finger at her, unleashing a pure beam of light that erupted from my hand. The beam collided with her airborne form, engulfing her in a fiery inferno.

I clapped my hands, conjuring around a dozen magical circles that surrounded her.

[Elrath's Mercy]

The circles merged, forming a prison around her, but it was evident that she was deeply terrified of the confinement, perhaps reminded of painful memories. She let out a piercing cry, and her mana surged to unprecedented levels, causing my prison to explode. The force sent me hurtling through the air, blood streaming from my nose upon impact.

Gasping for air, I felt a hand grip my throat, and I met Syndra's enraged gaze as she slammed me to the ground. Despite not sustaining any physical injury, I could sense the ground crack beneath me from the sheer force of her fury.

"You want me caged, never in my life will I be caged again!" she cried out as she repeatedly slammed me into the ground.

Despite the violence of her actions, I couldn't help but be amazed by her power. A being like her was pure magic incarnate. With a smile, I surprised her by punching her in the gut, sending her spiraling into the sky. As she soared, I rose to my feet, sensing the ground beneath me shifting. Suddenly, I found myself standing above the ground as Syndra transformed the entire island into the sky.

'This is exhilarating!' I thought to myself, feeling the rush of excitement. With all my mana, I unleashed an enormous beam of light, vaporizing everything in its path as I drew upon my own reserves. The island above me vanished in an explosion of brilliance.

"You've pushed me to my limits. Not many can do that," I said with a laugh. "Now, become my student!" I declared as an enormous hand seized her and hurled her to the ground like a meteor. She crashed down, attempting to rise but too exhausted to stand.

"Are you convinced now?" I inquired, observing her defiant gaze. Despite her exhaustion, she remained resolute. With a smile, I cast a quick healing spell before collapsing to the ground beside her, feeling drained from the intense battle. It dawned on me that she was truly blessed by the gods—an exceptional mage capable of rivaling me without any external assistance. As I lay there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of nurturing her potential. She would undoubtedly become a formidable force of nature under my tutelage.

I heard her grunt before she finally responded, "Yes, teacher," her voice carrying a hint of surrender. As she closed her eyes, a solitary tear escaped, falling softly onto her cheek. I couldn't help but smile, the gentle glow of the healing spell casting a serene ambiance over the scene, complemented by the tranquil expanse of the sea before us.

"I hope to guide you well, Syndra," I said earnestly, meeting her gaze as she regarded me impassively. Then, she posed a question I hadn't anticipated.

"What's your name? You know mine, but I don't know yours."

"Lucas Aldaric," I replied.

She closed her eyes again. Just then, Karma approached us with determined strides, her expression stern, yet bearing a subtle trace of disdain as she fixed her gaze on Syndra.

"You inconsiderate kids," she admonished, her words laced with disapproval. "You destroyed an island without even considering the consequences of your actions!"

As she stepped on Syndra's hand, I felt a surge of protectiveness rise within me. Rising to my feet, I warned her, "Don't touch my disciple, Spirit. You have no right to speak to us like that. Behold!"

Summoning my armor and staff, I drew upon the stored mana within them, unleashing one of my most potent spells. Drawing upon my mastery of Prime Lore of Magic, I reversed the passage of time in the entire area. In an instant, the once-destroyed island reappeared, leaving both women in stunned disbelief.

"Is this sufficient, Spirit?" I inquired, meeting her gaze unwaveringly.

"This is satisfactory, outsider. Now leave Ionia; you are not welcome here anymore," she declared before vanishing in an instant.

Syndra, visibly frustrated, kicked a nearby rock in agitation.

"Why do you let her speak to us like that? She deserves to die for what she did to me!" she declared, her frustration evident as she began to float off the ground.

I sighed, regarding my disciple with a measured expression. "Go, fetch your clothes. We are leaving for Ixtal," I instructed her calmly.

With a regretful nod, Syndra floated down to retrieve her garments. Moments later, she returned, now clad in the dress she had worn in the game.

"I am ready, teacher," she said, offering a small bow.

"You don't need to bow. You have the right to criticize me if you think that what I am doing is wrong," I replied with a wry smile. "Now, my second student, let's go find your next sibling."

Taking her arm, I transformed both of us into beams of light, hurtling toward the horizon. As we traveled, we passed various landscapes and cities, including Bilgewater. The sight of the city's decadence and sin was repulsive, prompting me to hasten our journey.

In less than an hour, we arrived at Ixtal. Though I could have traversed the distance more swiftly, I opted for a moderate pace to allow Syndra time to comprehend the intricacies of my magic, albeit unconventional, it was a necessary step in her training.

"So, did you grasp the lessons I showed you?" I inquired of Syndra as she smiled, her form shimmering into a purple light before reappearing in front of me.

With a smile, I continued, "It seems I've uncovered a diamond in the rough. You'll refine your skills along the way for my next disciple." With that, I set off into the dense jungle of Ixtal.

Ixtal, home to the elemental dragons of League of Legends, was teeming with magical life. Its jungles harbored countless monsters and mysteries.

The disciple I sought, Milio, was a young prodigy gifted in fire magic. Despite being just ten years old, he possessed an extraordinary talent, able to wield magic with precision and even breathe life into his creations. Unlike Syndra, Milio's power lay in his mastery and control rather than raw strength.

I knew Milio had journeyed to the capital of Ixtal, aspiring to become the kingdom's court mage— or the equivalent position in my kingdom.

"Try this," I said, tossing a ball of metal to Syndra. She attempted to catch it with her magic, but the ball shattered her mental spell, and she promptly caught it using her magical abilities.

"You'll train with this. Try to channel your magic into the ball, and I'll reward you," I instructed as we continued deeper into the jungle, where various creatures roamed.

After some time, I heard Syndra's frustrated voice behind me. "This is difficult," she admitted, struggling to affect the material with her magic.

The material of the ball was a special construct crafted by Sar-Elam. It served as a training tool for archmages of the Seven Cities, designed to enhance their ability to penetrate magical defenses. To achieve this, a mage must concentrate their magic into a single point, requiring precise control and focus.

"I never said you'd finish it in less than a day," I replied to Syndra. "And if that were the case, I wouldn't need to teach you for a while."

As we walked, I effortlessly halted a cougar from pouncing on us with a swift motion of my hand, freezing its time within a bubble. Other predators seemed to sense the danger and kept their distance, observing cautiously as one of their own remained suspended mid-air.

After hours of walking, we arrived at a village. 'Perfect,' I thought, sensing the warmth emanating from the body of the young boy seated by a campfire. It seemed he hadn't embarked on his journey yet.

We descended towards the village in silence, only Milio and an old woman were around the fire. Sensing the woman's latent magical abilities, I made a mental note of her strength, though it paled in comparison to Syndra's and mine.

"Hello, travelers," the woman greeted us unexpectedly. "Hiding your mana doesn't shield you from the sounds your feet make or your presence in the wind."

I acknowledged her observation with a nod. "Our intention wasn't to conceal ourselves for nefarious purposes. My pupil and I are here because we've heard of a young man with exceptional magical talent, and I wished to offer him an apprenticeship under my guidance."

Milio's eyes lit up with excitement. "Who is this young man?" he inquired eagerly. "Because my friends and I would love to develop our magical skills. Grandma always tells me I'm not very good," he added with a touch of sadness in his smile.

I chuckled, exchanging a glance with the older woman, who returned my gaze with a knowing smile.

"Well, young man, what is your name?" I inquired.

"Milio, Mr. Mage," he replied with enthusiasm, then turned his attention to Syndra. "You are beautiful, Miss Mage," he said bashfully.

Syndra smiled at him. "Is he the one, teacher?" she asked me, hovering slightly above the ground as she observed Milio.

"Yes," I replied to Syndra, settling in front of Milio with a smile. "So, young man, would you like to come with me and your grandma so that I can teach you how to be a strong mage?" I asked him, my anticipation evident in my widening smile. Milio's face went through a range of emotions, from confusion to a glance at his grandma, who smiled encouragingly. Finally, he turned to me with an enthusiastic grin.

"Yes, of course I want to! This is my dream!" he exclaimed, his excitement palpable. As he spoke, the fires from the fireplace transformed into small elementals, dancing joyfully around him, much to Syndra's surprise.

"Teacher, is this...?" she began, her eyes widening in wonder.

"Yes, he has such control at a young age that he can create life with his magic," I explained, nodding in admiration. Syndra dropped to the ground, taking Milio's cheeks in her hands and tugging them playfully.

"What kind of little secret do you have in your head?" she asked him teasingly as she continued to pinch his cheeks.

"Nothing," Milio attempted to remove Syndra's hands but was ultimately defeated by her playful grip.

"I will come with you. I will not abandon my grandson so soon," she said with a smile as she stood up. "You can call Qimia," she added before heading toward their hut.

"Milio, prepare yourself to depart from the village," she instructed him as she disappeared inside.

Syndra released Milio, allowing him to sprint toward the hut as he rubbed his cheeks.

"Was that really necessary?" I asked her, watching Milio with a smile.

"Of course," she replied with a huff as I began to weave a portal to Piltover.

I chuckled at her playful behavior, reflecting on our encounter. She had transformed back into the jovial girl she once was, shedding the moody demeanor she had carried for so long.

Maybe Syndra would become my successor as the Dean of the University of Magic, or perhaps she would prefer to explore different worlds. I knew that if I didn't continue to innovate in my magic usage or spells, she would likely surpass me. After all, she epitomized the purest essence of a mage, turning thoughts into reality—a truly divine feat.

I gazed at Syndra for a moment before my spell completed. Milio and Qimia emerged from the hut, with Milio effortlessly carrying all the furniture, levitating it with a flick of my finger.

"Let's go," I said, gesturing toward the portal.

As we stepped inside, we found ourselves in the interior of the Hex Gate, where Sar-Elam greeted me.

"Welcome back, Lucas. The portal is ready. These people wished to accompany you on the first journey," he explained.

Surveying the group, I saw Morgana, the barons, councilors, Caitlyn, Vi, Ezreal, Jayce, Heimerdinger, and to my surprise, some Noxian nobles and even Lux from Demacia, her identity concealed beneath a hood.

"Vagran has already made the jump and returned safely, confirming that the portal is calibrated correctly. He appeared near Lumen and was greeted by one of your patrols," Sar-Elam reported as he gestured, summoning an enormous azure magical circle beneath us.

"Then, have a safe journey!" he exclaimed cheerfully as we all vanished into the portal.

–

I surveyed the beautiful farmlands tended by golems and people alike, but my attention was quickly drawn to a dozen griffins descending from the sky.

"Your Majesty!" the leader of the patrol exclaimed. "Lord Vagran informed us of your arrival, but we weren't expecting you to be accompanied by so many people. Do you require additional means of transportation for everyone?"

"That would be appreciated, Captain. For now, we'll proceed on foot along the Golden Road toward Lumen. You can catch up with us later, and send a message to Falcon's Reach to activate the portals for instant teleportation," I instructed.

"It shall be done," the captain acknowledged before the griffins took off into the sky.

"What were those creatures?" inquired one of the Noxian nobles, gazing at the griffins with awe.

"Griffins, beasts bred for war in our kingdom," I explained, gesturing for everyone to follow me. "We'll begin our journey on foot toward one of the most prosperous cities in my kingdom!"

"For war?" inquired one of the Barons of Alchemy. "You didn't mention any ongoing war during your speech."

"That's because there isn't any at the moment for our kingdom," I clarified. "The two kingdoms currently at war are the Darkblades and Sylvans. Their enmities have spanned hundreds of years, and a single spark has ignited everything," I explained, noting the murmurs that began to ripple through the group.

"Don't be alarmed; besides, you won't be staying on this continent. You'll be accommodated on another continent, the one where Vagran's kingdom resides," I reassured them.

"Syndra!" I called out, noticing her still holding the ball and attempting to crush it. "Pass the ball to Milio for a moment. He'll demonstrate his control to you."

"Yes, teacher," Syndra muttered, drawing everyone's attention.

Morgana appeared beside me, her smile radiant. "Thank you for listening to me. I tried to convince my sister to come with us, but she instantly refused, calling me a doomsayer."

"Let her say what she wants. I know you're not one," I responded with a smile, earning one in return from the demi-goddess.

"Smooth talker," she whispered with a grin, a remark I couldn't help but catch.

I glanced at her with a faint smile. The group continued to pose questions as we observed numerous merchants passing by. Lumen remained the central hub of terrestrial trade in my kingdom. During my absence, I suspected it had further flourished under Thaum's leadership.

I hoped that Michael had managed to calm Thaum's temper. If his temperament continued to deteriorate, he could become a problem in the long run. In less than an hour, more griffins appeared, providing transportation for everyone. We promptly departed, with some individuals like Syndra opting to use their magic or equipment to follow the griffins. After two hours of intensive flight, we arrived at Lumen. As we neared the city, I could see signs of improvement. Lumen was vast, with around twelve docks encircling the affluent area and seven districts organized around three bridges spanning the two rivers.

"Well, welcome to Lumen," I announced as we descended upon the city.

–

Next chapter, big things for the colons and the Falcon.

See you soon :)