Let the Imperial Wind Rise

The Raven spoke, a resonant, magnetic middle-aged male voice. Even from the tone alone, one could sense the air of authority it carried.

Katarina could tell that the owner of this voice was a natural-born ruler.

"Commander, it's been a while. These past few years, you've really put me through it." Ryan rose with a helpless expression, as if facing a slacking superior.

"All for the Empire. The Empire has been occupied by the corrupt for too long; it's time to purge them." The Raven's voice carried a cold, emotionless detachment.

Ryan showed no particular reaction to this. He had always known the other was a saint.

Yes, that was his assessment—a saint.

A man who devoted all his spirit, loyalty, faith, and strength to the Empire. Right or wrong, humanity, good or evil—none of it mattered. As long as it could secure the Empire's future, he was willing to try.

If something stood in the Empire's way, even the current Emperor himself, he would overthrow them.

Ryan stepped forward and stopped in front of the Raven, his tone laced with resignation: "But all I can do is stir things up here to draw their attention."

"That's enough, Ryan. If you were in the Immortal Bastion, you'd only put them on guard. Everything will proceed smoothly. As I promised, our Empire will surpass the Shurima of old." The Raven continued.

"Under your command, I've always believed that. But I don't want to end up as Xerath." Ryan joked.

"In your eyes, am I just a selfish tyrant like Azir?" The Raven's tone dripped with mockery at the name.

Xerath and Azir were the supreme rulers of Ancient Shurima. Xerath studied magic, while Azir sought to become a great Ascended—a being beyond mortal limits.

In the end, driven by Azir's impatience, Xerath found his chance, betrayed Azir, and tried to take his place as an Ascended. But according to the records Noxus had retrieved from the Immortal Bastion, both Xerath and Azir failed, and the once-mighty Shurima Empire, which had ruled all of Runeterra, collapsed along with them.

"You far surpass Azir. I've always thought so." Ryan smiled. "You showing up here today must mean you have orders."

"I've been watching every corner of the Empire in secret. Today, a powerful energy collision occurred here, and I happened to sense your magical traces."

"That must have been when the Hextech shockwave hit. I cast the Water Curtain to block the blast, or I'd be sleeping out in the square." Ryan shrugged slightly.

"Don't let yourself grow complacent. The days we spent hiding in Pilltover were far harsher than this."

The Raven chided him before returning to the main topic:

"So that's the Hextech you described in your letter? What they've developed can already rival Piltover Augmented Technology. The Viktor you mentioned is indeed a genius. I'll push through the factory construction he wants; within a month, he'll see our sincerity."

"Piltover Augmented Technology? What's that? Some hidden power of Piltover?"

Ryan was surprised. He hadn't come across this in Noxus's intelligence. The strongest defensive system in Piltover now should have been the H-28Q apex turret that fired the fireball today.

"It's normal you don't know. That was a secret project of the Ferros Clan, once the wealthiest family in Piltover."

"The Ferros Clan. The head is Stevan." Ryan said without hesitation. "I met him once. He's sickly and has an intense desire for control. From his eyes, I could feel his craving for power, but he himself doesn't possess much strength."

"He's just a puppet. The real power behind Ferros is a woman named Camille. A few years ago, the Empire transferred her out of Piltover and used the city and her family to force her into service. But after today's events, you should meet her soon."

"Sounds like something those in the Immortal Bastion would do. But for the Empire to value her so highly, what she's in charge of must be formidable."

A faint smile spread across Ryan's face, showing no guilt for causing the Empire trouble.

"She's in charge of monitoring Ionia's movements. A perfect, precise machine. The Empire needs talent like hers." The Raven sighed. "But her heart belongs to Piltover and her family. She only wants to preserve the old order—her vision is too narrow."

"Not many share your vision, Commander. We're all just mortals." Ryan chuckled in jest. "I know what to do. In a few days, my plea for help should land on the Emperor's desk. Without the Hexgate, His Majesty's quest for the elixir of immortality would slow down considerably."

"Take care of yourself. Be cautious. The Empire's future for ten thousand years needs you, Ryan."

As the Raven spoke, his body began to self-immolate. Crimson flames engulfed him, and in moments, he was reduced to ashes, leaving behind a slightly charred wooden perch.

After the Raven vanished, Ryan shook his head dismissively and muttered to himself:

"Ten thousand years, Commander—that's really asking too much of me. But leaving a mark in the history of Noxus and Runeterra... that wouldn't be so bad."

With that sigh, he turned his head toward Katarina and asked with a smile:

"He's the Founder of the Trifarix. What do you think of your topmost superior?"

Katarina didn't answer immediately. She thought for a moment before replying seriously: "As a citizen of the Empire, I feel that following him, I can see hope."

"Yes, hope. He's both absolute rationality and absolute emotion. Rational in every thought, like a tireless machine. Emotional in pouring everything into the Empire, all for the best Noxus." Ryan mused.

Katarina's eyes, hidden in the shadows, flickered as she replayed the conversation between Ryan and the Raven in her mind.

They were clearly plotting rebellion, to overthrow the current Emperor.

Yet, she was surprised to find she felt no resistance. Instead, there was a hint of anticipation.

In recent years, the Emperor's absurdity had drawn widespread complaints across Noxus. Now, having someone stand up for the Empire didn't seem so bad.

And for her to be part of this process—perhaps it was even an honor.

At least it wouldn't involve her father, who had abandoned her, nor would it drag in her innocent family, her pitiful sister and mother. Trying this out seemed worthwhile.

"Miss Katarina."

Ryan looked at Katarina's face, half-visible in the shadows, and suddenly spoke with a smile:

"What's the most important thing for an assassin?"

"Speed, and a sharp blade!" Katarina answered without hesitation.

"Then now, let's learn how to use magic to enhance speed and blade. I think you have the talent for it." Ryan pointed to the bookshelf behind him.

"You're going to teach me magic?" Katarina asked in surprise.

"Magic cannot be taught, but runes and a few tricks can make you stronger. The empire is about to see a storm, and you need to grow stronger."

"I will become the sharpest blade in your hand, my lord!" Katarina knelt on one knee, her tone sincere.

Ryan took a black-bound book from the bookshelf behind him. He had only retrieved it from his travel pack a few days ago—a self-copied edition of a Noxian archive:

"It comes from a certain sect in Ionia, detailing some spatial tricks—using magical tools or channeling the magic energy of Runeterra through arcane power to appear instantly behind an enemy. Look it over first; ask me if there's anything you don't understand. The magical tools will arrive in two days."

"I am grateful for your gift, my lord. I will not disappoint your expectations!"