Wandering Mage

Ryze looks exactly like his character in the game, with deep blue-purple skin covered in various patterns, even on his Bald Man. 69ᏕᏂᏬጀ.ፈᎧᎷ

Are these runes? They look incredibly powerful.

Riven didn't recognize him and thought he was summoned by Tam's box to help, "Tam Kench is amazing, he can summon such a powerful person with a small box!"

"Hey, the box's right here." I held out my hand; the box was securely closed.

"Uh, I'm sorry..." Riven quickly apologized.

"Hehe, although I don't know what you're talking about, it seems I've arrived at just the right time."

"Indeed, I might have died if I had been any later. Thank you, Archmage!"

"The Laos River is terrifying; you were too reckless," Ryze told us about the river's strangeness.

The Laos River was originally boundless, and no one knew where it originated or where its water came from.

As far as we know, the Laos River has no buoyancy; anything that falls into it will sink, even magic and various natural elements, such as wind.

The reason I fell into the water wasn't because I was sucked in, but because the wind sank into the water and I couldn't get any leverage.

Therefore, the surface of the river is completely still, which is why the water is calm and waveless.

"Even birds can't fly over there?"

"Let alone birds, even an ice dragon once tried to fly over it, but it ended up falling down."

The river water not only has no buoyancy, but also has an exceptionally strong dissolving ability; anything that falls into the water will dissolve very quickly. As I said this, I glanced at the boat that had just been pushed in and found that only a few broken pieces of the keel remained.

As for why I was able to struggle for so long, it's because of my special physical condition. Ryze patted my shoulder. "Such a strong body, did you have some kind of extraordinary encounter?"

I thought about it carefully, and there were many serendipitous encounters, but the one that played a decisive role was probably Lulu's jam.

"They probably ate Yordle food, and a lot of it."

"So the Yordle were helping, no wonder. What an interesting fate."

Ryze said something ambiguous, and I remember LeBlanc saying something similar before. People like them are always hard to figure out.

"What are you doing in a place like this, Archmage? Is there anything we can help you with?"

"If you can't help me, what are you doing here?"

"We are explorers, seeking to explore areas not marked on maps."

"That's a good idea. Two people who wield the Wind Element Strength, drifting and rushing like the wind. If you listen carefully, you can also sense pure ice and fire energy. Is it Dragon Tooth?"

In Ryze's presence, we were like naked bodies; he could see right through us with just a glance.

"Uncle, you're amazing! How do you know everything?" Riven was very excited. Lately, she had been suspicious of strangers every time she met them, but today was different. Ryze saved her, and he was very kind to her.

"Oh, little girl, when you understand everything, you'll be able to see through everything just like me."

"How can I be like you?"

"Well, your expedition is a good way to go! Keep going, and don't let what others say or the difficulties you face hinder your progress."

Ryze was answering Riven, but his eyes were on me. I didn't know what he meant, but even if he didn't say anything, I didn't intend to stop.

When I first came into this world, I was probably just curious and followed the crowd, always chasing after other people's ideals.

Now, from the bottom of my heart, I want to protect Riven, protect my friends here, protect this world, and broaden my horizons.

Even if traveling to Runeterra is just a dream, I will still live this dream without any regrets!

"We also want to continue exploring, but we're blocked by this river. You just rescued Yasuo, do you have any good ways to cross the river?"

"I do have a solution. I can send you there, but how you get back is up to you. Think it over and let me know."

"Take us there!" I didn't hesitate for a moment.

"Good eye. Alright, I'll take you there. Actually, coming back is also an option, but we need one thing: True Ice."

"True Ice?"

"You'll understand if you're lucky enough to see it for yourself; otherwise, it'll be difficult to return. Besides, once you cross the river, it's no longer Avarosa's territory. Be careful."

"Crossed the river? Is this Avarosa territory?"

"Of course, didn't you come from the south?"

"Uh... I see, but I didn't expect that such a distant place would still be under their jurisdiction."

"Haha, nothing strange about it. Avarosa covers a vast area. Alright, I have other matters to attend to, it's time to see you off."

After Ryze finished speaking, he reached out and drew a few strange symbols in the air. Then, blue light shone around us, just like I had seen in the water.

A moment later, we arrived on the other side, and even the Ironhorn Bull was teleported over.

"Thank you, Uncle!" Riven called out to Ryze's retreating figure, but he didn't respond, slowly disappearing from our sight with a huge scroll on his back.

"What a strange person. Oh dear, I forgot to ask his name."

"His name is Ryze, and he's a wandering mage."

"It really is someone you know."

He carried a heavy responsibility, just like that figure from behind, powerful yet lonely.

"I don't understand. Let's go. Boss Tam's box is still there, which is good news. I thought yours was going to be used up."

"Actually, I almost opened it, though I don't know if it would even work."

"It will definitely work, I believe it." Riven looked at the box and put it back in her pocket.

Once we reached the other side of the Laos River, the map was no longer needed. I put it in my bag, intending to take it out again to supplement my knowledge when we reached landmarks.

I've been pondering Ryze's last words. He said that everything south of the river is Avarosa territory, so does that mean Watchpost of the Dead and Frosthold are also under their jurisdiction?

If that's the case, then Riven is very likely right; the mastermind behind it all is actually the Avarosa!

I told her my idea, but Riven just waved her hand and said, "I told you long ago, Uncle Wolf is up to no good. He must have sent the message to have us killed."

"If that's the case, we'll have to have a serious talk about it next time we meet."

Indeed, Uncle Wolf had a greater motivation than the others; the people of Watchpost of the Dead had no reason to covet unspent wealth, and the people of Frosthold had no reason to repay kindness with enmity.

The only explanation is that they were helping Uncle Wolf accumulate wealth.

Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts; as the clan leader, Uncle Wolf understood this principle best.

Of course, this is just our speculation; to confirm its authenticity, we'll have to meet again next time!