The Return Journey

Lili's place was almost in the middle of the Howling Abyss, and it took us quite a while to see the bottom after descending. 🏆♤ ☯♗

We didn't land, and it was easier to observe these monsters from mid-air. The moment I saw them, I recognized them as Void Creatures!

They were bizarrely shaped, their bodies radiating an eerie purple light, and a huge eye in the very center that sent chills down one's spine.

It looks a lot like Vel'Koz's eyes, but these aren't the eyes from my dream. They look different, and in my dream, I had a pair of eyes, not just one.

"Is that True Ice down there?" Trundle exclaimed in surprise.

"Shouldn't you be concerned about the monsters down there?" Lili's tone was merciless.

"Are they alive?!"

Now Trundle was even more surprised. No wonder he hadn't mentioned it; he had thought it was just a work of art. If that was the case, then things would be much easier.

"Just like those old guys!" Lili thought of her Trolls friends.

If you look closely at these True Ice, you'll see tiny, fine lines. Just as Lili said, after countless years of struggle, these monsters are showing signs of breaking through the ice.

"Yasuo, Riven, let's see how well you've mastered the Gale Force!"

"You want us to help reinforce True Ice?"

"Smart. Although I can summon storms, I can't control the Wind Element very well, and I'm currently injured. Filling in these fine lines will take a lot of effort, so I need your help."

"I'm willing to serve!"

We slowly descended, and even through the thick layer of True Ice, we could still feel the surging power below.

Lili chanted a few incantations, and then fine ice threads slowly condensed in her hands.

The instant the ice silk covered the fine lines, Riven and I carefully used Wind Force to seep it into them, like bricklayers reinforcing a house, only a hundred times more meticulous.

We couldn't tell how much time had passed from down there, but we were completely exhausted when we finished.

However, I was still very happy to see the final result. The fine lines on the ice surface disappeared, and the entire ice was as smooth as before!

"Phew... It's not as sturdy as it was at first, but it looks much better. Thank you for your help."

"You're welcome. We should thank Ice Woman Maiden for sparing our lives!"

"You're such a chatterbox! What are your plans next?"

"I'm going to continue searching for the third treasure!" Trundle said first.

"You pesky guy! Go on!" Lili said, waving her hand and sending Trundle back.

"It seems our journey through the North should come to an end here; there's probably nothing more worth exploring further north."

"Actually, I don't know the specific situation further north. You know the Laos River, right? There's an ocean to the north, and the entire sea is like the Laos River; I can't cross it either."

"The entire ocean is like the Laos River?" Such a scene is unimaginable; wouldn't it be a dead sea?

"Let's not talk about that anymore. Shouldn't you tell me the details now? I've never seen such a half-baked explorer."

"Uh, actually my goal is to find others who share the same dream during my travel adventures."

"Are you kidding me? I've never heard of anyone having the same dream twice."

"It's true. Besides me, Darius, the Noxus general, Jarvan IV, the current Demacia emperor, have both had the same dream."

"Oh? Is that so? It seems you are all special people."

"So I'm thinking of seeing if there's anyone like that in Freljord, but enjoying a trip for two is something we'd love to do too."

"Then you can continue. I'm going to continue my solo journey. This time, I plan to leave Freljord to find the person who taught me Sealing Magic. Perhaps he has a way to deal with these monsters."

"By the way, we didn't cross the Laos River on our own. The people who helped us said we need the power of True Ice to get back. Could you teach us how?"

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"I can't teach you that, but I can send you back. True Ice can stay on the water for a short time."

"Alright then, let's go!"

"Wait, there's a little guy we need to deal with."

"Little one? Aren't you all alone here?"

"Have you forgotten about that little rascal Gnar?"

"Oh right, haha, he didn't tear your house down?"

"He's scratching his head in frustration right now; I'm afraid only my Frosthold can hold him back!"

"Speaking of Frosthold, I saw a building on the way here that was exactly the same as yours, and the map shows there are many more. Are they all your work?"

"Yes, I built and reinforced them all with magic. In case monsters break through the ice, I hope these places can serve as strongholds."

We went back upstairs, Lili led us to a large room where Gnar was lying angrily on the floor.

"You lied! You said you'd take me to a fun place, but this place is so cramped it's impossible to demolish!"

"It's more interesting if you can't take it apart! It's no fun if you can just destroy it easily!"

"No, I want to leave."

"Behave yourself, or I'll freeze you right here!"

"You dare! If the Old Chieftain finds out you've restricted my freedom, he'll definitely punish you!"

"I don't know your Old Chieftain. You'd better make him come see me!"

"I... I can't find my way home."

Gnar's voice was already like a child's, and now that he was saying such things, it actually sounded a little pitiful, so I took over the job:

"Come with me, I have a place where you can have a blast."

"Really? You're not lying to me, are you?"

Of course not!

So what if he likes taking things apart? Just send him to Noxus and let Darius find him a demolition crew.

There are plenty of places that need demolition and reconstruction, so why worry about not finding jobs?

Lili was a little worried. "You'd better find someone who can keep him in check, otherwise, when he gets angry, most people can't handle it."

"I'm not angry at all, just let me tear it apart to my heart's content!" Gnar quickly assured him.

I'm not too worried about that. With Kled around, I believe he can keep him in check! If all else fails, he has a way to send Gnar back to where the Yordle live.

And so, the three of us set off with Gnar. Before leaving, Lili used magic to create two Ice Golems to defend this place.

Back on the ground, I suddenly remembered that the Ironhorn Bull was still in the canyon. Although I had prepared a lot of food for it, it was probably all gone by now.

Sure enough, when we returned to the cave where we had parked, it was gnawing at the ground.

"Poor thing, it must be starving." Riven quickly took out some hay from the car and fed it.

I wanted to say goodbye to Trundle, but I couldn't find them; they've probably gone off to search for the treasure.

When I passed by the Yara tribe, I found the caves empty; it seemed they had moved away.

I deliberately avoided Charming Village; Bliss and the others' enthusiasm was irresistible.

A few days later, we finally returned to the Laos River.

Lili summoned True Ice to help us cross the river quickly, but True Ice sank as soon as we reached the other side.

"I really don't know what's going on with this river and the northern sea. It seems that, apart from the True Ice and powerful teleportation magic, nothing else works."

"It must also be a work of the gods."