The Ascended Legion

Like other Ascended, Nasus greatly admired Aatrox and told us his story.

When Shetaka became Ascended, his immense power made all his enemies tremble, so they united to fight against this leader of Naremajet.

At that time Shurima had many powerful mages and warriors, and Shetaka alone could not defeat all the enemies from all sides at the same time. The newly powerful Naremajet soon fell into a disadvantageous situation.

Finally, after a defeat in battle, Aatrox found her, hoping to become Celestial Warrior like her in the same way.

At the time, Shetaka did not know the principles of ascension and could not help Aatrox. Later, she was guided by the gods and had the Sun Disc built.

Anyone who dares to try has the chance to become Ascended!

Aatrox volunteered to be the first to try it, even though almost everyone opposed it because it was too risky.

Only Shetaka believed he could become Ascended like himself, and he quelled all opposition.

The result was, of course, a success. Aatrox became Celestial Warrior. Although his appearance changed drastically in his Ascended Form, his unparalleled power made the people of Naremajet extremely proud.

Many others attempted ascension, but most failed. However, a few exceptional individuals were favored by the gods, and thus, the number of Ascended in Naremajet grew, and their power increased.

Because Shetaka was originally a leader, and her Ascended Form was perfect, she was revered as the "Ascended Empress."

Aatrox originally had a title, "The Ascended King," because his power surpassed that of any other Ascended, but he forbade people to use this title, as he felt it was disrespectful to Shetaka.

Of course, this did not affect Aatrox's standing in people's hearts, especially after he and Shetaka split up, his prestige grew day by day...

As I listened to Nasus's story, the familiar feeling returned, my vision shifted, and I was once again in a dreamlike state.

This time, the scene did not repeat itself; instead, they arrived at Aatrox's military camp.

There were dozens of people in the tent, all of whom looked like ordinary people, but the Golden Light weapons in their hands indicated that they were all Ascended.

I initially thought they were discussing battle plans, but it turned out they were talking about Shetaka's defeat. Apparently, several Ascended she had sent to Icathia had been killed in action, which caused a huge uproar.

Before this, people thought the Ascended were immortal Celestial Warrior, but now three of them have fallen.

The people in the camp all expressed their support for Aatrox to replace Shetaka as the new master of the country, but he refused, arguing that it was not appropriate to discuss such matters in times of crisis.

People insisted, but Aatrox slammed his fist on the table and ordered them to recite the oath they had taken before their ascension:

For the ever-growing strength and perpetual prosperity of Naremajet

I Bai Juen

I, Rhaast

I, Aurelius

I, Yerlanriel

I Varus

Today I wish to be driven by the Sun God, to become his children; war is noble, and I am honored!

Everyone recited the oath they had taken together. I was familiar with Rhaast and Varus, but I had never heard of the others.

After the oath was read, the people did not abandon their previous idea; they still insisted that Aatrox become king. At this point, he read his own oath:

For the ever-growing strength and perpetual prosperity of Shurima, and for the Ascended Empress Zetian, I, Aatrox, today dedicate myself to the service of the Sun God, to become a child of the gods. War is noble, and I am honored!

He altered the oath, changing the object of allegiance from Naremajet Shurima and the royal bloodline, and demanded that everyone swear the oath anew.

This was not voluntary, but if anyone dared to disobey, Aatrox would personally cut off his head and offer it to the Sun God.

These were proud Celestial Warrior who were not afraid of death, but seeing Aatrox's unwavering resolve, they had no choice but to give up.

After the first person recited the new oath, the rest followed suit. In this era that valued honor, the oath was everything.

The scene shifts to a garden, where the flowers in this desert oasis are exceptionally vibrant.

Shetaka and Aatrox sat in the garden pavilion, and the usually confident Ascended Empress looked somewhat solemn today.

"We currently have over fifty Celestial Warrior under our command. They all respect you, but there are many who oppose me. I intend to Shurima to you."

"We've always disagreed, and this time is no exception. Whether in the past or in the future, Shurima will only have one king, and that is you, the Ascended Queen Setaka."

"Since you're willing to submit to me, why do you always contradict me?"

"Because beyond the relationship between ruler and subject, you and I are also close friends."

"Now, as a friend, I'd like to ask you for a favor."

"I'm open to anything except taking your place."

"I will personally lead an expedition to Icathia to quell the rebels there. During my absence, I hope you can help me manage state affairs."

"I refuse." Aatrox said without hesitation.

"Why? Why didn't you agree to send troops? Now you won't even agree to this small thing?"

Are you planning to go alone?

Shetaka remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement. He then explained, "The three Celestial Warrior I sent all perished. Only my form is different from yours."

"So you think you can win? Or do you just want to make up for your guilt, even if you die?"

"Alright, Aatrox, stop nagging me. If you have a solution, just say it. Constantly rejecting me makes me feel like you hate me."

"Two paths: either ignore them, and these ruthless villains will inevitably bring about their own destruction; or send a large army to annihilate them with overwhelming force!"

"What if there are rebellions elsewhere?"

"Once they witness the power of the Empire, they will reconsider. Not all places are as reckless as Icathia. Besides, if someone does rebel, I will send people to deal with it."

For Shetaka, Aatrox was both Teacher and a close friend. When they met, he was very stingy with his praise and affirmation, but he offered her his full support behind the scenes.

Shetaka didn't understand Aatrox's actions; she simply craved his support and affirmation, just as she had once supported him in becoming Ascended.

In the next scene, I arrived at Sun City, and the scene I witnessed was breathtaking.

Beneath the sacred and solemn Sun Disc, dozens of Ascended stood proudly.

They were all in an ascended posture, the smallest of them being several times taller than ordinary people, and the weapons in their hands emitted a dazzling light, causing all mortals to tremble!