Determined to Fight

The coup failed that day, and the news quickly spread throughout Noxus. Riven heard about it, put down her work, and inquired everywhere. Later, she learned that only six people had escaped, and the long-haired Ionian was not among them.

Talon and I are both Ionians, but he has short hair, so Riven knew it was me as soon as she heard.

Distraught, she rushed to the Immortal Fortress. She didn't know the way and hadn't made any preparations. She merely asked for directions and headed south.

She traveled non-stop, not eating, drinking, or sleeping. After a few days, she finally couldn't hold on and fainted. When she woke up, she found herself in Tam's training grounds.

Tam didn't tell her how they met. He only told her that everyone except the six who escaped was dead. The news struck Riven like a bolt from the blue, plunging her into despair.

When she lost her family before, she was too young for the pain to be too deep. Later, she lived a bitter life, with no time to dwell on her grief. It wasn't until I redeemed her that she felt the warmth of family again and cherished that bond immensely.

However, we were separated after only a short time. She desperately wanted to go to the Immortal Fortress with me, but I refused because I didn't want her involved in anything related to combat.

She didn't want to defy my wishes, so she didn't insist. She only hoped I would return soon, never expecting that separation to be a final farewell.

At that time, Riven was blinded by hatred and voluntarily asked Tam to teach her martial arts, vowing to avenge me.

Tam knew she was naturally gifted for martial arts. If it weren't for my interference, he would have started "cultivating" her long ago. Naturally, he wouldn't be stingy now. He immediately had his most capable Strength, Speed, Shadow, Defense, and Precision teach her martial arts with all their might.

Driven by hatred, people can always unleash astonishing potential and fighting spirit.

Riven studied desperately, not missing any opportunity to train. Every day ended only when she was completely exhausted. This life continued for over a year, and the few people had no more skills to teach her.

In addition, Riven participated in several battles in the arena. In the bloody clashes, she gradually became cold and ruthless. After defeating each enemy, she left no survivors, earning her the title "Blood Warrior."

Darius secretly visited the arena a few times during this period, hoping Tam would supply him with more talent. They were planning a second coup and had prepared a countermeasure against the "Pale Lady":

They had purchased Nullifying Weapons from Demacia at a great cost and now needed powerful warriors to form a Nullifying Force.

When Tam called Riven out, Darius was shocked. He never expected the young girl he had redeemed to be so imposing now! Unlike a bloodthirsty beast, her face was covered in frost.

It was obvious that my death had spurred her on.

Darius promised Riven an opportunity for revenge and took her to Rappor's military camp, their new meeting place.

Once Kled assembled the army, they easily regained control of the War Axe and Black Feather before advancing towards the Immortal Fortress.

The army surrounded the palace. Brawn Darkwill committed suicide to avoid capture. Under Swain's leadership, Riven purged the Black Rose within the city, killing many and arresting quite a few, including the "Pale Lady," bound by Nullstone shackles.

Riven personally beheaded her. Beneath the veil was a rapidly aging face. With her great revenge achieved, she suddenly lost her direction. Combat had become instinct, but she no longer knew what she was fighting for.

At this time, Darius, using the excuse of fulfilling my last wish, invited her to join the War Axe. Riven accepted and became a captain in the vanguard.

Despite her young age, no one dared to defy her. The reputation of the "Blood Warrior" had already spread throughout Noxus from Doco.

After Emperor Darkwill's death, Noxus, as Darius had predicted, abolished the monarchy and established a federal system, returning to the era of the United Kingdoms.

After stabilizing the chaotic situation, Darius and the others immediately began formulating new conquest plans. Rappor continued to govern the north, Kled and Darius jointly attacked Demacia, and Swain continued the campaign to conquer Ionia. As for Freljord and Shurima, Riven was unsure.

Originally, she had planned to attack Demacia with Darius. However, with the help of Kled's legion, she was reassigned to assist Swain. After years of preparation, the campaign finally began.

In her early twenties, Riven had become an exceptionally skilled warrior.

I felt a pang of pain. I had been unable to forgive her just moments ago, but now it seemed I was the one who had turned her into this.

I suddenly remembered what Tam had told me:

"You said you wouldn't let anyone who guided her to wield a weapon go unpunished. I wish that person wasn't yourself."

Now it seemed he had foreseen the future, and all the consequences had fallen upon me.

I took her away from places of indulgence, suppressed her desire to practice martial arts, and promised to return soon upon our separation, but I failed to keep my word.

And she became like this to avenge me. What right do I have to blame her? Shouldn't I be the one consumed by self-reproach?

Not long ago, I was still hesitating about how to face this war and planned to return to seek Suma's opinion. Now that he is dead, with a heavy heart, I have decided to protect this land he loved so dearly.

After burying Suma, I quietly descended the mountain. Riven followed behind me, occasionally quickening her pace to catch up, then slowing down to create distance, her movements as cautious as when we first met.

I stopped and waited for her to catch up again before asking:

"You have grown into an excellent warrior. This is irreversible. Do you intend to continue serving Noxus or follow me to protect this land? You don't need to answer immediately. Whatever choice you make, I will respect it this time."

"I will follow you!" Riven replied without a moment's hesitation.

"Good! Then we'll go fight Swain! Your greatsword has been broken by me. Do you want a new weapon?"

"No, this sword carries my sins. I will repay them with it."

We headed directly to the Sunon Temple without resting. This time, I brought a powerful helper. I was looking forward to her Dance of Broken Wings, to reforging her broken sword.

Halfway there, I saw many people approaching. Among them were many familiar faces. These were the people who had guarded the Sunon Temple with me before. Why had they all left now?

As I was wondering, I saw Irelia. She was hurrying along with Karma and several attendants. She looked exhausted and had sustained several injuries.

What happened? Had the Sunon Temple fallen?