Enemy Approaches

In my memory, it wasn't long ago that I was wandering with Poppy, encountering Akali and her mother, and experiencing many things. Now, six years have passed, and I wonder what this place has become.

The Kinkou Order is the largest sect in Prexian. During the last war, the elders strictly forbade disciples from participating. This time, Shen has joined the allied forces, and he will surely become Katarina's target. Riven's map also indicates that the nearby routes will become ambush sites.

Along the way, I heard a lot of news about the war: Swain's army marched deep into the land, conquering a large area in the west, and it won't be long before they attack Prexian—the place where he was defeated last time.

Surprisingly, this time the Noxian army maintained strict discipline, committing no outrages wherever they passed.

As Swain told me before: as long as people give up resistance, he will never kill innocents. This led many factions unwilling to participate in the war to surrender directly.

Prexian now is completely different from when I first came. Before, the people here were very lax. The absence of an army meant no officials or administrators, and people enjoyed great freedom as long as they didn't violate everyday ethics.

Of course, freedom comes at a price, such as crime and sudden death.

Although the existence of many religious sects to some extent solved this problem, these sects had different values, sometimes leading to greater conflicts and bloodshed.

Now, people have put aside their differences and united spontaneously. Guards can be seen everywhere. Last time they were heroes of resistance, and this time they still want to defend their homes.

Irelia led the remnants of the army and the people here to form a new front. I didn't go to find her, bypass the allied forces, and head directly to the Kinkou Monastery to prevent another surprise attack from behind.

The northern suburbs of Prexian were as peaceful as ever. When we arrived at the Kinkou Monastery, we found no trace of Katarina and her group. It seems she hasn't arrived yet; she might be attacking other sects, or she might be on her way.

Returning to a familiar place, I felt the twists and turns of my journey.

The events of the past are still vivid in my mind, yet six years have passed. The atmosphere was tense back then, but now there is no hostility.

The Kinkou Monastery no longer had the tense atmosphere it once did. Of course, this doesn't mean there was no one on guard; in fact, we had already entered their surveillance range.

Someone had been quietly following us outside the monastery, and now, upon entering, the follower revealed herself: a young girl, just over ten years old.

She was small and slender, with features somewhat similar to mine. A neat little braid was tied at the back of her head, her hair dark and shiny.

"Who are you, and why have you come to the Kinkou Order?"

As soon as the girl finished speaking, the main courtyard gate opened, and a short figure emerged. "Xiao Li, don't be rude. They mean no harm."

Reuniting with old acquaintances, these two were Akali and Kennen.

Seeing them safe and sound brought me a surge of joy, but then I felt a bit awkward because I already knew Yasuo was Akali's father.

Although I tried hard to deny this relationship in my heart, the facts could not be changed. Moreover, Irelia knew about it, so it couldn't be kept secret.

Kennen glanced at us and clasped his hands together in greeting. "I am Kennen, the abbot of the Kinkou Order. What brings you here from afar?"

"Master Kennen, I am Yasuo of the Wind Sword Sect. I have an important matter to discuss. According to reliable information, this place will be attacked by Noxians. To avoid casualties, please prepare as soon as possible."

"Attacked? When?"

"It's hard to say the exact time, but probably soon."

As we were talking, someone suddenly reported from outside, "Reporting to the abbot, two suspicious individuals have been spotted in the northwest direction of the monastery. They are one tall and one short, and their clothing suggests they are not Ionians."

"The short one is a Yordle. I can sense the aura of my own kind. Are these two the invaders you mentioned, Yasuo?" Kennen asked me with a hint of confusion.

I wasn't sure either, so I looked at Riven. She frowned. "Katarina's squad should be the largest. It's unlikely there are only two people. I don't think it's her."

"Whether they are invaders or not, since they are acting suspiciously, we should be prepared. If they are here to help, like you, that's best. If not, we won't be caught off guard. Everyone, prepare yourselves!"

Kennen ordered the Kinkou disciples to prepare for battle. The opponents were only two people. If they were enemies, they must be very confident in their strength, especially with a Yordle among them.

Perhaps most of the Kinkou Order disciples had gone to participate in the war, so there weren't many people in the courtyard. They all found concealed positions. Riven, Master Yi, and I went out to meet them with Kennen.

Before the two got close, I knew one of them was Katarina; her red hair was too distinctive. Riven also recognized her. "Yes, it's her!"

As they got a little closer, I realized the other person was also familiar: his comical gait, short stature, and fearsome face—it was Kled!

No wonder they dared to come with just two people; they had the formidable Yordle, Kled!

Riven was very confused. "General Kled wasn't supposed to be attacking Demacia with Darius? Why is he here?"

Kennen looked serious, lost in thought. I remembered Poppy saying that he and Kled were Yordles born at the same time, and they had a good relationship. What would happen now that they were reunited?

Clearly, Kled had also sensed Kennen's aura and strode over. His attire was the same as before, with a tall hat on his head. His fierce face sent a chill down one's spine, and the sharp steel blade in his hand gleamed.

"I smelled the aura of my own kind from afar. I wondered who it was, but it turns out to be my old friend. Haven't we seen each other for several hundred years? Oh, no, a thousand? Well, I've forgotten, but it's great to see you, Kennen."

"Why aren't you a general in Noxus, running around in Ionia? Are you trying to forcibly occupy this place? Are you here to attack the Kinkou Order today?"

"You're still the same. We haven't seen each other for so many years, and isn't this a moment to be happy? You start talking about fighting and killing right away, how boring." Kled seemed like a different person now. I remembered he wouldn't speak so politely to others when we last met.

"Fighting and killing are indeed boring. Since you're not here to fight, you must be here to catch up. Please come in..."

"Well... actually, I came here to fight. Who knew I'd meet you here? For the sake of our many years of friendship, I have no choice but to give up fighting. You should just surrender to Noxus."