Three-Way Battle

The same Watchers came to deliver the message; though old, he moved with surprising agility.

"Chief, there's been a disturbance coming from the southern part of the barrier! Intruders are here!"

"Another one? That's strange. Two people have come in just one month. Are they your friends, kid?"

"No, I always act alone. 👍☺ 🌷★"

"Then you two wait for me a moment, and we'll discuss leaving later."

After Gugunir and the Watchers left, I told Huo Su about going to the outside world.

Her mind is now very firm, especially after seeing the vast scenery outside, she wants to go out and see it even more.

As for Gugunir, he would definitely be reluctant to part with him, but if Huo Su insists, it shouldn't be a big problem.

"I know my father doesn't want me to leave, otherwise he wouldn't have broken off the engagement, but I don't want to live in Hearth-Home forever. I want to travel to that place called Runeterra!"

"Yes, tell him your determination when he comes back. I believe he won't try to stop you."

We chatted for quite a while, but Gugunir still hadn't returned. What happened?

Did we encounter a troublesome person, or were they deliberately leaving us stranded here?

To avoid getting bored, I told Huo Su some interesting stories about customs from different places.

Examples include Demacia's Nullstone, Noxus's gladiatorial arena, Shurima's vast desert, Ionia's primal atmosphere, Piltover's technology, and Bill's fleet.

Although the presentation wasn't particularly brilliant, she listened intently, but a question arose:

We've been chatting from morning till afternoon, why isn't Gugunir back yet?

Finally Huo Su couldn't wait any longer and decided to go outside to look for what had happened.

The Watchers just reported a disturbance in the southern part of the barrier, so we rushed over there.

The scenery around Hearth-Home is pretty much the same; once you leave the basin, there's a vast snowfield followed by towering mountains.

When we reached the foot of the mountain, we found people fighting ahead!

Had Gugunir been fighting this intruder all day?

Huo Su ran over quickly, and I couldn't keep up even with all my strength. Running on the snow was too tiring!

But when I got closer, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the person who came was an acquaintance:

Tam.

Tam told me many things about the Hearth-Home, and he was the first to tell me about Huo Su's identity.

Strangely, he said he came here many years ago, before Huo Su was even born!

Is this the second time they've come? If so, why are they fighting Gugunir again?

I just watched them fight from the sidelines. As evening approached, Gugunir couldn't hold on any longer.

He activated his giant ram stance, greatly increasing his strength and speed, and his entire body turned bright red.

Tam Kench, on the other hand, appeared calm and composed. His rounded figure seemed clumsy, but his defensive capabilities were frighteningly high.

Back then, Huo Su could send Teacher Yu flying with a single punch when he activated his Giant Sheep form, so Gugunir is definitely stronger than Huo Su.

But such a powerful punch to Tam's stomach only made him stagger back a few steps? Huo Su was very surprised:

"Who is this person? This is the first time I've seen Father struggle like this! And even his full-force attack in his giant sheep form failed!"

"There are many powerful people out there. You'd better adopt a humble attitude, or we'll suffer."

I don't know if Huo Su listened to me carefully, but I didn't see any fear on her face. Instead, I saw a lot of anticipation.

The fierce battle continued until sunset, when it finally ended. Gugunir returned to his original form, lying on the ground panting heavily, looking extremely exhausted.

Tam wasn't completely unharmed, but he had many rare medicines. He took out a small bottle, swallowed a few pills, and felt much better afterward.

"How are things, friend? May I leave now?"

"Sure, sure, you're too strong. I'm no match for you. But I hope you can stay for a few days, as a gesture of hospitality."

"No problem, it would be a shame not to visit such a beautiful place."

At this moment, Huo Su ran over, first helping her father up, then asking Tam:

Are you the most powerful person in the outside world?

"The strongest? Hah, there are countless people stronger than me!"

"Just as Ezreal said! I'm going to go out and challenge those strong individuals!"

"That's a difficult and long road..."

After a brief chat, we Huo Su's house together, introducing ourselves along the way.

Tam Kench immediately recognized that I wasn't from People of Furnace Village: "Judging by your appearance, are you Demacia? And you even have some Freljord blood."

"We're about the same in terms of lineage, but I'm from Piltover."

"Oh, so you're from the City of Progress. You also wandered in by accident, just like me?"

"Yes, I've been here for almost a month, and I'm just about to leave!"

"Let's continue living here; things aren't very peaceful outside lately."

Hearing Tam's words immediately reminded me of the Noxus war; I wonder how far it's progressed.

Is there a war going on outside?

"Yes, Noxus launched an invasion of Demacia, and the fighting is fierce. Now even Freljord has joined the fray."

"A three-way free-for-all?"

"Pretty much. Their relationship is quite delicate right now, and this is the safest place."

I was completely baffled; I had never seen a battle like this before.

Does everything change because I've changed?

What about all my previous efforts?

What will happen to the Shadow Isles? What will happen to the Vastaya? What will happen to the Void?

Three mountains immediately weighed on my heart, making it hard for me to breathe.

Huo Su noticed that my expression was off and quickly asked, "What's wrong, Ezreal? Do you have any family or friends in these places?"

"Yes, I need to leave quickly, and preferably stop them!"

I don't plan to Huo Su's house. I want to ask Gugunir to let me leave.

He seemed surprised by what I said, "Leaving is no problem, but you said you want to stop the war outside? Did I hear you correctly?"

"That's right, there's an even bigger threat outside. We can't let them continue fighting like this. I'm sorry, Huo Su, I can't accompany you on your travels anymore. You should stay here for now."

"What are you saying, Ezreal! I'm going with you. With your small frame, you probably need a bodyguard, right?"

"Thanks."

Seeing how earnest she was, I was deeply moved.

Huo Su is right. I'm too weak right now. It might be better if she's with me.

I also want to bring Tam along; with his help, things will be much more reliable.

But how should I tell him?

I can't use Zhao Xin or Yasuo's identities right now, so the only option I can think of is the gladiator arena:

"Mr. Tam, I've been to the Doco Arena a few times before. You must be the owner there?"