A Miracle of Ascension

Just as the atmosphere was turning somber, scouts brought news that the Gogan in the east Uzer in the north had joined forces with other smaller tribes to launch an attack!

They've been sending small groups to harass us these past few days, but haven't made any major moves. Today, for some reason, they launched a large-scale attack.

Aatrox immediately organized his troops to meet the enemy. Normally, Ekko and I help guard the east while he is in charge of the north. Today, because he was too physically able to continue, he handed the troops over to Rebeca and stayed behind to coordinate and command.

Our counterattack went very smoothly; we repelled the enemy just before midnight, and we even had time to get some sleep. Aatrox, however, didn't think so.

He felt that the enemy had come with great momentum, but then retreated without much fighting. This was clearly a bluff, and they had other purposes!

Sure enough, news soon came from the southwestern front that Zerima had used all its resources to tie down Shetaka, allowing the Taynar in the west to take advantage of the situation and invade Naremajet. They would soon be entering the inner city!

Aatrox was shocked. He had thought that our side was the enemy's main target, but they had headed straight for Shetaka and even breached the city's defenses!

Despite his weakened state, he immediately led his men back to provide support. Rebeca wanted to go back with him, but they couldn't afford to lose anyone here, so they could only hope that Aatrox would fight bravely.

As dawn broke, the Gogan and Uzer gradually retreated. We dispatched troops to support Aatrox and Shetaka, but unexpectedly, the enemy there also withdrew.

Their attacks appear fierce, but they are merely using the night to disrupt our sleep, waiting until we are exhausted before launching a large-scale invasion to completely crush Naremajet.

In fact, this tactic is very effective. The defending side is always on the defensive. After these days of harassment, many soldiers could not hold on any longer, and some even began to desert.

Aatrox's health was deteriorating, and last night's battle had exacerbated the situation. Rebeca felt extremely guilty, believing that her insistence on the match had led to this predicament.

After the enemy completely retreated, we went to the city together to visit him. At this time, there were no doctors in Shurima, and the mages were the ones responsible for treating the sick.

At this moment, Aatrox was resting in the palace, with various bottles and jars on the table beside his bed. I reasonably suspect that these magical treatments had exacerbated his condition.

Rebeca looked at Aatrox with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault for insisting on the match and making you like this."

"You actually apologized to me, little girl? That's not like you at all, haha... Actually, I'd rather have died in yesterday's match; that would have saved me a lot of suffering."

"Are you really... beyond saving?"

"That seems to be the case for now, but I am waiting for divine blessings."

"A blessing from the gods?"

Let me explain!

We had just arrived when Shetaka came too. She overheard Rebeca's question and took over the conversation:

"Are you the girl from Ixtal?"

"Yes, my name is Rebeca, the current chieftain of Ixtal. And you are?"

"I am Shetaka, Queen of Naremajet, immortal Celestial Warrior. The divine blessing Aatrox spoke of refers to becoming like me."

"Immortal Celestial Warrior? Is the legend true?"

"It's true! In a few days, you will personally witness the birth of a new Celestial Warrior!"

Shetaka was very confident and had no concern whatsoever that Aatrox would fail.

By this time, the platform for ascent had been completed, and the casting of the Sun Disc was in its final stages. The ceremony would be held in just a few days.

At this moment, I quietly pulled Shetaka aside. "The Ascension Ritual requires the sacrifice of several assistants. Have you chosen your people?"

"The choice is made; countless people are willing to sacrifice themselves for Aatrox."

"Let's call them over sometime, and I'll tell them the ascension incantation."

"Come with me."

Shetaka and I arrived at the back garden, and the scene there was exactly the same as what I had seen in the Ascension Realm.

Soon the helpers arrived one after another. Shetaka let me choose, and I selected six of them, all of whom were older. Even so, I still felt a little reluctant to do so.

The Ascension incantation was given to me by Nasus when we helped Azir ascend. After so much time, I wasn't sure if it was correct, so I asked an Archmage to confirm it.

The mage studied it carefully from beginning to end several times, perfected it according to magical logic, and then taught it all to his assistant.

Everything is ready now, except for the completion of the Sun Disc!

The following week was a week of continuous rain, signaling the Shurima's wettest season of the year.

Thanks to this, the surrounding enemies did not launch an attack, and the Sun Disc was completed in the meantime.

Today, the seventh day, the sky finally cleared up, and the sunlight shone brightly into the puddles of all sizes.

Aatrox had endured several days of torment, and now that the weather cleared, he could no longer bear it and immediately decided to ascend!

Arriving at the familiar Naremajet Jeflyhill platform, I felt a surge of emotions. It wasn't as dilapidated as it would be in later times, and its scale was relatively small, but overall it looked pretty much the same.

This is where I first encountered Nasus, Varus, Azir, and other Ascended; it's also where I first entered the Ascended Realm, and it was the opportunity that led to my meeting with Sivir.

Now I will personally witness the ascension miracle that occurred more than two thousand years ago, and the person is Aatrox, a man who will influence the course of Runeterra's history.

Amidst my complex thoughts, everything was ready. Aatrox, amidst everyone's anticipation, slowly stepped onto the flying platform and knelt beneath the Sun Disc.

He was completely naked, revealing muscles as hard as steel, his expression calm, ready to face any consequences.

His helpers used mirrors shaped like rattles to collect sunlight and scorch Aatrox until he was burned beyond recognition.

Shetaka looked serious, while Rebeca trembled with fear, closing her eyes in terror as the endless energy from the Sun Disc poured down.

I was also very nervous, not knowing whether my participation would cause the ascension to fail, but when the sunlight faded and Aatrox stood tall again, the weight on my heart finally lifted.

The Ascension Ritual was a success!

He transformed into a moth drawn to light and heat, his golden armor and pale blue wings gleaming, and the greatsword in his hand dazzling!

This was the first time people had witnessed the miracle of ascension, and they were all utterly astonished. As Aatrox slowly descended, they all knelt down, shouting his name over and over again...