The Army Sets Out

Having nowhere else to go, I started staying at Darius's place, and before I knew it, more than half a month had passed. ♨♖ 😲😳

To be honest, I kind of hope that Demacia will experience internal strife, otherwise it will be difficult for me to go back, and I won't be able to know how well Fiora has recovered.

A few days later, before the Demacia civil war even began, Kled arrived, and this guy wanted to challenge me as soon as he saw me.

I just wasn't in the mood, and I hadn't improved since our last match.

When Kled realized he couldn't persuade me, he turned to Riven, and the two hit it off immediately and headed towards the training ground.

After observing for the past few days, I've noticed that Riven is very popular in the War Axe Legion. Darius has many skilled players under his command, but everyone gives her a thumbs up when she's mentioned.

It's not because Riven is better than all of them, but because she's so young and her future is limitless.

On the other hand, they cared for her like a younger sister; the cold-blooded Noxus actually have a very tender side.

No wonder Riven was in such a good mood after returning; it seems this place truly feels like home.

Should I leave her here? This thought came to my mind naturally. She was no longer the cold and ruthless Blood Warrior; there was no need for her to follow me around.

But... if she really chooses to stay, I will definitely miss her.

"I bet ten Silver Coin that Riven can last five minutes!"

"I think she can last eight minutes!"

My thoughts were interrupted by the commotion of the people. Noxus love to gamble, whether in the arena or anywhere a battle is taking place, they always have a chance to gamble.

"I bet she can last twenty minutes!" I chimed in, joining in the fun.

"Count me in, I'll bet twenty minutes too!" Darius, not wanting to be left behind.

We threw our bets into a bucket, and wow, we amassed a whole bucket of Silver Coin. They were all betting that Riven wouldn't last more than ten minutes, except for Darius and me, who seemed a bit different.

After the two clashed, these people regretted it, because Riven was no longer the Blood Warrior they knew. Now, though her greatsword was broken, she was even more fearless!

"What's wrong with Riven? Not long ago, she couldn't even last five minutes against General Kled, and now it's been almost ten minutes and she still hasn't shown any signs of weakening."

"Yeah, what a genius! He's nothing like us old folks!"

No one knows better than me how much Riven has improved during this time, but even so, I didn't expect her to keep it up for so long.

In fact, the two fought for nearly half an hour before a winner was decided. Riven's use of Uniform Strength was already showing results, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to last so long.

In the end, Darius and I split a large bucket of Silver Coin, which he exchanged for fifty gold coins at my request.

"Our currency was originally intended for internal use, but you've disrupted that balance."

"Hahaha, and you're the one talking about me? You, as a general, haven't you also made money off your subordinates?"

After Kled won, he came up to us, first praising Riven, and then criticizing Darius:

"Darius, you and Swain the same time, but after arriving here, you remained inactive, sending me to help conquer Ionia. Now that we've both returned victorious, why are you still stationed here admiring the scenery?"

"Don't rush, Lord Kled, the time isn't right yet."

"What kind of timing is this! I've never seen you so indecisive. My Sandstorm Legion will arrive in a couple of days, and we'll take Demacia together!"

"I've been here for two months and eleven days, or at the latest three months. Something must have happened to them!"

"Alright, then I'll wait a few more days. I hope you won't try to stall me with some excuse about when. If you're too afraid to advance, I'll lead the Sandstorm Army, and if we win, you won't get any credit!"

Everyone seemed used to Kled's temper, and no one came to persuade him. Darius didn't care either; being scolded by the senior didn't bother him.

As Darius had predicted, things progressed exactly as he had foreseen; less than three months later, a scout arrived with news.

The news wasn't about internal strife in Demacia, but rather that the Dauntless Vanguard had made significant progress and was intensifying their training daily, seemingly adopting an offensive posture.

Darius remained unconcerned and made no defensive moves, simply ordering his men to continue scouting.

Two days later, the spies planted in Silver City brought news that a riot had broken out in Demacia prison!

"Just as I thought, the Dauntless Vanguard Legion was merely bluffing; their main force has already withdrawn to the interior."

After Darius finished speaking, he issued the rallying order, which was simple. "Defeat them!"

The army finally set off, a mighty torrent of armored soldiers, causing the animals lurking in the wilderness to scatter in terror.

The happiest person was undoubtedly Kled, who led the elite of the Sandstorm Legion and the Battle Axe together, riding Skaarl far ahead. He was determined to personally lead the first battle.

The Dauntless Vanguard Legion set up numerous traps in the eastern mountains, but they were largely ineffective; Noxus's elite military policy ensured that every one of their warriors was exceptionally skilled.

As I walked, I worried, wondering where Fiora was and whether she had woken up.

According to Yasa Tabor, it has been almost a month now, and he should have woken up by now.

After marching through the eastern mountains for several days, Darius decided to rest and recuperate for two days before launching an attack.

I didn't stop, nor did I tell anyone, and headed to the Dauntless Vanguard alone, though Riven still caught up with me.

Why didn't you invite me?

"I don't want you to take risks with me. This trip back is fraught with danger, whether it's the Demacia manhunt or the conflict between the two armies."

"So, in your heart I'm still someone who needs to be protected? Haha."

Riven's hearty laughter brought a pang of sadness to my heart.

Was her relentless pursuit of improvement solely driven by a passion for combat? Perhaps it was to help me.

I'm always so slow to realize things, and I view all sorts of issues with a narrow perspective.

I lightly touched Riven's forehead with my fingertips, no longer treating her like a child. In fact, she was better than me in many ways.

"Thank you, but are you really okay leaving the Tomahawk? I feel like it's more like home there."

That place is indeed my home, but you are my world.

Riven's words touched my heart; I haven't felt this way in a long time.

Since my separation from Fiora, longing for her has become a habit. I don't know if I like her or just this obsession, so I've been avoiding getting entangled with Riven. But this time, it's time to face this feeling properly.

"If I could, I would be your world, where you can roam freely."

I really wanted to say those words, but in the end I didn't.

When I see Fiora again, I think I should make a choice.