The Only Way Out

After the investiture was completed, everyone returned to their posts to attend to their duties. The palace was much quieter, with even servants rarely seen, perhaps frightened by the disaster and fleeing for their lives. 🐚🐠 ☞🐧

Besides Dali's army, the King's army also suffered heavy losses this time, with many of its commanders killed or wounded. Jarvan wanted Riven and me to take on important positions, but we refused.

I've already waded into very deep waters. I originally came here just to see Fiora, but I've ended up playing the role of a peace negotiator.

What's most infuriating is that the king broke his promise, making us look like petty people.

Of course, as a friend, I'm willing to help Jarvan through this difficult time, especially after learning about his dream; I think we have a deeper connection now.

News of setbacks continued to arrive. Towns captured during the encirclement campaign were once again seized by mages. Two of the first three lines of defense were gradually lost, and the defenders began to defend the last three lines, which included Silver City as the final barrier.

Jarvan attempted to negotiate with Sylas again, albeit in a very unseemly manner, but he had no other choice.

Unsurprisingly, Sylas refused. He wanted to establish a nation of mages, turning Demacia into a magical capital.

Finally, after the third line of defense fell, Jarvan could no longer tolerate it and convened another military meeting.

This is the third time in a week.

There weren't many people present; they were all representatives from various families. The current situation no longer allowed people to leave the front lines.

As with previous meetings, no one had any good ideas. Due to the breach of trust last time, not only were peace talks impossible, but even surrender was out of the question.

These sorcerers executed all the nobles who hadn't managed to escape wherever they went, demonstrating their resolve.

The rise and fall of Demacia, which had lasted for three hundred years, happened in just a few months, a change that shocked the entire Runeterra.

And this time, it's a catastrophe.

Everyone remained silent, waiting for Jarvan to announce the end of the meeting, but he didn't. After a long silence, he said to me, "Yasuo, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Speak. If it's about assassinating Sylas, forget it. I don't think I have the ability."

"I want you to go to the Noxus military camp and hope they can help us. As a fellow nation that reveres magic, they should have a way to deal with Sylas."

So we've ended up back here? If the king had listened to my advice, this calamity wouldn't have happened.

But such sarcastic remarks are best left unsaid; saying them aloud would be too hurtful, "Then I'll go there and hope they'll be willing to lend a hand."

This time, when Jarvan proposed this plan, not a single person objected. It was better to be ruled by Noxus than to fall into the hands of these Rebel Army.

Currently, only the eastern region of Demacia remains relatively peaceful, because Darius's large army guards this area, and the mages are unwilling to provoke him.

It's already deep winter. Although Demacia isn't as cold as Freljord, the frost on the grass has still turned my hair white.

"Haha, now we're the same." Riven, whose hair was originally white, smiled at me.

"I hope it will be the same in the future," I said softly.

Riven and I rushed to the War Axe Legion. Kled was "teaching Darius a lesson." It's amazing that this warmonger could endure it for so long.

Upon seeing our return, Kled shifted his focus, seemingly quite upset about our abrupt departure:

"I was so surprised to see you two alive and back; I thought those mages had killed you."

"I haven't mastered the Uniform Strength yet, I can't bear to die." I quickly tried to get on his good side.

Sure enough, Kled softened considerably upon hearing this. "Hmph, I'm not teaching you anymore. What brings you back?"

"I think now is a good opportunity to conquer Demacia. They've both been weakened, especially the nobles who are barely able to resist."

"I've said that before, but I can't persuade this blockhead."

Darius, who hadn't said a word until now, looked at us with a grin. "You've come to call for reinforcements, haven't you, Yasuo?"

"Yes, the King of Demacia has been killed in battle, and the new Jarvan IV has requested your assistance." I didn't beat around the bush, but I didn't expect it to displease Kled.

"Well, Yasuo, so you've come here as a persuader? You were just telling me that now is a great opportunity to conquer Demacia!"

"Don't worry, General Kled, I'm right. Besides, I don't have any good feelings towards them; I just have a few close friends..."

I briefly recounted my experiences in Demacia these past few days, Kled kept looking down on them with contempt. "Serves them right, those hypocritical Demacia."

Darius didn't rush to send troops, casually saying, "You should stay here for now. I went to great lengths to persuade General Kled to stay; you mustn't ruin my plans."

"Are we still going to wait? They're about to give up."

"The reason I'm waiting is because Demacia still has a considerable amount of power; with three hundred years of accumulated strength, it's impossible that they only have the Nullstone as a trump card."

"You want to drive them to a dead end?"

"That's one aspect. On the other hand, this mage unit is different from other mages. Not only are they immune to anti- Nullstone, but they can also use them in combat. Therefore, our mage unit cannot compete with them and can only rely on our warriors to win."

These words displeased Kled: "What's so scary about that? Our warriors are seasoned veterans, and their resistance to magic is outstanding."

"That's true, but it would come at a great cost. Why not wait? It's much simpler to win by letting time do the work."

Actually, when I came here this time, I knew Darius wouldn't easily send troops; otherwise, given his strategic vision, he wouldn't need anyone to persuade him. Of course, I also came prepared:

"As a seasoned general, I need not waste my breath, but there is one thing I want to tell you: we cannot allow Demacia to perish."

"Oh? Why?"

"Because Jarvan IV had a dream, the same dream as yours and mine."

"What?! You mean he has some kind of connection with us?" Darius couldn't contain himself upon hearing this.

This dream has troubled him for a long time. Even though he knows the details well, he still wakes up in fright every time he dreams of it, as if it's a nightmare he can't shake off.

"I think so. This is no coincidence. If the world-changing event you mentioned is about to occur, then Jarvan will undoubtedly be an indispensable person."

"Hehe, this is interesting. It turns out that we weren't the only ones having this dream; there was also the Prince of Demacia, and perhaps even more. Once we're all gathered together, will the disaster from the dream come true?"

"I don't want to be burned by those flames, and of course, being frozen in ice doesn't feel good either."

"Alright, since that's the case, I won't wait any longer. Issue the order to break camp and advance!"