Chapter Twelve, Journey to Demacia

Jiang Chuan and Novia agreed to set sail for Demacia on his ship today.

Before sunrise, the ship was already anchored in the harbor. The captain stood excitedly on the deck, directing the sailors as they loaded cargo. He knew this voyage was destined to make him a fortune.

Jiang Chuan had quietly moved the steam engine into the ship beforehand, with Laurie and a few capable subordinates guarding it. Jiang Chuan then brought the children onto the deck. The children had high hopes of returning home, and every child's face was beaming with happiness.

Jiang Chuan said to the other children, "Don't be sad, and don't be discouraged. From now on, Bloodfang Island will be our home. No more wicked people will harm you. I swear by the name of Sun Wukong."

After Jiang Chuan told the children stories about Sun Wukong that night, they all grew to like the Great Sage and regarded him as an idol.

After handing the children over to Edmund, Jiang Chuan boarded the ship with over ten children.

Before long, the cargo was loaded. The captain stood on the deck and threw a Golden Siren into the sea.

This was a rule in Bilgewater. Every captain setting sail had to throw a gold coin, a Golden Siren, into the sea to seek the protection of Lady Beard. Captains called this tithing. Ships that didn't pay this tax could only travel with the Titans in the deep sea.

Jiang Chuan stood on the deck, staring blankly at the distant sea. The thought of spending three months on this vast ocean made him feel miserable. If it were a luxurious modern cruise ship, Jiang Chuan would be willing to stay for a lifetime, but being on this ancient sailing ship for three months was truly unbearable. Jiang Chuan already felt his stomach churning...

Wilkoster, a member of the Dauntless Vanguard, hailed from the noble Crown Guard family, just like Garen. Wilkoster was a true war machine. In the past, Wilkoster was an upright and sunny Demacian boy, but fate seemed to want to temper him, and misfortune befell him. During one of Wilkoster's missions, misfortune quietly struck...

On a quiet and peaceful morning, the rising sun illuminated the land. Under the warm morning sun, Wilkotes, tall and sturdy, wore a look of glory on his resolute face. Today was the day Wilkotes would officially join the Dauntless Vanguard, a day he had waited for a very long time. He had once wreaked havoc in the Noxian legions, and after successfully escaping a heavy encirclement, he delivered intelligence to the barracks. After taking a drink of water, he plunged back into battle. It was after this battle that Wilkoster earned the qualification to join the Dauntless Vanguard!

Under the sunlight, Wilkoster excitedly said to his father, "Father! Today I will join the Dauntless Vanguard. I will stand at the forefront of Demacia and, together with the Dauntless Vanguard, crush our enemies and make the name of the Crown Guard family resound throughout the battlefield!"

Wilkoster stood straight as a sharp sword and said, "Kotes, my son, I am proud of you. When I was young, I also joined the Dauntless Vanguard like you and became the bravest warrior. We are the blades of the kingdom, the swords in His Majesty's hand! Son, from now on, you will be one of Demacia's valiant warriors. You and Garen will become the pride of our Crown Guard family, and you will write a brilliant chapter in our family history!"

Wilkotes performed a knight's salute and said solemnly, "Father, I will not bring shame upon Demacia!"

Kaster patted his son's shoulder and said, "Father is old and can no longer protect your mother and sister. I fear my time is short. After I die in a few years, you will have to take care of your mother and sister."

Wilkoster supported Kaster and said, "Father, what are you saying? You look perfectly fine. Even if a Noxian soldier appeared right now, you could still knock him to the ground."

Kaster coughed and said weakly, "I know my own body. I caught a cold a few years ago and haven't recovered. I probably don't have many years left. When I was young, your uncle and I were His Majesty's right-hand men, and we experienced countless battles. Now that I'm old, I don't have to listen to your uncle constantly boasting about his minor achievements. I've heard it for decades, and my ears are calloused."

Koster and his father strolled on the grass. Koster said, "Father, what are you talking about? Ever since we were young, Garen and I have looked up to you as role models. In our hearts, you are both heroes. I still remember the heroic deeds you told me about when I was little."

Kaster waved his hand. "Do you remember the basement behind my bookshelf?"

Koster scratched his head. "I remember you scolded me loudly when I accidentally went in there as a child."

Kaster chuckled. "That's good. After I die, that basement will be your office, and so will it be for your son in the future. I can't tell you the specific reasons now; you'll understand when the time comes. I'll sit here and rest for a while. You go and bring your mother and Meili over."

Koster: "Yes, Father."

Later, Koster spent a pleasant morning on the grass with his father, mother, and young, adorable sister.

Two days later, Koster received news that his father, mother, and sister had been attacked by pirates. No one on the ship survived. This news was like a bolt from the blue for Koster. His family, who had spoken to him just two days prior, were suddenly gone from this world. This was a huge blow to Koster. In his grief, Koster remembered the basement his father had mentioned.

Koster took a day off from the Dauntless Vanguard and returned home, going to the basement his father had spoken of.

Koster opened the basement. It was filled with books, with a large table in the middle. On the table lay a letter. Koster opened it, and the familiar handwriting of his father greeted him.

"My dearest Koster, my proud son, by the time you read this letter, I will be dead. Do not grieve for me. Brave Dauntless Vanguard warriors always die on the battlefield, always die in front of our people!"

"My uncle and I accidentally discovered that Demacia was not as peaceful as it seemed. Noxus had planted many eyes within our kingdom. After we discovered them, we reported to His Majesty the King. His Majesty ordered our Crown Guard family to establish an investigation department to catch all those eyes! But as we explored, we discovered that Demacia's enemies were not just Noxus and those barbarians, but also Dark Creatures! Those Dark Creatures were far more terrifying than the Noxians. They had hideous faces and immense power. The more we learned about them, the more our hearts trembled. They had no human thoughts or consciousness; they only knew destruction and slaughter. Your uncle and I spent most of our lives fighting Dark Creatures, but they seemed endless. Your other uncle died at their hands. Of the three brothers, only my elder brother and I were left. At that time, we were still fighting Noxus. If people knew about the Dark Creatures, their morale would surely collapse. We had no choice but to blame the death of your uncle on Noxian mages. My elder brother and I spent our lives dealing with these damned scum. I also sustained hidden injuries from countless battles. But you must remember, from now on, you will bear this responsibility. Only a few people know about this responsibility, but its honor is greater than the honor of repelling the Noxian army! Your elder brother will discuss the specific matters with you."

"For Demacia!"

"Your loving father, Wilcaster, Crown Guard"

Koster put the letter in his embrace and said, sobbing uncontrollably, "Father, Mother, Meili, I will surely cut into a thousand pieces anyone who harmed you! I will avenge you!"