Chapter Forty-Three, A Difficult Choice

The old mage looked at Pero and said, "Child, I'm not optimistic about the World Rune. Historically, whenever a World Rune appears, it causes bloodshed. Countless mages will rush over like rabid dogs drawn by the scent of blood. This is not good for us."

Pero said unwillingly, "Teacher, my dream is to use Aero-Walk one more time and return to the embrace of the sky. The World Rune can help me achieve my dream, and I will not give up."

The old mage said, "Child, if we can't get the World Rune, let's climb Mount Targon together to find the Twilight Spirit. I'll do everything in my power, even if it costs me this old life, to help you get better."

Pero knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably, "Teacher, I'm just a cripple. I'm not worth you doing this."

The old mage looked at his proud disciple before him and fell into memories. Back then, Pero followed him to learn magic. It had to be said that Pero's magical talent was very high, and he learned spells with twice the result for half the effort. But what comforted him the most was Pero's attitude towards magic. Pero always maintained humility and desire for magic. No matter what kind of magic it was, Pero could maintain that humble heart to explore and learn. But ever since Pero was severely injured by a mage and could no longer use magic, Pero had changed. To help Pero recover, he traveled all over Runeterra to find a cure for his disciple, but all he got was one answer: climb Mount Targon and find the ancient Twilight Spirit. This was undoubtedly an impossible task for Pero. Setting aside whether he could even climb Mount Targon, who knew if the Twilight Spirit was even at the summit of Mount Targon? Later, Pero left him. The Pero who was once full of curiosity about this world suddenly disappeared. He came to Bilgewater alone and established Red Hat. The last time Pero found him, he still remembered the smile on Pero's face and the hope in his eyes. Pero told him about the World Rune. The old mage had also heard of the World Rune, a legendary item among mages. The power of the World Rune could erase all existence in Runeterra. He worried that Pero would lose himself because of this power. Pero dreamed of using magic again; it had become his obsession. What would a gang leader do if he obtained the World Rune? The old mage dared not imagine, nor did he wish to imagine.

The old mage had never given up on Pero in his heart. In Bilgewater, Pero was a gang leader, but before him, Pero always maintained the heart of a disciple. Even if he couldn't obtain the World Rune, he would take Pero to climb the Cloud-Piercing Mount Targon.

Kayn watched the master and disciple from the shadows and smiled before walking out of the basement. Once upon a time, Zed was also such a mentor, strict yet kind. Kayn gave up the idea of assassinating the old mage. Such a kind teacher, Kayn could not bring himself to strike.

Jiang Chuan was waiting for Kayn in a nearby alley. Soon, Kayn appeared in the alley. Jiang Chuan smiled and said, "How is it? Did you find him?"

Kayn placed his scythe behind his back and said, "I found him, but I didn't kill him."

Jiang Chuan frowned, "Did something unexpected happen?"

Kayn nodded, "Indeed. I discovered Pero's secret. He is a mage who cannot use magic."

Jiang Chuan asked curiously, "A mage who cannot use magic?"

Kayn nodded, "Yes, Pero has lost the ability to use magic. The mage of Red Hat is his former teacher. That old man is a good person and a good master. Moreover, I heard that there are only two ways to allow Pero to regain the favor of magic."

Jiang Chuan smiled, "Is that so? What are the methods?"

Kayn smiled, "Both methods are impractical. The first is to ascend Mount Targon and find the Twilight Spirit. The second is to find the World Rune."

Jiang Chuan took out his mask, put it on, and smiled, "It seems there's no need to fight Red Hat to the death. Let's go meet this mage."

Kayn smiled and returned to Jiang Chuan's shadow.

Jiang Chuan walked out of the alley and arrived at the Red Hat headquarters building. He said to a receptionist, "Tell your boss that someone from the Dark Sea Throne is here to visit."

The receptionist looked at the mask on Jiang Chuan's face in terror and stammered, "Dark...Dark Sea...Throne!"

Jiang Chuan slapped the table and said, "Didn't you hear me? Call your boss!"

Just then, a refined-looking person wearing glasses walked over and said to the receptionist, "Leave this to me. You go attend to other matters."

The person smiled at Jiang Chuan and said, "Leader of the Dark Sea Throne, it's been a long time. I am Esther, the person in charge here. Please come this way. May I know your name?"

Jiang Chuan smiled, "You can call me Roland."

Esther smiled, "Leader Roland is truly a ruthless person. With only a hundred men, you had our Red Hat in disarray."

Jiang Chuan smiled, "This was all a misunderstanding. I'm here this time to discuss cooperation with you."

Esther brought Jiang Chuan to Pero's office and said, "Please wait a moment, leader Roland. The boss will be here shortly."

Esther ran to the basement and found Pero, saying, "Boss, the leader of the Dark Sea Throne, Roland, is waiting for you in the office. It looks like he's here to negotiate!"

Pero sneered and laughed, "Negotiate? Fine, let him bleed this time."

Pero arrived at the office. Jiang Chuan sat in a chair, waiting. Pero, holding a wine glass, poured himself a drink and chuckled, "Leader Roland, what brings you here today?"

Jiang Chuan smiled, "There have been some minor conflicts between our two groups recently. We're mainly here to reconcile. After all, it's better to resolve enmities than to create them."

Pero took a sip of wine, the sweet liquor as pleasant as his current mood. "Leader Roland, the losses your Dark Sea Throne has caused us are not something a few Gold Coins can settle."

Jiang Chuan said calmly, "I know what you want. Isn't it the map to the World Rune!"

Pero smiled and said, "Since you know about the World Rune, let's be direct. You must return the map of the World Rune to me, as well as your Dark Sea Throne's weapons. We'll discuss other compensation separately."

Jiang Chuan laughed, "Pero, I think you've misunderstood my intention. I'm here to acquire your organization this time. The Dark Sea Throne will not pay any compensation."

Pero burst into laughter, "Hahahaha, Leader Roland, have you lost your mind? You're in the Red Hat headquarters right now! This is not a place where you get to call the shots."

Jiang Chuan tapped the table and laughed, "Don't you want to cast magic again? Even a weak Fireball spell?"

Pero froze in place, his laughing expression solidifying on his face, looking utterly comical.

Jiang Chuan continued, "I have a way to restore your ability to use magic. Are you sure you don't need it? Besides, your teacher is not young anymore and can't withstand attacks from assassins."

Pero roared ferociously, "How do you know that! I've never mentioned this to anyone!"

Jiang Chuan stood up and patted Pero's shoulder. "Calm down, don't be so agitated. You have to believe I have a 100% guarantee of restoring your magic-using ability. You'd best consider it."

Pero's previous confidence vanished instantly. Jiang Chuan's words drained all his strength. Pero slumped onto the sofa, powerless. On one hand, there was the temptation of magic; on the other, his years of hard work building his organization. It was a difficult choice. Human nature is always greedy.

Jiang Chuan stood at the doorway and looked back, "Think about it. You'll have to choose between magic and your gang. Pero, don't be so greedy, don't you think? I'll wait for your news in the slums."