172 The Medicine Taker

Yuan Chen had no doubt that Ryze's steadfastness regarding the World Rune had embodied his own unwavering commitment.

To use an analogy, Garen is like the protagonist of the Demacia region, while Swain and Irelia are like the protagonists of the Noxus and Ionia regions, respectively.

This difference in perspective stems primarily from the fact that the storyline of the League of Legends universe itself has not been effectively developed.

If we look at the Runeterra, then the character who most resembles the protagonist is Ryze.

It is found in every corner of Runeterra, and is known to both mortals and gods.

It can be said that Runeterra's current prosperity is entirely built on Ryze's selfless dedication.

"But he was also paranoid."

Yuan Chen explained to the crowd in front of him:

Before Ryze resolved to become the protector of Runeterra, his mentor, who treated him like a son, constantly taught him about the dangers of the World Rune. His mentor also tirelessly traveled to various countries during the era of the Rune Wars in an effort to seal the World Rune and reduce war.

"At that time, his master already possessed two World Rune... Through prolonged contact, the energy of the World Rune infected Ryze's master, turning this scholar who had enlightened and taught Ryze into a slave to power, just like other rune holders."

"Then, Ryze killed his master with his own hands."

As he spoke, Yuan Chen looked at the Uroa's Elixir in front of him and said in a somewhat strained voice:

"The Uroa's Elixir itself is an arcane remnant distorted by the World Rune; once ingested, one will inevitably be tainted by the World Rune."

Can't we talk?

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Qiyana, standing to the side, asked with some confusion:

"No matter how obsessive he is, it's for the safety of all of Ixialia. If Ryze is determined to protect Runeterra, he should be able to understand the necessary sacrifices to gain power."

"Ryze made many friends while wandering Runeterra."

Yuan Chen glanced at Qiyana, but instead of answering directly, he began to recount a part of Ryze's past.

"That happened in Freljord. A friend of Ryze's obtained World Rune... or rather, just a small fragment of World Rune. Ryze found it and went to ask for it."

"I won't go into the details, but my friend didn't want to give the runes to Ryze because the area was a troll camp. Without the runes' protection, the trolls and the native beasts of Freljord would kill and devour them in an instant."

"And then?" Qiyana asked softly.

"Ryze forcibly took the rune, and when his friend resisted, Ryze killed him."

As he spoke, Yuan Chen picked up the Uroa's Elixir in his hand and continued:

"That settlement has ninety-two people, many children, and three pregnant women... This is what Ryze's old friend told Ryze personally."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, everyone felt a momentary sense of suffocation. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, they could more or less guess the cruelty these elderly, children, and pregnant women would face without the protection of the runes...

"Can't Ryze bring them along?"

Qiyana, standing nearby, couldn't help but ask:

"He can do it, right?"

"Indeed, some children have asked Ryze that question."

Yuan Chen replied:

Ryze paused only briefly before continuing on his way—he called his remaining compassion "irrational."

"And, many people have misunderstood one point."

Yuan Chen added:

"Ryze is a powerful mage, but his skill level hasn't surpassed the limits of mortals... unless he's willing to accept and unleash the power of the runes."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Sem Therm finally shook his head.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he spoke softly:

"But he won't... because sealing, hiding, and destroying all the runes is precisely the reason he insists on it."

"But Ixialia is facing the danger of collapse!"

Qiyana gritted her teeth, somewhat unwilling, and said:

"Does he intend to watch so many people die?!"

"He compared the whole world to Ixialia."

Yuan Chen shook his head:

"Unless Ixialia is the whole world, he will not waver."

Upon hearing this, after a long silence, Sem Serm suddenly burst into laughter.

Although it was only a brief laugh, it still attracted everyone's attention in that environment and atmosphere.

"Why does the wise man laugh?" asked a scholar standing nearby.

To this, Sem Therm stroked his beard gently and said:

"Actually, I've always been puzzled as to why the powerful and great people in my mind are always so... eccentric? Or perhaps 'unique' would be a more accurate description."

"Now it seems... it's because they saw too much."

Sem Serm looked towards the door and said:

"The wandering mage Ryze has witnessed too many tragedies, too many people who would ruthlessly sacrifice half of themselves for the sake of justice in order to protect the world. Lady Nila has seen the true nature of the Nascent Demon, even one capable of slaughtering a top demigod like Kah'Mu, who could only alleviate her twisted ecstasy through endless prayer..."

"Lord Yuan Chen, and what about you?"

Sem looked at Yuan Chen and asked, "You have seen so much of the future, yet you still maintain such peace... But beneath this peace, what are your plans?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen merely glanced at Sem, then shook his head indifferently and said:

"I'm not at their level... I just want to save... as many people as possible."

"Is it about saving as many as possible... or saving them all?"

Sem looked at Yuan Chen and helped Yuan Chen correct Yuan Chen's truest thoughts.

"... They're all about the same."

Yuan Chen shook his head and said:

"Discussing this now is pointless. The most important thing right now is how to make good use of this potion."

While Yuan Chen was still speaking, Qiyana, after a long silence as she gazed at the potion on the table in front of her, also shook her head.

He then decisively picked up the potion, and before Yuan Chen could stop him, he popped the stopper off and made as if to drink it all in one gulp.

"Qiyana!"

Upon seeing Qiyana's movement, Yuan Chen subconsciously reached out his palm. The next moment, several Flowing Water surged from the surrounding atmosphere, wrapping around Qiyana's arm and preventing her from moving an inch.

"Let me go!" Qiyana said decisively.

"Since it's for Ixialia, someone has to drink! Am I supposed to give this opportunity to someone else? You might as well kill me if I become Queen of Ixialia by sacrificing those less capable than me!"

Qiyana stared at Yuan Chen, her brows furrowed with determination.

"I will let everyone know that I, Qiyana, am the one who truly deserves to be the Queen of Ixialia!"