224 Walking

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's invitation, Ryze instinctively wanted to refuse.

This wasn't because Ryze disliked Yuan Chen, but simply because, as a wanderer, Ryze had grown accustomed to traveling alone.

Especially after experiencing numerous betrayals and separations, Ryze understands very well that loneliness is not only for better protecting the world before him, but also for protecting those who have good intentions towards him.

But just as Ryze was about to refuse, the words stuck in his throat.

Yuan Chen calmly stated, "Just a month and a half ago, the Void began to move towards this place, attempting to devour the treasures located within the giant city."

To protect all of this, the queen here consumed the Uroa's Elixir and gained power from the World Rune, thus acquiring extraordinary strength.

After a pause, Yuan Chen added:

"I know why you've come here, Ryze the Wanderer. In fact, I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Although Yuan Chen knew long ago that Ryze would arrive, Ryze didn't have a precise date. Therefore, he had been lingering in Ixialia for quite some time.

The so-called spiritual practice was also part of the original plan; both spiritual practice and medicinal baths were things that would take place during the rest of the journey.

However, Ryze is a special case. As one of the most steadfast and noble individuals in Runeterra, you could say Ryze is cold and unapproachable. But undeniably, Ryze's contributions to this world are undeniable.

From any perspective, Yuan Chen felt it was necessary to make contact.

At the very least, Qiyana's safety must be guaranteed.

And, when I saw Ryze, no "revelation" occurred to me...

In other words, it's a message that your future self leaves for you.

In other words, the future self did not touch Ryze in the altered history.

That's understandable.

After all, as a kind of chosen one of the world, even the slightest difference in influencing someone like Ryze, who plays a significant role in history, could lead to immense disaster...

For example, a settlement or a piece of land might be destroyed due to a momentary lapse in judgment.

At the time, it might not seem like much, but as history progresses, it could eventually lead to a huge change in the customs and traditions of an entire region.

This further influences the course of history itself...

The corrective force treats changes in the world itself differently from changes altered by time travelers.

Thinking it over, Yuan Chen glanced at Ryze and said, "What's your attitude towards this thing distorted by the remnants of the World Rune? Or rather... what do you plan to do?"

Faced with Yuan Chen's question, Ryze fell silent. He didn't choose to answer directly, but instead glanced at Yuan Chen in front of him.

Although it was their first meeting, Ryze smelled a similar scent on Yuan Chen.

Well, this might be hard for others to notice. But for Ryze, it's not a secret at all.

Thinking it over, Ryze shook his head and said, "The dangers of the World Rune are immense; I cannot allow others to exploit this power..."

Although I am also part of humanity, there is no denying that the greatest lesson humanity has learned from history is that humanity never learns anything from history.

If necessary, someone must make the right choice. The demise of a few is better than the end of the world.

After saying that, Ryze sighed, signaling Yuan Chen not to take it to heart, and then asked about what had happened to Ixialia during this time.

When Ryze asked questions, Yuan Chen answered them all without reservation.

Ultimately, there was nothing to hide. Long before this, Yuan Chen had already revealed many of his trump cards to the people of Ixialia.

That is why, after hearing about the Ixialia had endured, even Ryze, who had come here to retrieve that wisp of World Rune, fell silent.

In the past, Ryze's appearance in Ixialia would have certainly drawn serious questioning from the Road Protector.

However, upon seeing Yuan Chen standing before Ryze, even the Road Protector had rushed to the scene only asked a few simple questions before respectfully letting him pass.

Upon approaching the city, Ryze fell silent and began to observe carefully. Seeing the attitude of the Road Protector, Ryze nodded thoughtfully.

Having traveled extensively throughout the world, Ryze had met many people and understood the nature of humanity. Therefore, Ryze was certain that these soldiers' respect stemmed not from power or status, but from a genuine, heartfelt respect...

As they traveled, they encountered more and more people. In fact, it wasn't just soldiers, but everyone in the city. Whenever they saw Yuan Chen, they would take the initiative to salute and bow in greeting.

This further proves that this respect has nothing to do with status or lineage, but rather with what he has done.

Upon realizing this, Ryze couldn't help but sigh:

"The people of this city love you very much; I can feel their heartfelt respect."

"You can do it too, can't you?"

Yuan Chen replied, "It's just that the methods are different, but the results are different."

Upon hearing this, Ryze nodded. His nod wasn't because of Yuan Chen's words, but because Ryze was now certain that this young man was a fellow traveler like himself... only, perhaps with different methods.

Thinking this, a hint of sadness appeared in Ryze's eyes, but there was no trace of regret. Instead, he spoke with increasing calmness:

"If we were traveling together, then you should be able to understand me."

"... It's not so much about understanding, but rather a few more feelings."

With that, Yuan Chen and Ryze entered the Axiom Towers and traveled directly to the royal palace at the top through the central teleportation portal.

Qiyana had been waiting for a long time.

Initially, Yuan Chen didn't intend for Ryze to meet Qiyana directly. However, after a brief conversation, Yuan Chen confirmed that Ryze was not the wanderer driven mad by the sense of crisis brought by the World Rune that he had imagined.

Rather... a lonely savior.

"I didn't want to bring you here like this, because I once thought you had been driven mad by the pressure from the World Rune."

Thinking about it, Yuan Chen sighed:

"But now it seems you're not as bad as I thought."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's remark, even Ryze, who had maintained a stern expression, couldn't help but show a hint of surprise, but it quickly vanished as if it had never happened.

"So, in your opinion, what kind of person am I?"

"Enemy."